Friday 23RD FEBRUARY 2018

Buhari Meets APC Governors, Seeks More Time to Decide on Re-election Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari last night met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors in the Presidential Villa, Abuja and demanded for more time to make up his mind on his next move.

In the meeting, the APC governors had attempted to persuade the president to

throw his hat in the ring and run for a second term in office, but Buhari in his response, said he would address the nation and the party's caucus on his decision soon.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Chairman of APC Governors' Forum and

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, said the meeting discussed various issues affecting the nation, including the state of the APC and the president's second term bid.

According to him, the entire APC governors want the president to run for a

second term in office because in their own assessment, he has performed well and it will only be in the interest of Nigeria if he returns to power in 2019.

However, Okorocha said the president in his response to the governors' demand, requested

for more time to make his decision known to the entire nation, expressing hope that such a decision would be in tandem with the governors' wish.

He said: "We discussed so many issues that affect the nation, our party and Mr.

Access Bank Wins Euromoney Award… Page 47

President’s ambition to run for 2019 elections.

“It is the desire of the governors that Mr. President should run for this exalted office given his performance in the last two years. We believe that if he continues Nigeria will be better for it.

“Anyhow, Mr. President Continued on page 8

Friday 23 February, 2018 Vol 23. No 8345. Price: N250

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Tinubu Accuses Odigie-Oyegun of Sabotage As EFCC storms APC's headquarters Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

REPRESENTING PRESIDENT BUHARI... AT ECOWAS

L-R: CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, representing President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria with President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Adoo, President of Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou, President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Quattara at the ECOWAS Single Currency Task Force in Accra, Ghana... earlier this week

A war of attrition seems to be brewing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, has written a letter to the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, accusing the national chairman of Continued on page 47

Confusion as Yobe Gov Says No Missing Dapchi Girl Has Returned FG, Police unsure of abduction, confirm 111 not in school Senate condemns resurgence of insurgency Damilola Oyedele, Alex Enumah and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Confusion reigned on Thursday as there was conflicting information from several government sources about the fate of students who were declared missing after a Boko Haram attack

on Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area, Yobe State.

It remained unclear whether the terrorists actually abducted any girl or the students scampered into the bush upon sensing an attack from Boko Continued on page 8

FG Can’t Build Critical Infrastructure Alone, Udoma Insists... Page 50

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE...

L-R: Private Banking Editor, Euromoney, Ms. Helen Avery; Head, Currency Trading, Access Bank Plc; Ms. Aminat Adedipe; GMD/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe; and English comedian and actor, Mr. Miles Jupp; at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards, where Access Bank won the 'Best Private Bank for Commercial Banking Capabilities in Nigeria', at Landmark, Marylebone, London...yesterday

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PAGE EIGHT

Kachikwu: Nigeria Will Protect, Utilise Africa’s Market for Her Oil Industry Aims at indigenous producers growing output to 25% in five years Chineme Okafor in Abuja Nigeria will quickly move to protect and utilise existing and expanding opportunities in Africa’s energy market for the benefits of operators in her oil and gas industry, and perhaps become the leading energy supplier of the continent, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, disclosed on Thursday.

Speaking before the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, declared the inaugural edition of the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) closed in Abuja, Kachikwu, explained that with the shrinking of energy market opportunities across the globe and countries or regions becoming protective of their market, Nigeria would be launching a forceful push to secure the continent’s market for itself and other African oil producers.

The minister also disclosed that the country would be providing more incentives to its indigenous oil producers to allow them to grow their oil production levels from the current 10 per cent which he said they contribute to the national production volumes, to 25 per cent within the next five years.

He, however, explained that for the country to upgrade and launch out a competitive oil industry that could hold down a good share of the continent’s energy market, an estimated $100 billion would have to be invested

over a period of time in gas projects, petroleum pipeline replacements and other oil facilities needed.

Kachikwu, equally stated that the country would need to get her regulatory processes in the industry right, in addition to improving on transparency to give investors enough confidence to put in their monies in the industry.

He reiterated that reducing the cost of producing a barrel of oil from Nigeria’s oil fields was still essential, and that in the wake of the production limitation agreed by member countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and nonOPEC members, Nigeria may likely place greater emphasis on allowing least-produced barrels of oil to be sold ahead of those that come in more expensively.

“Africa and African market are very key for us, as we begin to get into the way regional markets becomes very protected - the Gulf coming together, America begins to pursue becoming self-sufficient, the African market holds the potential for us, whether in refined petroleum products or transfer of technology and skillsets, whether it is in taking advantage of by local Nigerian companies, we need to begin to protect the African market and utilise it to its full potential,” said Kachikwu.

He explained as regards what needs to be done that: “We must very quickly establish regulatory and

legislative certainty. Whatever it is you do with the PIB (Petroleum Industry Bill), various arms of it should be done and dusted with so that investors can have clarity in terms of where they can underpin their investments.”

“Transparency is key. We continue to have the negative vibe in transparency despite all that has been done in the oil industry. What it says to us is that something must still be missing. Every average Nigerian says the oil industry is not transparent.

Given the fact that the cardinal focus of this administration is anti-corruption, we must ensure that whatever we do, we must give serious attention to transparency.

“We need to look at our processes, we need to look at our contractual terms, we need to review our patronage culture, we need to diversify the opportunities. When we are transparent, investors get a lot of confidence and are able to come in droves,” he stated.

He noted that what the government had done in the last two years had improved the investment portfolio of the industry, but that more needs to be done in this regards.

“Suddenly we are looking at investment portfolios over the next two to three years of close to $40 billion which includes the coming back onstream of a lot of the FIDs that have been postponed, but $40 billion is not enough to drive this industry.

“Our estimate is that you need about $100 billion worth of investment to drive this sector. Those investments will go into gas projects, they will go into pipelines that have to be replaced, they will go into new plants, they will go into the flare policy of the government, they will go into the development of LPGs and CNGs. We need to begin to convert our petrol consumption cars to gas and electricity-driven cars so we can avoid some of the embarrassments we have in terms of our supply needs,” he added.

He said: “Cost is key. We have all agreed that there is a need to address the cost. The Federation is worried about the fact that whilst countries like Saudi Arabia are targeting cost per barrel below $10, we are still oscillating in the mid $20s. I am happy that one or two IOCs have been able to achieve production cost of about $15, we still need to get everybody else to take that model.

“One of the things that we are going to be seeing is how to incentivise those who have the least cost production and not to penalise but quite frankly pull the ears of those who want to continue to run a high-cost profile. In an era in which OPEC quotas are going to be obviously in place over the next two years, I will not be surprised if we get to a point where those who give us the least cost of oil will get the first preference in terms

of the barrels that we will put in the market. Cost is very important and we have to look at it.

“Major Nigerian oil companies, I will like to see them excitedly come on board.

We have about 10 per cent of the contribution in production today, we need to do more. I am targeting over that fiveyear period that they move to at least 25 per cent which means that we need to see what incentives are essential for them to take some of the blocks that the IOCs are dropping and begin to bring them back into contributions in very realistic manners.”

In his remarks, Osinbajo stated that the increasing number of African countries joining the league of oil producing states called for greater cooperation amongst producers in the continent.

He noted that Nigeria could become the rallying point for African oil producers, and urged them to take advantage of the experience the country has in oil and gas production.

“With the largest proven gas reserves in Africa and the seventh largest in the world, with over 38 billion barrels of oil reserves and a daily production in excess of two million barrels, and the continent’s largest concentration of skilled manpower for the oil and gas industry built over 30 years, naturally Nigeria’s experiences can be useful to other African countries.

“I believe the NIPS,

therefore, provides a good opportunity for the exchange of experiences amongst the large and small, the old and the new, and the potential oil-producing states in Africa.

Furthermore, this summit has laid a solid foundation for encouraging the growth of local content in the African oil and gas industry, and to provide a forum for the display of the progress that Africa is making in the field of oil and gas technology,” said the Vice President.

He noted that: “The challenge for Africa is certainly enormous. Many of the traditional markets for oil in Europe and Asia are, of course, developing alternatives. This, at the same time, coincides with some African countries just making finds. The volatility of the oil market is another serious challenge. These are not challenges that can be addressed successfully solely by countries. Taking independent decisions.

Collaborations, synergies and knowledge sharing are critical.”

“For us in Africa, we have to work hard to make the best of our God-given resources before it is too late. Together we can surmount our hurdles faster, not if we try to do so individually. I should like to assure our oil and gas operators of the federal government of Nigeria’s commitment to creating the enabling environment for the industry to achieve its destiny in Africa.”

CONFUSION AS YOBE GOV SAYS NO MISSING DAPCHI GIRL HAS RETURNED Haram fighters. Also shrouded in confusion is the number of girls missing, and whether any of them had returned or been rescued.

None of these issues was cleared on Thursday even as the state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, visited Dapchi community, declaring emphatically that none of the missing girls had neither returned nor been rescued by security agencies.

Also speaking on the incident, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the federal government was unsure of the situation on the ground, pleading for more time to ascertain the facts of the matter.

“On the issue of the number of missing girls, we cannot give what we are not sure of, until we hear from their parents, we cannot say this is the number. Give us a few more time please,” Mohammed told reporters shortly after he arrived at the school in Dapchi on Thursday afternoon.

Boko Haram had invaded the girls’ only school on Monday night, with no one able to say with certainty if the terrorists made away with any of them.

Unconfirmed reports on Tuesday, however, quoted school sources as saying 94

students were declared missing after an afternoon roll call in the college.

But on Wednesday further unconfirmed report said 48 of the missing girls had returned to the school even as a statement late evening by the government claimed that the military had rescued an unspecified number of the girls.

“The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked

by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them,” Abdullahi Bego, the spokesman of the governor said.

“The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army. We will provide more details about their number and condition in due course,” he added.

But Gaidam recanted the statement on Thursday, dismissing it as misleading, a position the police in the state re-echoed.

“I am not able to say categorically that anyone was abducted or not,” said Sunmonu Abdulmaliki, the state police command commissioner.

Speaking to reporters in Dapchi, he said after a roll call at the school on Thursday, only 815 of the 926 students enrolled could be accounted for, leaving a balance of 111.

The military kept mum on Thursday, refusing to join the fray. “We prefer that the police and the state government handle the matter. It’s their turf,” a military top brass that preferred anonymity told THISDAY. Last night the state government issued a statement apologising for its Wednesday statement, saying it relied on the information it had now found not to be credible.

The statement signed

by Bego read: “The public may recall that we issued a statement last night in which we announced that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) Dapchi who went missing after Boko Haram terrorists had stormed their school last Monday were rescued by officers and men of the Nigerian Army who are currently executing the war against the Boko Haram Insurgents.

“We issued the statement on the basis of information provided by one of the security agencies that is involved in the fight against Boko Haram and which we had no reason

to doubt.

“We have now established that the information we relied on to make the statement was not credible. The Yobe State Government apologises for that.

“His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam was in Dapchi today where he met with community leaders and the Principal and staff of the Girls’ College. The governor also addressed the parents of some of the schoolgirls that are still unaccounted for where he told them to pray and exercise patience as the government and security agencies at all levels continue the work to address the unfortunate situation.

“His Excellency Governor Gaidam has also directed Education Ministry officials and the school administration to work closely with the security agencies to establish the actual number of the girls that are still unaccounted for and to contact parents and the community for possible information that could be useful in the investigation.

“His Excellency Governor Gaidam shares deeply and personally in the grief about the unfortunate event at the Girls’ College and, under his leadership, the Yobe State Government will continue to do everything necessary in partnership with security

agencies and the federal government to address the situation.”

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Wednesday condemned the incident, asking the military to take charge of the school to prevent further terrorist harassment of the students.

He also sent a delegation of three ministers, including Mohammed, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (Defence) and Chief Geoffrey Onyema (Foreign Affairs), to visit the troubled community and report back to him.

The delegation visited Dapchi yesterday.

Senate Condemns Resurgence of Insurgency Reacting to the incident, the Senate on Thursday, condemned what it said was the resurgence of insurgency

by Boko Haram as manifested by the attack on Dapchi.

It called on all relevant authorities to rescue the girls and ensure those unaccounted for were found, to avoid another Chibok experience.

Senator Abba Bukar (Yobe APC), raising a motion of urgent public importance, said 46 of the 926 girls are still unaccounted for, with efforts ongoing to determine

BUHARI MEETS APC GOVERNORS, SEEKS MORE TIME TO DECIDE ON RE-ELECTION in his usual manner has requested that we give him time and that he will address the nation and the caucus of the party very soon. So, we should be full of expectations

that Mr. President will make officially known to Nigerians his intentions but we hope that his response will be in line with what the governors are thinking.”

It was the second time the president would be meeting with APC governors in the last one week.

He had first met with them in his Daura, country home

last Friday. After the Daura meeting, Okorocha told journalists that they were only in Daura to commiserate with the president over the loss of his two relatives and not for

any political reason.

The governors who had attended the Council of State meeting in the villa earlier in the day had opted to stay back to meet with the president.

their status.

"So far, there has been no case of killing. Nobody is sure if it was a case of abduction or some of the girls who ran home have not yet come back.

These are yet to be confirmed," he said.

Senator Hassan Mohammed (Yobe PDP) lamented that under Governor Gaidam, several schools had been attacked.

"In 2013, a secondary school in Potiskum was attacked, Continued on page 47

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To

Dr. Tony Eze

A Birthday Song 8NT VDQD ANQM SN ƦX And this you’ve done with style As the businessman in the Eze clan Reaching for the skies and beyond You are humble, tenacious and hardworking Creating a good niche to celebrate God’s blessings in our family We celebrate your business acumen and life As you celebrate your birthday today Happy birthday to a good brother May your days be many and your years long MC L@X XNTQ INX NUDQƦNV VHSG FQD@S QDINHBHMF In Jesus name Amen and Amen.

Lots of love!

Emeka Chuks Oba Don

E Z E

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COMMENT

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

SUDAN AND BURBENS OF RIVER NILE

The Nile valley lost its mission of uniting Africa to the barbaric indulgences in genocide, reckons Okello Oculi

S

udan is a child of the Nile watering the imagination of successive political adventurers. Those who wield power at the source of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia once walked down till they erected Meroe and ruled the Egypt of the Pharaohs.

Napoleon’s exploits in Egypt would later animate a vision in France for cutting the Nile with a colony which ran from the Atlantic coastline to the Indian Ocean. British troops halted their hurricane at the battle of Fashoda.

In 1951, King Farouk brazenly proclaimed the union of colonial Sudan with Egypt. Portugal’s fascist Prime Minister Salazar would in the 1960s also claim that Mozambique and Angola were provinces as ‘’Portugal Overseas’’. The King’s hallucination was blocked by Britain - his colonial partner. In 1952, he was deposed by a military coup plotted by Colonels Gamal Nasser and Anwar Sadat while serving in Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.

Both Egypt and Britain competed over the promotion of nationalism in Sudan. Egypt’s military officers built support for a political family with a vision for future union with Egypt. Britain supported the El-Mahdi dynasty to choose independence and opposition to Egyptian ambitions. After Uhuru on January 1, 1956, an epidemic of military coups and counter-coups linked to Egyptian intelligence activities, entered Sudan’s political culture.

The ‘’Mother of Military Coups’’ hit the country in 1989. Its leader Omar al-Bashir, as a military intelligence officer, had the strategic objective in ending cabinet instability widely blamed on competition for power by the Umma Party, the National Unionist Party and the Communist Party. It was achieved by capturing the legitimacy of being a defender of Sharia Law by banning all existing political parties. His National Islamic Front would reign in a single party system.

A military intelligence mind spawns a culture of conspiracy; infiltration of associations, communities and families; while creating friction, suspicion and open conflict between groups. Its strategic vision is remaining in power by putting opponents off balance through fear and violence. Sudanese leaders abandoned an earlier mission of building a bridge between Black Africa and Arab-dominated northern Africa. They got stuck in racist military occupation of South Sudan or ‘’Equatoria’’ and Darfur. These wars were marked by supplying military weapons to neighbouring groups to use for robbing livestock; burning down villages and random slaughters. The Nile valley lost its mission of uniting Africa to the barbaric indulgences in genocide.

Professor Mahmood Mamdani has brilliantly documented an imaginative social engineering designed and carried out from 1922

by British District Officers drawn from among top-class graduates of Oxford and Cambridge universities. Their goal was to undermine the trans-ethnic nationalist solidarity that the Mahdist revolution had built

SUDAN’S RECORD OF RACIST BLOODLETTING AGAINST SOUTHERN SUDANESE PEOPLES BEFORE 2011, AND SUSPICIONS THAT SHE IS LINKING UP WITH MERCENARIES FROM FORMER RACIST SOUTH AFRICA TO SUPPORT RIEK MACHAR AGAINST SALVA KIIR IN THE CIVIL WAR IN SOUTH SUDAN, MAY CRIPPLE HER DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO JOIN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

in the overthrow of Turkish exploitation and brutal rule. Sudan’s anticolonial politicians failed to undertake the historic duty of reversing this nefarious British social engineering. The military regimes of Jafaar Nimeiry and a—Bashir were drawn more towards invoking booms and staccato rattles of guns than to silent soaring of brains brewing herbal medicines for healing and uniting a new nation.

This failure in imagination for governance has led to the decimation of communities in Darfur; massacres of southern refugees in train cabins; dumping southern Sudanese refugees next to refuse dumps outside Khartoum; fuelling a December 1955 mutiny into a war that drove Southern Sudan into independence in July 2011. Aiding Southern Sudan into self-destruction is most tempting for this culture of failed nation-builders.

On February 15, 2018 Prime Minister Desalign Haile Mariame resigned. Massive and sustained demonstrations by Oromia and Amhara communities opposed to what they regard as dictatorship by a Tigre minority elite, drove him out. In the context of vigorous opposition by Egypt and Sudan to Ethiopia’s construction of the huge ‘’Renaissance Dam’’ in her section of the Blue Nile, it is plausible to assume that the culture of political conspiracy and military coups which are part governance diets in the two downstream countries, is behind this political unrest. Oromia people are predominantly Muslim and their religious faith can be manipulated for permanent unrest against a regime that is both Christian and dictatorial.

Egypt has a record of threatening to go to war against up-stream countries that seek to harvest Nile waters for irrigation and power generation without Cairo’s consent. The governments of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, which share the source of the Nile, have challenged this threat to their sovereign rights to exploit this resource.

In the 1970s, President Sadat rattled in the global media a claim that Egyptian troops were being trained to fight in tropical forests.

Ethiopia’s promise to supply electric power to Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Southern Sudan heralds the dawn of the Nile carrying the burden of industrialisation in the east and central African plateau.

President El-Sisi’s government has hosted several conferences for promoting intra-African trade. China is building an industrial hub in Egypt. Her need for access to customers across Africa may blunt her total opposition to the Renaissance Dam. Sudan is, however, still sulking from losing oil deposits and rich agricultural land in Southern Sudan. Her record of racist bloodletting against Southern Sudanese peoples before 2011, and suspicions that she is linking up with mercenaries from former racist South Africa to support Riek Machar against Salva Kiir in the civil war in South Sudan, may cripple her diplomatic efforts to join the East African Community.

Africa Vision 525 Initiative

TINUBU AND THE HOBSON’S CHOICE

Sufuyan Ojeifo argues that the task of reconciling aggrieved members of the APC is a monumental one

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari was demonstrably unfair to have saddled Asiwaju Bola Tinubu with the responsibility of reconciling aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Buhari’s order to him to undertake the exertion was a Hobson’s choice of sorts. Confronted with such a single-minded order and positive expectation by the president, Tinubu was bound to accept it and nothing else.

As a leader of the APC, Tinubu had every reason to look in the president’s face and tell him pointblank that he could not do the job. The major plank on which he could have grounded his rejection of the order is the principle of fairness in law: nemo judex in causa sua (rule against bias or that you cannot be a judge in your own matter). It is a fact that Tinubu is an aggrieved leader of the ruling party.

He should, therefore, have been allowed to recuse himself from driving the reconciliation process.

If there is any individual in the APC who needs reconciliation the most, it is Tinubu. If the narratives about his having been undermined, sidelined and dumped in the post-election activities leading to the formation of the government were considered as incredible or impossible, the recent confirmation by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, that her husband was “trashed” after helping the party and the president to victory has put the issue back in context.

The strongman of southwest politics needed to be reconciled with those that used the platform of the presidency to batter and shatter him such that he could not influence ministerial appointments or enthrone his favourite candidate as All Progressives Congress’s governorship candidate in Ondo State. There were successful attempts to massively degrade his base. If not for the steadfast loyalty of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Tinubu would have been pushed back and restricted to his Bourdillon mansion in Lagos.

While this was on, Buhari had made it clear at a meeting in the Presidential Villa that there is only one national leader of the APC and he (Buhari) is.

It was a subtle move against Tinubu who was then being widely referred to as the national leader of the party. In any case, Buhari may be the national leader; nothing stops Tinubu from being a national leader. He is in his own right. He has earned that badge of honour, regardless of what the Presidency feels.

The confetti of indignity, notwithstanding, Tinubu had stoically carried on, contemplating his political future in the APC. Amid that contemplation, Buhari had resorted to the same man, whom he used and dumped after 2015 electoral victory, to salvage and repackage the APC and his presidency ahead of the 2019 general election. I do not need to be told that Buhari is simply interested in frostily using Tinubu to win again the southwest in 2019 after which he would now be shredded, not just trashed.

From all indications, the 2019 presidential election is a battle between Buhari as a candidate of the APC and Nigerians. Nigerians are now very sensitised and are conscientious enough to deploy their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for public good. The PVC is the licensed AK-47 with which every eligible voter will shoot any candidate that is considered a danger to the wellbeing of the nation.

It is thus understandable why Buhari has brought in Tinubu to coordinate the southwest for him.

The so-called national reconciliation is a way of committing the Jagaban of Borgu to Buhari’s re-election in 2019 and, it is, to that extent, secondary consideration. Buhari has already lost the southwest. Even if some states in the southwest decide to vote for APC in the governorship election because it is a local election and their sons and daughters are involved, the presidential election may not elicit that kind of sentimental attachment.

Besides, it is a historic fact that for any candidate to win the presidency of Nigeria, he must win either southwest or northwest or both. The two

zones have massive votes that can swing the pendulum of victory to any candidate that wins them. In 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo from southwest lost the zone but won northwest and the other zones to become president. In 2003, Obasanjo, as an incumbent president, won in all zones except northwest, which Buhari tucked in his kitty. In 2007, Yar’Adua, instructively, won in all the zones.

In 2011, Jonathan won in southwest while Buhari won in northwest in the same election. In 2015 elections, Buhari, remarkably, won in both zones.

There is no doubt that Buhari will still win northwest in 2019 if he contests. If he loses southwest and he is not able to make remarkable showing in south-south, southeast and north central zones, he may find it difficult to get the required two-thirds spread in at least 24 states to win the election. If the opposition PDP picks a formidable presidential candidate from the northeast, then Buhari cannot guarantee that the northeast would abandon its own to give him bloc votes. It is against the backdrop of this scenario that Buhari has decided to pamper Tinubu in order to recommit him to delivering southwest to him in 2019.

Southwest is an enclave where the agitation for restructuring of the federation is on and the leaders expect the APC government to do it before the 2019 elections. Ditto in the southeast, that has suffered from decades of political marginalisation.

In fact, the zone has never had it worse than under the APC government. If not for the constitutional provisions, Buhari would have even denied the zone ministerial appointments for giving him only 198,000 votes (five per cent) in the 2015 presidential election.

In the south-south, the traditional PDP enclave, a number of considerations will play out. One of them is that the zone will see the 2019 election as an opportunity to pay back Buhari in his own coin.

He dislodged Goodluck Jonathan in 2015; therefore, it will help to dislodge Buhari this time around for

any other candidate that it is sponsoring. In the north central, the menace of Fulani herdsmen and the shambolic handling of the issue by Buhari’s presidency will be a major determinant in 2019, especially in Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa States.

The son-of-the-soil consideration will work to a large extent for Buhari in northwest. If the Peoples Democratic Party picks its most formidable candidate from the northeast, the son-of-the-soil consideration will likewise play out in the zone.

So the two leading candidates will balance out in the northwest and northeast zones, except that the northwest votes outweigh those of the northeast.

This is why Tinubu has become indispensable to Buhari in the 2019 presidential battle. Buhari has his eyes on southwest votes, especially now that he has lost the support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Therefore, if not Tinubu, who else can he rely on to deliver?

But as it is, can Tinubu deliver in circumstances where all other Yoruba leaders are speaking with one voice against the Buhari administration?

Tinubu seems to have in his hands a ctach-22 situation. How can he navigate the political terrain that Buhari has wittingly or unwittingly laden, to the detriment of his re-election, with the mines of nepotism, ethno-religious chauvinism, religious bigotry, anti-restructuring posture, etc.? What will Tinubu tell the Yoruba about Buhari before and during the electioneering?

Truth is, securing southwest for Buhari , no doubt, appears an impossible task for Tinubu to accomplish, given the political dynamics and calculations that do not support and sustain Fulani’s irredentism to which Buhari is callously committed. Asiwaju should not have been coldly confronted with this kind of Hobson’s choice in the garb of a tokenistic reconciliation task amid obvious lack of good faith by Buhari. But what is really on Tinubu’s mind?

Ojeifo contributed this piece via ojwonderngr@ yahoo.com

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EDITORIAL ANOTHER $500M FOR AJAOKUTA? Government should hands off the running of the steel company

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he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, last week, captured the nation’s anguish over the troubled Ajaokuta Steel Plant in Kogi State. “Any patriotic Nigerian that visits this place will shed tears,â€? he said, while leading a delegation of lawmakers on a visit to the plant. But Dogara also rufed feathers when he insisted that the state must remain in control of the behemoth once described as the biggest “white elephant projectâ€? in the world.

By the wisdom of Dogara, the House would help to raise some $500 million reportedly needed to complete the last phase of the long-abandoned project. He added that the lawmakers would not support its privatisation because doing so, according to him, would tantamount to “concessioning Nigeria’s future.�

That stance, incidentally, is at variance with the position of the Ministry of Mines and Steel which superintends the project. The Minister, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said recently that even though the government was doing everything to ensure that the steel complex came back on stream, it “would no THE STATE MUST longer be run as a GET OUT OF THE concern.â€? He BUSINESS OF RUNNING public said that investors AJAOKUTA AS IT with proven track HAS CONSISTENTLY records and ďŹ nanPROVED INCAPABLE cial capability would OF MANAGING PUBLIC be encouraged to buy into the scheme ENTERPRISES through a competitive and transparent bidding process. “We don’t want a project that becomes another funnel for wasting the hard-earned resources of Nigeria,â€? said Fayemi.

The minister is right. We believe it is in the interest of Nigeria to hands off this monument o waste. The Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd (ASCL) has for decades been a metaphor for gross mismanagement. It is a disastrous scandal mired in political corruption.

Constructed on a large expanse of land, the contract for

Letters to the Editor

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the project was signed between the federal government of Nigeria and Messrs Tyajzhprom Export (TPE) of the former Soviet Union in 1979 during the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo as military head of state.

But the company has over the years become an emblem of shame and waste such that Fayemi revealed that the federal government has spent over $10 billion on the steel company without providing the technological and the iron and steel needs of the country. Though said to be about 98 per cent completed as at the time the project was sold to some Indians, it was later abandoned allegedly after valuable assets had been stripped. In comparison, South Korea which started its steel company around the same time reportedly now has an annual revenue base in excess of $60 billion, with more than 65,000 staff in its employ.

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

QUALITIES THE NEXT PRESIDENT MUST POSSESS

he next Nigerian President must be a citizen loved by Nigerians. The next president of Nigeria has been chosen by God Almighty. I believe no human effort can change what God has ordained.

What human efforts can attain is to ease the acceptability of the ordained, the effects and the consequences. And it is a good thing that a large percentage of the Nigerian people claim to have the belief in God’s ordinations. The next president of Nigeria must be a Nigerian, mature and alive. With these three general qualities, every Nigerian is entitled to contest for the position. Already, a long list of aspirants have been in the media and Nigerians, many almost with a choice, are realigning themselves with political parties which have the strength to withstand the murky waves of the nation’s electioneering processes. Nigerians should vote on the basis of merit and patriotism. Now the qualities.

The first two are bravery and brilliance. Nigeria does not need cowards and sick-brains to lead her.

Nigeria requires a patriot who is strong in the mind; who is ready to confront the armies of iniquity and enemies of the common citizens; who will nurse and implement development-driven agenda; and who will insist on national unity and cohesion amidst

herefore, while it is heartening that the longdrawn dispute with Global Steel Holdings has been renegotiated and Ajaokuta has at last been returned to the federal government, everything should be done to ensure that it is not plunged into another catastrophe. For one, nobody is sure of the exact amount required to nurse the gigantic project into health.

Even when the House said it would seek ways to raise $500m, other reports said that amount would be grossly inadequate. The state must get out of the business of running Ajaokuta as it has consistently proved incapable of managing public enterprises.

Indeed, the travails of the country’s economy in the past few years have exposed the dangers of overreliance on a mono-product. The lessons from total dependence on oil and gas as the only dependable source of foreign exchange earner are too cruel on the economy to gloss over. The iron and steel industry offers another expansive alternative. The sector will not only create massive jobs for many of the country’s unemployed graduates, it will catalyse industrial growth. Indeed, if properly managed, it could help trigger the much-needed industrialisation with multiplier effects on all sectors of the economy. But these would be determined by adopting the right decision.

heavy confrontations, conspiracy and attempts on secession. The person must have the courage of a soldier, the spirit of patriotism and a combination of humanitarian and egalitarian sequential pedigree. He must possess intellectual sagacity and institutional wisdom of governance. He must simply be brave and brilliant. This is double “B�. The second two are “unbending but understanding�. Being unbending is required in leading Nigeria because it implies firmness in decision making and implementation. The person must also possess the quality of understanding the complex nature of Nigeria. Docility and indulgence in leadership cannot guarantee lasting success. Nigeria is really a very complex nation with complex-minded people, hence the need for rigidity in executing the common goals of the people. To fight corruption, to fight the evil cartels who are bent on destroying Nigeria and to fix the decays in all sectors of the economy, the next president must be unbending but full of understanding of the nitty-gritty of the specific government required for Nigeria.

However, this does not exclude wide consultations with the representatives of the people such as members of the National Assembly, the ministers, governors, advisers and special assistants.

Muhammad Ajah, Abuja

THE REINSTATEMENT OF USMANYUSUF

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his Muhammadu Buhari’s APC-led government has inadvertently enriched our vocabulary repertoire of new catchy phrases: “political jihad� is just one such phrase. The reinstatement of Prof. Usman Yusuf at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as a countermeasure of the due-process action taken by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, was done because the Northern Establishment was miffed that a “kuffar� had the temerity to suspend and subsequently dismiss one of their own. This is true and this is the sad state of affairs that we must accept is rife. Political jihad forbids a “kuffar� from presiding over the affairs of “ummah-believers� and if a “kuffar� must insist on ruling, then “ummah-believers� are honour-bound to crash that system lest their soul be damned and they be denied virgins or “houris� in the “hereafter� (if Goodluck Jonathan had forced his way into a victorious position in 2015, all hell would have been let loose even if that meant some “believers� would lose their sources of livelihood). This is strange philosophy but Prof. Adewole has already fallen victim to such a line of thinking.

If I were a betting man, I would stake a hefty chunk of quid that Munir Gwarzo would soon

be reinstated at the Federal Ministry of Finance because the signs for his reinstatement are there for all to see: the Daily Trust newspaper is rooting for his “innocence.� Mr. Gwarzo himself is so cocksure and vociferous about his “innocence,� and above all, political jihadism strongly forbids that a female “kuffar� (Kemi Adeosun) who does not even cover her hair would preside in judgment over an “ummah-believer� like Mallam Gwarzo who carries his belief on his forehead.

Political jihad justifies ostracising “kuffars� from key appointments of government (service and security chiefs, etc.) especially by a president who, like no Nigerian else, has been shown the “secret room of the ummah� in faraway Saudi Arabia. Political jihad is it when a sitting president does not condemn heinous crimes by way of a progression genocide committed against the “kuffars.� Political jihad is also when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) combine to scare and muzzle opposition “kuffar� elements away as the 2019 general elections draw near.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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Group Politics Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.soniyi@thisdaylive.com 07054786260 SMS ONLY

POLITICS Time to Stop the Killings

How many people will have to be killed before President Muhammadu Buhari wakes up to his responsibility of protecting Nigerians, Tobi Soniyi asks

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ardly a day passes by without a disheartening report of killings in one part of the country.

While the nation was still mourning the death of 36 people killed in Birane Village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, news broke out that 18 people had been killed in Borno by suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers. Not less than 22 people were badly injured as a result of the attack Last month, Nigerians watched helplessly and with anger as 59 victims of Fulani herdsmen’s attacks in Benue State were laid to rest.

Before then, many people have been killed in Taraba and Zamfara states While the controversies over the killings in Benue State raged on, there were several killings in the state.

At the time this piece was being written there was a report that at least nine people have been killed in Oyo State in violence between herdsmen and farmers .

Oyo State police commissioner, Abiodun Odude who announced the killings said the deceased included a senior police officer.

Speaking after a meeting to review the security situation, the Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, directed security agencies to begin the immediate arrest and prosecution of any herder caught carrying guns and other dangerous weapons across the state.

The governor gave the directive at a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at dousing the tension triggered by the incessant herdsmen-farmers clash in the state.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of farmers, Fulani herdsmen, security agencies and other stakeholders, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan .

In Delta State, the Isokos have made a passionate appeals to both the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and the President Muhammadu Buhari As it is, no state is safe from herdsmen, bandits or militia’s attacks. The nation obviously has a national crisis in its hand but the leaders and those in charge of the country don’t seem to know. At the rate at which we are going, many more will still lose their lives to these killings because our security agencies are not smart enough to stop the killings.

Elsewhere, the death of a policeman will spur the authority into taking decisive action.

But not in Nigeria. Policemen are killed like fowls but nobody is arrested and prosecuted for the killings! In the circumstance, no one should expect our policemen to do magic If we don’t care about their lives why should they risk theirs protecting us?

It is bad enough that people are being killed without anyone being held accountable for the killings, it is even worse that government does not have the actual number of the people killed. Even though this is 2018, Nigeria is back in the ancient world depicted by Thomas Hobbes where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”

Nigerians were further enraged by the response of President Muhammadu Buhari to the killings. Even though his aides had attempted to prove otherwise, the president was nonchalant. He even refused to sympathise with those who had lost relatives to the killings. In the United States of America, President Donald Trump visited relatives of the victims of the Florida school shooting.

Like many other Nigerians, Kassim Afegbua, the media aide to former military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida expressed his frustration thus: “They were burying 73 victims in Benue, my president was having dinner with already overfed APC chieftains.

They were burying 41 victims in Zamfara,

President Muhammadu Buhari

my president was having talks with APC governors. Trump addressed America over 17 victims of a gunman. Actually it may not be about age, but value system, exposure and leadership style If I complain now, Buharists would come for my neck. There is no value for human life in this clime.

And the government of President Buhari is making matters worse. Do you need further evidence why i should not withhold my vote in 2019? ” Unable to hold back his anger, the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof Chidi Odinkalu condemned the narrow-minded and sectional handling of the killings in Nigeria by President Buhari.

Odinkalu berated the president for not

Even though this is 2018, Nigeria is back in the ancient world depicted by Thomas Hobbes where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”

sending even a representative to the people of Benue State after the mass killings of at least 73 persons by Fulani herdsmen.

He condemned the sectional argument by some people that the Fulanis were also killed in Numan, Adamawa State as inhuman and baseless.

He stated that the president’s authority was being destroyed by the perception of his ethnic proclivity and stressed that Buhari has failed to protect the lives of Nigerians.

He said: “Every Nigerian is president Buhari’s person.

“Once a president gets involved or gets caught in the perception of being involved in that kind of mindset, his authority is destroyed.

“He cannot afford to be put in the position of being portrayed as your people, my people.

“Every Nigerian whether you are 97 per cent or 5 per cent, to use his words, you are President Buhari’s person.

“So what happens to you should bother him and according to our constitution, the protection of the people is the responsibility of the president and as far as I am concerned, the president has failed in that primary responsibility.”

Odinkalu also condemned the federal government’s treatment of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and the shiites in Nigeria and accused it of siding with the Saudi Arabian

Wahabbi Sunni government.

He said: “In 2015 December, six trucks collected the bodies of 347 dead Nigerians and in an operation that included over 47 soldiers, they took over six hours to bury these Nigerians in mass graves.

“The only reason this happened to Shiites is because they are Shiites.

“There is a lot of Saudi money flowing into all manner of places promoting their version of Islam.”

Odinkalu also raised the alarm over the various arrests of persons, including bloggers, for exercising their freedom of speech.

A former Chief of Defence Staff, Alani Akinrinade had also criticised the federal government’s handling of the herdsmen crisis in the country.

The retired army general noted that armed herdsmen had been on the rampage months killing, maiming, raping, burning, kidnapping without any efforts by the federal government to stop them.

“It was recently when our president was called out as the patron of his kinsmen, the herdsmen, that letters of complaints and its denials between the federal executive, the police and governors in distress started circulating that he gave feeble, unclear, halfhearted order to stop the carnage.

According to him, the last two or so years in our country, appears to be like a tragic thriller movie in slow motion, full of abject cruelty of the highest order of barbarity, edged on by those we elected or selected to give us leadership in this country.

He also warned that another attack on the likes of Olu Falae, might lead to anarchy in the country.

Because of their perverse views, those in charge of security are unable to come up with any strategy to stop the killings. They are only waiting for another killing to happen.

The confused minister of defence, Dan Ali has not told us why 41 people were killed in Zamfara State afterall Zamfara has yet to pass an anti-gazing law. He also needs to tell us why nine people were killed in Oyo where there is also no anti-grazing law. The least Nigerians expect from him is to resign his appointment Why holding on to a job if you can’t do it?

Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Idris, despite all the intelligence reports in his possession, described the killings in Benue as a communal misunderstanding.

Moving forward, something has to change.

First, even though it is belated, the president should visit states affected by these killings to reassure them of his commitment to protecting lives and properties.

Secondly, he should change the leadership of security agencies and appoint people with fresh ideas to help him tackle the problems.

Government should give all herdsmen an ultimatum to surrender their arms, after all these arms are illegal. After the ultimatum, government should disarm those who refuse to surrender their arms. Nobody has denied the claim that herdsmen carry arms but yet no one has made attempt to collect the arms from them. The police have accused the Benue State government of giving arms to vigilante to attack herdsmen, an allegation vehemently denied by the state. Does it not bother the police that the herdsmen are openly carrying and displaying their arms?

In the interim, vulnerable states should come together and adopt measures that will help to reduce the influx of herdsmen into their states since the federal government has refused and neglected to come to their aid.

The president will have to mobilise Nigerians behind him to come up with a solution to these killings. He will have to show leadership.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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POLITICS

Dickson’s Ingenuity Pays off in Bayelsa It is no secret that the difficult terrain in Bayesa remains a challenge to its development. But the state governor, Seriake Dickson has found a solution that works, writes Shola Oyeyipo

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n his inauguration, Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson promised to turn the state into a construction site, six years down the lane; this is a promised kept with faith.

Dickson has always believed that charity should begin at home. After all, as the adage goes, if you give a hoe to a man, he will always hoe towards himself. This is what has propelled his undertakings since he became the govenor. That he would always be measured by the level of his achievements as governor of Bayelsa state; even if he becomes the president of Nigeria or whatever position he occupies in the future.

So it was with this in mind that he rolled out the drums to celebrate the development strides of his government in the last six years with the commissioning of various projects.

To a lot of people who witnessed the event, indeed, Dickson has reasons to celebrate.

Last year, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, were in the state to inaugurate some key projects, including the new governor’s office and the Ijaw National Academy. They were impressed with the works the governor has done and they said so.

Again, as part of activities designed to commemorate the six years of Dickson’s leadership in the oil-rich state, new sets of projects were again commissioned to the admiration of visitors and residents.

Activities for the sixth year anniversary had commenced with three former Ministers of Information - Prof. Jerry Gana, Labaran Maku and John Odeh - commissioning the multi-purpose Bayelsa Information House in Yenagoa. They commended the government for attaching importance to developing the state, including information dissemination which they insisted were essential for communication between the government and the people.

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was also part of the funfare as he commissioned the Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre, an idea of the late former Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Minister for Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who had suggested that every state should have one as part of the effort to combat the menace of fake drugs in the country; and a world class diagnostics centre.

Dickson also ensured that the former president visited one of the biggest achievements of his administration, what he described as “flagship centre of learning,” the Ijaw National Academy situated at Kaiama in Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area.

The Ijaw National Academy is a model educational institution built to the standard of a university to effectively cater for the education of Ijaw children. The visit to the school afforded Obasanjo the opportunity to have a one-on-one interactive session with the students who were drawn from across the state. At the event tagged “A Day with Olusegun Obasanjo,” the former president responded to questions from students on a wide range of national issues.

The session was moderated by the 2017 best graduating student of the Lincoln University, USA, and Bayelsa state scholarship beneficiary, Pere Perewari.

At the end of his three day visit and unveiling of several projects completed by the administration, Obasanjo gave Dickson pass marks for judicious use of resources and accruable to the state. He was particularly appreciative of the efforts by the state government to radically develop the state.

Obasanjo commended the “countriman” governor, and expressed support for the policies and programmes targeted at improving the standard of living of the people of the state.

The former president said: “I must tell you,

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson

the people of Bayelsa State are lucky to have a performing governor in the saddle. He has done well in infrastructures, agriculture, education and health. What you need to do is to give him the support and co-operation to enable him do more in the years ahead”.

He also enjoined the governor to relax and to always justify his conscience and God in the formulation and execution of his administration policies and programmes: “In every step you take, justify your conscience and the almighty God. Do your work as a governor in such a way that when 10 Bayelsans gather, not less than 6 of them will say, you have done well.

“To me, 60 percent is a pass mark. This is because you cannot satisfy everybody.

Concentrate on legacy projects that will stand the test of time”.

To his people his quest to develop the youths is unparalleled in the history of Bayelsa politics. Convinced that youths hold the key to tomorrow and that society only grow when youths deploy their energies into

On his inauguration, Dickson promised to turn the state into a construction site, six years down the lane; this is a promised kept with faith

productive use, this is more so as about 65.7 percent of Bayelsa population are youthful; Dickson has done all in his efforts to ensure that they are adequately engaged.

In his inaugural speech as governor in 2012, Dickson had assured the people that: “We will invest in the development of other aspects of human capacity for our teeming youths, such that they will be able to unleash their creative capacities as well as enhance their drive for entrepreneurship”.

Similarly, during activities to mark the 16th year anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, Dickson had stated that: ”Government will use the resources of this state to fund critical projects such as the construction of good roads, education, health facilities, promote tourism, general wealth and develop agriculture, rather than use it to fund the corruption and greed of a few.”

In the bid to fulfil these promises, some calculated steps were taken by the ‘Restoration Administration,’ by creating a separate Ministry of Youth Development at the beginning of his administration to cater for the need of youths and improve their wellbeing in terms of job creation, wealth creation, skills acquisition and poverty alleviation The administration ceated a database that provides opportunities for government to identify training needs; manpower gaps and how to fill such gaps to build the capacity of youths for gainful employment or selfemployment.

The Ministry of Youth Development has organised several capacity building programmes in technical and vocational skills in computer technology; welding; auto

mechanics; electrical works; Plumbing and fitting; Hairdressing and baking among others.

By the end of these training programmes, some starter packs were given to participants.

In the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, hundreds of youths have been sent to the Songhai farms in the Republic of Benin on training in mechanised agriculture.

The aim of this exercise is to create jobs through agriculture.

These trainees work in the agricultural enterprises established by the state government in cassava cultivation, aquaculture, and tailoring and computer science.

There has been expansion of the state’s scholarship scheme at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels as a way to assist youths to acquire education at the tertiary level and to build up a formidable stock of human capital in critical areas of the economy.

About 789 persons benefited from the scheme in the 2012/13 academic year and payments have been made up till date. This is apart from students offered scholarships in the University of Pennsylvania, United States.

To entrench peace, security and as well as increase manpower in the state, youths involved in secret cult were encouraged by government to renounce it and instead, engage in more productive ventures. No fewer than 11,000 youths who were cultists have benefited so far from the government’s hand of fellowship so far.

For Dickson, one of the ways to gainfully engage the youths is to recruit them into the the oil and gas committee, which was designed to provide protection for travellers on the waterways and to curb pipeline vandalism, curb activities of the operators of illegal refineries, and sea piracy. As a result, these vices have been drastically reduced and this has contributed significantly to the increased production of crude oil in the state.

As mark of his commitment to making youths leaders today and not at a later time, he appointed a of 33 years old as a commissioner. More than half of the Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants to the governor are youths while majority of local government chairmen are also youths.

Many youths have been drafted into the Environmental Sanitation Authority, some are in the revenue collection sector, government owned establishments such as the Cassava Industry at Ebedebiri, the Bayelsa Palm at Elebele and the 500 fish farm at Igbogene.

While some jobs opportunities have been created in the Ministry of Justice where some people were employed as magistrates, chairmen of customary courts and counsel in the mainstream judiciary, some have been employed in the broadcasting sector, while a good number of people have been absorbed in the education sector.

About 1,000 youths benefit from the Industrial Training Fund, 250 youths were sent to the King Amachere Royal Academy to learn skills and capacities, over 500 youths have been engaged in the Izon-Ibe Volunteers and there is the possibility that it could be increased to 3000.

This and many more deliberately planned policies have continued to engender the administration to the people of the state and going by Dickson’s avowed commitment, those developmental strides are expected to continue as a leadership legacy in the state.

Apart from the Bayelsa Specialist Hospital; the Diagnostic Centre and the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre, other projects commissioned last week included secretariat annexes, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Drive, Aqua Culture Village, Restoration flyover, Doctors Quarters for the diagnostic centre, Sagbame- Ekeremor road and YenagoaOporoma road.

Others are Ogbia- Nembe road, Cassava plantation, Ebedebiri, the University of Africa, Toru Orua, College of Education, Sagbama and constituencies free boarding school.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ FEBRUARY 23, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 18.33% 19%

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

17.83% 18.83% 19.83%

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

333.95% 0.71% 1.36%

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

1.36% 1.36%

EXCHANGE RATE N305/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Babalakin Wins Award

COURTESY VISIT

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman (middle) presents a plaque to the Economic Counselor of the United States Embassy, Abuja, Ms. Susan Garro, while the Economic Specialist of the United States Embassy, Lagos, Mrs. Mayowa Obilade looks on, when the Counselor paid a courtesy visit to Bala -Usman at the NPA Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos…recently

Stakeholders Warn of Looming Danger in Aviation Sector Chinedu Eze Stakeholders in the aviation industry have warned of impeding danger in the sector, pointing out that the two Dana Air flights incidents in the last two weeks may be an augury of more tragic incidents or accidents that could happen if the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) fails to reinforce safety and security oversight.

A fortnight ago, Dana Air flight’s emergency door fell off after the aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Also, on Tuesday one of its flights overshot the runway at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

AVIATION The stakeholders said that in the run up to a major accident in the history of aviation in Nigeria, incidents that indicate lapses usually herald most major disasters, adding that Nigeria has learnt a lot that should enable it avert another tragedy in the industry.

A former inspector with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and presently an expatriate staff of a Civil Aviation Authority of another African nation, told THISDAY that the regulatory authority has become complacent in its oversight functions.

“Yes, I see these as a lapse

in the NCAA safety oversight activities. These things don’t appear immediately until conditions line up for them to happen”, he said.

On the recent incident in Port Harcourt, where a Dana Aircraft overshot the runway, the former NCAA inspector said: “l have always had this worry about the capability of the management of the airline. This vindicates my position. Nevertheless, it is an indication of laxity of the authority.”

He added: “The Delta Air Lines fire is a different issue and may not have been covered by the NCAA oversight. However, the question is how many times have they conducted ramp inspection on the aircraft?

This aspect will seriously tell against them.”

Reacting to the allegation of complacence, spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye said: “We had zero accident rating for the year that just ended (2017) and everyone commended NCAA for strict compliance to safety regulations. We couldn’t have gone to sleep a month after. What is happening now simply calls for all the parties in the sector to be more vigilant.”

On the Port Harcourt incident, THISDAY gathered from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that it issued a warning in its weather report that Continued on page 20

EEG, Agriculture Lift Non-oil Exports by $0.62 Billion Eromosele Abiodun Following the gradual implementation of the re-introduced export expansion grant (EEG) by the federal government and the boost in agriculture, the nation’s non-oil exports has continued to grow, rising by $0.62 billion (N223.20 billion) in the last quarter of 2017, indicating a rise of 21 per cent quarter-on-quarter (q/q).

According to the latest quarterly Economic Report released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), while the non-oil exports grew 21 per cent q/q, it however declined by 46 per cent year-on-year (y/y).

The quarterly economic report attributed the q/q increase to a significant rise in receipts from

MARITIME agricultural products.

The sectoral breakdown showed that proceeds from agricultural products stood at $313 million (N112.68 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing 50.9 per cent of total non-oil export proceeds.

The solid minerals sector trailed the agric sector with 16.8 per cent, followed by Industrials with 16.1 per cent while manufacturing and food products recorded 14.4 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively.

Also, industry sources revealed that the value of Nigerian agricultural exports to the United States under its African Growth and Opportunity Act

(AGOA) increased by 200 per cent y/y to $9 million in 2017.

In their comment, analysts at FBN Quest believe the pick-up in non-oil export is commendable stressing however that the generated revenue still remains low.

According to FBN Quest, “We note that food inflation has remained stubbornly high over the past several months. One likely reason, although anecdotal at this stage, is the increasing preference of farmers to export their produce as opposed to supplying domestically. In our view, the preference can be linked to currency depreciation and the attraction of being paid in a convertible currency (the CFA franc).”

The analysts added: “A

favoured agricultural export is sesame seeds. Recent reports indicate that global demand for the product has picked up, with Japan positioned as its leading export destination.

This is most likely due to the growing market for food products such as hummus as well as sushi in Japan.

“To encourage export activities, the CBN has reintroduced the N500 billion export stimulation loan for non-oil producers and exporters. This was initially introduced in 2015. Additionally, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, the country’s export credit agency, has set up a smaller N50 billion intervention fund for the same purpose.

Continued on page 20

Chairman of The Resort Group, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), has won the Most Outstanding Terminal Operator of the Year 2017 Award with his Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), a member of the group and operator of the Murtala Muhammed AirportTerminal Two, popularly known as MMA2.

Organised by Independent Newspapers Limited, the award was presentedtoBabalakin,throughhisrepresentativeandHead,Corporate Communications, BASL, Chief Steve Omolale, by a former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, at a colourful ceremony attended by thecrèmelacrèmeofthesocietyatEkoHotelandSuites,VictoriaIsland, Lagos. Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Independent Newspapers Limited,Mr.AdeOgidansaid:“TheSelectionCommitteeconsideredyour impressivelistofachievementsinAirportInfrastructureDevelopment and Maintenance with a record of delivering the first major PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) financed facility in the aviation industry.

“We note that through your company, Bi-Courtney Limited, you applied for the concessioning of the Lagos Domestic Airport, the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, after the airport was razed by fire.

Indeed, nobody gave the project a chance as it was considered too cumbersome for the capacity of a private company.

“However, within three years of the concessioning and in the face of serious hostility and inconsistency on the part of the government, Bi-CourtneyLimitedcompletedthenewdomesticairport,whichisnow famously known as MMA2. This airport terminal has been variously described as the Best in Nigeria today and certainly the first airport terminal to be built in Africa with private funds without any support of the government,” Ogidan said.

NATCA to Host IFATCA Meeting

The Nigerian AirTraffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has won the bidtohosttheforthcomingAfricaandMiddleEastRegionalmeetingof InternationalFederationofAirTrafficControllersAssociation(IFATCA).

Nigeria emerged the host after defeating Algeria, which equally indicated interest to host the annual conference in its country.

This is second time that Nigeria would be hosting the conference.

Nigeria hosted the conference for the first time in 2001. The last conference was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The President of NATCA, Mr. Victor Eyaru, told journalists in Lagos over the weekend that the conference would be held in Abuja between November 5 and 9, 2018.

He explained that no fewer than 200 delegates are expected from Africa, Middle East and other continents around the world, adding that Nigeria would benefit immensely from hosting the conference.

Accordingtohim,hotels,telecommunicationcompanies,localairlines, government agencies and cab operators among others would benefit from the hosting of the conference by Nigeria.

He explained that the association is partnering with Dana Air and Air Peace for the airlifting of the delegates to Abuja while the telecommunicationcompanieswouldcollaboratewiththeassociation in distributing sim cards to the delegates.

Dana Flies Tour Operators on Fam Trim

As part of efforts towards developing tourism in Akwa Ibom state, Dana Air has announced that it would fly travel agents, tour operators and media to the state on a two-day familiarisation trip in partnership with Ibom Hotels & Golf Resort on 23rd of February, 2018.

The Communications Manager of Dana Air, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa who disclosed this to the media said, ‘We are supporting this fam trip as result of our firm commitment towards developing tourism in Nigeria and contributing positively to the economy of any state we fly.’’ you cannot talk about tourism without aviation and vice versa, and it’s not just about flying to a state but helping to build the potentials of the state.’’ Commenting on the initiative, the CEO of NigeriaTravel Week, Efetobo Awhana said,’that the major objective of NigeriaTravel Week is to promote domestic and inbound tourism in Nigeria.

‘Weareconvincedthatwehaveahugemarketthatcanbuyintodomestic tourism with sustained and strategic promotion and we believe this fam trip will help travel professionals, and media to learn more about the destinations and make it easier for them to sell to their customers.’

““If government supports Nigerian airlines we will save a lot of foreign exchange, build capacity and create more jobs”

CEO of IRS Airlines,

Alhaji Isiyaku Rabiu

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BUSINESSWORLD STAKEHOLDERS WARN OF LOOMING DANGER IN AVIATION SECTOR there would be thunderstorm and rains but while other airlines stayed back, including Air France, which aborted flying to Port Harcourt but landed in Lagos, Dana Air pilot defied the warning.

The NMET source indicated that the pilot might have shut off radio communication between the aircraft and Air Traffic Controller before landing, but the airline did not confirm this allegation to THISDAY. A former NIMET official however, said there were three conditions under which the aircraft could overshoot the runway. One, poor visibility, which may cause the pilot not to land at the appropriate touch down zone and this may lead to overshooting the runway.

Two is over flooded runway.

He said pilots who are not used to wet landing may overshoot the runway due to aquaplaning.

Third, the overshooting could be due to poor breaking system.

EEG, AGRICULTURE LIFT NON-OIL EXPORTS BY $0.62BILLION “From the CBN’s Economic Report Fourth Quarter 2017 we can see the limited success of the fiscal branch of the FGN’s diversification agenda.

Gross non-oil revenue in 2017 amounted to N3.24trn, and so well short of the target for the full year, implied in the CBN’s commentary, of N5.34trn. Gross oil revenue in the same period of N4.11trn was far closer to budget due to the recovery in oil production and prices.

Data from the same source has average crude oil output rising from 1.75 mbpd in Q1 2017 to 1.98 mpbd in Q3. “Non-oil revenue peaks in the third quarter because of the deadline for payment of companies’ income tax (CIT).

This has been the case every year since 2010, when collection was marginally higher in Q4.

The chart does show some positive momentum on the non-oil revenue side. Collection of N815bn in Q4 represented an increase of 22.5 per cent y/y: drilling down into the sub-categories, we see rises of 59.4 per cent for CIT, 21.0 per cent for VAT, and just 7.9 per cent for customs and excise.

Group Business Editor

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NEWS

Amaechi Vows to Name Those Frustrating Execution of $198m Maritime Security Contract ČŠÇŻČą Â˜ÂžÂœÂŽČą ÂŒÂŒÂžÂœÂŽÂœČąÂ–Â’Â—Â’ÂœÂ?Â›Â˘ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?›Š—Â?’—Â?ČąÂ?˜›Ž’Â?Â—ÂŽÂ›ÂœČą ŽŒ›ŽÂ?ȹ Š’Â&#x;ÂŽÂ›ÂœČą Stories by Eromosele Abiodun The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has revealed that certain individuals and vested interest profiting from the insecurity in the Niger Delta are frustrating the execution of the $198 million maritime security contract approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking at a Maritime Stakeholders Interactive Forum held in Warri, Delta State, Amaechi vowed to publicly expose the saboteurs.

This is just as the House Committee on Marine Education and Administration has accused the Federal Ministry of Transportation of secretly granting Cabotage waivers to foreign vessel owners. The committee has therefore challenged the ministry to make available the number of waivers so far approved.

The Committee Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Bago said the process of granting waivers under Cabotage was being shrouded in secrecy.

But Amaechi had explained that the reason why vessels will not come to the Eastern ports is because there is war insurance due to insecurity in the ports here.

He said: “The war insurance means if the goods cost N10,000 in Lagos, it will cost N20,000 here because there is extra cost on it due to Insecurity issues. Even as a minister, I can’t enter a boat ride from Warri to Port Harcourt

due to insecurity issues, but I can move around Lagos at any time of the day. “I once asked a former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, why people from Anambra don’t import from Port Harcourt port, and he said it costs less to import from Lagos and move to Onitsha even with the price they pay on the road.

It is cheaper to import from Lagos to Aba, yet Aba to Port Harcourt is 30 minute drive. “For shipowners, you need to do a petition to Mr. President. The President

approved a contract of $195 million for maritime security, but there are people in the system sabotaging the contract because it will restore security in the water. I won’t say who they are until it gets out of control. We are still battling for the contract to take place, but if it get out of place, W e will name them publicly, including the security people involved. “There are people who make billions of Dollars from the insecurity on the water, so they don’t want security on the water because if we secure the water, all their rubbish will go. There

are businesses, who provide vessel for oil companies in the name of providing security. The moment we secure the water, they are out of jobs.�

Bago said the law establishing the Cabotage provides that waivers should be granted through a process, further adding that that process must be adhered to.

He lambasted the ministry for denying the grant of waivers when foreign ships are operating on the nation’s local waters.

He said: “The Ministry of Transportation said they have not granted waivers to foreign

operators in the last six years or more years. If they haven’t, how are these foreign operators operating in Nigeria, at the detriment of our indigenous operators, many of whom are here today? “My message therefore is that if NIMASA and the Federal Ministry of Transportation in treating application for waivers under Cabotage as provided for in section 9 to 14 of the Cabotage law, follows the requirement of articles 3-8 of the Executive Order, then the indigenous operators will be for the better.

MEDIA PARLEY ON TRADING GLOBAL MAKET

L-R: Sales Manager,Yetunde Shogo; Co-founder, Gbite Oduneye; and Director, Operations, Temitayo Sanusi, all of Eagle Global Markets (EGM), during the press brieďŹ ng on trading global markets by EGM held in Lagos... recently

700 Women Apply for INTELS 2018 Empowerment Training No fewer than 700 women applied for admission into the 2018 Women Empowerment Programme Synergy Scheme (WEPSS) of oil and gas logistics giant, INTELS Nigeria Limited.

A corporate social responsibility initiative of INTELS, WEPSS was established in 2013 with the vision of empowering 5,000 community women over a 20year period through training in fashion design and tailoring. To date, more than 500 several women have been empowered through the project.

Director of INTELS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Silvano Bellinato,

said the company remains resolute in enhancing the lives of people in its area of operation and committed to the development of communities in the area.

He said to ensure successful implementation of the WEPSS initiative, INTELS acquired and made available over 300 sewing and specialised machines and built a 5000-square metres garment manufacturing factory at the Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne for the purpose of the training.

Speaking at the commencement of training of the 2018 session in Onne, the Head of

WEPSS, Abhina Ajmani, said: “This is our fifth session. The training is held once every six months. Most of the applicants are persons who just have their WASSCE qualification. Out of the 700 women that applied, we admitted 125. It was really competitive because the slots are limited.

According to him, “This training is free and lasts for four months per set. Everything has been done to ensure the beneficiaries give their full commitment to acquiring skills that will empower them for life.�

A 2016 beneficiary and

graduate of WEPSS, Ms. Dorothy Egbe, said WEPSS is gradually transforming the lives of women in Rivers State.

She said: “WEPSS has been of great help to me because I was able to learn new skills and acquire an industrial sewing machine at no cost. I am sewing clothes for myself, my family and friends at the moment. I am still in school in my final year now. After I am done with my studies, I plan to start sewing full time, on a commercial scale.

I am equally improving on what I was taught, learning how to make designs. I intend to direct

my focus on sewing women and children’s clothes.�

Egbe also commended INTELS Nigeria Limited for its impact on the lives of several people. “I know people whose lives have been affected by INTELS Nigeria Limited. The employment opportunities they have given the youths in my community are more than enough. I have also been told by several of my peers that the company sends food to the Ogoloma-Onne community through our traditional ruler especially cows. They have really done well,� she said.

‘NIMASA Committed to Continuous Collaboration to Grow Maritime’ The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stated that the agency is taking deliberate steps to work with the Judiciary and other arms of government to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry by providing necessary updates on information and law in the maritime sector.

Speaking at the opening of the 7th Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for Judges with the theme, “Towards effective Admiralty in a Blue Economy,� organised jointly by NIMASA and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Peterside stated that in

initiating the seminar, the agency noted the complex and time sensitiveness of maritime issue and the consequent requirement for prompt resolutions.

According to him, “In initiating this event, the agency is not unaware of the complex and time sensitive nature of maritime issues and their attendant requirement for speedy resolutions often through judicial pronouncements by superior courts of records. The scenario no doubt puts pressure not only on those entrusted with the responsibility of responding to the economic exigencies, but also on judicial officers responsible for balancing important notions of justice, contract and the law.�

He also noted that the objective of the seminar over the years has been to sensitise the target Judges on contemporary maritime law issues both within and outside the Nigerian Jurisdiction as shipping is a multi-jurisdictional enterprise.

Peterside further added that in line with NIMASA’s commitment towards ensuring capacity building for critical stakeholders, the agency decided to expand the scope of attendees to cover Justices of the Court of Appeal because of their critical roles in the dispensation of justice. “This seminar was initiated

by NIMASA for Judges of the Federal High Court bearing in mind the exclusive jurisdiction of

the Court over Admiralty matters. Over the years however, the participating audience was expanded to include Judges of the State High Courts of littoral states of the Federation and now Justices of the Court of Appeal because of their critical roles in the dispensation of justice in admiralty matters, �he said.

The NIMASA boss opined that notwithstanding the stride being made by the Agency in the area of safety and security of the Nigerian maritime domain, the management of the agency equally recognize the need for increased partnership and collaboration amongst all stakeholders - the Judiciary

inclusive, in the actualisation of our collective vision for environmental, social and economic growth and the sustainability of our shipping and maritime transport sector in a blue economy.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of NIALS, Prof. Deji Adekunle commended the NIMASA’s leadership for continuous collaboration with relevant stakeholders to advance the nation’s maritime industry.

He said the institute will continue to collaborate with the agency and provide necessary assistance to NIMASA in its bid to ensure a safe and secure maritime space.

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Group Signs Partnership Agreement with NFF Ugo Aliogo GEO Travels and Tours has signed a partnership agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the official travel partner of the Nigeria National Team to the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Speaking to journalists about the agreement, the Head of Business, GEO Travels and Tours, Damilola Osikoya, said that the group is aligning with the NFF as part of its drive to make the team’s World Cup travel as easy as a phone call, noting that the group would adopt a flexible payment plan for Nigerians hoping to book now and pay on a later date.

She also stated that GEO Travels in partnership with Crenov8 (a leading Manage-

ment and Digital consulting firm) will also be hosting two major events in 2018; the GEO celebrity crush easter Dubai Tour in the first quarter, which she noted that it is a celebrity tour aimed at promoting African pop culture in Dubai for fans and the public.

She added that there would be the Meet the Farmers Conference in the final quarter which is an annual conference focused on agriculture, which aims to connect large scale agro-commodity producers to buyers alike.

In his remarks, the President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick, stated that the partnership is very critical to the projection of the country’s World Cup plans because football without fans is no football, adding that there is need to get as much fans

as possible to go to Russia.

Pinnick, who represented at the event by the Chairman League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko, said though it is a very complicated journey, but there are companies to rely on which can give the suitable travel arrangements required, in order to make it easy and encourage more people to travel.

He added: “The more Nigerians we have in Russia, the better for us because the presence fans will help to boost the confidence of the players. The partnership is also strategic for us because beyond the world cup, in the future this type of arrangement will be able to create a system where we can create travel arrangement that runs around football.”

NAMA Boss Commends Women Engineers as APWEN Gets New President Chinedu Eze The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt.

Fola Akinkuotu has hailed the immense contribution of women engineers in the socio-economic development of the nation.

Akinkuotu, who made these remarks at the investiture ceremony of Mrs. Felicia Agubata, a staff of the NAMA at the 15thPresident of the Association of professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) in Lagos recently, noted that Nigeria’s history would be incomplete without

the courage, doggedness and industry of women engineers who have made impressive and indelible contributions towards Nigeria’s technological advancement.

He commended Agubata for her “excellence, professionalism, hard work, diligence and commitment to duties, particularly in the deployment of Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) which is working very well,” stressing that the “it is worthy of note that she has impacted the engineering department of the agency positively in various ways during the few years she has worked for the

agency.”

The NAMA boss said though the engineering sector is male-dominated, women like Agubata “have made tremendous progress and impressive marks and given the enablement and encouragement, they will further enhance the system with their invaluable contributions.”

He charged the newly inaugurated National Committee of APWEN to work assiduously towards upholding the ideals of the association by partnering with other organisations and groups towards making their tenure successful.

Air Peace Begins Flights to Dakar, Banjul, Freetown Chinedu Eze One of Nigeria’s major airline, Air Peace has commenced flights to Freetown, Banjul and Dakar, the capital cities of Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Senegal respectively.

The airline’s pledge to be consistent and efficient on the routes earned it accolades from top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, aviation regulators and corporate leaders on the West Coast of Africa.

Explaining why the airline decided to expand its operations to the West Africa sub-region, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema noted that seamless air connectivity is pivotal to the socio-economic development of countries within the West Coast of Africa and other nations on the continent.

Receiving Air Peace delegation moments after the maiden flight to Freetown touched down at the Freetown International

Airport, Lungi, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport, Mr. Balogun Koroma commended the carrier for extending its operations to the country.

“We are looking for inflight quality service, on-time service and adherence to our local content laws in terms of employing our people. And Air Peace has given us the assurance that they would adhere to that,” Koroma said.

At the Banjul International Airport, the Director of Operations of The Gambia Airport Authority, Mr. Abdoulie Colley assured Air Peace that it would be accorded the needed support to succeed in the country.

For his part, excited Nigeria High Commissioner to The Gambia, Ambassador Oluwasegun Ibidapo-Obe said the coming of Air Peace would strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.

Also speaking for banks in Banjul, the Relationship Manager, Corporate Banking of FBN Gambia Limited, Mr. Mike Junior Emeh said Air Peace’s expansion of its route

network to The Gambia and other West Coast countries was a big relief for travellers.

He urged the airline to maintain its on-time reputation and consistency, assuring that the carrier would succeed in its West Coast flight operations.

In Dakar, the DirectorGeneral/Chief Executive Officer of LAS, Mr. Xavier Mary, who spoke on behalf of the operators of Senegal’s new airport, Aeroport International Blaise Diagne, said Air Peace’s Dakar service was a good opportunity for improving businesses between Nigeria and Senegal.

In his own goodwill speech, Minister in the Embassy of Nigeria, Dakar, Mr. Lot Egopija said he was pleased that Air Peace was fulfilling the cardinal agenda of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to bridge the gap among its member-states.

“Air Peace coming into Dakar is to create access to the people of both countries and also to further the ECOWAS agreement.”

AIR WATCH Connecting Nigerian Cities by Air Many Nigerians are familiar with the domestic destinations from Lagos to Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, Warri, Benin, Yola, Ilorin, Calabar, Uyo, Kaduna and the connection of these cities also from Abuja.

But there are many other cities that are not connected by air and recognising the fact that air travel is catalyst to economic growth, these cities might not have grown to their full potential because entrepreneurs and investors consider air connectivity before citing their businesses. Commercial cities like Aba and Onitsha which do not have airports would have had their businesses boosted if they have air link to other cities.

Aviation industry observers are of the view that non air connectivity curtails quantum of businesses that could exist between cities.

For example, THISDAY learnt that businesses between Kano and Enugu would have grown significantly if there were direct flights connecting the two cities. In fact, a businessman disclosed in Kano that every night nine luxurious buses leave Kano to Enugu conveying businessmen and women and others involved in daily socio-economic dynamics of the country.

This is a market niche that has not been exploited by air travel till now. But Air Peace, Nigeria’s rising domestic carrier, has started to close the gaps between cities through air travel. The airline said it would connect Port Harcourt and Warri, the hub of oil and gas business in Nigeria. It would also connect Kano and Enugu, Uyo and Kano, Kaduna and Yola and Kano and Port Harcourt, including all other underserved and unserved domestic destinations.

Over the years industry, experts have excoriated Nigerian airlines for using the wrong equipment for operating short distance flights. According to them, the popular aircraft type in Nigeria, the Boeing B737 is not good for 50 minutes-one hour flights, which is the common distance between Nigerian cities, except Lagos-Maiduguri, Lagos-Kano and Port Harcourt-Kano.

They noted that while Boeing B737 is good for the burst of passengers on the busy routes like Abuja-Lagos; Port HarcourtLagos because it has average of 140 seats; the airlines also need smaller aircraft types like 50-seaters, which can airlift passengers to such destinations like Warri-Port Harcourt; Lagos-Warri and possibly new destinations like Kano-Yola.

Air Peace seemed to have responded to that call with the procurement of six Embraer 145 jets which have average of 50 seats and created a subsidiary, known as Air Peace Hopper. And with this, the airline hopes to boost the nation’s economy by connecting hitherto unconnected cities in Nigeria.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Allen Onyema told THISDAY that: “The idea behind the subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper is to interconnect Nigerian cities. Personally I want every part of this country to be developed, no matter the geographical location. This is a beautiful country of 180 million people, of over 378 ethnic nationalities. We have not even realised half of our potential, if only we know the potential in this country we will be celebrating every morning. So I want to use Air Peace to interconnect Nigerian cities. That is why we created this subsidiary Air Peace Hopper.”

Another huge market for Nigerians is the West Coast. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), West Africa trade would be boosted by effective air connectivity if countries in the sub-region

Allen

would establish strong carriers and connect cities in West and Central Africa. For Nigeria, this is critical because the country consist the largest market in the sub-region and its citizens have to take advantage of this market. Currently the business between Europe and West African countries far surpasses trade in the sub-region. IATA and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) believe that with effective air connectivity inter-African trade would generate over N397.8 billion ($1.3 billion) and would enable higher volumes of trade, expanded tourism and growing commerce between African nations and with the rest of the world.

On Monday, Air Peace launched inaugural flight to three destinations in the West Coast: Freetown, Banjul and Dakar. Hitherto, there have been intemperate flight operations between these countries and others in the sub-region and Nigeria; that sometimes a passenger from Nigeria would have to travel to Europe to connect flight to another West African country.

During the inaugural flight, Mr. Onyemaidentified seamless air connectivity as pivotal to the socio-economic development of countries within the West Coast of Africa and other nations on the continent.

Travel expert and the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko said West Africa needs efficient flight service.

For now, travel between cities in the subregion is very expensive because there are no efficient, regular flights connecting cities of the West Coast.

Uko said that Air Peace’s foray into West Africa is critical because it is Nigeria that moves the economy in the sub-region.

“I want to go to Cotonou but I cannot get direct flight from Nigeria to Cotonou so I am going to spend $1000 because I will have to go to Abidjan first, wait for a long time before I will connect flight to Cotonou which is very close to Nigeria.

“Flight connections in Africa are messed up. West Africa needs open skies. During the time of Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL), the airline earned huge revenues airlifting cargo from the West Coast because the businessmen and women did not want to face immigration and Customs hindrances you go through travelling by road; so they chose to airlift their goods. We are missing that market in air connectivity now,” Uko said. When Air Peace marked its inaugural flights to Kano and Yola and now to three destinations in the West Coast, concerned authorities and stakeholders emphasised on consistency and efficiency of service. Many airlines have had their efforts in the past but they failed on the wayside because they could not sustain the routes. Will Air Peace sustain its operations to these destinations?

The airline’s Chairman, Onyema said Air Peace would make a difference this time.

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Sirika: We’ll Establish a National Carrier Before End of This Govt Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika spoke to journalists recently on government’s plan to establish a national carrier, the airport concessions and why the industry did not experience any major incident in 2017. Chinedu Eze brings the excerpts: taxes and this is against our laws. Regarding the other matter, I have not reviewed it, so I cannot comment on it for now.

Last year was good for aviation in Nigeria.

What did the country do right and what is the outlook for this year?

I think what we did right as far as aviation is concerned was that we kept to those standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). We followed it to the letter and that is why our rating gave us a pass mark that is well above average on security, and safety was also well above the global average. We were scoring from 67 percent to 96.4 percent respectively and I believe that this was because all of those safety critical matters and that of security concerns were addressed progressively.

The thing about aviation and the way we think of it is that we should attend to these issues because they are the issues that matter.

What matters is how safe and secure you are when you arrive at an airport, both from the departure airport and that of arrival. And the things that make that happen are the things that passengers don’t see. The passengers are rightly concerned about how beautiful the airport looks like; how very well the air condition is working; how very well revelators, lifts and toilets are working. These are very, very important because they are all about satisfying the passenger. But what are more important are those things that will make you to arrive safely. These are the critical areas we attended to. This is why there are no major incidents within the year under review.

The federal government has just terminated the contract it has with Lufthansa Consulting as transaction adviser on the national carrier. Why did government terminate that contract?

It was not termination of contract per se. What transpired at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which I explained very clearly, was that we substituted Lufthansa Consulting as part of the consortium to provide transaction advisory services for the establishment of national carrier and the reason is very simple and clear. We believe that Lufthansa Consulting is an arm of Lufthansa Airlines Group and we thought that this would compromise the process because they may become an interested party later in the day for the procurement. So we thought that their becoming an interested party later would compromise the system and the process, which we want to make as open, transparent and as equitable as possible.

Also Lufthansa Consulting was not able to accept the offer or sign the contract in writing.

They countered the offer that we gave to them after FEC had approved and after the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) had approved and gave us no objection certificate. After all these had been done, they introduced new terms.

For example, they wanted the escrow account to be opened outside the country and all the money deposited there and even pay them excess of 15 percent. They wanted 75 percent to be paid to them ab initio. This is not in line with procurement laws and the contract was in naira, N341, 200, 000, but they wanted to change it to Euros, which was also not acceptable by us. More importantly, they wanted to provide the service only to the limit of outline business case. And this was neither in our proposal nor what the council had approved so it was impossible for us to continue with the procurement with Lufthansa Consulting.

So what we did was to substitute them, because there were many in the consortium.

Our decision was fair because the later company is not an appendage to any operating airline or any company that might be interested in procurement in future. So it is a neutral company that has taken over from Lufthansa Consulting.

Sirika

I think in the next couple of months, two months maximum, we should be able to have our outline business case of this transaction and then the full business case will follow almost immediately after because we are doing it simultaneously and after that we begin the process to establish the airline. So I will say that we are very close to having the national carrier established. Certainly it will be within the first tenure of this administration.

I think in the next couple of months, two months maximum, we should be able to have our outline business case of this transaction and then the full business case will follow almost immediately after because we are doing it simultaneously and after that we begin the process to establish the airline. So I will say that we are very close to having the national carrier established.

Certainly it will be within the first tenure of this administration

Pensioners of the defunct Nigerian Airways Limited (NAL) are still agitating because their money has not been paid to them?

We have dealt with the issue of pensioners by providing them with their money. The Ministry of Finance is dealing with it, the National Assembly is also playing its role; so I wish to plead with those Nigerian Airways ex-staff that since the airline was liquidated and they had outstanding severance payments nobody cared for them. They have cried for many years but we came in and said that this was unfair; these are people who had put their entire working life to serve this country.

So we decided to compassionately support them and we provided them with N45 billion for their severance payment; so they should exercise patience while the process for their payment is on because very soon everyone will get his entitlements.

How do you plan to concession the airports before the end of the current administration?

The transaction advisers for the concession have brought in the outline business case. We are studying it and we are on our way to do our full business case and it will happen soon.

Talking about Lufthansa, there was a time they reached agreement to build a hub in Abuja for West and Central Africa operations, which exempted them from paying certain charges that could run into billions of naira by now. Is that agreement still on?

The issue of Lufthansa Consulting, part of what they required from us for the national carrier was that they shouldn’t be charged any

How will Nigeria benefit from the open sky treaty?

Nigeria was among the first 11 countries that went to Yamoussoukro and took a decision to liberalise the air transport sector and open the skies for Africa. The objective of the treaty was growth and development. It also means that more jobs would be created for participating countries, it also means more connectivity in Africa, which would enhance intra African trade and also more comfort from travellers who do not have to travel around the world before getting to their African destination.

Nigeria being signatory to this agreement, the Single African Air Transport (SAATM) became the issue and Nigeria also joined to become member of the first 23 countries to make that singular declaration on SAATM. And I think that Nigeria with the market of over 173 million people, half of the size of West Africa, will be the greatest beneficiary of this treaty. At the time Nigeria was pushing for this, you and I know that we had the Nigeria Airways and we thought we would take advantage of it. Now we don’t national carrier and our airlines, one way or another, have not grown to capacity and this is why government felt that we should set in motion the establishment of a robust carrier to take advantage of the Single Africa Air Transport Market for the benefit of Nigerian people.

So I believe that we are on the right course.

I believe that the national carrier, which would be driven by the private sector, once established will become a dominant carrier in Africa. This is because Nigeria is the market.

Nigeria’s centrality to Africa by its location is equidistant from the farthest point in Africa and with the population of 173 million people, we have the market in the continent, and this is coupled with the fact that Nigerians are very mobile. We are great travellers. We almost travel for nothing. So Nigeria is in a very vantage position to benefit hugely from SAATM. When will the implementation of the treaty begin?

It has started, as soon as it was signed. But it will take one to two years to become fully implemented.

Recently the federal government signed Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with five countries- China, Qatar, Congo, Algeria and Singapore. What are the benefits of this agreement? Over the years, since after the demise of Nigeria Airways, the BASA Nigeria signs with other countries seemed to be skewed against the interest of the country.

Well, first and foremost, there is no Nigeria Airways; secondly, Bilateral Air Service Agreements are good and important for us for where we are now and our life cycle as a nation and I think you need to understand that air transportation connects markets, connects businesses, connects cultures and countries and also connects people. In doing that, it brings tons and tons benefits. To be able to criss-cross the world and go to other cultures, other markets, meet with other people, other trading partners and interact with them and return to your country have unquantifiable benefits.

For me, the way to go is to continue to sign these BASAs up to a point where Nigeria would CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°ÍąËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

23

SIRIKA: WE’LL ESTABLISH A NATIONAL CARRIER BEFORE END OF THIS GOVT have the opportunity to take full advantage of the agreements themselves and we cannot sign a BASA that will be skewed against Nigeria. It cannot happen. And mind you, it is not only the Ministry of Transportation that does the signing, it involves the airlines themselves.

They participate in the process and the Office of the Attorney General would vet it and the Federal Executive Council would deliberate over it. I don’t think that FEC, led by the President and the Attorney General of the Federation, the airlines operating within the country and other stakeholders, the Federal Ministry of Transport (Aviation), including the regulatory authority, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would all get together and sign something against Nigeria.

I don’t think it is correct.

Still on the open sky, Nigerian airlines kicked against Nigeria’s participation in SAATM by the federal government; yet government went ahead to endorse it, but the Nigerian airlines argue that government is not protecting their interest, as other participating countries protect the interest of their own airlines. What is government providing for the local carries to enhance their participation in the open skies treaty?

This question you have asked has made me sad and has made me to start thinking.

The Nigerian carriers were at the forefront of the campaign to respect and to implement the Yamoussoukro Decision at the time they felt the treaty would be to their advantage. Today, they are singing another song. Nigerian airlines are heavily indebted. I am not sure if all of them are financially healthy. The NCAA is currently carrying out financial audit of the airlines and I am sure that the result of the audit will not be something the airlines would want to take to the press. Nigerian airlines have refused to grow and their challenges are not caused by government. They are responsible for those challenges. I boldly invite them to come and very soon there will be stakeholders meeting where the airlines will be present. We will dialogue about their situations. My advice to them is to get their acts together to focus, to reorganise, to re-engineer and take advantage of this opportunity offered by SAATM ad be futuristic; rather than to sit here while the train is moving and begin to whine.

Can we know their debts proďŹ le?

Look, there is an airline that owes one of the aviation agencies N13 billion. There is an airline that owed a total debt of about N500 billion. It is not only debts to the aviation agencies but the collective debts of that airline.

That airline almost went under but it was taken over by government agency. I do feel that if these airlines reorganise themselves, they can do better. Let’s take the example of Aero Contractors, yesterday (February 7, 2018) I was briefing the press after council (FEC meeting); I told them that Aero Contractors has been in existence for over 57 years.

When I was born, I grew up to see the name Aero Contractors. It predated my birth; but today I am the Minister of Aviation. During that time they were getting it right all the way through for about 40 years or more, but suddenly they changed their business model and things started getting wrong. They used to serve in the oil and gas sector to provide shuttle service; they do charter and maintenance and contracts. They began to do schedule passenger service without changing the business model to reflect those changes. What happened? They ran into trouble. The legacy family (original owners of the company) did what they did and the airline went under. Government took over. We put management in place. We told them the direction; we told them to change and go back to their core business. They went back. Just recently they conducted a C-check on Boeing B737 Classic and that B737 is flying successfully. They are saving cost and making money by conducting their own checks. So I think they are getting their priorities right and doing the business that is generating revenues for them.

Everybody wants to run into schedule passenger flight. There are a lot to do in aviation. Before I became a public officer, I was a businessman in the aviation industry. I didn’t have an airline that was airlifting passengers

In the principle of reciprocity, we expect that when other countries bill Nigerian airlines exorbitant charges, Nigeria is expected to also bill their airlines exorbitant charges but Nigeria is said to be too soft on these foreign carriers, while they use the high charges to discourage Nigerian airlines from operating to their countries?

I have not confirmed that Nigerian airlines pay higher charges in other African countries, but I take it from you to be true. However, it has to be recognised that every country has its own charges. Perhaps Nigeria is putting those charges lower so that the passenger will pay less to make air transportation cheaper.

Perhaps this is a policy of our government; perhaps those other countries may feel that they have to operate with high charges. That is their own policy. Here, our policy is to be able to give the traveller some succour by bringing the charges low because air fares reflect the charges. Charges are carried over to the passengers by the airlines.

Be that as it may, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said that Nigeria is the most expensive country to operate in and here you are saying we are the least expensive to operate in.

How far have you gone with the committee you set up to review the charges paid by domestic airlines?

We have gone very far. The report has been made and I will submit the report to government.

One of the things we are considering is the issue of Value Added Tax (VAT). The issue of VAT is not chargeable on transportation. It will not be difficult to convince government to consider removing VAT from airline charges.

The report is being prepared now for onward delivery to the government.

Sirika

but I was doing business in aviation and there are too many things to make money from without schedule passenger service. You can make more money from those other services than commercial flight operation when you don’t have the capacity; when you don’t have the experience and when you don’t have the right business model. In commercial flight operation catering service is overhead, ticketing is overhead etc.

Recently a Nigerian airline, Medview that is operating international service to the UK alleged that the handing company sabotaged its operations by suddenly suspending its service to the airline with approval from airport authorities. Also recently, Air Peace cried out that the countries it was designated to in West Africa are hostile and they want to discourage their ight to those destinations with outrageous charges.

Apart from designating Nigerian carriers to international routes, how is government protecting these airlines and ensuring that they are operating proďŹ tably just like other airlines that come to Nigeria do?

Let me assure you that whatever that is within the law that was signed in the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, will be followed by government. We have intervened on behalf of Nigerian airlines on many occasions both within and outside Nigeria. You can confirm

I was a businessman in the aviation industry. I didn’t have an airline that was airlifting passengers but I was doing business in aviation and there are too many things to make money from without schedule passenger service.

You can make more money from those other services than commercial ight operation

from them.

I don’t want to believe that Gatwick (Airport, London) could discriminate against a Nigerian carrier because one of the major shareholders and owners of Gatwick is a Nigerian. I am not sure that Gatwick would discriminate against a Nigerian carrier. I don’t want to believe so.

Then regarding Medview going into Dubai, it was government that intervened to make that possible.

You cannot just wake up one and decide to fly into a country without first meeting all the lawful and legal conditions bordering especially on safety of your operation and on security.

All those thick boxes must be checked before you get in there. If there is delay before they acknowledge your request to start operation, I am sure that it would be a genuine delay.

Nigeria is a sovereign nation, protected by conventions, by laws and by agreements. If there is any country that would renege or do something unlawful against what was provided by conventions, Nigeria will stand up and fight it and I will be in the forefront.

Talking about airlines debts to aviation agencies, why do the agencies allow themselves to be owed until the debts reached that humongous amount of money?

These debts were owed over a long period of time and it was during those years of impunity. In the past, some airlines would owe and use the contacts they have in the Presidency to force the agencies to give them waiver, despite the debts, but in this government such is not going to happen at all. I am not using the word, likely; rather, I am saying that such a thing not going to happen in this administration. We cannot allow them to continue to pile on debts and someone will call the Villa and the debts are either waived or postdated. Nobody in the Village will call on behalf of any airline this time.

The only doors and windows that remain open are that of the Minister of Aviation and those of the regulatory authorities. There is no door or window in the Villa that will encourage an entrepreneur to break a law and expect the Presidency to intervene. Not this time. And you cannot come to the Minister of Aviation with unclean hands and expect to be helped out of it.

What is government’s reaction to the Dana Air incident when one of its ights had its emergency door fallen off on landing?

You called it incident and I think you are right. That experience is traumatising for air travellers; after landing to see an emergency door fall inside the aircraft. It can be very traumatising, very uncomfortable and very scary.

We reason with the passengers. We apologise for the mishap. But I want to just explain to those who are not aviators. Because of the way aircraft are built, of that aircraft size and in that kind of commercial passenger operation, the aircraft are pressurised. The pressurising will force those doors closed in flight, at altitudes.

That was why the emergency door did not fall off while the aircraft was in the sky. If such had happened, the pressurised cabin would suck passengers with their seats out of the aircraft. So because of that; manufacturers on purpose design those doors to remain locked in flight and by nature, because of pressurisation, they remain so locked.

Now the airplane landed on Abuja runway and during taxiing the door fell inside. It is considered as a minor incident in aviation because that is what the International Civil Aviation Organisation defines it to be. Any incident that involves loss of lives of any serious damage to the aircraft in which injury is incurred will be considered an accident; if it is fatal. But assuming in a normal operation somebody slumped and died, it is not considered as accident; so it is an incident of less degree. If something happens to an airplane but does not damage the structure of the airplane that is considered an incident. That incident is well documented. NCAA is investigating it. The reason why NCAA is investigating it is not only because they are the regulator but because the incident falls under its purview to investigate minor incidents of this nature. If it were a more serious incident or an accident, which is fatal or it damaged the aircraft; it would have been Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) that will take the lead.

I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that what happened was although very, very scary, although very, very uncomfortable, it is considered a minor accident in aviation and that kind of things will not happen in-flight as to cause an accident. The airline is being investigated; NCAA is doing its job and very soon it will make its report public for Nigerians to know what really happened.

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'MY HUSBAND PROPOSED TO ME THE DAY I WAS RAPED'

28/COVER

23.02.2018

'My Husband Proposed to Me the Day I was raped' Founder Cornerstone Precious Women and Emmanuela Mission, Mrs. Becky Unoarumhi, is leading a voice for the woman and girl-child to break free from societal shackles. In this interview with Mary Ekah, this one time Nollywood actress talks about her past and how she turned over a new leaf with the support of a loving husband You recently marked the 10th anniversary of the annual Cornerstone Precious Women Convention.

How significant was the anniversary for you?

It was a wonderful anniversary and this time we talked about listening to Jesus. The vision of the Cornerstone Precious Women is to build women to be spiritual houses for Jesus Christ, so that we don’t look down on ourselves. We believe in who Jesus says we are. And we believe in Jesus so that our lives are moulded by His words. So Cornerstone Precious Women Convention this year was a wonderful success to me. We had other ministers also but we were extremely honoured to have the Oyo State First Lady, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, in our midst.

You seem to be so passionate about women.

What is the driving force behind that aspect of you?

As a woman I have gone through a lot of trials in life and I know that so many women have also gone through same. Some of these trials either mar or make you. So as a woman, I want women to know that they are not second class citizens but precious children of God and for the women to stand sure that Jesus loves them and are not to look down on themselves.

So I run an NGO called Emmanuella Mission and that has been a big support. Even though I have also been of blessing to the men, my vision has been for the women because of the life that I had lived. I used to be an actress. Becky Musa was my maiden name and during that time, I lived a very rough and wayward life as an actress. I know that there are so many girls out there sleeping with men for money and thinking that they are nobodies. They feel that they must sleep with men to be somebody – they must sleep with men to get money, jobs and so many other things, so because I have gone through that path and God delivered me from such lifestyle, He now gave me that burden for women to let them know that you don’t have to sleep with a man to be who God says you should be.. So my NGO is for battered women that look down on themselves. The Emmanuella Mission has helped a lot of women to see that that’s not what God says they are. Nobody thought I could get married but God gave me a wonderful husband. My husband proposed to me the day I was raped.

It is not usual for a man to propose to a woman she was raped. He said to me ‘Becky you are a very good girl but you don’t know it and that is why you are allowing all these men to use you’.

That turned around my life as a woman; that there are still good men out there. If God gives you a man that is yours, he will never abuse you. Since I married my husband for 28 years ago, he has never for once abused me, he has never slapped me and he has never even told me I am a fool. I thought I was a-nobody and that I was worthless but God gave me a man that loves Him and also loves me very much.

How exactly did you meet your husband?

I met my husband when I was 17 in Auchi.

He was 19 and he was then a disc jockey (DJ). I was going to get a DJ for my 17th birthday and so a friend of his introduced him to me. So he was my DJ at my 17th birthday and that was how I met him. And the first day I met him, I told my mother and my brothers that I have met my husband. Even though the journey was not that smooth because we broke up a couple of times, any other man I went out with I always told them I had a husband.

What attracted you to your husband?

I like people that are very free and laugh a lot because I laugh a lot too. Peter is a free man and he laughs a lot. He is a very principled person.

I like men that are principled and keep to their words. He speaks his heart and he stands for the truth. Even when he hurts you, he will speak

Unoarumhi

the truth. So I knew that something good was going to come out of this man. Sometimes when you meet a man, you meet him in his raw state and you just look down on them. When I met my husband, he had no money but I knew there was a potential in him because he was a serious person, he was not a push over man. He had his principles of life even though he wasn’t a born again then. We were not born again when we met.

At what point did your husband realise you were his God ordained wife?

Like I said, he came to my 17th birthday as my DJ and through that party time, he approached me and after that we started going out. But after a while we broke up because he went to do his A Levels and I never met him again till after. I was working at NTA Ibadan and while also seeking for admission into the university. So one day I went to the University of Ibadan (UI) to pick up my admission letter and then I saw him and that was how we connected back again in UI because he was also doing his programme there.

I also got admitted into UI in 1985 and then the relationship started but when we graduated, I travelled to the United States and the relationship broke up again. We reconnected again in 1988 when I came back from the U.S. Our story is a destiny story. It is a story that you know that God actually wanted us to be together because the day that I reconnected to him in April 1988, under the Anthony Bridge in Lagos, I was coming from the Island in a taxi. The taxi man was supposed to take me to Maryland but when he got to Anthony, he just got upset and said I should come down. And I was like, “What did I do?” He screamed that I should just get down from his car and that I should not give him any money. I was scared and so I quickly got down from the taxi. I was just standing there with so many people at the bus stop and suddenly I was wishing that Peter Unoarumhi will see me again and know that I was still a very beautiful girl.

And all of a sudden, I heard someone screamed my name from the other side of the bridge and when I realised who it was, I screamed back too.

I was so happy! That was how we reconnected again. And for you to know it was God, after that period of our reconnection in 1988, in 1989 I had cancer and it was now the person that was there to take care of me.

So when did he propose to you?

Like I said earlier, he actually proposed to me the day I was raped.

How did that happen?

I was looking for an accommodation but I never got one. And each time I came into town I will go and stay with my sister in Sango-Ota, Ogun State. And the day I said I met him at Anthony again he told me there was a vacant apartment where he lived but I told him I was married and cannot come and stay there with my husband. And he said, so you are married?

That’s nice! But I wasn’t married. I just wanted to be sure he was still interested in me. I eventually got an apartment at the compound where he lived then. I would go out with men and come back, he will also go out with his girlfriends and come back to his apartment and it was like we never meant anything to each other. But on this particular day, he told me not to go out with this particular girlfriend of mine but I ignored him and went out with this girl and some other guys.

And that was how I was raped. So when I came back the next morning battered and covered in blood, he saw me and wept. This was a man I can tell anything about myself. I don’t pretend to him nor lie to him. If a man sleeps with me, I will tell him. So Peter knew everything about me. I never knew in my wildest dreams that he was ever going to propose to me and so I never hide anything from him. So when I came back that morning, beaten, battered and raped with all the blood on my body, he told me to go and take a shower after I told him the whole story.

When I finished taking my shower, I dressed up and came back to my room. He now came to me and said: Becky, I want you to be my wife but you must make a promise to me that today would be the last day that you would ever go out with any other man. And my response to him was: I don’t know how that would happen but I would need your help. And he said to me, I am just like you, even though I have never raped a woman before, so if you promise to stay away from men, you would be my wife.

And I promised him I will never go out with any other man again. And since 1988 till date, I have never slept with any other man except Pastor Peter Unoarumhi.

You are also the wife to the senior pastor of the Cornerstone Anointed Church of Christ, so how does it feel to be a pastor’s wife?

Before being a pastor’s wife, I am a Christian.

So it is a privilege to be a child of God. I never knew my husband was going to be a pastor. We actually left Nigeria for good to go to America and enjoy our lives, stay there, have children and make money but along the line I had cancer.

Before we even travelled out of the country I had cancer, precisely in 1989 and that was when God caught my attention. So when God now healed me of cancer, my husband and I became born again during that cancer episode. When God now healed me of cancer, He opened the door for us to travel to the UK where I was supposed to be getting treatment; it was from there that we went to America for holiday and there my husband and I were called. My husband never actually told me he was going to be a pastor or else I wouldn’t have agreed but God told me Himself. God ministered to me Himself. He appeared to me and told me that He was sending my husband to Nigeria to be a pastor and He wanted me to go with him. Nobody disobeys God. And so I went to my husband and asked him what his vision was and he told me that God has called him to be a pastor. And then I told him that God wanted me to support him.

It has not been a hunky dory journey but God has been our support all the way. So I can’t even trade it for something else. I love it. I love the children God has given us. God has strengthened so many lives through what He has been doing here. So it is marvellous in my eyes, the work God is using His word through my husband Pastor Peter Unoarumhi to do here, as his wife, I support him.

What was actual conviction that you both were called by God? When God told him that he should come back to this country, he didn’t tell me because he knew that ordinarily I would not agree to it but because I had already surrender my life to Christ, God sent his angel to speak to me that He was sending my husband to Nigeria and wanted me to go with him. God specifically said to me that through my husband He was going to build a sanctuary and would turn lives around. When God meets with you, you can’t explain Him. It is by faith. That was how I got my conviction to come back to Nigeria with my husband and I am not regretting it one bit. I can’t exchange being a pastor’s wife for any other job. I love it.

Can you talk a bit about your growing up days?

What kind of girl were you?

I was from a Muslim background. My parents were Alhaji and Alhaja. So we were all Muslims.

I am from Edo State but was born in Ghana and later we all came to Nigeria. My growing days was tough. I suffered because my mother was the third of my father’s wives and had 10 children; I am the 5th of the 10 children. My mother suffered so much that because of her suffering, I said to myself that I was not going to get married. My mother got married when she was just 12 years old. My father died when we were still very young and so my mother was just the one who struggled to take care of us.

Some of my father’s first wife’s children were far older than my mother. So my growing up was nothing to write home about and through those difficult days, I remember I used to go to school even though my late father didn’t believe that women should go to school but thank God for my mother, we had a breakthrough and I finished my secondary school and later attended university.

I lived with people as housemaid just to make ends meet and I suffered living with people. It was a very painful time for me. I remember the last time I left where I was living as a maid, I told the woman that the next time she sees me, I will be a very popular girl, I would make it so well in life that she will beg me for money and I packed my small load and left her house battered, lost and with no direction, I didn’t know where I was going to. That was a very painful time for me. It was not a fantastic time growing up but God saw me through and that was when I started acting at NTA Ibadan and became so popular.

29/XTRA

23.02.2018

The Principal of Equity As part of his efforts to impartially distribute the dividends of democracy, the Senator representing Abia Central, Theodore Orji, recently empowered hundreds of his constituents, writes Solomon Elusoji

Orji (right) presents a certificate and seed grant to one of the beneficiaries of the empowerment training. While chairman of the occasion, Chief Chukwu Nwachukwu watches

Mrs. Mercy Orji (left) randomly donates a wheelchair to Francis, a crippled shoemaker who was overjoyed at the gesture

Some 30 brand new tricycles were distributed to people in Abia Central senatorial zone

On a day when the sun shone brilliantly and the clouds darkened and let out torrents of rain, February 20, hundreds of people gathered at an open field behind the constituency compound of Abia Central Senator, Theodore Orji. A circle of canopies, under which people huddled under, had been erected. The presence of glistening, new Keke Napeps and piles of fertiliser bags were also unmistakable.

Even before the Senator arrived, the energy coursing through the crowd was incredible; group of dancers invaded the mini-arena created by the circle of canopies and rent the air with songs and the rhythmic jiggle of their bodies.

The occasion was the culmination of a series of empowerment programmes set in motion

by Orji, whose credibility among his people continues to soar.

Part of the empowerment was the training of some 20 youths and women in Mechanised Agriculture. The training had lasted for two weeks at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAA) in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The first week was theoretical while the second week was practical, hands-on. After the training, each one of them received the sum of N100,000 as a seed grant.

“We believe that they will soon begin to apply what they learnt,” a member of the committee in charge of Orji’s empowerment scheme and the current Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources in Abia State, Hon. Chidiebere Nwoke, told THISDAY. There had also been another empowerment training at Kolping Society which lasted for a week and was carried out by Juasu Power Solutions. A bunch of resource persons had been involved and 63 women and youths had received training in soap-making, barbering and hairdressing, poultry and fish farming. Each of them were also entitled to a sum of N100,000 as seed grant. Then, another batch of 73 persons were also trained at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The aim, originally,

was to train only 60, but due to popular demand, the number was increased by 13. Each of them, too, were entitled to a sum of N100,000.

Also, as part of the empowerment programme, 30 pieces of keke and 600 bags of fertiliser were distributed to people in Abia Central, a senatorial zone which covers six local governments in Abia: Isiala Ngwa South, Isiala Ngwa North, Osisioma, Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South.

“This is the busiest constituency office throughout the federation,” Nwoke said. “There is no doubt about it. Even the constituency office of the Senate President has not been this busy. Just last month, 60 students were awarded scholarships here. So we are believing that he (the Senator) will continue this way and come 2019, he will get back to the Senate.

Everybody is happy with him.”

Spotted for upgrade An highlight of the February 20 empowerment day was when a 31-year-old cripple, Francis, was spotted by the Senator’s wife, Chief (Mrs.) Mercy Orji and she ordered that a wheelchair be brought for him. The crowd roared in excitement at the gesture and Francis, who had been propped on a wooden stool, was in a kind of shock. “I came here to see Ochendo and then his wife surprised me,” Francis told THISDAY. “I am lost for words. I am so happy today. They have done something that will make me never forget them.”

The father of one, who makes a living as a shoemaker, said the wheelchair will now afford him a higher degree of mobility and comfort.

“I could not afford to buy a wheelchair, but with this one, I can drive myself around,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Leading by example When Orji, clad in white traditional attire and a red cap, took the stage to deliver a short speech, the crowd stood on their toes.

“What we are doing today is not new to this zone, Abia Central Senatorial District,” he said. “We are trying to empower our people by all means, so that they will be useful and live a gainful life. And that is the essence of governance. The people remain the centre of everything we are doing.

“And once God has blessed you with anything, whether it is with position or money, remember that God has given you those things so that you can impact on those who are less-privileged than yourselves: you don’t pocket everything into your pocket and go away. And that is what we are doing in Abia Central and the example I am trying to set: if God has blessed you, bless another person; if God has impacted on you, impact on another person.

“These things which are distributing today, anybody who gets it, his life is uplifted by one-inch or one per cent. If we give you Keke Napep, it will help you; if we have trained you in Umudike or give you fertiliser, you will use it and there will be an increase. This is why we are doing this - to increase productivity - we are not doing it to show off.”

Orji’s foray into the Senate, while still less than three years long, has been a hugely successful one. The former Governor has managed to sponsor some 20 bills, with the last two being a bill that compels the federal government to take over Abia State Polytechnic and the College of Education in Arochukwu, to ease the burden on the state government. He has also moved and passed a plethora of motions, including one that calls for improved security at the railway stations.

Also, by virtue of being a Senator, Orji, who is fondly referred to as Ochendo by his people, has attracted several projects into his constituency, from the construction of roads and boreholes to the donation of infrastructure equipments such as electricity transformers.

“There is no local government in Abia Central

that we have not touched,” Orji said.

He also reminded the enthusiastic crowd that the projects he has embarked on as Senator were not done in a vacuum. “We are doing all this to supplement and complement the efforts of the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who is doing his best to change the face of Abia,” Orji said. “Because he has done well, I will join others to endorse him for a second term.”

Man of the people As 2019 approaches, understanding Orji’s appeal among his people is not a mysterious phenomenon. Over and over again, the Senator has proved that he is a staunch advocacy of ‘People Democracy’ through the equitable distribution of public resources.

“Today’s occasion is a very befitting one for Abia Central,” an Abia statesman and Chairman of the Day, Chief Chukwu Nwachukwu, said during his speech. “The zone has had so many people in position of power but Ochendo is a very rare one. There is no vacancy in Abia Central come 2019.”

Several youth groups were equally on hand to cheer Orji on the day. The General Commander of Otakwe Youth Initiative, Tony Otuonye described Orji as a “credible candidate” who keeps to his words. “He is a man with a robust personality,” he said. “He knows that politics is not a one man show and he is performing in the Senate. So if PDP refuses to give him ticket to run for the Senate in 2019, we will protest by supporting another party.”

Another youth group leader who spoke to THISDAY was the Coordinator of Concerned Abia Youths for Good Governance (CAYGG), Ikechukwu Okoronka, who could not contain his joy while being interviewed. “We are happy, that’s why we are here, he said. “We appreciate his youth empowerment and community development programmes which has benefited a lot of our members. We have never had it so good.”

30/ NEWS

23.02.2018

Church Celebrates Visually Impaired Lawyer Mary Ekah It was a moment of joy and excitement as members of the Praise Arena-Kingdom Light Christian Centre celebrated the graduation ceremony of Barrister Adesola Ajayi, a visually impaired Attorney of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was one of the beneficiaries of the scholarship programme of the church for vulnerable and less privileged people in the society.

Ajayi is one of the visually impaired lawyers who graduated from Law School last year December. He is also one of the five students under the educational support programme for the physically challenged and vulnerable students of the church.

Ajayi, who was elated at the thanksgiving service, recalled how he became blind. He said: "When l left Lagos to my home town in Ijebu-Ife in 1996, I was sighted but l became blind within three days in Ijebu-Ife after experiencing pain in my eyes and that led to a dramatic change in his life.”

He noted that life was unbearable as having to cope with his new condition then was very difficult. “But I am very hopeful and optimistic about life in spite of the odds

Pastor Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju, Barrister Adesola Ajayi and Fummilayo AdetoyeseOlagunju at the event

around me,” he said.

He narrated how he met the Pastor Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju, the Senior Pastor of the church. He said: “Radio was my companion and I heard him preach on his regular Kingdom Life Family programme on Eko FM and I called his number and narrated my story to him and he requested to see me and he came to my rescue at a crucial time in my life.”

He noted that Olagunju paid “my way

through primary and secondary school and supported me greatly during my Law School programme in a way that amazed me.

"I was in Primary six when my eyes went bad and it was very difficult for me to cope in school and I had to seek for help and help came. God gave me divine wisdom when initially, reading with braille proved difficult but today all is history,” he said.

On the reason for reading Law, he said "l want to be a voice for the voiceless, defenceless and the vulnerable people in the society.”

He asserted that there are millions of visually impaired persons in Nigeria who need support and policy framework that would include them in governance.

“I have discovered that across all sector of our national life which include: transportation, housing, environment, education; visually impaired persons go through harrowing experiences that need urgent attention,” he said.

While he commended the Lagos State Government for enacting a Lagos State “Special People’s Law” in 2011 aimed at protecting the right of people living with disabilities, he noted that the enforcement of the law is poor.

Forever Recognises Business Owners at Lagos Success Day As the management of Forever Living Products Nigeria continues to make waves, sourcing business owners from the youth of society, it uses platforms like the Lagos Success Day, for the impact. It was a platform that provided opportunities to bring joy to beneficiaries of earned incentives based on company approved plan.

Announcements of move-ups, recognitions and decorations were made. Those business owners who have qualified for cars incentives tagged “Forever2Drive” received them at the events. Again, there were trainings and unveiling of new products.

The venue for the event was jam packed, not only by Forever Business Owners, many of whom had come with their teams but also by others who had come to hear about the products they had used or would want to participate in the greatest money making business of this generation.

This is heralding the landmark Forever 40 Years Anniversary of Forever Living Products International, #FGR18 (Forever Comes Home), holding in Dallas, Texas, USA, 22 - 30 April, 2018 and another, #EMR18 (Forever Comes Home) Eagle Manager Retreat, Phoenix, October 07 – 13, 2018.

Speaking after the event in Lagos, Africa's First Double Diamond Manager, Mr. John Ekperigin, commended the organisers, particularly the Country Sales Manager,

L-R: Justina Ekperigin, Daniel Ikechukwu, John Ekperigin, Oma Attah, Cynthia Uchaguwa, Clement Idigo and Jean-Baptiste Amichia, at the event

Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu, whom he described as a young man who is full of energy and ideas. According to him, “Daniel is intelligent, focused and a businessman to the core.”

Ekperigin described the last Lagos Success Day, as one of the best organised events he had witnessed since joining the company.

“Forever Nigeria has done so much for this country in its 18 years. Nigerians are hardworking people, yet in all their struggles, they are never well compensated; however in Forever, you know what you are worth, people are compensated. The young, middle aged and old people who do the business are celebrated and their successes recognised and acknowledged

for all to see. Business Owners work hard every day and this reflects in their monthly income which sometimes runs into millions of Naira.

“As we speak, I am driving my fifth brand new car – a Toyota Hilux, courtesy of Forever Living Products. We usually get some of the best cars around. This incentive is not only for people like me, they are for all FBOs who qualify. Today, I have more than 350 Forever Business Owners, from my team who have benefited from the Car Incentives. Few weeks from now, our people are going on an all-expenses paid trip to Dallas, Texas, USA, to celebrate 40 years of Forever International.

JSAID Graduates 11 Interior Decorators To grow the interior design industry, the first and only approved school in interior decoration in Africa, Jenniez School of African Interior Design (JSAID) has recently graduated 11 students into the labour market.

At the event in Lagos, the school’s Provost, Mrs. Jenifer Chukwujekwe, expressed her joy at the first set of students of the school since its establishment two years ago.

“I’m excited, it’s fulfilling, because when I started I had to consult people and it was like a struggle. But now they have been able to embrace us. And very soon we will be engaging the government to scrap those who feel they are teaching what is not,” she said.

Stating the difference between interior decoration and design, Chukwujekwe explained that interior design is more like an architectural work which deals with aesthetic and structure and will take four years to complete the course, while interior decoration is only focusing with aesthetic and not structure.

She said: “Our vision is to breach the gap in interior decoration education in Nigeria and to produce successful design entrepreneurs.

We are certified by the International Interiors Florida which other schools don’t have and other interior design schools are claiming to

Povost of JSAID, Mrs. Jenifer Chukwujekwe (middle) and IDAN president, Mrs. Titi Ogufere, with graduating students

teach interior design but they are teaching something else. We teach interior decoration which is something that can be taught in three months but for interior design, it’s something that will take you four years to acquire a BSc. “There is no school in Nigeria that offer interior design, so those who claim they are an interior designer, they are not if they school in Nigeria. We are trying to bridge the gap by doing short courses but we are not calling it what it’s not.

“We have other interior designs companies in Nigeria and because they have the money

to open a showroom and they have been there for year, so they feel they can just establish a school and teach what it’s not.

There is a clear difference between interior design and decoration. They tell people they can become an interior designer in three months which it’s impossible.”

One of the graduates, Mr. Muhammed Abdul Rahman, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, who bagged the most dedicated student award, acknowledged that interior decoration is a creative and lucrative business that delivers Nigerian youths from unemployment.

AACSB Celebrates LBS’ Orajiaka as Dean Gets International Appointment The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education network, has celebrated Lagos Business School’s alumnus, Mr. Paul Orajiaka on the positive impact business school graduates are making in communities around the globe as part of the 2018 Influential Leaders Challenge.

Orajiaka Orajiaka who is of the Advanced Management Programme 20 and the Executive MBA 14, was recognised at AACSB’s 2018 Deans Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He was among a group of 29 business pioneers from 13 industry sectors, whose careers are addressing today’s most pressing social, economic, environmental, and educational challenges.

He was nominated by Lagos Business School and was honoured for his passion for social entrepreneurship.

Orajiaka’s organization, Auldon Toys, launched the Culture vision to find and implement solutions to social, cultural and environmental issues facing the Nigerian child – as these are the class of people his toys business caters for.

Orajiaka and his peers in the 2018 Influential Leaders class were recognised across three categories, namely: Alumni Business Leaders Working in Nonprofit or Community-Based Organisations - Leaders serving nonprofit and community-based organisations are making game-changing impacts—from a local level to a global reach—creating a better society for us all. With initiatives that include navigating the Hurricane Harvey crisis, transforming the lives of more than 150 million children around the world annually, and combating the root causes of poverty, AACSB graduates demonstrate that some of the world’s most impactful work occurs within smaller-sector opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Dean of LBS, Dr. Enase Okonedo, has been appointed Secretary-Treasurer for The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. She was elected to the board in 2015, and her new position became effective February 6th, 2018.

Okonedo is an accomplished professional with more than 30 years' experience in the financial services and business education sector, and has held several leadership positions at LBS, including that of the EMBA director, academic director, and deputy dean of academics.

In recognition of her exemplary leadership and contributions to the Nigerian education sector she was conferred as a fellow of the Society of Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN).

She is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), and a fellow of the International Academy of Management (IAM). Okonedo also served as a chairperson and member of the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) Board of Directors and is the president of AIFA Reading Society in Nigeria.

Villa d’ Crystal Montessori School Shows Love to the Less-privileged As part of efforts to show the importance of love, Villa d’ Crystal Montessori school has provided gift items to less-privileged Nigerians to mark this year's Valentine's Day. Speaking at the presentation, the Head of School, Mrs. Uzoma Anazodo reiterated the importance of teaching children about showing love through giving to the lessprivilege who cannot afford what others have in abundance.

The school also used the opportunity to extend arm of love to the Spinal Cord Injuries Association; presenting various gifts to them.

She said, the school is an embodiment of academic excellence that specialises in grooming the child into a total man, uncovering the potentials in the child.

Distinctively, the school has over a short period of time produced about five authors even at tender ages. "The school has a mission to produce children who are morally sound with right foundations that will produce a better society using children as a reconciling tool for families."

She however advices parents to show love through giving and should let love reflect in their lifestyles.

VilLa d' Crystal used British curriculum from preschool to primary teaching mathematics using Singaporean pedagogy and abacus which moves students beyond traditional memorisation to deep understanding of mathematics concepts.

31/ LIVING

23.02.2018

Traditional Rulers Extol Okori Monarch for Promoting Unity Members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) during a conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently showered encomiums on a prominent traditional ruler, captain of industry and philanthropist, HRH Appolus Chu, the Egbere Emere Okori 1 Eleme for promoting unity among ethnic groups in Nigeria. Writes Mary Ekah The opinion was expressed at the palace of the Egbere-Eleme Okori Eleme Kingdom in Eleme, Rivers State by traditional rulers across the nation who paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness (HRH) Appolus Chu immediately after a few days of rigorous deliberations at the 9th assembly of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held in Port Harcourt.. The traditional rulers in a show of respect expressed delight over the monarch’s deliberate effort to unite the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting monarchs, the Attah Igala, HRH Michael Idakwo, Ameh Oboni II, appreciated HRH Appolus Chu and the people of Rivers State for hosting them at a period when unity must be a shared byword.

He therefore thanked the monarch for hosting the Nigerian traditional rulers who have come from all parts of the country to discuss on how to work together for the unity and progress of Nigeria.

He said, “We have had a very exhaustive deliberation at the conference of traditional rulers and we were exhausted both physically and mentally but one of us, the Egbere Emere Okori 1 Eleme, HRH Appolus Chu, decided to give us a special treat so that we would recuperate mentally and physically. He has built our image beyond our expectations in the way and manner he has offered us this unprecedented hospitality in his newly built palace.

“For those of us who came by air and even those that came by road, from all over the country, our presence here is due to the ingenuity of one of us, the Egbere Emere Okori 1 Eleme.

So we are happy and we have decided to pay our traditional homage through our presence here wishing him more grease to his elbow and more prosperity in his kingdom so that he will continue to be a shining example to all monarchs in Nigeria and so that we would live in peace with our people just like it has been exemplified

by HRH Appolus Chu.” Idakwo, who stressed that although they were all exhausted after the long deliberation at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers but still put up the courage to pay a courtesy visit to a colleague who is naturally generous and caring, added, “Our presence here shows his popularity within our ranks. Our presence here shows the amount of respect we have for him.”

In response HRH Appolus Chu noted that coming together of the monarchs was to further cement the togetherness amongst Nigerians, build bridges amongst themselves and foster unity.

“It is good that after the meeting of the 9th general assembly of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, instead of you all zooming off to your various destinations, you decided that this journey will not be completed without pay a visit to a friend and colleague,” Chu noted.

The Egbere Emere of Okori who was extremely overjoyed for having his friends and colleagues pay him homage in his palace, said further, “My people in Okori community in Eleme here and the entire people of Rivers State are very much appreciative of your efforts in coming to my palace despite the stressful period you had earlier in the day. It is an honour.”

He said further that the essence of such visits was to create a synergy amongst themselves so that we can continue to work in oneness of mind as well as strengthen their relationships.

“It is not just about us but majorly about our people because by time, traditional rulers form alliances, our people will also benefit from it.

This so because on the long run, by our working together, our kingdom will also benefit more while various ethnic groups will co-exit peaceful as they make progress.

“When a strong relationship is established amongst the rulers, the subjects will also benefit from it wherever they find themselves. Through this alliance also, we can borrowed ideas from one another to further the development of our various communities and our nation at large.”

The HRH Appolus Chu, the Egbere-Eleme Okori Eleme Kingdom (middle) flanked by a cross section of traditional rulers from across the nation during a courtesy visit to his palace of in Eleme, Rivers State

Across section of traditional rulers in a group photo with HRH Appolus Chu

Siting on is throne, HRH Appolus Chu is flanked by the Attah Igala, HRH Michael Idakwo, Ameh Oboni II (left) and the Emir of Machina, Yobe State, HRH Alhaji Bashir Albishir Bukar (right)

Chu said that the coming together of the traditional rulers was way forward for Nigeria.

He said therefore that it gladdened his heart to have first class monarch gathered in Port Harcourt to discuss the way forward for the country.

Speaking on the theme for the 9th General Assembly tagged, ‘Community Policing as a Catalyst to Crime Prevention – The Role of Traditional Rulers’ dissected by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, HRH Appolus Chu said, “This very relevant at this time because of the security situation and crises in the nation.”

“Community policing is very significant to ensuring security in the nation because every traditional rulers knows basically everybody in his community. So right now we have been given

the responsibility to go back to the grassroots and call everyone to order because when every community is in order, the entire country will be at peace. It is now left for all traditional rulers in their various capacities to focus on their primary duties. It is about time for use all to know our roles and responsibilities in this country”, Chu added.

The underlying factor in the IGP’s address was the need for a well-founded synergy between the police and the traditional rulers for effective policing. Chu therefore stressed further that to rise above ethnicity; religion and sentiments, the traditional leadership was the only institution that Nigerians can look up to for solution to the deteriorating security situation in the country.

The Egbere Emere Okori 1 Eelme is not just a king but a traditional ruler per excellence,

a devoted Christian, a philanthropist, captain of industry, prolific writer. He quickly spoke on his new book titled, ‘The Character of a King’, which was also presented to the public during the conference of the traditional rulers.

He said the book talks about the character that is expected of a king; the qualities of a king and his influence.

“The king and his subject are the two characters in a community, so what are the things that the king is expected to do so that the subjects will respect and value him as well as and take instructions from him, so that he will continue to earn the loyalty of the subjects. The king has to live a moral life that will attract respect from the subjects. When the subjects respect the king, his leadership will grow. So the book shows important roles of in the lives of every member of the community. It advocates leadership qualities for kings, to add value to the lives of their people,” Chu noted.

Also commending HRH Appolus Chu for his ingenuity was the First Class Emir of Misau, Bauchi State, Ahmed Suleiman, who said, “We would like to express our profound gratitude to almighty God. We pray that God will keep us together for long so that our people will understand what we cherish, which is one Nigeria.

For HRH Appolus Chu, I will say thank you very much for your hospitality and efforts for uniting Nigeria.”

The Emir of Machina, Yobe State, HRH Alhaji Bashir Albishir Bukar on his part, said, “The fact that he has brought us here, shows that he is the man of the people. We pray that almighty God will help us to continue to strengthen this relationship and we pray that Eleme will continue prosper.”

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and chairman of NCTRN who had earlier expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers State for hosting the monarchs who travelled from various part of the country to Port Harcourt for 9th General Assembly of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria and for giving them the kind of first class hospitality they can find anywhere in the world, noted that the meeting would not have been held at a better time than now as they all were aware of the very serious challenge of insecurity issues presently across the length and breadth of the country, which have resulted in massacre of innocent people in various parts of the country.

“We in this assembly expressed our condolence to families of the bereaved because we believe that life is sacred and one life lost means a lot to us. We therefore request that government at all levels should rise up to their responsibilities of providing security for life and property of people across the nation.”

The Sultan noted further that, “Our coming together here is very important because it at least shows that we are still one united Nigeria and nothing will separate us. So let’s close ranks and come closer to each other so that we would uphold this country as we do not have any other. We all know that things are not well in the country and this is the time for statesmen to take up the issues at hand.”

Speaking on the theme of the NCTRN conference, he said, “The theme of this conference is very apt and we should realise that we are partners in progress for development. We are ready to help our government officials for free of charge to ensure that solution is provided to the insecurity issues in the nation. Enough is enough of these senseless killings in the name of religion and ethnicity. We all know that as Christians and Muslims, no religion allows anyone to take one single life unjustly.”

He therefore used the forum to call on government at all levels, especially the federal government to institute a very high power enquiries into all these killings across the country, adding, “and whoever has a hand in killing one innocent person, even if it’s me, should be brought to book.”

32 / XTRA

23.02.2018

CBN Africa Donates Palm Oil and Cassava Processing Mill to Oyo Community Solomon Elusoji A leading Christian organisation, The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Africa, with a grant from the Japanese Embassy, has donated a Palm Oil and Cassava processing mill to Adetoyebi-Ajibode Community, Akinyele Local Government Area in Oyo State.

According to a release from CBN, the humanitarian project is being carried out for the benefit of Ife Oluwa Farmers’ Cooperative of Adetoyebi-Ajibode community which will operate and maintain the facility.

The project which was funded with a grant from the Japanese Government, through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Projects (GGP) of the Japanese Embassy in Abuja, is a palm fruit (palm oil and palm kernel oil) and garri processing facility.

“This is our contribution towards the attainment of the United Nation’s first, second, and the 17th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Partnerships, and the federal government’s drive to boost local agricultural food processing,” the CBN Africa release said.

“CBN Africa constructed and equipped this facility with machinery for the processing of these vital commodities that will no doubt

contribute in no small measure in meeting the aforementioned goals and also help to transform the Adetoyebi-Ajibode community from a purely farming community to an agricultural processing community. By extension this will improve the wealth of the Cooperative members in particular and the community at large.”

The project, according to CBN Africa, is expected to benefit at least 150 local farmers as well as other farmers within Akinyele Local Government by making it easier to process garri from cassava and palm oil/palm kernel oil from the palm fruit plantations in the community.

CBN Africa also “commends the good people of Japan through their Embassy in Nigeria for partnering with us to partner with Ifeoluwa Farmers’ Cooperative to bring this project to fruition,” the statement added. “We are confident that this project will go a long way in alleviating poverty and helping to boost agricultural production in Nigeria.”

Present at the inauguration of the facility was His Excellency, the Japanese Ambassador in Nigeria, represented by his Special Adviser, Mr. Tatsuya Imamura and a Regional Director at CBN Africa, Dr. Felix Oisamoje.

Officials during the mill's inauguration

Still Single in GIDI Back on Stage for Lagos Theatre Festival 2018 S & S Creative Media Company says is proud to announce the return of its hit stage play Still Single in GIDI coming up on the 2nd and 3rd of March 2018 at the Agip Hall of Muson Centre as part of the 2018 edition of the Lagos Theatre Festival brought by the British Council.

Still Single in GIDI which is a stage play based off the blog Singleingidi.com was created by Sheila Ojei as a safe space for singles in Lagos to share their experiences of being single.

Described as relatable and thought provoking, with a healthy dose of comedy that is sure to thoroughly entertain, the Co-Writer and Director, Shirley Urhobo-Enebong said, “We are pushing the envelope this year and taking on issues we don't really talk about.”

The play is heavily inspired by pop culture and

current trends presented in a contemporary theatre style with witty dialogue, insightful monologues and music/poetry intervals. These monologues are drawn from true life experiences and topics discussed on the blog by contributors. Some of the topics covered are body shaming, skin bleaching, Yoruba demon/runs girl stereotype and many more.

Still Single in GIDI is centered on the lives of nine characters, their experience being single and how it shapes their perspectives on marriage and relationships. The play doesn’t shy away from the real issues and experiences that singles and married alike can relate to no matter the age or circumstance. Still Single in GIDI highlights the varying perspectives delivered thorough skilled writing and passionate performances by talented actors.

The show is produced by S & S Creative Media Company, a creative content company with a unique flair for exquisite storytelling. Written

by Shirley Urhobo-Enebong and Sheila Ojei, this edition of Still Single in Gidi is directed

by Shirley Urhobo-Enebong and features Rita Edward, Timi-Charles-Fadipe, Charles Etubiebi, Goodness Emmanuel, Seun Kentebe, Austine Stynno Onuoha, Theodora Onoapoi, Honey Bamiro and Maryann Ivy A very successful first edition of the play was held on the 3rd and 4th of March 2017, at the AGIP Hall of Muson Centre as part of the Lagos Theatre Festival 2017 organised by The British council.

Tickets can be purchased via the company website, www.sandscreative.com, www.afritickets.com.

Buhari

Trader Wins Brand New Car in DiamondXtra Season 9 Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia It was a pleasant surprise for a trader, Raphael Ogugua, 30, as he received the keys of a brand new Hyundai Accent saloon car at the Diamond Bank main branch Umuahia, Abia State on February 16, 2018. Mother luck had smiled on him in the South-east draw of the Season 9 of the ongoing DiamondXtra promotion for account holders of the bank. The lucky winner from Isuikwuato received the car keys from the bank’s regional manager, South-east, Mr. Nkem Okoro at the presentation ceremony. After having a feel of the new car as he sat on the driver’s seat Ogugua was in cloud seven.

He came out of the car and exclaimed: “It is real; it is real. I am the owner of a car.”He then sprawled on the bonnet of the glittering car still shouting in excitement. Ogugua, who had not owned a car before, said that when he got the first call informing him that he had won a car last December he dismissed it as one of those scam messages. However, he said that when another call came three days later the truth sank in as the caller congratulated him for wining a car in the DiamondXtra promo Season 9.

Ogugua told THIDAY that he had opened the

DiamondXtra account at the Umuahia main branch in 2008, adding that it never crossed his mind that he was on his way to becoming the owner of a brand new car. Though he had relocated to Makurdi in Benue State where he is selling beddings the lucky winner nonetheless came down to receive his prize at the bank branch where his account is domiciled. His family members were with him to share in his joy.

The regional manager, Okoro, said that the prize presentation ceremony was a proof that “seeing is believing “since some people were still skeptical about the prizes that winners get in the DiamondXtra promotion. He insisted that the bank was sincere in the promotion targeted at improving the lives of its customers. “We as a bank care our customers. We are here to help, to make meaningful impact on the lives of our customers,” he said.

Director of mass marketing, Mr. Osita Ede said that every DiamondXtra account holder has every chance of winning any of the prizes by maintaining a minimum of N5, 000 in their account. “It’s a game of chance,” he said, explaining that a customer having N20, 000 could emerge winner ahead of another with N20 million in his account. He said that in the promo a car is won every quarter while other prizes include a million

The winner of the car prize, Raphael Ogugua receiving the car keys from Diamond Bank Regional manager (Southeast), Mr. Nkem Okoro

naira each for six winners, education grant, rent grant and the grand prize of N100,000 ‘salary for life’ payable to the winner every month for

a duration of 20 years. An account holder from the Umuahia main branch is currently enjoying this enviable prize.

2019 Presidency: Group Stages Rally in Warri for Governor Okorocha Vows to take campaign to other states

As the political intrigues develop ahead of the 2019 Presidential election, a new group, Intelligent Movement Forum for Rochas (IMFR) which has over 5,000 members on Wednesday February 14, staged a rally across major streets in the oil city of Warri, Delta State, calling on the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to run for

the 2019 Presidency.

Members of IMFR led by its President, Olodia Orevaoghene, matched round major streets of Warri such as Odibo, Deco, Hausa Quarters, Warri Sapele Road, Okere Road, Ginuwa and Ometan, singing as well as dancing in solidarity for the Imo State governor

who has publicly declared that only President Buhari’s return bid in 2019 could delay his presidential ambition.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the two-hour rally, the IMFR President, Olodia Orevaoghene said that the campaign would be extended to other parts of the country, starting from neighbouring

Edo, Bayelsa and Anambra states.

Speaking further, Orevaoghene hinted that the group will extend its dragnet to co-opt more members, adding that his vision for Rochas’ presidency was nurtured a couple of years ago as a result of the vibrancy, intelligence and young age of the two-time Imo State governor.

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23.02.2018

Green Valentine: Sahara Group Lends Voice to Climate Action Ayodeji Ake The staff at African leading energy conglomerate, Sahara Group, did their bit for the climate change conversation on Wednesday, February 14, 2018.

The international energy and infrastructure giant decided to put an eco-conscious spin on the globally celebrated day of lovers by asking its workforce across 15 countries to #GoGreenforValentine.

Head of Corporate Communications, Bethel Obioma, said “At Sahara, we believe our love for the planet comes first and foremost. Our planet is the source of all life and livelihoods, so we thought we would use our people to highlight the subject of climate change this year.”

The internal communications campaign was hugely successful which was very gratifying to the team which incubated the idea. Staffers relished the autonomy of coming to work on a Wednesday in whichever dress code they chose, albeit with at least a touch of green. The result was a variety of shades and expressions of green, all for the love of the planet we call home.

Whilst staffers were treated to the usual Valentines customs of sweet confections and heart shaped motifs, there were tree planting activities, talks on climate action and the special appearance of a green painted acrobat on stilts, clad in a an eco-friendly t-shirt at the company’s Ikoyi, Lagos office. “My Love for earth is evergreen,” was the big message emblazoned on the t-shirt.

Everything glistened in green from the icing on the cakes to the balloons that filled the front rooms of the company’s many offices.

It wasn’t all games and gaiety on the day.

Underpinning #GoGreenforValentine is Sahara Group’s commitment to the UN-led mandate to deliver on Climate Action, SDG No. 13 by 2030.

Climate action essentially requires activating the forces that are needed to combat climate change. It is a clarion call to the public and private sectors as well as civic society to play a palpable, constructive role in keeping the planet clean and healthy.

Initiating and sustaining conversations on climate change is crucial to the realisation of the mandate which is why Sahara Group has leveraged on its presence in 15 countries across four continents to amplify the need for consciousness and activism in our natural environment.

“At least two of the countries in which we

Sahara workforce go green for Valentine

operate are in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) top 20 list of the world’s most environmentally friendly countries. Singapore and Switzerland are at numbers 14 and 16 respectively. But we cannot ignore the fact that there is a need to push for climate action in all the territories in which we operate. All

of the SDG mandates are very personal to us.

We feel we have duty of care, and a need to reinforce these messages through all available platforms consistently,“ Obioma stated.

What made the campaign all the more remarkable was not just the bold and striking colour of the day but the enthusiasm with

which people embraced the cause itself. It is quite possible that many in the organisation are beginning to view their natural environments via a green tinted lens.

Seyi Williams, a member of the Strategy department said “Living in a fast moving city like Lagos, it’s difficult to actually take time to think about what one can do to better the environment. Apparently there’s so much I can do in my little sphere of influence. I will certainly be walking to the office a lot more frequently instead of taking my car.”

Across the pond in Geneva, office manager Alina Spada, who was responsible for organising all activities in the build up to the event said “We got so excited and I discovered that so many of my colleagues are closet eco-warriors. I’m a vegan and it was so refreshing to discover others who shared my belief that veganism is good for the planet.

It contributes towards reduction in water usage and carbon emissions.”

The #GoGreenforValentine campaign was a good opportunity to break down the ‘hows?’ and ‘whys?’ to those who might be skeptical about such theories. ” In the spirit of consistency, the group is scaling its efforts to bring attention to the subject of climate change with a photography contest titled #TheGreenestLoveofAll- an Instagram-based competition via which Sahara’s strong social media following is encouraged to submit photos which capture the most striking images of their natural environment with mobile phones.

Obioma continued by saying “Again it’s all about sustaining the conversation. Why stop on Valentine’s Day or wait till Earth Day in April? Climate action should be important to all of us every waking day. #The GreenestLoveof All is designed to help achieve this.”

The organisation is currently negotiating a number of renewable energy projects which should lessen the dependency on fossil fuels and the many polluting effects that result from its continued use throughout the world.

A closing statement from the group’s communication team read: “The ‘Green’ themes we introduced early in February have been some of our most rewarding so far. It is an affirmation of our commitment as strategic partners for the realisation of the SDGs. It has been immensely gratifying to see the enthusiasm with which these campaigns were greeted by all our staff across the globe. We fully intend to sustain the momentum.”

2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Foundation Awards Scholarships Peace Obi In commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Charles Bebeye Ndiomu Foundation has awarded scholarships to 22 children of some of the deceased rank and file of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The Trustee Manager to the Foundation, Vetiva Trustees Limited, in a statement by its representative, Theresa Orji, announcing this year’s awardees, stated that “this year

marks the 5th edition of the Awards which was established in 2014 to ensure the children of our nation’s fallen heroes have access to education.” Adding that since its establishment, the number of awardees of the scholarship has grown steadily.

The Foundation did not fail to extend its appreciation to the Nigerian Armed Forces for its continued co-operation and assistance in the dissemination of information as well as the collation and verification of the recipients. Orji

expressed the Foundation’s profound gratitude to the various Divisions of the Armed Forces involved in ensuring that the Foundation’s objective for the Awards is achieved from year to year.

As with previous awards, recipients of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Scholarship awards hail from different states of the federation, with 16 out of 22 scholarships given out to new scholars and the rest to returning scholars.

The Charles Bebeye Ndiomu Foundation was launched in 2013 to immortalise Major-General Charles Bebeye Ndiomu (CFR, FSS, MNI), who apart from being a military top-brass was a silent philanthropist with a passion for education and religious causes. The Foundation’s mission amongst others, is ensuring access to quality education for all in an environment where international best practice is standard - an ideal for which Major-General Ndiomu stood for during his lifetime.

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23.02.2018

Special Arts Exhibition for Kolade Oshinowo at 70 Yinka Olatunbosun A special arts exhibition has been instituted in Lagos to celebrate the 70th birthday of the legendary painter and art educator, Kolade Oshinowo. The exhibition which opens on Friday 23rd February will run till March 22.

Organised by the School of Art, Design and Painting, Yaba College of Technology, the show is part of the series of activities that are dedicated to the legacies of Oshinowo in the art world. As revealed by the Chairman of the Oshinowo at 70 Committee, Mr. Pius Ejialamien, the show will serve as a platform for young and old artists to showcase their works.

“In the School of Art, we have many great men and women who have contributed to the arts. Some of our retired artists and colleagues

will join us from graphics and fine art,’’ he said.

The annual exhibition titled, ‘Forms and Colours’ had been rebranded as ‘Tribute to Kolade Oshinowo at 70’ to reawakening the creative energy that the college had been known for over the decades.

The works to be featured at the show will include art forms in avant-garde, abstract realism and other art movements.

The show had been preceeded by a massive live painting of Oshinowo by a cross-generation of artists who converged on the last floor of the College of Art, Design and Painting two days after the 70th birthday of the art scholar.

The live painting was coordinated by the artist, Olu Ajayi, the founder of the Living Legend Series, an initiative aimed at visual documentation of iconic figures. The Living Legend Series has honoured Prof. Wole Soyinka, Former Head of

State, Yakubu Gowon, amongst others.

In attendance during the live painting was the Deputy Registrar, Yaba College of Technology. Dr. Emmanuel Akinwale, who described Oshinowo as “an icon of the art world’’ and “a model of transparency’’.

The live painting drew participants from the arts community. It was interesting to see a collage of students who have distinguished themselves, working side by side with veteran artists such as Duke Asidere, Ibe Ananaba, Olu Ajayi, Lekan Ogunbanjo, Segun Adejumo amongst others sketching mostly in pencil and charcoal.

Olu Ajayi later revealed that proceeds from the works will be donated to developing the Yaba School of Art. The session ended with Oshinowo expressing gratitude to all for honouring him with their presence inspite of their busy schedules.

Oshinowo

Buhari’s Cabinet Overdue for Rejigging, says APC Chieftain Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to urgently rejig his cabinet if he was desirous of making the best of the remaining part of his tenure and fulfill his electoral promises to the people of Nigeria.

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Ambassador Chibuike Ukauwa gave the advice in a chat with journalists in Umuahia, saying that the cabinet assembled by Buhari was being bogged down by deadwoods and saboteurs.

He said that “the cabal” within the cabinet were only interested in their personal benefits and cared less about helping Mr. President to make positive impact on the lives of Nigerians hence Buhari should urgently “stop their dangerous mission of sabotaging his good works.”

Ukauwa, who is a governorship aspirant on the APC platform, insisted that there was no way President Buhari was going to end his tenure on a high note without weeding his cabinet of those who do not mean well for Nigeria, adding that the federal cabinet needed a shot of fresh

Buhari

blood to start performing well.

“As a chieftain of APC, I think Buhari is making a big mistake. I am not impressed with the way things are going under President Buhari-led federal government. I think President Buhari is on high level manipulation by a cabal in the presidency and Nigerians are expecting him to

flush out those cabals that have hijacked his government,” he said.

Describing himself as one of Buhari’s “diehard supporters” the party chieftain said that he was “not happy at the way things are going under his government”, adding that he could not understand why Mr. President appears not to be aware that “there are certain people in his cabinet who doesn't want him to succeed as president of this country.”

According to him, there are certain cabinet members in Buhari’s administration who are loyalists of past presidents hence they would be working to frustrate the good plans that Buhari has for this country.

On the recent statement issued by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo advising Buhari against going for a second term in office, Ukauwa said that the advice was misguided as Buhari deserved second term of eight years just as Obasanjo did when he occupied the presidency.

He urged Nigerians not to allow themselves “to be deceived by the antics of the ex-president who failed during his regime to fix the country

well,” adding that Obasanjo was master of grandstanding and double speak.

However the APC chieftain acknowledged that the spate of crises rocking the nation was not good testimony for the Buhari government as the crises were gradually pushing Nigeria down the road of civil war hence “something urgent should be done to save this country from crisis".

He therefore said that it has become imperative that President Buhari to bring together all ethnic nationalities in the country in order “to find ways to resolve issues bedeviling this country”.

“The federal government should wake up and take decisive action to stop these senseless killings in the country. Because the way I'm seeing things if not curtailed they may lead to ethnic war," he said.

Ukauwa stated that the time has come for Ndigbo to abandon the opposition Peoples democratic party (PDP) and embrace the ruling APC, saying that the future of Ndigbo was guaranteed in the ruling party as according to him, Nidigbo have nothing to show for their years of loyalty to PDP.

MTNF-Muson Alumni Hold Concert on Valentine Day Solomon Elusoji On a night filled with soulful ballads and scintillating dance performances, the alumni of the MTN Foundation Muson Scholarship programme enacted ‘a celebration of love’ at the Shell Recital Hall of Muson Centre in Lagos. With performances as diverse as our colourful cultural heritage, the scholars showed uncommon dexterity switching effortlessly from one musical genre to another.

From haunting renditions of Yanni’s

‘Nightingale’ and a Disney Moments’ medley performed by Irede Adegoke and Salome Nmesoma, to sing-along inspiring performances of Cobhams Asuquo’s hit song ‘Empty’, and Bobby Benson’s classic ‘Taxi Driver’, by Osewa David Olawale and Imoleayo Balogun. The evening delivered a plethora of enthralling sensory experiences.

Mrs. Marion Akpata, Director of the Muson School of Music, praised the performance saying, "We are grateful to the MTN Foundation for making this possible and are very

proud of our alumni for putting up such a beautiful show. Their achievements and creativity consistently exceed our expectations.

We look forward to watching them conquer the world and perhaps return to us to help others achieve the same dream here at the Muson School of Music.”

"It gives us great pride to partner with Muson School of Music in the pursuit of excellence.

The alumni has delivered another astounding performance, with each one exceeding the previous” said Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi;

Chairman, MTN Foundation.

The MTN Foundation has partnered with Muson since 2006 to assist brilliant talents fulfil their dreams of pursuing a career in music.

Over 300 scholars have obtained a Muson Diploma in Music through the MTNF-Muson Music Scholarship programme, and have gone on to become masters in their chosen careers.

MTN Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest provider of communications services, connecting over 53 million people in communities across the country with each other and the world.

Female Activist Sues for Peace In Niger Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri A frontline female activist, Dr. Judith Asuni has appealed to the people of Niger Delta to shun violence and continue to explore dialogue as the most dependable social instrument to redress challenges of underdevelopment in the region.

She maintained that the people of the region should not stop complaining for the development of the Niger Delta but should do such within the ambit of dialogue.

Asuni, an American by birth, Nigerian by naturalisation and a Sociologist with over 40 years experience, made the appeal in reaction to growing tension in the region over the failure of federal government to implement the 16- point demand of Pan Niger Delta's Elders Forum (PANDEF).

Speaking during a session of Niger Delta dialogue with the theme: ‘Two years on: Reflections on the past and planning for the future on the Niger Delta Dialogue’, the Executive Director of the Warri-based non-governmental organisation, Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPeaceWorks), said the region should not stop talking stressing that stakeholders must continue to dialogue until the myriad of underdevelopment in the area were redressed by the government.

She recalled that the Niger Dialogue, which started in 2016 with attendees from the circle of

Asuni

ex-militants, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other sectors in the region, gave rise to PANDEF, adding that it also made Professor Yemi Osinbajo who was acting President to visit the region to

interact with the people on the way forward.

While urging youths to shun any temptation to go the path of violence, Asuni, who was also the facilitator of the dialogue, said the region should continue to present its demands to the federal government in a peaceful way towards reaching an amicable solution.

“The Niger Delta Dialogue started in June 2016, then government was not talking on matters of the region and we asked why the government was not talking. We got government leaders and stakeholders to talk. There were 50 stakeholders.

We concentrated on the militant groups, traditional rulers, King Alfred Diete Spiff was Chairman of the group.

"Some issues discussed at our meetings include Petroleum Industry Bill, funding of the interventionist agencies, infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region, headquarters of oil companies, IDP crisis in Bakasi. The issues that affect the whole Niger Delta. We came up with suggestions and communiques at the dialogues.

"We also looked at issues requiring immediate attention like the Maritime University, invasion of Gbaramatu, body language of the federal government, surveillance contracts, outstanding debts on surveillance contracts, ceasefire , amnesty programme, engaging governors of Niger Delta, managing the key players in the conflicts ", she said

Former Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo who also spoke called on various ethnic groups in the region to, as a matter of right, demand to see the budgetary provisions for their areas noting that it was in this way development could start coming to the region.

She said the Niger Delta dialogue, had made appreciable impact in the last two years, adding that the region should begin to press for new model of development Ambassador Toyo said the amnesty program had failed to meet its expectations in the region and therefore stressed the need to redefine the model of development noting that this would be possible when stakeholders continue to dialogue.

"The existing model of development has not worked, the amnesty has not worked. By the time ethnic groups start asking questions on budgetary provisions for their areas, things will start getting better. It is your responsibility in the region to ask questions on development of Niger Delta. We have to replace the current development model with a more effective one.

“We have made a lot of progress. We will continue to talk. No option to talking. It reduces antagonism. We have to engage the process. By the time ethnic groups start asking questions on budgetary provisions for their areas things will start moving,“ she stressed.

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23.02.2018

CIN, Catalyst for Corporate Compliance With a rather poor ethics and compliance culture ravaging the land and the attendant dire consequences seen mostly in the loss of huge investment opportunities to other climes, Compliance Institute, Nigeria is stepping in as a catalyst for corporate compliance in Nigeria with the aim to change the old narrative, Ikenna Ekwerike writes Indiscipline among Nigerians may have reached an intolerable stage in the early 80s, becoming a countrywide embarrassment. The political response to this social ill then was the invocation of the war against indiscipline (WAI) policy to arrest the situation. But the extent of success which the physically coercive method attained remains a subject of intense public debate.

Be that as it may, indiscipline remains a stark reality that stares Nigerians right in the face, even today. Indiscipline is expressed in flagrant disregard for generally acceptable codes of conducts, whether written or unwritten. The danger which the culture of non-compliance portends for the individual and society at large is very grave. Many believe that indiscipline is that egg out of which corruption is hatched.

Arguably, the present government at the federal level, practically rode into power on the wings of the promise to fight corruption.

This it appears to have been seemingly pursued vigorously without a conclusive and definitive outcome resulting from this exercise.

Similarly, relevant stakeholders are not leaving anything to chance as far as this fight is concerned. One of such stakeholders spearheading the culture of compliance with a view to putting Nigeria on the global map, is the Compliance Institute, Nigeria (CIN).

Precisely, Saturday, December 9, 2017, a new crop of Nigerian professionals, armed with the compliance culture, were commissioned and charged to give a boost to the war against corruption, money laundering and terrorism financing beginning with the financial sector, by the CIN through an oath of allegiance sworn at its inaugural investiture ceremony in Lagos.

With its first ever induction and investiture ceremony for over 700 pioneer members that cut across the three membership categories of Fellow, Compliance Institute, Nigeria (FCIN), Associate, Compliance Institute, Nigeria (ACIN) and Designate Compliance Professional (DCP), CIN is set to encourage, promote and revive the consciousness for compliance within and outside the financial industry in the country.

Outside the shores of Nigeria, Nigeria and, indeed, Nigerians are perceived to be “fantastically corrupt” due to the shortage in compliance culture. Consequently, no serious-minded investor would want to commit resources into an economic environment that does not play strictly by the rules of the game.

Thus, expressing confidence that CIN was well positioned to become a major catalyst for change in the way things are done in the corporate environment, the president, CIN, Mr. Pattison Boleigha said the activities of the institute would further help to salvage the image of Nigeria abroad.

“We also intend to use this to create professionals who will help all institutions in the country to be able to come up with policies to monitor crime: to monitor money laundering, corruption and even terrorists’ financing. So, we are heading towards the right direction and we believe with these we will begin to gain more respect in the international community and open more doors for companies and industries in Nigeria who would no longer be considered as high risk as it is today,” Boleigha stated.

While the institute is currently open to those in the financial services sector alone for now, the president hinted that plans were underway to incorporate other sectors, too.

He noted that government and the public service will not be left out.

He said: “When we started we actually wanted to have a compliance institute for the entire spectrum of compliance but we needed to start somewhere so we had to start from the financial industry. Today, we have as our coverage financial institutions and the non-financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions which include lawyers, accountants, hoteliers, car dealers and so on. In the near future we intend to involve the oil and gas, the

L-R: L-R:Guest GuestSpeaker, Speaker,Mr. Mr.Abdullahi AbdullahiShehu; Shehu;Trustee, Trustee,Compliance ComplianceInstitute, Institute,Nigeria Nigeria(CIN), (CIN),Mr. Mr.Abimbola AbimbolaAdeseyoju; Adeseyoju;President, President,CIN, CIN,Mr. Mr.Pattison PattisonBoleigha; Boleigha; Chairman, Chairman,Planning Planning Committee, Committee,(CIN), (CIN),Mr. Mr.Raheem RaheemOwodeyi; Owodeyi;Registrar, Registrar,CIN, CIN, Mr. Mr.Phillips PhillipsOkoro; Okoro;and andPresident, President,Association Associationof ofChief ChiefCompliance Complianceof ofBanks Banksin inNigeria, Nigeria,Mr. Mr.Opeyemi OpeyemiRotimi Rotimi Adojutelegan, Adojutelegan,at atthe the1st 1stinvestiture investitureand andinduction inductionceremony ceremonyof ofCIN….

CIN….SUNDAY SUNDAYADIGUN ADIGUN

The ThePresident Presidentof ofCIN CIN(left), (left),Mr. Mr.Pattison PattisonBoleigha, Boleigha,presents presentsCIN CINprofessional professionalcertificate certificateto toMr. Mr.Abimbola AbimbolaAdeseyoju Adeseyoju Adeseyoju Adeseyoju

telecoms, manufacturing, food and beverages, medicine, aviation and all the rest because compliance is everywhere and compliance is needed everywhere.”

In an investiture lecture, former director general, Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, Prof.

Shehu Abdullahi, said the appointment of a Compliance Officer in any financial institution is a mandatory regulatory requirement, as well as a requirement of international standards.

Speaking on, ‘The Role of the Compliance Officer in Achieving Business Sustainability’ Abdullahi said “within every financial institution, the Compliance officer plays critical roles, including ensuring that the organisation has

systems of internal control that adequately measure and manage the risks that it faces, and providing an in-house compliance service that effectively supports business areas in their duty to comply with relevant laws, regulations, internal procedures and international standards.”

He, however, highlighted that “for the compliance function to achieve its objectives it should be independent and sufficiently resourced; its responsibilities should be clearly specified, and its activities should be subject to periodic and independent review by the internal audit function.”

He warned that an efficient and effective compliance function is not achievable without

the right Compliance Officer who would ensure that the organisation is conducting its business in full compliance with all national laws and regulations and international standards.

Their preparedness to champion compliance culture could never have been in the least doubt. Dressed, mostly, in black corporate dresses and suits with white inner shirts and suitable tie designs and colours to match, for the men, members filed out gracefully, to take oaths of allegiance to the noble institute; to drive compliance.

Barr. Obot Udofia Akpan, a Fellow, CIN, who accepted the responsibility, on behalf of other inductees, said for professional compliance officers, there would never be the fear of unemployment provided they lived up to public expectation in the discharge of their duties. He advised they avoided every act capable of running down the reputation of the young institute.

Similarly, Mrs. Isioma Gogo-Anazodo, a member of the board of trustees (BOT), visibly overwhelmed with joy at the successes the institute had recorded, charged the members not to relent in their efforts to bring about a new Nigeria where discipline and ethics would be the watch words.

On the heels of its inaugural investiture and induction ceremony, which members adjudged to be successful, it held, by the side-lines, its election of new board members at its first annual general meeting, same week.

From that meeting, the following individuals emerged as members, BOT, CIN, to pilot the affairs of the institute for the next two years: Pattison Boleigha was elected President of the Institute, Aminu Buhari Isah as Vice President, Raheem Owodeyi as Treasurer and Abimbola Adeseyoju as Publicity Secretary.

Three other Trustees were elected into the board namely: Mrs Isioma Gogo-Anazodo, Mr. Rotimi Omotayo and Mrs. Oluyemisi Olukoya.

In all, 615 Professional Members, 42 Associate and 69 Fellows were inducted into the Institute.

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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38/OPINION

23.02.2018

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS!

adeola.akinremi@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0811 675 9785

As APC Waits for Godot, Tinubu Can Only Go So Far The All Progressives Congress is like a pot on a pressure cooker. It is in an uneasy state.

It is clear to see why. These days, the party has been on the defensive in terms of its governance—not a good omen for its future.

The founding fathers are equally divided along the old order of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) ideologies. It is typical to see APC’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the company of former chairman of ACN, Chief Bisi Akande, just as you will see President Muhammadu Buhari in the embrace of his old ally from the CPC and governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai.

Yes, APC is in shreds, but not on the surface.

Its bedraggled look is what lies beneath. At formation, the APC didn’t have membership of its own, sufficient enough to win national vote to form a government. A band of frustrated politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and millions of infuriated Nigerians with no party affiliation, who believed party oscillation will transform our politics made Tinubu APC what it has become: the ruling party.

Sadly, the way APC emerged has become its albatross. The party seriously needs a fixer to nutrition crisis is festering in several states put it together, at least for the 2019 elections. and powerful players are now waiting for The exacting task is now the burden of the Tinubu to provide that carrot. But one carrot former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola is not sufficient to bring needed nutrition to Tinubu—the man who was influential in the the APC. Starvation takes time to overcome amalgamation of the Action Congress of Nigeria and that is my message.

The other part is that the situation of APC (ACN) and Congress for Progressive Change looks like a 1968 play by Ola Rotimi, The gods (CPC) to create the APC. Undoubtedly, Mr. Tinubu has everything on are not to blame. In the famed play turned into his sleeve to unite the APC. He’s a founding novel, an important character, King Odewale, father of the party, former governor, senator was the source of the suffering of the people and one of the few politicians to be honoured of his kingdom, yet he refused to accept.

Now, let’s call APC a kingdom. In this with chieftaincy titles by Northerners and kingdom populated by the ‘progressives’, the Southerners together.

Highly regarded for his forward-looking paramount ruler is the source of the problem of politics, Tinubu is a political celebrity with the kingdom. The inconsistency in his response collegial leadership, who has unhindered move- to issues brought to his notice by the subjects. ment in South-west politics. And though he His alienation style and his creation of loyal has been accused of imposition of candidates chiefs from one state to another have influenced during party primaries, most people have come the direction of the kingdom negatively and to agree with his style, because of performance have not only turned him to memes in the eyes of people, but even his kingdom has by his ‘imposed’ candidates.

Perhaps the most important talent Tinubu become a subject of national abuse.

In plain words, the APC may struggle through possesses in this task is his ability to form a circle out of any shape. The deftness of reconciliation despite Tinubu’s efforts.

In one example, what happened in Kaduna his politics, oratory power and charisma that make him a frontline politician for nearly three this week is a good way to look at the crisis. decades will surely make Tinubu’s effort to The governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, reconcile the rancorous APC members in has been in a long-haul battle for the control of the state as he faces opposition from nowhere different states an easy stride.

But it will be hard for Tinubu to secure else other than influential members of his own the fidelity of the APC powerful players and party— Suleiman Hukunyi, senator representing Kaduna North and Senator Shehu Sani, from increase their zeal at this short time.

The situation in APC is known to everyone. Kaduna Central.

Multiple times, el-Rufai has been suspended In one part it is like Samuel Beckett’s play, Waiting for Godot, which provides several by one faction and multiple times his suspension interesting insights into the way things are has been overturned by another faction. The in the ruling party. For this article, I will pick arrogance of power known with el-Rufai is the starvation part between two interesting worsening the situation and the greed common personalities that opened the play—Vladimir with politician is at play in Kaduna. What and Estragon. In the play, the two characters will Tinubu do?

To be sure, Sani has said “It is going to be are seen waiting for an unspecified person named Godot, who will never come. Let’s a tragedy if he (Tinubu) fails. This is what I take Estragon for an infant who needs nutri- know and I can speak in parables.”

Sani has equated the kind of reconciliation tion to be provided by a mother—Vladimir.

Estragon is wearied, hungry and in bad needed in Kaduna to building bridge over shape. The responsibility is on Vladimir an ocean—the task is going to be arduous to provide food, but she offered bad food for Tinubu.

“Right now, the party is already divided in (Turnip) first, before bringing out the good food (carrot). Obviously, Vladimir herself is Kaduna and it is for the national secretariat to depleted of nutritious food and has little to note this and we have said it in clear terms. offer to save Estragon. The way out for them The problem has defied solution for two years, is to wait for Godot as a mother to provide but we believe that Asiwaju can do a lot of food, protection, and recognition generated reconciliation. We hope that he will be able by love for both of them. There is a sense to achieve a lot, because if he fails, it is going that the Godot is forever destined to provide to be doom for the party,” Sani said.

If you ask me, the power players in Kaduna them with nurturing to become what they should be. In the end, there is no Godot as are full of ego and I do not see any genuine the emissary came the second time to say peace deal before the elections.

I agree that APC still has a path to victory, “Godot is not coming tonight.”

The APC has been starved as a baby but the duel in Ogun, Kogi and Ekiti States, and it has affected its growth. The party’s where Tinubu loyalists are feeling frightened,

because Buhari/Oyegun’s men are controlling the party may be places, where the mediator (Tinubu) will find hard nut to crack.

And this, the headlines out of the Oyo State chapter of APC portend a bad omen for Buhari’s game plan. The Cable’s recent headline says, “Shittu writes Buhari, accuses Ajimobi of nepotism, dividing APC in Oyo. The Nation says, “2019: Ajimobi, Shittu tear Oyo APC apart.” What will Tinubu do in Oyo, where Shittu is tied to Buhari’s apron and Ajimobi is Tinubu’s beneficiary?

Of course, the whole of Middle Belt may be in the play during presidential election, not just because duel exists among party faithful, but how do you get rid of the sentiments they now hold against this government of being insensitive to their cries?

In Kano State, where APC is finding a peace deal, there may be none, because the face-off between former governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his successor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has reached a dead-end.

Now, using his position as the head of the National Assembly, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has built his own cult out of APC. Saraki, a highly ambitious man is only waiting in the wing to unleash the dragon. He has suffered humiliation, even in the hands of Tinubu, when he decided to go against the party position over who holds the gavel at the Senate. What will Tinubu do?

Like other two peace-deal committees before him, my natural instinct tells me Tinubu is only on a fact finding mission and not on a journey of reconciliation as APC wants us to believe. But the journey is well-suited for a man, who created political change that was hijacked from him. At the end he will write a report that will not be implemented by the very man who sends him on a wild-goose chase just for a political set up.

But as precarious as the moment feels for the APC, I do not think the party will lose its grip on the centre no thanks to PDP’s poor political strategy for a comeback.

The PDP continues to have its elected representatives in the National Assembly depleted by defection. The party has not yet found either a serious candidate or pure leader. Its message is equally poorly crafted with no particular appeal. Yes, PDP is not taking the advantage. Its drivers are officially blind to see a clear path to destination and evidently dump to speak to excite Nigerians about 2019. Wait, things can change for both parties, if APC finds presidential candidate other than Buhari or PDP can nominate the best man for the job. Let’s see what happens after the primaries of both parties, when the race hots up.

Side Effects…

UBA’S UPWARD SWING

T h e r e ’ s something about the United Bank for Africa that every business and organisation s h o u l d imitate. It is the way this pan-African financial institution hankers after innovative ways to make banking services attractive for its customers on one hand and work place alluring for its staff on the other hand. The recent introduction of contactless payment, which makes it easy for customers to have access to basic banking transactions quickly, safely, and conveniently without having to visit bank branches, via ATMs, POS and on the internet is one way the bank is leading the way. Though, contactless payment has been around for more than a decade, making it happen in Nigeria by the UBA is one good example of changing business landscape positively.

THE YOBE SCHOOL ATTACK After every horrific attack by Boko Haram on school facilities and communities, the impulse of our politicians is to trade blames. For the security agencies, theirs is to make us think the attacks are unsuccessful in order to protect their own image. They simply think we are a dump by stating Boko Haram is completely out of our life. The Monday night attack on Dapchi town of Yobe State by Boko Haram terrorists is concerning. The fact that it happened in a school is painful. The debate on whether some students were kidnapped or not is raging, but why did the security agency allow an attack on a school to happen again. Does this mean we didn’t learn anything from the Chibok school attack to avoid this?

FIGHTING FIREARMS The campaign by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, for strict enforcement of the law against illegal possession of firearms in the country is a campaign that everyone should embrace. The illegal arms in circulation in the country should be a concern as we go into 2019.

Dambazau has said that “firearm is a driver to violence, so there is a need to address the current situation that we are in.” I agree.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

39

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Roads, Bridges and Tax: What connection?

Joseph Adedeji Singapore, a city-state much smaller than Lagos State in landmass is often touted, and rightly so, as a marvel of rapid, yet sustainable economic development and advancement. It’s success in transforming from a third to a first world country in a period less than forty years has continued to impress if not astound people.

Singapore, before its transformation, faced the problem of overcrowding in the city, poor living conditions, a severe lack of infrastructure, and low technology, among others. Its current status as a thriving international business hub, characterized by a high standard of living, did not happen by chance. It was orchestrated through proactive and deliberate far sighted planning.

The problems that Singapore surmounted on the path to economic development and prosperity are some of the issues that Lagos State is today tackling as it aspires to transform into an efficiently run and more productive mega city with vastly improved living conditions. A review of Singapore’s model reveals that, among other things, there was a systematic approach to the development of infrastructure.

While Singapore’s experience shows clearly that infrastructure is central to socio-economic advancement, several studies by experts on other economies across the world have also identified a strong positive and even symbiotic link between infrastructure or infrastructure spending and growth. Any economy that wants to pursue sustainable growth must therefore invest in its infrastructure.

Lagos State’s current drive at giving a massive boost to infrastructure development must therefore be welcomed as a leap in the right direction. Addressing the huge infrastructure deficit is crucial to unlocking the potential of the state and attaining the growth and development that we all desire. However, infrastructure development requires funding.

If we agree that infrastructure development is that which must be done, then the required funding is equally that which must be secured. But the funds must be procured in a way that will ensure an effective and sustainable developmental programme.

In advanced economies, like Singapore’s, taxation constitutes a major source of government revenue and is an acceptable practice among their citizens. Taxation is also employed in other ways such as tariffs that protect local industries from foreign

Ambode

competition, checking undesirable practices and fostering inclusive development through asymmetric application.

These economies also prove beyond doubt that taxation is a veritable source of funding for sustainable development, perhaps with its added advantage of empowering the citizens to demand more accountability from governments and as well constraining governments towards more transparency and

Lagos State’s current drive at giving a massive boost to infrastructure development must therefore be welcomed as a leap in the right direction. Addressing the huge infrastructure deficit is crucial to unlocking the potential of the state and attaining the growth and development that we all desire.

However, infrastructure development requires funding

efficient utilisation of funds. Apparently, making development everybody’s business fosters better growth.

Tax to GDP ratio (total tax collected as a percentage of the market value of all officially recognized final goods and services produced within a country in a given period), and the tax contribution to a country’s revenues are good indicators of efficient tax systems. In 2016, tax revenue in the European Union was 40% of GDP (France 47%, UK 35%) and accounted for around 90% of government revenues. Tax is usually about 26% of GDP in the US and accounts for about 85% of government revenue. In Singapore, it is about 14% and 68%, respectively.

Nigeria’s tax to GDP ratio of 6% clearly depicts the poor state of taxation in the country while at the same offering the opportunity to significantly increase government revenues.

Lagos State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) for 2017 was N501b, amounting to an average of N41.7b per month. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, of Lagos State has set an improvement target of N50b per month for 2018. But even this ambitious plan will have to be scaled up progressively and substantially, considering the fact that the cost of fixing the state’s infrastructure deficit has been estimated at $50billion.

It is small wonder, therefore, that Lagos State is embracing taxation as a major source to secure the required revenues to fund the massive infrastructure gap in the state. With current low awareness and compliance rates, an estimated population of 24 million people (with more than 7m gainfully employed) and thriving businesses, Lagos can rely on taxation to provide the funds to drive its development.

To get the full benefits though, taxation must be administered efficiently. This means there should be a high compliance rate by taxpayers and low administrative costs relative to the revenue collected.

This is more easily achieved when the tax system is fair, simple, well organized and enforceable Achieving this efficiency requires a new approach to tax administration by the government. For instance, ramping up the awareness of citizens to the imperative of taxation, bringing a lot more people and businesses into the tax net (with demonstrable efforts at attaining total compliance of all eligible taxpayers), and applying some taxes asymmetrically such that the poor may not be as burdened as

the rich will create a sense of fairness while increasing total funds accruable.

The use of technology to improve the ease of remittance by citizens and businesses, the harmonization of certain taxes can also make taxation simpler for the taxpayer while improving the government’s ability at enforcement. Reviewing the tax rates that have become obsolete is also essential.

Efficient taxation leaves a fair burden on all citizens and businesses while accruing substantial funds to the state’s coffers. It engenders more participation of citizens in governance which in turn forces more transparency and fiscal discipline on the government on spending and more rigour in the selection of projects to deploy funds to.

The funds accruable from efficient taxation are also more predictable, unlike allocations from the federal government, which are subject to the vagaries of the crude oil market. Predictability helps to make proper and long term planning, which is essential for sustainable infrastructure development Efficient infrastructure supports economic growth as it facilitates timely delivery of information, goods and services, while accelerating the attainment of social objectives such as improved healthcare, higher educational standards and higher standards of living. It also attracts foreign direct investments from multinational corporations which act in synergy with the efforts of government while improving the tourism potential.

Several Infrastructure development projects have already been initiated by the Lagos State government. The entertainment and transport hub under construction at Oworonshoki is visible to all commuters that ply the Third Mainland Bridge as well as the improved lighting and security of that axis. Light rail construction is underway along with road constructions and rehabilitations while the exploitation of marine transport opportunities are in the works. The provision of pedestrian bridges, lay byes and street lifting have improved the safety and security of citizens and also decongested traffic.

A lot still needs to be done to redress Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit. It is hoped that Lagos State can expedite the attainment of efficient tax administration so that the economic development Lagosians crave will be accelerated through well planned and proactive investments in infrastructure.

-Adedeji is a Lagos-based economic analyst and tax consultant

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

40

CITYSTRINGS

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

Alakija (1st left) presenting a gift to the immediate Rector of Yabatech, Dr, Margaret Ladipo (middle)

A Selfless Giver

Ikenna Ekwerike captures the moment when the Rose of Sharon Foundation shifted its philanthropy to the Yaba College of Technology

T

he Arts Garden in front of the School of Arts, Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), Lagos, caught the fever that day as women adorned in identical colourful ‘ankara’ with ‘gele’, to match, danced in measured steps to the rhythm of the melodious sound coming from a sonorous female soprano voice obviously enchanted by joy. This was the kind of joy that only heartfelt gratitude to a giver, a cheerful and selfless giver, could arouse. They were women from the Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF) appreciating their founder, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, for her generous spirit of giving which they said, knew no bounds.

People give for various motives. Some give with the calculated motive to get back bigger gifts from those whom they had given. These set of persons give only to wealthy individuals and politicians. Some also give simply to influence the receiver’s judgment. Politicians are noted for this as well as individuals who desire to cut corners at offices. They pretend they are appreciating the receiver’s efforts but right within, they know it’s an inducement.

Still, some give just because religion prescribes that givers will not lack. For them, it is about fulfilling some religious injunctions and obligations without which it is claimed, they will not be blessed.

On the contrary, there are a set of few individuals who give because they realised that society needs healing; they are convinced that the measure of a man is not how many mansions he has but the number of people he has made mansion owners, too. To this rare category of selfless givers nay, healers of society, Alakija belongs.

Folorunso Alakija, Africa’s richest woman, through her RoSF is generously reaching out to those on the fringes of society to guide them into mainstream socio-economic life. Poor widows and their children, orphans and rejected youths naturally attract the sympathy of RoSF.

According to Alakija, the courage to give is itself a gift from God since there are many who have more than enough but do not have that inner nudging to extend part of it to those who do not have. She affirmed that giving to those who cannot pay back brings a peculiar sense of fulfilment and joy.

A clear attribute of RoSF is that members are taught not just how to fish, but equally get equipped with how to make the best catches with dignity and fulfilment. One way the foundation tries to achieve this is through quality education process.

This was loudly re-echoed recently when Alakija, in the company of Board of Trustees (BOT), RoSF, paid a courtesy visit on the immediate past Rector of Yabatech, Dr. (Mrs.), Margaret Ladipo, in her office and to inaugurate and handover a skills acquisition centre and bookshop her foundation donated to the school.

In her address, Alakija argued strongly that meaningful and sustainable human development necessarily begins with proper education of

According to Alakija, the courage to give is itself a gift from God since there are many who have more than enough but do not have that inner nudging to extend part of it to those who do not have.

She affirmed that giving to those who cannot pay back brings a peculiar sense of fulfilment and joy

Alakija...a selfless giver

the mind. She noted that at RoSF, education was seen as the key driver of both social and economic empowerment of widows and orphans adding that it was one of its cardinal objectives to ensure that widows and orphans were educated.

Indeed, any education that qualifies as quality education must offer both knowledge and skill, simultaneously. Consequently, Yabatech, as the first higher institution of learning in Nigeria has not been found wanting in that regard.

It was for this reason, according to Alakija,

that the RoSF made it a choice due to its long history of academic and vocational excellence.

She stated that the school was their partner in progress and described the relationship existing between both institutions as a symbiotic one.

“We decided to partner with this College so that we can rub minds together; so that we have mutually beneficial activities that we can do to assist each other. That is why we have been able to give support to many of your staff who are widows through this organisation.

It is also why you, as a College, have been

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

41

CITYSTRINGS

Alakija (middle), immediate Rector of Yabatech, Dr, Margaret Ladipo (3rd left) and others, during the former’s visit to Yabatech

Alakija, members of BOT, RoSF, pose with immediate past Rector of Yabatech, Dr, Margaret Ladipo

We decided to partner with this College so that we can rub minds together; so that we have mutually beneficial activities that we can do to assist each other. That is why we have been able to give support to many of your staff who are widows through this organisation.

It is also why you, as a College, have been able to provide training skills for members of our organisation who are beneficiaries of our foundation able to provide training skills for members of our organisation who are beneficiaries of our foundation,” she stated.

The high level of magnanimity shown

by Alakija appeared to be stupefying to the

The building donated by Alakija’s Foundation to Yabatech

entire academic community. The former Rector expressed delight at her human development initiatives and specifically pointed out that the bookshop would close a huge gap that had existed on the campus.

She said: “Your visit which is to show appreciation for our partnership over the years and also to inaugurate the building donated to the College by the Rose of Sharon Foundation is indeed very welcome.”

Arch. Dapo Oladimeji-Hannah, who led the technical team in the design and construction

of the building, said the necessary machines for the skills acquisition centre were yet to be installed. He revealed that at the moment, the centre would cater for those desiring skills in fashion design and other tailoring needs.

Dr. Doris Okoro, who represented the Governing Council of the College, expressed confidence that the centre will impact positively on the students and help them attain economic independence as soon as they left school.

Some of the students said the venture was the right step in the right direction and

thanked Alakija for the kind gesture. They stated that the skills acquisition centre will go a long way in improving their practical skills positioning them for quicker employment and entrepreneurship.

Not only is Alakija a giver, she also recognises and appreciates the good works of others whenever she comes across one. According to some lecturers and students, the former Rector of the College, who had already handed over the reins of leadership to another, is a performer.

Little wonder the Proprietor of RoSF described her as a perfect agent of positive change and pride to womanhood. She commended her for her giant strides and revealed that she had established ventures that have the capacity to boost the internally generated revenues of the school some of which are a campus radio station, water treatment plant and water bottling plant.

Her words: “She’s a role model and testimony that women can do it. And it is no longer fashionable relegating women to the background.

There’s need for an enabling environment that would give women equal opportunity so that they can contribute to improve on the quality of lives of Nigerians.”

Consequently, Alakija called on other wellmeaning Nigerians to come in and support the institution which is the first higher institution of learning in Nigeria. “It is just a seed that we have sown, we believe that others who are supportive of the college will come to assist and even build bigger ones,” she hoped.

T H I S D AY Ëž , Í°ÍąËœ 2018

42

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Old Paper £10 Notes Will Cease to BeLegal Tender in One Week Obinna Chima with agency report The old paper £10 note featuring Charles Darwin will expire in just one weeks’ time.

Figures from the Bank of England suggest that there is still ÂŁ2.2 billion worth of the old paper ÂŁ10 notes in circulation, representing around 27per cent of the total number of notes issued. British newspaper, The Telegraph disclosed yesterday that from midnight of March 1, only the polymer ÂŁ10 notes featuring Jane Austen, introduced in September, will be legal tender. However, while the old notes will not be accepted in shops and other businesses from March 1, it will still be possible for Charles Darwin notes to be exchanged at the Bank of England for free, either by post or in person.

Owing to this, First City Monument Bank Limited in a notice to its customers yesterday titled: “Discontinuation of the old ÂŁ10 note,â€? has advised that

they deposit the old notes into their pounds accounts at any of its branches. The bank added in a two-paragraph statement: “Please be informed that effective February 28, 2018, the old ÂŁ10 (Ten British Pounds) note will no longer be accepted for transactional purposes. “Kindly deposit old notes into your pounds account at any of our branches, before the stated date to ensure that the old notes are sent to the UK by the deadline.â€?

While some retailers, banks and building societies may still accept the old notes after the deadline, it is at their discretion so ring ahead to check their guidelines before making the trip to your local branch.

Paper bank notes – £5, £10 and £20 – are gradually being replaced by plastic notes, which are more secure and harder to counterfeit, more resistant to dirt and more durable.

The paper five is no longer legal tender, and the old ÂŁ10 note will be withdrawn soon.

The new polymer ÂŁ20 banknote

will be issued in 2020, with the portrait of J.M.W Turner printed on it. The Bank has not confirmed whether the ÂŁ50 note, featuring Boulton and Watt, will be replaced. The plastic ÂŁ10 note featuring English novelist Austen attracted some criticism when it was released, because the quote printed on the note is spoken

by Miss Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, in which she exclaims: “I declare after all there is no enjoyment but reading!�

Use of this particular quote caused controversy as it isn’t spoken by Austen, but by one her most obnoxious characters, a woman who doesn’t actually like reading books at all.

The new ÂŁ10 note is around 15pc smaller than the old one and is the first English banknote to be printed with a series of raised dots in the top left-hand corner to help blind and partially sighted users.

The new £10 is expected to last at least 2.5 times longer than its paper predecessor – around five years in total.

Broad-street

MARKET INDICATORS

FG Urged to Embark onTax Reforms Nume Ekeghe The federal government has been advised to periodically carry out tax reforms so as to increase tax’s contribution towards financing the country’s budget.

The Partner and Head of Tax, Regulatory and People services KPMG, Mr. Wole Obayomi said this yesterday while speaking at the KPMG Tax Breakfast Seminar where various stakeholders discussed the theme: “2018 Budget: The Unfinished Business,� at an event that took place in Lagos.

Obayomi said: “Governments all over the world use the budget to actually know the finance base. But in Nigeria, we focus more on the appropriation budget which is the spending part of the budget without really emphasising on the finance aspect with respect to revenue generation.

“In the last couple of years, the government became challenged with the non-revenue generation and the time has come for us to return to the approach in the military era where soon after the budget is announced, a decree would be issued to launch a tax reforms each year, with a view to increase tax revenue for the government.

There is really urgency at this time when oil prices are stable and the revenue coming from oil is unpredictable.� “So, the reality which ought to have dawn on everyone in government is that it is not a stable source of revenue but with tax you can project much better with that. However, you now find the government squirting out existing taxpayers and that would not come about the tax revenue we need in order to enhance non-oil revenue to us an assurance of revenue inflow in each financial year.�

He further added: “The time really has come for government to wake up to reality that the change that needs to come in the tax system is about reforming tax annually and even in the course of the year they are developments in view of tax reforms which is done all over the world where emphasis on tax as a stable and sustainable source of revenue to the government. “Government can and they should penetrate the informal sector they can double the existing projection amount. Also, the N18 billion the government projects to recover from VAIDS process is not ambitious at all.

Anywhere in the world where you don’t have tax compliance and where there are no sanctions and government is budgeting so little it means they are not ready to enforce tax compliance post VAIDS period.�

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Broad Money (M2)

21,851,454.31

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ™ĂĄ Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ě™ ÍŻĚš

9,890,813.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

ÍŻËœÍłÍ°ÍąËœÍ°ÍąÍˇË›ÍˇÍŻ

---- Demand Deposits

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-- Quasi Money

11,960,641.22

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,732,990.89

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

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The House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its ongoing intervention project at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry.

The project, which is one of the several intervention projects across sectors of the economy undertaken by the CBN to raise capacity, was described as strategic to the nation’s economic development.

The project sites visited

by the lawmakers included a three blocks of two and three-storey hostel buildings and an adjourning 500-seater auditorium at the ASCON. The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Jones Onyerere, said the committee was highly impressed by the outcome of the work being done at the project site, saying what they saw surpassed their expectation. “We didn’t think that we would get this kind of outcome judging from our first impression,� Onyerere said. “By looking at the project as it is, I think it’s so far so

good,� he added.

According to him, the central bank has created a conducive learning environment for participants in the institution which he said was lacking before the CBN’s intervention. “There is no doubt that the three bedroom flat for the staff, hostel accommodation and restaurant for the participants and a very good auditorium will create room for learning process�.

He also commended CBN for making use of local contractors, stressing that such act indicates that Nigeria is beginning to patronise local contractors.

Japaul to Receive $350m Funding From Milost Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc said it signed an agreement with private equity firm, Milost Global Inc. for $350million in shares and loans for business expansion.

Milost will invest $250 million in equity and add another $100 million in convertible loans, Japaul Chairman Jegede Paul told Bloomberg.The fresh

injection of capital will enable the company to fix grounded vessels, finance new contracts and expand into mining, he said.

Two calls to numbers listed by New York-based Milost Global on its website for comment went unanswered on Tuesday.

Japaul’s oil and gas operations suffered a setback with the

2014 plunge in crude prices, which forced exploration and production companies to scale back their activities. As prices are recovering, the company wants to take advantage of new business opportunities in the industry. The company plans to be able to absorb future oil and gas price shocks by diversifying into mining, Paul said.

26,821,446.81

Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ăž Ù×Ă?Ă?ÞÓĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž Ě™ Ěš Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ě™ Ă?Þ̚

4,824,226.22

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ë? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ Ùà Þ˛ Ě™ Ă?Þ̚ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?

ÍľËœÍśÍąÍ˛ËœÍłÍąÍ´Ë›ÍľÍ˛

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ë? Ă?ĂŽË› Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“ĂœĂœĂ™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ě™ Ěš

-3,010,310.52

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ ĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ě™ Ěš

21,997,220.59

--Other Assets Net

-14,702,983.39

Reserve Money (Base Money)

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3,268,266.17 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Lawmakers Hail CBN’s Intervention Projects Peter Uzoho

Ě™

Ěš

AUGUST 2017

MANAGED FUNDS Month

AUGUST 2017

Inter-Bank Call Rate

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Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

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Treasury Bill Rate

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Savings Deposit Rate

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1 Month Deposit Rate

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3 Months Deposit Rate

͎ͯ˛ͯͲ

6 Months Deposit Rate

ͯͯ˛ͳͯ

12 Months Deposit Rate

ͯͯ˛Ͳ͎

Prime Lending rate

ͯ;˛ʹ͡

Maximum Lending Rate

͹ͯ˛Ͱ͎ Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED, FEB 21, 2018 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $62.50 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $62.81 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 23, 2018

43

MARKET NEWS

Equities Market Sustains Rally on Positive Sentiments Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

banking stocks, especially in United Bank for Africa Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc bolstered the performance. The growth of yesterday lifted the year-to-date return to 10.5 per cent.

Some of the banking stocks became investors’ toast after analysts said the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) new policy on dividend may not affect shareholders negatively

The bullish sentiments in the equities market was sustained for the third day yesterday as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 0.28 per cent to close at 42,258.78. Similarly, market capitalisation added N36.1 billion to close N15.17 trillion.

Sustained buying interest in

as expected. Cordros Capital Limited had on Tuesday said based on the directive by CBN and contrary to earlier jitters that trailed the release of the circular, they think the directive more appropriately reveals the apex bank’s commitment to financial stability. “That said, it is our view that the CBN’s latest directive is unlikely to, in the medium term at least, affect the dividend payouts we expect

from the banks covered in this report. We should mention that many of the banks’ dividend payment ratios (DPRs), in recent years, have barely reached the peak of the CBN’s requirements on DPR,” they said. Meanwhile, 24 stocks appreciated while 17 stocks depreciated yesterday.

Although gains by banking stocks led to the positive close, Japaul Oil and Maritime Plc led the price gainers’ with 5.4

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF

per cent, trailed by WAPIC Insurance Plc with 4.9 per cent.

Total Nigeria Plc with 4.7 per cent, while Livestock Feeds Plc garnered 4.5 per cent.

Other top price gainers included: AIICO Insurance Plc (4.2 per cent); Transcorp Plc (3.8 per cent); UBA, FBN Holdings Plc (3.1 per cent apiece); University Press Plc (2.3 per cent); Jaiz Bank Plc (2.0 per cent); African Prudential

Plc (2.0 per cent).

Conversely, UNIC led the price losers’ chart with 6.6 per cent, trailed by Courtville Plc with 5.5 per cent. A.G Leventis Plc shed 5.0 per cent. Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc went down by 4.9 per cent, while Dunlop Nigeria Plc closed 4.3 per cent loser. Fidson Healthcare Plc lost 3.1 per cent, just as Skye Bank Plc and Wema Bank Plc shed 2.8 per cent apiece.

A S AT 1 3 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 8

Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N 1

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

996,838.68

31.75

0.79

BANKING S/N 2 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N 3 BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL GOODS PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES AGRICULTURE S/N 4 5 6 CROP PRODUCTION S/N 7 FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING S/N 8 LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES AGRICULTURE CONGLOMERATES S/N 9 10 11 12 13 DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES CONGLOMERATES CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N 14 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION S/N 15 16 INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION S/N 17 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT S/N 18 19 20 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONSUMER GOODS S/N 21 AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS S/N 22 23 24 25 26 BEVERAGES--BREWERS/ DISTILLERS S/N 27 BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC S/N 28 29 30

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

BUILDING MATERIALS

MARKET CAP(Nm) 412,795.87

MARKET CAP(Nm)

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

VOLUME

31

317

22,996,062

32

317

22,996,062

33 34

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11.50

3.14

350

26,966,654

350

26,966,654

35 FOOD PRODUCTS

667

49,962,716

S/N

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

260.00

-

71 71 71 738

139,894 139,894 139,894 50,102,610

36 37 FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED S/N 38 39 HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

CROP PRODUCTION

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

40

FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC

968.00

0.44

-

1

50,000

68,681.52 70,000.00

72.00 70.00

-

7 6 14

10,333 3,054 63,387

FISHING/HUNTING/ TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 511.20

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4.26

-

1

1,000

1

1,000

42 43

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 3,450.00

TRADES

VOLUME

44

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC.

PRICE 1.15

%CHANGE 4.55

41 PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

28

898,283

45

28

898,283

46

43

962,670

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

47 48 49 50

1,508.96

0.57

-5.00

2

110,000

51

194.58 2,111.93

0.50 3.25

-

1 2

430 2,568

87,393.18

2.15

3.86

136

12,710,623

32,366.56

16.85

-

34 175 175

193,871 13,017,492 13,017,492

52 53 BANKING S/N 54 55 56

ARBICO PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 711.32

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 34,254.00 165.00

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

63

7,405.43

2.85

-

14

55,641

64

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC BEVERAGES--BREWERS/ DISTILLERS CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 2,000.00 11,300.89 26,682.70

MARKET CAP(Nm) 2,099.97 MARKET CAP(Nm) 22,157.47 242.22 229,771.16

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4.79

-

0 0

0 0

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

59

25.95 6.60

-

11 0

37,585 0

60 61

11

37,585

62

58

65

14

55,641

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

67

100.00

-

0

0

68

45.20

-

0

0

10.00

-

0

0

70

0

0

71

25

93,226

72

PRICE

66

69

73 PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.44

-4.35

15

4,825,334

15

4,825,334

74 75

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

76

2.83 0.89 104.90

-

6 0 28

69,000 0 34,268

77

480,938.48

55.95

-0.18

20

199,480

982,819.26

122.90

-1.29

156

1,374,096

210

1,676,844

BEVERAGES--NONALCOHOLIC 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 65,321.00

FOOD PRODUCTS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

82,500.00

DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC.

57

78 79 INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES S/N

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

80

101.97

-

0

0

81

0

0

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

S/N

16.50

1.23

102

2,408,334

82

256,200.00

21.35

-2.73

43

889,373

83

86,599.83

33.00

1.38

117

4,906,186

84

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC UNION DICON SALT PLC.

22,125.25

2.79

-1.06

42

1,058,591

1,861.25

0.50

-

0

0

1,015.74

5.70

-

0

0

54,445.96

20.55

-

11

94,909

3,676.41

13.45

-

0 315

0 9,357,393

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

15.85 1,378.00

0.58

37 28

115,825 40,037

65

155,862

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,680.31

22.10

-

0

0

3,127.11

3.00

0.67

21 21

1,272,277 1,272,277

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

91,320.97

23.00

-

11

22,773

280,356.26

48.80

-

16

37,149

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERMARKET SIFIED CAP(Nm) CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 29,769.50 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 1,092,280.32

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.

MARKET BANKING CAP(Nm) ACCESS BANK PLC. 373,170.83 DIAMOND BANK PLC 57,900.97 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL 361,486.16 INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC 86,924.39 GUARANTY TRUST BANK 1,412,696.60 PLC. JAIZ BANK PLC 29,464.25 SKYE BANK PLC 14,019.10 STERLING BANK PLC. 53,838.08 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 199,477.16 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA 444,592.48 PLC UNITY BANK PLC 16,598.86 WEMA BANK PLC. 39,731.70 INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC UNIC DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC

27

59,922

653

17,347,632

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

12.90 2.50

1.57 0.40

178 170

6,705,114 14,422,369

19.70

0.25

36

3,266,326

3.00

-0.67

478

62,889,755

48.00

1.04

212

7,916,717

1.00 1.01 1.87 6.85

2.04 -2.88 -0.53 0.74

37 210 53 116

4,688,283 56,324,888 4,893,321 3,024,885

13.00

3.17

319

23,953,169

1.42 1.03

0.71 -2.83

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

8,645.70

0.42

-

0

0

5,059.05

0.73

4.29

55

3,886,415

28,875.00

2.75

-1.08

11

338,500

1,890.00

0.27

-3.70

12

1,292,400

16,388.94

1.58

-

13

465,677

6,333.69

0.43

-

0

0

5,600.00 2,411.47

0.40 0.53

-

0 0

0 0

1,913.74

0.50

-

0

0

2,701.60

0.44

-

1

3,600

642.04

0.50

-

0

0

2,416.73

0.33

-3.03

35

3,693,297

31 720,064 108 8,080,547 1,948 196,885,438 VOLUME

3,093.36

0.72

-

2

42,000

7,360.00

0.92

-

2

15,000

3,840.00

0.48

-

0

0

10,032.96

1.90

-0.53

50

4,823,168

3,560.16

0.46

-

0

0

2,593.60

0.47

-

4

82,677

3,201.00

0.48

-

0

0

4,003.60

0.48

-

0

0

6,197.29

0.48

-

0

0

4,670.54

0.50

-

0

0

723.04

0.28

-6.67

4

150,000

5,130.67

0.37

-

0

0

8,000.00

0.50

-

0

0

8,564.95

0.64

4.92

92

4,642,676

281

19,435,410

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11,799.67

2.58

-

0

0

4,253.15

1.86

-

4

29,892

4

29,892

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5,460.00

1.30

-

0

0

7,370.87

0.50

-

0

0

6,005.46

1.44

-

0

0

44

˾ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

MARKET NEWS

Shareholders Fault CBN on Dividend Payment Policy Reactions continue to trail the new policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), that prevent banks with high nonperforming loans(NPL) and low capital base from paying dividends to shareholders.

The CBN had in a recent circular made some amendments to its October 2014 policy on internal capital generation and dividend payout ratio. Under the new policy, banks that have a Composite Risk Rating (CRR) of “high”

or a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of above 10 per cent shall not be allowed to pay dividend; and those that meet the minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) but have a CRR of “Above Average” or an NPL ratio of more than five per cent but less than 10 per cent shall have dividend payout ratio of not more than 30 per cent.

The central bank, however, pointed out that there shall be no regulatory restriction on dividend pay-out for

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

banks that meet the minimum capital adequacy ratio, have a CRR of “low” or “moderate” and an NPL ratio of not more than five per cent.

Some shareholders, who spoke on the policy, said the apex bank should not prevent banks that record profits from paying dividend but ensure those with high NPL are made to recover those loans.

Mrs. Bisi Bakare of Pragmatic Shareholders

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 20Feb-2018, unless otherwise stated.

Association said the CBN should compel the banks with huge NPL to go after the debtors.

“When the banks were not doing well, shareholders were not receiving dividends.

Now that they are doing well and are paying dividends, the CBN is saying those with high NPLs should not pay dividends. I believe that is not good for shareholders.

The CBN should compel the banks to go after those owing. Significant portion

of the loans is owed by directors of those banks.

They should be made to pay instead denying shareholders their returns on their investments,” she said.

According to her, those loans are secured with collaterals. Those collaterals should be sold and repay the loans instead of punishing shareholders.

“I am appealing to the CBN to re-examine this policy very well. Any bank

that has high NPLs but makes profit and wants to declare dividend should be allowed to declared dividend.

And to recover the loans, the collaterals of the debtors should be sold to repay such loans. I believe if the CBN is enforcing its policy around borrowings by banks very well, the issue of high NPLs would be taken care of. Shareholders who invest because of dividend should not be denied their rights,” Bakare added.

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 193.12 193.60 8.57% Nigeria International Debt Fund 248.44 248.94 7.27% 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 4.44% ACAP Income Funds 0.62 0.62 3.87% 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 16.05% 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 19.88 20.48 8.82% ARM Discovery Fund 416.40 428.95 7.03% ARM Ethical Fund 28.59 29.45 4.63% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.81% 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 163.56 164.71 7.82% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.71% 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 14.00% Paramount Equity Fund 12.85 13.18 3.95% Women's Investment Fund 102.49 105.12 1.85% 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 15.54% 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 15.39% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.12 1.14 6.84% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.10 1.14 6.81% 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 1,177.22 1,178.39 2.56% FBN Heritage Fund 150.01 151.41 7.63% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $113.92 $114.47 0.90% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $113.88 $114.43 0.96% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 190.44 193.27 11.51% 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 1.40 1.43 7.34% Legacy Debt Fund 2.94 2.94 1.93% 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 N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.57% 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 14.00% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.19 2.23 4.25% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 17.74% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 116.69 117.03 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 1.43% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,047.38 1,047.38 1.60% 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 16.43 16.59 16.61% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.23% 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 N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 142.44 144.64 10.48% 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 1.52 1.52 2.11% 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 2,351.95 2,370.93 4.84% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 177.87 177.87 0.80% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.08 1.09 7.43% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 226.43 226.54 2.83% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 186.58 188.84 4.23% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.87% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,253.04 10,394.48 6.04% 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 1.37 1.38 15.60% United Capital Bond Fund 1.59 1.59 2.80% United Capital Equity Fund 1.01 1.03 13.90% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.71% United Capital Eurobond Fund 103.90 103.90 1.00% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.12 1.13 16.30% 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 13.38 13.58 7.51% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.84 14.00 5.29% Zenith Income Fund 19.46 19.46 2.85%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

10.00 133.55

-11.35% 0.82%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.33 162.00 119.69

12.43 165.56 121.96

1.73% 13.46% 9.57%

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

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

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.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2018

45

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

46

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Trump Endorses Guns for Teachers to Stop Shootings US President Donald Trump has said arming teachers could prevent school shootings like that which left 17 people dead last week in Florida, according to BBC. Teachers carrying a concealed gun could end attacks “very quickly”, he said.

Mr Trump floated the proposal - long-championed by the powerful NRA gun lobby - as emotional survivors of the 14 February massacre urged him to take measures to stop similar attacks.

The US leader called for improved background checks on gun buyers.

“It’s not going to be talk like it’s been in the past,” he said.

President Trump listened to pleas for gun reform on Wednesday from about 40 students, teachers and families in the executive mansion’s state dining room.

Hundreds of teenagers from the Washington DC suburbs rallied outside at the time - some voicing support for arming teachers.

Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow died in last week’s attack - the second-deadliest shooting at a US public school - said: “We, as a country, failed our

children.”

“It should’ve been one school shooting and we should’ve fixed it. And I’m pissed. It’s my daughter I’m not going to see again,” he went on to say.

Mark Barden - whose son Daniel was killed in the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut - said more guns was not the answer.

“Schoolteachers have more than enough responsibilities right now, than to have to have the awesome responsibility of lethal force to take a life,” he said.

At his White House event, Mr Trump promised to look “very strongly” at calls for educators to be armed with guns - a position long held by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms,” he said, “they could very well end the attack very quickly.”

“Where a teacher would have a concealed gun on them,” he said, while acknowledging the plan was controversial, “they would go for special training and they would be there, and you would no longer have a gun-free zone.

On Thursday morning, Mr Trump criticised reporting of his remarks, stressing that he spoke of the need to train teachers properly.

CHANGE OF NAMES

I, formerly known and addressed as AYARA OMONIKE STELLA now wish to be known and addressed as IBE OMONIKE STELLA COLEMAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note I, formerly known and addressed as MICHEAL RICHARD UMEZURIKE now wish to be known and addressed as UMEZURIKE MICHEAL AHAMEFULA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note I, formerly known and addressed as MISS SALIU ADIJAT KUBURA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DIPEOLU ADIJAT KUBURA OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AJILEYE GANIYU MAJEED, now wish to be known and addressed as GANIYU MAJEED SEUN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAMES CHANGE OF NAMES CHANGE OF NAMES I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. CHIBOKA UWADINACHI RUTH NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as DZ^͘ ,/ K< ͳ UWADINACHI RUTH NNEKA..

All former documents remain valid. The general public should I, formerly known and addressed as ADEKOLA ADEDAPO JOSEPH now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKOLA ADEDAPO OLUWASEGUN JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC, STERLING BANK PLC, NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE, REGISTRARS and the general public

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AJAYI TOLULOPE FOLAKUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONAKOYA, TOLULOPE FOLAKUNMI. All former documents remain valid. The

I, formerly known and addressed as ELOHO ADABAMU now wish to be known and addressed as TOMMY LEE ADABAMU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note I, formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL SIMMONS AKHAZE now wish to be known and addressed as NASEERUDDIN KHALID AKHAZE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ISAAC FRANCISCA UGOCHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. DONALD FRANCISCA UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUKEZIE EMEKA LAZARUS now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUKEZIE CHUKWUEMEKA LAZARUS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note

I, formerly known and addressed as GIDEON DAUDA. now wish to be known and addressed as GIDEON DAUDA KURE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AURECIA ONYINYECHI MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR ANASTASIA ONYEKACHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should

I, formerly known and addressed as GIFT OLOFIN, now wish to be known and addressed as GIFT AREMU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKWARA REJOICE ADA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MBACHU REJOICE ADA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEUYI ABIODUN ABOSEDE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEUYI ABIODUN ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OJECHO EMMANUEL, now i have my own personal SSCE Result, I wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL ONOJA. All former documents remain valid. GTBank and the general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS KOFOWOROLA OMOSALEWA OMOKOBA , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KOFOWOROLA SHERIFF ͳ d /tK͘ All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AURECIA ONYINYECHI MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR ANASTASIA ONYEKACHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as GIDEON DAUDA now wish to be known and addressed as GIDEON DAUDA KURE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JOYCE ANTHONY OGAR now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOYCE AKAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS CHIMA CYNTHIA NWAKAEGO now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ALAEKEKA CYNTHIA NWAKAEGO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŽ ĐĞƌƟĨLJ ƚŚĂƚ OJEDAPO TAOFEEK YOMI and ABDUL-GAFAR TAOFEEQ ABAYOMI refer to one and the same person. All former documents remains valid. LSUBEB, LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that IYKE GOLDEN CHUKWUFUMNANYA and IYKE GOLDEN FUMNANYA is one and same person, and now wish to be known as IYKE GOLDEN FUMNANYA. All former document remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that IYKE GREAT OSENNOYENIM and GREAT IYKE OLUWATOBI is one and same person, and now wish to be known as GREAT IYKE OLUWATOBI. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

FRIDAY, ͺͻ˜ ͺ͸͹΀ ˾ T H I S D AY

47

NEWS

Access Bank Wins Euromoney Award Obinna Chima Access Bank Plc has emerged winner of the best ‘Commercial Banking Capabilities’ award by Euromoney, a leading global financial publication.

The prestigious award was presented to the bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2018, which held at the Landmark in Marylebone, London on Thursday.

The awards are the most prestigious in the growing area of wealth management and cover over 60 countries each year, as well as global and regional awards.

Euromoney in its recently released results of the annual Private Banking and Wealth

Management Survey noted that Access Bank’s Commercial Banking Capabilities showed significant improvement within the past year.

The Award is given to honour firms that have proven to be leading providers of exceptional commercial banking services and have also shown an outstanding contribution to the banking sector.

The annual Private Banking and Wealth Management Survey is the industry’s leading barometer of the world’s best service and product providers to the world’s wealthy.

The survey provides a qualitative review of the best services in private banking, by region and by areas of service.

It is an informative guide for high net-worth individuals on

the range of professional wealth management service providers that are available.

The Commercial Banking category refers to the expertise the bank has to fulfil the business needs of clients and commitment to providing liquidity in all market conditions. Also, such a firm would have shown leadership in developing and integrating technology into its sales and business operations.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Wigwe said: “This recognition highlights our commitment and dedication to serving our customers innovatively and putting them at the forefront of our business.

“We want to say a big thank you to our customers for entrusting us with their

businesses and we look forward to our continued partnerships in years to come. We provide bespoke services tailored to meet the needs of this segment including building a socially responsible business portfolio.

This award is in recognition of our regional expertise as we continue to work towards being Africa’s gateway to the world.”

Wigwe, according to a statement, assured customers and stakeholders of the financial institution that the bank would sustain this growth momentum while noting that the award is an honour for not just him but the entire workforce of Access Bank Plc and most especially, the commercial banking team.

“This is just the beginning of greater things to come for our Bank," he concluded.

Euromoney is a widely respected global financial media conglomerate that covers global banking, macroeconomics and capital markets, including debt and equity. It also runs a number of independent industry surveys that have become the benchmarks for excellence in various categories of banking and finance. Published every February, Euromoney’s Global Private Banking Survey provides a qualitative peer review of the best services in private banking, by region and by areas of service.

Access Bank Plc. is a fullservice commercial Bank operating through a network of 383 branches and service outlets located in major centres across Nigeria, Sub Saharan Africa, and the United Kingdom with

representative offices in China, Lebanon and India.

Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1998, the Bank serves its various markets through four business segments: Personal, Business, Commercial and Corporate and Investment Banking.

The bank has over 830,000 shareholders including several Nigerian and International Institutional Investors and has enjoyed what is arguably Africa's most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 12 years ranking amongst Africa's top 20 banks by total assets and capital in 2016.

As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations.

“You had let this situation fester for months on end. Only when I was appointed to help resolve internal disputes and when you realized I might focus early on Kogi, did you stir from your indifference and inaction."

He continued: "Drawing from your behaviour in Kogi, Kaduna and Adamawa with regard to the state chapter assessment requested, I am led to the inference that you have no intention of actually supporting my assignment.

“While this may place you in a significant affinity with those parallel officials you handpicked, this machination suggests no improvement in the welfare of the party in Kogi or at the national level.”

Tinubu said OdigieOyegun apparently sought to undermine his mandate by engaging in dilatory tactics for the most of the time, but that when forced to act, the national chairman would do so in an arbitrary and capricious manner.

Reminding the national chairman that the task was a presidential assignment, the national leader directed an immediate release to him the status reports and all the pertinent information regarding the state chapters without further delay.

Efforts to get OdigieOyegun’s reaction on Thursday were abortive as he was not available. A source close to him, however, told THISDAY that he had seen the letter and would respond appropriately by the weekend.

Meanwhile, operatives of the EFCC were at the national secretariat of the party on Thursday.

THISDAY gathered that the anti-graft agency’s operatives might have started investigations into an alleged misappropriation of the party's fund made against the NWC. THISDAY gathered that a group known as Buhari/ APC Anti-Corruption Support Group had sent a petition to the anti-corruption agency last week, accusing the national chairman of financial sleaze.

A reliable source said that following the receipt of the group's petition, EFCC operatives stormed the party office at noon yesterday in a black Jeep and made straight for the office of the national chairman.

It was learnt that the APC anti-corruption group had organised a protest last week at the EFCC headquarters carrying several placards with the inscriptions: “EFCC Must Probe Oyegun Now!” “Audit APC’s Account Now!’’ and “Oyegun is Killing the AntiCorruption Policy of Buhari!”

The protesters also asked the anti-graft agency to probe the accounts of the ruling party.

The Leader of the group, Mr. Ishola Adeshina, was said to have alleged that the former Edo state governor had been running the accounts of the party without recourse to the majority of national officers of the party.

Last week, the Acting Chairman of Cross River State, Mr. Cletus Obun, accused the

national leadership of the party of fuelling crisis in the state.

Following some misgivings they had, Obun and some stakeholders of the party from the state on Wednesday rejected a plan by the NWC to hold a special congress to elect a substantive chairman.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Obun, who is also the Cross Rivers State vice chairman from the Central Senatorial District, said the crisis in the state chapter had been allowed to fester because the Odigie-Oyegun failed to stand firm.

Meanwhile, the party said that Odigie-Oyegun and the NWC have been given a vote of confidence by the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

In a statement by the party’s spokesman, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the state’s legislators, led by their speaker, were at the national secretariat to pass a vote of confidence on the national chairman and the NWC. It quoted the majority leader of the House as saying: "We have to commend your style of leadership. When the president was inaugurated, he said that we were going to face some challenges, turbulences and encumbrances in the government and the party is not excluded.

"For the past three years, we have seen how you have handled the party right from national to states, local governments and wards. With all these turbulences and encumbrances, we are still the great party that we are.”

they seek to attend school is an attack on our common humanity.

"The EU sends its solidarity with the affected families and the people of Nigeria.

"The girls deserve freedom and a chance to shape their own future.

"The EU remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.

"We stand resolute to continue our humanitarian and development work, including the rights and protection of girls.”

The statement was said to have brought tears to the faces of parents and relatives of the missing students as the governor could not state the whereabouts of their wards.

.Addressing the parents at the District Head’s palace in Dapchi on Thursday, the governor urged the parents to remain faithful as security operatives were still searching for the girls.

He said: “Soldiers have been pursuing the insurgents, although they receive information that the Boko Haram insurgents had passed some areas, but the communities in the areas said they did not spot the girls along with the insurgents.”

He assured that government and security operatives would not rest on their oars until the missing girls were accounted for.

The waiting parents wept profusely as the earlier news that the girls were rescued turned out to be false.

TINUBU ACCUSES ODIGIE-OYEGUN OF SABOTAGE undermining his efforts at reconciling aggrieved members of the party.

Although Odigie-Oyegun was not available for comments on Thursday, an aide told THISDAY that he was in possession of the letter and would be replying to it at the weekend.

Tinubu's accusation came just as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Thursday visited the national secretariat of the ruling APC situated at Wuse 2 area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for an undisclosed enquiry.

President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier in the year appointed Tinubu to reconcile all aggrieved persons within the party, an assignment which he began last month, talking to major stakeholders, including the National Working Committee (NWC).

But Tinubu, in his eight-page letter dated February 21, which was copied to the president, vice president, Senate president and Speaker of the House of Representatives, accused Odigie-Oyegun of taking actions aimed at sabotaging his presidential assignment.

Specifically, he accused the national chairman of not cooperating with him, saying some of his unilateral actions were capable of worsening the situation in some of the crisis-ridden states.

Saying he approached his assignment with an open mind, Tinubu expressed worry that Odigie-Oyegun's response was cynical and unhelpful.

According to him:" Upon my appointment, I gave the president my word that I would work diligently and objectively to achieve the goal set before me.

"In this vein, my first port of call after receiving my assignment was our party's national secretariat to present myself before the NWC with you as one of its members by virtue as the chairman of the party.

“During my interaction, members freely expressed their views concerning the state of the party at the national, state and local government levels.

"On your part, you promised unalloyed support for my mission. Consonant with that vow, you said that you would provide all the information at your disposal and you vowed to act as a liaison between us and the state party chapters.

"Unfortunately the spirit of understanding and of cooperative undertaking to revive the party seemed not to have lived beyond the temporal confines of that meeting. I assure anyone who cares to know that this positive spirit of cooperation did not meet its demise at my hands.”

In the letter entitled: 'Actions and Conduct Weakening the Party from Within', the national leader outlined his position on the state of the party and the way forward, saying the solution laid in a balanced appreciation of its daunting challenges.

He said: "My position was and is that we can only restore the party by resolving

its current deficiencies in an unbiased, neutral manner that allows us to strengthen our internal democracy by annealing those internal institutions and processes vital to such internal fairness. I stated this position then and I still hold to it with all sincerity."

But Tinubu suggested that Odigie-Oyegun was not similarly persuaded, contending that the national chairman was apparently incapable of measuring up to his leadership responsibility.

"Those who were entrusted with positions of high responsibility within the party seemed unable to handle the success given them,” he said, adding: “Little attention was tendered to the principles upon which this party was formed and pursuant to which it was presented to the public as an alternative to the cynical politics of the PDP." Tinubu pointedly accused Odigie-Oyegun of the undemocratic act of unilaterally meddling in the affairs of some crisis-ridden states, particularly, Kogi, Kaduna and Adamawa States.

He accused the national chairman of rushing to Kogi last weekend to inaugurate a new parallel state executive without reference to the appropriate organ of the party.

Tinubu told Odigie-Oyegun: "It is my understanding that your dissolution of the dulyconstituted state executives and the hurried naming of the above-mentioned caretaker group was not approved by the NWC.

CONFUSION AS YOBE GOV SAYS NO MISSING DAPCHI GIRL HAS RETURNED where over 70 children were killed. A year after, another secondary school in Mamudu was attacked, where school children were slaughtered.

There was another attack in Buni Yadi, where students were attacked. The state university too was attacked and now we have this one," he said.

He criticised the state government for failing in its responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

Senator Joshua Lidani (Taraba PDP) contributing to the debate, urged the president to visit the people of the area.

He also urged Buhari to make it a priority to visit areas where people have been attacked and traumatised.

He said: "But the most worrisome aspect was the

fact that at times like this, whenever we are faced with this kind of situation, the nation ought to hear from the president. He ought to say something.

"When there were killings in the United States in a school, the President himself went to that school to sympathize with the students and the parents but here all along, we have had this. Since the time of the Chibok girls, we have heard killings, abductions and Mr President ought to sympathise.

He ought to utter words of sympathy, he ought to come on television and say one thing or the other. It would bring comfort to those who are in distress. People will have the feeling that the President has them at his heart."

Presiding, Deputy Senate

President Ike Ekweremadu, said the clamour that policemen should be deployed to protect all schools, shows that there is a need to explore other options for policing.

He expressed deep concern at the incident.

He said: "We are also aware that the military and the police are overstretched in all ramifications at this period of national insecurity. That is what makes the case a stronger case for another level of policing.

"If you are now asking the military and the police to provide security at all the schools, they cannot have the number to do so. There must be another level of policing to complement the federal government's security infrastructure in order to be able to secure all parts of

Nigeria."

EU Reiterates Commitment to Fight against Terror The Dapchi incident on Thursday gave the European Union the opportunity to reiterate its commitment to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and other crimes in the country.

The EU in a statement, expressed its solidarity with the affected families and the nation at large, assuring them that it would continue to work for the rights and protection of girls, adding that the girl child should be given the freedom to shape their future.

It said: "Targeting children and abducting young girls as

48

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Saraki: Strengthening Democracy Depends on Press, Parliament Obaigbena: Hosting IPI congress is opportunity to showcase Nigeria Traori charges Nigerian media owners to look beyond rivalry Olawale Ajimotokan, Damilola Oyedele and Omotayo Olaleye in Abuja Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said the strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy is dependent on the parliament and the press, calling for a close collaboration between both institutions.

Saraki said this yesterday when he received the Director of International Press Institute (IPI), Barbara Traori, and members of the Congress Organising Committee led by the Chairman, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, on a courtesy visit.

Saraki said as partners in the progress of Nigeria, the legislature and the press must be strengthened as institutions.

“We really should be partners in progress and work together. That is not happening; there is need for us to continue to do so based on the understanding that we are on the same side. Institutions like ours must be strengthened, and when we strengthen our institutions, we don’t strengthen individuals because some of us will come and go, but we must strengthen our institutions and democracy.

“We should continue to see how the press and parliament can work together as institutions as this will go a long way in ensuring that our peoples are better served,” Saraki added.

The senate president also harped on the need for quality reporting from the media to help democracy thrive, adding that modes to ensure quality reporting should be explored further.

He added that freedom of press and freedom of expression are relatively good in Nigeria.

“Hosting the IPI Congress in June 2017 would provide the delegates from the global media community the opportunity to have a better understanding of Nigeria, enhance interaction on issues regarding the country and the continent.

“Some us believe that the growth and stability of the continent and the world generally today depend on what happens in Africa. When the world starts getting the accurate reports of what happens in Nigeria, the world will be a better place; it is long over due but it is better late than never,” Saraki said.

The Director of IPI, Traori, extended an invitation to Saraki to speak at the congress which starts from June 21 to 23, and address the delegates, which would help world editors and journalists at the meeting to understand the progress made in Nigeria.

“This is also what we, in our communication about this congress, have been cheering. We feel this is the right moment for us in IPI, to be in Nigeria because so much have been happening, which has

been going in the right direction, and Nigeria is certainly Africa’s most populous country, one of the world’s leading economies. It is time that the world not only covers what is going on in Nigeria, but covers it accurately, having been in contact with some of the most trusted sources from the country,” she said.

Traori disclosed that the decision to host the 2018 edition of the annual congress in Nigeria was enthusiastically received by the IPI General Assembly.

“Whenever we organise a congress, we want to have the full support not only of the media industry of the country, but also the support of the government and state institutions, because we truly believe that this is an important sign for a country to show its support for press freedom, quality media, for the efforts that certainly many within the news industry are doing to bring about accurate information to the people.

“Of course, there would be healthy tensions between the news media and the authorities, but we also do believe that in a democracy such as Nigeria, the space that the state can offer to

quality journalism is vital, not only in the sense of ‘hands off’ but also in the sense of proactively giving the journalistic community the safety it needs to work professionally, and the information they (journalists) need about the decision of the state, of the senate, and the government so that there can be coverage in the most accurate way,” she added.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of THISDAY Newspaper Group/ ARISE TV, Obaigbena, said hosting the congress would provide the chance to showcase the best of Nigeria.

“It is in our interest to showcase the best of Nigeria, to showcase our democracy which is thriving and continuing, to showcase the fact that in Nigeria, we don’t quite have the trouble of the media like in the United States,” he said He urged members of the National Assembly to fully participate in the sessions of the upcoming congress and contribute their quota to promoting free press and freedom of information in Nigeria.

“We are happy that the National Assembly is working with us to speak truth to power, and to hold government at all levels accountable.

It is in all our interests to have a better society,” Obaigbena said.

Presenting the closing remarks, former Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Tony Iredia, called for the protection of journalists, which is not specified in the constitution even though the role of the media is specified.

In a related development, when Trionfi visited Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, she charged the government and private owned media in Nigeria to cooperate on core values of journalism and look beyond rivalry and competition.

The IPI boss commended the government for its efforts towards promoting press and guaranteeing freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.

She said press freedom can only be achieved if owners put aside business rivalry and competition to develop and promote media interests.

Trionfi was accompanied on the visit by Chairman of IPI Nigeria and Publisher of Media Trust, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf; former

Director-General of the NTA, Iredia, and the Secretary of IPI Nigeria, Raheem Adedoyin.

She commended the efforts of government to guarantee freedom and safety of journalists in Nigeria.

She reiterated her desire to build closer ties with prominent journalists and editors in the country, saying that would help in strengthening the profession in the future.

Mohammed in his remarks described Nigeria as one of the most media-tolerant countries in the world He promised that the media has nothing to fear from the present administration as no democracy can thrive without a free press.

“The media has nothing to fear from the government but, on the contrary, we are the ones that cannot sleep with our eyes closed because of the media, which everyday hit us with so many punches. We want to be criticised on facts, but appeal to the media to do their homework thoroughly and be fair to us,” Mohammed pleaded.

The IPI is a network of global journalists, editors and publishers dedicated to the promotion of free press and good governance all over the world.

FG, States, LGs Share N635.5bn for January amid Decrease in Oil Export Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The three tiers of government yesterday shared the sum of N635.554 billion for the month of January as the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting ended in Abuja.

However, operational challenges triggered by a decrease in crude oil export by 0.36 million barrels led to a reduction in revenue from export sales by $113.86 million.

The Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, who presided over the meeting, disclosed that the gross revenue of N538.908 billion received for the month was lower than the N540.446 billion posted in the previous month

by N1.538 billion.

He attributed this to operational challenges which caused a decrease in crude oil export by 0.36 million barrels, and reduced revenue from export sales by $113.86 million.

According to him, the average price of crude oil increased from $56.83 to $57.71 per barrel during the period.

Giving a breakdown of the amount shared among the three tiers of government, Idris said the federal government received a total of N263.283 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) inclusive.

States received a total of NN143.902 billion, including VAT while local governments got a total of N129.985 billion (VAT inclusive).

Idris noted that other major issues that impacted negatively on operations were the dhut-ins

and dhut-downs of production at various terminals for repairs and the Force Majeure declared at Bonny Terminal, which was still in place during the period under review, he said.

However, there were significant increases in oil royalty and VAT just as revenue from import duty increased marginally.

Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Companies Income Tax (CIT) recorded decreases.

The distributed Statutory Revenue for the month is N538.908 billion bringing the total revenue distributed for the month including VAT to N635.554 billion.

He disclosed that the total balance of money in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at $2.317 billion while the Excess Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) stood at $133 million.

The oil producing states received a total of N52.042 billion as 13 per cent derivation of mineral revenue from a total of N400.325 billion generated from crude oil sale for the month.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Finance Commissioners’ Forum, Mahmoud Sale Yunusa, said the state’s are satisfied with the amount of money distributed to the three tiers for the January allocation.

Yunusa said that by March 2018 they expect increased revenue adding “ By March we expect increased revenue and there will be a great chunk of oil revenue.”

WHEN IPI MEMBERS CAME CALLING....

L-R: Executive Director, International Press Institute (IPI), Barbara Traori; Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki; Board Member, IPI, Alhaji Ismaila Isa; Chairman/Editor-in-Chief THISDAY Newspaper Group/ARISE TV, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena; Board Member, IPI, Tony Iredia, during a courtesy call to the senate president by the IPI Director and board members at the National Assembly in Abuja....yesterday

House C’ttee Wants Kachikwu, Baru to Shelve Planned $1.8bn Maintenance on Refineries James Emejo in Abuja The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the investigation of the state of the country four refineries, their turnaround maintenance (TAM) and regular/modular licensed refineries yesterday restated the resolution of the House directing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachiku and the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Resources, Mr. Mainkati Baru, to halt the planned TAM on the refineries pending the outcome of the committee’s

investigations.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad, said though it had commenced action on the matter, its attention had nonetheless, been drawn to latest moves by the NNPC to proceed with the planned maintenance despite the resolution of the House to stay action on it.

The lower chamber had through a motion approved the setting up of the ad-hoc committee to among other things, ascertain the viability of continuing investments of public funds on the refineries

and allocation of 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) crude utilisation for the same purpose.

It will also seeks to determine the current utilisation level of the Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries and carry out a detailed investigation of TAM carried out till date on the refineries.

Furthermore, the probe would seek to identify the private and corporate individuals who have refused to utilise the licences (regular and modular), the readiness and status of all current holders and report back to the House for further legislative action.

However, Mohammad said he suspected that the latest rush by NNPC to effect the proposed TAM was as a result of the resolution of the green chamber.

He wondered why the maintenance had not taken place for a long time until lately.

He said: “We want to unravel the mystery in the refineries. It is shameful that Nigeria is the only OPEC member state which imports refined oil out of 13 member countries.

“We have a responsibility to Nigerians to unravel what has happened.”

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

49

NEWSEXTRA

Council of State Tells Buhari to Pump $1bn in Agriculture Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Council of State presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday rose from its over five hours’ meeting in the State House with a resolution approving the investment of $1 billion in agriculture including livestock farming.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said the council observed that the sum of $200 million hitherto being spent on agriculture is meagre when compared to the volume of investment being made in the oil sector.

According to him, if the country must attain the level where it grows all it needs and be prepared to put paid to dependence on foreign products, funding of agriculture must improve and planting done throughout the year.

Amosun also said the council commended the government for raising the annual budget from over N4trillion when it came on board to over N8trillion now. “ The council advised that we improve on the funding on agriculture. That the paltry sum of $200 million when compared to what is being pumped into the oil sector is insignificant. The council recommended that at least about $1 billion be pumped into agriculture.

“Council noted how Nigeria moved the budget from about N4 trillion to now about N8 trillion. It also noted that when this president came in... oil had nose dived from $112 in 2014 and in 2016, it was $30. in 2016 Council also appreciated the efforts of the Ministers of Agriculture and Budget and National Planning after their briefings, on the efforts they are giving to the president, and agreed they should continue in what they are doing.

“The Council advised that planting should be done all year round and not only during planting seasons and that we should grow what we will need, what we will eat and eat what we will grow. The era of wasting our scare foreign

exchange on everything that we will need is over,” Amosun said.

In his briefing, the Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru, said the council also discussed all security crises confronting the country, including herders’ violence, Boko Haram insurgency, militancy in the Niger Delta and kidnapping, and observed that in some instances, violence is perpetrated by bandits.

Against this background, he said it was agreed that security forces should be deployed to comb existing forests in various states with a view to flushing out such bandits, adding that the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, told the council that if cattle routes and grazing reserves are identified, violence may be curtailed.

“On the security situation in the country, we received a very long briefing from the National Security Adviser ranging from farmers/ herdsmen clashes, Boko Haram, militancy in the Niger Delta, kidnapping to cattle rustling.

“Farmers/herdsmen clashes were discussed thoroughly and we learnt that these take three dimensions.

First is the real farmers/herdsmen clashes, where the normal herdsman moves around with his cattle and get into a farmer’s land and eats up his crops.

“In some situations, it’s pure banditry. Some of the pastoralists that are not herders attack, steal and kidnap, and that has to be defined as such. Some of them rustle cattle and move into the deep forests, and because of the thickness of the forests, response are usually very difficult. That was also discussed today (yesterday) and solutions were proffered on how to get deep into the forests to check those bandits that hide and continue to commit havoc.

“The third aspect usually classified as farmers/herdsmen clashes is also the settlers and indigenes’ clashes like in the Southern Kaduna. Some migrant farmers or herders stay in an environment for a very long time and when you have such clashes,

APC Probes Crisis in Kaduna Chapter Omololu Ogunmade and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari last night met with All Progressives Congress (APC) governors in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting was the second of its kind in the last one week.

The president had met with APC governors in his Daura, country home last Friday.

After the Daura meeting, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, told journalists that they were in Daura to commiserate with the president over the loss of his two relatives.

Earlier in the day yesterday, the governors who had attended Council of State meeting had opted to stay back to meet with the president.

It was believed that the meeting was meant to persuade the president to show interest in 2019 presidential poll.

Meanwhile, the APC has set up a three-man committee headed by the Deputy National

Chairman (South), Segun Oni, to embark on a fact-finding mission to Kaduna State where the governor and other key party stakeholders are engaged in a bitter power struggle.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, APC said the committee is to identify the remote and immediate causes of the disagreement and the circumstance that led to the demolition of the house of Senator Hunkuyi.

According to the statement, the Oni-led committee has one week to submit its report to the National Working Committee (NWC).

The APC’s statement read: “After its executive session which held yesterday, the NWC of the party decided that the unfolding situation in Kaduna State is deeply regrettable and requests all parties in the disagreement to maintain utmost decorum and give opportunity for true reconciliation.

they are also classified as farmers/ herdsmen clashes.

“So, we understand and acknowledge these three aspects, and all have different approaches in solving the whole problem. And from the discussions today, a lot has been done, solutions have been proffered and the government believes solution is near.

“The Minister of Agriculture also presented a position on how to resolve the first part of the farmers/ herdsmen crises. That is the actual migrating herdsmen that pass through towns and farms, eat up crops in the farms and create a lot of problems,” Badaru said.

Also briefing, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, said the council approved appointments of 23 members of National Population

Commission (NPC) and unspecified numbers of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissioners as well non-legal practitioners in the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former President Shehu Shagari, former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) were absent from the meeting.

Present at the meeting were former Heads of State, Gen.Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Also in attendance were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki,

former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, Idris Kutigi, Alfa Belgore and Aloma Muktar.

Others present in the meeting were Governors of Sokoto, Delta, Adamawa, Imo, Benue, Lagos, Nasarawa, Abia, Bauchi and Jigawa, Kebbi, Plateau, Kano, Wike, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ekiti, Kogi, Zamfara, Osun, Ogun, Niger and Ebonyi States and deputy governors of Bayelsa and Enugu States.

The meeting was the third to be called by Buhari. The first was held on October 21, 2015, while the second took place in September 2016.

The Council of State is an organ of the federal government saddled with the responsibility of advising the executive on policy making.

Its duties include: advising the

president in the exercise of his powers with respect to the national population census and compilation, publication and keeping of records and other information concerning the same; prerogative of mercy; award of national honours; the Independent National Electoral Commission (including the appointment of members of that commission); the National Judicial Council (including the appointment of the members, other than ex-officio members of that council); the National Population Commission (including the appointment of members of that commission).

The council also advises the president upon requests on issues bordering on maintenance of public order among others.

STATESMEN

L-R: Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd); President Muhammadu Buhari; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), after the National Council of State meeting at the State House in Abuja.... yesterday

Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Reject INEC’s Committee to Investigate UnderageVoting in Kano Paul Obi in Abuja As the build up to the 2019 general election continues to gather momentum, the Southern and Middle Belt Forum yesterday rejected the probe panel set up by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate cases of under-age voting in Kano State witnessed in the last local government elections.

The forum bemoaned the phenomenon of under-age children possessing Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and voting in elections especially in the North and as witnessed in the recent council elections in Kano State and the 2015 general election.

At its meeting in Abuja yesterday hosted by former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, the forum warned against under-age voting, stating that INEC’s excuse on the matter and the rampant perpetuation of underage voting confirmed the reports that the 2015 election, specifically in Kano State were far from being free and fair.

Leading the South-south delegation to the meeting was Chief Edwin Clark; Chief Ayo

Adebanjo, South-west; Chief Nnia John Nwodo, South-east and Dr. Bala Takaya, Middle Belt.

Other dignitaries were Chief Olu Falae, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Senator Christy Anyanwu, Prof. Banji Akintoye, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Major Gen Lekwot (rtd), Senator Barnabas Gamade, Tonye Graham-Douglas, former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan; former Ondo State Governor, Segun Mimiko; Air Comodore Dan Suleiman (rtd), among others.The forum, in its communique presented by its spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, dismissed the excuse by INEC that the children merely voted in a state elections.

The forum said: “We have seen the images of children who are not up to three or four years holding PVC all over the country which suggests and confirms the allegation that in 2015 elections, voters cards were given to community leaders or emir to distribute to children.

“In Nigeria, the voting age is 18 and when you have children holding PVCs all over the place, it is worrisome for our democracy.

And we have noticed the very

lame and very weak excuse by INEC that ‘the children who were seen with PVCs were not voting in state elections’; what absurdity.”

The forum accused the electoral commission of covering up the discrepancies in the Kano state elections, stating that the panel set up to investigate the incident was unacceptable and was bound to be complacent in its duty.

The forum observed that “it does not trust INEC to conduct a credible election in the future,” adding that “the only basis for the commission to do so is to set up an impartial panel to probe under-age voting in the country.

“It is known in Nigeria that INEC has exclusive authority to register voters and state electoral commissions only use INEC voters register to collate their votes.

“So for INEC to say this kind of thing means that they are covering up this discrepancy, this anomaly, this irresponsible behaviour.

“To this end, we have heard that INEC has said it has set up a panel to probe this incident, we reject this panel. INEC’s integrity is at stake,” the communique read in part.

The forum maintained that “by

taking that first line of defence, we cannot trust INEC to unilaterally look into this matter, therefore, we are asking for a judicial panel of inquiry to be headed by a retired justice of the Supreme Court to look into this matter.”

They demanded: “The proposed panel should comprise of INEC, all registered political parties, civil society bodies and international bodies who usually monitor elections in Nigeria, to vet all voters register across the country, especially in the areas where children have been voting.

“This is the condition to allow INEC to conduct further elections in the country,” the forum insisted, noting that the integrity of the electoral commission is at stake.

“And if INEC does not take these measures to earn our confidence, it means that its capacity to conduct free, fair and credible elections is at stake and therefore, they must know that it is necessary to correct these anomalies. This is the only basis to accept that we have a credible INEC in place,” the forum stated.

The forum also demanded more voters registration centres, stating that it did not want Nigerians to be disenfranchised.

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AI: Boko Haram Killed 411 Civilians in 2017,340 People Died in Military Detentions FG response to herdsmen crisis inadequate, too slow Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Amnesty International (AI) yesterday decried that human rights crisis in Nigeria have continued unaddressed with the Boko Haram insurgents killing 411 people in at least 65 attacks in 2017, adding that the group also

continues to carry out abductions of women, girls and men.

It also lamented that the military arbitrarily arrested and held thousands of young men, women and children in detention centres across the country, stressing that detainees were denied access to lawyers and family members,

Senator: Northern Senators Didn’t Agree to Remove Adamu as Chairman Damilola Oyedele in Abuja Senator Ali Wakili (Bauchi APC) who is one of the lawmakers who opposed amendment of the Electoral Act, yesterday disclosed that there was never a time Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF), agreed to remove its former Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.

This came as Adamu denied being involved in any mismanagement of funds belonging to the forum.

Speaking at plenary yesterday, Wakili also said the forum never accused Adamu of financial mismanagement.

“I come from the North and I am an active member of the NSF. At no time have we met and put to question any of the leaders of the northern senators forum,” Wakili said.

He added that the announcement was made at plenary.

“It was brought to this place and it was announced and some of our colleagues went to the press centre and made statements that referred to some of us as monkeys.

“We are taking this political brinkmanship beyond the level we are supposed to take it. We are supposed to be wise men.

“The fact that I am not privy and the fact that the northern senators forum was dragged , my privilege has been breached because nobody called me for a meeting. Senator Barau Jibrin, secretary of the forum,

had never called for a meeting.

Senator Dino Melaye, the public relations officer of the forum, had never called for a meeting,” Wakili added.

The senator said some concerned northerners have expressed disgust at the way the forum is trying to destroy its leadership.

Meanwhile, Adamu in an interview with Channels television aired yesterday morning, described allegations that N70 million was ‘carted away’ under his watch as baseless and false.

He also maintained his opposition to the change of order of elections which was adopted in the recent amendment to Section 25 of the Electoral Act 2010 which provides for the National Assembly elections to be conducted first, followed by the governorship and state assemblies, and the presidential polls to be conducted last, all on separate days.

The amendment, when signed into law, is expected to reduce the bandwagon effect of elections, and reduce the influence of state governors in picking state legislators.

Adamu alongside eight other senators, staged a walk out from Senate proceedings last week at the amendment which they said was ‘hurriedly passed’ to target President Muhammadu Buhari.

As a fallout of his vocal opposition, he was unceremoniously removed as chairman of the influential forum.

House Orders Probe of Safety Standards in Aviation Sector James Emejo in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committees on Aviation and Commerce to investigate as well as carry out critical audit of all registered aircraft with a view to ascertaining their airworthiness, compliance with applicable operational methods, set safety standards and procedures.

The probe will further seek to evaluate the operational environment of the aviation sub sector with a view to enhancing improved operational standards as well as convenience of users.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike (APC, Kwara) on the need to establish the technical and operational status of Nigerian registered commercial/private aircraft to boost the safety, protection and confidence of passengers flying the Nigerian airspace.

The motion was unanimously supported by members of the lower chamber.

In his lead debate, Kannike Expressed worried that noncompliance with applicable

airworthiness requirements exposes consumers and equipment to high level risks, potential dangers and discomfort, which can easily be averted by carrying out appropriate due diligence periodically.

He said there’s a high degree of complicity between airline operators in the country and the regulatory bodies charged with the safety of airspace and passengers, particularly, the Directorate of Quality Assurance of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority as well as the Accident Investigation Bureau, “which has compromised the safety standards of our aviation sector.”

He noted that compliance with safety standards in the aviation subsector remained sacrosanct, given its sensitivity as well as extremely low tolerance for margins of error.

“Aviation Safety measures are rather proactive measures to mitigate against air mishaps as well as to enhance smooth operations and comfort of passengers,” he said.

No further contributions were allowed from members since the motion is investigative in nature so members don’t pre-empt the conclusion of the probe.

saying at least 340 died in custody.

The international rights organisation disclosed this in its annual report titled: ‘State of the World’s Human Rights report for 2017,” released in Abuja.

The report, it said, covers 159 countries and delivers the most comprehensive analysis of the state of human rights in the world, noting that for Nigeria, it covers the armed conflict, unlawful killings, communal violence, enforced disappearances, torture, freedom of assembly and expression, harassment of human rights defenders, forced evictions, women’s rights, death penalty, corporate accountability and other issues in the last year.

The report said: “Across Nigeria, human rights violations and abuses take different forms and have led to violence and deaths as a result of the armed conflict in the north east and the inter-communal clashes between herders and farmers in at least 12 states.

“The armed group Boko Haram killed 411 people in at least 65 attacks while the group continues to carry out abductions of women, girls and men. As a result, in the north eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe there are 1.7 million people internally displaced by Boko Haram crisis and thousands are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

“Boko Haram is still committing crimes by carrying out suicide bombings targeted at civilians as well as abduction of women, girls and children. Over a million victims of the crisis are living in camps across and beyond the northeast and they are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

“The military arbitrarily arrested and held thousands of young men, women and children in detention centres around the country.

Detainees were denied access to lawyers and family members. At least 340 died in custody.

“In August, a presidential

investigation panel was set up to probe allegations of human rights violations carried out by the military.

This was followed by mass trial of Boko Haram suspects in Kainji military facility,” it said.

The report stressed that States across Nigeria are confronted by spate of inter-communal violence between herdsmen and farmers leading to the death of more than 549 people.

“While the clashes linger, the Nigerian authorities’ response to this violence is totally inadequate, too slow and ineffective and in some cases unlawful. The government must totally overturn its response to these deadly clashes to avoid this crisis getting out of control and claiming more lives. They need to investigate and bring suspects to justice.”

The report also lamented the disruption of peaceful assemblies and rising intolerance of Nigerian security agencies as they continued to, in many cases violently, disrupt

peaceful protests.

“The police continued to deny Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), which was banned by the Kaduna state government in 2016, the right to peaceful assembly. The IMN leader has been in detention for over two years despite a court ruling ordering his immediate release.

“Journalists and bloggers face harassment and intimidation largely from security agencies. On 19 January security personnel raided the offices of Premium Times and arrested Dapo Olorunyomi and Evelyn Okakwu after the Chief of Army Staff accused the newspaper of offensive publications.

“Expressing personal opinion on social media is becoming dangerous. On 19 September, the Katsina State police arrested three bloggers, Jamil Mabai, Bashir Dauda and Umar Faruq, for criticising the Governor. Bashir Dauda and Umar Faruq were released after one week and Jamil Mabai was detained for 22 days.”

BANKERS

L-R : Founder, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Paschal Dozie; President, Afrexim Bank, Dr. Benedict Oramah; and Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc, Uzoma Dozie, during a courtesy visit to Afrexim Bank Head Office, Cairo, Egypt....recently.

FG Can’t Build Critical Infrastructure Alone, Udoma Insists Briefs N’Assembly leadership on ERGP focus labs Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, has told the leadership of the National Assembly that since government alone cannot shoulder the provision of critical infrastructure and provide investment capital needed to drive the process, it has decided to not just partner with the private sector for investment funds, but also make the environment attractive to investors.

To achieve its goal, he explained that federal government must target its investment drive significantly at investors with the capacity to boost the economy and create jobs for Nigerians, which is why it is embarking on the labs to fashion out a strategic direction and then conduct a mass crowdsourcing of ideas to mobilise resources into

the focused areas.

The minister stated this while briefing the leadership of the National Assembly on Wednesday as part of the continuation of the Executive/Legislative engagement on critical plans and activities of government and the Economic recovery focus labs which kicks off in Abuja, next month.

He explained that the focus labs are aimed at driving the critical sectors of the economy to achieve the strategic objectives of the ERGP which are restoring economic growth, investing in the people and building a globally competitive economy.

Udoma added that it was because of government’s determination to actualize the strategic objectives of the major enabling sectors of the ERGP that it decided to set up the focus labs with

a view to unlocking investment potential that are being stalled due to bureaucratic bottlenecks; and in the process, fast-track the projects to enable investors mobilise their investments.

He added that the labs are aimed at fast-tracking the attainment of the set objectives and to deliver quick and fast results to the citizens, by identifying actionable projects and removing roadblocks that have been impeding their implementation.

According to him, ‘’For the ERGP implementation programme, the labs would, therefore, provide an avenue to further drill down government’s economic recovery efforts in the initial focused areas of Agriculture and Transportation, Manufacturing and Processing, and Power and Gas. “The labs will also identify catalytic Entry Point Projects

(EPPs) that would mobilise private investment projects to spearhead investment and job creation in the specific sectors and drive the economy towardsachievingtheERGP targets by 2020.

“The three main objectives of the labs are mobilizing new investments for critical projects, resolution of complex inter-agency problems that inhibit private sector investment and job creation for Nigerians. The labs are beingexecuted in three phases: Pre-lab January 15 to March 4; Main lab, March 5 to April 15 and Post-lab, April 15 to May 13, 2018.’’

The minister pointed to the positive trends already being generated in the economy by the initiatives and reforms of government, which he said started manifesting in 2017, adding that it is an indication that the initiatives are working.

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Ambode: With Tax Automation, Lagos Won’t Depend on Federal Allocation Again Stakeholders seek harmonisation of VAT, consumption tax Gboyega Akinsanmi Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday disclosed that Lagos might not depend on federal allocations any longer now that the state had abolished cash payment in tax remittance in the state.

Ambode explained the decision of the state to adopt automation tax system, which he said, was due to the high level of under-payment and non-remittance of what is due to the state from the stakeholders.

He expressed disappointment at the scale of tax under-payment and non-remittance at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the State House, Abuja yesterday to sensitise owners of hotels, restaurants, bars and event centres.

At the meeting, he lamented that hotels, eateries and restaurants in the state have not been remitting consumption tax collected into the state government coffers duly, thereby causing revenue loss for the state government.

But he said automation of the system was introduced to address the high level of under-payment and non-remittance of what is due to government, which according to him, would be a win-win situation for all parties.

He explained the rationale behind the automation of tax system, noting that the objective “is to rely less on federal funding and more on self-funding. The automation of processes and leveraging on technology are key to the development of any country and that is what the fiscalisation project has come to address.

Specifically, the governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule at the stakeholders’ meeting, assured that the new tax payment system would block revenue leakages in the state.

He explained that Nigeria “has moved from its current position on ease of doing business index from 169 to 145, which is encouraging.

This is partly attributable to the reforms and processes put in place by the state.”

He added that the electronic invoicing system was part of the reforms “to improve on the index and enhance revenue; block revenue leakages and end the cases of tax

Okotie for Burial The burial of the late Mr. Patrick Okotie, who passed away on November 26, 2017 at the age of 83 years, will take place on Saturday, February 25 at Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Okotie ran a highly successful law firm from Banuso House on Broad Street, Lagos for many years before he retired from legal practice.

He was also a lay reader in the God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), the Church of the Living God which he joined as a teenager in 1951 and was elected the Chairman of the GKS Laity, Nigeria and Abroad in 2014.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sarah Okotie, six children and 11 grandchildren, among whom are Ovie Okotie, Hope Ojagbagbru, Oghenemaaga Okotie, Mrs Esete Akhionbare, Mrs Enovwo Oshunloye and Dr. Aredon Edoh.

under-payment and non-remittance in the state.”

He said his administration had consciously invested in infrastructure since he assumed office in 2015 and that more funds were required to enable the state government actualise the objective of providing adequate infrastructure and services for residents.

The governor explained that the burden of providing public goods necessitated the need “to embrace the fiscalisation of the consumption tax regime.”

He said despite harsh economy, the 2017 budget of the State performed at 82 per cent with

N503.7billion total generated revenue representing 78 per cent performance, while total recurrent expenditure stood at N281.33billion representing 72 per cent and N387.60billion capital expenditure representing 76 per cent performance.

He said though a lot was achieved in that regard last year but that to enable the state government achieve the target for 2018, the commitment of all residents and business owners was necessary especially in payment of their taxes.

Ambode said it was important for all stakeholders “to play their part in scaling up taxation being one of the ways government is able to

fund its activities and implement projects and policies for the overall benefit of the people.

“As progressive partners in the development of our dear state, we solicit for your co-operation and support at actualising this noble initiative.

“All hoteliers, event centre proprietors, restaurant and bar owners must allow the integration of their systems along with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) server to facilitate the monitoring of consumption tax transactions and remittance of same to the state.

“We must be alive to our responsibilities by paying taxes due

in order to ensure the development of our dear state,” the governor explained.

However, at the meeting, stakeholders demanded that the state government should immediately harmonise the Value Added Tax (VAT) and the consumption tax, noting that collection of both “is double taxation.”

Some of the associations that spoke at the meeting, Lagos Hoteliers Association and Association of Fast Food Confectioners of Nigeria, AFFCON, stressed that harmonisation of both taxes would reduce burden on consumers.

Speaking on behalf of the

stakeholders, President of hoteliers in Lagos, Prince Adekunle Akilo, said: “The law should be fair to the stakeholders. We believe that after paying 5 per cent of VAT, you are asking us to pay another 5 percent consumption tax. It is double taxation. It is apparently complicating and duplication of the law.

“It is good that you want to collect consumption tax but the state should have liaised with the federal government to exclude Lagos from states paying VAT. With this, the state will only collect consumption tax and pay the federal government certain per cent from it.”

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EDO STATE MINISTRY OF PHYSICAL PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, EDPA BUILDING, SAKPONBA ROAD, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

INVITATION TO TENDER 1.0

INTRODUCTION

Edo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development on behalf of Edo State Government from its approved Budget for the fiscal year is desirous of carrying out the Renovation and Remodeling of Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City, Edo State.

Consequently, Edo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders who wish to bid for the projects.

2.0

SCOPE OF WORKS / JOBS

(A)

RENOVATION AND REMODELING OF SAMUEL OSAIGBOVO OGBEMUDIA STADIUM, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

S/ NO

PROJECTS DESCRIPTION

BID SECURITY

I.

Swimming Pools

1 % of bid price

II.

Lawn Tennis Court

1 % of bid price

III.

Athletic Track

1 % of bid price

Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding as specified in section 20 and 21 of the Edo State Public Procurement Law 2012 and Paragraphs 3943 of Edo State Procurement Procedures Manual and is open to all eligible bidders as enshrined in the Law and Manual.

3.0 i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Contractors interested in bidding for any of the jobs must possess the following eligibility requirements: Evidence of registration in the relevant Category with Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA) Certificate of Incorporation with the Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC) Detailed Company Profile Showing Evidence of Key Personnel Tax clearance certificate of the Company and income tax clearance of (2) two Directors of the Company in the immediate past (3) three Years (2015, 2016, 2017) Evidence Of Financial Strength, Solvency From Company’s Banker (s) Affidavit of disclosure, disclosing that the company shall exercise requisite skill in using genuine / specified materials and input in the execution of the contract.

A statement of interest including whether any director of the company has been convicted in any criminal offence relating to fraud or financial impropriety.

Evidence of company equipment to carry out the job.

Profile on past experience to show company’s capacity to execute such works.

These documents are to be arranged in the order in which they are listed.

4.0

COLLECTION OF BIDDING DOCUMENTS

Interested eligible bidders are to collect the tender Documents from the office of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, EDPA Building, Sokponba Road, Benin City from the date of publication of this Advert, between the Hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm Monday –Friday with Evidence of Payment of a Non- Refundable fee Of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand naira) Only to be paid into Edo State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account with the following Banks: BANK Access UBA Unity

ACCOUNT NUMBER 0006663034 1010250531 0021673836

Please note that a copy of the receipt will be presented before the collection of Tender Documents.

5.0

SUBMISSION OF BIDING DOCUMENTS

All bids must be accompanied by bid security of one percent (1%) of the quoted contract sum.

Tender Documents are to be enclosed in two separate envelopes, one to contain the TECHNICAL BID and boldly marked “TECHNICAL BID” on the top right corner and the other to contain the FINANCIAL BID and boldly marked “FINANCIAL BID” on the top right corner. The two Envelopes are to be placed in One (1) Large Envelope which should be address to: The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, EDPA Building, Sokponba Road, Benin City, Edo State.

A bidder may bid for one or more lots advertised. The Number of the LOT(S) bided for should be written on the top right corner of the front of the Envelope. Also the name of the Company should be written boldly on the other side of the Envelope.

All Tender Documents are to be submitted not later than 12:00 noon on Monday, 19th March 2018. Bids submitted after the deadline of submission shall be rejected.

All submissions are to be made in English Language. Other details can be seen in the Bidding Documents

6.0

OPENING OF BIDDING DOCUMENTS The bids shall be opened immediately, following the deadline for submission on Monday, 19th March 2018, by 12:00 noon at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Benin City. Bidders or their representatives as well as CSOs with mandate of ensuring Transparency and Accountability who wish to attend are invited to witness the opening of the bids.

7.0

DISCLAIMER Notwithstanding the forgoing, Edo State Government or the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development are not bound to accept the lowest or any tender that does not satisfy all requirements.

Signed

ERIMONA EDORODION OYE

Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development

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Poverty, Corruption Soaring High Under Buhari, Says PDP Party asks Buhari to bring back Dapchi Schoolgirls Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lamented that the country is witnessing an unprecedented rise in poverty and corruption index under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

The party which challenged the APC and President Buhari to immediately take steps to rescue the kidnapped 94 Yobe State school girls, said insecurity worsening under their watch.

Speaking at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the PDP headquarters in Abuja, the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said the country is facing serious economic and social challenges due to the maladministration of the APC-led administration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our teeming youths are hopeless with no jobs. Their parents and guardians keep losing their jobs by the minute. Since 2015, more than 16 million Nigerians have lost their jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;According to the World Poverty Clock, an organisation that assesses poverty across the globe using credible data obtained from the United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, Nigeria would become the extreme poverty capital of the world by the end of this month. It will

overtake India as the country with the most people in extreme poverty,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Citing the recent report of the Transparency International, the PDP Chairman said the verdict of the group has again vindicated the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position that corruption was getting worse under this government.

According to Secondus, the current TI report showed how badly the APC-led federal government has mishandled Nigeria and her economy they took over from the PDP in 2015, as the largest (economy) in Africa.

He said situation in the country shows that rather than deliver on its promise to check corruption, the country is being treated to more sleazes under the APCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch.

He also lamented that the Nigerian people are today facing serious crisis in the energy sector with fuel now being is sold at as much as N250 per litre in most parts of the country, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The so-called war against corruption has bred more corruption. Even reptiles and monkeys have joined! Discerning Nigerians had made it clear that what has been going on is the persecution of members of the opposition under the guise of anti-

corruption war while monumental corruption is being perpetrated by officials of the government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The facts will speak for itself.

So stop deceiving the people of Nigeria. APC govt is more corrupt than any government in the history of our country. It is worse now than ever. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So what are you hiding, is it the money you are paying out without appropriation, the subsidy in billion, is it the money that came in as dividends from NLNG $1bn, is it the corruption in NNPC, is it Maina gate, corruption is every

where â&#x20AC;&#x153;TI said while Nigeria was ranked 136 in 2015, the country ranked 148 out of 180 countries surveyed in 2017. And, the situation is getting worse,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Secondus said the security situation, has become a nightmare as killer herdsmen are competing with Boko Haram and kidnappers on who would inflict most pain on hapless Nigerians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigeria today is at the crossroads. The economy is in tatters, the security situation

has become a nightmare. Killer herdsmen are competing with Boko Haram and kidnappers on who would inflict most pain on hapless Nigerians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Monday night, Boko Haram terrorists attacked Government Girls Secondary School Dapchi, Yobe State and as we speak reports say about 94 students were still missing.

We are urging the president to do something urgently to rescue all the girls Secondus said just as in the late 90s when its founding fathers under the aegis of G34 rescued

Nigeria from the clutches of the military, Nigerians are looking up to PDP to deliver them from the APC misrule, and hopelessness.

On the 2019 general election, Secondus restated that PDP has lost confidence on the electoral umpire, adding that the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, should sanitise the voter register of resign He said PDP would not only rescue Nigeria in 2019, we will launch the country back on the path of quality growth and development.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PACESETTER WOMEN MINISTRY FOR JESUS. EĹ˝Ć&#x;Ä?Ä&#x17E; Ĺ?Ć? Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä?Ç&#x2021; Ĺ?Ĺ?Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;Ĺś Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ Ć&#x2030;ĆľÄ?ĹŻĹ?Ä? Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161; Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E; ĹśÄ&#x201A;ĹľÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ć?Ć?Ĺ˝Ä?Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć? Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2030;ĹŻĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; ĨŽĆ&#x152; Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ĺ?Ć?Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161; Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ć&#x2030;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ŽŜ ÄŤÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?Ć&#x152;Ć? ŽžžĹ?Ć?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜ Íž ÍżÍ&#x2022; Ä?ƾŊÄ&#x201A; ƾŜÄ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Í&#x17E;Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x161; Í&#x; ŽĨ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; ŽžĆ&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;ĹśĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; ĹŻĹŻĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; DÄ&#x201A;ĆŠÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć? Ä?Ć&#x161;Í&#x2022; ϭϾϾϏÍ&#x2DC; AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: dĹ˝ ĨÄ&#x201A;Ć?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?ŽŜ Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;žžÄ&#x17E;Ć? ĨŽĆ&#x152; Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; ĆľĆ&#x2030;ĹŻĹ?Ĺ&#x152;ĹľÄ&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161; ŽĨ Ĺ&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ć?Ć&#x;Ä&#x201A;Ĺś Ç Ĺ˝ĹľÄ&#x17E;Ĺś Ĺ?Ĺś Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x161;ĆľÄ&#x17E; Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;ĨŽĆ&#x152;ĹľÄ&#x201A;ĹśÄ?Ä&#x17E; ŽĨ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ć&#x152; Ć&#x152;ŽůÄ&#x17E;Ć? Ĺ?Ĺś Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Í&#x2022; Ĺ?Ĺś Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ&#x161;ŽžÄ&#x17E;Í&#x2022; Ĺ?Ĺś Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ć&#x152; ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2022; Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161; Ç Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;ĹŹ Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ĺ?Ĺś Ĺ˝Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Ć?Ć&#x2030;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć? ŽĨ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ć&#x152; Ć?Ĺ˝Ä?Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ ĹŻĹ?ĨÄ&#x17E;Í&#x2DC;

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1. Priscilla Chidi Immanuel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leader 2. Mary David- Deputy 1 (Admin) 3. Deborah Maadi Abraham- Deputy 2 (Spiritual) 4. Lydia Abu â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Deputy 3 (Finance)

5. Adeoti Eunice Monisola 6. Orukalama Tonye Abraham 7. Ayojesu Adejesu Immanuel +DQQDK ,MHRPD 2QXRKD )LQDQFH 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU

9. Immanuel Mary Chinasa

ĹśÇ&#x2021; Ĺ˝Ä?ĹŠÄ&#x17E;Ä?Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?Ć? Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ĹśĹ?Ä&#x17E; ŽĨ ĹśÄ&#x201A;ĹľÄ&#x17E; Ć?Ĺ&#x161;ŽƾůÄ&#x161; Ä?Ä&#x17E; ĨŽĆ&#x152;Ç Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ĺ?Ć?Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152; Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ WĹŻĹ˝Ć&#x161; Ď°ĎŽĎŹ dĹ?Ĺ?Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ć? Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć?Ä?Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161; Žč Ĺ?ĆľĹ?Ç&#x2021;Ĺ? /Ć&#x152;ŽŜĆ?Ĺ? ^Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x161; WÍ&#x2DC;DÍ&#x2DC; Í&#x2022; DÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ĹľÄ&#x201A;Í&#x2022; Ä?ƾŊÄ&#x201A; Ç Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?Ĺś ĎŽĎ´ Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x2021;Ć? ĨĆ&#x152;Žž Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; ŽĨ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?Ć? Ć&#x2030;ĆľÄ?ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ŽŜÍ&#x2DC; Signed : SECRETARY

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

54

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

2019 FIBA AFRICA WORLD CUP

AFA Sports Releases New Jerseys for D’Tigers As Nigeria begins chase for 2019 FIBA World Cup ticket in Mali today Femi Solaja Leading Sports Merchandise giant in Africa, AFA Sports, has released a new team jersey for Nigeria’s senior male basketball Team, D’Tigers. The team will definitely be looking splendid in their brand new kits officially released yesterday in Lagos as they take off for Bamako, Mali for their 2019 FIBA Africa World Cup Qualifiers which will tip off today.

The official apparel is custom designed in Nigeria with breathable micromesh fabric for elite performance in Sub-saharan climate.

While reviewing the designs, music star and Co-owner of

the Lagos City Stars, Sound Sultan said, “this is definitely a game changer for the Nigerian team because this unique fabric is adapted for the heat and keeps your body cool while playing.”

The official apparel can be pre-ordered and customised at all Sports World Shops nationwide.

Nigeria finalised their roster for the first-leg of Group B of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers in Bamako, Mali by adding two prolific scorers – Ike Diogu and Michael Efevberha.

Diogu, who led Nigeria in scoring at FIBA AfroBasket championships in 2013 and

2017, is set to lead a team that also includes Efevberha, who powered Nigeria’s offense with a team-high 17.4 points per game in the 2009 edition

of FIBA Africa’s flagship tournament in Libya.

While this will be Efevberha’s first appearance for Nigeria since 2009, Diogu sparked

D’Tigers to a runners-up finish at the last FIBA AfroBasket 2017 and as a result, he was named the tournament’s MVP. The first-leg of Group B

of the World Cup African Qualifiers will run from February 23-25 in Mali, and Nigeria will face Uganda, hosts Mali and Rwanda.

W I N T E R O LY M P I C S

USA Beats Canada on Penalties to Win Women’s Ice Hockey Gold The United States yesterday defeated Canada 3-2 in a sudden-death shootout to win Winter Olympics gold in the women’s ice hockey for the first time in 20 years.

The scores were level at 2-2 after five penalty shots each, but USA’s Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson scored past Shannon Szabados before Maddie Rooney saved from Canada’s Meghan Agosta.

Canada won gold at the previous four Olympics, including victories over USA in the 2002, 2010 and 2014 finals.

The game had ended 2-2 after overtime.

Hillary Knight opened the scoring for USA but Haley Irwin and Marie-Philip Poulin put Canada ahead before Monique Lamoureux-Morando took the match into overtime in Pyeongchang.

USA beat Canada in the first women’s ice hockey Winter Olympic final in 1998.

Lamoureux-Davidson said

she had repeatedly practised the move in which she feinted to the left before taking the puck round Szabados to the right to score the winning penalty-shot.

“I’ve done that thousands of times around tyres just set out on open ice,” she said. “It’s called ‘Oops, I did it again’ and I’m just thrilled beyond words.

“I’ve butchered it a thousand times, ran into tyres, tripped over tyres just working on my hands. I’m just glad it worked out this time.

“This victory is special and it’s going to give us an even bigger platform to make a bigger difference.”

Twin sister LamoureuxMorando added: “It’s a move that our coach Peter Elander worked on with us over the last four years, not just on the goalie, but against defenders.

“We’ve screwed it up plenty of times, but she pulled the perfect time to pull it off.”

Nigeria Targets Four Medals at African Fencing Championship The Nigeria Fencing Federation has hinted that the country will be aiming for four medals at the forthcoming Junior/Cadet African Fencing Championship billed to hold at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos from March 1 to 5.

NFF President, Adeyinka Samuel at a media briefing recently said the country will also be fielding a twelve-man team for the championship which will attract no fewer than twenty countries. Five of the nation’s representatives are billed to arrive in batches today.

Samuel, who is also the Secretary General of the African Fencing Federation stated that Nigeria is very proud to be hosting the event stressing it’s a major achievement to beat top fencing country like Algeria

and Tunisia to the hosting rights.

“We are targeting four medals and from the perspective that we are an up and coming country in fencing, it will be remarkable if we meet the target,” Samuel, who was once ranked top 100 fencers in the world, said.

Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) scribe, Tunde Popoola commended the federation stressing that the NOC is delighted to note that the fencing federation has a very good relationship with its international body FIE. The championship serves as an avenue for junior fencers to earn point for the 2018 World Championships in Verona, Italy and will also be used as qualification criteria for the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo, Japan.

D’Tigers new AFA jerseys displayed by Co-owner of Lagos City Stars, Sound Sultan (middle) and other models at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos yesterday. D’Tigers are to begin their FIBA 2019 World Cup ticket quest in Mali donning the jerseys this weekend in Bamako

Lagos Polo: Caverton, Agad, Optima Energy Triumph in Low Cup Lagos Caverton/Sao Polo began their chase for a place in the final of the Low Cup of the 2018 Lagos International Polo Tournament mainly sponsored

by GTBank with an 8 – 4 ½ win over Lagos STL. Lagos Optima Energy out-galloped their city rival, Lagos Plug to also brighten their chances of making it to Sunday’s final.

Martin Juaregi, unsurprisingly, ran the show on behalf of Caverton/Sao Polo netting a large chunk of his side’s goals while Jamilu Umar and Rotimi Makanjuola, the side’s patron, were also on

target.

STL parading Omololu Agoro, Mario Gomez, Khalifa Ibrahim and Seyi Tinubu, who is the patron began on ½ goal handicap but had their lead wiped off in the opening chukka with Argentine fourgoaler, Juaregi scoring twice but STL stayed in touch with a goal by Ibrahim.

The third match of the day saw Lagos Plug having no answer to the intense play of Optima Energy who ran out 7-2 winners.

Ibrahim Dantala and Saidu Umar starred as Optima Energy were optimally

energized for what turned out to be a resounding victory.

Goals difference is always going to play a huge part in the race for who among the eight teams will clinch the sole ticket in the League 1 which has eight teams and the both Umar, the hitman and Dantala enforced their presence in the game while, Timi Badiru, 14, also had a game to remember.

The match between Lagos Agad and Kaduna Trappco which was called-off due to poor visibility was concluded with Agad scoring a goal to win 7- 5 1/2 having led

6 - 7 1/2 before the final two minutes was decided.

Friday’s schedule will see Ibadan Bodija file out against Port Harcourt Elshcon, who had a very slim chance of progressing after their defeat against Kaduna YY Sublime in their first match. Lagos La Mansuri are in for a tough meeting with Lagos A-Plus/ DDSS while the penultimate match which is also in the Low Cup will see Kano Dantek/ YBL confront YY Sublime.

The day’s activities will be rounded off with the Italian Ambassador Cup between two selected teams.

LAGOS 2018 NWFL CHAMPIONS SHIELD

Okon, Danjuma Ready for ‘Festival of Queens’ They were the best teams in the country’s women football last season. Rivers United and Nasarawa Amazons dismissed all the pretenders in the 2017 season to win the biggest laurels in Nigerian women football and now it is time to decide who is the first among equals.

Feelers from both camps indicate that the teams are ready to rumble in the game described by their coaches as the ‘Festival of Queens.’

Looking forward to an entertaining March 4 evening, Rivers Angels Manager, Edwin Okon and his Nasarawa Amazons counterpart, Chris Danjuma agree that the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Champions Shield will be a feast of the finest in women football as they represent the very best teams in the land.

The harbinger of the new women football league season, as well as the premiere of the best of the best will hold at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium in Lagos.

The NWFL Champions Shield maiden edition is sponsored and supported

by Lagos State government, whose Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode is expected to grace the occasion.

Nasarawa Amazons defeated Rivers Angels to win the NWFL Super Four Championship last year, but Okon says he is not thinking of revenge, “but a good game that will go a long way to boost the image of the women league.

“I must thank the NWFL leadership under Aisha Falode for their persistent drive for new innovations.

“I must also thank Lagos

State government for their interest and support for a worthy project like the NWFL Champions Shield.

“It’s the first of its kind, we have had Super 6, Super 4 as well and I know it’s a matter of time for the huge investment in women football to be clear to all to behold. Nasarawa Amazons versus Rivers Angels NWFL Champions Shield clash is a good one between mutual friends and sisters.”

“We at Rivers Angels want to use the occasion to show the stuff and new image of a winning team.”

Danjuma, who has overseen the ascendance of Nasarawa Amazons to the top of Nigerian women football in recent years, says his side is coming to Lagos to consolidate on the recent gains as well as rewrite history at

the maiden NWFL Champions Shield.

“We have been meeting Rivers Angels at the highest level of football and in most cases the Port Harcourt side have emerged victorious.

“We have something different to prove this time around using the NWFL Champions Shield platform in Lagos. We want to rewrite the history of the best club side in Nigeria. We want to prove ourselves as the Nigerian champions and to prove to the whole world that our victory at the NWPL Super 4 in Benin City was not a fluke but well-deserved.”

This is the first meeting of the two sides since Nasarawa Amazons almost turned the Jewel of Rivers to ‘ball girls’ at the 2017 NWPL Super 4 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2018

55

Friday, February 23, 2018

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& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE DAPPMAN to FG

THE ADDRESS OF LUXURY IN LAGOS

“The unfortunate primary fallout of this step is the likely shut down of all DAPPMAN depots nationwide due to lack of manpower to operate same pending the time the Federal Government will pay off its indebtedness to petroleum marketers. This, unfortunately, will have a multiplier effect on the nationwide supply and distribution of petroleum products which currently is still a struggle” – Executive Secretary, DAPPMAN, Olufemi Adewole issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the federal authorities for the payment of its subsidy claims or risk a nationwide shutdown.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

The Babangida Intervention I

n my capacity as the spokesperson of the Coalition of Nigeria Movement, CNM, I have found myself returning to a familiar theme and cause-championing the cause of generational transfer of political power to the younger generation.

In political science lexicon, it is captured as leadership succession and recruitment.

As a cause celebre, it first came to national notice with what the abortive Ibrahim Babangida military government transition to civil rule programme conceptualized as the ‘Newbreed’ political class-as a preferred category to the class of recycled Nigerian political actors. Ever since, it has become a recurring problematic, seeking a resolution, an idea whose time has come.

The conspicuous failure of President Mohammadu Buhari has once again highlighted the imperative of the age factor in the evolution of Nigerian politics. In the Nigerian tradition, if the official age of the President is 76, it can be safely assumed that in reality, he is not younger than 80 years. The reality of this advancing years and allied biological attrition was brought to bear on his incumbency in the shape of falling victim to a life threatening medical emergency that kept him away from his desk for over a hundred days. At length he was discharged with the medical admonition, in his own words, ‘to eat more and sleep more’. The medical attendant who gave this counsel would have been taken aback that his patient was returning not to a well-deserved restful retirement but to the cauldron of the political leadership of Nigeria-and potentially seeking reelection.

In a less troubled and normal political clime where politics is not a do or die affair, the prolonged enforced physical indisposition should have been a terminal leave. In the circumstance, Buhari had made the choice that whatever constraint his age related debility imposed on him would be at the expense of the optimal governance of Nigeria. For good measure, he recently and defiantly reiterated that he would work at his own pace.

Among other disqualifying shortcomings, the narrative of his age related failing health has become a compelling backdrop to the imperative of the emergence of a younger successor political class. In recognition of this vacuum and few years into the Fourth republic, I collaborated with my peers to float a political organization, Progressive Action Movement, PAM, as a specific response to this emergent challenge. We were guided by the following theoretical formulation ‘PAM was conceptualised as a response to the failure of the political system to fulfil the role of continuous and regular leadership reproduction and recruitment into the civilian political class-to assume political succession from one generation to another. There was an emergent generational gap and vacuum-to whose remedy we programmatically addressed ourselves. We intended ourselves as a kind of political nursery for preparing and producing a successor class at the shortest possible time. As it were, the major indication of

Babangida

this systemic failure was the recycling of political leaders rather than a renewal with successor generations. Conventionally and specifically, the role of leadership recruitment into the political system is that of the political parties. Understood as such, the poverty of the performance of this role is self-explanatory in the non-existence of political parties for the better part of the period spanning 1960 to 1999’.

‘The political party system and the legislative institution are the most conspicuous and consequential casualties of military intervention in the governance of Nigeria-as elsewhere. The more protracted the rule of military dictatorship, the more impoverished the political system and the attendant roles of the party system including leadership recruitment. Unlike the political system, and to underscore the point, is the analogy of contrast to the Nigerian economic sector which has witnessed progressive and periodic renewal and turnover of the public and private economic sector leaders. Many major contemporary economic leaders were either not born or were toddlers when people like Adeyemi Lawson, Michael Omolayole, Grema Mohammed, Mai Deribe, Gamaliel Onosode and numerous others were holding forte’.

This was the background to the drama of Babangida’s latest intervention in the political leadership succession ritual that plays out every four years since the advent of the Fourth republic in 1999. He utilized the opportunity to reaffirm the necessity nay the centrality of focusing national attention on political leadership succession and recruitment strategy as of the essence.

Babangida ventured “We must be unanimous in what we desire for our country; new generation leadership, result-driven leadership, a sound political foundation, While saying this also, I do not intend to deny President Buhari his inalienable right to vote and be voted for, but there comes a time in the life of a nation, when personal ambition should not override

national interest”. And then the drama of the degenerate political situation of Nigeria began to unfold “The Inspector General of Police has ordered his arrest for giving false statement, making injurious falsehood and equally defamation of character or an act which is inimical to law and order in the country” . The preceding excerpts were the characterization given by the Nigerian police to the press statement ‘Towards a national rebirth’ issued on behalf of former military president Ibrahim Babangida by his regular spokesperson, Kassim Afegbua.

The confusion that followed is, in many respects typical of President Ibrahim Babangida’s penchant for becoming captive to hostage politics. Against his best judgement he succumbed to the blandishment and the bullying of his military protégés to take a decision that amounted to snatching defeat from the jaws of victory-the annulment of the 1993 presidential elections. Seemingly impervious to negative public perception, he is prone to rendering himself supine to the protective custody and personal excesses of those around him-who profess to love him more than he loves himself. It is a character flaw that has cost him dearly in public life-vacillation and pandering to personal relations and private concerns at the expense of public duty and obligation.

More than most people I know, I perennially grapple with his characteristic bundle of contradiction personality. From the record of his military career, it is difficult to extrapolate any reputation short of a daring do adventurous officer. Among his many impressive escapades was the uncommon craving for dangerous exposure that saw him demanding immediate return to the war front right after an elaborate surgery and hospitalization for injury sustained in the civil war. Yet, since my first encounter with him in 1998, I have seldom found the occasion to change my perception of him as unsuited to the conventional dare devil imagery of war and military coup veterans.

My familiarity with his keen fellow feeling and empathy is at variance with his infamous devil may care boast of himself as a career practitioner and manager of organized violence. His kind hearted happy go lucky mien fails to square up with the single minded ruthlessness of his prior job description. He is a natural prince charming and to know him is to like him. His strength of character tended to stop where his soft spot begins-often at the expense of a highly consequential decision.

If the roles were swapped I would not wager on Babangida extricating himself and firmly exiting the web of the third term tenure elongation intrigue once it was dealt a death blow at the national assembly. On the contrary, it is inconceivable that President Olusegun Obasanjo would have succumbed to pressure from any quarters to go through with the (own goal) annulment of Moshood Abiola’s Presidential victory in 1993. The difference here is the ability to look those who presume to be caliphate than the Sultan in the eye and say no. This time around,

all we can say is all is well that ends well.

According to ThisDay “Following the confusion that arose from a counter-statement purportedly issued by former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida yesterday spoke exclusively to THISDAY saying that his “original statement still stands”. Babangida said the second statement was issued by friends and had nothing to do with him.

Indeed, the sources informed THISDAY that the second toned down version was not signed by the Babangida but his son who simply appended the retired general’s name to the revised statement. But when Babangida got wind of what had transpired, he instructed Afegbua to reach out to media houses reaffirming the validity of the first statement”.

If there is anyone who should feel vindicated by the meltdown of the Buhari Presidency, it is Babangida-who, in the unfolding drama of Nigeria’s revolving door of ultimate political power, had been cast as the villain who aborted the fullness of a prospective Buhari’s heroic leadership-(as terminated in the military coup of August 1985). A critical inference from the latter’s dismal performance in office since 2015 is the retrospective justification of his ouster 33 years ago.

In reinforcing Obasanjo’s repudiation of Buhari-especially in the most dangerous aspect of constituting an existential threat to the durability of Nigeria, Babangida has validated my earlier projection of both of them as Pan Nigerian patriarchs. It was not long ago I remarked ‘His (Obasanjo) public interventions in times of political stalemate and crisis often prove decisive even if those interventions tended to default on the side of preserving the status-quo. He is the most valuable status-quo Nigerian and his pan Nigerian political reach surpasses that of any other Nigerian leader. For all the exaggerated shortcomings of Ibrahim Babangida, he is the only other living Nigerian ruler who comes near him in the attribute of Pan Nigeria patriarch’

POSTSCRIPT Chairman of Northern Senators forum, Senator Abdullahi Adamu said: “Chief Obasanjo said President Buhari is selective in his anti-corruption war. I agree with him because if the President were not selective, Chief Obasanjo himself would be in the dock today on trial on charges arising from the pursuit of his third term gambit in the National Assembly in 2006.

Senator Dino Melaye-“This is to inform the Senate that the majority signatories of members of the Northern Senators Forum have decided to remove Senator Abdullahi Adamu as chairman of the Northern Senators Forum for financial mismanagement and misadministration.

We announce his replacement with Senator Aliyu Wamakko immediately….. we now have snakes consuming about N36 million, and now you have monkeys carting away N70 million from a farm house.”

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