Friday 16TH MARCH 2018

Buhari Commissions N50bn FMN Sugar Estate, Says Nigeria Attracting Right Investment Plant to create 10,000 jobs Laleye Dipo and Sunday Okobi in Mokwa President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc for its N50 billion investment in the

Sunti Golden Sugar Estate in Mokwa, Niger State, saying the capital outlay by the miller was a clear manifestation that the government’s policy on diversification was attracting the right kind of support and

engagement.

Buhari, who spoke yesterday at the commissioning of the sugar estate set to create at least 10,000 direct jobs, 50,000 indirect jobs and 3,000 out-

grower farmers that would be engaged all the year round cultivating sugarcane, said the N50 billion invested by FMN in the sugar production facility, makes it one of the largest agro-allied investments

in Nigeria today.

Buhari said at the commissioning, which attracted dignitaries from the public and the organised private sector, that the coming on stream of the sugar factory

was also timely because it had come at a time “Nigeria has made her way out of recession and we have shown considerable progress”.

Continued on page 6

Lagos Govt Bows to Pressure, Slashes Land Use Charge… Page 8 Friday 16 March, 2018 Vol 23. No 8366. Price: N250

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25 People Killed as Herdsmen Invade Kogi Villages Senate condemns killings, Benue holds another mass burial Declare herders terrorists like you did IPOB, Soyinka tells president Damilola Oyedele in Abuja, Shola Oyeyipo in Lagos, George Okoh in Makurdi and Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja For the umpteenth time,

suspected herdsmen, this disguised time in military uniforms, were reported to have invaded yet another community on Wednesday in the North-central

geopolitical zone, killing no fewer than 25 persons in the process.

The latest attacks, which took place in the Oganienugwu and Ikende

communities in Dekina Local Government Area and Abejukolo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, came two years after a similar onslaught when

sectarian violence led to the death of four herders and an unspecified number of their livestock.

In the Wednesday attack, the herdsmen were said to

have fled from Benue State where they were being overwhelmed by the security forces.

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N’Assembly to Proceed With Plan to Override Electoral Amendment Veto

Senate protests court injunction, to write CJN Buhari meets leaders of legislature Omololu Ogunmade, Damilola Oyedele in Abuja and Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu Despite the announcement Wednesday by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulrazaq Namdas, that a tweaked version of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill will be retransmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent, the leadership of the National Assembly has said that it will go ahead with plans to override the president’s veto.

Continued on page 8

SUNTI GOLDEN SUGAR ESTATE GOES LIVE… L-R: Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc, Mr. John G. Coumantaros; the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; and former Vice-Chairman, FMN, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, at the official commissioning of the Sunti Golden Sugar Estate in Mokwa, Niger State… yesterday

Prison Officers Move Charles Okah to Borno Prisons… Page 10

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PAGE SIX B U H ARI C O MMI SSIONS N 50BN FMN S U GAR E STAT E , SAYS N I GE R I A AT T R ACT I N G R I G H T I N V E STM E N T “The mill as I was told cost the company N50 billion and it is expected to produce 100,000 metric tonnes of sugar yearly. It will provide direct employment for about 10,000 people yearly and impact on up to 50,000 people indirectly, including 3,000 small-scale out-growers,� he said while commending the company for creating job opportunities for Nigerians.

The president stated that the socio-economic impact of the company’s investment could not be quantified as lives would be changed and the impact on the national economy would also be significant.

He stated that sugar had been identified as a key commodity that is critical to national food security, adding that “the sugar factory would help stem the tide of importation of sugar, save foreign exchange and create wealth amidst rural poverty. “Flour Mills of Nigeria has shown commitment to Nigeria all through the good times and bad times,� he stated.

Buhari called on other private sector operators in the country to partner with

the government in creating investment opportunities that would further stabilise the economy and provide jobs for the youths, assuring them that his administration would continue to create the enabling business environment and will improve security and infrastructure across the nation.

According to him “We are looking inwards to our natural endowments and mineral deposits. We are focusing on agriculture and other non-oil sectors.�

He also harped on the benefits and economic potential of the River Niger that borders the sugar estate, saying: “It has been long overlooked, it is time we explore and harness the benefits for commerce and investment.�

The president noted that projects like the Sunti Sugar Estate were in tandem with the vision and objectives that the administration set out to achieve when it instituted the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). “While our focus is steadfast on delivering on our policy goals of tackling corruption,

improving security and rebuilding the economy; more than ever, the government will work in close partnership with businesses to strengthen investments in agriculture, power, manufacturing, solid minerals and the service sectors,� Buhari said.

Buhari reassured Nigerians that the administration was committed to the transformation and diversification of the economy, adding that the government would continue to support businesses and investors by creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

The Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, in his address, said the people of his state were proud farmers, noting that the sugar estate would utilise the farmers and make them productive.

Bello said 2018 had been earmarked as the year of “agricultural revolution� in the state and called on investors to invest in the state which “is a perfect model for investment�.

Bello said the Sunti Sugar Estate, which is one of the two sugar mills in the country, will

produce 4,500 metric tonnes of sugar per day.

The governor, however, appealed to the president on the speedy completion of the Suleja-Minna, TeginaKontagora and Mokwa-Jebba roads in order to attract more investors to the state.

The Chairman of FMN, Mr. John Coumantaros, said the factory would ensure that local sugar is produced in Niger State and also set the country on the path to becoming selfsufficient in sugar production.

According to him, “The sugar estate would feature 17,000 hectares of irrigable farmland and a sugar mill that processes 4,500 metric tonnes of sugarcane per day. “At full capacity, the estate is expected to produce 1 million tonnes of sugar cane which roughly translates into 100,000 metric tons of sugar yearly.�

Coumantaros pointed out that the establishment of the project would reduce sugar importation into the country and save the country foreign exchange. “It will also boost local capacity and reduce

unemployment by putting thousands of Nigerians to work,� he added Prominent among the dignitaries that attended the commissioning were the Kebbi State governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Rasheed Adejare Olaoluwa, and traditional rulers from Niger and Kwara States.

With the commissioning of the Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, the Nigerian National Sugar Master Plan got a major boost, as the plan had set out a backward integration framework to encourage sugar production in the country.

Located on the banks of the River Niger in Mokwa, Niger State, the sugar estate is owned by Sunti Golden Sugar Estates (SGSE) Ltd., a subsidiary of FMN. Enclosed within a 35-kilometre dyke, the production facility area is 15,100 hectares, with a cane area that features a maximum

output of 10,000 hectares.

The dyke provides flood protection from the River Niger with the state-of-the-art irrigation system that will ensure the efficient cultivation of sugar cane.

Some of the infrastructures on the estate include drain pumps, pump stations and a power grid.

According to a statement

by FMN yesterday, the estate is the purest representation of the federal government’s Nigerian Sugar Master Plan with an ambitious backward integration programme that intends to set Nigeria on the path to self-sufficiency in sugar production.

The statement said the estate will bring infrastructure benefits to the surrounding communities, with 28 communities in total taking advantage of a new 30-kilometre road, plus expansive road networks that provide a variety of access routes to the homes of the indigenes. “Drains, culverts, and flood-protection walls have also been constructed,� the company added.

the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief for the persons displaced by the attacks in Kogi.

On their part, the three socio-cultural groups in the state, represented by Mr. Omele Amali, and the representative of Movement Against Fulani Occupation (MAFO), Mr. Dave Ogbole, said they saw the attacks coming and reported to the relevant authorities but nothing was done to avert the massacre.

While expressing disappointment with the federal government over its inactions towards the killings, Ogbole called on the international community to rise up and stop a repeat of Rwanda in Nigeria, adding that the decision by Benue people to remain lawabiding should not be mistaken for cowardice.

In his sermon, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Benue State chapter, Rev. Akpen Leva, prayed to God to grant the governor and the entire Benue people the strength to overcome the menace of herdsmen attacks.

The chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Council, Mr. Olofu Francis Ogwuche, while condemning the killings, called on well-meaning Nigerians and international bodies to assist those who have been displaced by the attacks.

He called for more security forces to be deployed in Benue in order to secure all the local government from further attacks.

organisation tag from the Buhari-led federal government, there was no reason why the Miyetti Allah, the umbrella body of herdsmen in Nigeria, should not be slapped with a similar label. “Our Minister of Defence shot himself in the mouth when he made excuses for the herdsmen by saying, ‘What do you want them to do when squatters are sitting on their land?’ It is very shameful that the Minister of Defence is still serving in Buhari’s government,� Soyinka said.

In an hour-long speech titled, “Miyetti to Haiti; Notes from a Solidarity Visit,� Soyinka could not hide his disgust over what he considered excuses being made for the killer herdsmen.

The drying up of the Lake Chad has been blamed for the violent inclinations of the herdsmen, but Soyinka was having none of it. “When I read of untenable explanations like Lake Chad is receding‌ water is drying up‌ I don’t want to hear about all these ridiculous excuses. Nature has been kind to us. We don’t have earthquakes in Nigeria,â€?

Soyinka lamented.

The Nobel laureate said during a visit to an earthquakeravaged Haiti, herdsmen had neither sticks nor AK-47s. He wondered why the herdsmen roaming Nigeria have been allowed to bear arms. “I used to wonder whether to call them Fulani herdsmen or not. But now I can call them Fulani herdsmen because they have identified themselves as Fulani herdsmen,� Soyinka said.

Soyinka also took on Buhari for attending a wedding in Kano just days after terrorists abducted 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State.

Soyinka has been very critical of the Buhari administration and its handling of the security challenges bedevilling the country in recent times.

Other speakers at the event included former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi and Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi of the Transition Monitoring Group.

2 5 P EOPLE KIL LED AS HERDSMEN INVAD E KOGI VI L L AGES It was alleged that the herdsmen arrived in boats via the River Benue with firearms such as AK47 rifles, machetes and other dangerous weapons, and embarked on a shooting and killing spree. They also razed houses in the communities.

An eyewitness, who spoke to THISDAY yesterday, said the suspected Fulani herdsmen dressed in military uniforms took the Oganenigu community by surprise, adding that the herdsmen numbering in hundreds, burned down over 20 houses in the community.

He alleged that they slaughtered people, including the four family members of a police officer, and shot at those who tried to escape into the nearby bush.

Another community in Dekina Local Government Area, Iyale, was also attacked by the herdsmen. Two persons were reportedly killed during the invasion on Iyale.

Also, in Omala LGA, the herdsmen invade Abejukolo community killing an unspecified number of persons. It was gathered that in Abejukolo, one Joshua Angulu, was slaughtered by the assailants during the attack.

There were also reports that another set of suspected herdsmen had crossed into Omala through the River Benue from Nasarawa State.

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camped in the Obakume Forest, preparing for the attacks on Abejukolo and adjoining villages.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Bala while speaking with reporters yesterday, confirmed the attacks, but said they could not give a number on the casualties.

He said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aliyu Janga, deployed mobile policemen in the troubled communities to restore law and order.

Senate Condemns Killings Reacting to the gruesome attacks, the Senate yesterday condemned the killing of at least 25 persons in Dekina and Omala Local Government Areas of Kogi State by suspected herdsmen.

It also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to issue an order to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris and heads of other security agencies to quickly move in and apprehend the perpetrators of the attacks.

The lawmakers also demanded stronger action from Buhari and his security chiefs to tackle the insecurity ravaging different parts of the country.

Senator Ali Aidoko (Kogi, APC), in a motion at plenary, said the security agencies were informed when the herdsmen were camped nearby before the attacks began, but no action was taken “Whole communities were razed, villages evacuated and the new dimension to it now is that people are being maimed.

They would catch women, cut their hands and let them go,� he said.

Aidoko expressed shock that there had been no reaction from the Kogi State Government. “Of course they will say issues of security are the responsibility of the federal government. This is why I am calling on the president, as he has the power to deploy troops,� he said, insisting that the situation was beyond the capacity of the police.

Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi, APC) said the level of attacks

had shown gross incompetence at both the federal and state levels. “We expected this to happen when the governor (Yahaya Bello) said anywhere they chase a Fulani man away, he should come to Kogi. So today, some criminals capitalised on the verbal diarrhoea of the governor,� Melaye said.

Melaye, who has been engaged in a running battle with Bello, called on the president to summon the governor over the situation in Kogi. “He (Buhari) must show aggressive capacity, this normal approach cannot work. Whether they are Yoruba or Fulani, a criminal is a criminal and should be treated that way,�

Melaye added.

Senator Emmanuel Paulkner (Bayelsa, PDP) said Buhari must not be complacent and must take decisive action.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia, PDP) was much more critical of the president when he described Buhari as a “president that does not know anything�. “I agree that we should work with the executive arm of government, but this executive has it accepted responsibility?

We have a president that says, ‘I didn’t know my IG did not follow my order. I didn’t know that this happened,� he said.

At this point, Abaribe was interrupted by the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, who said his colleague had digressed from the subject matter and was talking about the president who “has shown concern by visiting Taraba, Benue and Dapchi�.

Abaribe, however, maintained he could speak about the president who is in charge of security. “I am keeping my contribution to security and the Commanderin-Chief (C-in-C) is in charge of security, but the C-in-C says he does not know anything, then we have to wonder if the issue of security is in the right hands. “Let us beg this president to take responsibility for one thing so that we can be safe in Nigeria,� Abaribe added.

Adopting the prayer of the motion, the Senate urged

Benue Holds Mass Burial Also in neighbouring Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday decried the level of bloodshed in his state due to the atrocities of the herdsmen.

He spoke at St. Bernard’s Primary School, Ugwu-Okpoga in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, during the mass funeral held in honour of 26 victims of herdsmen attacks on Omusu and Okana communities last week.

The state on January 11 held a mass burial for 73 other victims of herdsmen attacks on new year day.

He reiterated his call on the security agencies to arrest the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, whom he said were the sponsors of the killings in the state, based on the comments credited to them and published by various media houses.

The governor, while condoling with the bereaved families, said the arrest of the herdsmen would bring an end to the massacre of Benue people.

He stated that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law had come to stay in Benue, noting that there was no land for open grazing and crop farming to go on concurrently.

Ortom assured Benue people that his administration would continue to respond swiftly to the security challenges, adding that data was being gathered for compensation for damages caused by herdsmen attacks in Benue.

In separate remarks, the deputy governor, Mr. Benson Abouno, deputy speaker of the state assembly, Mr. James Okefe, and the representative of Bishop Apochi, Rev. Fr. John Attah, among others, conveyed their appreciation to Ortom for his support to the bereaved families and pledged their support for the ranching law.

‘Declare Them Terrorists’ Also reacting yesterday to the incessant gruesome attacks by suspected herders of livestock in several parts of the country, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka called on the president to declare the marauding herdsmen terrorists just like he did to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Soyinka wondered why Buhari has not declared the herdsmen responsible for the recent killings across Nigeria terrorists.

Speaking during a dialogue organised by Ripples Nigeria in Lagos, the Nobel laureate said if IPOB could earn the terrorist

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Lagos Govt Bows to Pressure, Slashes Land Use Charge Gives tax credit for payments already made Gboyega Akinsanmi After the sustained campaigns against the state’s new Land Use Charge (LUC) by different interest groups, the Lagos State Government yesterday eventually succumbed to pressure, announcing a review of the charges payable by all property owners across the state.

Specifically, the state government reduced the commercial charge by 50 per cent; properties occupied by owners and third parties in the same premises used for manufacturing purposes, and properties used for industrial and manufacturing purposes by 25 per cent; and owner-occupier properties by 15 per cent.

The state government equally introduced an instalmental payment plan for property owners across all categories, and completely waived penalties for late payments of the LUC, thereby providing additional relief to property owners.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade reeled out the concession on the Land Use Charge Law at a news conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, saying the exercise was received with mixed feelings by various interest groups who expressed serious concerns.

Ashade addressed the news conference alongside the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, and the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, among others.

Ashade noted that the state government reviewed the LUC payable by all property owners across the state in its desire “to build world-class infrastructure and improve the well-being of its citizens�.

He added that the state government made the concession in line with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s tradition of inclusive governance and civic engagement, noting that the government was committed to the welfare of its citizens and understands the importance of continuous engagement with the populace.

The commissioner said: “We undertook extensive dialogue with various stakeholders on the Land Use Charge revised Law and its implementation. “Consequently, we received a wide range of responses from our dialogue with various stakeholders on the amended Land Use Charge

Ambode Law, 2018.�

He explained that the various interactions formed the subject of extensive deliberations at the meeting of the Lagos State Executive Council on March 14. “The Lagos State Executive Council chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode resolved to make some concessions in line with stakeholders’ demands,� he added.

He said commercial property owners, who were undoubtedly the stakeholders most impacted by this amended law will be granted a 50 per cent discount, explaining that a commercial property valued at say N20 million, which was earlier billed N91,200, would now pay N45,600

Introduces instalmental payment plan

per annum.

He also explained that properties occupied by the owner and third parties in the same premises but used for industrial and manufacturing purposes will now enjoy a 25 per cent discount. “This means that a N20 million property expected to pay N30,720 will now pay N23, 040 per annum.�

He added that owner-occupier property will get a 15 per cent discount, “so for a N20 million property, this used to be N9,120.

Now, it is N7,752 per annum�.

Aside from the reduction across all categories, Ashade disclosed that the state government waived the penalties for late payments of the LUC, noting that property owners, who have received their bills, would no longer be penalised for late payments issued in 2018.

He said the removal of the penalties would provide additional relief to all property owners, noting that other rates and reliefs, apart from the ones stated above, will remain unchanged and will be implemented as stipulated by the law. “The rates and reliefs include 40 per cent general relief, 10 per cent for 70 years and above, 10 per cent for properties owned by persons living with disability, and 10 per cent for properties that are 25 years

old, and so on and so forth. “Owners of properties across all categories will now be allowed to make payments in instalments. This will help to reduce the burden of taxation on our citizens,� he said.

He commended property owners in all categories who had performed their civic duties faithfully by paying the LUC, assuring those who had paid before the downward review that they would be awarded tax credits to the extent of the excess amount paid and carried forward to next year.

In his remarks, the state attorney general said the State Executive Council “shall forward to the Lagos State House of Assembly for review and passage the following regulations: a review of applicable rates and the regime of reliefs on categories of properties pursuant to the Land Use Charge Law, and regulation for a framework for self-assessment�.

He implored all stakeholders to participate effectively in the legislative proceedings and conveyed his appreciation to them for trusting the current administration with the responsibility of investing the revenue from the LUC in infrastructure renewal and overall development of the state.

Kazeem said under the amended

law, there is a provision for establishment of five tribunals, of which one has been established in Ikeja and is now operational, adding that the remaining four would be established in other administrative divisions of the state in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu and Lagos Island.

He said the law also makes provisions for aggrieved taxpayers to ventilate their grievances within 45 days through a mediation process, adding that so far over 80 cases had been resolved through mediation.

Lauding the review, the Executive Director of Centre for Public Accountability (CPA), Mr. Femi Lawson, thanked the administration for its empathy with the people of the state. “This review shows a government that shares in the pain and concerns of the citizens of this state. Not only did they listen to our agitations but also the Lagos government took action to allay our fears and worries by bringing the LUC rates down and introducing some other tax relief measures. This is surely a pro-people’s government,� he said.

Similarly, Mr. Thomas Aderinola, a real estate investor in Lagos, said the downward review of the amended LUC Law was a reassuring indication that state government listens to its citizens.

The meeting also had in attendance the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

However, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Akpabio, and other principal officers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were absent.

Although the meeting was still ongoing as of press time, it believed that the main agenda of the meeting was the delay in the passage of 2018 budget by the National Assembly.

should he decide to veto the bill, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The plaintiff equally asked for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining INEC from complying with the alteration to the sequence of elections contained in the bill and for such further orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Specifically, Nwoga asked the court to among other things determine: “Whether the National Assembly, in exercise of its lawmaking powers, can make laws to compel INEC to exercise the powers to organise, undertake and supervise elections conferred on it by the Constitution in a particular sequence. “Whether the National Assembly, in exercise of her law making powers, can make a law to change the sequence of elections, already adopted and published by INEC, pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the Constitution.�

Upon the determination of the questions, the plaintiff urged the court to make the following orders: “A declaration that the National Assembly cannot make laws to compel INEC to exercise the powers conferred on it by the Constitution to conduct election in a particular order. “A declaration that the bill adopted by the two chambers of the National Assembly, which altered the sequence of the 2019 elections, already adopted and published by INEC, pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the Constitution, is a usurpation of the constitutional powers of INEC, hence unconstitutional. “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the president from assenting to the bill changing the sequence of elections, already adopted and published by INEC, when it is presented to him for assent. “An order restraining INEC from complying with the sequence contained in the bill or the Law, if assented to by the president. “Any further or other orders or consequential orders that the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of the case.�

N ’ASSEMB LY TO PR OCEED WIT H PLAN TO OVE R R I D E E L ECTOR AL AM EN D M E N T VETO This is just as the Senate yesterday protested the injunction granted by a Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining it from overriding the president’s veto on the bill.

Buhari had vetoed the bill, saying, among other reasons, that the alterations to the Electoral Act would impede the constitutionally backed powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise and supervise elections in the country.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, Namdas on Wednesday said the National Assembly would expunge two amendments to the bill, but would retain the amended section that altered the sequence of elections, and retransmit the bill to the president for his asset.

Although THISDAY had tried to ascertain from the Senate if the House’s position had the concurrence of the upper legislative chamber, the Senate remained mum on the announcement all through Wednesday.

However, it emerged yesterday that there was some miscommunication between the Senate and House, as the leadership of the National Assembly has now agreed to go ahead and override the president’s veto on the Electoral (Amendment) Bill.

Sources among the leadership of both chambers confirmed to THISDAY yesterday that the announcement made by Namdas arose from lack of communication, as the House did not consult with the Senate before rushing to speak to the media on the issue.

They added that contrary to Namdas’ statement on the bill, it will not be resent to the president for his asset, nor would any of the amended sections be expunged, stressing that lobbying had entered high gear to either defeat the planned vote to override the veto or ensure it passes.

Namdas, during his briefing, said the lawmakers had agreed with two of the reasons tendered by the president in rejecting the amendments to bill.

The first was Section 138, which the Buhari had said would limit the rights of candidates in elections to a free and fair electoral review process.

The second was Section 152(3)(5), which the president objected to on the grounds that it might

raise constitutional issues over the competence of the National Assembly to legislate over local government elections.

The two sections would therefore be expunged, Namdas had said, adding however that the legislature did not agree with Buhari’s contention that the amendment to Section 25 of the Electoral Act, might infringe on the powers of INEC to organise and supervise elections.

The lawmakers had changed the sequencing of elections in the country for the National Assembly elections to be held first, before elections into the state Houses of Assembly and governorship on a separate day, while the presidential election would be conducted last, to complete the general election cycle.

Section 25 of the Principal Act was amended and substituted with a new Section 25(1) which provides that the elections shall be held in the following order: (a) National Assembly elections (b) State Houses of Assembly and Governorship elections (c) Presidential election.

The amendment is expected to whittle down the bandwagon effect of presidential elections on other elections.

THISDAY, however, gathered that the legal department of the National Assembly has proffered a position different from the announcement made by Namdas, contending that the reasons proffered by the president for vetoing the bill were faulty.

According to the legal advise of the department, which was obtained

by THISDAY, the president’s position that the amendment to Section 25 of the Electoral Act might infringe on INEC powers was unjustified when considering that Section 76 of the Constitution had been amended in 2010 to provide that INEC will conduct elections in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. The legal department further explained that the president was not explicit as to what aspects or in what manner the powers of INEC would be infringed upon if the amendment is passed.

The president’s position was therefore deemed too general, the advise from the legal department held.

The department further counselled

that the grounds for rejecting the new Sub-section 3 of Section 138 on the grounds that it might limit the rights of candidates in elections to a free and fair electoral review process, was also misplaced.

Proffering reasons, the legal department said the new sub-section clarifies the ambiguity contained in Sub-section 1 of the Electoral Act and reinforces the standards in Sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the Constitution. This is also because it provides that no person shall be qualified to contest elections in breach of Sections 66, 107, 137 and 182 of the Constitution.

The advisory also noted that the president’s rejection of the amendments to Section 152(3)-(5) was not right, as it was within the competence of the federal legislative body to make laws in respect of the procedures regulating elections into the local government areas in the country. “The matter has also been decided by the Supreme Court in the case of Attorney General of Abia State & Ors v Attorney General of the Federation,� the legal department held.

Senate Disagrees with Court But just as the National Assembly leadership remained resolute on overriding the president’s veto on the amendment bill, the Senate yesterday protested the injunction granted by a Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining it from overriding the veto, saying it was an abuse of the separation of powers tenets enshrined in the Constitution.

The Senate, accordingly, resolved to write a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to register its protest against the injunction granted by Justice Ahmed Mohammmed of the court.

It also wants Onnoghen to caution judges against granting orders, which interfere with the duties of other arms of government.

Justice Mohammed, in his ruling on Wednesday, had ordered all parties to maintain status quo ante bellum until the next adjourned date.

The decision of the Senate followed a point of order raised at plenary by the Minority Leader,

Senator Godswill Akpabio, who said it was wrong for the court to attempt to stop the National Assembly from carrying out its functions. “I have perused the Constitution and cannot see anywhere that the court has the power to stop the proceedings of the Senate. If this is allowed, it therefore means that in the future the court can stop the National Assembly from appropriating and the country will have no budget for that year. “The separation of powers is a core of tenant of democracy, so there is need for the chief justice to caution legal officers on issuing such orders geared towards interfering with other arms of government,�

Akpabio stated.

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan backed Akpabio’s argument, noting that amendment to the Electoral Act did not require the intervention of any court. “Institutions should rather do things that should enhance our democracy. The issue at stake does not require the court’s intervention because this is democracy at work. “The court should hands off what we do in the National Assembly, it is when we have finished and we have a law and the court feels that there are issues, that they can interpret,� Lawan said.

The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said it was necessary for every arm of government to works in line with the principle of separation of powers. “The issue is clear and the principle is clear; what is important is building democracy and building our institutions. We will come and go but the institutions will remain so it is imperative that everybody must work towards sustaining the institutions. We will convey our concern to the Chief Justice of Nigeria,� Saraki said.

Despite the Senate’s displeasure over the restraining order by the court which favoured the presidency, Buhari last night met with the principal officers of the National Assembly at the State House, Abuja.

The meeting scheduled for 9 p.m. had in attendance Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara who led some principal officers of both chambers to the meeting.

APC Chieftain Files Suit Meanwhile, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Anike Nwoga at the weekend filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Enugu, challenging the amendment bill passed by the National Assembly.

The party chieftain also prayed the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining the president from assenting to the said bill, when presented to him.

Nwoga, who is the zonal vice chairman of APC in the Enugu East Senatorial District, had filed the suit on Friday, March 2 through his lawyer, Godwin Onwusi.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.

In his motion on notice, supported by 25-paragraph affidavit, Nwoga is insisting that no action should be taken on the bill, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The motion on notice was brought pursuant to Orders 26 and 28 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

Aside the National Assembly, which was listed as the first defendant/respondent, others listed as second to fourth defendants/ respondents in the suit numbered: FHC/EN/CS/28/2018 and commenced through an originating summons, were INEC, the president and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Apart from the prayer for an interlocutory injunction restraining the president from assenting to the bill, Nwoga also prayed for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the National Assembly from overriding the president’s veto,

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NEWS

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

Emefiele Confirms Postponement of MPC Meeting Says committee of CBN govs to decide date Commends Senate for concession on confirmation of deputy governors, others Ndubuisi Francis Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

will just have between seven to 10 days delay and the MPC will The Governor of the Central Bank hold,� he said. of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin On the Sunti sugar cane factory, Emefiele, has disclosed that the the CBN governor said it was Committee of governors of the financed by the bank from the bank will decide in a few days’ real sector support fund. time and a date to hold the next  “You probably already heard Monetary Policy Committee the CBN took part in the funding (MPC) meeting of the CBN. of this project. It’s s N25bn loan Fielding questions from at single digit interest rate with journalists in Sunti, Niger a tenure of 10 years. It’s one State, when he accompanied of those facilties that we have President Muhammadu Buhari disbursed out of our real sector on inspection of the N50 billion support fund under the auspices Sunti Sugar Factory, Emefiele of a couple of banks�, Emefiele expressed happiness over the said. resolve by the Senate to screen “Flour Mills is a local President Buhari’s nominees to conglomerate in Nigeria. It the CBN board. produces not only sugar but Two CBN’s deputy governors, flour and foods generally. So Aisha Ahmad and Edward I have no doubt that they will Adamu, and other persons were be able to repay the loans. sent to the Senate for confirmation “The objective of the president into the MPC by President Buhari that we should produce what but their appointments are yet we eat and eat what we produce to be confirmed. is manifesting-- manifesting in Emefiele said, “The MPC the sense that sugar is one of meeting will hold and I’m very those basic items that is being delighted that Senate has decided imported into the country today to screen the nominees earlier and it’s depleting our scarce sent to them by the president. foreign exchange resources�.

We will hold it in a few days . “The fact that we can produce MPC was supposed to hold on sugar now in this country is March 19 or 20. good. I know this is not the “What I suspect is that we first factory but it is a major will be holding our committee one being inaugurated in the of governors meeting and we life of this administration and will decide. And I believe we I am delighted to be a part of

it,� he said.

The Sunti sugar factory occupies 17, 000 hectares of land of which 10,000 hectares used as sugarcane farm with installed sugarcane capacity production in excess of 10,000 tonnes of sugar annually. “ If you went into the factory, you will marvel at the investment there. It’s not just about the factory alone but they have about 17,000 hectares of land where they are cultivating sugar cane. They have so far cultivated about 3,000 hectares. “The standard practice is that if you own a sugar mill you should produce for six months in a year. But for the output they have now, they will be producing for just one month instead of six. So what we are

trying to do is that through our Anchor Borrowers Programme, we empower small holder farmers who can grow sugar cane plantation which will serve as additional stock for the sugar mill,� CBN Governor said.

On the ban of 41 items support , CBN governor said: “With the success of this sugar factory, nothing is impossible and no hurdle is insurmountable, that we could see this happen in Nigeria. “Nigeria is a country endowed with a lot of resources, it’s endowed with youth and intelligent people, good soil, I believe we can do it. I want to repeat the promise I have made; if any company is interested in any agricultural, agro allied and agro processing industry, we

are ready to support them.�

Meanwhile, CBN, bank operators and other stakeholders in the financial sector have begun deliberation on ways to bring in additional 7.6 million Nigerians into the banking sector in 2018.

The CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Okwu Nnanna, at the Financial Inclusion State Steering Committee (FISSCO) Regional Capacity Building Programme in Abuja said all stakeholders were important in achieving the set target. ``The vulnerable segments in our society remain a major concern for financial inclusion as they constitute a large proportion of the excluded population. ``For instance in Nigeria, the

proportion of females without access to formal financial services was 46.3 per cent in 2016 compared to 36.8 per cent of men. ``In addition, a world disability study on people living with disability showed that 25 million Nigerians were living with one form of disability or the other and this acts as a hindrance to accessing basic financial products and services. ``In addition to women and people with disabilities, vulnerable segments can further include youth, rural communities and internally displaced persons and they all should form part of our focus,’’ he said.

Nnanna recommended that to improve access to financial

Cont’d on Pg 54

False Assets Declaration: S’Court Adjourns Hearing in FG, Saraki’s Appeal IndeďŹ nitely Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Supreme Court yesterday adjourned indefinitely the hearing in the appeal filed by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, against the federal government challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal in his trial for false assets declaration.

The adjournment was sequel to the request by the government lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), for time to respond to Saraki’s claim in his brief of argument.

Jacobs at the resumed trial yesterday, informed the court that the Senate President had just served on him his response to the cross appeal of the government and as such he would need time to study the reply and file his own process and serve same on Saraki as required by law.

Saraki’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), however, did not oppose the request for adjournment.

Responding, Justice Mohammed Musa Dattijo who led the five-man panel of the apex court, said the court would not give definite date for hearing until all processes have been filed.

Justice Dattijo said the Registrar of the court would communicate hearing date to parties involved as soon as their processes are confirmed filed and exchanged.

Both Saraki and federal

government are challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja which nullified 15 out of 18 count charges filed against Saraki by government for being baseless and frivolous but asked Saraki to open defence on the rest three charges.

While Saraki is however praying the Supreme Court to void the entire 18-count charge, the federal government in its own cross appeal is praying the apex court to uphold the entire charges against the Senate President for defence.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) where Saraki was arraigned in 2015 by government on 18-count charge of false assets declaration had discharged and acquitted him on the grounds that the charges were based on hearsay evidence that could not be relied upon to convict the defendant.

Chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar, in his ruling in a no-case submission made by Saraki, agreed that the charges have no proper foundation in law and struck them out.

This prompted the government to move to the Court of Appeal to challenge the tribunal decision.

The CCT had on March 8 adjourned indefinitely the defence of Saraki in the three-count charge pending the time Saraki’s appeal at the Supreme Court would be determined.

JOY OF PARENTHOOD

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right) and his wife, Dolapo (left) during the traditional engagement of their daughter, Oludamilola, to Oluseun Bakare, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday

Prison OfďŹ cers Move Charles Okah to Borno Prisons Chiemelie Ezeobi Charles Okah, the brother of the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), who was given a life sentence for terrorism, has been secretly moved from Kuje Prisons, Abuja, to one of the prison facilities in Borno State, THISDAY has learnt. Worried about his seeming familiarity with the prison environment and the officers at the Kuje Prisons, the authorities of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) last Tuesday transferred him quietly.  Okah was sentenced to life imprisonment last week over the October 1, 2010 bombing incident in Abuja Although the prison source did not give the name of the prison, he hinted that Okah might have been transferred to Bama Prisons.

THISDAY gathered that the

plan to move him was kept as  a top secret to avoid leaks and operational sabotage. Plans to move him from Kuje prison where he had been held for years was hatched at 3a.m. but was temporarily put on hold for a few hours. This was because Okah had suddenly claimed that he had a stomach disorder and would not be able to travel such a long distance in such a condition except he was satisfactorily treated. When he would not budge, this compelled the prison authorities to take him to the prison clinic where he was treated and given some drugs before he was certified fit for the trip. However, other logistics arrangements crept up and further delayed the team from moving until at about 7a.m. last Tuesday.Â

To escort him to his new abode were a  team of eight highly armed prison  warders who accompanied him in two Hilux vehicles. While one of the vehicles conveyed Okah and three armed guards, the other escort vehicle contained five other warders and a nurse.

According to the source, the plan to move him became necessary as the convict was said to have become too relaxed and conversant with the Kuje prisons and its personnel.

He said: “We do not want a situation where his familiarity with the prison environment will compromise our rules and  procedures.�

Meanwhile, Okah was not the only person transferred as his co-accused, Obi Nwabueze, who was also sentenced to life, was transferred to Abeokuta prisons, South-west Nigeria.

Explaining the reason behind the second transfer, the source said: “The plan is to keep  both men far away from each other.�

Last week Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja  sentenced  Okah and his co-defendant, Nwabueze, to life imprisonment for masterminding not just the bomb blasts in Abuja on October 1, 2010, but also an earlier one in Warri, Delta State, on March 15 of the same year.

Meanwhile, Okah’s elder brother, the leader of MEND, Henry, is serving term at Korkstad Prison in the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa. Given that his appeal was recently dismissed by the Constitutional Court of South Africa, and his sentence upheld, he had since instructed his lawyers to seek redress at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Â

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COMMENT

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

INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY FOR ECOMOG COMMANDERS Gen. Shagaya’s death is a wake-up call for the region to preserve the achievements of its brave soldiers, writes Ben Asante

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ne after the other, Nigeria is gradually losing some of its finest regional military heroes. The demise of Brig. Gen. John Nanzip Shagaya, which occurred only last month in a ghastly motor accident, is another unfortunate addition to the pile. Sadly, it appears that the regional institution, ECOWAS, which they served in various capacities, has made little effort to set up an institutional framework for preserving the memory of their gallant services to the region.

This week alone families and friends of two former ECOMOG Commanders, Brigadier-Generals Timothy Mai Shelpidi and Shagaya are burying them under very sad circumstances. Gen. Shelpidi commanded ECOMOG when the group routed AFRC/RUF rebels from Freetown and restored the elected Kabbah government. A few years ago he survived an armed robbery attacked but recently the cold hands of death came calling.

First among the former ECOMOG Field Commanders who passed away was Gen. Rufus Kupolati. He died in a car accident in Abuja after returning home to Nigeria. The next person, who died, following a short ailment believed to have been caused by shrapnel injury while leading his troops in Sierra Leone, was Brig. Gen. Maxwell Khobe. Khobe commanded the 221 tank battalion on its long march to capture Liberia’s second largest city, Buchanan, from rebel forces. He later became more noted for his heroic march from Lungi airport to liberate Freetown city from RUF rebels’control. Brig.Gen. John Inienger came next in the line of ECOMOG Commanders to suffer untimely death while travelling through Jos to his hometown in Benue state. Then came the death of Brig. Gen. Abdul One, the former Nigerian Contingent Commander in Liberia.

Brig. Gen. Bakut died nearly two years ago. He was next in the succession of commanders who took charge of ECOMOG in a rather difficult period of ‘no peace, no war’ in which his soldiers ended up being taken hostages by rebels.

To many, including the military establishment the death of the no nonsense Commander Lt. Gen. Samuel Victor Leo Malu last year, was a major blow. Malu twice served in Liberia, first as Chief of Staff and head of the Nigerian contingent when, in 1992, ECOMOG had to enforce the peace in the Octopus war launched by Taylor’s rebel NPFL force.

Serving under Brig. Gen. Adetunji Olurin, Malu succeeded in beating back rebel fighters and bringing large areas of Liberia under the control of ECOMOG. Gen. Malu died last year coincidentally on the eve of the recent elections in Liberia. As the substantive Field Commander, Gen. Malu had supervised the post war general and presidential elections under which Liberia transitioned from the civil war to an elected government.

Gen. Shagaya’s death is not only untimely but a wake-up call for the region to preserve the gallant achievements of brave soldiers. Gen. Shagaya was a professional soldier with a chequered career and at different times held political posts as minister of interior of the military government of President Ibrahim Babangida and also serving as a member of the ruling Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC). After a sudden retirement he adapted to a life of politics, getting elected as a senator and a community leader, among his people.

THE MEMORIES OF THE MEN AND OFFICERS WHO SERVED IN ECOMOG AND THE MANY WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES ARE INSULTED BY THE LACK OF RECOGNITION OF THEIR SERVICE

I first met Gen. Shagaya in 1992 as part of a team of news correspondents trying to get back to our office in London after the erstwhile OAU summit hosted by Nigeria. We had to catch connecting flight in Lagos but the Abuja runway had unfortunately been closed due to some problems with the Egyptian presidential aircraft. However, a special flight ordered by Gen. Shagaya, then the minister of interior, was expected. One of my colleagues approached Gen. Shagaya and asked if our group could catch a ride. Given the chaotic situation at the packed airport he was trying to evacuate people from, Shagaya asked my colleague, with a stern expression: “Has anybody ever lost his mind on you?� Not long after, he discovered that our group had been on duty in Abuja and needed to get back to work. He instructed that we be airlifted.

The next time I came across Gen. Shagaya was in the ECOMOG mission area in Liberia. Shagaya, much like other commanders before him had come into an operation that, from its very beginning, had been plagued with several difficulties and intrigues that eventually necessitated a change of command with Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro coming in as Field Commander. Not many people are aware that the ECOMOG mission almost got aborted even before the Armada of warships set sail from the staging post in Freetown due to command and control problems. For example, political expediency in Guinea meant that no officer on the Guinean contingent was above the rank of a colonel.

The rank of “general� was reserved only for the late President Lansana Conte. Gen. Abacha, then defence minister, was adamant that none of his brigadier generals would serve under Guinean colonels and was prepared to order them back home.

When ECOMOG eventually took off, General Dogonyaro, Olurin and Shagaya showed such strength of character that terrified the rebel groups fighting for spoils of political power. The Liberia war was not without complexities. There were undefined battle lines, and internecine conflicts driven by personal political ambitions. Various commanders, including General Shagaya, relied on few correspondents with knowledge about Liberia. Renowned war correspondent, Lindsay Barrett, and I saw Gen. Shagaya a number of times and often accompanied him on missions in the short time he commanded the ECOMOG. On one of such missions when Gen. Shagaya had travelled to the war front with chiefs of troops from contributing countries to discuss plans for disarmament an unexpected dispatch came in from Abuja that he had been retired and withdrawn as Field Commander by the Abacha government.

We returned to the base to meet groups of officers and men who had besieged his quarters bitter that the general had been disgraced while serving the country abroad. Gen. Shagaya, not ruffled and speaking in his usually distinct voice, asked the group to calm down.

He said, “When I signed to join the army I knew that there were three exit points along the trajectory. I would serve to the rightful age of retirement, I could lose my life in an operation or I could be dismissed all of a sudden. All these three I am aware off.� As prescient as those words may be, General Shagaya’s death, barely a year after his wife passed away, remains a major shock for those who knew him.

THE ROAD TO UMUKABIA Emma Agu pays tribute to Nneoma Eunice Iwu, matriarch of the Iwu family

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efore 2003, Professor Maurice Iwu’s name had not yet been etched on the public psyche like a recurrent decimal.

By the same token, not many would have known or heard of Umukabia, the sedate rural community in the Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State in Nigeria, the ancestral home of Professor Maurice Iwu. However, that year, something significant happened: just as Iwu, a professor of pharmacognosy, was completing his contract as a research fellow at the Walter Reed Institute of Research in the United States, he was appointed as federal commissioner to represent the south-east geo-political zone on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was subsequently appointed chairman of the all powerful commission on June 9, 2005 following the completion of duty of the then chairman, the late Dr. Abel Guobadia. Ever since, both Iwu and Umukabia have not been the same again.

Following Iwu’s appointment, Umukabia acquired a larger than life status. Dignitaries from various parts of the country will swear that they have known Umukabia from time immemorial, probably from Iwu’s university days. It is possible that some of the dignitaries are politicians. But Iwu is a man of many parts, a man of the people: in the church, he is not just a benefactor and a Papal Knight, he is the vice chairman of the diocesan council of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, the highest decision making body in the diocese. To wit, the church he built in Umukabia ranks as one of the most comfortable that can be found anywhere in the country. Thus, Catholic clergymen and women, members of the laity and many others usually

besiege his home in Umukabia, especially at festive periods. Besides, Iwu is a quiet philanthropist, an entrepreneur and a social engineer who spends his time mentoring people from all places of life, especially his community. With such a pedigree, it is not surprising that his home is a Mecca of some sorts, or a Jerusalem, if you are pointedly particularistic!

As Easter approaches, the road to Umukabia will, as is usual, be adorned with decorations and memorabilia, all leading to Maurice Iwu’s home.

But this time, it will be for a different, or, if you like, additional reason. From the academia, industry, politics, Christendom, other religious groups, etc., people from all walks of life will head to Umukabia. They will come to honour the matriarch of the Iwu family, the woman who, for over 50 years, single-handedly sired Prof. Iwu and his siblings.

For many years, from the family house at No. 106 Jubilee Road in Aba, in today’s Abia State, she withstood formidable odds, painstakingly knitting the family she inherited from her late husband into a proud dynasty of successful academicians, businessmen, administrators and politicians. When her husband died, she adroitly positioned herself for the role of mother and father, something akin to the reputation of black mothers in the United States of America in the 60s and 70s.

A dogged and highly disciplined wife, mother and mentor, she is reputed to have inculcated in her children the virtues of the fear of God, honesty, hard work, humility and charity. To understand the rough terrain of Aba through the ages is to appreciate what she must have undergone running her business while at the same time raising the children. Even with the support of the extended

family, it would certainly have been no mean task.

From the evidence before us, it is obvious that she did an outstanding job of her charge as mother, mentor and provider. First, she raised all her children to accept God as the ultimate factor in their lives. An ardent Catholic, the story is told that she regarded the donation of a church building

by Professor Iwu, to the Umukabia community, as the greatest achievement ever made by her family.

Second, she imbued in them the virtue of hard work and the principle that grace upon enterprise with charity was the most potent combination for lasting happiness. Even at old age, she never departed from these principles; she continued to run her business which, according to her relations, was geared more towards providing means of livelihood for her workers, than for profit making.

With this rich background, it is not surprising that Professor Iwu and his siblings have recorded outstanding successes in life. As the story goes, the former INEC chairman inherited his ruggedness from her, a quality that played out in the heady days of the 2007 transition from President Olusegun Obasanjo to his successor. It will be recalled that, due to the haywire political events of the era; uncertainty had loomed large over whether the presidential elections would hold or not. Even after Iwu had defied all odds and conducted the elections, speculations were rife that a judicial ambush would truncate the announcement of the result.

Iwu, we were told, considered such a scenario a big risk that would throw the country into a destabilising political conundrum. As the story goes, whenever such challenges cropped up, she would get herself hole-up in the chapel, praying for God’s guidance but always with the firm instruction that

her son should never deviate from the truth. It is therefore not surprising that Iwu sidestepped the shenanigans of the moment, and announced the result that brought late President Umaru Musa Yar’Ardua to power. In future, scholars will record that as a political masterstroke, a deft and bold move, carefully considered and perfectly executed, by a patriot who was more preoccupied with national stability than short term personal benefits.

Through Iwu’s bold position, from the fears of a break up, the nation picked up the pieces of its chequered evolution and has since moved on.

Those who knew the matron of the Iwu family, this Amazon of a woman, this redoubtable family builder, this quintessential messenger of Christ, this mother, whom I had the privilege of meeting twice, both times at the homes of her son Cosmas Iwu, in Owerri and Umukabia, credit her with the courage component in Professor Iwu’s DNA, a quality that ensured that democracy was not truncated in 2007.

As you would have guessed, we have been talking about Nneoma Eunice Nkwoada Iwu, the mother of Professor Maurice Iwu and many biological and sociological children including Cosmas Iwu, one-time secretary to the government of Imo State; the mother-in-law of Mrs. Kate Iwu, Mrs. Patricia Iwu and others; the grandmother of the forthright and sagacious policy analyst and administrator, Mrs. Ijeoma Iwu-Nwafor and many others; the arrowhead of the Iwu business empire; a repository of the pristine Igbo values of honesty and hard work and the friend of the poor. She joined the Saints Triumphant on January 6, 2018 after a life of service to God and humanity. Nneoma Eunice Nkwoada Iwu will be laid to rest in the Iwu family compound at Umukabia today, March 16, 2018.

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EDITORIAL HAWKING: A GENIUS FOR HUMANITY Professor Stephen Hawking, physicist and leading intellectual dies, aged 76

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Meanwhile, for much of his adult life until he died, Hawking was restricted to the wheelchair and could only communicate electronically through a sensor attached to his cheeks which activated his thoughts into the recognisable characters that automatically materialised on a keyboard attached to his device.

Indeed, despite his several accomplishments in the ďŹ eld of science and the numerous books he wrote either alone or jointly with others, Hawking commanded global attention more because of his stubborn refusal to allow his disability deďŹ ne him as he became what the Times of London described as “a moving demonstration of the transcendent power of the mindâ€?. And in a moment of introspection, Hawking once admitted that his fame might have been as a result of the fact that “no one can resist the idea of a crippled geniusâ€?.

rguably one of the greatest scientists of the last century, the death on Wednesday in the United Kingdom of Professor Stephen Hawking is not only a loss to his country but indeed to all humanity. He was recognised as a genius in the ďŹ eld of theoretical physics, ďŹ rst by the British community of scientists following his early challenges of existing theories in cosmology and then by other peers across the globe. His contributions to theoretical physics are concentrated in the ďŹ elds of quantum gravity, general relativity and cosmology, especially his research on the concept of the Black Hole. But his life was also a unique story.

At 17, Hawking was admitted on scholarship to study at Oxford after which he proceeded to Cambridge to begin his doctoral studies in gravity and cosmology.

At 32, he became a member of the Royal Society and Cambridge’s Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at age 37, a Chair once held by Sir Isaac Newton. It is also instructive that Hawking was born exactly 300 years after the death of Galileo, regarded as “the father of modern physics�, a developHAWKING’S ETERNAL ment he dismissed as LEGACY IS NOT ONLY no more than a mere IN HIS SCIENTIFIC coincidence.

BREAKTHROUGHS BUT However, HawkMUCH MORE IN HIS ing’s life changed at PERSONIFICATION OF THE age 21 when he was POWER OF THE HUMAN diagnosed with motor WILL TO SOAR ABOVE neuron disease, a PHYSICAL INCAPACITY degenerative disease TO REACH ITS FULLEST of the body and central POTENTIAL FOR OUR nervous system. He COMMON HUMANITY was given two years to live but his subsequent longevity not only deďŹ ed medical logic, it translated into ground-breaking theories on the physics of our cosmos.

His unusual genius was such that while his mind could roam the entire universe, Hawking was renowned for a capability to think in 11 dimensions.

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n many ways Hawking symbolised the incredible will to rise above physical disability to actually use genius to the glory of humanity. But we hasten to add that this was only possible because he was born in a society that recognised his genius above his physical limitations. The system also accorded him his due. He had a net worth in excess of $20 million by the time he passed on, derived from royalties, endorsements, ďŹ lm credits and patents.

At the end, it was Hawking’s cultural outings that helped him make the great crossing from the narrow esoteric precincts of pure science into the canvass of the popular imagination. His book, ‘A Brief History of Time’, which became an instant bestseller, thrust him further into popular limelight. He gradually became a brand, a development cemented by his appearances on the American sitcom, ‘Big Bang Theory’.

As the world therefore mourns the passing of Professor Hawking, his eternal legacy is not only in his scientiďŹ c breakthroughs but much more in his personiďŹ cation of the power of the human will to soar above physical incapacity to reach its fullest potential for our common humanity. It is also a lasting tribute to the society that enabled this to happen.

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.

RIDDING LAGOS ISLAND OF POOR SANITARY HABIT

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ecently, the Lagos State government mandated all Local council chairmen to mobilise resources for the evacuation of refuse within their respective domain. Swiftly, the chairmen responded, working day and night, to ensure speedy compliance. Lagos Island Local Government is one of the council areas that speedily swung into action to carry out the all- important executive order. And within a while, Lagos Island streets were clean and devoid of wastes.

But then, it did not take quite long before this new cheering situation faded away and the old order sadly returned. In areas such as Adeniji Adele, Jankara, Broad streets, deposits of refuse on the streets and road median soon become noticeable.

However, it needs to be stressed that while this situation was taking place on Lagos Island, things were much better in Iru-Victoria Island as the streets were clean and free of waste, no illegal refuse dumps and the Visionscape bins were not in any way overflowing with waste. No doubt, the Cleaner Lagos Initiative is on course but certain issues still stand as constraints, especially in Lagos Island. Why, for instance, is the initiative doing well in Iru-Victoria Island and not in Lagos Island?

To begin with, it is important to state that education has a lot to do with it. Residents of Iru-Victoria Island are considered well educated and better informed. Hence, it is much easier for them to understand and appreciate the need for

proper sanitary habit. Aside this, business activities are well structured and better organised in Iru-Victoria Island unlike at Lagos Island where trading activities are more characterised by open markets which are not really well structured.

This, coupled with low level of education of most traders at the Island, is perhaps, responsible for the disorganised manner in which they approach environmental issues.

In spite of the diverse efforts of the Lagos Island Local Government to promote public enlightenment with a view to effecting attitudinal changes in waste disposal as well as other environmental matters, residents and traders on the Island are yet to properly understand the need to have a rethink towards environmental matters. Sadly, it is the people that are always directly affected whenever there are environmental hazards arising from unpleasant practices.

For instance in Shyllon street, the residents are faced with a problem that is common in Lagos. The drain on this street used to flow freely but of late, things changed as a result of poor sanitary habits of some of the residents. Consequently, every little rainfall affects buildings and other structures along the street. Today, lots of the buildings in the area have been badly affected by water. But then, the problem started with the deposit of wastes that the people throw into the drains over a long period of time, which eventually made it impossible for drains to flow freely.

Lagos Island residents and, indeed, Lagos residents need to understand that the quality of our lives as human beings

is considerably a reflection of the quality of the environment which we dwell in. Many still seem not to comprehend that the environment which we inhabit, like the air which we breathe, is life. Or how else can we explain the attitude of some who persistently make their living abodes unsanitary and inhospitable environment? It is still common to see people throwing things out on the highways from their cars.

On the streets, stagnant gutters still occupy pride of place next to conveniently-located food hawkers – all the easier for garbage disposal. Even some of the fanciest areas are not exempted – “pure water� sachets (which surely rank very high on the list of the most environmentally-unfriendly products ever invented!), bottles and unofficial garbage dumps circle the gated walls of posh homes and wellmanicured lawns. This dirty habit is not justifiable in a state where the government is doing so much on environmental sanitation. It is detrimental to our common good.

We need to change our attitude to environmental issues.

The earth, for now, is our home. It is where we live, breathe, eat, raise our children, etc. Therefore, we cannot afford to destroy the environment because our whole essence depends on it. Consequently, when we imbibe positive attitudinal change towards the environment, we are sure of living free of any pollutants or hazards that we might introduce into our environment through human- induced activities.

Kudus Wasiu, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

16

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

17

POLITICS

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

Expectations as Obiano Begins Second Term As Willie Obiano of Anambra State begins his second term in office, David-Chyddy Eleke looks at the expectations of the Anambra people in the next four years

O

n Saturday, 17th March, Anambra governor, Chief Willie Obiano will begin his second term in office. In this piece, David-Chyddy Eleke looks at the expectation of the Anambra people in the next four years.

All roads in Anambra and beyond will lead to Dr Alex Ekwueme Square on Saturday, 17th March, when the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano would take the oath of office for another four years. Akpokuedike as he is fondly called by his supporters had last year November 18 won re-election in what was considered a landslide victory which saw him clearing all the 21 local government areas of the state with appreciable margin.

Before his re-election, Obiano was seen as one who rode on the back of his predecessor to power, and as such considered as a paperweight politician who did not possess the capacity to win election on his own.

Having proven cynics wrong, Obiano still has before him the hurdle of showing that he could perform above the expectations of his supporters.

Of course, the governor’s performance since assuming office last year is polarising, depending on who is doing the evaluation.

While his detractors believe that he had failed in governance, his supporters think the governor has performed beyond the expectations of the people of the state, and believe that he would do better in his second term to also consolidate on the job he had done in his first term.

In the inception of his first term in office, Obiano had said that his government would use Four Pillars supported by Twelve Enablers to move the state forward. He preached that security, education, health, roads and social infrastructure, which are the major pillars of his government would be supported by housing and urban development, environment, transport, finance, electricity, women’s welfare, tourism and others which would serve as enablers.

In four years, Obiano has been commended for the security in the state, improvement in agriculture, roads and other social infrastructure among others. The governor has also been praised for looking after the welfare of the state workforce. Under him, the workers enjoy enhanced remuneration and regular payment of their benefits.

The fear however is that for Nigerian politicians, winning re-election for a second term means you have been given the opportunity to recover monies spent on electioneering, and considering that they will not be vying for another term, they would most definitely not owe anyone any explanation for their actions. Many suspect that Obiano would in his second term abandon all his promises and will concentrate on helping himself. But to this, Obiano had in several fora gave an assurance that the tempo of work by his government would be higher in his second term. Beyond mere rhetoric, Obiano has major tasks that would either make or mar his second term in office.

Though he is known to have impacted workers in the state positively, Obiano had promised the workers improved welfare during his second term in office. Addressing workers at this year’s public service day held at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex, Awka, Obiano promised to commence a

Obiano

N500 million housing estate for workers.

He declared that workers deserved better living and working condition. He told the workers that the Anambra State Executive Council was already considering making the existing contributory pension compulsory,

The fear, however, is that for Nigerian politicians, winning re-election for a second term means you have been given the opportunity to recover monies spent on electioneering

to ensure that workers had something to fall back on after service.

The Anambra State Head of service, Mr Harry Udu listed the offsetting of backlog of pension and gratuity to former workers of Anambra State Service (ABS) and Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation (ANPC) publishers of National Light newspapers as some of the achievements of the governor, while saying that the assurances of a better second term is earnestly looked forward to.

A worker in the state, Mrs Evelyn Onyekachi told THISDAY that, “so far, the governor has been very good to workers, but if he keeps to his words by supporting workers even the more as he has promised, then we will be happy, but it is a challenge to him as he begins his seconds term.”

Courtesy of previous administration, Anambra State can boast of one of the best network of roads in the country, but in rural communities, unmotorable roads

abound, and the governor has the challenge of ensuring road infrastructure is delivered to communities. Though he had initiated the choose-your-community project, in which he gives money to communities to execute projects of their choice, the governor must not leave project execution in the hands of community leaders because he would be blamed if at the end of the day, the money is not utilised for the supposed projects for which it was budgeted for.

The airport project at Umueri, which the governor flagged off with fanfare, which has a construction life of three years, (to be completed in 2020) is one challenge that would confirm if the governor is a promise keeper of breaker.

The airport project had generated huge controversy, with a section of the society accusing the governor of waste because of the huge cost of the project ($2bn), while others said there was no need for an airport in Anambra with one in neighbouring Enugu and Asaba, which can serve the people of the state.

In his defence of the cost, Obiano said what the government is building is not just an airport, but an airport city that would consist of a lot of amenities that could be found in any modern city. Speaking on the cost during a governorship debate with fellow contestants, Obiano added that what was more fascinating was that the airport city project which is being handled by a Chinese company, Sinoking Enterprises Limited, would be at no cost to the state, except the donation of landed property for the project.

Another challenge the Obiano government would face is the advancement of his party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and ensuring the smooth handover of power to another APGA governor when he eventually concludes his second term. Over the years, since the inception of former governor Peter Obi’s administration in 2006, APGA has found it’s roots in Anambra, growing to become a movement in the state, but attempts to move the party to other states have not succeeded. Though the party once took Imo and made serious attempt at Abia through Alex Otti, it has retained just Anambra as its stronghold.

Former governor Obi still commands the respect of a good number of citizens of the state for steering the ship of the state from a minority party and also handing over the state to an APGA governor. Even though he was later to dump the party, he was seen all through as the face of APGA. With Obiano going for his last term in office, the expectation would be that the APGA candle which was handed to him would not be extinguished under his watch. He would be expected not only to hand over to an APGA governor at the end of his tenure, but to also ensure the party make an incursion into other states in the future.

With his swearing in on Saturday, Obiano would become the second governor of the state to achieve a second term, but how he finishes would determine how he would be judged by the people. Will he come out victorious? What this means is that even though he would be on his last term, he would have no room to relax as Anambra people would not take excuses when they judge the performances of their governors who did two terms.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

18

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Ikpeazu Has Changed the Abia Narrative Only those who want to play politics will not acknowledge that Abia State is on the fast lane of an all-round recovery, argues Enyinnaya Appolos

A

visit to Abia of today will confirm that Abia’s narrative has changed from being a pariah and non working state to a massive construction site with visible infrastructural upgrade everywhere in the state.

At a recent media parley with the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, an Enugu based journalist, who incidentally hails from Arochukwu in Abia State, narrated his ordeal with members of his family while travelling home to Arochukwu seveb years ago, due to the deplorable state of the road which made them stay away from Arochukwu until December 2017 when they visited.

He testified to the fact that the Okobo (Ndi-Oji/Ndi-Okereke) bridge, has been constructed by the Ikpeazu administration, and thanked the governor for “taking away the nightmare of going to Arochukwu” from him and his family.

Speaking recently with an Abia online media platform, LivingTV, Chief Tony Ukasanya, one of those that opposed the election of Ikpeazu as govenor in 2015, has this to say about Ikpeazu’s achievements in Abia.

“I saw a lot of jobs that if I start counting including erosion control projects, it will take us a whole day or more.

“The man (Ikpeazu) has been able to complete 43 road projects, both new and rehabilitated in the state. It’s on ground for anyone to see, anyone in doubt. These projects are on ground, not on television, not in newspapers.”

Ukasoanya, by this narrative, has addressed the propaganda started by a certain politician in the state who claimed that Ikpeazu projects exist only on social media.

Speaking further, Ukasoanya said: “The most interesting of all the projects was that of Faulks Road that the governor has dualised. Before getting to the terminal point of that road, you have a place popularly called Ukwu Mango or the traditional name, Ifeobara.

“I have witnessed the commissioning of that road by some former governors four times. And the road failed each time there was rain after the commissioning. I know the road was shut down for a number of years under the former governors.

And that road is very important to the economy of Aba. It is a lead road into Ariaria Market and other markets in Aba.” From Arochukwu bridge to Nkporo Road to Abiriba ring road, to Nkpa Road, to Eluama Road in Isiukwuato, Abians are at home with him and the new positive Abia narrative.

The quality of work along Aba Road in Umuahia, even made some to doubt the job is a state government project.

You won’t blame them because for the first time in the history of Abia, the state government has engaged three Gtade A contractors, who are working at the same time in the state. Arab Contractors on Aba Road in Umuahia, Setraco on Faulks and Port Harcourt Roads in Aba and the Chinese Construction Firm working on the Osisioma Flyover.

For 16 years, past administrations in Abia failed to address the flooding issues at Ifeobara (Ukwu-Mango) and around Faulks Road area. The annual flooding affected the Ariaria international market to the extent that traders in the market abandoned their shops, and practically stayed at home every rainy season.

Faulks Road, from Brass Junction of Aba-Owere Road to Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway, was in such a deplorable state that no vehicle or truck could access the road.

But as at today, the road is 80 per cent completed. Setraco is on site, with a promise to deliver the 4.6km dualized

Ikpeazu

Faulks road by next month-April.

To find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding problem around Ariaria and Ukwa-Mango, which spills over to other parts of Aba, including Ndiegoro, the Ifeobara Pond has been expanded to take more storm water, with a pomp pumping intermittently to takeaway storm waters from the pond through a 6.4km underground pipe, which the engineers from the Netherlands fixed, to the Aba River (Waterside).

To reopen Ariaria again for business, the Ikpeazu government is currently reasphalting all internal roads in the market.

While Faulks Road is almost done, MCC-Samek is also at 80 per cent completion. RockWaters Construction firm, one of the best indigenous Construction firms currently working in Abia, has completed the MCC end of the road while stonebasing the Samek end that terminates at Faulks Road close to Ariaria.

Also, work is ongoing on Osusu Road that also terminates at Faulks, linking Ariaria with other majors makers like cemetery and Ekeoha. Work is ongoing at Eziukwu Road which terminates at Okigwe Road linking Faulks Road and Azikiwe Road. Sixteen years after it was

The opposition in Abia are aware of these facts, they know, but chose to lie because they want to play politics. The Ikpeazu administration will not play politics with development of the state.

completed, it was not in use due to its unmotorable state, Port Harcourt Road, from Number 1 Asa Road to Asannentu

by Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway has been reopened by Okezie Ikpeazu. Setraco is also on site on the road that will finish with 6 lanes.

One significant thing about reopening Port Harcourt Road is that Ikpeazu has reopened fabrication factories that were forced to close for over 10 years. Again, life has returned to the ever busy area.

Aba-Owere Road from Railway Crossing to Osisioma is getting attention, as the road is being expanded by Track-Care Construction, another indigenous firm.

Also, Track-Care is expanding and dualizing Ururuka Road from Obikabia junction to Umuobiakwa.

I should not forget to mention that so far, the following roads have been completely reconstructed with drainage on both sides, and commissioned for use by the governor.

They are: Omeni Drive, Seventh-day Adventist Close off Udeagbala Road, Kamalu Street, Chima Nwafo Road, MCC Road, Umuehilegbu Road (erroneously called Tonimas) Umule Road, Umuocham Road, Umuatako, Owere road off Okigwe road, Ochefu Road off Azikiwe Road, Weeks Street off Ochefu Road, Owerenta Street off Ochefu Road, Ukaegbu Road, umuola road, Ehere Road, Ovom street off Ikot Ekpene Road.

At the popular Ama-Nmoho area off Ngwa Road in Aba, the following streets have been done; Aharandu Street, Emejiaka Street, Ibadan street and Victoria street. Let me note here that Okezie Ikpeazu is the first governor in the history of Abia to fix a road at the Ama-Nmoho area off Ngwa Road. I didn’t forget to tell you that Ibere Road which will terminate at Port Harcourt Road is ongoing too.

History will also remember that Okezie

Ikpeazu is the first governor in Abia to construct the first ever state road in Ugwunagbo LGA of the state. The Asa-Umunka road that terminates at the council headquarters in Ugwunagbo has been completed. This road is among the 10km road per each LGA in the state which the Ikpeazu administration started in 2017.

Other roads in the 10km per LGA which are still ongoing include, UmunkpeiUmuehim Road in Isialangwa South, Ntigha-Nsirimo in Isialangwa North/ Umuahia South, Umuocheala-Ihie Road, Isialangwa Ngwa South/Isialangwa North, Owerenta-Mbutu Road in Isialangwa South is completed.

Because the federal government’s contractor on Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road has abandoned the road, making life difficult and unbearable for traders who come to trade in Aba from Akwa-Ibom state, Cross River State and Cameroon, the Ikpeazu administration decided to construct two alternative roads into Aba through Ururuka road, bypassing the FG abandoned Aba-Ikot-Ekpene Road. The roads are the Owo-Onicha Ngwa Road and Ekwereazu-Nto Edino road, both roads are over 70 per cent completion.

The opposition in Abia are aware of these facts, they know, but chose to lie because they want to play politics. The Ikpeazu administration will not play politics with development of the state.

At the beginning of his tenure Ikpeazu said that he would not complain about the things which previous administrations failed to do, but that he would do what he could to reopen and reposition Abia.

At a recent meeting with some journalists, he said: “From the onset we had a proper understanding of our job, proper description of our assignment and we went for the job immediately.

“Certainly we have not done everything but am pleased and happy that we are on course. We will not dwell in complaints of what the past administrations failed to do, we are here now to do what we can to improve the life of Abians by providing leadership that is people oriented and democracy dividends to our people.

“My work will speak for me. I am focused on that assignment and will continue to work. We are not election politicians, we are politicians that are concerned with the delivery of democracy dividends. In fact if it were possible to find me on project site on that election day, you will find me on site. Let the people judge for themselves.”

According to the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, Ikpeazu is a silent achiever and a performer. Secondus wondered how Ikpeazu is doing so much with little in terms of revenue. He spoke when he led the NWC of the party on a tour of projects in Abia State.

His words: “Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is a silent achiever, and a performer. This man has achieved the best for his people.

“We went on tour to various projects done by Abia State Government. My surprise is that Abia State is one of the states that get the least revenue, but with the number of projects I have seen today it is overwhelming. Which means that the governor is working. He has performed very well and prudently too.

Abia governor is a silent achiever and he has achieved so much for his people. He has delivered the desired goals through projects.”

Politics aside, Ikpeazu, in less than three years, has surpassed previous records.

He has unarguably changed the Abia narrative.

• Appolos, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, wrote in from Umuahia

19

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ´, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO CALL

9.75 % ʹ˛ͳ͜ Ϲ

1-MONTH 3-MONTH

11% ͯͯ˛ʹ͹ Ϲ 12.38%

M A R C H S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

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

2 , 2 0 1 8 342.24 % -0.11 % -0.11%

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

3.88 % 3.88 %

EXCHANGE RATE N305.85/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes Fans to Win Dana Return Tickets

FOR YOUR PERUSAL

L-R: Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh receiving a copy of the Nigeria’s Maritime Industry Forecast from the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, when the BPE boss paid a courtesy visit to the head office of NIMASA in Lagos‌ recently

House Threatens Zero Allocation to NIMASA over Poor Budget Performance ČŠ ÂŽÂ?Ž›œ’Â?ÂŽČąÂ’Â—ÂœÂ’ÂœÂ?ÂœČąĹžĹ–Ć–ČąÂŽÂĄÂ™ÂŽÂ—Â?ÂŽÂ?ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂŒÂŠÂ™Â’Â?ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â“ÂŽÂŒÂ?Âœ Eromosele Abiodun The House of Representative Committee on Maritime Education, Safety and Administration and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the 2017 appropriation budget of NIMASA. Speaking during an oversight visit to the agency, the committee chaired by Hon. Muhammed Umar Bago threatened zero allocation to the agency in 2018 if its 2017 capital budget was not fully expended.

Specifically, he said: “It’s a shame if we give them (NIMASA) money to spend on appropriation and because of bureaucratic acumen they

MARITIME are unable to spend it. So, they shouldn’t expect us to give them money next time and we have pledged as a committee and as a parliament that anyone we give resources to spend and did not, we will only give in the next appropriation the percentage of what it spent in the previous year and I have threatened NIMASA I will give them zero allocation in 2018 if they don’t spend money allocated for 2017.�

But the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside disagreed with the committee chairman, saying the agency has expended 80 per cent of its allocation on capital projects.

Countering the committee chair’s assertion, he said: “I think we didn’t quite get the chairman. We have made over 80 percent accomplishment of the capital budget provision though we have challenges in few because we have to go through the regimented procurement process. But I believe that we should be able to get to 100 per cent but if we can’t get to 100 per cent with 80 per cent accomplishment we have done our best.�

Reacting to Bago’s complaint on the nation’s porous exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and trading by foreign vessels, the NIMASA boss stated that initiatives have been deployed to enhance security of the nation’s territorial water including the EEZ. “He further added: “We

should step up coastal security and recall that lot of initiatives have been put in place and one of them is the one approved by the FEC called the presidential maritime security intervention where we are supposed to acquire lot of asset and worked with the Nigerian Navy and Air force to enhance the patrol of our waterways. “The project is on course and once we commence full implementation, it will yield the desired result. We are pursuing early passage of the anti-piracy bill that will criminalise maritime crimes.

We have also invested in maritime intelligence gathering in our maritime surveillance gathering and we are close Continued on page 20

Huge Debt Burden Stalls Production of Passport Booklets by Immigration Chinedu Eze The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has linked the current scarcity of passport booklets to the huge debts owed its technical partners that produce the booklets.

THISDAY gathered that for more than one month, the NIS has been unable to issue passports to Nigerians nationwide owing to the huge debts that run into billions of naira.

Informed source from NIS told THISDAY that although the agency generates huge revenue for government, it still relies on

AVIATION government for funding of its operations and payment of bills because it is not autonomous.

The scarcity of passport booklets has led to zero activity at all the passport offices in the country. When THISDAY visited the passport office at Ikoyi, Lagos, touts were having a field day, collecting money from Nigerians who are eager to either obtain new passports or renew their existing ones for urgent reasons.

An insider at the premises

told THISDAY that some of the touts collect as much as N20, 000 each from ignorant Nigerians who are desperate to have their passports renewed.

But an official of the Service told THISDAY that many Nigerians who live overseas and who wanted to renew their passports before they travelled back to their stations have rescheduled their flights hoping that soon they would obtain their passports.

Whereas those that applied for passports are still waiting, the agency is still generating revenues for government

because people are still paying for passports, although we are failing to provide them the services they have paid for. “We don’t know why the passports are in short supply but our technical partners said that they are being owed and they want government to offset the outstanding bills. The product has been scarce for more than one month now’, said an official of the agency.

He said: “Everywhere is paralysed. People are grumbling against us, thinking that we Continued on page 20

Dana Air has announced that lovers of the Nigerian Professional Football League teams would stand a chance of winning return air tickets at the rescheduled ďŹ rst leg encounter between Akwa united and Heartland FC on March 21, in uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital.

According to Dana Air’s Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, the initiative is aimed at encouraging more people to follow the Nigerian league teams and also encourage them to visit the venues of these matches to cheer the teams to victory. ‘’We are trying to encourage more people to follow our Nigerian teams, players, and also visit the venue of these matches to cheer their teams to victory. So we shall be giving out return tickets to lucky football fans and spectators at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium in Uyo and during the return leg in Owerri.’’ He said gate receipt is one of the ways teams in the EPL achieve self-sustainability, because the teams use the proceeds plus sponsorship to create a conducive environment for the fans to come watch, promote their activities and most of all, maintain their facilities and pitches to make them better for the players to play good football. So we should support the teams by way of going to watch these matches and waving their banners.’’ Speaking further, Kingsley said: “We are also going to be promoting the match on all our social media platforms and fans can also win tickets and loads of other prizes when they participate in the predict and win competition. ‘’This is one of the many initiatives and incentives that will come as a result of our commitment to developing the Nigerian Football league and our sponsorship of these two Nigerian professional league sides.’’

FAAN to Host ACI Conference

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that it would host the 59th Airports Council International (ACI), Africa Board and Regional Committees Meetings, Conference and Exhibition coming up in Lagos, Nigeria from the April 14-20, 2018.

The event, which was aimed at intimating the media community and other stakeholders about the forthcoming conference, was attended by the Managing Director of the Authority, who also doubles as the President, ACI Africa, Saleh Dunoma. Also in attendance were directors from the Authority, gentlemen and ladies of the media and other stakeholders. In his keynote address, Dunoma noted that this year’s conference, with the theme “Business Transformation for Sustainable Airport� will draw experts from across the world, including the Council President of ICAO, Dr. Bernard Aliu. According to him, sessions to be held at this conference include, Innovation in airport business, Business innovation in airport retail, the future of airport tax free shops, technology to support business transformation, Transformation in practice, amongst others.

Dunoma noted that the hosting of this event would be of immense beneďŹ t primarily to the Authority and ultimately to the sector and Nigeria as a nation. Highlighting the direct beneďŹ ts accruable from the conference, he stated that over 300 delegates including investors would be converging in Lagos for this event.

CardinalStone Organises AGM Cocktail

CardinalStone Partners Limited, a full service investment banking ďŹ rm in Lagos, has hosted its shareholders, existing and potential clients, regulators and top management sta to a post annual general meeting (AGM) cocktail in Lagos. In his remarks, the Chairman of the ďŹ rm, Mr. Fola Adeola, said the ďŹ rm commenced operation in June 2008, which he noted, was the peak of the ďŹ nancial crisis experienced in the world. He added that having been part of the 10 year journey of the ďŹ rm, “the success of CardinalStone can credited to the resolve and high level of commitment of the board and management to delivering value on shareholders’ investments from inception.â€? In his remarks, the Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Mr. Michael Nzewi, highlighted the plans of the company to pursue aggressive growth initiatives in the medium term, while emphasising the strong commitment of the leadership of the ďŹ rm to building a sustainable ďŹ nancial institution. He also appreciated the support of the company’s clients and sta who he noted has been an integral role to its success story.

“We want to make our airports commercially viable and profitable in order to sustain our operations,� Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)�

Minister of State, Aviation

Saleh Dunoma

20

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

BUSINESSWORLD HOUSE THREATENS ZERO ALLOCATION TO NIMASA OVER POOR BUDGET PERFORMANCE in integrating the satellite surveillance system in the Navy falcon. �

According to him, NIMASA has improved on the intelligence gathering and enforcement and is working closely with the Navy beside renewing its MoU with the Nigerian Air Force. “We should engage more platform and we are doing that. We have done tremendous improvement in coastal security, we have taken note of the suggestions and we will continue to invest our time and talent in improving coastal patrol,� he pledged.

Bago also urged NIMASA and the Ministry of Transportation to come out clean on the issue of waivers to foreign companies.

He noted: “On the first issue of the coastal security, we find out that when you have the satellite image of the Nigeria exclusive economic zones, you have a lot of vessels or ships doing businesses. When you come to NIMASA records they show you don’t give waivers.

HUGE DEBT BURDEN STALLS PRODUCTION OF PASSPORT BOOKLETS BY IMMIGRATION are the ones responsible for the scarcity. People pay for passports and wait for weeks before obtaining it. Many of those who live overseas have rescheduled their flights and touts are making brisk business. We have been warning Nigerians that if you give these touts money you are on your own because they cannot provide anyone passports,� the source said. The immigration official told THISDAY that the agency has piles of applications from Nigerians and there are no signs from Abuja that things would get better soon. “We are not losing much because people are applying but we have failed to render service.

In the view of government’s ease of doing business we have failed. When eventually the booklets are made available the scramble would begin because of the protracted scarcity and I know that what will be produced cannot meet the demand,� the official said.

Group Business Editor

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

Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ äĂ?

Comms/e-Business Editor

NEWS

Dakuku: No Nation Can Attain Sustainable Growth Alone Eromosele Abiodun The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said that no nation can attain sustainable growth and development relying on herself and/or single source of revenue as world economies are now consciously or unconsciously competing among themselves in terms of advancement and development indices.

Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside made this assertion in Lagos when a delegation of Bundeswehr Command and Staff College, a leading educational institution of the German armed forces, Hamburg, Germany paid a working visit to the agency.

He stated that no nation can ever be self-sufficient and needs would always arise for countries to meet through trade. While noting that no two nations can engage in trade without recourse to maritime, he stated that easy trade facilitation between nations can only be guaranteed if the maritime domains of the associated nations are safe and secure- with human asset, technology, ideas and intellectuality as key drivers.

According to the DG, “Technology and globalisation will continue to amaze us, just as Ideas, knowledge and intellectuality are complementary drivers of advancement in our today’s world. No individual or nation has a monopoly of knowledge. So cross-fertilisation of knowledge in critical sub-sectors of nations’ economies, particularly in areas of comparative advantage is sacrosanct for growth and development, towards the overall objective of advancing world peace.�

Speaking further, Peterside took the delegation through the mandates, core functions as well as the human capacity needs of the Nigeria’s Maritime industry. While assuring the delegation of the safety of the Nigeria’s maritime environment, he noted the various initiatives put in place by the agency to address the projected growth of the industry particularly, in the areas of human capacity, safety and security requirements.

In his words: “Human capacity, maritime safety and security related crimes were the biggest challenges we had. They have been addressed and we would continue to address it in totality.

We have the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), which is an initiative designed to train Nigerian youths in various maritime professionalism. Currently, they are being trained in various countries around the globe. “While some of them have graduated as full-fledge professionals, some are still undergoing the necessary trainings. We are partnering with maritime giants around the world to develop our Seafarers. For safety and security, we are collaborating with the Nigerian Military and the Police to ensure that.�

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Thortsen Schutz, informed

NIMASA that they were at the agency on a working visit with the objectives: to ascertain facts that would aid trade facilitation between Nigeria and Germany; as well as learn new ideas from NIMASA, as regards Africa’s experience, because of the peculiarities of the continent.

He noted that NIMASA is strategic in the shipping scheme between Nigeria and Germany, and that it was necessary for the Commercial and Defense AttachÊs in Germany Embassy in Nigeria to understand the shipping as well as the maritime ideals and dynamics within the context of the agency’s operations, for ease of trade

engagements. “We are here to understand NIMASA. We know your importance. And we are encouraged by your disposition towards ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment for shipping. You are strategic when it comes to trading in Africa. Be assured that we would encourage our people to come to Nigeria because we know that Nigeria has a lot of maritime potentials. We are ready to collaborate and also partner with NIMASA in the areas of technology, idea and knowledge sharing because the world is fast drifting to knowledge and idea base, � he said.

ACCOUNTING TO SHAREHOLDERS

L-R: Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Olalekan Sanni; Chairman, Dr. Bamidele Makanjuola; Group Managing Director, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi and Non-executive Director, Mr. Sam Okagbue, during the annual general meeting of the company held in Lagos‌recently

Zhao: ICT/Telecoms Are High Profitable But High Risk Businesses Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mr. Houlli Zhao, has disclosed that both ICT and telecom businesses are profitable, but highly risky.

He stated this during his maiden visit to Nigeria on Wednesday, when he visited the Nigerian Communications Commission’s cooperate Headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, “ICT is a

profit making business; Telecom is a profit making business; on the other hand, ICT business and Telecom business are also high risk business, the competition is very though among operators. “This is my first visit to Nigeria, I have be wanted to come to Nigeria for quite a long time but never got the chance. I have heard a lot of good stories about ICT development and Telecom development in Nigeria; I try to come here earlier but unfortunately I couldn’t make it.

I met some of your colleagues

and companies at Barcelona recently last week.�

According the Mr. Zhao, Nigeria had one of the most active ICT development companies with a big population that helps a market to grow, saying that as far back as 2013 that Nigeria and some other African Countries were already using 4G when it was been used only in Brussels.

The ITU representative added: “Nigeria has one of the most active unsupervised ICT development company.

One of the examples that I

like to share with my friend is that in October 2013, at an international conference to talk about ICT development, at that meeting European Union for ICT in his presentation, said European market has developed and that they are planning for the future and that they have has started using 4G services in Brussels. ‘’That’s their headquarters but yet they don’t know when they can use 4G in their capitals but here in Africa 4G is already in several capitals. The report I got in there was that Nigeria was

already on 4G. So I was very pleased and said I would like to come to the African continent to those with 4G and indeed and truly in 2014 I was in Namibia. ‘’And I found out that Namibia’s cities are already using 4G but did not have chance to come to Abuja because the reference was to Nigeria in particular.

Nigeria has big population with a big population market you have a lot of potentials to help create employment and services and you also have challenges and people like China, India.’’

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

ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?

Senior Correspondent

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‘ICT Essential in Empowering Rural Women’ Obinna Chima The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has stressed the importance of information communications technologies in supporting the economic empowerment of rural women.

IFAD stated this at the International Women’s Day that was celebrated recently.

IFAD, together with United Nations Food and Agriculture

Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) highlighted the role that innovations in information and communications technologies (ICTs) can play in expanding rural women’s opportunities in value chains and enterprise development, while increasing their access to education and information.

Many women, particularly young rural women, lack access to productive resources such as

land, credit and technology.

Women lag behind in terms of their access to ICTs, with only 41 per cent of women in low-and middle-income countries owning mobile phones compared to 46 per cent for males. “Nearly two-thirds of women living in the South Asia and East Asia and Pacific sub-regions do not own a mobile phone. Rural women regularly lack access to health care, education, decent work and social protection. As

a consequence, they are more likely to be poor and they are vulnerable to economic and climatic shocks. “ICTs can go a long way to boosting economic opportunities for rural women.

Mobile and smartphones, for example, provide access to realtime information on prices in different markets and allow more informed choices about where and when to buy and sell. Studies indicate that when

women earn money, they are more likely than men to spend it on food for their families and the education of their children,�

IFAD stated in a report.

The President of IFAD, Gilbert F. Houngbo opened the event hosted by agricultural development agency, by highlighting how the empowerment of women and greater equality were inseparable from achieving sustainable development.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

AIR WATCH

Security Breach: FAAN Installs CCTV at Airport Runways The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to install mobile Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at the airside of major airports across the country to monitor possible security breach and runway incursion.

The agency said that with the procurement of the mobile cameras and improvement on perimeter fencing patrol, the era of airport incursions by unscrupulous elements would be a thing of the past.

Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, who disclosed this to journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, said that the mobile CCTV cameras would cover a distance of seven kilometers and could sight even long distances at night. Dunoma agreed that security had been the major challenge confronting the global

aviation industry, stressing that as some of the challenges are being tackled, the perpetrators of the act also design new ways to beat security.

He, however, reiterated the readiness of the management to tackle the menace headlong by procuring latest security equipment at all airports.

He said that some of the facilities were already procured and installed at most of the airports across the country, but expansion of facilities at these airports made it necessary for FAAN to improve on some of the existing equipment on ground. “To some extent, we have these facilities in all the airports, but security challenges always come up in different forms. If you address this challenge, the challenge will come back again in another form. So, the only way out is

to improve on our technology.

As we speak, there are things going on at Lagos and Abuja airports to make sure that we cover all the restricted areas with CCTV cameras. “This is ongoing; in Lagos, it is 80 per cent completed and it is about 70 per cent completed in Abuja. We will soon commission this and once it is commissioned, our people will sit up and monitor these restricted locations. This is going to help us a lot. “In addition to that, we are buying another technology, which is a mobile system that has cameras on it and can see up to seven kilometers. So, we will position it and even at night, it has cameras that will watch all the sensitive areas of the airport; the runway, apron and the other restricted areas,�

Dunoma said.

Cronos Airline Launches Direct Port Harcourt -Accra Flights rIntroduces discounted fares Cronos Airlines has launched Malabo-Port Harcourt-Accra flights in a bid to offer its passengers more options and strengthen its presence on the West Coast. The Port Harcourt-Accra service was introduced one year after the airline entered the Nigerian market with Lagos-DoualaMalabo flights.

The new service, due to commence on March 16, 2018, will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, and comes with special discounted fares across cabins.

According to a statement, business and pleasure travelers will have the opportunity to access the three oil-rich countries of Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Ghana with style and in an uninterrupted manner. The flights will connect passengers in a direct flight

between Malabo, PH and Accra.

Cronos Airlines said with the new PH-Accra flight, it was bringing to bear its upscale service by giving passengers the best of flight services. “This flight will give intending passengers opportunity to enjoy world-class in-flight services, on-time departure, peace of mind and efficient connectivity. This is regardless of whether an intending passenger is on business or pleasure trip,� the statement said.

The Chairman of Peacock Group, Segun Phillips added: “Our interest is to connect people by air to every destination. We want to facilitate business and pleasure and enhance economic growth in Nigeria and Africa in general.

We have been moving busi-

ness travellers and tourists comfortably and efficiently to all our destinations. This new Port Harcourt –Accra service presents a unique opportunity for us to continue to excel in that regard.�

To ensure seamless travel for intending passengers, Peacock Aviation, Cronos Airlines’ Passenger Sales Agent in Nigeria, has opened modern ticketing offices across major cities in the country. These include ticketing offices at Peacock Lagos Mainland Travel Centre, Peacock Lagos Island Travel Centre, Peacock Port Harcourt Travel Centre and Peacock Aba Travel Centre.

Tickets will also be available in other Peacock ticketing offices located in zonal offices in Abuja, Benin, Kano, Ibadan and international offices outside the country.

NANTA Holds 2018 AGM in Port Harcourt The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has said that this year’s edition of its annual general meeting (AGM), will hold in Port Harcourt where it would be showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage.

For the first time in 20 years, NANTA would be holding its AGM in Port Harcourt and this has attracted the attention of some states and other organisations in the old South East zone, who have expressed their readiness to participate in the meeting.

Expected at this year’s AGM include the Drector General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, the head of Board of Directors of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Victor Ndoma-Egba, chairman, and many others who have expressed support for the event and initiatives of the executive council of the body.

Speaking during a press

conference in Lagos to announce the event, President of NANTA, Bankole Bernard, said the event was moved to Port Harcourt this year to allow its members have a taste of tourism opportunities and cultural heritages of the Port Harcourt people and environs.

Bernard said the event, which holds from March 22 to 24 would focus on the theme – Symbiotic Relationship of Aviation and Tourism – a key to economic sustainability.

He said that NDDC would partner with NANTA to promote cultural tourism among others in the region, as NDDC is devoted to the development of rural tourism.

Bernard lamented the negative narratives about Niger Delta areas and Port-Harcourt in particular, noting that such stories are exaggerated while promising that NANTA in league with NDDC would work assiduously to change the narratives through positive

development.

The NANTA President said the event would help call the attention of the concerned stakeholders that there should be consistent relationship between the aviation and tourism in Nigeria. “In most developed countries, aviation and tourism are not separated.

A good transport system will facilitate the movement of people from one country to another. The potentials in tourism cannot be fully utilised if these two sectors are not adequately harnessed,� he added.

During the event, there will be two gala night occasions to appreciate guests. There will also be a walk for tourism across the city to promote tourism development. Some of the sponsors at the event include Ethiopian airlines, Air France, Arik Air, South African tourism, British Airways, Akwa Ibom State governor, amongst others.

Single African Market Treaties in Focus

Members of AON

Nigerian airlines under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have kicked against Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), saying, if fully implanted now, the treaties would be injurious to their operations.

The airlines had over the years clamoured for the liberalisation of African airspace as enunciated in the Yamoussoukro Declaration also known as Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the liberalisation of trade barriers in Africa. The treaties removed immigration impediments to air transport and trade in the continent.

But in a twist, the airlines have picked holes on the treaties, contending that the Nigerian government signs these treaties without looking at whether they would have adverse effect on Nigeria and her interests.

The airline operators, last Monday, made known their position on the SAATM and its concerns over the planned signing of Africa Single Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) treaty, said that on the face value, these treaties SAATM and AfCFTA) would boost intra-Africa trade and also encourage passenger movement in the continent.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had noted that SAATM would create extra 155,000 jobs and generate revenue of about $1.3 billion in annual GDP, liberalise African market and upturn the lopsided trade deficit against Africa in favour of Asia and Europe because the treaty would boost patronage of African goods by Africans and expansion of African markets.

But the Executive Chairman of AON, Captain Nogie Meggison, at a media parley on Monday, explained that the airlines are not really against SAATM and the treaty to liberalise trade in Africa, but only want the government to properly review these treaties before signing them because while they may be for the general good; they may not favour Nigeria’s interests now.

AON therefore called the federal government to reconsider its decision with the planned signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area Treaty, scheduled for signing by African Heads of States on March 21 – 22, 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Meggison also called for caution on the heels of the Single African Air Transport Market that was recently signed into effect by African Heads of States in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 28, 2018, which he considers a hasty decision in the light of several unresolved concerns that have the potential of impacting the Nigerian economy negatively.

He explained that just like SAATM, African Passport, Continental Financial Institutions (Currency & Taxes), the AfCFTA is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063 and is aimed at creating a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments.

The AON Chairman warned that Nigeria cannot afford to rush into signing of AfCFTA which will give unfettered access into the Nigerian market and is likely to erode the good work government has so far put in place to diversify the economy and reverse the gains of the present administration in reviving the economy out of recession.

Using the signing of SAATM as an example,

domestic operators advised that government should slow down on the implementation and stressed that some of the concerns of AON as regards the potential impact if hastily implemented on the Nigerian economy and Nigeria as a whole as well as the future of our youths include the following: Issues concerning the issuance of visas, uneven taxation and multiple charges, unrealistic competition and unfair trade, lack of adequate consultations, lack of impact assessment studies, imbalance in market access and no clear policy direction.

The airlines recommended that national interest must be given priority and domestic airlines must be empowered and taxes against the domestic carriers reviewed downwards, while VAT is totally eliminated by the federal government.

AON also cautioned against visa free movement, pointing out that the basic issue of visa free movement of people and trade is an integral aspect of SAATM and AfCFTA that would go a long way to determine the fairness of the project. “Sadly, it is a Herculean task for Nigerians to get visas to travel into many African countries.

Nigerians require over 34 visas to travel within Africa alone. This is an issue that needs to be addressed first before the full implementation of SAATM or the signing of AfCFTA. “For instance, a country like Ethiopia, which is a strong pusher of this treaty, makes 45 per cent of its income from Nigeria, yet it has not employed Nigerians as air crew or ground technical staff, drains our beloved country’s resources to contribute 32 per cent of their national GDP at the expense of the Nigerian economy and our ailing youths who have no jobs, and capital flight on our scarce foreign exchange. It is worthy of note that Ethiopia has a Visa on Arrival policy for over 40 countries. But sadly, and with disrespect, Nigeria is not included among them,� Meggison said.

AON spoke about uneven taxes and saying while the initiative is a laudable idea and could be considered as a step in the right direction, the airlines are however concerned that the timing is not right as there are several unresolved issues faced on daily basis by Nigerian airlines and manufacturers. “These border on unfriendly policies, high interest rates, levies, VAT, unavailability of forex, multiple taxation, charges and fees, and a hostile operating environment all of which puts Nigerian local businesses at a disadvantage to other African States that are largely government owned and heavily subsidised. “For instance, foreign airlines are exempted from VAT both in Nigeria and in their home countries. But Nigerian airlines have to pay VAT. Jet A1 (aviation fuel) is a lot cheaper in many other African countries and mostly subsidised by the government for their airlines. On the contrary, airlines in Nigeria are made to pay exorbitant prices in excess of N250 per litre for the same product. Availability of electricity supply is still a huge challenge for Nigerian businesses and the tariffs are too high compared to those across the continent,� Meggison also said.

The government is therefore advised to consider how germane the warning of AON is, vis a vis opening up the potentially huge African market to Nigerians and others.

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018

OUR SINCERE

Congratul ations

The management of Zhongtian Construction Nigeria Limited wishes to congratulate His Excellency

Dr Willie Obiano on his inauguration, having won the gubernatorial elections.

Our best wishes as he pushes his development agenda to ensure sustainable growth for the People of Anambra.

“Congratulations again and wishing you more success within the course of your second term in office.”

Signed:

ZHONGTIAN CONSTRUCTION NIGERIA LIMITED project@zhongtiannig.com 08081146666

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Customs to Enhance Imported Vehicle Clearance via Harmonised Data Base Stories by Eromosele Abiodun The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has said that it will soon harmonise its data base for all imported vehicles into the country to enhance clearance of the vehicles.

Controller, Tin Can Island Port command, Muhammed Baba disclosed this during his maiden media parley with maritime journalists in Lagos.

Baba stated that with the deployment of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS 11) platform, the data base of all imported vehicles will now be automated, thus making it possible for the various customs formation to have a uniform value on all imported vehicles.

Clearing agents had on several occasions complained about lack of data base of customs value thereby making the various customs commands issue different values on imported vehicles.

They had called on Customs

to develop its data base to enable them have a fore knowledge of what they are expected to pay as import duty on a particular vehicle.

Speaking on this development, Baba said: “With the NICIS 11 programme deployment, the valuation data base will be automated. It will be automated in such a way that using the VIN number which gives you all the necessary description of the vehicle. It gives you the capacity of the vehicle, country of origin of the vehicle, type, brand and then it gives you the value. Meetings are going on to harmonise this position before deployment of NICIS. In no distance time, there will be transparency in the clearance of vehicles.�

He vowed that the command under his watch would continue to improve the ease of doing business initiative of the federal government by making customs process more efficient to enable lower transaction cost for business.

“We are to provide coordinating roles in the ease of doing business initiative of the federal government. As part of the trade facilitation effort, we are aware of the 48 hours

cargo clearance time. We have therefore deployed the time release study as performance indicators to guide our performance. “We shall block all revenue

leakages to collect appropriate duties and meet our target of N354 billion. So far, till date, we have collected N62 billion,� he said. He added that plans are ongoing to deploy software to

handle the remaining part of the export procedure automation. This, according to him, will enable records of non-oil export, agriculture products and other manufactured products.

CAPACITY BUILDING FOR JOURNALISTS

L-R: General Manager, Corporate Aairs, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Tayo Facile; Head of Government, Stakeholder Relations and Communications of APM Terminals Apapa, Mr. Austin Fischer; Dr. Ngozi Okpara of School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos; National Public Relations OďŹƒcer of Customs, Mr. Joseph Attah; and the CEO of Ships & Ports, Mr. Bolaji Akinola, at a capacity building workshop for journalists and public relations managers in the maritime sector held

NIMASA to Partner Terminals Expresses Commitment to Gender Diversity BPE to Re-float National APM Stakeholder Relations and Com- plan that we have female crane APM Terminals Apapa Limited APM Terminals.

Managing Director of APM munications of APM Terminals operators. Already, we have has expressed its commitment Shipping Line to driving a diverse organisation Terminals Apapa, Mr. Martin Apapa, Mr Austin Fischer said. women working in engineering The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed its willingness to partner the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to refloat a National Shipping Line. The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside stated this when he hosted the Director General of the BPE, Mr. Alex Okoh in his office in Lagos.

According to Peterside, shipping to an extent, defines the growth trajectory of any nation especially as it relates to seaborne commerce.

Speaking further, he noted that the greatest asset in the maritime space is the vessel itself and if there are no vessels, one cannot be a major player. “You can only be a major player in name, but in reality you will not get maximum benefit from trade,� he said.

Peterside disclosed that the only way to guarantee the efficiency and effectiveness of shipping, which will add value to the economy, is through the involvement of the private sector. Furthermore, he said that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has initiated a process whereby people from the private sector will pull resources together to float a national fleet, facilitated by the Ministry of Transportation and NIMASA, adding that the process which will enhance the Nigerian Flag is ongoing.

He added that the Ministry of Transportation appointed a National Fleet Implementation Committee, headed by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, who is also working closely with the

agency. “The emphasis of the Federal Ministry of Transportation is to drive a process where we will refloat the National Fleet, this time with the core investors that will own 49 per cent of the shares, whereas, Nigerian Ship Owners will own 51 per cent of the shares of the firm and the firm will also be given the National Career Status. We are looking at different models, hence the importance of this engagement, so that we can review what has happened over time and choose the best model, �he said.

Earlier in his address, the Director General of the BPE, Okoh, who commended the strides of the Peterside-led management of NIMASA in repositioning the maritime sector, said the BPE is the agency of government that is responsible for sector reforms and enterprise reforms of the federal government.

He emphasised that businesses are better managed by the private sector and that government has very little to do in business apart from creating an enabling environment for businesses to strive.

Okoh stated that the BPE will be willing to partner NIMASA in the quest to revive the National Unity Line in collaboration with the private sector. “We have looked at the Nigerian Unity Line and the only tangible asset it is operating licence. The licence confers on the enterprise certain privileges, deriving from the Cabotage Act and also from the Local Content policy. This can be the foundation for the building block of a virile shipping business in Nigeria,� he said.

with regards to gender, as female employees of the company joined other women across the world to mark the 2018 International Women’s Day. The International Women’s Day is observed globally to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day, which is celebrated every March 8, also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The 2018 International Women’s Day celebration, which has the theme “Press for Progress�, was celebrated

by APM Terminals with female students of the Randle Senior Secondary School, Apapa, where career talks were also presented by female staff of

Jacob, while speaking at the event, said the company wanted more women to join the organisation. “The workplace is continuously changing. We need both men and women to create a motivating and performancedriven place to work which we believe is essential to our success.

We also believe that diversity and inclusion are key levers to strengthen business results in the market we operate in and a necessary action for access to future and wider talent pools.

Our ultimate goal is to build an organisational culture where everyone; women and men can reach their full potential, “Jacob, who was represented by the Head of Government,

On her part, the Head of Human Resources, APM Terminals Africa, Ms. Bunmi Pratt, said the company chose to mark the celebration with the female students to encourage them pursue their desired careers in life.

She said: “For us it is not only about gender but diversity.

We are encouraging women to participate in the activities of APM Terminals. With things like this, when we come out, we let ladies know that it is not just for the men but it is for everybody. “We are really trying to encourage women to climb up the ladder. We have not yet succeeded to get a crane operator but it is part of our

right now,� she said.

President, Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), Aisha Ali Ibrahim, who doubles as the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, commended APM Terminals for supporting the course of women even as she enjoined other terminal operators to identify and promote gender equality.

The Principal of Randle Secondary School Apapa, Abimbola Sowemimo was full of appreciation to APM Terminals for identifying with the school to mark the International Women’s Day. He promised that the school would continue to give necessary recognition to women and promote women’s right in the society.

‌. Hosts Capacity Building Workshop for Journalists Eromosele Abiodun As part of its effort at ensuring that journalists report the maritime sector adequately, APM Terminals Apapa has hosted a capacity building workshop for public relations managers and journalists covering the Nigerian maritime sector.

The workshop was facilitated by ethics, media and communication scholar, Dr. Ngozi Okpara of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos and leading maritime scholar, Dr. Frank Ojadi of the Lagos Business School. “We see this workshop as part of our corporate social responsibility. It is important that those who manage information in and about the maritime industry are brought to speed

on industry trends. “A key aspect of the workshop was the ethical dimension to public relations and journalism practices and I am happy that this issue was well-discussed and I believe it will impact positively on the development of the maritime industry, “Head of Government, Stakeholder Relations and Communications of APM Terminals Apapa, Austin Fischer said. Fischer, who delivered a paper on the “Structure and Dynamics of Port Operations in Nigeria,� said APM Terminals remains committed to infrastructural development through investments in port development, railway and inland container facilities in Nigeria. He said the company has fully developed and modernised its terminal at

the Lagos Port Complex Apapa through an investment of over $350 million (N126 billion).

The investment, according to him, covers the development of container handling and stacking yards, container inspection facilities, sophisticated and ultramodern cargo handling equipment, information technology, automation, human resources, a world class training centre, simulator and rail sidings which is now handy given the gridlock on the port access roads.

CEO of Ships & Ports, Bolaji Akinola, whose company organised the workshop, said the maritime sector is crucial to the attainment of Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

According to him, “With the country’s vast coastline measuring about 850 kilometres and

an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of well over 300,000 square kilometres with 3,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways; six major seaports, 11 oil terminals, and over 170 private jetties; rewarding career and business opportunities beckon on discerning minds. “Media practitioners especially journalists who cover and report the maritime beat for their various organisations have vital roles to play in helping the country harness the benefits of its huge maritime endowments and help Nigerians understand the place of the sector in their daily lives. To this end, a proper understanding of the industry’s dynamics by journalists and a patriotic disposition in reporting the industry will go a long way in ensuring its positive exposure to the world.�

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Customs Drums up Support for FG’s Local Rice Initiative Ademola Babalola in Ibadan The Nigeria Customs Service has rallied support for the federal government’s efforts to transform the agricultural sector as a major income earner.

The Comptroller of the Oyo/ Osun command, Comptroller Christopher Ogar Odibu, who made the call at a press conference

in Ibadan, Oyo State, also advised Nigerians to encourage local rice production by patronising local rice producers and a permanent stop to importation of rice into the country.

To this end, he warned that unpatriotic Nigerians, who engage in smuggling of used cars, foreign rice and other contraband goods to desist from doing so and look

for other legitimate means of livelihood.

He said: “It is worrisome to note that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose. The federal government efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production should be encouraged while importation of rice should be discouraged

by all. “I want to affirm that no matter the means of conveyance or concealment of prohibited goods, I assure you that the officers of this command are on constant surveillance and monitoring of our territory.�

Odibu said his men arrested one person in connection with the latest smuggling activities and

intercepted 4,000 bags of rice including other items worth N92million duty paid value.

He also disclosed that the command was prosecuting five different cases involving a number of suspects at the Federal High Court, adding that the latest suspect would be charged to court soon.

According to him, other items

recovered from the smugglers are; nine trucks, two used cars, 150 pieces of used types, 51 bales of secondhand clothes and 50 (25 liter kegs) of vegetable oil.

Odibu said the seizure was made at different locations within the command’s area of coverage, especially along Oparabodo, Musa axis of Iwajowa Local government area of of Oyo State.

NIPOST Digital Platforms Selected as Finalist in WSIS Prizes 2018 NPA MD Tasks Women on “This year, the multi- Nation Building The Nigerian Postal Service as stellar models of using ICTS ners will be announced from the (NIPOST) has announced that it has been selected as a finalist in the seventh annual WSIS Prizes contest – a global initiative recognising innovative projects using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to better the world.

NIPOST in a statement said the finalists, known as WSIS Champions, represents the top 90 projects selected from a record-breaking 492 nominated projects. The statement added: “Since 2012, the prestigious WSIS Prizes contest has been recognising remarkable efforts made by entities and organisations from around the globe that focus on accelerating socio-economic progress of the whole world as a community. “The WSIS Champions represents all regions of the world, and all stakeholders, and are recognised

towards implementation of the WSIS Action Lines and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The NIPOST Address Verification System (NIPOST AVS) project recognised as a WSIS Champion seeks to create a centralised and up-to-date database of physical addresses and the details of their occupants to bridge gaps in our national financial inclusion strategy, empower the CBN’s KYC, and improve our national security infrastructure while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in a commercially sustainable manner.�

The agency further stated: “The WSIS Prizes 2018 Award Ceremony will be held on 20 March 2018 at the WSIS Forum 2018 in Geneva. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the WSIS Forum in Geneva. Eighteen win-

90 finalists, and together all WSIS Prizes Winners and WSIS Prizes Champions will be honoured at the event – including NIPOST. According to the agency, each winner is recognised as the best in each of the 18 prize categories, which are aligned with the 18 WSIS Action Lines outlined in the Geneva Plan of Action.

It further added: “The WSIS Prizes submission phase ran from 11 September 2017to 10 January 2018. It received a record number of 685 project submissions, out of which 492 exceptional projects were nominated. Close to one million online votes were cast, from 29 January to 18 February 2018, for the nominated projects.

Following a comprehensive review by the Expert Group, 90 extraordinary initiatives were selected as the finalists – the WSIS Prizes 2018 Champions.�

stakeholder representation was very strong, with more than 240 projects submitted by government agencies, 97 projects submitted by private sector companies, and 82 projects submitted by national civil society organisations. International organisations and others accounted for more than100 submitted projects. “Regionally, this year’s submissions represented Africa (12.7%), the Americas (18.5%), the Arab region (16.1%), the Asia Pacific region (29.2%), the CIS region (10.4%), Europe (9.8%), and 14 international projects (12.1%). “The project descriptions of this year’s WSIS Prizes Champions will be published in the publication WSIS Stocktaking: Success Stories 2018, to be released during WSIS Forum 2018 along with WSIS Stocktaking 2018 Regional Reports.�

Eromosele Abiodun The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman has called on Nigerian women to develop their capacities and get involved in active politics to contribute meaningfully to the nation building.

She made the call while delivering a paper titled: Equity and Inclusiveness, Panacea to National Development at the 2018 Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WINBIZ) Master Class in Lagos.

She noted that developing capacity, taking bold step, initiatives, and breaking all barriers as woman, have become very imperative in the present Nigerian situation because being appointed into any position is

no longer a gender issue.

The NPA boss advised women not to limit themselves to a particular role but strive to develop a job profile.

She urged the women to provide support mechanism for other women through mentorship and capacity building and stressed the need for women to appreciate their positions as mothers and wives.

On the need to take up leadership roles and taking active part in politics, she observed that half of the Nigerian population are women but they are being left behind in the scheme of things, pointing out that they should get involved so that they can add value to the society, saying that nobody can take a decision against women when they are involved.

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BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Doing Business in a Secure Maritime Environment Eromosele Abiodun reviews the resolutions reached at the recently held maritime stakeholders’ forum organised by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the possible impact on the maritime sector The Executive Order on the Ease of Doing Business (EDB) was meant to reduce documentation for business transactions at the ports and border stations from about 14 to eight documents.

It was also geared towards making government agencies synchronise their activities to enable them have a one-stop-shop.

However, acute corruption, infrastructure decay, too many government agencies duplicating the same functions, bad access port roads and absence of scanners have been identified as bane of the executive order.

The federal government had towards the end of last year reduced import, export documentation requirements to ease business.

Other measures announced by the Minister Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun include the reduction of documentation requirements from 10 to seven for exports and from 14 to eight for imports.

Adeosun said that additional responsibilities had been given to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the shipping lines/other carriers.

Government’s attention in this regard, she stated, was principally focused on measures to ensure reduction in time spent on processing of export and also to ensure 24-hour clearance of cargo imported into the country.

The minister announced that the NCS shall coordinate the mandatory joint examination and Sign-Off Form, within the official working hours, including Saturdays. “NCS shall make available the shipping manifests to other examination agencies as soon as they are received, to enable enough time for risk assessment. Nigeria Integrated Customs Information Systems (NICIS) should be strengthened to accommodate more agencies. “Shipping lines shall transmit to the NCS and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the cargo manifest, before leaving the last Ports of Call to Nigeria and shall ensure that Nigeria-bound containerised cargoes are palletised, “Adeosun said.

Rotimi Amaechi

the tax burden and other ancillary costs borne by the indigenous shipping investor.

They urged NIMASA to take careful stock of available indigenous tonnage and their current state of health so as to be empirically guided in the determination of the lingering Cabotage waiver issues.

Need for Concerted Effort Implementation of Executive Order Meanwhile, stakeholders are of the view that the policy is failing due to several things that are not in place and inability of the federal government to do what is necessary to put things right.

To put things right, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) organised a forum for stakeholders to deliberate and find solutions.

Tagged: “Implementation of Executive Order 1,� the forum was arranged to aggregate stakeholder consensus for the promulgation of policies designed to promote effective maritime governance in Nigeria.

According to NIMASA, the interactive forum was convened to provide a platform for exchange of ideas by the Ministry of Transportation, its agencies and industry stakeholders on government policies, processes and their immediate and potential impact.

The ultimate aim of the initiative, it added, is to ensure ownership of Government policies by the people most likely to be affected by the policies. In a communiquĂŠ released at the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed that the Ministry of Transportation and its agencies should explore alternate financing windows such as the establishment of Maritime Bank to address the financing gap created by the unsuitability of lending rates of Nigerian banks for the shipping business; that the Ministry of Transportation and its Agencies should promote the automation of all shipping related administrative processes to reduce human subjectivity and corruption.

They also stated that the Ministry of Transportation and its agencies should consider reviving NIMAREX as a platform for bridging the gap between the Nigerian shipping industry and prospective international investors so as to provide impetus for growth and investment.

Stakeholders submitted that the Ministry of Transportation and its agencies should liaise with relevant Ministries and Agencies in Trade and investment sector with a view to reducing

Stakeholders agreed that the Ministry of Transportation should consider inviting the Finance and Trade Ministries alongside the Customs Service to subsequent stakeholders’ forum with a view to benefitting from their input on key issues.

The Ministry of Transportation was urged to take urgent steps to address the challenge of under-declaration of cargo by ships calling at Nigerian ports to plug the substantial revenue leakage thus created.

Government agencies were asked to consider a return to the former system whereby NPA, NIWA and NIMASA all contributed to the training of Master Mariners who are currently counted at 180 with above 75 per cent being above the retirement age.

Agencies were asked to take note of the rising reliance of water transportation due to the port access challenge around the Lagos areas and take steps to regulate same and propose means of encouraging its development as a viable business model.

Stakeholders urged the Ministry of Transportation and its agencies to consider establishing Complaints Desks and online feedback platforms to promote the ease of doing business in Nigerian maritime industry.

They called on the Ministry of Transportation to cause the urgent dredging of the Escravos Bar to facilitate the access of large dry cargo vessels into Warri ports. The communiquĂŠ further reads: “That the ministry and its Agencies should implement measures to stop the engagement of unqualified foreign marine technical personnel on Government and private projects and ships in Nigeria at the detriment of qualified Nigerian marine Engineers and Surveyors. That the Nigerian Ports Authority should consider the urgent review of published draught of ports in Nigeria as experience has shown that some of the published draught are incorrect and this discourages shipping traffic. “That as a panacea to the Apapa traffic gridlock and access road challenges, the Ministry and its

Dakuku Peterside

Agencies should consider establishing transit parks for trucks waiting to access the ports and implement an automated call-up system that prevents their proliferation around the ports.

That the Ministry of Transportation and its agencies should collaborate with the maritime Communities with a view to relying on their local knowledge and intelligence for fighting maritime crimes like piracy, sea robbery and vessel hijack.�

It added, “That the Ministry and its Agencies should step up Environmental Impact Assessment of Government projects on the littoral communities with a view to alleviating their deleterious effects where necessary, and; that the Ministry and its Agencies should consider engaging with the maritime communities on practical means of reducing maritime criminal activities and the acceptability of same by the communities.�

Maritime Security Contract Speaking at the event, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi 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. According to Amaechi, “Reason why vessels will not come to the Eastern ports is because there is war in insurance due to insecurity in the ports here. 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 through Port Harcourt port, and he said it cost 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 ship owners, 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, We 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 business who provide vessel for oil companies in the name of providing security. The moment we secure the water, they are out of jobs?�

Also speaking, the Director General of NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside disclosed that talks between the agency and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) are in advanced stage to provide 100 brand new cabotage vessels for indigenous operators in the oil and gas sector.

The NIMASA DG explained that the maritime sector is a multi-stakeholder industry adding, “the maritime sector plays a very important role in the growth of the Nigerian economy. It may occur to you that without the maritime sector today in Nigeria, we cannot fund the budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “In the maritime industry, all agencies are equally important, but it is only when we work in synergy that we can accomplish great results.

For us at NIMASA, we have our eyes on the goal, and that is why that, even the modest achievements we have achieved overtime as being down to collaborations with our different stakeholders. It is a pointer to this that we sent 298 cadets to do sea-time training in Egypt and the United Kingdom.�

According to Peterside, “the maritime sector plays a very important role in the growth of the Nigerian economy. It may occur to you that without the maritime sector today in Nigeria, we cannot fund the budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In the maritime industry, all agencies are equally important, but it is only when we work in synergy that we can accomplish great results. “It is also a fact that because of the new cabotage compliance strategy, today and in the past six months, we have over 200 seafarers onboard different cabotage vessels. What of our collaboration with the NCDMB, which is at its advanced stage, and will lead to the engagement of over 100 brand new cabotage vessels in the oil and gas industry.

Reacting to the development, Mrs Margaret Orakwusi noted that if these waivers were not granted, the presence of foreign operators in the nation’s coastal waters will not be as it is currently is.

WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

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'I’M PROUD OF MY AFRICAN HERITAGE’

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16.03.2018

'I’m Proud of My African Heritage’ Founder, The Potter's Signature, Adebowale Odutola,, has over the years made a mark producing indigenous designs using locally sourced African prints. While unveiling her new collection of handmade bags recently, she told Mary Ekah about her journey so far and future plans Can you talk about your new brand, TPS Luxury?

TPS means The Porter’s Signature. We are now TPS Luxury because we now go beyond the bags, as we now do home and style, footwear accessories and anything that is used as accessory at home. There is really nothing we cannot do with Ankara ranging from curtains, bed covers, chairs, dinning set, table covers and many other household accessories. We just launched some new TPS Luxury products.

So, we are actually trying to introduce our latest products to the world. They are bespoke, luxurious and handmade and I make them all from the floor of my house here in Victoria Island, Lagos. This is not from China and every material here has been locally sourced in Mushin and Balogun markets. Initially, I was bringing them in from Australia but later I found out that they were cheaper in Lagos.

My Ankaras are from Balogun but I make sure I take the veritable wax, for sustainability, durability and thirdly for the theme. I don’t just want a design but a design that carries a theme. This is our second season release, we had our first release collection but the whole 12 are all sold out. This is our latest collection which came out in February 2018 and our bags are named after prominent Nigerian women.

The collection is a celebration of the best of Nigeria and great personalities that speak to the essence of our brand, TPS Luxury. I am proudly Nigerian, that is why I love to work with the Ankara, Adire and Aso Oke fabrics.

We are proudly Nigerian, and proudly African.

What has been the response of Nigerians to your peculiar kind of products?

For me, Nigerians are beginning to appreciate what we have if they know the quality.

Right now, when anybody faces a direction, everybody is facing that direction. There are so many bags now in the country, everybody and anybody want to do a bag, but please there must be the good finishing. Let’s have international standard bags; bags that can sit well on the shelves of international brands and not just any bag. And because it is Made-in-Nigeria, doesn’t make it cheap; people need to have that at the back of their minds because there is no part of these bags that is imported. Most of the hardware are sourced at the local markets. Our leathers have been taken out processed and returned to Mushin Market. I think with the recession, a lot of people are beginning to appreciate what we have. I see a lot of people wearing Ankara now. I carry my bags with so much poise, elegance and glamour. I am proud of my African print, I am proud of my heritage.

So far so good, those who buy the $3,000 and £2,800 bags, also buy my bags. And because they are not mass produced but are bespoke, they are limited editions and they are not for everybody, so those who can afford them, buy them.

What inspires your designs?

My designs are inspired by God and humanity. When I say humanity, I mean that when I go out and I see your bag and the way you carry it so beautifully, it inspires me and I am always so eager to go home and sketch.

At times I sketch in the car, I just sketch on anything. Other times, I get inspiration when I sleep while at other times, I look at designs on the internet and then modify them by subtracting and adding. So it is about my instinct and my mind set at every point that brings about my designs. So it is not about just talent or academic acquisition because I don’t have any academic acquisition on fashion. I don’t know how I do it. Even when I was in school as an undergraduate, I had tailors that were making my own designs. If you and I buy the same shirt, the next day mine would have be looking different from yours because I would have added stones or something that will make it just different.

So, I think it is just about me. I like fashion

Odutola

What do these awards mean for you?

It means I should work harder because some people will feel that we have been doing bags for so many years and so should relax but that shouldn’t be the case. It is not how long but how well. Just make sure you focus and know what you are doing. That is the bottom line.

Are you looking forward to winning more awards?

Yes, I want to win another aard this year and many more.

How do one care for an Ankara bags?

When you spot dirt on it, look for a very old tooth brush, which bristles would have been soft. Deep it into water with a bit of light soap and all you need to do is to brush gently and leave it to dry. And for those who have theirs on the cover of their bags, with ordinary baby wipes, you can pick dirt on your Ankara bags and they are clean.

and I like to be different.

How long have you been doing this?

I started in 2013 but got established in 2014.

So, we are going to be four years on July 14th this year and we have won two awards so far. Within seven months in 2017, this brand won two awards for its contributions to the fashion industry: I won the President’s Special Recognition award from Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), which I am a member, and then I also won the Best Emerging Fashion Brand Award at the 2017 Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards

by Bella Africana. So two awards in seven months, I think we are doing well and we are hoping to do better.

What would you advice young ladies who aspire to be a designer like you?

They should start from the scratch and be focused. If you have a focus, you tend to gain a lot but if you keep dabbling into too many things, you might not achieve anything.

Nigerians lack initiative, they just want to copy instead. Somebody has gone to do a classic design in China and then someone just comes and copies your design. We need to be focused in Nigeria because too many people are on the fast lane. I want to say also that if you are a woman, don’t stay in the house and be a house wife. Whatever you know how to do, even if it is chin-chin, do it well.

Someday, it is going to grow. I started this business not just as a passion but because I needed to do it. I am a bag freak, I travel a lot and I buy bags as if I am running mad.

So when I started this business, I said I was going to create bags that were remarkable and people will buy. So whatever I create is what I can carry and when I draw my designs, I look at myself and ask: Can I carry this? If I can’t carry what I create, it means I can’t sell it because if I do, I am not going to sell my brand well. So whatever you know how to do as a

woman, just do it well, do it diligently and put your whole heart to it. Whatever I’m making out of this business today aims at celebrating Nigeria; I am celebrating my name, I am setting precedence for those coming behind me and eventually, it is going to become a well-known brand worldwide. I think I am half way and eventually we would get there. So government should help us by giving us electricity to work with. Most of the time we are on generator and by the time we run our businesses with generators, of course the prices of the products will be increased. So where do we go from here? Let’s encourage Made-in-Nigeria and let the government encourage entrepreneurs by providing working environment that is conducive and where entrepreneur thrives.

Tell us about growing up?

I grew up with the name, Wuraola. My full name is Adebowale Adeola Wuraola Odutola.

I am number 16 of 17 children, the last girl in the family, there is just one male behind me. I grew up in so much luxury. Of course we went to school in Mercedes Benz. As the last girl in the family, my father doted so much on me.

My mother is from Niger State, she is Muslim while my father was a Christian. So growing up was fun. We had fantastic upbringing and pedigree. I enjoyed my growing up and I am still enjoying myself. I take out time to go on vacations and I try to buy the good things of life, may be not too many, if I have just one quality thing, I am fine. I don’t like junks and I am not one that says oh my friend has this and so I have to buy it. What fits my friend might not fit me. So I am myself. My boys are doing well. I have trained them like girls and they are very well domesticated. I have all boys, I don’t have a girl and they all work so hard and well.

What do you miss about your father?

I miss the envelopes of money he always gave me. I miss the love and everything about him. My mother is still alive, she is 93.

Why do you still operate from home?

I don’t want to give my whole proceeds to the landlords.

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16.03.2018

Ambode Vs Ajah People Kehinde Akerele writes that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode should give governance a human face in Lagos State

Ambode

The article by an agent of the Lagos State Government which goes by the fake name of Olu Abayomi in a section of the Nigerian media which is a response to an urgent cry by the Ajah people of Lekki Peninsula over their deteriorating traffic gridlock is a representation of crass governance failure. The cause of the government’s acerbic article is the request by the people and residents of Ajah that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode come to their rescue by patching failed portions of the 8-kilometre Ajah-Badore Road which cause motorists to spend up to six hours on the road anytime it rains.

Their request is captured in an earlier article by Engineer Femi Animashaun which reminded the governor that at a town hall meeting held in Badore on August 2, 2017, he pledged to start reconstruction and expansion of the road within one month; in addition, he promised to begin new roads in the area the same month. But the pledge was far from fulfilled as a whole six months has passed since work was supposed to have commenced. No apology given. No explanation offered. The article by Akerele warned the governor that his reputation is at stake, all the more since his worthy predecessors, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, SAN, never allowed the Ajah axis to be in such a mess.

What people had expected the Ambode government and its agents to do was to, first, apologise to the people and residents of Ajah for not fixing about the only road in their area which causes them to spend as long as six hours on an otherwise 10-minute drive. The apology would be followed with an explanation of why the governor did not keep his word, and finally, an assurance of when the work would be done. Instead of doing the

above, the said Abayomi chose to insult, on behalf of the Ambode regime, the audience right from the first sentence which is full of embarrassing grammatical errors like “in a determined but rather futile attempt to make a (sic) capital out of the challenges…”. This is a perfect example of inelegant thinking.

Abayomi alluded to the relatively late approval of the 2018 budget by the Lagos State House of Assembly as the reason for the non-takeoff of the road project, as the project is captured in this year’s budget. I have news for him: Both Tinubu and Fashola built the two most important roads in the Ajah area without waiting for budgetary allocations. The two roads are the Ajah-Ado-Langbasa Road and First Unity Avenue in Badore.

Tinubu saw how the residents were suffering, especially during the rainy season, and ordered PW, the Irish multinational giant which was providing sights and services in a private estate somewhere in Ajah, to quickly move to the Ajah-Badore Road. The people and residents of the area were asking the state government to merely patch the existing single lane, but Tinubu directed PW to make it a dual carriage way and provide state-of-the-art drainage facilities. Tinubu was so appalled at the suffering of the people that he forced PW to start work to ameliorate the condition of his people even before the engineering design of the road was ready.

Fashola, too, was moved by the people’s plight that he did not wait for the budget to be approved before he directed PW to move its equipment to First Unity Estate.

Every government always has contingency funds, from which money is used for emergencies. The current situation where motorists using the eight-kilometre Ajah-Ado-Langbasa Badore Road spend

six hours deserves to be treated as an emergency. Wouldn’t Ambode have treated the state of this road as a super emergency if it had been anywhere near Epe, his hometown? Are contractors not working in Epe throughout the clock, whether the budget is passed or not? Has work stopped even for a day on any of the several roads he created in Epe in the name of waiting for budgetary allocation?

Why is it impossible for Ambode to spend on the failed portions of the Ajah-Badore Road just one per cent of the expenditure on Epe roads to enable the people in the economically vital Ajah area to drive their vehicles? The governor has to learn compassion, fairness and responsiveness from his two immediate predecessors.

It is tough, if not impossible, for stakeholders in Ajah to believe the timid explanation by the Ambode administration that the late passage of the 2018 Lagos State budget accounts for the failure to do even the simplest work on the Ajah-Badore Road. Frankly, we do not know how much respect Ambode has for budgetary integrity, even though he is an accountant. He provided for some funds for the building of a flood control facility in Badore in the 2017 budget. Of course, nothing has happened to this day. Every time our representatives go to the Ministry of the Environment to obtain a situation report, we were told, “No cash backing”, the Nigerian bureaucratic language for refusal or failure to release approved funds. The present administration owes us an explanation. Ambode needs to do a lot to rehabilitate his image in this crucial part of Lagos.

The bitter truth is that it is not only in Ajah people that the governor needs to work on his reputation. His reputation is fast declining all over Lagos. Under his

watch, our state is being overtaken by filth. We have never had it so bad. It is a matter of time before the whole of Lagos is consumed by Lassa Fever if Ambode continues on his current trajectory. The people will hold him responsible for whatever health tragedy or epidemic that befalls us. Instead of addressing the challenge of every corner of Lagos turning into a mountain of refuse, the government has been running from pillar to post, offering all manner of excuses. It is time it got serious.

The Ambode government has now inflicted another serious crisis on itself.

The increase in land use charges by an astronomical percentage is something no one can understand except himself and his officials. Why any government should do such a bizarre thing at a time of profound economic crisis in the country is, indeed, a mystery. Critics suspect there could be a certain streak in the governor which makes him do stuff, as the Americans call it. A month ago, his government suddenly doubled the Lekki tollgate fare, and the case is in court. While we were trying to make sense of where this government is headed, he inflicted us with a crazy land use charge regime.

The way he has been handling the Ajah and other critical matters suggests he has forgotten that he managed to win the 2015 gubernatorial election with only 100,000 votes. With his All Progressives Congress (APC) taking hits from all over the country on account of President Buhari’s embarrassing scorecard and his own government’s image plummeting rapidly, Ambode had better watch it. His parochialism, insensitivity and hubris are excessive. .Akerele is the CEO of a leading oil servicing firm with headquarters in Lagos

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16.03.2018

Deeper Life Builds Bridge in Lagos

RCCG First Born Family Marks 30th Anniversary

Mary Ekah It was a celebration galore and a big sigh of relief for residents of the Gbagada-Ifako area of Lagos as members of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry recently inaugurated a bridge alongside various other projects constructed by the church for the ease of human and vehicular movement in the area during and after church services.

The multiple projects inaugurated by Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, included a link bridge on Oduwaiye Street, Gbagada, traffic lights on a number of streets and a 600 capacity multilevel car park, all built from the contributions of members of the church across the country.

While commending the Church for mobilising millions of its members across the world towards making life more meaningful for members of the community in which the headquarters Church is situated, Ambode praised the General Superintendent, Pastor William F. Kumuyi and members of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry for their contributions towards community development and improvement of the quality of life of the people of the state.

Ambode, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Olowu said that Deeper Life has by those projects demonstrated its willingness, not only towards the spiritual uplift of its members but also on the quality of life of the people irrespective of religious inclinations.

He said the projects executed by the Church were in line with Ambode’s drive towards the rebuilding and renewal of Lagos City. He called on other religious organisations and private sector institutions to emulate the gesture as a means of expediting the revamp of infrastructure in all parts of the state.

“What Deeper Life Church has done is epochal and keys into the overall drive of the state government towards the renewal of infrastructure projects all over Lagos in line with the mega city ambition of the state. It is my considered view that if all other religious groups and private sector organisations in the state, provide similar support to the government, a lot will be achieved and in a very short time in improving the quality of infrastructure in Lagos,” the governor noted.

In response, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William F. Kumuyi commended the Lagos State governor for his commitment towards the infrastructure renewal of the state while revealing the disposition of the church towards a partnership that will support the drive of the government towards infrastructure renewal of the state.

Kumuyi said the Church was deeply concerned about the comfort of the people of the communities where it is located, hence its decision to support the government in a number of such projects.

He acknowledged the giant strides the state government has made in infrastructure development and urban renewal, adding that the projects were envisioned to support the state government towards the development

L-R: Chairman Planning Committee, 30th Anniversary, Pastor Yemi Lebi; Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Mission), Pastor Brown Oyitso; Assistant Pastor in charge of Region 19, Pastor Jide Akiode and Pastor in charge of Province LP33, Pastor Dele Jayeoba at the press briefing

Mary Ekah Deeper Life bridge and car park ... Kumuyi watches as Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Olowu cuts the tape to flag off the bridge

Deeper Life Brigde

Keystone Bank, Others Win at Africa Finance Awards

Deeper Life Brigde

of the state.

“The Lagos State Government under Governor Ambode has been tirelessly working towards renewing the mega city of Lagos and I must say that this has immensely endeared him to the teeming population. What we have done is only a token of support in the drive to ensure there is a collective contribution towards the collective aspiration of the people of this great state for a city of comfort that we all will be proud of,” he said, adding that the Church still has a number of other projects either under construction or at planning stages, all geared towards improving the quality of life of the people in support of the urban renewal programme of the state government.

While also commending the church for its infrastructural intervention, some of the

As a tradition, the First Born Family, Region 19 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has always marked its anniversary every year with a programme tagged, Power Conference. This year once more, the church will be holding the annual event on Sunday March 18, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. But this year’s edition is going to be remarkable as it will be commemorating the 30th year existence of the RCCG parish.

Running on the theme, ‘Glory to Glory’, Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Mission), Pastor Brown Oyitso, during a press conference to announce the extraordinary event, said, “Last year, the theme of the Power Conference was the ‘The Turning Point’ and undoubtedly, God has turned things around in the lives, businesses, ministries and families within the First Born Family. We believe it is now time to go from Glory to Glory. That’s why the theme for this year’s anniversary was divinely chosen as moving from Glory to Glory.

residents said that doing business in the area would be easier as a result of the improved traffic situation. They also said the bridge would make life easier for the residents. They expressed the optimism that it was also going to impact positively on the economy of the area.

Deeper Christian Life Ministry is a nondenominational Christian Ministry with its international headquarters, Deeper Life Bible Church in Lagos. Formally founded in 1982 following consistent ministry work that started in 1973, Deeper Life Bible Church grew from a small group of people to several thousand branches and millions of members in Nigeria, spreading eventually throughout sub-Saharan Africa and then to the United Kingdom, from where branches were developed in Western Europe, Russia, India, and North America.

Top organisations and brands have been named to have won the 5th annual edition of Nigeria Pension Awards and Africa Finance Awards scheduled to hold in Lagos on March 29. The companies include Keystone Bank, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Propertymart, PTAD, Modion Communications and STL Trustees.

According to the organisers, the programme is designed to honour outstanding professionals and corporate organisations in the pension, finance, insurance and other sectors. The event will be witnessed by leaders and decision makers across different sectors in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Some of the winners for the 2017 awards include Keystone Bank Plc, Orange Insurance Brokers, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, First Registrar and Investor Services, Zenith Pension Custodian Limited, ARM Pensions, and Capricorn Marine and Technologies Plc among several other leading organisations.

Other winners include Powergas, PAC Capital Limited, Modion Communications, Adron Homes, Integrated Corporate Services Limited to mention but few. Some highlights of the award dinner include a Red Carpet session, Executive Photograph session, Media session among others. Osarhieme Osaghae of Leadway Pensure PFA receives award from Mr. Peter Mezring of Global Outdoor Systems at the 2016 award dinner.

Art-Alive, MJ Set to Float Skills Academy for Lessprivileged Ayodeji Ake

Why Government Should Support the Building Industry Ayodeji Ake Calling the attention of the government to the crawling building industry, the Managing Director of Knightstone Properties Limited, Mr. Adeniyi Adams, has said the government can score political goals not only by campaigning into offices but also investing in the building industry. Adeniyi lamented that the building industry seconds the Information Technology (IT) industry in massive labour employment, yet the government is paying little or no attention to them.

Addressing journalists at the recent unveiling and handing over of 20 units of houses developed by Knightstone Properties Limited, he said government interventions in the building industry in terms of regulation

of foreign exchange, mortgage systems and loans will sky rocket the industry. “In terms of building, government can score political goals. This industry is big and serving a good purpose. The government can support in various ways. Even If the pension fund can be used to support this industry, that will go a long way. The government really needs to support the industry”, he said.

Speaking further on mortgage system, Adeniyi said a larger percentage of the population are in the informal sector who has been disenfranchised of acquiring a land or buying a house because the mortgage system does not cater for them.

“We are not yet serious bridging the housing gap because if we are serious, we should address the issue of the mortgage

system. The mortgage system is a not catering for the informal sector and that’s where we have the population of people on the street, the market people, and others into business. But because they don’t have proof of income, the mortgage system doesn’t cater for them,” he said.

Urging the government on swift intervention in the building industry, Adeniyi stated that Nigeria has the capacity of churning out houses in low prices to curb housing deficit if only the government can assist the industry. “We should be delivering bungalows at three to four million naira if all things being equal but it’s practically impossible when everything is on the high side. We really need the government to come to our aide,” Adeniyi said.

As a way of giving back to the society and empowering the less-privileged, using the youths as a point of contact, Mauritius giant investors, MJ Development has extended it hand of partnership to Art-Alive, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) to establish a skill academy to develop and engage young Nigerians. As specialists in properties and tourism, MJ Development stated that its partnership with At-Alive will weave tourism and art to give opportunities for artistic creativity emerging from the tourism.

Founder of Art-Alive, Mr. Lanre Adegoke noted during a media chat recently said that MJ Development is known for contributing to the society in Mauritius and saw the need to support the youths by partnering with Art-Alive and also to promote inter relation tourism and property investments in Nigeria. Adegoke said the opportunity will build a relationship with the foreign investors helping young people and the homeless, introducing property development and also encouraging tourism as a centre of attraction.

“As an ambassador of my country Nigeria where ever I go, I put the flag up for my beloved Nigeria. Ruel and his team didn't listen to any negative things that were said about Nigeria and they came here."

31/ LIVING

16.03.2018

A Triple Celebration for Origho Mary Ekah It was a triple celebration for Mr. Peter Oghenovo Origho, a retired management staff of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as family members held a three-in-one gala to mark the retirement, birthday and 30th marriage anniversary in honour of their son, husband, father, grandfather and brother on Saturday, February 24 at the Alliance Insurance Plc Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos.

Origho who was retired barely recently was born on the 10th of January 1958 and so the family felt it was high time they came together and celebrate a son who had made them proud over the years.

“My family is organising a retirement party for me. Incidentally, retirement has to do with age and so they are also celebrating my birthday.

I was actually retired before 60 years of age but now I am 60. I started work at a very younger age. I was precisely 23 years old when I started work in 1981 with NNPC”, noted the celebrant whose wife, Phina, also shocked him with their 30th wedding anniversary surprises at the event.

Origho who was visibly stunned by the overwhelming show of love by his family members, noted, “Today, I feel great that my family is celebrating my birthday and retirement.

This what everyone prays for and luckily God has granted me the grace to witness this day.

I grew up as a child, went through service and then retired honourably after 35 years and now I am aging gracefully. It is something I should thank God for and the secret is just that I am charting the will of God.” After retirement, Origho said he would be looking at impacting on the society from the wealth of experiences he had gathered while in service. Such experience he said should not be thrown aside but put into use for nation building.

The highlight of the day’s event was when his wife, Phina came up with surprises to mark their 30 years of marriage. This she did in a very romantic manner with artistic stage lighting which came along with a dreamy stage dance with her husband of 30 years. She also unloaded a surprise birthday cake for their marriage anniversary apart he gigantic cake that was already placed on podium for her husband’s birthday/retirement party.

Origho was quick to advice that for young couples to be happy and fulfilling in their marriages, they should be emotionally balanced.

“People coming together as a couple from different environments, need to be emotionally balanced and also endeavour to understand each other,” he noted.

Origho lovely children were not left out as they presented him with life size art work with a motif of a man surrounded by women.

Origho however humorously explained that it does not mean he was surrounded by women in the negative sense. “Yes, I love women, I don’t have a choice because I have four girls and the last, a boy, I have just one boy, so that is why they said I am surrounded by women and I have been enjoying the women folk.”, he noted.

Speaking further, he said, “Again when you talk about gender sensitivity, you would appreciate the fact that you need a man that loves women, but it might not be on negative perspective.”

Speaking briefly on his working career as an NNPC staff, he said, “When you talk about NNPC, most people in Nigeria access it in the filling station, but NNPC goes beyond that, I have been with the organisation for more than three decades and one good thing about NNPC is the exposure you get. My experience there

Origho cutting his anniversary cake and being assisted by his wife, Phina

Origho admiring his birthday gift from his children while the rest of his family members watch

Origho flanked by wife and family members while cutting his anniversary cake

has been great. I was committed to work and also got awarded for that.”

He called on young people to be committed to whatever they do and also to see their careers as the ultimate instead of focusing on the money. “My fear now is that most young people in Nigeria want to see what money they can grab quickly but that will not help.

Knowledge is very powerful because if you

are very knowledgeable in any field, it would be difficult for anybody to push you aside or ignore you. So when you acquire a lot of skills on your field of endeavour first, a time will come when money will come. So the fear now is, are our engineers knowledgeable in this industry? That is what we should look at and in fact we need a cultural change in that aspect. The young people should really

look at what they can offer to organisations they work with and how they can grow the organisations rather than looking at the money they can get,” he noted.

Born on January 10, 1958 to late Mr. Pius Origho and late Mrs. Lydia Onkpeya Origho nee Siakpere in the city of Warri, Delta State.

Peter Origho is the second of 10 children born to his parents, who were prominent business entrepreneurs in Warri. He hails from Usiefurun in Ughelli South LGA. .

His kindergarten and primary school were at Roman Catholic School One and Children Nursery and Primary Home School. He attended secondary school at St Peter Claver’s College where his nickname “Sir K”. Origho did his HND in Petroleum Processing Engineering at the Petroleum Training Institute, Warri. He went further and pursued his PGD in Petroleum Economics and a Masters degree in Energy and Petroleum Economics.

His career journey began when he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on July 10, 1981 as a Gas Technologist – Western Operations Department (WOD) where he undertook two years training programme organised by Comerit Italy on Petroleum Process plant operation and maintenance.

In 1988 he was deployed to the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) and became one of the pioneer staff. Via the aid of his employers, he also worked as an attaché with Irish Gas Company Cork, Ireland.

He started climbing up the occupational ladder. He was promoted as a manager and transferred to NAPIMS where he also held the following positions as: Manager, Investment Management Department, Gas Division; Manager, Facilities and Plants department, Gas division and Manager, Facilities, JV Oil Division.

In addition to his core duties at work, he served as an in-house facilitator, training NGC younger engineers on process plant operations and maintenance.

His outstanding performance on the job rewarded him with the NNPC GMD’s Merit Award in 1995. His leadership expertise earned him a one-time Chairman NGC branch Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association, President Prime Service Circle of Nigeria and National President St. Peter Claver’s College Old Boys Association.

Origho who recently retired from service, is currently the Co-owner of a lucrative franchise called PLAMJ Hotels and Catering Services and the CEO of Rukena Energy Servicing Company.

He met his wife, Phina who is from Onitsha, Anambra State in 1978 and after 10 years of friendship he decided to call a spade a spade by tying the knot in February 1988. Their marriage is blessed with five beautiful children.

His daughter, Miss Mabel Origho describes his father as a man of numerous words who constantly dispenses pearls of wisdom whenever he gets an opportunity.

“I admire his charisma and his charming smile, which has the ability to light up a room.

Through many sacrifices he raised us to be hardworking, independent, integral members of the society, to be pragmatic in decision-making yet diplomatic in execution. Words cannot describe nor quantify my love and respect for my father, my hero. Thank you for teaching us the power of humour and being protective of your girls, thank you for setting the standards high and allowing us know we do not deserve anything less than what our mother got. To a loving husband, a devoted father, an excellent grandfather and an honest friend, may we your children bring you the joy and gladness that your heart deserves, may your life after service be filled with fulfilment and bliss and may you live long and prosper,” Mabel noted in a tribute to her father.

United Capital Trustees Support Butcher’s Daughter Aminat Adeniyi is a 12-year-old female who has for the last nine years been struggling with a left chest wall mass highly suggestive of Liposarcoma. She has been advised to seek further medical attention outside of the country.

Following this diagnosis, her father, Mr. Adeniyi who is a humble butcher and who plies his trade in and around the Oko Oba area of Lagos has been struggling with the huge financial baggage that comes with this kind of situation and with three other children in the family, he has cried

out for assistance.

Pretty Aminat who wants to be a Medical Doctor has stopped going to school in the last four years because of the debilitating symptoms that comes with this illness.

It is at this point that Mr. Adeniyi came in contact with Katunga Media a frontline media marketing firm which was coincidentally just setting up a structure to handle such cases- Katunga Humanity. Under this platform an initial N599, 000 was raised to carry out a much more

comprehensive medical investigation on Amina amongst other urgent and allied matters.

The results have shown that Amina has suffered severe deformation in the chest cavity owing to the enlargement which has been reported by her medical team to be likely cancerous. It is in this regard that a N15m fund raiser has been launched and championed by Katunga - Humanity with the specific aim of evacuating her to the Grant Medical Foundation – Ruby Hall Clinic in India for emergency treatment.

United Capital Trustees Limited has accepted to act as Trustee to the funds ensuring a transparent and orderly fund raising exercise. Their role also includes the direct disbursement to the hospitals and other duly recognised agents directly linked to the restitution of little Aminat. They have also gone ahead to provide extensive support financially. Aminat Adeniyi will not die and as such all hands are on deck to support this initiative by reaching out to Corporate Nigeria in raising this amount for her immediate evacuation.

32 / XTRA

16.03.2018

Dickson...architect of Bayelsa's New Yenagoa City

Iworiso-Markson: Bayelsa’s New Yenagoa City Will Compete With the Best in the World In this interview, the Bayelsa Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, talks about what he says is the next big thing in Bayelsa, the New Yenagoa City. He also discusses sundry issues with Emmanuel Addeh So, what is the New Yenagoa City about? What is special about it?

The New Yenagoa City is the number one tourism destination in Bayelsa and that city would be like a smart city. We're going to have a first Government Reservation Area (GRA). You know in this state we don't have a Government Reservation Area, so in that city we'll have a GRA and already the subscription for plots of land there is oversubscribed and that's to tell you how unique that area of land is.

That area of land is so strategic in so many ways, One, it’s eco-friendly that's the area of land where you have the River Nun and the River Nun is very famous because our foremost poet, he's 95 now or thereabout, Christopher Okara. He wrote a very beautiful poem about the River Nun and what is even very interesting is that, looking at that area of land, the River Nun provides a very strategic conducive environment for development and so, His Excellency, Governor Seriake Dickson, thought it wise that we should have a new city around that area so that we can have waterfront estates.

You have estates overlooking the River Nun, you can also have all the facilities you have in all estates. As I speak at the moment, you have the golf course ready there, the golf course is developed and it is an 18-hole golf course, it is one golf course that will be a PGA standard golf course meaning that international golf tournaments will hold there.

The whole idea is that we want to attract tourists to Bayelsa and it all aligns with our philosophy in government that we need to diversify the state into tourism and agriculture and so, that whole area is like a tourism island but is now what we call the New Yenagoa City.

You'll have estates, well laid-out infrastructure, roads with electricity, security with all the facility that you can think of. Everything that goes with a modern city, like any one you can find anywhere in the world, in Dubai that's how the whole area is structured and what is interesting to note is that, like I said, the whole place is oversubscribed and by the time that whole city is fully developed, it will be one of the best cities in the whole of the country and that is the expectation of His Excellency.

This sounds like a huge project. What prompted it and when is it taking off?

This is a deliberate policy by the state government and we want to ensure that we follow the developmental plan through. The layout of that entire area is already prepared, we're inviting

the whole world on April 3, 2018, to witness the commissioning and launching of the city. The launching is a formal one and we are privileged to have no other person but the Vice-President, His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who will be coming to do us the honour.

The Vice-President has been confirmed to launch that new city, the Vice-President is actually representing the President (Muhammadu Buhari) and that shows how much importance we're attaching to it, given the kind of state-of-the-art facilities that we want to provide there.

We'll be providing top notch security in that city, like I said, it'll be a smart city, everywhere will be covered by cameras and that's because it's not only Bayelsians that will be living there, you'll have business people from all over the country who will come there because when you have a golf course as big as any you can find in the world, with golf tournaments taking place year-in and year-out, it is very likely that a number of these top people would like to own properties there so that they can also use the facilities there to do their leisure and resort.

So, we have provided that and as we speak the golf course on that massive land is almost like 80 per cent complete. Thereafter, the golf estate would begin to spring up and what is interesting is that, the buildings there would take a particular pattern to maintain the beauty and the standard.

There would be certain minimum standards that would be provided so that we can ensure uniformity and all that but what is important to note is that the New Yenagoa City would become the number tourism destination because it is so designed as where people can take off from wherever they are and find themselves in that city, right there, there is a golf course, a polo club and access would be so easy.

What other facilities would be available, aside the ones you mentioned?

When you land at our Bayelsa International Airport, you take a helicopter and land in the New Yenagoa City, that's why we built a helipad named after the military administrator of old Rivers State who is now the Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diette-Spiff.

People will land at the helipad and there is also a 5-Star hotel there already, its called Castle Hotel, we have a church, we have amphitheatre, those facilities are already there. The natural beauty of that environment is what we think is the magic of the place because people like to go to an environment that is eco-friendly and

not one that is abused and filled with all kind of impurities.

This is an environment that is carefully planned for the purpose of leisure and for people to have an interesting time with the belief that River Nun there gives it an added beauty so that all kinds of water activities can go on. For instance, the front view estate that will be provided there, people who live in those axis can also enjoy the freshness of that natural beauty coming from the water bodies there.

We are looking at a city that will be all encompassing, where everything is there- you will have a massive shopping complex, opportunities for cinemas, for all kinds of facilities so that you don't need to go out, you'll be safe and secure.

How would you ensure that the problems associated with such areas elsewhere are not replicated here?

We will have 24-hour power in that area and we'll also have security round the clock, it is such a security that is 21st century that's why it's a smart city. These are the things that we're planning and it’s going to be massive, it's going to be the biggest thing coming out of Bayelsa.

Hopefully, by the time this administration ends it's tenure in 2020, we would have gone to a reasonable extent in developing that city so that the successive administration will just take off from there. So that's what we're hoping to achieve and with the kind of interest we have seen from members of the public, not just Bayelsans, we're very positive that within the next one year, a lot of things will have happened.

This will be an environment that will be the pride of all Bayelsans and it will change this state in a very dramatic way, in terms of alternative sources of revenue which is the whole essence really. If you look at it the world over, the biggest business now is tourism, Dubai is not Dubai without tourism.

People forget easily when the governor talked about making Bayelsa another Dubai, they thought it was electioneering but from what we have been doing, in the last six years, people can now see the direction, the roads that we have provided, the bridges, all of the infrastructure we have provided over the last six years are all geared towards creating the next Dubai that we talked about.

The New Yenagoa City will be like the icing on the cake to formally bring us into that new Dubai experience and it will be the biggest thing to happen in Nigeria, because that new city will be like a melting pot, a lot of people are tired of the

big commercial cities and are looking for a place of escape and the New Yenagoa City is a place of escape for them because its a place you'll go to and feel relaxed and at home. The ambience, the beauty, the natural state of the environment, the eco-friendliness of the environment which is what we're trying to create and that is why development there will be very systematic and deliberate and we are leaving no stone unturned.

His Excellency is particularly passionate about it which underscores why we're bringing somebody like the Vice-President to come and launch it, so that with him, it will attract the private sector and on that day, a lot will be showcased.

I would also like to say that the marketing of that city is also something that we have carefully done, we're bringing an international consulting firm that has experience marketing cities like this all over the world and a number of investors too are also coming. People think this is going to be from the coffers of Bayelsa State Government but no, we will get a lot of funding from investors who have already expressed interest in this.

On that day, a number of investors would be unveiled and the whole plan would be put out there in a very comprehensive manner. Suffice to say that a lot of work has gone into the programme and I'm so honoured and privileged to be in this capacity to talk about it because for us in the Ministry of Information, it is something that we cherish, its like a baby for us, we're marketing the state.

There is always the perception, rightly or wrongly about the safety of investments in the Niger Delta region...

A lot of the narratives that Bayelsa has been associated with, this project will change all of that, already the narrative is beginning to change.

Bayelsa is no longer the state of militants as people once ascribed it to be. Now, because of the massive investment in education and some of the things that this government has done, the clearheaded leadership provided by His Excellency in the area of security for instance which up till today as l speak to you, we're being adjudged as one of the safest states in the country. There have been several awards from all over the continent saying that we have one of the best security systems in place.

You know this is one state that with the kind of security that we have provided, our response time to issues of crime is almost like the speed of light, five minutes and security personnel are CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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16.03.2018

Amid Media Criticism From the West, Online Editor Explains How Journalism Works in China Solomon Elusoji A Deputy Executive Editor at one of China’s biggest online newspaper, huanqiu.com, Mr. Liu Yang, has shed light on how the news industry works in China.

Speaking to a group of journalists at the newspaper’s Beijing headquarters on Wednesday, Yang, who has worked in the Chinese media for about 14 years, said journalism in China puts the nation’s interest ahead of personal aggrandisement.

“I have been in Chinese media for about 13 years,” he said. “We are getting more and more room to do comprehensive reporting. Every country has its rules. You can't say everything. But I think the Chinese censorship is much obvious.

The U.S. Government won't say it explicitly, but they do it too in a roundabout way.

“I don't believe the New York Times, for example, is more objective than us. They have their stand and we have ours. Our stand is to defend our nation's interests. They might think

Yang

we are being too nationalistic, but I think that is our personality.”

The West has long held Chinese media in derision, describing them as a puppet of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Recently, the BBC published an article describing China’s National People’s Congress, which commenced

earlier this month, as a ‘farce’ propped up by a patronising and choreographed Chinese press.

But Yang, who had earlier acknowledged the presence of government censorship, believes allegations of a meek and docile press are simply exaggerations.

“For example, one of the most important sections in our parent newspaper company, Global Times, is our editorials,” he said. “We choose our own topic everyday. We don't call the Chinese Propaganda Department to write our stories. We criticise and we praise. But if the government does not like what we have published, they contact us and we have to comply.

So next time, when we write about it, we will take into consideration the government's stance.

It's very difficult, but this is our job.”

Meanwhile, the editor noted that it has become increasingly difficult to make money from journalism. “Earning money through journalism is getting more difficult because everything is changing so fast,” he said. “Advertisers continue to make demands for a more qualitative and

quantitative audience.”

The company augments its advertising revenue by consulting for government and corporate agencies, mostly offering translation services, while creating platforms that seeks to bridge the gap between government officials and the corporate world.

“We are the number one top brand of international news in China with a highly educated audience, including government officials,” Yang said. “So when we organise platform events, big business offer sponsorships and want to partner with us. In that sense, we are a platform for businessmen and officials; we are like a bridge between big business and government.

Huanqiu.com is an independent media company established in November 2007 under the approval of People’s Daily and China’s State Council Information Office, with investments from both People.com.cn and Global Times.

According to Alexa’s statistics, the website ranks 49th in China, in terms of traffic and is the 318th most viewed website in the world.

Flooding: Bayelsa Lawmakers Solicit Govt Help for Affected Communities Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa A member of the National Assembly representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency, Douye Diri, and his counterpart at the state level, representing Yenagoa constituency III, Gentle Emelah, have called on the federal government to come to the aid of communities affected by flooding in Bayelsa.

Also, Diri who led a delegation to Biseni Community in the Yenagoa, following last week's destruction caused by the downpour and attendant flooding urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and oil multinationals to wade in and help the displaced.

Many were rendered homeless while residential houses, church buildings, farm lands, electric poles and cables were destroyed during the hours of severe flooding.

Diri said that a team of property evaluators would be engaged immediately to assess and analyse the impact of the rainstorm, stressing that the evaluation of the destruction was an urgent action to guide anyone or groups coming with support and relief materials.

“When I get back to Abuja, I will raise my voice on this natural disaster by a motion on the floor. The world needs to know what has befallen our people. I also call on the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, to respond immediately to this disaster and to all others

that happened across the country. That is what government should do,” he said.

Many Indigenes, who spoke maintained that no form of emergency relief had been provided in the oil-rich community a week after the incident.

In his remarks, Emelah a member of the State House of Assembly, noted that he was glad that no life was lost, saying that there was the need to restore electricity in the community immediately.

“The only consolation is that no life was lost.

You have seen the colossal damage, the level of impact on the life of the people. My appeal is for NEMA to immediately come to the aid of the people. Also, the State Emergency Agency should step in”, he said.

Diri

Why Dickson Named Asu Ekiye, IYC Scribe, Chairman, 21 Others as Special Advisers Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has named popular gospel singer, Asu Ekiye; Secretary General of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Alfred Kemepado; IYC Chairman, Central Zone, Tare Porri and 21 others as Special Advisers.

Also announced during the swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Exco Chambers of the Bayelsa State Government House was a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nathaniel Ngo-Sylva, a recent returnee to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dickson said the appointment of more youths and women into leadership positions in the state was a follow-up to the government’s policy of building a mass of experienced future leaders for Bayelsa, adding that more than 90 per cent of the new Special Advisers are youths.

He urged elders in the state to begin to create space for the young ones to assume leadership roles and vowed that the current trend of encouraging youths in the state to aspire to leadership positions would continue.

"We are preparing the ground for the emergence of a new set of leaders not just of this state, but of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta. Leaders that will compete favourably with their peers from any part of the country and other parts of the world.

"We have deliberately brought in young people

Bayelsa State governor, Chief Seriake Dickson (8th left), his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), flanked by the newly appointed aides to the governor

even to the cabinet and we have also brought in over 20 women who are Special Advisers.

Today, we are now expanding the process more, by identifying brilliant, capable, well-informed, dedicated, hardworking and loyal young leaders carefully selected from all the local government areas,” Dickson said.

In their separate reactions, Kemepado, who is the national IYC scribe and the zonal chairman,

Porri, said the mass appointment of youths into the government was indicative of a forward-looking administration.

“This is a responsibility to test our capacity as youths, but we need to show that as people who have been at the vanguard of youths taking over, that we have the capacity to deliver.

“And that means doing better that those we have also criticised. So, what is important is to

exceed expectations and show the whole world that the youths are capable of leadership, not just mere talk,” Kemepado said.

Speaking in the same vein, the IYC chairman, Porri, a lawyer while thanking the IYC said, “this is the first time in history of the Ijaw nation that young men and women between 25 and 35 and probably 40 are being appointed en mass into these kinds of positions in the entire Niger Delta.

“This calls for sober reflection, because this is the first time that a sitting governor is telling elders to take the back seat and allow the youths to take charge. The governor has told them that it is time to retire.

“We will not let the Ijaw nation down. We reassure the youths that under Governor Dickson there is hope and to rally round him to realise his dreams for the Ijaw nation. Let the youths embrace hard work and shun crimes. There’s no short cut,” he said.

Other Special Advisers sworn-in by the governor were Basil Kenbo, Salvation Ebena, Douye Koroye, Adokeme Godwin, Wisdom Fouyeri, Sinkumo Ekisah, Okobokakpo Ombu, Orufa Boloubo, Embeleakpor Apere, Prince Isiki, Richard Ibegu and Aboye Odibukuma.

Also sworn-in were: Vote Salem Avworharie, Victor Ebiyekon, Lumumba Lokiri Odudu, Ebikeme Okiringa, Preye Okoriye, Bomo Serace, Randy Emeli and Asanakpo Oyinkuro Lucky.

Imparting Vocational Skills Ferdinand Ekechukwu God Ever True Vocational Training Institute (GET V.T.I), a faith-based non-governmental organisation based in Ondo State, has graduated 14 students after months of training. The graduation and exhibition ceremony which took place recently was held at the Institute’s premises at Oduduwa Street, Ondo, Ondo State.

Nine students graduated from the School of Fashion, and five from the School of Catering.

The registrar and founder of the Institute, Mrs. Adesola Adeosun, in her address congratulated the students and urged them to strive for excellence as they go out to practice

their trade. She stated that the Vocational Institute has only impacted into them the basics, and advised them to seek for more knowledge.

“All you have learnt here are just the basics.

They can help you to start a life. But I encourage you not to limit yourself to what you have learnt here. There’s still so much to learn.

Let excellence be your watchword,” she said.

In his speech, the Chairman of the event and Public Relations Officer of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Venerable Olusola Akinfolarin, admonished the graduating students to embrace Information Communication Technology. He underscored the importance of technology in

their everyday life. “It is no longer fashionable to be ignorant of the roles of technology. If you choose to rely only on what you have learnt during your training here, you will soon be lagging behind. You must constantly be a learner, so that you can be aware of the changes in the industries and become active and valuable members of the society, especially in your field of endeavour,” he advised.

He urged everyone to embrace vocational education because white collar jobs are no longer available for the teeming graduates that are being churned out every year by universities, polytechnics and monotechnics.

The students’ representative, Fadekemi Ad-

eyanju, in her remarks, was full of appreciation to the registrar and teachers for their support throughout the duration of the programme. She expressed optimism that the teachers would continue to be accessible after the programme.

“I hope that you will still be willing to offer advice and help us when needed because we know that it will be so much easier with all of you by our side,” she said.

The vocational training institute is committed to empowering school leavers, housewives, graduates and others who are in search of vocational skills, offering courses such as fashion design, catering, make over and bead making.

34/XTRA

16.03.2018

IWORISO-MARKSON: BAYELSA’S NEW YENAGOA CITY WILL COMPETE WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD there. I'm not saying we are there yet, but it’s far better than what it used to be in times past.

For those who used to know Bayelsa, this is a paradigm shift in the area of security. Now imagine what will happen in the New Yenagoa City, it will be a lot better so people who are coming then would rest assured that their security would be guaranteed because we will spare no effort to ensure that.

Investors and tourists would want to go to a place that is safe and secure because we know that without security, no meaningful development can take place and that's why from 2012 when His Excellency assumed the mantle of leadership as governor, the first thing he tackled was the issue of security and he tackled it head-on and today we can see the results.

So, the progress that we have made in the last six years would be further crystallised with this New Yenagoa City and taking it further we are hoping that in the next 10 years, there would be less focus on revenue from oil and more on our tourism potential because this state is a marine state, the aquatic splendour here is not man-made, it's natural.

Given that there are other tourist attractions around the world, how is this particular one different?

It’s natural feel. We are not digging artificial rivers or lakes like you see in Dubai, these are natural rivers, creeks, rivulets. In this state, we have perhaps the longest coastline, this is a state where if you fly up the sky and look at our coastline, its the longest sandy beach, so let us use the New Yenagoa City as a model to attract investors and tourists into the state.

Then as they come, they will begin to see the other opportunities and tourism potential that the state has to offer and it has to be done in an environment where there's security which is something that we're constantly mindful of.

Bayelsa's greatest potential is not in our oil reserve, even though many prize us as the leading oil producing state, our real potential is in our people, our environment and our natural habitation that God has given to us. If you look at states like Bayelsa across the world, you talk about places like Cancun in Mexico and see what is happening in places like that, talk about Barbados and all the countries within the coastal area, Brazil, these are number one tourist destinations and it is like that because they have the natural ambience, the ecosystem that attracts tourists to those places.

Most tourists go to beaches, we have those natural endowments and we want to exploit it to the fullest. So, 10 years down the line, futuristically speaking, our biggest revenue earner will come from tourism and that's why we're not sparing any effort.

If you study carefully, you would notice that Dubai and the rest of them are succeeding because they have great minds...

That is one thing that His Excellency has done very carefully and systematically over the years which is building a much needed manpower base, because in all of this, by the time you begin to experience the boom in the tourism sector in Bayelsa, you also need the manpower to drive it and the manpower to drive it will not be people from outside.

It will be the locals and the locals need to be prepared and that is why we are investing massively in education, we set up the tourism institute which is just right here in Yenagoa for training the needed manpower but over and above that, all our young people who are being trained by the government either through government scholarship or the schools we have built are the same people that will come back to man these strategic investments that we are putting on ground.

A lot of these young people have their orientation completely changed, they are not thinking the way we are thinking, they are thinking of how they can use their God-given talent with the things that they have been exposed to, to also develop these opportunities that we have that is why the kind of education that we are giving to our young people is world class education.

And at the end of the day when we look back, Bayelsa has moved gradually from a state of militants to a state of intellectual giants because the young people that we are grooming and training are coming out. Like the ones who graduated from Lincoln University, almost 10 of them graduated with first class degrees and what is interesting to note is that when they came back, they didn't come looking for jobs in government.

Iworiso-Markson

They are also developing their own entrepreneurial spirit to create businesses of their own.

Like the third overall best graduating student along with his friends who graduated together have set up a software company and they are working with the state government to develop software programmes to support the educational system here in Bayelsa, so that is the kind of thing we are talking about.

There are others like that because in this state we spent huge sums of money, as at last time we spent over 70 billion naira in educational development because that's what the governor believes in that when you build the minds of the people it’s better than brick and mortar.

Anybody can build roads and bridges and these roads and bridges after a while without proper maintenance will wear and tear but when you build the mind you have built the future, you have built a stable society, you have built a nation that can begin to engage with the rest of the world at a level at which they too can begin to be at par with their peers all over the world and that's what we are doing. So, we expect the Bayelsa of the future where the citizens are well educated and will be able to take ownership of all of these things we have provided and one of the things we must credit His Excellency for is that he has provided leadership in such uncommon way and everyone has practically fallen into line and we are all more or less driven along that direction What we are looking forward to is not just building a city of bricks and mortar but we're building a new city that will at the end of the day become the number one revenue earner for our state in the area of tourism.

With that, we can use it to develop all other things that we have across the state whether in the area of power (electricity) or in the area of putting industries which is something that is very key or in other sectors where we are also hoping to harness the potential in those sectors and we start first by providing the right environment that is safe and secure for all Bayelsans at the end of the day.

Last week, a seaplane landed at the Oxbow Lake, can you tell us about the Oxbow pavilion and is it connected to the effort that is going on with the new tourism drive?

That is all part of the infrastructure that we are building, they are part of the tourism potential that we are trying to unleash on the stage. The seaplane is an agreement between Bayelsa State Government and Bristow Helicopters to provide opportunity for people to be able to have access to the state and also to the Oxbow Lake which has been unveiled.

In the Oxbow Lake is another tourism spot, in that Oxbow Lake we are going to have a boat club. That facility would be managed by a private firm, all of these things would be private sector driven that would run it efficiently to ensure that we achieve the purpose for which it was established so that it would be self-sustaining and generate revenue.

The overall plan is our drive towards declaring the state away from oil, that is why we are

building the airport because how can you talk about attracting investors and tourists to the state if they don't have access and so in the next couple of months you don't have to fly to Port Harcourt and then drive down here, you will fly in directly into Bayelsa State.

The Bayelsa International Airport is the one that has the longest runway, a 3.5km runway and there is none of its kind in this region and the airport is built for the purpose of attracting tourists and investors into the state. It has the capacity to take the biggest plane.

His Excellency has said that for the oil majors who have been giving excuses why they cannot relocate to Bayelsa because the presidency gave a directive that oil companies should move to their area of operation so that oil companies and their executives who are always saying they can't access the place, can do so now that the airport is there and they can bring in their heavy equipment.

The airport is so strategically located in a way that it is close to a number of the neighbouring states like Delta, Anambra, when that airport is fully operational it will be one of the strategic airports in the country at least that would give you access into a part of the Niger Delta.

It all aligns with our tourism drive to unleash the tourism potential of the state. When tourists are coming they will need access and the airport is there to provide that. We also have other tourism spots within the state that they can take advantage of and that is why we did the Oxbow Lake and there would be lots of activities going on there even in this Easter period.

That brings me to the insinuations that rich people from Bayelsa live outside the state. Will this have any effect?

We are doing all of these because we want Bayelsans to spend their money within Bayelsa, people take the little money they have out of the state to spend and they say because they don't have recreational facilities and leisure spots here and so a lot of capital flies out of the state.

Now, we are glad to report that a number of people would like to stay in Bayelsa and spend weekends because they can see the activities within the city.

We are doing all of these so that we can create activities especially leisure spots within the state and the city to make sure that people spend their money here and others outside can come here to spend their money that's how you build the local economy of the state, that's how you create wealth.

At the moment, we are doing over a billion naira as our IGR, it wasn’t like this before we came in, our IGR just used to be about 50 million and by the time all of these our tourism investments begin to yield desired fruits, we're hoping that we will be able to grow our IGR to be about 10 billion monthly as our target.

It’s possible because by the time you have the airport, and the other projects it would further expand the state, more people would want to come and stay in Bayelsa because Bayelsa is very peaceful, safe and secure, there would be housing estates, companies would settle here because we

also have a power plant that is coming in that will give the state almost 24-hour power supply and once people find this place conducive they will come and spend their money here.

Many of them would send their children to school here. The overall vision of His Excellency is beginning to come to life, what this government has done for the past six years is basically laying the foundation for future developments to come. So far, we have gotten to this point and it's going to get better even beyond now by the time all of these investments begin to yield desired results.

It takes a government as serious as the Restoration Government led by Governor Seriake Dickson to be able to provide all of this and that's why more than anything else, if there's anything anybody wants to say even the opposition, whatever they want to say, the governor even among his harshest critics have given him credit for the developmental strides that he has embarked upon and it is evident that this government has done a lot on a large scale.

For former President Olusegun Obasanjo who hardly praises anyone to lavish the kind of praise he did on Governor Dickson, he said the other day that "if you want to see transformation, come to Governor Dickson's Bayelsa" and in the area of security he said "Mr. Governor is like some of us would have to come to you for tutelage on how you have transformed this state in the area of security that Bayelsa is now relatively peaceful".

Now we are not saying that it is Eldorado but when you compare by and large and know where we are coming from, you will know that a lot has been achieved in the area of security, education, infrastructure development and virtually all sectors.

For us in Bayelsa, this momentum should be sustained, and that's why beyond 2020 when the governor's tenure would have ended, it is hoped that the next governor would be someone who will also carry on with the same drive and provide the kind of purposeful leadership that Governor Dickson has been able to provide for this state and that has seen us where we are.

That is the expectation and we hope very strongly that for the next governor coming, his job is fully cut out, he should just build on the foundation that has been provided already.

In all of these, the governor seems to have touched other areas like health, what drives him?

It's all tied to tourism and it’s good that you asked this question because medical tourism is at the heart of what this government represents.

Sometimes when you say these things it sounds as though it’s praise-singing but that is why we are inviting people to come, it’s not for nothing that we are inviting a number of these dignitaries to come to Bayelsa for the commissioning.

That’s why we have to first and foremost let the world know, particularly Bayelsans that the commissioning are not jamborees, we are making a clear statement of commissioning for the projects that we are putting in place and the statement is that the world needs to see and let others know that these are the world-class facilities that are now in Bayelsa.

So, in the area of health, this government has built a world class diagnostic centre. Former president Obasanjo said so, he also said that his next check-up would not be done abroad but in Bayelsa because he saw the facilities when he commissioned the diagnostic centre and took a tour round it, he actually said they were not marketing it enough.

If you go to that diagnostic centre and check their register, you will find out that the number of people coming to use that facilities are not even Bayelsans, they are coming from the outside, visitors from all over the country and in that place we have every medical equipment that will diagnose any kind of ailment including DNA testing, we even have a forensics centre.

We have the Bayelsa Specialist Hospital which is also world class because of the facilities that are there and because the people managing it are professionals from the U.S. who are also world class.

So, we believe very strongly that with these world class medical facilities provided, a number of people who go abroad for medical treatment or diagnosis will bring all that money now to Bayelsa and in a way for the people coming here for medical purposes, it’s a form of medical tourism and that is something that aligns with our drive. Our tourism potential is robust in every sense including medical tourism and it’s all geared towards bringing the world to Bayelsa as the governor likes to say.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018

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36/COLLAGE

16.03.2018

L-R: Divisional Director, Human Resources, Leadway Assurance, Mrs. Kunbi Adeoti; Executive Director, Leadway Assurance, Ms. Adetola Adegbayi; CEO, Bestman Games, Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe and Head, Technical Operations (General Insurance), Leadway Assurance, Ms. Bimpe Olufemi at the International Women’s Day event organized by Leadway Assurance in Iponri, Lagos..recently

L-R: Primate, The African Church, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Udofia; his wife and National President, The African Church ministers' wives association, Lady Evang. Ene Udofia; Chairperson of Rivers Province, Evang. (Mrs.) Mina Kaladokubo and Chairperson of Ogun Province, Evang. (Mrs.) Oluwakemi Ojumu during the 2018 Retreat of the African Church ministers' wives in Lagos ...recently

L-R: Ayokunle Ojo, Kemisola Ojo, husband of the celebrant, Dr. Ayo Ojo, the celebrant, Mrs. Mopelola Ojo and Aramide Osague during celebration to mark Mopelola's 70th birthday at her Gbagada, Lagos residence...recently.

The D’Core Club of Ondo Legal Adviser, Dr. Feyi Akinbule, swearing-in Otunba Gbemi Oyeneyin as the new president of the club during the inauguration of the executive members of the D'Core Club in Lagos...recently

L-R; Deputy Head of Economic/Development Cooperation Section, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Mr. Hiroki Ogawa, Managing Director, LAMATA, Engr. Abiodun Dabiri, Attorney –at –Law, Economic Policy Division, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan, Mr. Yusuke Kobayashi, Head of Economic & Commercial Section, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Mr. Yasuhiro Hashimoto during a courtesy visit by the Japanese officials to LAMATA n Lagos...recently

L-R; Regional Business Lead, Thomson Reuters West Africa, Chuba Ogbue; Country Managing Director, Google Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor; Country Managing Director, Accenture, Niyi Yusuf and Lead Partner at TLCom Capital LLP, Omobola Johnson during the 2018 Accenture International Women's Day Celebration in Lagos... recently

L-R: Some of the the children of the deceased, Mrs. Adenike Abosede Taiwo; son in law, Mr Abimbola Taiwo; Mrs Kehinde Olasunkanmi; Mrs Toyin Olayemi; and Mrs Idowu Leo, during the funeral service for Late Princess Alice Olabisi Adeyeye at Holy Trinity African Church, Oke Afo, Ikirun. Osun State... recently.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Adam Nuru (left)and Governor, Kwara State, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulfatah Ahmed, during a visit by the Management of FCMB to the Governor in Ilorin, Kwara State...recently

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018

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38/OPINION

16.03.2018

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS!

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

Tapping Toyin Umesiri, Others for Africa Reputation Building in United States Bentonville, Arkansas, in the United States, is the most unusual place to build good reputation for Africa. It is not considered an important place for international relations, yet big and small businesses thrive there. It is the city of Walmart, the multinational retail corporation.

But the reason Bentonville is not considered a place for international relations is this: Bentonville is miles away from Washington D.C, where the White House and Capitol Hill are at the centre of government activities.

At least, that is what is believed by many, especially by foreign government officials who want a feel of the United States and feedback from Washington D.C, about their governments.

It is the reason all embassies are located there.

It is where the envoys meet and greet.

But there’s an African envoy in the city of Bentonville who knows how Washington thinks.

To her, Washington, the appellation for the U.S. seat of power has its eyes everywhere.

Washington goes where it can find values; Washington does not wait for its visitors, it follows in their direction. Washington is collecting information everywhere to feed its curiosity. Washington cuts through mountains to create paths. This is exactly what Toyin Umesiri, a serial entrepreneur and founder of the U.S.-based Nazaru LLC, knows that makes her special envoy for Africa inclusion in U.S. economic policies. She does that through trade and investment meetings such as Trade with Africa Business Summit.

Born in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria by Southern parents, Umesiri experienced mixed culture in her native country before moving to Michigan in the U.S. in 2004, for academic pursuit.

And armed with Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from a Nigerian university, it was not a challenge for Umesiri to settle for Master’s degree in Information System at Central Michigan University.

A Nigerian-American entrepreneur with rare talents, Umesiri is an unofficial Africa special envoy in Bentonville with irresistible charm.

That charm comes from her gift and special ability to connect with people and businesses.

In the past 10 years, Umesiri took big steps working in corporate America before making the big leap into full time entrepreneurship to follow her passion for Africa development.

One of U.S. companies she worked for as a technology expert with talent for business management is Wal-Mart, a multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, and ranking number one on the list of U.S. Global 500 Fortune Companies.

Umesiri knows the art of the deal and expression to such extent that Walmart tapped into her skills beyond IT and management. In a 2014 commercial that launched a pilot of the Grocery Pickup Service for Walmart at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, Umesiri starred to help connect Walmart with its customers, particularly the busy moms. The Grocery Pickup Service is an omni-channel solution linking digital to the physical stores.

Umesiri's experience in corporate America is impressive: From developing technology solutions to providing global strategy for apparel merchandising, manufacturing, finance and controlling, logistics and supply chain for leading brands, she also led the team responsible for designing the global sourcing and supplier management solutions at Walmart.

But with her impressive resume, Umesiri says something in her kicked when she travelled home to bury her father in Nigeria a few years back.

“I have been in the U.S. for over a decade. I was doing everything that I was supposed to do; go to school, grow your family, get the job, get the next advancement in career, I was basically living the American dream. But two and half years ago, my father passed and I had to make an emergency trip to Africa, Nigeria specifically.

That one trip changed everything,” she said.

That change for Umesiri means one word: Africa. She’s fully facing Africa to make a difference with bold economic agenda for its transformation while providing social support for its downtrodden.

Umesiri

After speaking at the Silicon Valley’s annual Africa Diaspora Investment Symposium in 2017 and others before it, Umesiri knows how to bring everyone into the room. Her measured words work like great action thrillers.

As one of the entrepreneurs, technologists, educators, innovators, public and social leaders from across the globe invited to speak at the Africa Diaspora Investment Symposium in 2017, Umesiri discussed on the theme of importance of capturing actionable data for economic growth in Africa.

“By attending ADIS2017 I had the opportunity to connect with well accomplished Africans from around the world who share the same passion for Africa that I do. I believe Africa is rising because now more than ever Africans are leading the discussion on how to grow the economy of the different African countries.

Through strategic partnerships Africans in Diaspora have a unique role to play in helping to increase trade and investment in the region. Africa Diaspora Network (ADN) has the potential to become the platform that can help drive sustainable economic growth on the continent,” she enthused.

Now, the bigger challenge of focusing all her energy at finding better place for Africa in Washington’s economic and social policies means Umesiri must be on her toes to bring more people to the table to discuss Africa opportunities and synergise with similar mind to move the needle for Africa’s growth and development.

In an interview with Andrew Berkowitz, founder of the Global Startup Movement, Umesiri shows concern for market access for African businesses and African exporters.

For instance, she’s relentlessly creating conversation here in the West about Africa and how to get people think about Africa.

The amount of investment that is needed for Africa’s real progress she says will have to come from outside of Africa.

So after looking at the trade gap between the U.S. and Africa, and feeling frustrated about what she calls “U.S. two per cent business deal in Africa,” Umesiri believes key data provision will make investors and decision makers see the viability of investing in Africa and make U.S. businessmen think more about commodity trading with Africa the same way it does with Cambodia, Asia, Vietnam, Chile, China and others.

“I have had the opportunity to engage with key decision makers. I have found out that key decision makers don’t know what exist in Africa,” she said. “It is so simple, yet so profound to say they really don’t know what is available. I have been asked what does Africa wants to sell in a conversation and that tells me we need to have the database and build sustainable relationship.”

For Africa to drive up and become a big player, she narrated the story of Chile and Chicago relationship. Her reference is to a group of Chilean economists who studied at the University of Chicago in the 1950s. This group of students took the knowledge home

and got free hand to implement new reform during Augusto Pinochet’s rule in Chile. Their ideas changed Chilean society forever and made it one of the richest countries in Latin America.

In one breath, Umesiri asked Africa leaders to take back its brain (from brain drain theory) by involving the Diaspora in the social-economic development of the continent.

According to Umesiri, the problems requiring solutions in Africa requires big thinkers.

This May, Umesiri, who has her name listed as one of the 21 leading and inspirational women in technology by www.thesparkwomen.com, is bringing both men and women, white, black and brown together to discuss business opportunities in Africa.

Mr. Donnie Smith, a passionate advocate for economic development in Africa and former chief executive officer of Tyson Foods Inc, an American multinational corporation based in Springdale, said the conference will “create conversation about how we can help accelerate economic growth on the continent of Africa.”

Chike Nwoffiah, the President of Rhesus Media Group, who brings Africans to Silicon Valley for the splendiferous annual African Film Festivals says the Trade with Africa Business Summit is important because of the growing population of the continent and the effervescent energy that has impacted the upward swing in creativity and business ideas among Africans. “We will share and break open some of the narratives that have kept people from the opportunities in Africa. Africa is a continent that is now ready to play,” Nwoffiah said.

A lot of things will become talking points at this year’s Trade with Africa Business Summit from May 10-11 and it is evident in the parade of the speakers. Scott Ford, a member of the board of director of America’s wireless company, AT&T Inc, and co-founder of Westrock Coffee will give keynote speech. Chris Folayan, the owner of tech venture, Mall for Africa, Denise Thomas, director for Africa relations at World Trade Centre, Enrique Ostalé who oversees business for Walmart International, UK, Latin America and Africa, Kayode Laro, Consul General - Federal Republic of Nigeria (Atlanta Consulate), Dale Dawson, founder Bridge2Rwanda, Shakira Motan, Trade Commissioner, South African Consulate – Chicago, Finn Holm-Olsen, USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, Sir Joe Madu, founder, U.S. Africa Chamber of Commerce, Sherman Banks, Honorary Consul, Republic of Ghana, Marsha Wulff, founding director LoftyInc Afropreneur Fund, Yannick Lefang, CEO Kasi Insights, Canada, Salim Amin Chairman Camerapix, Kenya, Dr. Uche Ewelukwa Ofodile, Professor of Law at University of Arkansas, Akin Sawyerr, managing director at Feleman Limited, Brittany Underwood, founder and CEO Akola Project, Iyin Abodeji, co-founder Flutterwave, Princess Deun Ogunlana, President/CEO of Innovative Global Consulting (IGC), Seye Bassir Investment director at IFU, Nigeria, Robin Smith, founder and CEO of NextPhase Foundation, Richard Chowning founder Africa Mentor, Dr. Niyi Osamiluyi, CEO Premier Medical Systems, Nigeria, Polydor Tangeli Sec. Executive, Groupe Mosala Congo, Amadou Hanne, founder Africans Building Africa, Willy Mulimbi, Oluyomi Ojo, CEO Printivo, Nigeria and Andrew Berkowitz, founder The Global Startup Movement are listed as panelists and speakers for the summit.

“We have created a unique opportunity for transparent and meaningful dialogue that will help African businesses establish new long term and sustainable business relationship with U.S. business community,” Umesiri said.

Really, Umesiri is just one of many considerable ambassadors in cities and states across the United States that Nigeria is not tapping for its benefits. These very skilled people in tech, business, medicine, art and other areas are goldmine of opportunity any country looking to get out of its dysfunction will harness.

It is breathtaking that Umesiri is breaking the mold and becoming a rallying unofficial ambassador for Africa growth opportunities in Uncle Sam country through entrepreneurial spirit.

Side Effects…

OLUKOREDE YISHAU @ 40

They say life begins at 40.

For my friend and brother, Olukorede Yishau, a multi-award winning journalist, and an assistant editor at The Nation newspaper, Life truly starts on April 22, when he releases to the market his first published novel to mark his 40th anniversary. I can tell that Yishau’s ambition to publish a book is life-long.

The book, In the Name of our Father, is described by renowned novelist, Toni Kan, in three phrases; two men, one dictator, and a country in turmoil. “Into this mix is thrown a new novel that threatens to expose the rotten underbelly of ‘a man of God’ who has not only bewitched his flock, but has sunk his fangs into the head of state. Olukorode weaves a mesmerising tale of duty, ambition, greed and hunger for power. It is the story of two men intent on preserving their lives but it is on a larger scale the story of a country fighting to throw off the shackles of a power mad dictator,” according to Toni Kan. In the Name of our father will be available from first week in April. This book that brings cudgel out is about dictatorship, threat to free speech and religious deceit. It was set under the last military regime in Nigeria, but its release is timely as free speech is being given a new name as hate speech in Nigeria and elsewhere by those who are to protect it.

RIDDLES AND JOKE President Muhammadu Buhari likes comics. He often demonstrates it with his dry joke and political statements.

But what he said in Benue State earlier in the week that he didn’t know that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, disobeyed his order to stay in Benue was not a dry humour. It was an affirmation of Mr. President’s incuriousness. How can a president be unaware his order is being disobeyed for more than two months? Let’s wait and see how President Buhari responds to this disobedience.

BUDGET IMPASSE True to its words, the National Assembly is keeping the appropriation budget of Nigeria in its custody since last December.

There is no better word to describe this shameful act under the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled government other than embarrassing. So we are getting into the first quarter of the year with no budget. Is this change? The Senate spokesperson, Sa’abi Abdullahi, takes us for a fool every time he comes out to say “we are working very hard on it.” He should simply tell the truth and stop hiding. This government fools Nigerians about everything. Pathetic!

39

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

As Lagos Reduces Land Use Charge Osebumere Odia Lagos has been in the proverbial eye of storm ever since it commenced distribution of demand notices for the payment of Land Use Charge for 2018. Many property owners expressed surprise at the figures they saw in their bills. According to media reports, many property owners were shocked to find increases of up to 400% on the bills they paid only a year ago.

The Organized Private Sector, the segment most hit by the increases immediately went on air to vehemently protest these increases.

Anyone who was present at the Town Hall Meeting organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry could not have missed the passion with which the representative of the OPS criticized the new land use charge regime. “Any increase above a hundred percent,� he stated very forcefully, “is unacceptable.�

But nowhere was the “warâ€? as violent as cyberspace. Across various chat-groups, different people gave their own interpretations to the developments. One famous whatsapp message which became viral actually warned that “if you own a duplex in Lagos, you will now have to pay N3m annually as Land Use Charge‌â€? Another asked “how can you increase tenement rate or the Land Use act (sic) from N120k to about N1million for a 3-bedroom bungalow?â€?

It was the gross misinformation on cyberspace more than anything else that befuddled the arguments of the government making the communication process increasingly arduous.

Government through its operatives including the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Ambode, had argued that the increases in land use charge had actually been sequel to the repeal of the 2001 Law and passage of a new Land Use Charge law by the state house of assembly. The review, it said, had been predicated on a need to bring obsolete charges up-to-date, standardize the practice of property valuation upon which charges are calculated, as well as ramp up property enumeration across the state and in the process bring more properties into the tax net.

Government had also explained that the taxation approach being employed was progressive one, wherein the poor are less affected than the rich. In fact it added that the majority of properties, comprising some 75 percent, were actually valued below N10 million implying that all they would need to pay would be N5,000 annually equivalent to some N417 per month.

Its spokespeople had further stated that among the other 30%, majority of properties were valued under N20m, in which case tax liability was actually relatively low. It further demonstrated that for a property valued at N20million for instance, an owner-occupier would not need to pay more than some N9,120 on an annual basis.

Opposition to the new charges, however, remained very vehement, waning slightly with better education.

In fairness, agitation against the increased land use charge was not without basis. Many young people argued that the increases would merely provide a convenient cover for landlords to arbitrarily hike their rents. Indeed some clamoured that rather than property valuation, potential rent ought to have been the basis of determining the land use charge for commercial buildings. Another argument, this time by real estate practitioners, was that in expecting payment for unoccupied properties, government was being unfair on its members especially given that occupancy rates had declined considerably in the face of the economic recession.

Members of the organized private sector also lamented that the taxes could cripple the operations of their members already reeling from the difficulties in the operating environment.

It is instructive that despite its good intentions which it laboured to explain to Lagosians, the Akinwunmi Ambode led

Ambode

administration still listened to the agitations and has lately made concessions. Ambode, while addressing a high caliber meeting of the Organized Private Sector last week had hinted that government “was ready for dialogue� in response to the wave of criticism that had greeted the dissemination of demand notices for land use charge.

Before then, he had explained the rationale for the increases especially against the backdrop of the infrastructure challenges that Lagos is beset with in the face of its rapidly growing population.

The infrastructure gap in Lagos, Ambode explained, is in the region of $50billion. To put this in context, he explained that even if the entire 2018 budget for Lagos were to be deployed to infrastructure alone, it would take another 15 years of such regular investment for the infrastructure in Lagos

Government had also explained that the taxation approach being employed was progressive one, wherein the poor are less affected than the rich. In fact it added that the majority of properties, comprising some 75 percent, were actually valued below N10 million implying that all they would need to pay would be N5,000 annually equivalent to some N417 per month

to get up to speed (assuming of course, that the population growth is stagnated). He also explained that the tax regime was actually very pro-poor, highlighting the fact that it was imperative to deploy tax revenues gotten from such progressive taxation, to creating job opportunities for the poor to enhance social security.

The popular view, however, appeared to be that the taxes were on the high side and it is commendable that rather than refuse to bend, Ambode has chosen to engage the critics and give in to an extent, to their demands. According to today’s news reports, Land Use Charge payable for properties which are devoted to commercial activities has been reduced by half. This is very significant and should considerably reduce the antagonism from real estate professionals. What this translates to for instance is that for a property valued at N20m, which is used for commercial activity, instead of about N92,000 or so originally payable, such property would now only need to pay about N46,000 annually.

Another sore point was that the demand notices left a very short window for property owners to make payment. Those who were able to make payment during this short window would enjoy an additional discount of 15 percent. But not much longer thereafter, penalties of up to 200 percent would apply. Some Lagosians felt this was unfair especially as the majority only earn salaries monthly. There should at least be an opportunity for staggered payments, many canvassed. The new concessions granted

by Ambode indicate that indeed, property owners will now be able to pay their Land Use Charge in installments if they so desire.

Of course, this concession also means that the penalties for late payments have now been waived.

Another category of property is those that are dedicated to manufacturing or industrial activity. Such properties now have their land use charge further reduced by 25%.

While those in which the owner-occupier

also has part of his property deployed to commercial activity will also enjoy a similar discount of 25per cent.

The owner-occupier category is not left out and enjoys a further 15 percent discount on his land use charge payment, according to the revised land use charge law proposals. It is hoped however, that these revisions will take effect after they have been properly analysed and agreed to by the law makers who passed the law in the first place.

It is a mark of civilized governance and kudos to our growing democracy that the Lagos Governor has chosen to listen to the people over whom he presides and accede to their request.

As some discerning commentators have observed, Ambode showed considerable moral courage to implement a tax increase barely a year to the next gubernatorial elections. That act demonstrates that his motivation may indeed have been more about helping to actualize his vision for Lagos, a vision which he passionately advocated while addressing the business community last week. It takes a statesman to subordinate his personal ambitions in preference for the common good, in the manner he did. Thankfully, his track-record so far in the area of infrastructure development in Lagos is huge. He can therefore, bank on the trust of citizens that revenues from taxes will be deployed prudently and in pursuit of the bridging of the state’s massive infrastructure gap.

It is hoped that the various opposition groups including the Nigerian Employers Consultative Assembly, the real estate practitioners and others will positively appraise this move by the Lagos Government, sheathe their swords and help create the right environment for the state to move forward with implementation of these taxes. t0EJB BO FDPOPNJTU BOE UFDIOPQSFOFVS XSJUFT GSPN C "EFLBOZF 4USFFU PGG -BXBOTPO 4VSVMFSF -BHPT

40

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

41

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018

T H I S D AY Ëž , MARCH 16, 2018

42

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

African Businesses Urged to Embrace Cross-border e-Commerce Obinna Chima Cross border e-commerce continues to provide significant growth opportunities for retailers and manufacturers with an international online product offering. According to a 2017 DHL report, cross-border retail volumes are predicted to increase at an annual average rate of 25 per cent between 2015 and 2020 (from $300 billion to $900 billion) – twice the pace of domestic e-commerce growth.

The Vice President of Sales for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, Steve Burd, who disclosed this in a statement,

said the projection highlights boundless opportunity for African businesses looking to take a piece of the cross border e-commerce pie.

Burd said as the market leader in express logistics, DHL Express works with thousands of e-commerce customers around the world, with a lot of them at start-up phase. “We are therefore well aware of the perceived hurdles involved when considering to trade across borders.�

He pointed out to five common areas which domestic e-commerce customers consider to be a challenge when deciding

where to trade internationally.

These include cost of express shipping, returns rates, basket values, the customer’s business is doing well locally, and unfamiliarity with customs procedures and processes. “We’ve found that the return rates are actually much lower on international shipping. Businesses could always do it on a trial basis and measure the benefits over losses and adjust their strategies accordingly. “We have found that basket values often increase with the introduction of express shipping. Customers tend to buy more to justify the premium shipping costs,� he added.

Keystone Bank Partners NIPOST, LaunchesAgency Banking Platform Peter Uzoho As part of efforts to bring more Nigerians into the banking system, Keystone Bank Plc has signed a partnership with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and IONEC Limited, to provide agency banking services to its existing and intending customers.

The initiative has been christened ‘KeyServ’.

Under this partnership, KeyServ offers services such as Account Opening, Bills Payment, Cash-In, Cash-Out, ATM Services, Fund Transfers, Balance Enquiries, ATM cash withdrawals, Mini Statements and a whole lot more.

The platform seeks to leverage on NIPOST’s networks and locations across the country to provide access to financial services to many Nigerians, particularly youth and rural dwellers who are excluded from financial services.

The platform is a complementary effort of the bank towards encouraging the financial inclusion drive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Under the arrangement, NIPOST will through its Post Outreach system, provide outlets in different locations using people’s houses as offices for banking services while the house owner becomes an agent

of the bank.

IONEC Limited on the otherhand, acts as the technical partner providing the needed technical input for the success of the operation.

With its agency banking already operative in Lagos, Kano, Edo and other states in the country, the bank has made ATM machines available to enable customers in the locations withdraw and deposit money with ease.

Speaking during the launch of the platform in Lagos, Managing Director, Keystone Bank Plc, Mr Obeahon Ohiwerei, said the three partners had through the initiative, succeeded in democratising banking in Nigeria, stressing that with the agency banking, the bank can be able to take banking services to everywhere in the country. “This is just a simple solution that is riding on the platform of NIPOST. So, we’re going to replicate this action, riding on this collaboration to take banking services to every state, every local government, and every area in Nigeria. And what it means is that the country itself stands to benefit largely from it,� Ohiwerei said.

He added: “And we heard that about 40 million adults are not banked today in Nigeria.

So, what does that tell you? If

we’re able to attract half of that using this platform, and each person banks an average of N10, 000, it then means that you have fully 200 million into the banking system and that has several implications for the society. “It means that if such money is available it can be applied to the key sectors of the economy – we can lend more money; we can provide more services.�

Also speaking at the event, the Post Master-General of Nigeria, Mr. Bisi Adegboye, said the partners would use the mutually beneficial platform which rides on technology to ensure that more Nigerians were captured. “The philosophy behind it is that Keystone is the principal.

Whatever you can do in any of the Keystone branches in Nigeria, we can help you to do it in any of our locations.

What we are providing them is our networks in the country,�

Adegboye said.

He explained that the agency banking window provided by the bank would in no small way benefit people living in the rural areas. “Going by the demographical architecture of this country, the greater percentage of this country live in the rural areas.

I know what our people in the rural areas go through.

UBA Partners French Devt Agency to Support SMEs in Africa The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and the Agence Française de Development (AFD), France’s public and solidarity-based development bank have entered into an agreement to utilise the EURIZ and ARIZ schemes offered by AFD to facilitate the financing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups across the 20 countries where UBA operates in Africa.

The new partnership, an off-shoot of the strategic relationship both institutions have had over the years, is expected to enhance UBA’s capacity to finance SMEs in Nigeria and across the other 19 African countries where the bank currently operates, whilst ensuring AFD uses the financial structure availed by UBA to reach out to many SMEs across Africa.

According to a statement, the AFD’s EURIZ project helps the

financially underserved micro, small and medium enterprises to receive loans for business development and sustainable jobs.

AFD designed ARIZ risksharing facility as one of the financial tools to give SMEs easier access to financing from financial institutions. In the same vein, ARIZ helps financial institutions to deal with their SME risk and thereby help them develop their loan activity for micro-enterprises, SMEs and microfinance institutions (MFIs). “Our partnership with Agence Française de Development(AFD) is novel as the scheme being introduced will enable us reach the various markets in our presence countries and would empower the SMEs across Africa through the provision of financial access, critical to their survival,â€? the Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Kennedy Uzoka said.

“With this partnership, we will be able to derive value from a world-class financial institution which we believe is critical in growing wealth on the continent in the long-term,�

Uzoka further stated.

Also speaking at the signing, the Deputy Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, AFD, Mrs Cecile Couprie said: “It is an honour for us at AFD to work with UBA to promote the development of African countries. Working with UBA will assist us to contribute to improving the economic and social conditions in Africa of which the growth of SMEs is essential.�

Both parties recognise the core role of the private sector in the economic development of Africa and the need to support African entrepreneurship as the catalyst to creating jobs and fighting against poverty on the continent.

Broad street

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2017 Broad Money (M2)

21,851,454.31

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,890,813.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,523,239.91

---- Demand Deposits

8,367,573.19

-- Quasi Money

11,960,641.22

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,732,990.89

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,118,463.42

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,821,446.81

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,824,226.22

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ë? ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ăž ÞÙ Ùà Þ˛ Ě™ Ă?Þ̚ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?

7,834,536.74

Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹Ě‹ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ë? Ă?ĂŽË› Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“ĂœĂœĂ™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ě™ Ěš

-3,010,310.52

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

21,997,220.59

--Other Assets Net

-14,702,983.39

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,486,804.65

--Currency in Circulation

1,868,735.07

--Banks Reserves

3,268,266.17 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

MANAGED FUNDS Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

AUGUST 2017 22.63

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.35

Savings Deposit Rate

4.08

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.86

3 Months Deposit Rate

10.14

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.51

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.40

Prime Lending rate

17.69

Maximum Lending Rate

31.20 Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED, MARCH 14, 2018 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $61.97 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $62.15 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 ˾ , MARCH 16, 2018

43

MARKET NEWS

NSE Index Falls Further as Bellwether Stocks Depress Market Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

The depreciation recorded in the share prices of Transcorp, Dangote Cement, Zenith Bank, UBA, and Access Bank were mainly responsible for the decline recorded. However, 39 stocks depreciated yesterday, while only 15 stocks appreciated.

Commenting on the performance, analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank said: “The sustained sell pressure particularly in banking sector

The equities market depreciated further yesterday as decline by bellwether stocks dragged the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index to shed 1.53 per cent to close at 42,185.38.

Despite the release of improved 2017 results by three banks and some companies, investors’ sentiments remained negative.

stocks resulted in a number of stocks on offer at the lower limit. Market outlook remains positive with the possibility of a rebound as investors take advantage of low valuations.”

Also commenting, analysts at Meristem Securities Limited said: “The market mood has been predominantly bearish this week, save for the positive close on Tuesday, which was driven by the gain on Dangote Cement

Plc. There were notable selloffs on banking stocks as the release of positive results by some of the Tier-1 banks has failed to sway investor sentiment towards the sector. We envisage some bargain hunting on some of these counters, given their relatively low prices.” Fidelity Bank Plc led the 39 decliners with 9.2 per cent, trailed by Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc with 8.7 per cent. Unilever

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF

a profit before tax of N200.2 billion, representing a growth of 21.3 per cent over N165.1billion recorded in 2016, while profit after tax grew faster by 29 per cent from N132.281 billion to N170.469 billion in 2017.

The bank has proposed a final dividend of 240 kobo per share. This will bring the total dividend per share to 270 kobo have paid an interim dividend of 30 kobo last year.

Nigeria Plc shed 8.4 per cent, while Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc went down by7.5 per cent. Regency Alliance Insurance Plc depreciated by 6.6 per cent just as Conoil Plc and Diamond Bank Plc depreciated by 6 per cent, 4.9 per cent apiece.

Gauranty Trust Bank Plc which reported improved results the previous day was among the price losers, shedding 3.4 per cent. GTBank had announced

A S AT 1 5 / 0 3 / 2 0 1 8

Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES

S/N 1 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

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 902,649.20

OTHER FINANCIAL MARKET CAP(Nm) INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC 409,206.34

BUILDING MATERIALS MARKET CAP(Nm) DANGOTE CEMENT 4,474,837.24 PLC

CROP PRODUCTION MARKET CAP(Nm) FTN COCOA PROCES616.00 SORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM 68,681.52 PLC. PRESCO PLC 74,350.00 FISHING/HUNTING/ TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC. LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 511.20 MARKET CAP(Nm) 3,000.00

DIVERSIFIED INDUSMARKET CAP(Nm) TRIES A.G. LEVENTIS NIGE1,694.27 RIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. 202.36 S C O A NIG. PLC. 2,111.93 TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF 70,727.50 NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. 52,007.40

BUILDING CONSTRUCMARKET CAP(Nm) TION ARBICO PLC. 711.32 INFRASTRUCTURE/ HEAVY CONSTRUC- MARKET CAP(Nm) TION JULIUS BERGER NIG. 32,736.00 PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. 165.00 REAL ESTATE DEVELMARKET CAP(Nm) OPMENT UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. 8,184.95 LIMITED REAL ESTATE INVESTMARKET CAP(Nm) MENT TRUSTS (REITS) SKYE SHELTER FUND 2,000.00 PLC UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 11,300.89 TRUST (REIT) UPDC REAL ESTATE 26,682.70 INVESTMENT TRUST

VOLUME

27

901

66,945,604

28

901

66,945,604

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

28.75

-3.85

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11.40

0.88

416

48,434,698

29 30

416

48,434,698

31

1,317

115,380,302

32

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

33

262.60

-2.31

46

205,870

34

46 46

205,870 205,870

FOOD PRODUCTS

1,363

115,586,172

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.28

-

2

53,500

72.00

-

26

312,925

74.35

-4.51

19 47

2,398,295 2,764,720 VOLUME

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

4.26

-

0

0

0

0

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1.00

-4.76

18

640,941

PRICE

%CHANGE

18

640,941

65

3,405,661

TRADES

VOLUME

0.64

-

6

46,000

0.52 3.25

4.00 -

7 0

278,624 0

1.74

-4.92

158

18,014,267

18.05

0.56

69

1,425,317

240

19,764,208

240

19,764,208

S/N 35 36 FOOD PRODUCTS-DIVERSIFIED S/N 37 38 HOUSEHOLD DURABLES S/N 39 40 PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 BANKING

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4.79

-

0

0

0

0

53

TRADES

VOLUME

54

PRICE

%CHANGE

S/N

55 24.80

-

7

6.60

-

0

0

7

3,933

TRADES

VOLUME

PRICE

%CHANGE

3,933

56 57 58 59

3.15

-

11

156,130

11

156,130

61

60

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

62

100.00

-

0

0

63

45.20

-

0

0

64

0

0

65

0

0

66

18

160,063

67

10.00

-

68 AUTOMOBILES/AUTO MARKET CAP(Nm) PARTS DN TYRE & RUBBER 1,718.16 PLC BEVERAGES--BREWMARKET CAP(Nm) ERS/DISTILLERS CHAMPION BREW. PLC. 22,314.06 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. 242.22 PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC 218,600.21 INTERNATIONAL 489,964.13 BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 1,063,587.97 FOOD PRODUCTS MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

69

0.36

-

1

10,000

70

1

10,000

TRADES

VOLUME

PRICE

%CHANGE

71

2.85

-

2

9,100

72

0.89

-

0

0

73

99.80

-

18

40,052

57.00

-0.88

55

1,956,927

133.00

1.60

PRICE

%CHANGE

74 75

274

3,412,407

349

5,418,486

76

TRADES

VOLUME

77 78

DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC UNION DICON SALT PLC.

80,000.00

16.00

-2.44

140

5,857,670

264,000.00

22.00

3.77

165

3,226,696

98,015.26

37.35

0.13

170

8,253,307

19,349.68

2.44

-1.21

42

2,451,513

1,786.80

0.48

-4.00

2

20,000,000

1,060.29

5.95

-

1

1,104

56,300.57

21.25

-0.23

67

560,667

3,676.41

13.45

-

FOOD PRODUCTSMARKET CAP(Nm) -DIVERSIFIED CADBURY NIGERIA 32,117.25 PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 1,105,755.47 HOUSEHOLD DUMARKET CAP(Nm) RABLES NIGERIAN ENAMEL1,680.31 WARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 3,127.11 PERSONAL/HOUSEMARKET CAP(Nm) HOLD PRODUCTS P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA 91,320.97 PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA 303,910.79 PLC.

BANKING MARKET CAP(Nm) ACCESS BANK PLC. 341,350.07 DIAMOND BANK PLC 44,467.95 ECOBANK TRANSNA363,321.11 TIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC 73,885.73 GUARANTY TRUST 1,343,533.33 BANK PLC. JAIZ BANK PLC 29,169.61 SKYE BANK PLC 12,075.86 STERLING BANK PLC. 51,822.75 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 192,196.97 UNITED BANK FOR 398,423.26 AFRICA PLC UNITY BANK PLC 16,598.86 WEMA BANK PLC. 32,788.30 INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND MARKET CAP(Nm) SERVICES AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY 5,763.80 PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 4,851.14 AXAMANSARD INSUR28,665.00 ANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALL2,590.00 MARK INSURANCE PLC CONTINENTAL REINSUR17,737.39 ANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSUR5,744.51 ANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE 5,040.00 PLC. GOLDLINK INSURANCE 2,411.47 PLC GREAT NIGERIAN INSUR1,913.74 ANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. 2,578.80 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE 642.04 COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE 2,709.67 PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK 3,179.28 INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE 6,800.00 PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS AS3,680.00 SURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO 14,626.99 (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. 3,405.37 PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE 2,593.60 CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY 1,867.25 PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST 2,418.84 INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE 5,680.85 INSURANCE PLC. STANDARD TRUST 4,670.54 ASSURANCE PLC UNIC DIVERSIFIED 568.11 HOLDINGS PLC. UNITY KAPITAL AS4,021.33 SURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSUR8,000.00 ANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 7,628.16

PRICE

%CHANGE

0

0

587

40,350,957

TRADES

VOLUME

17.10

-

24

153,762

1,395.00

1.09

49

281,802

73

435,564 VOLUME

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

22.10

-

0

0

3.00

-

14

251,109

14

251,109

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

23.00

-

20

76,197

52.90

-8.48

59

331,441

PRICE 11.80 1.92

%CHANGE -4.45 -4.95

79

407,638

1,103

46,873,754

TRADES 255 95

VOLUME 22,396,098 8,755,565

19.80

-

58

1,839,342

2.55

-9.25

148

32,638,387

45.65

-3.49

222

12,955,705

0.99 0.87 1.80 6.60

-2.02 -4.40 -

23 24 72 59

967,026 3,725,137 2,586,250 360,396

11.65

-2.10

220

27,033,252

1.42 0.85

-4.70 -4.49

2 44 1,222

100,100 2,231,936 115,589,194

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.28

-

1

9,000

0.70

1.45

35

1,442,616

2.73

-1.09

7

215,701

0.37

-7.50

8

2,061,500

1.71

-4.47

21

1,000,065

0.39

-

2

10,290

0.36

-

0

0

0.53

-

0

0

0.50

-

0

0

0.42

-

0

0

0.50

-

0

0

0.37

-2.63

12

464,100

0.74

-1.33

7

212,366

0.85

2.41

13

419,416

0.46

-

1

300

2.77

0.73

29

1,872,122

0.44

-

0

0

0.47

-

0

0

0.28

-6.67

94

41,189,482

0.29

-3.33

6

1,036,199

0.44

-

1

200

0.50

-

3

900

0.22

-4.35

19

1,548,351

0.29

-3.33

4

1,329,000

0.50

-

0

0

0.57

-

56

3,167,636

44

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

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˾ FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

MARKET NEWS

Oando Board Meets to Review 2017 Full Year Results Oando Plc has announced that its Board of Directors will be meeting on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 to consider the financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2017.

The announcement, published on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and signed by the Chief Compliance Officer and Company Secretary of the Company, Ms. Ayotola Jagun said: “This is to inform the public and our stakeholders

that the Board of Directors of Oando Plc will be meeting to consider the 2017 Audited Financial Statements of Oando Plc on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.”

The oil and gas firm had on March 1 said announced that the filing of its full year 2017 results, would be delayed. The company had explained that: “The FRCN has indicated interest in undertaking a more detailed review of the company’s audited financial

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

statements as part of their statutory review due to the issues raised by the recent investigation of the company by the SEC. We envisage that the FRCN’s review might take longer than originally anticipated. Therefore, the company may not be able to file the accounts until the second week in May, the exact date of filing will be dependent on the turnaround time at the FRCN. Oando Plc apologises for any inconvenience caused and

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 14-Mar-2018, unless otherwise stated.

will update the market in due course,” it said.

Oando, in addition to releasing profits in the last four quarters, has for the past two years published its results as at when due and in line with the requirements of the relevant regulatory bodies. It’s latest announcement speaking to a Board review of its FYE 2017 results on Tuesday, March 27 is clear evidence that without the additional review by the regulators the Company would again have

published its results on time.

However, market analysts said the announcement of the likely delay in the results due to FRCN review is in line with best practice.

Oando Plc recently announced that in compliance with the NSE Rule Book and the Amendments to the Listing Rules, the continuation of the Closed Period for trading in the securities of the company, no director, employee, people holding managerial

positions, advisers and consultants of the company as well as their connected person would be allowed to directly or indirectly deal in the company shares during this closed period until 24 hours have elapsed after the release of the FYE 2017 AFS. As at the end of September 30, 2017, Oando recorded a turnover of N383.5 billion, showing an increase of 16 per cent from N329.9 billion in comparative period of 2016.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.86 0.87 5.01% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 4.43% 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 15.75% 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 N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 165.14 166.30 8.87% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.77% 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 14.95% Paramount Equity Fund 12.83 13.16 3.79% Women's Investment Fund 102.55 105.18 1.91% 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 15.35% 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 15.05% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.11 1.13 5.81% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.09 1.13 5.65% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,192.19 1,193.36 3.86% FBN Heritage Fund 150.02 151.42 7.64% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.10% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $114.87 $115.49 1.77% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $114.87 $115.49 1.87% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 182.04 184.86 13.02% 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 2.96 2.96 2.74% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,184.03 3,223.99 6.76% Coral Income Fund 2,541.98 2,541.98 3.90% 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 14.40% 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 14.98% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.18 2.21 3.60% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 17.90% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 117.93 118.28 2.53%

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 1.66% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,057.98 1,057.98 2.60% 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 16.57 16.72 17.55% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.19% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.30 1.33 9.45% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.40 11.50 3.44% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.99% 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 143.33 145.57 11.18% 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 1.53 1.53 3.05% 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 2,397.21 2,416.51 6.86% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 180.17 180.17 2.11% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.11 1.12 10.40% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 228.61 228.71 3.82% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 195.72 197.95 9.29% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.95% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,575.24 10,721.20 9.37% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.08 1.08 1.89% 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 1.34 1.36 0.73% United Capital Bond Fund 1.61 1.61 2.64% United Capital Equity Fund 1.02 1.05 11.98% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.63% United Capital Eurobond Fund 104.78 104.78 1.83% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.13 1.14 3.83% 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 13.44 13.64 7.45% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.11 14.28 7.54% Zenith Income Fund 19.62 19.62 3.67% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 14.06%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

10.00 134.07

-11.35% 1.22%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.74 163.15 121.87

12.83 166.66 124.16

5.05% 14.24% 11.56%

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.

46

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018

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Ëœ ͚͞˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž T H I S D AY

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WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

How to Get Closer to God –2 Continued from last week

Mansoor Alam/IslamiCity

T

herefore, in this concept of God, there is no place for discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, language, economic opportunities, political power, or social status. The Quranic God is equidistant from every human being.

Only those people who synchronize their wills with the will of God get their “color� from Him. In turn, those who get colored by God reflect universal God-like attributes and become members of one family. In this way, there is no contradiction in their inner and outer lives. With this concept of God, there is no push and pull, no effort through prayers and rituals to bend God in anyone’s favor. This leads to yet another aspect of God’s objective laws pertaining to humans: whether or not one believes in this concept of God, every human action produces a reaction based on God’s law of requital.

God’s Law of Requital Although human beings have been given complete freedom to choose any action, this freedom is ended once the choice is made. Human beings do not have the freedom or authority to change the result after the action has been performed. This is called the law of requital. The following verses in the Quran clearly state the consequences of human actions: 2:21; 2:179; 2:183; 2:185; 2:189; 3:123; 3:129; 3:199; 5:35; 7:69; and 7:157.

It is our daily experience that if we violate the physical laws of nature we suffer the consequences right away.

For example, fire burns, floods drown, gravity pulls, lightning strikes, and tornadoes tear things in their path. Each one of these forces of nature causes physical injury or death if we do not follow the laws of nature or take precautionary measures. But how, we may ask, does the law of requital operate in the human world? Why do cheaters get away if not caught by man-made laws? Why do liars seem to flourish? Why do people who manipulate the system using loopholes get further in life than the honest? Why do the rich and the powerful thrive while exploiting the poor and the

weak? Why are murder, torture, and rape of innocent human beings allowed to go on in many parts of the world? Why does God not do anything to stop it? Why does God’s law of requital not punish the perpetrators of these crimes immediately as it punishes those who violate the physical laws of nature? In answer to these questions, some religious scholars teach the poor and the subjugated to be patient, to accept their destiny, to look for reward in the Hereafter. On the other hand, some people turn to mysticism, wrongly thinking they can get closer to God by renouncing the material world (57:27). According to this thinking, the best way to cure a headache—forever—is to get rid of the head.

This concept of God teaches escapism from the real problems of the real world.

Can it be said, then, that God’s law of requital is not working in the human world? Are people who commit crimes and who are not punished immediately, as in the physical world, getting away? Is there no higher law before which they are accountable here in this world? Let us be assured, the law of requital is working—incessantly and unremittingly, right here in this world. We might be deceived into thinking it is not, because the time scale for this law is different than the physical laws of nature. It is as if one were keeping time on a clock from which the seconds and minutes indicators were removed and one is fooled into thinking the clock is not running. This is because one day in God’s calendar may be equivalent to one thousand (32:5) or even fifty thousand years of our time on this planet (70:4).

Another distinction between the laws of nature in the physical world and the law of requital in the human world is that the law of requital operates on the “self� not on the body. This law either strengthens or weakens the “self� depending on whether or not our actions violate it. In this way, our own actions determine our destiny here as well as in the Hereafter.

Although God’s law of requital is working in the human world, it appears extremely slow to us and its impact is not on the body but on the soul or “self�. The question then becomes: Can this law be speeded up?

Speeding up the Law of Requital As we know, the Universe and everything within it operates according to a fixed pattern called the laws of nature. Laws of nature cannot be speeded up. For instance, no matter how impatient, a farmer must wait for a fixed amount of time before his crop matures for harvesting. While this is true everywhere in the physical world, the same is not the case in the human world.

Is it possible to speed up the law of requital operating in the human world so violators can face the consequences of their actions in real time as in the physical world?

The Quran declares it is possible.

How can this be done? We have seen that God’s attributes come into effect in a particular situation in accordance with a fixed pattern or law. We have also seen that human beings have been endowed, in latent form, with the same attributes as God, but within human limitation. With a Quranic-based program of education, training, and development, human beings can develop and reflect God-like attributes in their own characters.

If human beings are able to create a society in which individuals become colored with God’s attributes, then the speed of the law of requital is increased. In other words, if human actions become synchronized with God’s law of requital then its speed is accelerated (Saree-ul-‘Hisaab): “If you help God then He will help you.� (47:7). “And fulfil your Covenant with Me then I shall fulfil My Covenant.� (2:40) By synchronizing their wills with the Will of God, human beings start cooperating with Allah in accordance with the contract (9:111) mentioned earlier.

Allah then helps the believers (Momineen) through Angels (Malaika or forces of Allah): Those who say that our Lord (Nourisher and Sustainer) is Allah and then (on this promise) become steadfast (in their action) then Angels descend on them. (41:30) It is the descending of the Angels on the believers then that speeds up the law of requital in the human world. So, if the rich and the powerful, on an individual, familial, or national level, are getting away with the

exploitation of the poor and the weak, then it only means one thing: that the law of requital does not have the support of the believers and that is why Angels are not descending on them to speed up the outcome. But that does not mean that God’s law of requital is not working. It is working, but it is moving, like the hour hand on the clock, with its own speed. (Remember!

One day in God’s calendar may be equivalent to one thousand or even fifty thousand years in our time.) As an example, when our Prophet (PBUH) and Sahaaba (R) synchronized their wills with the Will of Allah, the results of their efforts occurred very fast. History bears testimony to the fact that they changed, in a very short time, the system which was based on exploitation of the weak and enslavement of the masses by tribal leaders, kings, capitalists, and priests with a system based on fairness, justice and respect for universal human rights and freedom. Who could imagine that the two superpowers of the day i.e., the Byzantine and Persian empires would crumble at the hands of the then “lowly� Arabs in just a few years? This was due to the human input into the law of requital thus accelerating its momentum and resulting in fast output.

Conclusion The Quran is God’s Constitution. Quran’s God is not a dictator. He does not act in an arbitrary manner. Our Prophet (PBUH) was not dictator or a king? Remember ‘Aisha’s (R) saying that the Prophet (PBUH) was a walking Quran. There must be something wrong in our concept of God which has made us turn away from the true God that our Prophet (PBUH) and Sahaaba (R) lived and died for. While they had dignity and power, we are humiliated and live at the mercy of others. How can we regain our lost dignity and glory?

There is no other way than to come back to the true concept of God given in the Quran and demonstrated by our Prophet (PBUH) and the Sahaaba (R). Let us proclaim and act upon the verse: We take our color from Allah, and who is better than Allah at coloring (2:138).

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

NJC Sacks Abia CJ, Another Judge Appoints 60 others, issues stern warnings to Lagos, Abuja judges Tobi Soniyi in Lagos The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzokwe, for compulsory retirement.

The council also recommended for compulsory retirement, Justice Obisike Oji of the state High Court who was appointed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to act as acting Chief Judge after the state House of Assembly suspended Justice Uzokwe.

A statement signed by the council’s Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, said the council also issued stern warnings to Justices S. E Aladetoyinbo and Olusola Ajibike Williams of the Federal Capital Territory High Court and Lagos High Court respectively.

The council has also set up a committee to investigate a Supreme Court Justice but failed to disclose the name of the apex court justice being investigated.

According to the statement, two other state chief judges are also being investigated. The council also did not release the names of the chief judges.

The statement read: “Justice Theresa Uzokwe was recommended for compulsory retirement following the findings of two investigative committees set up by the council.

“The committees investigated petitions against her by Umeh Kalu (SAN), Attorney-General/ Commissioner for Justice of Abia State, alleging illegal constitution and working with a parallel Judicial Service Commission instead of the one constituted by the state governor and confirmed by the House of Assembly.

“Justice Uzokwe was also found to have misconducted herself in Suit No. HU/131/2005, wherein she delivered judgment in the sum of N825,000 in favour of a litigant, but subsequently signed a garnishee order of N109,612,500.”

The council said it found the reply by Justice Obisike Oji to

its query for allowing himself to be sworn-in as acting Chief Judge unsatisfactory.

The council accused him of aiding an unconstitutional process.

“His reply was unsatisfactory and the council recommended his compulsory retirement.”

Both Justices Uzokwe and Oji are to be retired by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

The NJC said it reprimanded, issued serious warnings and placed on the watch list Justice Aladetoyinbo of the FCT High Court for impropriety in a case between U.L.O. Consultants Ltd v BIL Construction Nigeria Ltd, sequel to a petition by one Uche Luke Okpuno.

The council said it would have sanctioned the judge more severely but had to take into account the fact that aspects of the case were appealable.

NJC it also seriously warned Justice Olusola Ajibike Williams of the Lagos State

High Court for grave errors of judgment in her level of involvement in a family business.

The council said it found that the judge, as a judicial officer, should have been more circumspect and conscious of her office. The petition against the judge was written by Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams (SAN).

The statement further read: “Council at the meeting also considered various petitions written against 31 judicial officers and resolved to empanel three investigative committees against one Justice of Supreme Court and two state chief judges.

“Petitions against various justices were dismissed either for lack of merit, lack of evidence of misconduct, being subjudice or that the subject of such petitions were matters for appeal.

“The dismissed petitions were against Justices Abdu Aboki, Theresa Abadua and Ahmed Belgore all of the Court of Appeal; Justices J. T. Tsoho,

Ayo Emmanuel, Sabiu Yahusa, Zainab B. Abubakar, B. O. Quadri of the Federal High Court; Justices A. N. Ubaka and B. B. Kanyip of National Industrial Court; Justices Bello Kawu, S. C. Orji, A. N. Talba of the FCT High Court;. Justice K. C. Nwankpa of High Court Abia State; Justice D. A. Onyefulu of High Court Anambra State; Justice W. I. A. Effiong High Court Akwa-Ibom State; A. M. Ikpambese, High Court Benue State; Justice G. E. Gbemre, High Court Delta State; Justice A. O. Onovo, High Court Enugu State; Justice Idi Apollos, High Court Gombe State; Justice G. O. Ogunsanya, High Court Ogun State; Justice A. B. Abdulkarim, High Court Osun State; Justice K. A. Ojiako, High Court Imo State and Justices A. M. Lawal, L. A. Okunnu and L. B. Lawal Akapo, High Court Lagos State.

“Council decided to advise Justice J. E. Ikede of Delta State High Court and Justice Yusuf

Halilu of FCT High Court to be more careful in the course of their judicial duties.

“Council decided to refer a petition by Prince Adesina Okuneye against Justice Mwada Balami of the FCT High Court to the police to investigate the allegation of N5,000,000 bribe to the judge for granting bail to an accused person.

“Council decided that the petition should be put in abeyance until the outcome of the investigation by the police.”

Meanwhile, NJC has appointed 60 judicial officers for 24 states.

The judges were recommended to 24 governors for appointment as high court judges, Sharia Court Kadis and Customary Court of Appeal judges.

All the decisions were taken at the 85th meeting of the council held on March 14, 2018 during which the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, presided as chairman of council.

Shell, GTB Grant $270m Oil-backed Loan to Amni International Ejiofor Alike with agency report Barely two months after Shoreline Group sealed a $530 million finance deal with Vitol Group and local lenders, including Union Bank Plc, Ecobank Transnational Inc., Fidelity Bank Plc and FCMB Group Plc, another Nigerian independent producer, Amni International, has sealed a $270 million loan deal with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Shell Western Supply and Trading Plc. The terms of loan will give Shell Western Supply and Trading Plc sole access to the 16,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil the company pumps in two fields off Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta region.

Reuters reported that production at offshore fields, including Amni’s Ima and Okoro/Setu, is difficult to maintain, but Amni said the loan would allow them to further develop the fields. The company also has an offshore concession in Ghana.

“We are excited to work with GTBank and Shell as commercial and financial partners to enable the realisation of Amni’s ambitious plans for growth,” Amni’s Chief Executive Tunde Afolabi said in the statement.

Amni has two producing offshore operations in Nigeria and an interest in a newly awarded block in Ghana.

The company also owns its own infrastructure including platforms, pipelines and offshore terminals The company’s Oil Mining Lease (OML) 112 (formerly Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 469 is located offshore in the eastern part of the Niger Delta.

The block was awarded to Amni on a sole risk basis in 1993 and converted to an OML in

1999. OML 112 covers an area of approximately 437 square kilometres.

OML 117 (formerly OPL 237) is similarly located and was awarded to Amni in 1994 and converted to an OML in 1999. OML 112 covers an area of approximately 50 km2.

The Okoro and Setu East fields are located in OML 112, with the two fields separated by 6.5km in shallow water. Okoro field was appraised in 2006 and production commenced in 2008.

In Ghana, Amni’s Central Tano Block is in the Deepwater Tano Basin, offshore western Ghana.

It is bounded by the Jubilee Field to the east and the TEN Fields to the west.

Multinational oil giants and trading houses often extend financing to smaller oil and gas producers in deals that allow the financier preferential access to physical cargoes and give the recipient companies the cash they can use to develop and maintain their assets.

Earlier this year, Nigeria’s Shoreline agreed a similar type of deal worth $530 million with major oil trader Vitol, backed by several banks, including Union Bank Plc, Ecobank Transnational Inc., Fidelity Bank Plc and FCMB Group Plc. Shoreline seeks to boost production to between 80,000 and 100,000 barrels a day this year, according to the Chief Executive Officer, Kola Karim said.

The company currently pumps about 55,000 barrels a day.

“The funds will be used to refinance existing debt and provide us with working capital to expand production. As part of the funding arrangements, Shoreline will work with Vitol to market the crude, and in the development of its export logistics capabilities,” Karim reportedly said.

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Deputy Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Agence Française de Development (AFD), Mrs. Cecile Couprie (left), and Group Deputy Managing Director, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Victor Osadolor, during the signing of partnership agreement by the two institutions to finance SMEs and start-ups in Africa in Lagos ...... Wednesday

Dickson Submits PDP Reconciliation Report To Secondus Urges party to lead coalition to sack APC Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Bayelsa State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, Henry Seriake Dickson, has presented the report of his committee to the party’s National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, in Abuja.

At the event at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Dickson commended the party’s leadership for setting up the committee, while commending members of the committee for service to the party and commitment to building a viral party that would wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dickson said: ‘‘We will not stop serving until we salvage our

country,” adding that he was the longest serving chairman of the committee, having served in that capacity since the days of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as chairman The governor said even before the convention, his committee had swung into action, formulating the template and laying the foundation for the work of the committee.

After the convention, he said his committee criss-crossed the country and interacted with leaders and critical stakeholders of the party who also raised some concerns that were captured in the report.

While thanking the National Working Committee (NWC) for showing leadership, the governor said the mammoth crowd at the recent Jigawa PDP rally was a

signpost of a quit notice for APC! According to Dickson, the committee recommended that the PDP returns the party to the people, constitute all its standing committees, deliberately carve responsibilities for women and youths, deliberately give a sense of belonging to the South-west leaders in the party, constantly woo those who had left the PDP to return to its fold and above all, lead a coalition of all other parties to win more states and form government at the centre!

He said: ‘‘PDP NWC and its leaders must be temperate, not join issues with ourselves and even those who have left the party. The manifest destiny of PDP is to lead a broad-based coalition to sack APC and to achieve this, everybody is

important and must be brought on board because the umbrella is large enough for all. ‘‘The NWC of our great party should constitute all statutory committees urgently and in the composition, women, youths and leaders should be involved in the committees. The South West is too strategic not to play a strategic role in PDP. We recommend closer interaction with the leaders of the South-west to build confidence in the region. ‘‘We believe the national convention has come and gone but we recommend that the party deliberately create positions for women in PDP because the party is the most women and youth –friendly.

Mr. Chairman if we do this, it will reassure our women and youths that they are the future of our party.”

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House to Remove Ajaokuta Plant from Schedule of Privatisation Act We have not contracted transaction adviser, says Fayemi Iyobosa Uwugiaren ËØÎ James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË The House of Representatives yesterday overwhelmingly passed a motion to initiate a bill to amend the Privatisation Act and delete Ajaokuta Steel Company from the schedule of the Act as well as remove the powers of the National Council on Privatisation to amend an Act passed by the National Assembly.

It further declared the steel sector a major sector of the economy and urged the Senate to concur in line with Section 16 of the Constitution.

The resolution of the lower chamber followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Ahmed Yerima and 24 other members of the House on the urgent need to investigate the circumstances under which the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel engaged the globally discredited PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to Audit Ajaokuta Steel Complex for purposes of concessioning.

The House further expanded the mandate of its Ad-hoc Committee on Ajaokuta to determine whether or not there is peculiar interest of the Minister of Mines and Steel, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, in the appointment of Greenwhich Trust Limited headed by the wife of his political mentor to serve as Transaction Adviser for the Steel complex without due process.

Also, for the umpteenth

time, the green chamber urged President Muhammadu Buhari to stop Fayemi from proceeding further with the concessioning processes of Ajaokuta pending a review ordered by a resolution of the House in the interest of the national economy and the anti- corruption fight of the present administration.

The development indicated an escalation of the feud between the minister and the lower chamber over the former’s planned concessioning of Ajaokuta, a move which lawmakers opposepreferring that government completes the plant instead, given that past concessioning arrangements had failed.

Fayemi in a recent interview, vowed to proceed with the concessioning programme, claiming that the House has been carried along from the onset and even approved appropriations for the concessioning.

The classification of the steel sector as a critical economic sector followed arguments that key sectors of the economy including power, petroleum among others must be controlled by the federal government rather than individuals as the constitution stipulates.

The lawmakers said given the security concerns around the steel industry- capability to manufacture weapons among others- the sector should be managed by government.

The declaration would in

effect, forbid any form of privatisation as it is in the current instance with Ajaokuta.

However, Yerima, while leading the debate on the subject matter noted that Fayemi had recently announced that Ajaokuta would be concessioned after an ongoing audit.

He raised concern that the steel plant was being audited

by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which he described as a globally discredited firm having been sanctioned in India, with a two-year audit ban for infractions of over $1 billion and sanctioned in Brazil for which it paid $50million as fine.

He added that the audit firm had also been fined in the United Kingdom for £5.1 million, the largest ever sanction imposed by the UK regulator; Paid $225 million and $25 million respectively as fines to TYCO shareholders in the US and Bank of Tokyo – Mitsubishi, where it was implicated for money laundering for Iran, Sudan, and Myanmar as well as blacklisted

for roles in terrorism and human rights abuses; among other infractions and irregularities in their operations, which has left its reputation in tatters.

Yerima further expressed worry over the allegation that PricewaterhouseCoopers was informally engaged by Global Steel to assist and advise them on how to recover Ajaokuta and National Iron Ore Company, (NIOMCO) Itakpe from the federal government in 2012 at the onset of negotiations.

He noted that the apparent actions of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development in engaging a company whose antecedents might suggest that they are being engaged to audit and prepare reports which might skew the outcome thereof in a preconceived manner in favour of parties which the minister might have lined up or which may represent the interests of their former clients (GINL) raised further concerns.

Among other things, he raised concerns that the Bureau of

Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) both mandated by law under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2005 and the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act 2004, respectively had not been involved or engaged in the audit and concessioning process adopted by the minister.

However, Fayemi has said the ministry has not contracted any transaction adviser for the concession of the Ajaokuta Steel Company as wrongly asserted by the House.

Reacting to the House’s debate yesterday in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, the minister said the process for the appointment of a transaction adviser was on, but cannot be completed until it gets the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to the statement,

“The attention of Fayemi, and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari, has been drawn to the debate by members of the House on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, where the House adopted a resolution to stop the planned concession of the steel company.

“While the ministers are convinced the honourabe members mean well as patriots concerned about an important national asset, it is also a fact that they have grossly misunderstood the ministers and other stakeholders working with the Ministry on this exercise. ‘“In view of this and the need to set the record straight for the sake of the public and the investing community, it is important to state as follows: The ministry has not spent a dime from the N2,096,500 appropriated by the House for the concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company (in the 2017 Appropriation Law).’’

Kano Denies Rumour of Attacks on Schools by Boko Haram Ibrahim Shuaibu ÓØ ËØÙ The Kano State Government has dispelled the rumours making the rounds especially on the social media platforms of an alleged security threat in form of invasion and kidnapping of students in boarding schools in the state.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, yesterday and made available to THISDAY in Kano, said the rumours, which are being

peddled by unpatriotic people, are baseless, unfounded and therefore should be discarded.

The statement advised the public especially parents, guardians and caregivers to remain calm and allow their wards to remain in schools until the completion of their examinations.

It gave the assurance that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensuring the protection of lives and property of the citizens including schools in the state.

Obi Laments Poor Leadership in Nigeria Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday lamented the poor leadership in Nigeria, saying it was responsible for the backwardness in the country.

Obi, who spoke while delivering a speech at a dialogue organised by Ripples Centre for Data and Investigative Journalism in Lagos, berated the leadership for poor performance, wondering at what point did the country get things wrong?

“Unexamined life is not worth living. That we are divided is not the issue, but how did we

get here? If you look at what is happening today; we have crisis.

Issues of security of all forms and truly we have economy that is heading south.

“What we are going through is a cumulative effect of bad leadership failures. The main critical component of governance is trust. After campaigning that this is what you are going to do and you get there, you start talking of what you met there. While we do not want 100 percent result, we want 100 per cent effort,” Obi stated.

COMPACT MEDIA TEAM

L-R: Head, Digital Marketing, First Bank Plc, Mr. Yinka Ijabiyi; Manager, Marketing Services, FBN Holdings, Mr. Tunde Lawanson; Head, Media/ External Relations, First Bank Plc, Mr. Babatunde Lasaki; Manager,Media Planning,Mr. Aderemi Adebiyi; and Head, Corporate Publications/Sponsorship, Mr. Oze. K. Oze, during their courtesy visit to THISDAY Corporate Office in Apapa, Lagos.... yesterday

Aero Flight Makes Emergency Landing, Abandons Passengers at Airport A Boeing 737/500 flight from Sokoto to Abuja at about 1:45p.m. on Wednesday made an emergency landing back in Sokoto due to problems allegedly associated with the landing gear.

One of the passengers, Ismail Sani, told PRNigeria in Sokoto that the Flight No 128 after halfway in its journey was still not stable, prompting the pilot to announce that the landing gear could not return after series of noise from the engines.

A passenger with the flight later learnt that the noise was as a result of the gear still protruding, just as the pilot announced that for safety reasons, a return would be made back to Sokoto at about 2.30p.m.

Sani, who owns Platinum FM Radio in Keffi however disclosed that “the aircraft was still airborne as at the estimated time promised by the pilot at 2:30p.m, putting more fears on the passengers and the crew members.

“The aircraft finally touched ground at about 2:45p.m, accompanied by two fire service vehicles and an ambulance at the Sultan Abubakar III Airport in Sokoto. We were all asked as passengers to disembark from the aircraft and wait at the departure lounge for further briefing.

“The pilot thereafter came to the departure lounge to announce that the engineering team advised him to run a check

on the gear and that he did so, but the test failed, urging the passengers to make alternative flight arrangements.”

Though the pilot whose name was not mentioned insisted that it was a minor fault and that to prove otherwise, he was flying the aircraft back to Abuja but without passengers and later did so.

Another passenger, who was on board the flight and does not want his name in print, said the airline did not make another flight arrangement for them.

The airline merely refunded their money for the flight tickets.

“They didn’t provide us with any arrangement for second flight. They just refunded our money. There is urgent need

for the aviation authorities to be more proactive to ensure all aircraft flown in our space meet the required safety standards and international best practices,” he concluded.

However, all calls and messages sent to the spokespersons of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Henritta Yakubu and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Sam Adurogboye, for confirmation were not responded to.

Similarly, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) that took over the management of Aero Contractors is yet to issue any statement on the incident.

54

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018Ëž T H I S D AY

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Media Trust Founder: Why We Are Celebrating 20th Anniversary Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

he said:, ‘’They are many, including sitting with you The Chairman/Founder of people. It is pleasant to sit Media Trust Limited, Malam with colleagues. I am retired Kabiru Yusuf, yesterday said now and just on the board the planned events to mark and to see what we do by the 20th anniversary of the the day. ‘’When I was the Editor media outfit are expected to be a celebration of commitment of Triumph in Kano, what to robust journalism, good was exciting to me was when business and to reflect and I put the paper to bed and go home. I was a bachelor plan for the future.

Speaking during a press then and when the paper is conference with senior editors ready, they would come and in Abuja ahead of the 20th slot it under my door around anniversary of the company 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. and in those next week, he said the Weekly early days. ‘’I couldn’t even sleep Trust was started because the shareholders wanted a because you have finished job and created one, saying what you thought is the paper the organisation is now 20 but how it would come out is another thing and you are years old. Tracing the journey of the also worried about it. So, I organisation, Yusuf said it all would be there on my bed started in a ‘’war room’’ in and when they slot the paper, Kaduna with the Weekly Trust, because I had no wife, I would which was initially published jump to pick it up, read it and then go to bed. on Fridays. ‘’Up till now, I am excited According to him, “The Weekly title started during about our daily work, maybe the military regime of the it is just something in me. late General Sani Abacha The paper is brought to my but we were determined to house early in the morning be our own selves and not and sometimes, I call my to be dictated to. And within security men to know if the months General Abdulsalami paper has come or not. So for Abubakar took over with the me, the high point is this work promise of returning the we are doing and I think it is country to politics, and we something that combines so then thought of going daily many things which is about with a political newspaper.�  the news, the intellect, the He said despite the initial business and to get it going challenges of sustainability, together; I believe is satisfying the company weathered the to me.’’ He explained that success storm for 20 years, adding that in the last two decades, either ways includes materials, the organisation had been building offices, expanding the quite adventurous with new organisation’s press around the country, saying, ‘’We are titles.  The Media Trust Limited now in four places and we founder further said after hope to be in five places. We starting the Weekly Trust are in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and (now Daily Trust on Maiduguri. ‘’We are thinking of having Saturday) in March 1998 in Kaduna, the company began in Sokoto soon. So for us, we a daily publication in Abuja want to be a daily paper that in January 2001, and later is available in the morning the Daily Trust on Sunday not by 2pm which sometimes (formerly Sunday Trust) was is what happens because of introduced in July 2006, a logistics. It is at the back of our Hausa vernacular publication, mind that we have achieved a Aminiya in March 2006, Teen milestone but the excitement Trust in 2015, and Trust is to see the product in the morning. It is always a joy to Sports in 2017.

He said there was a time, wake up in the morning and at the early stage of the see that our product is out.’’ Yusuf added that the organisation when poor cash flow threatened the future of the media is digital company but added that saying they want to grow the the organisation had been company in many ways as lucky and had broken even long as print is there, they would continue experimenting a long time ago. ‘’But our overall aim is to with new products but we do a product that is generally feel the future is electronic acceptable. We’ll continue to and we would go that way have challenges, but we’ll also like everybody else. ‘’We are getting younger try to deal with them as they and younger directors who come,� he added.

Sharing the exciting understand the digital age and moments of the organisation, we think that the leadership

would go to them and the next 20 years you are talking about is something that they will have to grapple with’’, he added.

Asked whether the advent of the social media would threaten the traditional

newspapers, he said: ‘’We have been threatened with such prophecy for too long.’’ ‘’When television came they said the same thing. It is true that we have to mind the online because the future is digital and we are well aware

of it. The future is digital and there is no two ways about it. You have to prepare before you get there and not when you get there. ‘’This is a business, if we don’t succeed as a business, then we feel that even the

editorial product will suffer.

Our main challenge is to see that the success is both ways by having a good editorial product that wins you readers and when you win more readers, it wins you more advertisers.’’

Cotton Garment Industry’s Low Contribution to GDP Confounds Stakeholders Olawale Ajimotokan Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The sharp decline in the contribution of Cotton Textile and Garment (CTG) sector to Nigerian economy has been highlighted by stakeholders 16th African Cotton Association (ACA) international conference in Abuja. The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Industry, Hon Abubakar Husaini Moriki, said yesterday that recent indicators showed that the contribution of the cotton industry sector to the GDP had fallen from about 25 per cent in 1980 to about five per cent in recent times. Moriki attributed the retrogression to factors key of which were lack of mechanisation of the process,

inconsistent government policies and absence of improved cotton seed. He called on the federal government to invest in cotton production and provide not only the environment but improve the process of production through mechanisation as a panacea to boosting production in Nigeria and Africa.

Moriki said in order to develop the CTG, the National Assembly introduced a bill last year, adding that it had gone through the first and second readings and was awaiting its third reading. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, put Nigeria’s current cotton production output at 112,000 metric tonnes, far below the 180,000 MT produced

in 2014. Â Ogbeh said Nigeria was among the seven African countries granted the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme

by India.

The package benefited operators in the cotton sector to build capacity while India also donated farming equipment like solar powered knapsack sprayer, solar powered handpicker and Bullock drawn vertical rotor planter to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. India and Asian countries produce 60 per cent of global cotton output, while Africa produces only about 16 per cent in spite of its huge production potential. The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, who declared

the congress open, said there was now an urgency to revive the moribund textile industry through increased investments.

Abubakar said Africa’s quest for industrialisation can actualised if the cotton producing countries stop to export raw cotton with little or no value addition. “Our main challenge is therefore how to grow and process our cotton to sustain this quest. The continued export of cotton lint by African producers is unsustainable in view of global instability in the prices of cotton. We must leverage our potential and develop our capacities through strengthening the sector and providing producers the support to enhance competitiveness and technology,â€? Abubakar said.Â

EMEFIELE CONFIRMS POSTPONEMENT OF MPC MEETING services, affordable savings, credit payment, insurance and pension products should be designed, targeted at the vulnerable groups in the society.

He also urged commercial banks and micro finance banks to increase sensitisation to rural areas on the use of Point of Sale (POS), ATMs, and Cashless mobile money services.

Also, the CBN Head, Digital Financial Services, Mr. Stephen Ambore said getting the unbanked people to have access to financial services would contribute to economic development.

Giving a region-by-region breakdown on financial exclusion rate in the country, he said that the North-west was the most financially excluded zone with an exclusion rate of 70 per cent.

He said that second region with the highest financial exclusion rate was the North-East with a 62 per cent exclusion rate.

The North Central, according to him, had a 39 per cent exclusion rate while South-South had a financial exclusion rate of 31 per cent, and South-East, 28 per cent.

Ambore commended the

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South West, which he said had the lowest financial exclusion rate, which currently stands at about 18 per cent.

He attributed the challenges facing financial inclusion in the country to illiteracy, religious and cultural factors, security challenges and inappropriate financial service products and slow penetration of financial services in rural areas.

Meanwhile, the CBN Abuja

Branch Controller, Mrs Elizabeth Agu said the CBN was targeting to bring in fresh 8.4 million and 8.6 million adult Nigerians into the formal financial sector by 2019 and 2020 respectively. For the FCT, Agu said that banks operating in the territory had a target to open a minimum of 1,500 new accounts and offer fresh credit to at least 1,000 customers before the end of 2018.Â

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

55

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Ike Diogu (2nd left) and his teammates celebrating after defeating Cameroon in the semi final of the 2017 AfroBasket Tournament

FIBA Calls for Fresh Election into NBBF Board

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Solution appears to be in the horizon for crisis-ridden Nigerian basketball as the game’s world governing body, FIBA, has called for fresh elections into the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to end the nearly nine months deadlock.

In a letter the world body’s Secretary General, Patrick Bauman, addressed to both Amadu Musa Kida and Tijani Umar, (the two men laying claim to the exalted office of NBBF Presidency), the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, FIBA insisted that the two elections in Abuja and Kano respectively failed to meet the general statutes of the global body.

Specifically, based on the report of the three-man panel sent by FIBA to Nigeria to look into the crisis, it said that the election in Kano on June 12, 2017 that returned Umar as NBBF president did not comply with the Article 9.3 of the FIBA Statutes.

Similarly, FIBA also said that the Abuja election won by Kida also failed to adhere to Article 9.7 of the FIBA Statutes.

“The statutes and regulation of national members must comply with the General Statutes and Internal Regulations of FIBA,” the letter from FIBA noted.

“The General Statutes and Internal Regulations of FIBA shall form part of the national member federations’ statutes and regulations.

In the event of doubt or conflict the General Statutes and Internal Regulation of FIBA will prevail.”

Article 9.7 of the FIBA Statutes states that: “National members of the federation shall manage their affairs independently and with no

influence from third parties. In particular, they must ensure that their officials are either elected or appointed under a democratic process for a term of office for four (4) years. Their statutes must provide a transparent procedure that guarantees the complete independence of election or appointment.”

Bauman, also stated in the letter to the warring parties in NBBF that a new date for fresh election will be announced but until then, FIBA will continue the line of communication with Nigeria through the Kida-led board.

“FIBA will determine when the NBBF statutes are compliant as per the above and reserves the right to oversee parts or the entirety of the election process. Communication still to be maintained with Musa Kida, Babatunde Ogunade and Chimezie Asiegbu until such time as the new elections are held as per our letter of 26 July, 2017,” Bauman’s letter concluded.

In his reaction to the FIBA letter yesterday, Kida maintained that the NBBF will cooperate with the world body in order to come up with acceptable statutes for basketball administration in Nigeria in line with FIBA’s provision.

“Going by the letter received this morning (Thursday), FIBAwas silent about the date for a new election as they unequivocally stated that they will maintain communications with the Musa Kida led board.

We as a responsible organisation with a passion for basketball development in Nigeria will work closely with FIBA during this critical phase, forging a way forward for basketball in Nigeria,” Kida stressed in a statement issued by spokesman of his board, Oni Afolabi.

He maintained that the continued impasse has affected

the expected growth of basketball especially the various national leagues and capacity building programmes for coaches and technical officials as he called on all stakeholders to exercise more patience for the resolution of the matter.

Similarly, the Tijani Umar led faction of the NBBF welcomed the decision of FIBA for a fresh election to

“We aimed at organising a professional competition using the best of facilities, soccer personnel and technology. This explains the choice of Teslim Balogun Stadium which Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has graciously promise to support the project with,” he noted.

He explained that the annual championship has a target of players between 18 to 23 years, excluding players in either the amateur or professional rank of Nigerian football.

effort of FIBA and having consistently identified a new election as the only way for a fair and equitable settlement of the dispute, we accept the directive of FIBA for a fresh election based on the NBBF Statutes and overseen by FIBA without interference from any third party.”

The statement signed by Media Adviser to the Umar-

led NBBF, Patrick Omorodion however insisted they will go ahead with the conclusion of the National Divisions 1 and 2 championships currently going on in Ilorin, Kwara State, “ since FIBA has not recognised either of the elections held last June.”

It also promised to begin preparations for the elite Kwese Premier League.

No Movement for Eagles in March FIFA Rankings Due largely to the inactivity that pervaded the month under review, Nigeria remained in the 52ndspot in the latest FIFA rankings for the month of March released yesterday.

Super Eagles also remained seventh in the African rankings behind Tunisia (23), Senegal (27), DR Congo (39), Morocco (42), Egypt (44) and Cameroon (51).

Interestingly, Poland, the Eastern European nation Eagles are playing in a warm up game at the 43,000-capacity Stadium Wroclaw next Friday, moved up sixth place in the ratings. The poles are just a spot shy of their best-ever position in the FIFA rankings.

Serbia, the other country Nigeria is to play four days after Poland at the Hive in London, also remain stagnant in the 34thspot they occupied in last month rating.

There were no movements for Nigeria’s group rivals at the World Cup in Russia, Argentina (4), Croatia (15) and Iceland (18).

LEG Lagos Challenge Debuts withYouth Soccer Tourney Determined to contribute its own quota in talent discovery in football in the country, the maiden LEG Lagos Challenge is to hold between April 2nd and 8th at the main bowl of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Addressing the media during the week, the Director General of the project, Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, said that the event which is in conjunction with Donbalon Sports Commerz is to create a niche for pure passion, natural flair and fair competition among football academies in the country.

settle the lingering leadership dispute of the federation but noted as follows: “That after observing due process in line with the FIBA Statutes from which the NBBF Constitution was derived, the election held in Kano on June 12, 2017 should have been endorsed by FIBA; “However, as a body that respects the reconciliation

“The inaugural edition will compose of 16 teams drawn into four groups. The teams will engage themselves in round robin competition with the first two in each group going into the quarter finals and later all the way into the final match of the competition,” he explained.

Aside the football tournament, LLC has also put in place a developmental seminar which will come up during the draw ceremony of the competition on the 31st of this month.

At the top of the world rankings, Germany remains unshaken with Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Belgium maintaining their hold in the Top Five. Only Poland moved one step up to sixth with Spain, Switzerland, France and Chile

competing the Top 10 rankings.

The next FIFA Coca-Cola rankings come up April 12, 2018.

AFRICA’S TOP 10 1. Tunisia (23) 2. Senegal (27) 3. DR Congo (39)

4. Morocco (42) 5. Egypt (44) 6. Cameroon (51) 7. Nigeria (52) 8. Ghana (54) 9. Burkina Faso (56) 10. Algeria (60) r Global rankings in bracket

EUROPA RESULTS L’ Moscow 1 - 5 A’ Madrid Bilbao 1 - 2 Marseille Dynamo Kyiv 0 - 2 Lazio Viktoria 2 - 1 Sporting Zenit 1 - 1 Leipzig Arsenal 3 - 1 Milan Lyon 2 - 3 CSKA Moscow

Danny Welbeck fired from the spot the penalty that cancelled AC Milan’s opening goal at The Emirates… yesterday

Europa: Arsenal Beats AC Milan to Reach Q’final Danny Welbeck scored twice on the day he was recalled to the England squad as Arsenal beat AC Milan last night to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg in the San Siro, the Gunners fell behind on the night when Hakan Calhanoglu produced a wonderful finish from 30 yards after being allowed to

run unchallenged.

Arsenal quickly levelled, though, from a controversially awarded penalty - Welbeck going down under minimal contact from Ricardo Rodriguez before scoring from the spot.And, after highly rated Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma allowed Granit Xhaka’s long-range attempt to squirm into the net, Welbeck sealed a third straight

win with a close-range header.

Victory meant Arsenal reached a European quarter-final for the first time since 2010.

They will learn their last-eight opponents when the draw takes place today from 12:00 GMT. Milan’s players and fans were visibly - and perhaps justifiably angered by the decision to award Arsenal a penalty in the closing stages of the first half.

Friday, March 16, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE Abdu to Lalong “What responsible government turns its back on its people as they face daily attacks? What do they want to achieve by taking such a wicked stance?�

President of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Hon., Sunday Abdu lambasting Governor Simon Lalong for neglecting the security needs of his people who are slaughtered daily by Fulani herdsmen and choosing to genuflect before a presidential table.

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ISSAAREMU GUEST COLUMNIST

Between el-Rufai and Labour

T

he sharp of exchange of words in Abuja between Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made the news last week.

The Governor reportedly lashed out at the organised labour claiming unions “destroyed the nation more than they have contributed to it�. Hear him: “Trade Unions have never served the country well.

They have been selfish and everything is about their narrow interests. In general, in Nigeria, trade unions have been a danger to our progress and I think they should be curtailed�.

At the 40th anniversary when all Nigerians, including President Buhari, openly celebrated the role of labour in the struggle for independence, against colonialism, for democracy, against military dictatorship, Brother el-Rufai was exceptionally uncharitable to the nation’s workforce! But true to the Labour’s tradition of resistance against abuse, (verbal or policy wise) and in a quick reaction, organised labour, pointedly described the governor “as an embarrassment� to public office, and “anti-people and a chameleon�. The General Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson put it like this: “The country has a better moral standing than the likes of el-Rufai who has demonstrated that he is not fit to hold public office or political position. He is an embarrassment to public office in Nigeria. He speaks out of both sides of the mouth.. This is the same el-Rufai who once gate-crashed into one of NLC’s protests and pleaded to have NLC apron to be part of the protest.�

My take here is to further point out that the crisis of governance is deepening in Nigeria. With “friendly fires� between him and numerous real and imagined enemies, is my brother, the governor, really governing Kaduna state or governing serial (often self- inflicted!) crises of attrition?

Undoubtedly the relationship between NLC and Kaduna state government had degenerated since his controversial mass sack of about 22,000 teachers who allegedly scored below pass mark in a controversial competency test. The NLC and its affiliate unions in January marched in Kaduna in solidarity with the members of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) amidst unprecedented military/police presence.

That is expected. The world of work is all about cooperation and contestation.

Even at that it beats my imagination that a governor in the 21st century, (not the 19th century colonial King Kong!) would up scale his ideological opposition to Labour almost to a full blown hate speech. It is “dangerous� (tge governor’s word) and certainly unhelpful to his government, his ruling party, the APC, (which some of us voted for!) to make hostility against Labour a virtual policy. There is a bagful of el-Rufai’s volte face on a number of critical national issues including “Restructuring�

el-Rufai

. He hitherto decried it only to emerge as a new restructuring enthusiast without an apology for his previous dismissal of the recommendations of 2014 National Conference which favoured far reaching reform measures based on national consensus compared to the current partisan dictatorship.

It might be fashionable for the governor to relish in Labour bashing. But I recall that the governor had had mutually rewarding robust engagements with the labour movement with quotable quotes credited to both celebrating partnerships in governance.

As the NLC General Secretary pointed out, I was at the barricade in Abuja during the 2010 NLC strike and mass protests against fuel price hike during which then dissident citizen, el-Rufai, applauded Labour for providing platform for Nigerians to oppose unpopular policy of fuel price hike under President Goodluck Jonathan.

I recall the on-going partnership between him, the Buhari administration and Labour to revive the closed textile mills. Indeed Governor el- Rufai in 2015 hosted in Kaduna the national conference of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers’ Union (NUTGW) (together with Comrade Adams Oshihomole,who was then Edo governor), with adorned face cap singing workers’ solidarity song! Indeed there was once “a Comrade el-Rufai� who rightly saw unions as allies not as “dangerous� bodies. Was it all about opportunism on his part or enduring principle to make positive impact in nation-building?

This then raises the issue of capacity for governance. It’s time Nigerians demanded

for competence test for all governors. Many governors of course parade multiple excellent degrees from local and foreign universities.

But most of them lack the “real degree�, leadership and strategic training, to make a democracy work for the people. Most governors even lack the knowledge of the 1999 Constitution which informed their oath of office. The constitution defines Nigerians as citizens to be dignified, not slaves to be verbally abused. Indeed the constitution envisages dignity of labour. No private manager of a private company, no matter the provocation would ever describe his customers as “irresponsible� if he wants to sell in the market! I was scandalised that Governor el- Rufai without measured temperament of an elected governor, tagged Nigerian doctors “irresponsible� for going on strike! The Nigerian constitution and Labour laws recognise the right of any working man and woman to withdraw his or her service, including doctors in the face of violation of rights to decent work. In May 2016, in England 37,000 junior doctors went on three strike actions and had three years of contract negotiations with the National Health Service (NHS) on improved working conditions. Governor el-rufai must be from another “ planet� (his word!) not to know that doctors’ strikes are globally acceptable practices.

Samuel Gompers puts it better; “Show me the country that has no strikes and I will show you the country in which there is no liberty.�

Governor el-Rufai is certainly not Adolf Hitler! What should worry the governor is the exodus (sorry, “mass strike�) of

thousands of doctors and nurses abroad due to abysmal working conditions and indignities at home. The APC’s restructuring exercise is dead if the likes of el-Rufai lack basic appreciation of the importance of labour as a factor of development and nation building. The governor betrays gross ignorance of simple labour market issues (and indeed national development) by calling for the removal of labour from the Exclusive Legislative List. He even called for “very low� Minimum Wage (a grammatical overkill because “minimum� means “very low� !). All the 36 governors receive the same minimum/maximum pay in spite of their miserable internally generated revenues.

No governor earns “very low minimum� pay! What is good for governors should be good for a messenger and a cleaner. Nigeria cannot be part of the 20 leading developed economies without a development agenda that mainstreams labour motivation and productivity. World-wide, the laws which govern labour, capital and land as factors of production have significant impact on growth and development.

Even predatory colonial Lord Lugard and the military dictators or the recent past admnistrations eventually were compelled to recognise the importance of labour as a factor of production and development. The first federal (note, not regional!) ministry to be established was the Federal Ministry of Labour in 1914. Colonial authority as well as post-independent Nigerian governments recognised that labour was a critical success factor for transformation.

Behind the celebrated miracle of Nigeria’s double digit growth plus development in the 60s and 80s were progressive labour laws regulating minimum wages and pensions as well as collective bargaining and industrial conflicts. Given the current high level of youth unemployment, worsening poverty, unregulated immigration, foreign investment of dubious value and underdevelopment, rampant strikes and industrial conflicts, more than ever before, Nigeria needs a federally managed (not deregulated) labour process. Since humanity rightly banished slave trade (with prescribed punishment for slave traders!), Labour is no more a commodity to be verbally hired and fired as el-Rufai gleefully threatened to summarily sack lecturers of Kaduna state University if they dare go on “ASUU strike�. Labour markets “are socially embedded� for those that care. Labour markets harness human energies. They rely on human motivations, care, understanding, dignity and above all fairness failing which you get no production.

Labour creates wealth!

I, therefore, enjoin Governor el-Rufai to consciously cultivate Labour as a partner in the development process through social dialogue not through his endless “fire� with the attendant “fury� of labour. r $PNSBEF "SFNV NOJ JT B NFNCFS PG UIF /BUJPOBM &YFDVUJWF $PVODJM PG UIF /JHFSJB -BCPVS $POHSFTT /-$

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