Friday 6TH APRIL 2018

Kachikwu Puts Under-recovery on Petrol Imports at N1.4tn Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu yesterday put the under-recovery, a euphemism for subsidy, arising from the importation and sale of petrol at the government regulated

price of N145 per litre at N1.4 trillion per annum.

Speaking at a meeting in Abuja where operators in Nigeria’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sub-sector met to review the challenges of the LPG market and find ways to mainstream it into

the country’s fuel market, Kachikwu explained that it was time Nigeria began to look at alternative fuel sources like LPG which are clean and less expensive for the country.

He also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari would in the next two months launch

an infrastructure rebirth plan, which the country would leverage to attract private funding to upgrade her oil and gas infrastructure.

“Clean energy is very essential and we need to move away from complete utilisation in our transport

sector of only petrol which is creating a lot of under-recovery of N1.4 trillion per annum as the government’s exposure.

“At the end of the day, we will begin to go into other components of cleaner fuels and rely less on petrol that is gotten from out of the

country,” he said.

When asked to clarify if the figure on under-recovery for petrol was annual and how the federal government was going to address the funding gap, the minister said: “Yes, Continued on page 9

PDP Seeks Legislative Action Against President for Okaying $1bn Withdrawal from ECA… Page 48 Friday 6 April, 2018 Vol 23. No 8387. Price: N250

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23 Feared Dead as Herdsmen, Bandits Attack Benue, Taraba, Kaduna Communities … Page 12

Jostling for APC Chairmanship Begins, Oyegun, Oshiomhole, Ebri Emerge Contenders Governors, Oyegun, Tinubu in battle of wits over convention list Olawale Olaleye in Lagos and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Barely 24 hours after governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) seemingly resolved the quagmire that had arisen over President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the 12 months tenure extension granted to elected and appointed executives of the party at all levels, APC

stakeholders have turned their sights on national chairmanship seat.

THISDAY reliably gathered yesterday that names of possible contenders for the post were already being bandied around among different interested groups in the party.

Prominent among the contenders are the incumbent national chairman of the APC Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Continued on page 9

Buhari: I Have Never Showed Religious Bias Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja denied the persistent allegations of religious bigotry levelled against him, saying throughout his public life as a soldier, politician and administrator, he has never violated his oath of office.

Buhari, who stated this while receiving a delegation

of the Arewa Pastors NonDenominational Initiative for Peace in Nigeria led by Bishop John Abu Richard, said religious leaders have a responsibility of creating an enabling environment for peace and development to thrive.

Buhari, according to a statement by his Special Continued on page 9

Brazil Sends Former President Lula to Prison for Corruption ... Page 47

NEW MUSEUM IN THE PIPELINE FOR BENIN KINGDOM...

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Prof. Annie Coombes of the University of London; Prof. Nicholas Thomas of the University of Cambridge; and the Enogie of Evbuobanosa, Prof. Gregory Iduorobo Akenzua, when the governor hosted the visitors to dinner on Wednesday at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State, where discussions centred on the establishment of a world class museum for recovered Benin artefacts

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PAGE NINE JOSTLING FOR APC CHAIRMANSHIP BEGINS, OYEGUN, OSHIOMHOLE, EBRI EMERGE CONTENDERS who is eligible to seek another four years in office, the former governor of Edo State Adams Oshiomhole, and a former governor of Cross River State in the Third Republic, Clement Ebri.

A senior party official, who preferred to remain unnamed, informed THISDAY that the party was already looking beyond the tenure elongation issue which has distracted the APC for about six weeks, and was focused on the National Convention and who would succeed Oyegun.

“Right now, three persons are being considered – former Governors Oshiomhole, Clement Ebri and Oyegun,” the source disclosed.

Providing some insight on what the thinking is within the party on each of the possible contenders for the chairmanship post, he said some of the governors and Buhari loyalists are not very comfortable with Oshiomhole because of his strong personality and independence.

“Oshiomhole will make a good chairman because he is strong and independent minded, he cannot be pushed around. That is why the

presidency is pushing for him.

“But these same attributes are considered a drawback among several of the governors and Buhari’s loyalists who believe they will not be able to control him,” the party official said.

He noted that those opposing the choice of the former Edo governor have gone as far as unearthing what Oshiomhole did during his campaign for his second term bid in 2012 when he refused to allow Buhari to come and join his campaign in Benin, the Edo capital.

“They said that the former Edo governor cannot be trusted with power to lead the party at the national level,” the party source said.

He further revealed that those opposing Oshiomhole’s candidacy are rooting for the re-election of Oyegun, whom the governors, especially, believe is humble and accommodating of varied interests.

“Alternatively, there are others who are canvassing for former Cross River governor Ebri who will add fresh blood and ideas to the party,” he added.

In addition to turning their

focus of who will lead the party after its convention, the party’s chieftains, THISDAY learnt, are in a battle of wits over who should draw up the membership of the convention list.

It was gathered that in anticipation that Buhari would have his way on the conduct of congresses and the convention before the 2019 elections, the National Leader of the APC, Chief Bola Tinubu, had recently rushed a list of convention committee members to the president.

Some of the party members on the list he presented to Buhari, said sources conversant with the development, included Alhaji Bidi Lawal and Malam Kashim Imam to represent the North-east; the national vice-chairman of the party in the South-west zone, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, and a former party chairman in Ogun State, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello, to represent the South-West zone.

According to sources, the list drawn up by Tinubu came to light during the meeting

Buhari had with the APC governors on the tenure elongation issue on Tuesday.

At the meeting, the president was said to have mentioned the existence of a convention list, which no one knew about but himself.

“Upon sighting the list, nearly everyone knew who had drawn it up and immediately protested because it was considered deliberately tilted against certain interests in the party.

“It was for this reason the meeting between the president and the governors ended in a stalemate on Tuesday,” said one source.

He also revealed that for the North-east, two names – Lawal and Imam –were said to have angered the Borno State governor Kashim Shettima, who immediately said he would not standby and allow names to be submitted from his state without anyone consulting him.

The same development was said to have triggered a similar reaction to the South-west list.

Sources hinted that the Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun was particularly livid

at the fact that someone had drawn up such a critical list without consultations and was said to have consequently protested to the president about the development.

Amosun was quoted to have told the president that the list negated the spirit of collegiate leadership, which the South-west APC once propounded at an earlier meeting.

It was against this backdrop that the president was said to have consented to some of the proposed changes on the list, leading to two of the substitution of two of the names for the South-west, in order to balance the varied interest groups in the zone.

Although THISDAY was not informed on the names of the replacements on the revised convention list with Buhari, sources said one of those brought in to balance the contending interests in the South-west zone was the former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Niyi Adebayo.

Amosun was also said to have replaced Bello’s name with someone else’s name.

But on learning that the list he had submitted to Buhari had been tinkered

with, Tinubu was said to have been very angry and threatened fire and brimstone if he did not get his way.

Other than the amended list already in Buhari’s possession, the governors of the party are also pushing to select the chairman of the convention committee.

It was gathered that before they met with Oyegun privately on Wednesday, preparatory to the larger meeting with the larger NWC of the APC, the governors had picked Jigawa State governor Abubakar Badaru as the convention committee chairman.

However, during their private meeting with Oyegun where they tried to convince him to shelve the tenure elongation for him and other executives, the APC chairman had made it very clear that it was the responsibility of the NWC to pick members of the convention committee, in accordance with the party’s constitution.

On this issue, said a source, Oyegun was very adamant and could prove to be another flash point that the APC would have to skillfully navigate in the days ahead.

whether it is distribution of petroleum products massively through trucks and rather than through pipelines, whether it is being able to take crude to the refineries or distribute gas throughout the country, infrastructure is so key.

“There is a lot of stranded gas and power everywhere, so distribution is key, infrastructure is key. We need to find a way of finding enough incentives to enable the private sector go in very bullishly and put the money where it is supposed to be,”

he explained.

On the significance of the LPG meeting, he said: “Coming from this meetings we are having, we will come up with recommendations of what DPR needs to do to deepen licensing issues and enforcement issues, but over and above just going after individuals who have done it wrongly, what are the incentives, schemes and structures we need to put in place?

“It just goes to tell you where the storage capacity for

the gas we have been buying; where the official distribution and sales centers. If we deepen the regulation, deepen the licensing and enforcement, we should be able to get there.

“But like you know, we already have a gas policy which was approved at FEC (Federal Executive Council) and all of this is in there.

What this group is going to do is to take a piece of that, as it concerns LPG, and see how we can take that policy document and expand and activate the whole LPG chain.”

by design but by respecting and rewarding individual qualities,” the president was quoted to have said.

The statement said Buhari welcomed the group’s proposal to hold a one-day prayer and fasting meeting for the nation on April 26, promising to direct the

Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to provide adequate security for the gathering.

It added that the leader of the delegation, Richard, told Buhari that more than 45,000 pastors in Northern Nigeria had registered with the initiative to use their

pulpits for the propagation of the gospel of peace and will shun political distractions.

It also said the clergyman urged other pastors to support the administration’s effort to stop violence in various parts of the country and avoid politically motivated sermons.

KACHIKWU PUTS UNDER-RECOVERY ON PETROL IMPORTS AT N1.4TN that is per annum and that is being addressed at a very high level. But I don’t want to go into that.”

In March, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), disclosed that its current expenditure on petrol subsidy was N774 million per day, adding that 50 million litres of petrol was consumed in the country everyday.

NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, described the amount as “under-recovery”, blaming

the humongous subsidy element on the proliferation of fuel stations in communities with international land and coastal borders across the country, inferring that a large portion of the 50 million litres is smuggled across borders to neighbouring countries where petrol prices are higher.

Kachikwu also indicated that the government would launch an infrastructure rebirth plan for the oil and gas industry. The rebirth plan, he noted, would enable the private sector to invest in key

infrastructure assets across the entire value chain of the oil and gas sector.

“I think government is focused on all the areas.

We are hoping to launch an infrastructure rebirth map for the oil sector over the next two months, and I hope the president will launch that.

“The effect is that it will be to open up tariffs and create policy positions that will enable people to actually go in and invest in critical infrastructure that is needed because anywhere you go,

BUHARI: I HAVE NEVER SHOWED RELIGIOUS BIAS Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said in his days as military head of state, he had more Christians in his cabinet than Muslims.

“Some voices, for political or ethnic reasons, are making unguarded statements accusing the government and myself in particular of

religious bias.

“Let me assure you, honourable clergymen, that this is far from the truth.

In my career as a soldier, administrator, and politician, I have never veered from my oath of office.

“When I had the honour to lead a military government

there were more Christians than Muslims in the Federal Executive Council and the Supreme Military Council.

“This was not by design, but I appointed people on merit without the slightest bias. The present Federal Executive Council is also evenly balanced, again not

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STARTERS

British-Nigerian MC, Skepta Made a Chief in Nigeria British-Nigerian artist Skepta has been made a chief in his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home state of Ogun State in Nigeria.

The MC has been in Nigeria for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homecomingâ&#x20AC;? concert, which he invited the likes of J Hus, Not3s, Wizkid and Davido to perform at.

His chieftaincy title is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amuludun of Odo Ajeâ&#x20AC;?, which literally means the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chief Entertainer of Odo Ajeâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am honoured and will continue to put time and love into Nigeria, especially the community of Odo Aje,â&#x20AC;? Skepta, who was born in north London, said.

The grime artist has spent a lot of time in Nigeria over the past few years, performing at festivals and putting on his own shows.

The title heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been given is for â&#x20AC;&#x153;entertainers in all formsâ&#x20AC;?, according to BBC Lagos reporter Busayo Akogun.

Chieftain titles are given in recognition of a positive contribution to community wellbeing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which Skepta has done through entertainment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also such people are known to be at the forefront of transmitting culture and tradition of the land from one generation to another using their trades,â&#x20AC;? Busayo said.

Skepta, whose real name is Joseph Olaitan Adenuga, has been welcomed warmly in Nigeria, where his parents emigrated from.

Nigerian culture website Native Mag described his relationship with the country as â&#x20AC;&#x153;wholly organicâ&#x20AC;?.

British supermodel Naomi Campbell, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rumoured to be dating Skepta, congratulated the new chief on social media.

The supermodel has been in Nigeria with the MC, where she walked in ARISE Fashion Week and joined Skepta at his Homecoming pop-up shop.

The MC has previously been praised

Embattled Kogi State Commissioner of Police Mr. Ali Janga who was recalled to Abuja last week and replaced with Sunday Ogbu has been reinstated as the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s police commissioner.

Janga was recalled to Abuja by the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, following a jailbreak at a police station in Lokoja, the state capital, by some criminal suspects.

Owing to the jailbreak, the police commissioner and 13 others officers were recalled to Abuja for questioning.

This is as Senator Dino Melaye, who was declared wanted by the police for allegedly supplying firearms to the suspects who escaped from police custody, showed up yesterday in Lokoja to attend the eighth day Fidau prayer for the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, the late Buba Jibril.

The spokesman for the Kogi Police Command, Mr. William Ayah who confirmed the reinstatement of Janga yesterday, said he returned to his office on April 3 on the order of the IG. According to the command spokesman, Janga had met the one-week ultimatum given to him by the IG to re-arrest the suspects, hence his reinstatement.

Ayah also said another 13 persons who aided the escape of the suspects had been arrested in Lokoja.

According to him, those arrested included the operators of commercial tricycles who ferried the suspects

NEWS 23 F D H

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6, 2018 Ëž T H

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23 Feared De Benue, Tarabad as Herdsmen, Bandits a, Kaduna Co At Benue House mmunities tack caucus seeks extension to milit ary oper Email davidso

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The crisis has exodus of people, led to the mass when people were still mostly women and children, sleeping and from the affected started shooting sporadically casualty, saying communities the area remains , killing very five people in to Naka, the A total of 23 persons volatile. the process. yet to be properly local were yesterday government headquarte According to him, feared killed in briefed, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The casualty rs. promised to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The attackers â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Benue, Taraba The attack in provide journalists shooting is still figure may rise as with Kaduna States and who werefear is that the attackers came in the early hours going on. The a detailed

by Fulani herdsmen of today have occurred Asso was said to (yesterday) when moving unrestraine and bandits may storm people were under attack are still volatile areas incident as soon report on the the victims at about 10a.m. when respectively Naka because d, still asleep. The attacks as possible. so could not go to who took a While 10 persons . residents of Naka Efforts the have other places for we relation were killed have also started spread to Shaakaa village, now of being attacked, in Benue State, fear Public to reach the state Police to a hospital in Kafanchan fleeing Relations Officer returning home. were killed in Taraba five others were currentlytheir homes. Some are have so far recovered five and we the attacks began and you know David Missal, proved (PPRO), The unknown who have been State by herdsmen in Otukpomoving towards Adoka while people have continuedcorpses the people were in the night when he was abortive as gunmen were still asleep, so, not reachable said to have opened to flee is every the community Local Governmen there while a villageterrorising the state, on phone. .â&#x20AC;? tendency that t Area. fire on them The killings â&#x20AC;&#x153;We close to their more bodies He further disclosed would be recovered,â&#x20AC;? five others were head and seven humanitarimay have a huge community. which included in Kaduna State that killed attacks were still Nicholas Shehu an he said. in Kaduna a State by bandits.

Confirming the Garba, a member perpetrated in village head were of the nothing is donecrisis in Naka if which ongoing in the community Asso and Sarari House may swell the urgently to stem of Donga Local attack, Chairman Jamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a The attack in in Jema/Sang of Representatives for number of and Birnin Gwari Benue State took this problem,â&#x20AC;? the eyewitness Hon. Nashuka Government Area, Governme place in Mbakyond a federal constituenc Local said.

When Ipeyen, nt y, contacted, the said he was o, Mbakpa Areas of the and Sengaev respectively. state Police Commissio state communities Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page ner Mr. Fatai in the Omoseni, Agagbe area of said the situation 52 Government Gwer West Local Gwer in Area. communities was due to According to panic on the an eyewitness part of the residents the attackers , who are stormed the communities three reprisal moving out for fear of in the early hours an allegedby Fulani herdsmen, after of yesterday, shooting attack on some sporadically and burning herdsmen by some bandits. down houses in the communities.

He claimed that there â&#x20AC;&#x153;They came in their numbers casualties from the latest were no wielding sophisticate attack.

In Tabara, the attack shooting anything d weapons, Utile in Donga Local took place at on sight and razing peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Government Area. houses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we speak, The killing, which not less than 10 persons may took place few hours after most of them have been killed, of four herdsmen killed a family were while fleeing while gunned down Local at Mbiya village in Takum Governmen some were burnt alive in their the number of t Area, brought houses. those killed by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scores have gunmen within the 24 many are also been injured while A resident of hours to nine. the community though there unaccounted for, Mr. is total confusion Aondofa , palpable tension and to journalists Ianna, who spoke in the entire Gwer on phone, said West council the area at the moment. attackers, numbering the community over 30, invaded in the early hours

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APC LEADERS

R-L: Chairman, (APC), Chief JohnProgressives Governors â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum/Imo Senator Ibukunle Odigie-Oyegun; Chairman, State Governor, Rochas Nigeria Amosun, during in Abuja....yesterday APC governors Governorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum/ ZamfaraOkorocha; National Chairman, meeting with State Governor, All Progressiv the

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja with agency report

National Working Abdulaziz Yari; and Ogun es Congress Committee FG Inaugura tes Contracts Awa Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ttee to Review Amn esty Programm rded Since 2015 e, Forecloses inclu sion of new benef iciaries

State Governor, (NWC) at the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by the minister national secretariat allegations of in July 2017 over gross misconduc The Executive The panel t. the National Health Secretary of the up after Usman minister set (NIFS), Yusuf Insurance Scheme later indicted him suspension Usman, yesterday offered a public of infractions that ranged apology over alleged insubordin his mismanage from nepotism to Minister of Health, ation to the although ment of public funds, the report of the Ndubuisi Francis and â&#x20AC;&#x153;past mistakesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Isaac Adewole, was findings in Abuja not formally officials from released. was suspended over which he President Buhari the Amnesty last Office on the in February The federal governmen The minister set year. note of his predecessor committee t has set up a committee up a committee reinstated Usman, stirring to investigate a national to review the Director of Finance and are the briefs of departmen and written with furore and protest alleged misconduc a view to determinin Director of Procuremen Accounts, tal heads. by some staff operations of the Presidentia

by Usman, t of the agency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have but he was g the levels Amnesty of course taken t, Director of work done, l of Administra Programme (PAP) reinstated in February later time to carefully monies paid, my beneficiarie Some of the staff tion

by President s who protested mandate to, among others, with a Head of Audit, as well as the the Muhammadu at the handover notego through work done and the extent of adding that review committee contracts awarded not made p Buhari who has whe premises of the agenc the depart so far and th and the by th A is ch i d b bli U O b

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here for the integrat here was a mild drama at the ion of the physica the National gate of lly challenged Assembly recently group of physically when challenged personsa stormed the premises to protest many are regarded they described by their families as discriminationwhat and treated as them. The disability as a source of against objects of charity. bill which makes training centres The few vocationashame provision for the prohibitio l and ill-mainta set up by government are n of discrimination and harmful ill-equipped ined. Many end physically-challeng treatment towards while others up in the streets turn to drugs passed, awaiting ed persons in Nigeria and other socially as beggars able behaviou has r to accessibility to presidential assent. It also now been were graduates generate income. Yet many unacceptphysical structures provides for of different tertiary of them for public buildings and makes it graduates of institutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We mandator , roads, different walkways and constructed in y ďŹ elds. We went are schools with others to be such a way that to the same tertiary able access them. a person with when it comes persons and I know we disability can spent more to academic expenses, Besides the law marginal that compels yet we are being ised,â&#x20AC;? said Godstime modate them the governme the associatio in n who led the Onyebulam, president of tory to many any major enterprise, Nigeria nt to accomNational Assembly international is a signaconventions opportunities protest. that support for all their citizens. rom the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigerian equal The United Nations s with Disability ATTEMPTS MUST of 1993 which â&#x20AC;? military decree provides â&#x20AC;&#x153;a clear BE MADE deďŹ nes equalisati legal protection TO OPEN UP and comprehe on and security EDUCATIONAL of opportun nsive ability as for Nigerians AND EMPLOY ities as with disâ&#x20AC;&#x153;the process MENT of their rights well as establish standard through OPPORTUNITIES and privileges for enforcem which ent â&#x20AC;?

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EMBRACE LIFE the such as the physical attitude of Nigerians The main challenge has been CONFIDENCE WITH MORE and cultural to the plight Yet according of this vulnerabl the environto e group. ment, housing reports, there World Health Organisation and are (WHO) and health services, with one form as many as 25 million Nigerians educational and transportation, social of disability or cultural and living work opportun another. social A recent news ities, facilities are made life, including sports and report stated cent of public clearly that recreational accessible to buildings in all.â&#x20AC;?

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11 F1111 POLITICS T44E4444S4444444444444444 In Ekiti, Bam idele Unveils Articles of Fa 4444444444444444444444444444444 ith T4444444444444444444444444444 T 444J44414444444444444444444 444 444444444444444444 4444444 44444444444444444S44 444444444444 444444444444444444444444444444 444444444 44444444444444 P1 1 1 17 6, 2018

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Group Politic s Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.so niyi@thisday live.com 0705478626 0 SMS ONLY

Among the thos for Informati e seeking to become Ekiti on and Strat State governor egy takes a look at his credentia in Lagos, Opeyemi Bam is a former Commiss ioner ls idele. Gboyega he Ekiti State governorship is already at Akinsanm election the threshold contest, which i . The has been slated for July

14, has attracted number of aspirants a huge from diverse political parties. in the race in good faith and Some are indeed to make difference with clear vision . Others, however, the race either acceptability to measure their level joined of public or deploy their tool to negotiate aspiration as their political a Either ways, future. redefined the all the aspirants have largely stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political different activities climate with taking place basis. On on daily the (APC) platformAll Progressives Congress alone, over are seeking public approval 40 aspirants from the incumben to take over t governor, Fayose. In Mr. Ayodele the Peoples (PDP), too, Democratic about 30 aspirants Party for the same are jostling job.

What are the aspirants table? That bringing is people are the question to which to the seeking answers. the Ekiti of the aspirants Indeed, many programmes have come up with different Ekiti people of action. Some promised the propounded a new dawn. Not a few Ekiti rebirth, is imperative which they have its economic to restore its lost values; argued, develop potentials social amenities and reposition . its But none defined his of these aspirants has ever mission as Commissioner brazen as a Hon. Opeyemi for Information & former Strategy, Bamidele did.

Bamidele provided Sector comprehensiveby sector, to the question answer the Ekiti people asking in a have been 121-page manifesto in Iyin-Ekiti, he unveiled titled, KeepingEkiti State. The manifesto was and DevelopmHope Alive: The Ekiti Growth Bamidele was ent Blueprint. indeed unequivoc mission this al about his time. He was about it, speaking Opeyemi Bamidele equally strategic the truth of the Ekiti youths and alone to the souls indicated in surance to a the conscienceappealing with aspresented paper Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmb At the presentati of the Ekiti at a conferenc elders. 2016, resolute in seeking on, he said he remained e he addressed i 12.9 percent Ekiti State in its 2017 in an opportuni has three leadership as multi-dim fundamental poverty rates, the ty â&#x20AC;&#x153;to provide problems. First, it a way of addressing is one of the socio-economic ensional concerns about states with in the state still largely our shared the lowest Gross Domestic realities governance in the federation depict the After due consultatio Product (GDP) extreme poverty, in Ekiti State.â&#x20AC;? case of . Second, the especially n with constit communitie have enough 117 wards i in its a state d b Eki

WEEKENDFILE B1 1 1 11 1 T1111 1 S ft for his community work in Tottenham, when he partnered with Levis to create

a music space for local kids in the community centre.

Kogi CP Reinstated, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wantedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Melaye Storms State for Jibrinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fidau Prayer Y44444J44 44 L

Two-Minute BrieďŹ ng

after their escape and the owners of the houses where they slept after the suspects absconded from police custody.

He said all of them would be charged to court after conclusion of investigations.

Janga, on March 28, announced that six suspects, including Kabiru Seidu aka Osama and Nuhu Salisu, who had named Melaye as their firearms supplier, had escaped from the custody of the police in Lokoja.

The development forced the IG to remove Janga as the police commissioner and named Ogbu as his replacement.

But in a new twist to the bizarre case, Melaye, who was declared wanted by the police for allegedly supplying the firearms to the suspects, yesterday showed up in Lokoja to attend the eighth day Fidau prayer for the late Buba Jibril.

The senator, who was in the company of Senate President Bukola Saraki, was received by a representative of the Kogi police commissioner at the airstrip in Obajana, where the private jet conveying the Senate President and his delegation landed.

It was gathered that Melaye also shook hands with the representative of the police commissioner at the airstrip before heading for the Fidau prayer.

As Melaye alighted from the sport utility vehicle of the Senate President at the event at Islamia Primary School Kabawa, he raised his two fingers to acknowledge cheers from the crowd

as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sai Dinoâ&#x20AC;? rented the air.

Some members of the Kabawa community also provided their own local security for the senator apart from those of the Senate President.

Before the prayer session, however, there was some mild drama when loyalists of Governor Yahaya Bello, who had hung their banner before supporters of the senator, tried to stop the latter from hanging Melayeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s banner very close to that of governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group.

But the master of ceremonies quickly interjected, warning that the occasion was a prayer session for the late Buba and not for politicking.

His intervention averted an incident that could have turned violent, as there has been no love lost between Bello and Melaye, with the latter often accusing the governor of his travails with the police.

The crowd at the eighth day prayer, nonetheless, was unprecedented as the list of dignitaries included the immediate past governor of the state Idris Wada and his former deputy Yomi Awoniyi; majority leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Hon. Emmanuel Egwu, representing Idah federal constituency; Hon. James Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency; Hon. Kabiru Ajana, representing Okehi/Adavi federal constituency; and Hon. Hassan Omale, representing Ankpa/Omala/ Olamaboro federal constituency.

The Kogi governor was represented by his deputy Simon Achuba.

human resources and environm Stateâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? ent in Ekiti Bamidele, thus, the public domainoffered to put these ideas in with the Growth and Development Blueprint on Ekiti described as Agenda, which a he of prosperity manifest of change or a charter Bamidele said. Armed with this documen the next level Ekiti would be catapulted t, rather than to if offered opportun being left behind, Sector by sector, ity to serve.

Bamidele reeled programmes out his deliver on his of action with conviction promises. to with a pledge He, however, started â&#x20AC;&#x153;to develop towards effective new strategies governan in line with selfless service ce in Ekiti State by example which is to as reflected corporate dispositio in private lives lead and ns.â&#x20AC;?

His manifesto was built namely; economic on nine capital developm development, pillars human ent, social infrastructure developm & new town development, housing, ent, development, rural transformation, urban environment, & regional & sustainab sanitation ility, law, security well as public & order administration. service & local governme as nt Bamideleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great promise economic blueprint the least GDP for the state perhaps holds with and the lowest SMEs in the number of federation. development Under the economic and implemeninitiative, he promised â&#x20AC;&#x153;to adopt said, would t pro-poor policies,â&#x20AC;? which he encourage periodic interactio his commitm ent to ns with the at all levels.

Ekiti people Beyond sustaining robust engageme the people, Bamidele pledged nt with the populace â&#x20AC;&#x153;to empower and participatioand sustain their active interest in Ekiti State n in the business of governanc apathy among and stem the tide of pervasivee policies,â&#x20AC;? whichour people towards governmen t from endemic according to him, often posturing of policy somersaults and arose previous administr fascist He equall atio l

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Acting Feature s Editor: Charles

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Ethiopian

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Bags NANTA Highes Airline and the t Award given the highest only Award by the Skytrax Four Star in Africa Travel Agents was (NANTA) as the National Association of Nigerian Award at its most Supportive annual Award was presentedgeneral meeting (AGM) International Airline in Port Harcourt. by the Chairman Steve Isokariri The Board ofTrustees by the Managersto the General Manager of the Airline of NANTA General Managerfrom Abuja, Kano and Kaduna. supported for their support Mrs. Firihewot Mekonnen In her speech, the and loyalty thanked the Nigeria since agents November 1960to the airline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ethiopian has been have supported and today serves ďŹ ve Airports. in stuck to Nigeria Nigeria all through its We ups and downs. as a brother closure experience We have should. You may recall the Abuja going to Kaduna. last year and how we made She added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;For airlifted the highest the ďŹ rst time the sacriďŹ ce of number of passenger an African airline a testimony to s airline. We are the growing relationship out of Nigeria, which is between Nigeria very happy to L-R: Executive aircraft in the serve Director, Corporate world the Airbus Nigerians with the most and our Company, Dinesh along with the modern A350 and Rathi; Managing Banking, First Bank of Founder and Nigeria Limited, Director/C is an example B777 aircraft. Ethiopian the B787 Dreamliner Chief Consultant the new Spirit of the African Banking Group, , B. Adedipe hief Executive Officer, First Remi Oni; Chief Executive of African spirit of Determina Associates Limited Bank of Nigeria Officer, Lagos Lagos â&#x20AC;Ś recentlyFirst Bank of Nigeria Limited, tionâ&#x20AC;?

Emirates and Guest Speaker, Limited and Subsidiarie Free Trade Zone Bashirat Odunewu, Emirates AirlineNamed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Airline at the FirstBank Biodun Adedipe; and Group s, Adesola Adeduntan of Breakfast Session Executive, Internation ; Air Transport has been named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Airline the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the Nigerian of Awards. based the evaluation Emirates won the the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the 2018 Economy held al prestigious in from a jury comprised experts from accolade diďŹ&#x20AC;erent sectors of executives ExecutiveVice within the aviation and President and industry.

Thierry Antinori Chief Commercia l OďŹ&#x192;cer for Emirates, Commenting received the award on behalf of the on recognised by the win, Mr Antinori said: airline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are honoured Ebere Nwoji excellence. Wethe Air Transport Awards for our commitmeto be airline to deliverhave a strong customernt to centric INSURA NCE Twenty nine on the ground the best possible experience focus across the insurance firms difficulty settling by continually currently both in the such claims. innovations investing in a have negative noted but because He translated and service modern ďŹ&#x201A;eet, air and reserves, recent industry needs enhancem of at technology across product data released urgent attention of the sector regulatorinfluence ruling at that the exchange rate the Nigeria Insurers by our operations ents. We are also embracing consumer preference time the contract that the was National Insurance to Association as negative reserves is an (NIA) has revealed. signed. s. This award meet and exceed evolving indica- (NAICOM tion of imminent Commissio work and eďŹ&#x20AC;orts is a testament of staďŹ&#x20AC; across crisis. ) on such firms, n Furthermore, According to to the hard everyday by At the he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you the airline that the have taking care of firms reported the NIA, the 29 Managingheat of the recession, the firms would resort make to pay, a our levels high.â&#x20AC;? Emirates diďŹ&#x20AC;erence it means that to customers and reserves to Director Internation you amounting to negative reserves Energy keeping settle such their have to cough up is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a network that al largest internation our service money from spans 159 destinatio 2016. The reportN93.15 billion in had Insurance, Mr. Peter Irene, a situation which he said claims, your internal operations al airline, with one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in would up ns in 85 countries, to make that 15 non life further revealed with an exclusive interview be suicidal for such firms. when you are 777 and Airbus youngest wide-body THISDAY, raised paying claims â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most insurance ďŹ&#x201A;eets made operating in dollar that A380 aircraft.

N51.79 billion,operators posted that up of Boeing launched a number firms were denominat dearth of Forex the alarm their treaty Over operators posted while 14 Life by the ed agreement in had in Naira. occasioned of signiďŹ cant the past year, the airline Boeing 777 and collapse Naira even when they has product enhancem A380 aircraft.

Another problem The negative N41.36 billion. the prevailing of oil price and accepted dollar Onboard Lounge, ents on Emirates unveiled risk. What he government not be unconnectreserves may policy its enhanced its Forex example, it means is that for was that most of the noted seating arrangemefeaturing an airier look A380 then, had ed with the dollar and feel, reconďŹ gur claims you now have recession as compelled nts around inspired dĂŠcor, a claim, will that were not paid before, many insurance firms which underwrite you have to ed as well as new the iconic bar with private firms who pay in have dollar the denominated underwrite high-tech touches. yachttime you took dollar but at do that, to be paid now and to risks, to fall dollar to denominated operators have back up the Air Freight Up their to pay the period had policies, during settle internal operations to even though some people risk, more and that 6.7% in Februa The Internation claims at will to pay the claims placed their it in dollar, from their reserve the exchange comprehensiveimpact on ry their comprehenthe expense of at that growth resultsal AirTransport Association rate due to the income. time (IATA) sive for high inflation The was a fi xed income. showing a 6.8% global air freight markets released demand He rate. Insuranceinternational Energy the exchange rate and rise in insurershad also observed that Because of that, most insurance increase in demand for February boss kilometers (FTKs) rate of Naira 2018 firms have who delayed measured in the issues addisaid those were dollar. to cough up compared to to of doll settlement freight t Adjusti f th h l i d h

BRAINSTOR MING ON NIGER IAN ECONOMY

29 Insura Firms Billion Nence t N93.15 gative RePos serves

CITY STRINGS R1111M1111 11 A111 1 A111 111

CITYSTRING S

T H I S D AY

â&#x20AC;˘ FRIDAY, APRIL

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

B44444444444444444444420184444 4444444444444444444444444444444 3491 4444444444444444444444444444 444444544 444444444444444A44 T44444444A4444444444444444444444 T44444444 44444444444444 444444 Royal March on A saba Airport 444444444444444444444444444444 B 444 44444444444 44444444 P1 1 1 40 Members of

the Asaba traditional

council inspecting

facilities at the

Asaba Internationa l Airport...rec ently

In this repo rt, of members Omon-Julius Onabu of the Asab a traditiona evaluates the significan y the beginning l council to of the year (2018) traffic was expected the airport in ce of the recent visit air its big hammer on 3.91 billion passengersto reach about the the Delta State at the growth Citing an undulating fledging Asaba facility. rate of 5.4 per as the main range of surroundin runway, a meddlesom cent, going capital contractor. However, Transport Associatio

by Air runways g hills, poor e lighting of the to another and the contractor one thing led n projections and taxiways, The economic . lack

active the completed access to air benefits of improved and inadequate of travel project in three could not deliver the with varied and baffling number of perimeter fencing stipulated personnel as compelling. Several facilities are numerous completion to four months tales on paper. Incidentall major grounds, well-trained airport and measures have as been sign-postedof the prestigiou about why by governmen the NCAA formally unchanged after been employed downgraded Asaba by claims and s facility has even at least y, the story was of contract deadline rescheduli time, the Emmanue International Airport. certain issues ts and airline owners to three counter-claims breaches. address At the and challenges ng. It became completion l sector especially in the aviation was only one monthUduaghan administration that something had crystal clear against the to give. shy of its Inspection economically Nonetheless, backdrop of and acknowledging exit. the of the The Asagba-in Standing out stimulating benefits of Special Project royal interrogation project to the the air travel. in bold relief -council visits Director for development importance Austin Ayemidejo administra aviation facilities, It was hardly the airport project, is insufficien the airport agenda of his surprising, cy of of Delta tion, and indeed future r, the permanen particularly to cope with standard airports t secretary, State, generations management and workers therefore, when the Ministry of Works, Fred Edafiogor who had the rare Okowa, wasted the state governor, Dr passengers the steadily growing number of the Asaba and Jihad Yaghi, and even the experience Airport firm is the Area Manager of Ifeanyi high-powe no time of in towards of Setraco constructio volume of cargo.

Nigeria, despite handling a speedy upgrademobilising resources red delegation playing host to a n team through the project, conducted from lowing rapidly expanding its huge population of traditional of the royal the 3.4 kilometres chiefs and a loan due legislature approval,the airport. Fol- HRM the royal palace of the economy, in and sophisticat Asagba of Asaba, the undulating portions facility was (Prof.) Chike runway where a N5.01 billion terms soon ready, Edozien, the were and of and, though ion levels, has only 30 of size commenced Asaba reinforced being and traditional Kingdom, jolted the upgrade peeled in earnest. Two with thicker airports; were five of these for the fact that four currently by the situation.ruler asphalt. Their layers of stones off are so labeled, other engaged by efforts were his royal majesty But the governmen companies on medical only certain supplemented and Thus, the real function as international was then away state Commissioner t to undertake aspects of the vacation to airports by the need to addre for Works J proje t and hi I Am i the U i indi tra l d

INTERNATIONAL B S F P L P C B â&#x20AC;&#x2122; L I L S 12 F 24 T J S M B â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;C W â&#x20AC;?

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Brazil Sends For Lula to Prison mer President for Corruption

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Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former president Luiz Inacio Lula of Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house!â&#x20AC;? da his 12 year Silva, will begin Lula had been he tweeted. prison term However, due to address Friday, after from a Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; there a judge gave were celebrations Party rally 24 hours to on the right in the surrender to him city on Friday and afternoon, but among prosecutors police.

The order from supporting the epic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car Judge Sergio that event would now Moro, head coincide which Washâ&#x20AC;? probe, with Moroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surrender has â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car Washâ&#x20AC;? huge Lula petitioned deadline. corruption revealed high-level anti-graft probe, came as a throughout Brazilian to the Supreme complete given that lawyers surprise be allowedCourt on Thursday to business and politics ! .Ĺ? %.ÄĽ over the last four years. to remain had earlier said the leftist )Ä&#x152; pursuing appeals free while To them, Lula president hadformer two-term courts in higher against his conviction Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corruptioepitomizes +Ĺ? !* (!Ĺ?

Tuesday before at least until receiving 5+1Ĺ? 0+Ĺ? .! !%2!Ĺ? for elite. n-riddled heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have to a seaside apartment His convictio ,.+),0(5Ä&#x152;Ĺ? go behind as a bribe from 5+1.Ĺ? bars. Ĺ? n on charges of a constructio Lula, 72, was **1 (Ĺ? !,+.0Ĺ? $ /Ĺ? %*0.+ 1 ! /$ .!$+( !.Ĺ? +))1 company. A n apartmen accepting a seaside *% 0%+* Ĺ? 0$!Ĺ? !(! 0.+* lower court the most popularonce one of failed t as a bribe * Ĺ? +1* appeal + 1)!*0/Ĺ?0+Ĺ?/$ is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car this January.

Washâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? biggest 0/Ä&#x152;Ĺ? ,.+45Ĺ? "+.)/Ĺ? % Ĺ? !(%2!.5Ĺ? +"Ĺ? /Ĺ? politician on the planet scalp by far. %0/Ĺ? .!$+( !./Ä&#x2039; However, the * Ĺ? +0$!.Ĺ? and he easilys Lula, who Supreme Court leads polls /0 010+.5Ĺ? grew up poor judges in %0$Ĺ?0$%/Ĺ?/!.2% presidential Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s October session ruled 6-5 in a marathon and with little formal !Ä&#x152;Ĺ?%*/0! incarceration election. His must that under the law, Lula education before becoming .!,+.0/Ĺ? * Ĺ?+0$!.Ĺ? +.,+. 0Ĺ?+"Ĺ?.! !%2%*#Ĺ? Ĺ? $ . race completewill throw the havingbegin his sentence after a trade union leader /+"0Ĺ? +,5Ĺ?+"Ĺ?0$! Ĺ? +,5Ĺ?+ !Ĺ? ly politician, lost that first and Ĺ? **1 (Ĺ? !,+.0+ 1)!*0/Ä&#x152;Ĺ?5+1Ĺ? *Ĺ?!(! 0"Ĺ?+1.Ĺ? **1 (Ĺ?

Moroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office open. says he will appeal.

Still, +3*(+ go Ä&#x152;Ĺ? .+45Ĺ? +.)Ä&#x152;Ĺ?!0 Ĺ?0+Ĺ?.! !%2!Ĺ? Ĺ? view of Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s said that in expectedit had been widely down fighting. (!Ĺ?2!./%+*Ĺ?+"Ĺ?0 .!//Ĺ?+.Ĺ?+ Analysts Ĺ?!%0$!.Ĺ? /Ĺ? Ĺ?(%*'Ĺ?0 former presidentstature as a technical that with more say that *Ĺ? Ĺ? +), 0Ĺ? $!Ĺ?.!,+.0Ĺ?0$ 0Ĺ?3%((Ĺ? !Ĺ?/! +Ĺ? Ĺ? election hopes his appeals, , he would have â&#x20AC;&#x153;the %/'Ĺ?Ĩ ÄŠÄ&#x152;Ĺ?3$% $Ĺ?3 *0Ĺ?0+Ĺ?5+1.Ĺ?!) % start his sentence Lula would been have now opportunity dealt (Ĺ? %((Ĺ? !Ĺ?,+/0! only sometime present himself (! /!Ĺ? +),(!0! to next week Ĺ?0+Ĺ?5+1Ä&#x2039; But he is a body blow. at the earliest. Ĺ?0$%/Ĺ?"+.)Ĺ?0+Ĺ?.!# to police in the voluntarilyâ&#x20AC;? not 0$!Ĺ? +),(!0!

Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left knocked out. necessari ly %/0!.Ĺ?5+1.Ĺ?,.!"! is furious where the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carcity of Curitiba, the Ĺ?"+.)Ĺ?0+Ä? at Supreme Washâ&#x20AC;? .!* !Ĺ?

In theory, once Court ruling, probe seeing is based, by * Ĺ?.!01.*Ĺ? someone has been convicted GMT) Friday. 5:00 pm (2000 imprisonmLulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imminent $!Ĺ? !#%/0. .Ä&#x152; and their lower ent There was court appeal, lost prevent the as a plot to are . %* ( 0+* they barred from Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Party reaction fromno immediate from !Ĺ? !#%/0. ./Ĺ? %) running returning Lula, who Ä&#x192;Ä&#x2020;Ä&#x2030;Ä&#x152;Ĺ? !. !.0Ĺ? had been to power. office under Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clean for %0! Ä&#x152; Party described earlier said leader Gleisi Hoffmann law. But the issue will slate by supporter Ä&#x152;Ĺ? #+/ 1( 5Ĺ? 5Ä&#x152;Ĺ? the court ruling not be decided for jailing calmly. s as facing his â&#x20AC;&#x153;constitut months. violated Lula has until ional law and However, Senator presumption mid-Augu +.Ĺ? *5Ĺ?+"Ĺ?0$!Ĺ? !

Lindbergh of innocenceâ&#x20AC;? the to register his candidacy st Farias, from made and #%/0. .Ĺ&#x2020;/Ĺ?+Ăž !/ and Party, issued Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bananaBrazil â&#x20AC;&#x153;look like a little only after that will the Ĺ?* 0%+*3% a Electoral Tribunal Superior republic.â&#x20AC;? supporters to defiant call for ! rule congregate in whether his of Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house front candidacy is on valid. near Sao Pauloin Sao Bernardo CHANG on Friday.

E OF NAME ./Ä&#x2039;Ĺ? 1*)%Ĺ?Ĺ? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moro ordered I formerly known prison for CHANGE OF Lula. Everyone +), *5Ĺ? ! . ! % 1 and addressed as DOREEN NAME tomorrow from to Sao Bernardo !0 .5 I.J. MAXWELL I, formerly known now wish 5:00 am in front , and addressed as EZEUDO addressed to be called and BEN OBINNA, as DOREEN EZEUDO BENJAMIN INEMENTE JOHNÍłMAX CHANGE OF OBINNA

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Group Sports Editor Duro Email duro.ik hazuagbe@th Ikhazuagbe isdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Falcons Pri med for Good Ou ting against France

Olawale Ajimotok an in Abuja

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting game is an before the contingen Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nigeria a mix one with on Wednesd t landed session national senior women and in the upcoming of veterans to use the ay is expected the Super France, Falcons, is team, stars, while game to try Le Mans evening at Chikwelu scheduled fresh invitees out who finished , take on France Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stadium. to to spice up Chukwunonye, Josephine senior in the team. today in fourth place at the an internatio won eight of Falcons have Ugo caps.

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O versus ALP/ A & SPA Ajibade.

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Olympic Committe e, NOC, We know that you have Habu Gumel, it takes what Team Nigeria has charged country. to win gold for our than to bring in shame to athletes The our country government to the been ongoing XXI However, Chee through tainted has Feng Leong Games in Commonwealth and most supportive to you medals,â&#x20AC;? Dalung warned the and Javen Choong combined athletes.

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Team Nigeria Chall enged to Win Bigge st Medal Haul

in Gold Coast

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018

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FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

23 Feared Dead as Herdsmen, Bandits Attack Benue, Taraba, Kaduna Communities Benue House caucus seeks extension to military operation against herdsmen John Shiklam in Kaduna, Geroge Okoh in Makurdi, Wole Ayodele in Jalingo and James Emejo inAbuja A total of 23 persons were yesterday feared killed in Benue, Taraba and Kaduna States by Fulani herdsmen and bandits respectively.

While 10 persons were killed in Benue State, five others were killed in Taraba State by herdsmen who have been terrorising the state, while a village head and seven five others were killed in Kaduna State by bandits.

The attack in Benue State took place in Mbakyondo, Mbakpa and Sengaev communities in the Agagbe area of Gwer West Local Government Area.

According to an eyewitness, the attackers stormed the three communities in the early hours of yesterday, shooting sporadically and burning down houses in the communities.

“They came in their numbers wielding sophisticated weapons, shooting anything on sight and razing people’s houses.

“As we speak, not less than 10 persons may have been killed, most of them were gunned down while fleeing while some were burnt alive in their houses.

“Scores have been injured while many are also unaccounted for, though there is total confusion and palpable tension in the entire Gwer West council area at the moment.

“The crisis has led to the mass exodus of people, mostly women and children, from the affected communities to Naka, the local government headquarters.

“Our fear is that the attackers who were moving unrestrained, may storm Naka because the residents of Naka have also started fleeing their homes. Some are currently moving towards Adoka in Otukpo Local Government Area.

“We may have a huge humanitarian crisis in Naka if nothing is done urgently to stem this problem,” the eyewitness said.

When contacted, the state Police Commissioner Mr. Fatai Omoseni, said the situation in Gwer communities was due to panic on the part of the residents who are moving out for fear of reprisal by Fulani herdsmen, after an alleged attack on some herdsmen by some bandits.

He claimed that there were no casualties from the latest attack.

In Tabara, the attack took place at Utile in Donga Local Government Area.

The killing, which took place few hours after herdsmen killed a family of four at Mbiya village in Takum Local Government Area, brought the number of those killed by the gunmen within 24 hours to nine.

A resident of the community, Mr. Aondofa Ianna, who spoke to journalists on phone, said the attackers, numbering over 30, invaded the community in the early hours

Embattled NHIS Boss Apologises for ‘Past Mistakes’

PDP accuses APC, presidency of looting scheme’s funds Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja with agency report The Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NIFS), Yusuf Usman, yesterday offered a public apology over his alleged insubordination to the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, and “past mistakes’ over which he was suspended last year.

The minister set up a committee to investigate alleged misconduct

by Usman, but he was later reinstated in February by President Muhammadu Buhari who has not made public the report of an investigation committee that was turned over to him.

Usman, according to Premium Times spoke in public for the first time on the saga in Abuja at a media briefing organised by the newly inaugurated 11-member governing council of the NHIS. “My suspension in the past seven months was for me as the chief executive secretary of the scheme a time of sober reflection.

Whatever is it I did not do right, I will correct,” he said.

“My relationship with the leadership in the Ministry of Health, to a very large extent, I will correct any mistake made. I make that pledge today,” he added.

There has been perceived tension between Usman and Adewole since the NHIS boss was suspended

by the minister in July 2017 over allegations of gross misconduct.

The panel the minister set up after Usman suspension later indicted him of infractions that ranged from nepotism to mismanagement of public funds, although the report of the findings was not formally released.

President Buhari in February reinstated Usman, stirring a national furore and protest by some staff of the agency.

Some of the staff who protested at the premises of the agency when Usman reported back to his office complained of alleged highhandedness against the NHIS chief.

Usman, a paediatrician, also pledged to the management, staff and unions in the agency yesterday that he would mend ways with them.

“My relationship with my management and staff will be corrected. We will sit down, we will fight and we will hug. It’s all because of our passion for the people and nothing else.

“I will do all I can to change our ways and put the enrollees at the centre. We have a duty and we are changing the name of the enrollees today to lives. Enrollee just sounds like a name for inmates.

“It’s a human being and I am

Cont’d on page 52

when people were still sleeping and started shooting sporadically, killing five people in the process.

According to him, “The attackers came in the early hours of today (yesterday) when people were still asleep. The attacks have now spread to Shaakaa village, and we have so far recovered five corpses while people have continued to flee the community.”

He further disclosed that attacks were still ongoing in the community which may swell the number of

casualty, saying the area remains very volatile.

“The casualty figure may rise as shooting is still going on. The areas under attack are still volatile so we could not go to other places for fear of being attacked, and you know the attacks began in the night when the people were still asleep, so, there is every tendency that more bodies would be recovered,” he said.

Confirming the attack, Chairman of Donga Local Government Area, Hon. Nashuka Ipeyen, said he was

yet to be properly briefed, and promised to provide journalists with a detailed report on the incident as soon as possible.

Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), David Missal, proved abortive as he was not reachable on phone.

The killings in Kaduna State which included a village head were perpetrated in Asso and Sarari in Jama’a and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of the state respectively.

The attack in Asso was said to have occurred at about 10a.m. when the victims who took a relation to a hospital in Kafanchan were returning home.

The unknown gunmen were said to have opened fire on them close to their community.

Nicholas Shehu Garba, a member of the House of Representatives for Jema/Sanga federal constituency,

Cont’d on page 52

APC LEADERS

R-L: Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum/Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum/ Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari; and Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibukunle Amosun, during APC governors meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja....yesterday

FG Inaugurates C’ttee to Review Amnesty Programme, Contracts Awarded Since 2015 Forecloses inclusion of new beneficiaries Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal government has set up a committee to review the operations of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) with a mandate to, among others, review contracts awarded by the Amnesty Office since 2015.

The eight-member review committee is made up of four senior officials of the Amnesty Office and four experts drawn from outside.

Members of the committee drawn from outside are Prof.

Ayibaemi Spiff, a lawyer; Chief Otonye Amachree, Mr. Unyime Isong Eyo, and Ms. Azizat Mohammed.

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja yesterday, the newlyappointed Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Prof.

Charles Quaker Dokubo, said it has “my full authority and approval to take oral depositions or seek clarifications from any person or persons including current departmental heads.”

According to him, the four

officials from the Amnesty Office on the committee are the Director of Finance and Accounts, Director of Procurement, Director of Administration as well as the Head of Audit, adding that the committee is chaired by the Director of Procurement, while the head of administration, is to act as secretary.

Dokubo underscored the compelling need to recalibrate and reboot the amnesty programme to meet current realities in the Niger Delta.

The presidential adviser, who was recently by President Muhammadu Buhari after the sack of the former Coordinator, Brig-Gen. Paul Boron (rtd) said: “I am very conscious of the fact that the region, like most other parts of Nigeria, is a repository of intellectuals and innovative thinkers.

“Given my resolve to put my best foot forward in carrying out the assignment our great country has given me, I shall constantly be tapping from the massive pool of intellectual resources that abound across Nigeria,” he said.

Dokubo stated that following his appointment and assumption of office, he received the hand-over

note of his predecessor and written briefs of departmental heads.

“I have of course taken my time to carefully go through the handover note and the departmental briefs that I received.

The documents contain a maze of words and figures.

“I dare say, however, that these documents left lots of questions unanswered. Even more important, beyond reviewing these documents, I wish to use the opportunity of the inauguration of this committee to underscore the compelling need to recalibrate and reboot the Presidential Amnesty Programme to meet current realities in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large,” he said.

He therefore gave the terms of reference of the committee as: To take a critical look at the handover notes with a view to ascertaining the current status of the progamme; to ascertain current levels of compliance with the original mandate of the Presidential Amnesty Programme; to suggest or recommend prigrammes or policy reviews, where necessary; to review all contracts awarded by the Amnesty Office since 2015

with a view to determining the levels of work done, monies paid, beneficiaries and the extent of work done so far, and thereby recommend a payment schedule for only those qualified to be paid; determine financial assets and liabilities of the Amnesty Office; and a thorough assessment of all departments in the office and offer useful suggestions on how to improve on the performance of these departments, moving forward.

The committee is to also, among others, undertake a thorough personnel audit with a view to ascertaining the number of persons currently working in the Amnesty Office and the suitability of all officials for the offices they currently occupy.

Dokubo noted that PAP is a disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programme, adding that his preoccupation would be on reintegration to ensure that all beneficiaries are properly reintegrated and gainfully employed.

He foreclosed the inclusion of a new crop of beneficiaries into the programme, which was initiated in 2009 by the late President Umaru

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ʹ˜ 2018

COMMENT

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

HATE SPEECH REDEFINED

A hate speech legislation will only strengthen tyranny, argues Tola Adeniyi

I

wouldn’t know where the bogus concept of hate speech came from or who brought up the idea to the floor of the National Assembly but I know for certain what purpose it was meant to serve. Having messed up the sensibilities and sensitivities of the Nigerian citizenry by incessant and unrelenting butchering of Nigerians in a fashion bordering on ethnic cleansing across the country the handlers of the cabal that is hell bent on conquering and subduing all the ethnic nationalities and re-colonise Nigeria in their own image believe the Nigerian masses should have their mouths permanently padlocked so that nobody should ever say a word about the gory atrocities being daily perpetrated.

The only objective the so-called hate speech legislation being remotely sponsored by the Presidency is to further strengthen the growing dictatorship and cruel tyranny of the Buhari administration. The Military Constitution which was forced down our throats by the Abdulsalami Abubakar junta already has built-in mechanisms for unprecedented dictatorship and over centralisation of the government at the centre which will now go for the kill in the hands of an unrepentant dictator of power hungry Buhari.

What does hate speech really connote? Is to direct Nigerians to live in self denial? Is it meant to teach Nigerians to call a spade by another name? Is it to call a blackboard white when actually it is visibly black?

This kind of arm twisting will not work in Nigeria of 193 million highly informed and incorrigibly vocal citizens. Nigerians may have been traumatised to the marrow, impoverished to the bones, and seriously humiliated and oppressed by the negligible minority wielding excessive power over them; they are not ever likely give up their freedom of expression. Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Africa’s greatest music machine who sang ‘the padlock of my mouth is not in your hand’ would turn in his grave if he found that his kinsmen and women in Nigeria ever yielded to a draconian legislation that would turn them into slaves in their own land.

Let’s face it. How do you describe a gang of Stone Age barbarians who plundered your farmland, destroyed your crops, fed your tubers of yam and cassava to animals, raped your wives and daughters, massacred innocent babies and shot your husbands to death? The simple word for such animals in human skin is Terrorists! It does not matter if such marauding drug-addicted lunatics are your next door neighbours or aliens from the moon or from the pit of hell fire.

There is no other word for nepotism but nepotism. And as said in popular advertisement, ‘if it is not Panadol, it is not panadol.’ Simplicita!

My English teachers from Reverend S. T. Sheyin in the Secondary School, to Agbaje the father of Mr Opeyemi Agbaje at the HSC, to my Professors of English at the University of Ibadan the likes of Professors Whitehall, Izevbaye, Ogunba and the greatest of them Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo did not tell me there was another word for a rotten egg if the egg was rotten. No amount of deodorant or perfume can cover the stench of a fart from decaying anus. The naira chewing members of the National Assembly who may be contemplating approval for the hate speech agenda know in their hearts that majority of them are dead rotten by the mere size of their undisguised irresponsibility and greed.

President Muhammadu Aleko Buhari cannot cover up his proven ineptitude, gratuitous nepotism, gross insensitivity, his alliance with the

WHAT DOES HATE SPEECH REALLY CONNOTE? IS TO DIRECT NIGERIANS TO LIVE IN SELF DENIAL? IS IT MEANT TO TEACH NIGERIANS TO CALL A SPADE BY ANOTHER NAME? IS IT TO CALL A BLACKBOARD WHITE WHEN ACTUALLY IT IS VISIBLY BLACK?

third most deadly terrorist group in the world, his nonchalant attitude to serious national challenges, his confessed ignorance of what goes on in government under his watch and the charges of monumental corruption in his government by a so-called hate speech contrivance.

This Buhari government has failed woefully. And what is is now doing is akin to what a thoroughly beaten boxer seeking cover and protection from the Referee does. If you are beaten, you are beaten. Just raise up your hands in submission and quit the stage. The hate Speech escape route is not going to fly.

There are so many laws in the land to adjudicate on matters bordering on slander and even libel. Anybody or any organisation that feels slandered should go to court. Even if the government or any of its organs and operatives feels slandered, such agencies should seek redress in court. Nigerians are not prepared to tolerate any Decree 4 of 1984 being brought back through the back door. Nigerians no longer have sacrificial lambs like Tunde Thompson, Emeka Irabor or Diete Spiff’s Amachree! That era is long gone with the unsmiling generals Buhari and Idiagbon. And imagine the audacity of the proponents of the hate speech nonsense! They are seeking death penalty for offenders of hate speech and yet they are blind to the taunting, touting and menacing AK47 marauders who are killing Nigerians with notorious glee. What the heck some people think Nigeria is? If some people are comfortable living in the Stone Age, do they think every other person belongs in the Stone Age? Yes. Nigeria needs death penalty for a tribe of people: those who have stolen our patrimony. Let a more serious minded nationalistic government emerge that would give Nigerian looters the Chinese and South Korean treatment. Nigerians would welcome a national as opposed to a village leader who would Rawlingsitize and sanitise the bleeding country. Nigerians are not opposed to death penalty. Death penalty still obtains in some states even in the United States. Let all those terrorising fellow Nigerians with guns and machetes be lined up and given public execution.

Death penalty should not be for a harmless farmer who calls a thief a thief, or who calls the rapist of his daughter a rapist. If a Yoruba man goes to Sokoto to rape the wife of a Sultan he should be described for what and who he is. Such a person is a Yoruba rapist! He cannot be anonymous and should not be allowed to hide under anonymity. The Ijaw self determination groups do not hide their identity. And when they blow up pipelines they own up and the Press describes them by their identity. If the Fulani terrorist militia men are killing people in Taraba, they deserve to be described as Fulani terrorists. That is not hate. It is simple use of words.

A non-performing government cannot legislate against criticisms. If you are bad, you are bad. You cannot force people to create a new word for your badness. Bad is bad. If you are a murderer you are a murderer.

If you are Igbo, you are Igbo. This is the universal Age of Aquarius. The world no longer tolerates sweeping matters under the carpet. This is why the Creator gave this Age the Computer and the Internet.

Chief Adeniyi, a former Federal Permanent Secretary, was Chairman/Managing Director of Daily Times Conglomerate

MOTHER OF DEMOCRATIC SOUTH AFRICA Kester Osahenye pays tribute to Winnie, former wife of Nelson Mandela, at age 81

“I will personally never regret the life we tried to share together. I part from her with no recriminations. I hope that you can all appreciate the pain that I have gone through.” Nelson Mandela. adiba took personal responsibility for divorcing Winnie in 1996. He said after that historic incident: “What I have done to my wife, is their only victory over me.”

Although Nelson Mandela parted ways with Winnie Madizikela Mandela as a wife, they remained physically and emotionally attached to each other until his death in 2013. There have been mistruths, sensationalism and overt disparaging of the personality of Winnie, following the incidents that heralded the annulment of that marriage. Some of the barrage of censures against her were either sentimental or psychologically imaginative.

I read “Long Walk To Freedom” Mandela’s autobiographical work, published by Little Brown and Co, He narrated his story with so much gusto and a consciousness that overwhelmed by his 27 years in prison and his sense of altruistic identity, that was blended with patriarchal acuity, which the unbelievably horrible apartheid regime did to his humanity, his nation and his family. This memoir helped me understood the psychological and spiritual make up of that global icon. In that book I saw his motivations, his travails, his tragedies and his heroic achievements and eventual freedom.

Sound bites from this book interweaved Madiba’s unflinching love for Winnie, his devotion to his people and complexly composite story of his regrettable, but unavoidable sacrifices his family made during his incarceration: “To be the father of a nation is a great honour, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy. But it was

M

a joy I had far too little of”.

On his love for Winnie he enthused “I cannot say for certain if there is anything like love at first sight, but I do know the moment I saw Nomzamo, I knew I wanted to have her as my wife”.

On politics and music, he averred: “politics can be strengthened by music, but music has a potency that defies politics”. On choosing the path of reconciliation and peaceful negotiations he said, “if I preached unity, I must act like a unifier, even at the risk of perhaps alienating some of my own colleagues”.

Winnie was not spared by the apartheid regime during Madiba’s self-abnegation.

Some sections of the global news media in through their inexplicable narratives ostensibly distorted the Winnie Mandela persona. Caught in an imbalance contradiction of a freedom fighter, a loyal wife and later vilified as an “unfaithful spouse” and a murderer. Some of her actions or inertia were based on her obsessive zeal to ensure that the black people had an egalitarian nation. The political and moral compass, echoed the banality of what she was allegedly accused of and obscured some of her irreplaceable achievements.

Madiba accused Winnie of having an affair with a younger colleague, Dali Mpofu, an accusation Winnie didn’t deny at their divorce hearing. Some political pundits have given various perspectives to this sore point since Winnie Mandela passed away this week.

Mandela in his own words said she only entered his bedroom when he was asleep. He adduced reasons for their divorce, they didn’t speak in months during those dark moments. That he was “the loneliest man” since his release from prison. He divorced her two years after he was set free.

She might have been accused and tried during her ordeals by the lopsided media and deep-seated racial segregators, who were safely ensconced in

their blurred vision for decades. She was however irrevocably committed to her cause. She was the conscience of her country and a trajectory between what is deserving of her people and what must be their inalienable rights. She left for humanity her own account in her 1985 memoir “Part of My Soul Went with Him”. She told the story of her life in a 168-page autobiography, all intricately interwoven around: her childhood, her marriage, her forced separation from her husband for 27 years, the torturous journey to freedom, the Soweto uprising of 1976, her visits to Robben Island and Pollsmoor to see Madiba and the attainment of the freedom charter.

Winnie suffered as much as Mandela, she was constantly arrested and tortured. Despite the apartheid regime harassments of this woman, cowardly so they did to the consternation of the world, the misogynistic regime’s torment of a single mother and her daughters, Winnie remained strong and resilient in her defiance. She narrated her ordeals thus in this memoir: “My whole body was badly swollen, I was passing blood. The whole experience is so terrible, because I had left little children at home in bed and I had no idea what had happened to them.”

Winnie felt betrayed by Madiba, who hurriedly forgave their oppressors; she didn’t hide her disgusts, disapproval and angst, she railed against the joint Nobel Peace Prize Madiba was awarded in 1993 with his jailer Frederick de Klerk. The concept of a “rainbow nation” was fragile, unsure, fragmented and exposed the very abyss from where it came.

“How could we be expected to truly reconcile with and forgive the people who had murdered and destroyed our country?” She expressed her reservations and disgusts for Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), headed by the clergy Desmond Tutu for failing to heal the pains and injustices meted

on the black South Africans during that inhuman regime.

She was born Nomzamo Winfreda Madikizela.

Just like her name Nomzamo which in Xhosa means “she who will go through trials”, she indeed went through some trying moments in her chequered history, like the period she faced criminal charges for the killing of Stompie Moeketsi, the 14-year-old, one of the youngest figures in the anti-apartheid movement, who was accused of being a police informant.

Winnie Mandela worked selflessly and suffered so much for the current democracy that South Africans are enjoying. She forgave all and moved on with her life. Though her marriage broke down but her love for Mandela never withered. I saw nostalgic footages on TV when Madiba was in and out of hospitals where Winnie was seen visiting and holding hands with the ailing former president.

Nelson Mandela remarried in 1998 to his best friend’s wife Graça Machel. Winnie bore her heart break and disappointments in stoic silence and equanimity. She was seen on TV in mirthful conversations, laughter and shared jokes with Ms. Machel. Winnie was a rallying point at the mourning and funeral of Madiba. She was indeed a hero and deserving of all the tributes as the Mother of a democratic South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government must accord this uncommon freedom fighter every posthumous recognition that a true hero deserves, and a Winnie Mandela Day should be declared on April 2 in their national holiday calendars. I believe South Africans and unborn generations will never be able to pay their moral debts to Winnie Mandela for her sacrifices and uncommon bravery.

Dr. Osahenye, a creative writer, wrote from Lagos

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; Í´Ë&#x153; 2018

EDITORIAL PROTEST OF THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED The government should create a conducive atmosphere for the integration of the physically challenged

T

here was a mild drama at the gate of the National Assembly recently when a group of physically challenged persons stormed the premises to protest what they described as discrimination against them. The disability bill which makes provision for the prohibition of discrimination and harmful treatment towards physically-challenged persons in Nigeria has now been passed, awaiting presidential assent. It also provides for accessibility to physical structures and makes it mandatory for public buildings, roads, walkways and others to be constructed in such a way that a person with disability can access them.

Besides the law that compels the government to accommodate them in any major enterprise, Nigeria is a signatory to many international conventions that support equal opportunities for all their citizens. The United Nations deďŹ nes equalisation ATTEMPTS MUST BE MADE of opportunities as TO OPEN UP EDUCATIONAL â&#x20AC;&#x153;the process through AND EMPLOYMENT which the genOPPORTUNITIES SO THAT eral system of society, THEY CAN COMPETE AND such as the physical EMBRACE LIFE WITH MORE and cultural environment, housing and CONFIDENCE transportation, social and health services, educational and work opportunities, cultural and social life, including sports and recreational facilities are made accessible to all.â&#x20AC;?

However, it remains unfortunate that the physically challenged of our society are still discriminated against and face social stigma. From transportation which allows movement and interactions, through health, recreations and even educational services which can make them compete effectively, people with one disability or another are most often discriminated against and deprived of their rights. Everywhere and every day, obstacles are thrown on their paths.

In Nigeria today, the physically challenged are most often denied employment opportunities and they are also subjected to discrimination and stigmatisation by both the society and the authorities. To worsen the situation,

Letters to the Editor

many are regarded by their families as a source of shame and treated as objects of charity. The few vocational training centres set up by government are ill-equipped and ill-maintained. Many end up in the streets as beggars while others turn to drugs and other socially unacceptable behaviour to generate income. Yet many of them were graduates of different tertiary institutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are graduates of different ďŹ elds. We went to the same tertiary schools with able persons and I know we spent more when it comes to academic expenses, yet we are being marginalised,â&#x20AC;? said Godstime Onyebulam, president of the association who led the National Assembly protest.

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rom the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigerians with Disabilityâ&#x20AC;? military decree of 1993 which provides â&#x20AC;&#x153;a clear and comprehensive legal protection and security for Nigerians with disability as well as establish standard for enforcement of their rights and privilegesâ&#x20AC;? to the several efforts by the National Assembly in the past 19 years, it is clear that the law is not the problem. The main challenge has been the attitude of Nigerians to the plight of this vulnerable group.

Yet according to World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, there are as many as 25 million Nigerians living with one form of disability or another.

A recent news report stated clearly that about 98 per cent of public buildings in the country such as schools, hospitals, banks, even shop stalls, where some can make economic transactions, are still inaccessible to persons with disabilities. Yet the physically challenged persons constitute about 19 per cent of the population.

The government as a matter of policy must create a conducive atmosphere for social, economic and political integration of the physically challenged in our society.

Even if old public institutional buildings cannot be modernised to accommodate them, new ones should be built in such a way that they provide access to the handicapped. Attempts must also be made to open up educational and employment opportunities so that they can compete and embrace life with more conďŹ dence. The physically challenged in our midst must be empowered to help themselves and their families and contribute their bits to the growth and development of the society.

TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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.

ON LAGOSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

O

ne major index of social change and development today, especially in Africa, is infrastructure development as particularly epitomised by the construction of roads and bridges. No nation can boast of having achieved development if a large percentage of her roads are impassable.

Infrastructure development is critical to achieving human capital development in any society. The economic impact that infrastructure improvement has on nation building cannot be over-emphasised.

The growth of any countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy hugely depends on the status of its infrastructure. The dearth of needed infrastructure in a given society places serious limitation on human capital development.

It is in view of its crucial role to achieving rapid economic growth that advanced nations of the world commit huge investment to infrastructural development. J.F. Kennedy, a former President of the United States of America, once put the relationship between infrastructure development and economic prosperity into a proper perspective when he affirmed that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;America has good roads, not because America is rich, but America is rich because it has good roadsâ&#x20AC;?.

According to the World Bank, every one per cent of government funds spent on infrastructure leads to an equivalent one per cent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which invariably means that there is a correlation between any meaningful inputs in infrastructure development which reflects on economic growth, indices, hence the value of infrastructure cannot be underplayed.

It is, therefore, in an effort to ensure even and accelerated

development in all parts of Lagos State that the Akinwunmi Ambode administration places high premium on infrastructure development as evident in the construction and rehabilitation of road network across the state. It is, indeed, particularly soothing to note that the state government has placed a great emphasis on development of more inner roads in order to ease the peculiar Lagos traffic gridlock.

Just a few days ago, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, gave the people of Alimosho a rare Easter gift when he launched newly completed 21 roads and three bridges connecting the state with Ogun State, with the intent of easing traffic movement and improving inter connectivity between the two states. The roads inaugurated are Ikola Road with Odo Obasanjo Bridge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6.4km (from Ipaja/Command to Ilo River); Ogunseye Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1.75km (from Ajasa/Command to Ikola Road);Oko Filling Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1.5km (from AIT to Ilo River).Others include Osenatu Ilo road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 620m (from Ibari Road to Ilo River); Amikanle road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3.1km (from AIT to Ogunseye Road); Aina Aladi road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1.9km (from AIT to Ilo River) and Aiyetoro Road with a bridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1.4km (from New Market/Ishefun Road intersection to Ilo River).

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Ambode paid tribute to his predecessors, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), for their pacesetting works in opening up Alimosho and indeed the entire Lagos West for rapid development. Reiterating the significance of the project, Governor Ambode said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we are doing today is momentous as we are connecting over 60 communities together and we are happy to do this.â&#x20AC;? With this

new development, Lagos residents along the axis need not take the usual LASU-Iyana Iba course to Badagry. Hopefully, this will help in stabilising traffic along the Lagos-Abeokuta Road as well as the Iyana-Ipaja/ LASU-Iyana Iba route.

In furtherance of the Lagos State governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolve to open up more communities in the state through the construction of inner roads, the Aboru Link Bridge was constructed and launched for public use two years ago. The 500 metres bridge, which was designed to last for over 100 years, serves as a major link road to Iyana-Ipaja from Abule-Egba, Abesan Housing Estate, Ayobo-Ipaja, LASU-Iba and Okokomaiko. It has huge positive socio-economic effects on eight communities along the axis. These are Agbelekale, Aboru, Abesan, Iyana-Ipaja, Ayobo, Ipaja and the neighbouring Ogun State. With the coming of the Link Bridge also came construction of numerous other link roads along the axis such as Aboru road, Ogunfisayo Street as well as Kasumu Street. In order to sustain current tempo of development along the axis, additional seven link roads are on the verge of being completed.

Similarly, in the Badagry axis, a major leap towards improving infrastructure was taken with the completion of the Imeke-Ajido Bridge, a major link bridge in the axis. Similarly, construction of a 17km network of roads connecting Aradagun to Whispering Palms, a major tourist resort in the state, is on-going. The completion of the project is essentially strategic to the opening up of the entire Badagry axis.

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

16

T H I S D AY ˾

ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

17

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

POLITICS In Ekiti, Bamidele Unveils Articles of Faith

Among the those seeking to become Ekiti State governor is a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos, Opeyemi Bamidele. Gboyega Akinsanmi takes a look at his credentials

T

he Ekiti State governorship election is already at the threshold. The contest, which has been slated for July 14, has attracted a huge number of aspirants from diverse political parties. Some are indeed in the race in good faith and with clear vision to make difference. Others, however, joined the race either to measure their level of public acceptability or deploy their aspiration as a tool to negotiate their political future.

Either ways, all the aspirants have largely redefined the state’s political climate with different activities taking place on daily basis. On the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform alone, over 40 aspirants are seeking public approval to take over from the incumbent governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose. In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), too, about 30 aspirants are jostling for the same job.

What are the aspirants bringing to the table? That is the question to which the Ekiti people are seeking answers. Indeed, many of the aspirants have come up with different programmes of action. Some promised the Ekiti people a new dawn. Not a few have propounded Ekiti rebirth, which they argued, is imperative to restore its lost values; develop its economic potentials and reposition its social amenities.

But none of these aspirants has ever defined his mission as brazen as a former Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele did. Sector by sector, Bamidele provided comprehensive answer to the question the Ekiti people have been asking in a 121-page manifesto he unveiled in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The manifesto was titled, Keeping Hope Alive: The Ekiti Growth and Development Blueprint.

Bamidele was indeed unequivocal about his mission this time. He was equally strategic about it, speaking the truth alone to the souls of the Ekiti youths and appealing with assurance to the conscience of the Ekiti elders.

At the presentation, he said he remained resolute in seeking an opportunity “to provide leadership as a way of addressing our shared concerns about governance in Ekiti State.”

After due consultation with constituents in 117 wards in Ekiti State, last week, Bamidele kicked off another statewide tour to 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs), presenting the Ekiti people this article of faith and asking them to hold him accountable for all his actions and decisions if he is eventually elected the governor.

Grievous Realities What is indeed driving Bamidele despite threat to his life in the run-up to the 2014 election? For him, it is not just passion for partisan politics; neither is it quest to grab power for personal use. As indicated in the charter of prosperity he just presented to the Ekiti people, Bamidele wrote: “Development in the modern world is driven by ideas.”

That indeed is missing in Ekiti State. A Fiscal Responsibility Index, which BudgIT Nigeria, a budget transparency advocacy group published in 2017, ranked the state at the bottom alongside its next neighbour, Osun state. Practically, as the report showed, the state might not be able to sustain itself unless its leaders rev up the internally generated revenue (IGR), substantially cut expenditures and reduce its debt stocks.

Aside its fiscal sustainability status, as

Opeyemi Bamidele

indicated in a paper Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi presented at a conference he addressed in 2016, Ekiti State has three fundamental problems. First, it is one of the states with the lowest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the federation. Second, the state does not have enough businesses to create more jobs and generate ample revenue. Third, the state has always been a victim of poor governance since its creation in 1996.

Likewise, the state’s unemployment rate is frightening. Although there are conflicting unemployment rates about the state, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) put it at a conservative level of 14.1 percent.

This rate was indeed compounded by the state’s poor profile of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the state.

Even though the United Nations rated it

On the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform alone, over 40 aspirants are seeking approval to take over from the incumbent governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose

12.9 percent in its 2017 multi-dimensional poverty rates, the socio-economic realities in the state still largely depict the case of extreme poverty, especially in its agrarian communities.

At the instances of socio-economic realities in Ekiti State at large, Bamidele believed that the government “is failing in its responsibilities…” He lamented grievous practices in the public space, citing a case whereby on-going public works “are abandoned and contracts are re-awarded under questionable circumstances and household income is grossly encroached upon for lack of capacity optimisation.”

He, also, cited an instance when the public taps “are no longer running; good healthcare delivery and other social services declining; public servants neglected; hope of ordinary citizens dashed and their psyches traumatised.” From these grievous realities with grave implications, Bamidele said no one should expect people “to pledge support to a government that fails in its responsibilities to deliver on its promises.”

New Charter At the presentation of his manifesto, last week, Bamidele noted that he was on a mission to rescue Ekiti and its people. With a population of over 2.38 million and strategic resources, according to him, Ekiti deserves more than it has ever got from the incumbent and previous governments. He said nothing was more required to redefine the future of Ekiti than purposeful leadership “to ventilate ideas to bring development to bear on the

human resources and environment in Ekiti State…”

Bamidele, thus, offered to put these ideas in the public domain with the Blueprint on Ekiti Growth and Development Agenda, which he described as a manifest of change or a charter of prosperity. Armed with this document, Bamidele said Ekiti would be catapulted to the next level rather than being left behind, if offered opportunity to serve.

Sector by sector, Bamidele reeled out his programmes of action with conviction to deliver on his promises. He, however, started with a pledge “to develop new strategies towards effective governance in Ekiti State in line with selfless service which is to lead by example as reflected in private lives and corporate dispositions.”

His manifesto was built on nine pillars namely; economic development, human capital development, social development, infrastructure development, housing, rural & new town development, urban & regional transformation, environment, sanitation & sustainability, law, security & order as well as public service & local government administration.

Bamidele’s economic blueprint holds great promise for the state perhaps with the least GDP and the lowest number of SMEs in the federation. Under the economic development initiative, he promised “to adopt and implement pro-poor policies,” which he said, would encourage his commitment to periodic interactions with the Ekiti people at all levels.

Beyond sustaining robust engagement with the people, Bamidele pledged “to empower the populace and sustain their active interest and participation in the business of governance in Ekiti State and stem the tide of pervasive apathy among our people towards government policies,” which according to him, often arose from endemic policy somersaults and fascist posturing of previous administrations.

He equally, pledged to take advantage of mechanised agriculture “to achieve my food security objectives; supply adequate raw materials for the country’s growing industrial sector; generate employment opportunities for different strata of the Ekiti population; increase the state’s internally generated revenue and provide markets for the products of the industrial sector.”

He, also, proposed the Ekiti Business Growth Scheme (EBGS) to aggressively stimulate the SMEs through appropriate vocational training and adequate provision of private sector-led micro-credit facilities at reasonable interest rates for artisans and entrepreneurs all over the state. Aside this initiative, Bamidele came up with the Ekiti State Industrial Policy, which he said, was conceived in line with the National Industrial Policy of Nigeria.

The essence of the industrial policy, according to him, is to resuscitate the existing industrial ventures on the one hand. The ventures in this category are Ire Burnt Brick Factory and Ikun Diary Farm. On the other hand, Bamidele promised to encourage new industrial ventures to provide greater employment opportunities for the youths and increase export of manufactured goods from Ekiti State.

Among others, Bamidele said he would CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

18

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Needless Controversy over Osun IGR Abiodun Kommolafe contends that the controversy over how much Osun State rakes in as revenue should be used to resolve the needless conflict in job description between the National Bureau of Statistics and the Joint Tax Board

L

ies, when told too often, unchallenged, have the capacity to be mistaken for the truth.

As an indigene of the State of Osun, a key stakeholder in the Osun project; and as a living witness to Rauf Aregbesola’s judicious use of the taxpayers’ money for the development of the state, surprise was a better word to describe the recently-released Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) status of Osun for 2017 by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In the report, NBS stated that internally generated revenues for Osun declined from N8,884,756,040.35 in 2016 to N6,486,524,226.45 in 2017, representing a -26.99% drop. But, in what could be considered a swift reaction, the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenues Service (FIRS) and Chairman, Joint Tax Board (JTB), Babatunde Fowler, disclosed that the Aregbesola-led administration raised the state’s IGR by over-30% in 2017. Contrary to the Bureau’s misleading position, facts at the disposal of yours sincerely did reveal that the state’s actual full year IGR for 2017 was N11.9 billion.

Of course, it could have been much more, but for the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies’ tax audit outstanding, totaling N4 billion, to the state.

Established by Section 86 (1) of the Personal Income Tax Act cap. P8 LFN 2004, findings also revealed that JTB is the body statutorily mandated to contribute “to the advancement of the tax administration in Nigeria”, especially “in the area of harmonization of Personal Income Tax administration throughout Nigeria.” Well, one can only hope that appropriate quarters would use the circumstances in Osun to resolve needless conflicts in job descriptions between NBS and JTB. As Aregbesola remarked while declaring open the board’s 140th quarterly meeting in Osogbo, tax payment is about the most important component of any civilized and forward-looking society; because, “without taxes, there’s no government.” Essentially therefore, sustaining any government involves active participation of the people; and the way to it is taxation! Well, though Osun is at the moment not there in terms of IGR and tax remittances, it bears repeating that the present administration has done well in growing the state’s IGR base from a miserable N300 million monthly average in 2010 to where it currently stands. It is therefore believed that, if the taxable population is mobilized to pay its dues “adequately and sufficiently”, the state will no doubt be better for it.

Let’s come back to the Bureau and its inaccurate information! When Benjamin Disraeli wittily painted “lies, damned lies and statistics” as three kinds of lies troubling our world, he probably

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola

FIRS Chairman, Babatunde Fowler

might have had our NBS in mind.

This is because inaccurate information distorts facts and misleads the people.

It exaggerates accomplishments and stigmatizes performance in subsequent tasks. It impinges on the evaluation of the government in power and habitually sets the led against their leaders.

Though endowed with human and natural resources, Osun had never come close to fulfilling its potentials until Aregbesola assumed office as governor.

A classical example of impressive performance and impactful governance in times of an unstable economic situation, it is interesting to note that, right from his days in the Bola Tinubu-led administration in Lagos State, Aregbesola has been a passionate advocate of efficient taxation in Nigeria. That he has conspicuously and consistently deployed his unwavering resilience, unmistakable commitment, innovative ideology, administrative ingenuity, political prowess and determined efforts towards making Osun a good example to showcase to the world that taxpayers’ money can be used to develop a society for good did not come as a surprise.

Information feeds democracy! Beyond NBS inaccuracy and cynics’ duplicity, one can easily see that Osun taxpayers’ money is working! For instance, no fewer than 13,000 persons have accessed the Free ambulance services and no fewer than 250,000 students in 1,382 public primary schools across the state have been covered in its

Tax payment is about the most important component of any civilized and forward-looking society; because, without taxes, there’s no government

one-free-meal-per-day policy since its inception. So far, so impressive: primary and secondary healthcare services at public facilities, including anti-retroviral medication, are being rendered freeof-charge. This is in addition to free laboratory services and surgery for pregnant women, children under the age of 5, and elderly persons in 876 Primary Healthcare facilities and 51 Secondary Health facilities across the 67 Local Government Areas, Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils and Area Offices in the state.

Between 2010 and 2017, more than 50,000 qualified youth have been employed and empowered under the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and no fewer than 100,000 smallholder farmers have so far benefitted from the state’s ‘Agric Land Bank’ programme. Between 2011 and 2015, more than 7,000 farmers from 500 cooperative societies have benefited from the state’s low interest loans under the Quick Intervention Programme (QUIP). Besides, Osun Rehabilitation Programme (O’REHAB) has succeeded in treating no fewer than 100 persons with mental disabilities, particularly those who had been living on the streets while 1,602 elderly persons of age 65 and above, who met poverty criteria, have been receiving N10,000,00 monthly for their upkeep, in addition to medical care, under the ‘Agba Osun’ scheme.

While Aregbesola’s unprecedented revolution in infrastructure development and massive road construction are visible to the naked eye, I had probably underestimated the differences between the education system in Osun and elsewhere in the country until Abiola, my 8-year old boy, had a taste of its carefully-planned academic programme.

At a stage, I was close to confronting his headmaster when I learnt of the ‘hurdles’ my little boy would have to cross on his way to qualifying for the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination.

With these tip-of-the-iceberg achievements, one would have expected a data-dependent organization and statistical information provider of NBS status to be without blemish in the discharge of its responsibilities to the public. However, obviously imprecise information like the one on hand cannot but compel one to ask if Osun is a state against itself in terms of timely release of facts and figures to relevant agencies for processing. Or is it a case of some prodigals and prostitutes, somewhere, mightily profiting from making dear state a systematic target of slippery, sloppy rumours and conspiracy theories?

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace in the State of Osun!

KOMOLAFE wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.

I N E K I T I , B A M I D E L E U N V E I L S A RT I C L E S O F FA I T H pursue strategic interventions in the mining sector. He planned to develop a long-term blueprint to government address institutional and policy challenges, which he believed, would determine the extent the state could benefit from such solid minerals as clay, cassiterite (tin-ore), columbite, bauxite (aluminum ore), granite, talc, tantalum and feldspar.

Call for Support Despite the challenges, Bamidele said Ekiti “is, no doubt, is the land of a unique people.” He admitted that the growth of Ekiti “has been stunted and her develop-

ment arrested by some certain leaders in whom so much hope and expectations were invested and that Ekiti had, for too long, been ravaged by poverty and declining standard of living.

Amid the statistical evidence on the state’s socio-economic realities, Bamidele lamented that the story of Ekiti, unlike other states in Nigeria, portrayed a picture of a state at the brink of precipice, precariously tending towards anarchy at the slightest nudge. He acknowledged that Ekiti “has become a state whose leaders prefer to enjoy the trappings of

office, without willingness to make sacrifices towards selfless service.”

Rather than complaining about the setback the state had suffered, Bamidele said the time for action had come. He, thus, noted that he “has already answers to Ekiti’s development questions. We are persuaded that the attainment of the laudable goals lies in the enactment of an atmosphere of new understanding, new vision, new determination and a new spirit that requires genuine integration and enduring input of all stakeholders in the collective birth of Ekiti.”

He therefore, called on the Ekiti people, both young and adult, to repose their faith in the solemn assurance he had documented in its manifesto. With this article of faith, Bamidele envisaged a new, united, peaceful and prosperous Ekiti. Also, he sought people’s support “to reinvent governance; engender freedom and democratic ethos; create more jobs; eradicate poverty; build infrastructure; sustain businesses; secure lives and properties and re-enact the essence and value of peaceful co-existence among the people of Ekiti State…”

19

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; Í´, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

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

Í° ͡ Ë&#x153; Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ Íś MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO 7.17 % 8.08 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

5% 8.75 % 9.50%

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

347.43 % 0.07% 1.41%

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

5.45 % 5.45 %

EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎ͳË&#x203A;ʹͳ˚ͯ ĚŠ ĚŠ

Quick Takes Ethiopian Bags NANTA Highest Award

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Airline and the only Skytrax Four Star in Africa was given the highest Award by the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) as the most Supportive International Airline Award at its annual general meeting (AGM) in Port Harcourt. The Award was presented by the Chairman Board ofTrustees of NANTA Steve Isokariri to the General Manager of the Airline supported by the Managers from Abuja, Kano and Kaduna. In her speech, the General Manager Mrs. Firihewot Mekonnen thanked the agents for their support and loyalty to the airline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ethiopian has been in Nigeria since November 1960 and today serves ďŹ ve Airports. We have supported Nigeria all through its ups and downs. We have stuck to Nigeria as a brother should. You may recall the Abuja closure experience last year and how we made the sacriďŹ ce of going to Kaduna. She added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the ďŹ rst time an African airline airlifted the highest number of passengers out of Nigeria, which is a testimony to the growing relationship between Nigeria and our airline. We are very happy to serve Nigerians with the most modern aircraft in the world the Airbus A350 and the B787 Dreamliner along with the B777 aircraft. Ethiopian the new Spirit of African is an example of the African spirit of Determinationâ&#x20AC;?

BRAINSTORMING ON NIGERIAN ECONOMY

L-R: Executive Director, Corporate Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Remi Oni; Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Trade Zone Company, Dinesh Rathi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries, Adesola Adeduntan; Founder and Chief Consultant, B. Adedipe Associates Limited and Guest Speaker, Biodun Adedipe; and Group Executive, International Banking Group, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Bashirat Odunewu, at the FirstBank Breakfast Session on the Nigerian Economy held in Lagos â&#x20AC;Ś recently

29 Insurance Firms Post N93.15 Billion Negative Reserves Ebere Nwoji Twenty nine insurance firms currently have negative reserves, recent data released by the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) has revealed.

According to the NIA, the 29 firms reported negative reserves amounting to N93.15 billion in 2016. The report further revealed that 15 non life operators posted N51.79 billion, while 14 Life operators posted N41.36 billion.

The negative reserves may not be unconnected with the recession as many insurance firms who underwrite dollar denominated policies, during the period had to pay the claims from their reserve due to the high inflation rate and rise in the exchange rate of Naira to dollar.

Speaking on the development, stakeholders said the insurance

INSURANCE industry needs urgent attention as negative reserves is an indication of imminent crisis.

At the heat of the recession, the Managing Director International Energy Insurance, Mr. Peter Irene, had in an exclusive interview with THISDAY, raised the alarm that dearth of Forex occasioned by the collapse of oil price and the prevailing government Forex policy then, had compelled firms which underwrite dollar denominated risks, to fall back to their internal operations to settle claims at the expense of their comprehensive income.

He had also observed that insurers who delayed settlement of dollar denominated claims until the country plunged into recession and the attendant astronomical rise in forex would have

difficulty settling such claims. He noted but because of influence of the sector regulator that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on such firms, the firms would resort to their reserves to settle such claims, a situation which he said would be suicidal for such firms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most insurance firms had their treaty agreement in Naira even when they accepted dollar risk. What it means is that for example, you now have a claim, you have to pay in dollar but at the time you took up the risk, even though some people placed it in dollar, the exchange rate at that time was a fi xed rate.

Because of that, most insurance firms have to cough up huge claims in dollar.â&#x20AC;?

He said closely connected to this is the fact that most treaty in Nigeria are denominated in Naira and most of them were

translated at the exchange rate ruling at that time the contract was signed.

Furthermore, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you have to pay, it means that you have to cough up money from your internal operations to make up when you are paying claims in dollar that were denominated in Naira.

Another problem he noted was that most of the dollar claims that were not paid before, will have to be paid now and to do that, operators have to pay more and that will impact on their comprehensive income.

The international Energy Insurance boss said those were the issues adding that many insurance companies have been caught up with this and cautioned other operators to be careful in their business.

Continued on page 20

FG Berates NCAA over Failure to Implement Safety Recommendations Chinedu Eze The federal government has blamed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the recent flight incidents in the country. The agency, according to sources, does not implement safety recommendations from the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

Inside source told THISDAY that if the safety recommendations were implemented some of the incidents that happened could have been averted.

Since this year, there have been major and minor incidents

AVIATION that included the falling off of emergency door of Dana Air flight, the overshooting of the runway by another Dana Air flight at the Port Harcourt airport, Delta Air Line Flight 55, which made air return seven minutes after take off from the Lagos airport to Atlanta, US. One of the airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aircraft engines caught fire due to what was now known as crack in one of the nozzles inside the engine.

There was also the incident when smoke enveloped the

cabin of Arik Air flight while it was airborne from Lagos to Accra, Ghana, 35 minutes into the flight among other incidents involving commercial airlines.

THISDAY learnt that in chiding NCAA, the Ministry of Transportation decided to set up a committee to look at all the safety recommendations from AIB, which came as a result of accident investigation to ascertain whether they had been implemented.

The Commissioner of AIB, Akin Olateru said at a media briefing on Wednesday that out of 27 accidents reports, which

his management inherited, it has completed 10 investigations and made the report public.

Consequently, he said that the Bureau came up with 35 safety recommendations. He also disclosed that since inception in 2007, AIB has made 120 safety recommendations from accident investigations and reports.

Although during the briefing, Olateru did not link the setting up of the committee to the recent incidents, inside source told THISDAY that it was to stem aircraft incidents Continued on page 20

Emirates Named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Airline of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Emirates Airline has been named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Airline of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the 2018 Air Transport Awards. Emirates won the prestigious accolade based the evaluation from a jury comprised of executives and experts from diďŹ&#x20AC;erent sectors within the aviation industry.

ExecutiveVice President and Chief Commercial OďŹ&#x192;cer for Emirates, Thierry Antinori received the award on behalf of the airline.

Commenting on the win, Mr Antinori said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are honoured to be recognised by the Air Transport Awards for our commitment to excellence. We have a strong customer-centric focus across the airline to deliver the best possible experience both in the air and on the ground by continually investing in a modern ďŹ&#x201A;eet, product innovations and service enhancements. We are also embracing technology across our operations to meet and exceed evolving consumer preferences. This award is a testament to the hard work and eďŹ&#x20AC;orts of staďŹ&#x20AC; across the airline that make a diďŹ&#x20AC;erence everyday by taking care of our customers and keeping our service levels high.â&#x20AC;? Emirates is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest international airline, with a network that spans 159 destinations in 85 countries, operating one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youngest wide-body ďŹ&#x201A;eets made up of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft. Over the past year, the airline has launched a number of signiďŹ cant product enhancements on its Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft. Emirates unveiled its enhanced A380 Onboard Lounge, featuring an airier look and feel, reconďŹ gured seating arrangements around the iconic bar with private yachtinspired dĂŠcor, as well as new high-tech touches.

Air Freight Up 6.7% in February

The International AirTransport Association (IATA) released demand growth results for global air freight markets for February 2018 showing a 6.8% increase in demand measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs) compared to the same period last year.

Adjusting for the potential Lunar New Year distortions by combining growth in January 2018 and February 2018, demand increased by 7.7 percent. This was the strongest start to a year since 2015.

Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs), grew by 5.6 percent year-on-year in February 2018. Demand growth outstripped capacity growth for the 19th month in a row, which is positive for airline yields and the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ nancial performance.The continued growth in air cargo demand is consistent with ongoing robust global trade ďŹ&#x201A;ows. There are, however, signs that the best of the upturn for air freight has passed. Demand drivers for air cargo are moving away from the highly supportive levels seen last year. In recent months the Purchasing Managersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Index (PMI) for manufacturing and export orders has softened in a number of key exporting nations including Germany, China and the US. And the seasonally- adjusted demand for air cargo which rose at a double-digit annualized rate for much of 2017 is now trending at 3 per cent.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For accident investigation to be relevant and effective, it must be thorough, impartial and timelyâ&#x20AC;?

Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau,

Akin Olateru

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BUSINESSWORLD 29 INSURANCE FIRMS POST N93.15 BILLION NEGATIVE RESERVES Two years down the line, the insurance firms are facing the negative impact of the recession in form of negative reserves as predicted by the IEI boss.

Meanwhile, industry analysts said this portends danger for the industry and it signals the negative state of health of most operating firms in the industry.

According to the analysts, if 29 of the existing 58 insurance firms, representing about 50 percent have negative reserve, it means the entire industry has to tread with caution in their business operations.

Some industry stakeholders said the insurance industry needs urgent attention as negative reserves is a pointer to crisis.

Managing Director Lancelot Ventures Limited, Adebayo Adeleke, who is also a prominent member of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), speaking to an online news agency inspenonline on this noted that if 29 firms which is half of numbers of firms in the industry, have such challenges, it means the industry is really in trouble.

FG BERATES NCAA OVER FAILURE TO IMPLEMENT SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS and possible accidents that the committee was set up to review the recommendations and to ensure that they were implemented by the NCAA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we investigate accidents and incidents, we come up with safety recommendations to prevent future occurrence.

Out of the 10 investigations we have put out, we came up with 35 safety recommendations to prevent future occurrence of similar incident or accident,â&#x20AC;?

Olateru said.

The Commissioner also remarked that the responsibility of AIB is to investigate accidents and incidents and make safety recommendations, while it is the responsibility of NCAA to implement those recommendations. Olateru however did not dismiss the fact that the incidents of recent weeks might have led to the setting up of the review committee but noted that it was an appraisal to enhance safety in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airspace.

Group Business Editor

Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;äĂ?Ě&#x2039; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x; AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

NEWS

Investor Stakes $450m on New Free Trade Zone, to Build Ships in Nigeria Eromosele Abiodun The much needed investment that will spur activities in the maritime sector that stakeholders have been yearning for is set to materialise as promoters of the Tomaro Industrial Park, which was last year granted Free Trade Zone, have commenced work in the free zone.

The entire project, which is estimated at $450 million (N162 billion) includes a ship fabrication yard, a modular refinery, access slipway, oil storage tank farms, water treatment plant, power generation plant, container lay down/transit, and crude oil distillation unit.

The promoter of the project and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas Company Limited, Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Lagos.

Taking officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) led by Mr. Darki Hadia Yakubu and journalists round the facility, Iheanacho identified a number of businesses that are being planned at the free trade zone which will add a lot of value to the national economy in terms of industrialisation, employment and revenue generation.

Other projects lined up in the free zone, he stated, include a hanger for helicopters to operate from there and a five star hotel.

Iheanacho said in the next few months, the company will have some particular projects among those lined up to commission, adding that all hands were on deck to deliver on the mission of the free trade zone.

He said that so far a lot of investors have shown interest in investing in the project. Accord-

ing to him, some Chinese and British investors have shown interest in investing in the free trade zone project.

Iheanacho said what triggered off the attraction of investors was the level of seriousness demonstrated so far and the $800,000 grant received from the United State Government through the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support the project.

Specifically, he explained

that the grant was to finance the detailed analysis of supporting technologies and engineering for the implementation of the 20,000bpd crude oil refinery.

The free port zone is 75 hectares of land in between the Snake Island and the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) which are also enjoying free trade zone status.

Iheanacho explained that the plan for the shipyard is to start with ships of smaller sizes and later develop into

a capacity to build bigger vessels.

Already, there is an ongoing construction work at the site which is for the oil storage tank farms.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last year officially announced Tomaro Industrial Park as part of the efforts to ensure the industrialisation of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Mr Emmanuel Jime while announc-

ing the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval said it was the way forward, adding that the structure of FTZ was a model for development.

He said that there were a number of incentives to have businesses sited in the Free Trade Zone.

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to make Nigeria an attractive and preferred destination for business. And the mandate of NEPZA is to create an enabling environment for businesses so that they can find Nigeria a sure destination.â&#x20AC;?

INNOVATION AT ITS BEST

L-R: Sales and Marketing Manager, Shongai Technologies Ltd., Mr. Manish Sigh; Sales Executive, Techblow Nigeria Ltd., Miss. Farojoye Bukola; Sales and Marketing Manager, Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Ltd, Shashi Kumar and Business Development Manager, Shongai Packaging Industry Ltd., Mr. Ajeet Das, at the SONA Group exhibitions at the just concluded Nigeria Plastprintpack 2018 Exhibition held in Lagos...recently

Ukrainian Trade Mission Signs MOU with Nigeria to Expand Trade Relations Ugo Aliogo and Lawal Kehinde The Ukrainian Trade Mission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to enhance the trade relationships between the two countries as well as to study and discuss the system of export-import relations, trade barriers and legislative features.

Speaking at the event in Lagos, the Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine, Mrs. Nataliya Mykolska, said this was the first ever Ukrainian

Trade mission to Nigeria adding that the country is a promising partner for Ukraine in West Africa. He said that the country is among top-20 markets in focus for Ukrainian export in the export strategy of Ukraine.

She also noted that there is a great potential for bilateral trade increase, pointing out that there are a lot of opportunities for Ukrainian businesses in Nigeria thus the decision to open Nigeria market for Ukrainian exporters.

Furthermore, she said that Ukrainian products are of high quality with competitive prices for the Nigeria market, adding

as a country they have the knowledge to offer tailor-made solutions to entrepreneurs in the Nigeria market.

According to her, through the trade relation, they would be ready to sell to the Nigeria market industrial energy machinery, which would help drive the exploration and production in the oil and gas industry.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Ukranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Valeriy Aleksandeuk, pledged his countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to building a strong bilateral trade relation with Nigeria, stating that the partnership would help expand

their relationship especially in trade, investment and economy.

He noted that both countries have enjoyed good trade relationship for many years and want to use the trade partnership agreement to expand the corporation.

Continuing, she said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are ambitious about doing businesses in the region, because we are becoming global. Nigerians should look at our companies for long lasting corporation. We are looking for companies in West Africa to do business with.

We are leaders in different subsectors. We are great partners to Nigeria in terms of supply

of agricultural products. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our products will be of high demand here because the prices are competitive and they are of high quality especially industrial products. We are experienced in offering the individual tailormade solutions in different types of machineries. The Ukrainian companies are ready to adjust their products to the Nigeria market without any additional fees for the local consumers in the Nigeria market. This applies for food products and machinery building because we have realised that in Nigeria, there are certain standards required for products.

Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; äĂ?

Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x201C; Capital Market Editor

Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;ĂŁ Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?

Senior Correspondent

Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents

Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă? (Labour) Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC; (Maritime) Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Ă? (Energy) Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122; (Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Capital) Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039; (Money Mkt) Reporters

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EEDC Accused of Using Thugs to Force Awka Residents Pay for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;No Electricityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Residents of Odoagba layout in Awka capital territory have protested the alleged use of thugs by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to force them to pay electricity bills. Residents of the area told THISDAY in Awka after a meeting of residents of the area that what was more annoying was that they pay the bills even when the company does not supply electricity to them.

One of the leaders of the area, Mr. James Nwokolo who spoke

to our correspondent said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;How can we be paying for what we do not enjoy? They only supply electricity to this area once or twice a week, and that does not last for up to two hours, yet they bring very high bills at the end of the month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if we are paying for darkness, because you cannot come to collect payment for services you did not render. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These days, you see an EEDC truck patrolling around the neighbourhood, carrying a large number of young people who we suspect to be thugs,

forcing people to pay or they cut off their source of supply. We are not happy about this, and in this area, we are planning a massive protest for this.â&#x20AC;?

Another resident of the area, a student, Mr. Somtochukwu Nwachukwu recalled his experience with staff of the company who came to force him to pay electricity bill recently. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those people are not staff of EEDC, I suspect they are thugs who the company hire to help them force people to pay. I confronted them on that day for trying to disconnect us,

but you needed to see how aggressive they all turned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even when I reminded them that we have not been having electricity, they ignored us and threatened to beat up anyone who attempted to stop them from effecting the disconnection.â&#x20AC;?

Nwachukwu further stated that the reluctance of the company to install pre-paid meters for consumers was deliberate, so they can continue to issue bogus bills by estimation to customers.

The public relations officer of

the EEDC zonal office in Enugu, Mr. Emeka Eze could not be reached through telephone for reaction.

But Eze in a previous interview had stated that the company was working to ensure that all its customers were metered. He said the company would need N80billion to procure meters for its customers in the South east zone, adding that It had already spent N10billion in metering its customers to ensure that they pay for exact billing power consumed.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NCAA Intensifies Surveillance on Operating Airlines Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has intensified surveillance on operating airlines, following recent minor and major incidents recorded in the country in recent times.

The Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman made this known Wednesday in an interview with aviation journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

He disclosed that the agency’s inspectors now monitor the activities of the airlines especially at the ramp areas, stating that it would continue to sustain and improve on the current safety level in the industry.

Usman said the agency has learnt from the recent major and

minor incidents that occurred in the country’s aviation industry within the year, stressing that lessons learnt from the incidents would be put to use to prevent major calamities from happening in the industry.

He pointed out that the year 2018 had been turbulent in the global aviation industry generally with incidents and accidents, but assured that the regulatory agency in Nigeria would sustain and improve on the safety level in the past years while the safety recommendations of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) would be followed to the letter in order to improve safety in the system.

He pledged that the NCAA would continue to adhere strictly to the eight critical elements of the International Civil Aviation

Organisation (ICAO) in order to prevent an accident from happening in the system, even as he stated that the NCAA had consistently carried out safety oversight functions of operating airlines in the country.

The NCAA, he further assured, would not rest on its oars, but would continue to beam its searchlight on all operators in order to prevent possible disaster.

“So, we take note of those incidences that have happened, we are going to learn from those incidences to ensure that we don’t have any unforeseen accident. So, we are intensifying our surveillance especially the ramping aspect of it; checking, rechecking, training, re-training, inspections as much as possible to ensure that whatever happens

Maritime Expert Hails Customs Chief A Lagos base maritime expert, Prince Olusegun Ologbese has lauded the steps taken by the new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Tin Can Island Port Command, Apapa, Lagos, Comptroller Musa Baba Abdullahi to reposition the command.

Abdullahi’s appointment followed the deployment of the erstwhile CAC of Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Yusuf Bashir to Customs Headquarters, Abuja.

Besides his meeting with some stakeholders in the maritime industry, Abdullahi has taken steps to ensure that the strides made by his predecessor were not eroded.

Ologbese who is also the life patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo/Ekiti States Councils said the visit of Abdullahi to the Commissioner of Police, Western Ports Command, Mr. Celestine Okoye was a step in the right direction.

Speaking with THISDAY in Lagos, Ologbese who is also the Managing Director of Ogbese International Limited explained that apart from providing opportunities for rubbing minds, the visit will enable the agencies operating in the nation’s seaports to share intelligence for better performance.

According to him, seeking inter-agency collaboration and synergy was not only a welcome development but the path to follow since no man is an island. Going down memory lane, the maritime expert said at the beginning of the port operations decades ago, the Nigeria Customs Service was the one carrying the responsibilities of other security agencies in the nation’s seaports.

“Gradually, the Nigerian Police and other government agencies spring up in the port and they have been working in co-operation with several other organisations to secure the port as well as protecting life and properties. Although, the Acts of Parliament that created each security agency in Nigeria stipulated and analysed each individual duties like it is overseas, these agencies have their respective roles and responsibilities. For instance, our Nigeria Immigration Service knows their roles and responsibilities. This is also applicable to the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Quarantine Service (NQS)”, he said.

The maritime expert argued that it was the inter-agencies

collaboration that was instrumental for the discovery of contraband, especially the rifles imported from Turkey shipped into Nigeria through Tin Can Island Port Complex last year.

Abdullahi in his first public outing penultimate Wednesday said he has set a target for himself in the discharge of his statutory roles and responsibilities.

He revealed that the command was given a target of N364 billion for revenue collection even as he disclosed that the command had already generated N62 billion.

The Customs Chief assured that under his watch, the command would block all revenue leakages, collect appropriate duties and meet its target for the year as mandated by Ali in his charge to officers and men of the NCS. According to him, the command under his supervision would through trade facilitation and ease of doing business initiative of the federal government ensures that no item in the Import Prohibition List (IPL) is allowed into the country under any guise. This is also applicable to the Export Prohibition List (EPL).

Dana Group Boss Bags Awards For his humanitarian service and contribution to the development of the aviation industry, the Managing Director / Chief Executive officer of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani, has been conferred with the Platinum Excellence Leadership Award by the Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS), in Lagos.

The award, according to the association was in recognition of Hathiramani’s exceptional track record of performance, exemplary leadership style, creative contribution to the development of the aviation industry, promotion of youth welfare and avowed nationalistic humanitarian service and Corporate Social Responsibility of his Conglomerate.

In his response, Hathiramani thanked the association for the honour bestowed on him and reiterated his commitment

towards working with relevant agencies and stakeholders on programs that will improve the aviation industry and that of the travelling public. He also pledged to continue promoting the welfare of the youth as the leaders of today and his service to humanity.

Jacky Hathiramani is a Nigerian born in Jos Plateau State. He had his formative education at Onireke in Ibadan, before proceeding to the United Kingdom, where he bagged a degree in Business Administration from the European Business School of London.

A statement from the airline said Hathiramani’s drive and passion for quality service led to the establishment of Dana Air in 2008, adding that the introduction of the airline and its redefining role in the aviation industry, offering world-class customer and in-flight service,

with an on-time performance that is still unrivalled, has enabled the company achieve commendable market share and the recognition as one of Nigeria’s Most Respected Companies according to a report

by BusinessDay’s research unit.

“Jacky has won two CEO of the year awards in the Nigerian aviation industry and one at the Ghana Aviation awards 2016, where he won same award for “bringing to Nigerians and Ghanaians, an aviation service that combines the best elements of legacy carriers – world-class onboard service, superior on-time performance, coupled with the latest technology (online services) and operational efficiency of new –age carriers, which has seen Dana Air become one of Nigeria’s leading airlines.’’ said the Ghana Aviation Award committee.

AIR WATCH Planned Turnaround of Aviation Sector Last week, the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika held the fourth stakeholders forum in Abuja where he x-rayed the industry and reinforced government’s plan to revamp the sector.

The discussions at the meeting centered around the unveiling of Transaction Advisers for the planned national carrier, the concession of major airports, the establishment of aircraft leasing company and the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

Addressing stakeholders at the occasion, the minister reiterated the challenges facing the industry, which include inadequate safety, security and surveillance equipment, decaying\ageing infrastructure and obsolete equipment. He also identified large number of unemployed trained professionals, high debt profile of domestic airlines, iinadequate human capital development/capacity building of aviation experts as part of the problems.

Others issued included rising price and scarcity of Jet A1 (aviation fuel), failure of full implementation of waiver on Customs Duty on aircraft and spares, budgetary constraints, ageing and over-bloated workforce at the management levels within the agencies.

The minister also restated the government’s plan to concession the airports, establish a national carrier, develop agrocargo terminals, establish MRO centre and establish aviation leasing company.

Others areas of focus included development of Airport Cities (Aerotropolis), development of Abuja second runway and associated infrastructure, upgrading of communication and navigational equipment and facilities, upgrading Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to multi-modal AIB to be named Nigerian Transportation Accident Investigation Bureau (NTAIB) and procurement of calibration equipment/ aircraft.

Government also planned to development policy on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), establishment of Aerospace University in Abuja, review the Civil Aviation Policy and Acts, restructure aviation parastatals and carry out the enforcement of expatriate quota The minister also spoke about the establishment of search and rescue system, upgrade the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (NCAT) into an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regional training centre of excellence.

He however identified the progress made so far, which include the improvement in aviation safety and security, ccertification of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in line with the guidelines and procedures stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Other achievements identified by the Minister include World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Certification of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for conforming to the requirements of (ISO 9001 2015) for the provision of meteorological services to the aviation industry and other stakeholders. He noted that Nigeria is the only country to achieve (ISO 2009 2015) in Africa, adding that there are plans to uupgrade the meteorological stations in Nigerian universities nation-wide for Research Training and Development (RTD), the inauguration of Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the Pproject Delivery Team (PDT) as well as the engagement of Transaction Advisors for six key projects within the Sector.

The achievements also include the recent installation of Low Level Wind Shear Alert

Sirika

System (LLWAS) at Katsina Airport, Ilorin and Kaduna, installation of Tidal Gauge at NIMET Marine Station, Eket, National and international collaborative partnership on improved weather and climate services delivery, rreview of various Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASAs) to bring them up to date on current issues and create opportunities for domestic carriers to fly international routes and iimport duties waiver on engine and spares.

The federal government said it completed flight calibration of navigational aids at Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Enugu, and Kaduna airports for improved safety and iinstalled new navigational aids at Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Jos, Kaduna Minna, Maiduguri, Enugu, Benin, Calabar and Ibadan to improve accessibility to the airports even under severe weather conditions.

But why government was commended by stakeholders for the above achievements, many have expressed doubt that it would realise the major plant of its transformation of the industry given the short time of this administration. Sirika however, did not say that the President Buhari government would carry over some of the projects to the next tenure if it wins the 2019 election.

Appraising what it has achieved in the critical programme like the establishment of national carrier, leasing company, MRO centre and others, industry observers posit that seemingly nothing much has been achieved and noted that not only that the time is too short for the programmes to be accomplished but these also need private sector input.

Although it has not been made public how far the transaction advisers have gone in actualising the set goals of the administration, but many industry observers said government might face a challenge convincing the private sector to invest in some of these programme, given the short span of time.

However, industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Aligbe expressed optimism that if the Transaction Adviser for national carrier was given timeline, government would be able to establish a national carrier before the end of the current administration. He also noted that the current process is open and getting the necessary approvals from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), adding that although the Transaction Adviser was unveiled last Thursday but it had already started working since Lufthansa Consulting was shown the door out by the federal government.

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Making Africa an Aircraft Maintenance Hub Recently a conference on aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul in Africa was held in Cairo, Egypt, where industry experts lamented the absence of major maintenance facilities in most parts of the continent, describing it as a threat to air safety.

Chinedu Eze takes a look at the resolutions reached by participants One of the major challenges faced by air transport in Nigeria and in many parts of Africa is the non-availability of major aircraft maintenance facility. Besides the cost of aviation fuel, which gulps over 40 per cent of operational cost in Nigeria, another major expenses made by Nigerian airlines is cost of aircraft maintenance because the airlines conduct such services overseas.

Nigerian airlines ferry their aircraft overseas for C and D checks and that is done at a huge cost. It is believed that the cost of maintenance could be halved if the airlines conduct these checks in Nigeria and experts also believe that when major maintenance facility is located very close to the airlines it enhances safety.

This is because it would be easy to take an aircraft for maintenance and it would eliminate the possibility of airlines cutting corners when they consider the huge cost of ferrying aircraft overseas, queuing at the maintenance facility and also the attendant delays that deny them the utilisation of the equipment, which leads to loss of huge revenue.

Recently, African Aviation Services organised the 27th Annual MRO Africa Conference and Exhibition in Cairo, Egypt where industry experts x-rayed the challenges faced by African airlines due to lack of major aircraft maintenance in many countries in the region and canvassed for collaboration and partnership so that well established maintenance facilities could assist upcoming ones acquire the necessary skills through training and building the capacity to conduct major maintenance checks on aircraft.

The convener of the conference and the former Secretary-General of Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA), Nick Fadugba of African Aviation Services, said for Africa to achieve the goals of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), African airlines must focus on all aspects of air safety, especially by ensuring that they operate well-maintained aircraft fleet and well trained aviation workforce.

MRO Capability Fadugba said that developing MRO facilities and capabilities in Africa is necessary in order to enhance safety, develop a skilled workforce and preserve scarce foreign exchange. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it is neither realistic nor desirable for every carrier and country in Africa to aspire to have comprehensive in-house MRO capabilities. The small size of African airline fleet and high cost of building modern MRO facilities dictate that the practical way forward lies in cooperation, collaboration and win-win joint ventures,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Operations Manager, KLM, Radj Jagbandhan in his presentation, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Creating and Sustaining an Aircraft Spare Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, said developing MRO capability in Africa should start with effective collaboration, technology utilisation, supply chain optimisation, competitive services and predictive compliance.

Richard Brown of ICF, UK emphasised the need to have MRO facilities in many parts of Africa, noting that this is necessary because although African air traffic has been growing but the region has the oldest aircraft fleet globally, although there has been recent modernisation. So in order to ensure air safety in the continent MRO should be established close to the airlines so that it would not cost hugely to conduct major checks and there should be the need to develop technical manpower that would meet the need of these airlines.

The Chairman and CEO of Egyptair Maintenance and Engineering, Abu-Taleb Tawfik Abu-Taleb said that the company has over the years promoted collaboration by sharing technical skills in manpower development. He

noted that for more than 85 years Egyptair Maintenance and Engineering has been working on developing its own approach to providing MRO services, based on international standards and customer-oriented programmes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In parallel, we managed to have a clear and tangible impact in the African market, with special attention given to updates in the field and to continue playing our distinguished role in developing the industry in Africa,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Developing Major MRO in Nigeria Speaking about aircraft maintenance in Nigeria recently, the Managing Director of Ethiopian Airlines International Operations, Esayas Wolde Mariam Hailu said that it would be extremely difficult for an airline that maintains its aircraft overseas to operate profitably.

He noted that overseas aircraft maintenance is very costly because in addition to the actual maintenance cost, the airline pays for ferrying of the aircraft, pilots allowances, accommodation, parking charges and in the case of Nigeria, it is done at a huge exchange rate, considering the disparity in the value of the naira and other major currencies of the world.

Yes, while the Nigerian airlines earn their revenue in local currency, the cost of maintenance is paid for in dollars, which is presently at N360/$1.

Hailu said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;MRO is very important because aviation without MRO is incomplete. This is because the aircraft needs to be maintained, it has A checks between every circle and then B and C checks are there. If we depend on overseas for our aircraft checks with other maintenance facilities and other things, they will be charging hands and legs and it is not going to be sustainable. So we need to be very careful about being self-sustaining when it comes to maintenance. And as we earlier said, safety is paramount; so the maintenance needs to be regarded very importantly.â&#x20AC;?

At the MRO Africa Conference and Exhibition 2018 in Cairo, Egypt, the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi in his presentation said West and Central Africa have been deprived of any MRO facility yet the rub-regions contribute 40 per cent of passenger traffic in Africa.

He lamented that most MRO operators,

lessors, insurance companies and others see nations in West and Central Africa as high country risk and noted that it would be great if other African airlines and companies with maintenance capabilities join Aero Contractors to establish major MRO in the sub-regions.

Sanusi said Aero has developed the capability C-check on Boeing 737 classics and it is already conducting D-checks on light aircraft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I joined Aero we had aircraft taken to all over the world for C-check. In Nigeria we have 26 Boeing 737 flying in the country; yet, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have maintenance facility. We wanted partners but many global MRO organisatons did not want to support us.

MRO must bring solutions to the doorsteps of the airlines,â&#x20AC;? Sanusi said.

Collaboration The Aero Contractors CEO told THISDAY on the sidelines of the conference that the MRO Africa is enhancing collaboration that would benefit Africa in the area of capacity building and sharing of skills. He said the collaboration is necessary if maintenance organisations in Africa would grow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This MRO Africa conference is one of the real opportunities that any maintenance organisation has to come and showcase itself; not only to seek for customers but also to look for partnerships from well-established MROs and to see how other MROs are operating; to see the latest technologies, as Lufthansa Technics has shown us the digitalization of everythingâ&#x20AC;Śsix steps of the digitalization of MRO business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So those are things you gain from the conference and of course the most important thing is that you expose yourself to world,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Sanusi said he gained mileage from the interaction at the conference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have met with a lot of customers and also intending partners. Had discussions with some MROs that that cannot accept works or clients that are close to me. We are in discussion with that. We are also in discussion with partnerships with other MROs and service providers. So it is very, very informative and very beneficial meeting that we have had.

In fact, some MROs that said they will not accept our clients are also asking us to take their clients,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Nigeria as Aviation Hub

He argued that for Nigerian to benefit from its huge passenger traffic, the country must have to develop aviation hub, whereby it is expected to have viable and large airlines, major maintenance organisation with modern airports that can serve many airlines. In addition, it is expected that the country would have enough skilled manpower in aviation, have enough fuel supply provided at relatively cheaper prices and provide the capacity for aircraft to benefit from sundry services and passengers to enjoy mega duty free malls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must develop Nigeria as aviation hub in Africa. That is the only way we can benefit from it because we provide them with the passenger traffic, we (Central and West Africa) give them 40 per cent of the traffic in Africa but we do not have big carriers to airlift passengers and we do not have any big MRO facility. So the only way we can do that is to first develop the MRO facility; as you heard the organisers say that most international airlines have their major maintenance facility and they metamorphose into profit making organisaions. So we must develop that,â&#x20AC;? Sanusi said.

He said the MRO would help Nigeria save a lot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One, we are saving from foreign exchange, second we are saving time and third we are providing people jobs. So we are talking about contributing to the economy of the country, the amount of the foreign exchange you will use to pay for these services outside, you pay less to a local maintenance facility in Naira. When you do that you have created jobs. I have just given 70 Nigerians jobs (at Aero Contractors). When we solidify the six checks that we know we will do in the year I will give 40 more people jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I know that I am going to do 12 checks in a year I can take 120 engineers and they will work 24/7 and that means I am creating jobs, creating wealth for people and contributing to the economy of the nation.

Apart from conserving the foreign exchange, few companies now create jobs in Nigeria,â&#x20AC;?

Sanusi added.

Experts at the conference also called on the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and civil aviation authorities of all the countries in the region to harmonise their regulatory framework to ensure uniform minimum safety standard in Africa. The measure, they said, will prevent air accidents that have characterised the continent. This would also help maintenance organisations in the continent to maintain international standard on conducting checks and in the training of skilled manpower.

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Galvanising Stakeholders for Ports Efficiency Eromosele Abiodun posits that the stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fora being held across the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seaports by the Nigerian Ports Authority will ensure operators deliver port services at global standards Following the calamitous port congestion that gripped the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ports and arrested Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development for much of the oil boom years of the 70s, the federal government made efforts to reform the system. The efforts never yielded the desired fruits as corruption and inefficiency reigned, denying government the needed revenue from the sector.

As a result of the painful experiences of congestion in the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the federal government, again, made efforts to reform the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in the 1980s. After several years of inaction, the federal government settled on port concession as a final solution to the problems at the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seaports.

Prior to the concession of the ports to private operators in 2006, doing business in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ports was a hellish experience with many problems.

One of the major problems was turnaround time for ships which took too long before their cargo could be loaded or discharged.

While several past managements at the NPA strived to enforce rules and get all stakeholders to conform and adhere to due process, nothing commensurate happened until the appointment Hadiza Bala-Usman as the head of the NPA. She took over from Alhaji Habib Abdullahi, who was reinstated by Buhari in August 2015 as the MD of NPA, after he had been shown the exit by former President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2015.

Bala-Usman declared shortly after she took over from Abdullahi, that much was from the NPA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our ports are a critical artery of the economy and it is our duty to ensure that the operators deliver port services at the standards that our businesses deserve in the 21st century in supporting President Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration agenda of economic diversity. We will strive for enhanced operating efficiencies to facilitate improved revenue generation and inflows into the national treasury. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will listen to our customers, importers, exporters and other agencies working in the ports to improve on our service delivery to the nation, anything less than world-class services is simply not acceptable; attaining such heights is a mission to which I am certain we can all subscribe.â&#x20AC;?

She added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As team leader, I have come to add my best efforts to yours so that we can collectively achieve results for our industry. We must work as a team, pursuing common goals with professionalism and diligence. We shall prioritise investment in primary equipment and infrastructure and services committed to by NPA in the concession agreements to hasten clearance of imports and exports from the ports. As we collaborate in the best traditions of public service, I believe that with commitment and diligence our hard work can position NPA as a model agency.â&#x20AC;?

A New Dawn As part of the efforts to ensure that the promises made on her assumption of duty were fulfilled, Bala-Usman last year, introduced quarterly stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meetings to know what is on ground at the ports and be better informed on the plight of operators.

Several stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meetings have since been held in Port Harcourt and Onne port in River State, Calabar port, Warri port and Apapa ports.

Speaking at the second stakeholders meeting in Rivers State last week, the NPA boss assured stakeholders that she is committed to ensuring that promises made at stakeholders meetings are kept and every effort made to move the sector forward.

According to her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We made promises in the last few times that we came here and I think I should update you on some of our promises. We understand your concern in relation to pilot quarters and other equipment.

I will like to inform you that we have finally

operator and a shipping company were violating the concession agreement.

She said a competitive tariff and pricing regime had been introduced at the ports, adding that NPA would ensure that operators complied with their agreements with the government.

Ease of Doing Business She had, at a stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forum in Onne and Port Harcourt ports late 2017, charged operators to contribute meaningful ideas that could facilitate the Ease of Doing Business at the two ports, saying the management of NPA would work towards creating an enabling environment for them to operate optimally.

The NPA boss, who was represented by Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Huttin Davies, said the meeting was an opportunity for NPA management to meet with operators with a view to identifying areas of needs in order for the NPA to engender greater operational efficiency at the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seaports According to her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is imperative for all agencies at the ports to contribute most meaningfully as part of measures to facilitate Ease of Doing Business at the ports.â&#x20AC;?

Hadiza Bala-Usman

gotten approval for the construction of six pilot quarters, two of which are ongoing. We also got approval for repair of some of the tug boats, the idea is to get them renovated and put into use. As regards security, we have received approval for the construction of two 17 meters offshore boats and also approval has been granted for the construction and supply of six water boats. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The approval for gun boats is still been waited. We understand that there are also issues with the delay along the Bonny channel especially when the LNG vessel are coming in. The only alternative here is to duallize the place. However, studies are being done for erosion control. It has been perfected and already we are setting up safety enablers to see what can be done. The only thing eventually is that it has to be duallised and of course cost assessment has to be done and that is been done also environmental impact assessment is been carried out. Very soon we will liaise with the LNG to see how this can be done.

We are also looking at the concerns of the operators as regards to GMT, the review of the concession will take care of that. But letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remember that this involves multiple parties which include ICRC, BPE, Ministry of Transportation, NPA and the Ministry of Justice. But there is a working committee working on this and very soon the matter will be resolved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The thorny issues, which include GMT will be resolved. We know your worries as regards indiscriminate anchorage of vessel we are working on it very soon we will let you know what we are doing about it. We have also received complaint about double charges.

We have identified the operators involved in this and we have informed them that at no time has the NPA increased charges. They are not allowed to take any charge only the NPA has the power to do so. There are issues that have to do with wrecks, we have plans in place to remove the wrecks. We have budgeted for it in the 2017 and especially the 2018 budget.

There is a committee going round to identify these wrecks and proffer solutions as to how they are going to be removed.â&#x20AC;?

The NPA, she added, has identified the need to collaborate with OGZA, noting that the goal is to ensure that users of the ports including the free zones have seamless service.

Addressing Insecurity While responding to a stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; complaints on insecurity, she said NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy are responsible for the security of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the equipment we are buying for the security of our ports are in millions of dollars we are doing this because when there is a security issue it is the NPA that loses revenue.

There is a joint security meeting that takes place in the office of the National Security Adviser, what we do is when we get security reports from stakeholders we give the reports at the meeting. Most times the problem is some stakeholders do not know where to go when issues like this happen. But we are setting up a committee to take care of this.

But feel free to let us know when there are security issues so that we can take it up and report to the appropriate people. We are not tired of your complaints us know and we will take action, â&#x20AC;&#x153;she said.

Agreement with Operators Speaking at a stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forum in Lagos she said all agreements the NPA signed with port operators would be reviewed. Bala-Usman threatened to sanction any operator who fails to clear its debt or provide holding bays for empty containers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All terminal operators that owe NPA must be ready to pay up their debt. They must pay in the next two weeks or face serious sanctions, â&#x20AC;?she said, adding that her administration had plugged loopholes to ensure transparency and accountability.

NPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accounts section, she said, would recover all outstanding debts to boost the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revenue profile.

Bala-Usman also warned the operators against violating the terms of the concession under which the terminals were handed over to them.

She cautioned shipping companies against engaging in shoddy business at the ports and ordered investigation into allegations that an

Stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; complaints At a stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forum held in Rivers port last month, one of the terminal operators complained about the Fenway boil, adding that several reports about the matter to the NPA management were not treated.

The operator, who represented PTOL Limited said the NPA has not put in place measures to secure the movement of vessels in the area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Recently, pirates attacked one of the vessel, MAC Maria coming with containers to our terminal, because there was no response to the plea of the captain and the crew of the vessel. The crew ran into the engine room and lock themselves in, the pirates had a free day ransack the whole vessel, took all their jewelries, laptops and money. In the process of doing that the vessel was drifting and there was a serious collision with a tanker vessel.

Now the vessel cannot sail unless urgent repairs are undertaken on her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue of security is very serious, one or two of the vessels that were to come to our terminal when the situation became too serious, they went to West African ports. There is MV Mutshin carrying about 6000 tons of cargo to our terminal, when the attack occurred they diverted to Lome, Togo to trainload their cargo.

The new captain of the vessel still refused to come to our port until and when security is assured. Our terminal is entirely empty now.

In fact, the two terminals in revivers port, â&#x20AC;&#x153;he said.

He urged the NPA to take a serious look at the issues of security, stressing that if the situation is not well handled, it will be difficult for business.

An official of Brawal limited said the NPA must resolve the issue of available draft, adding that customers often disagree with them over which number to use. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we go out to market the port and we give them the available draft, by the time they go back to the NPA they get a different figure. So I want the NPA to join us in marketing the available draft of the terminals. For example, in my terminal we bring in vessels of 9 meters and they carry about 25, 000 tons of Gipson. This comes in almost every month and when we tell our customers they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe. We went to market Notore because they are bringing in fertilizers and they went to NPA harbours and they said the maximum draft we can get is 8 meters and there is no way a vessel of 25, 000 tons can berth. They insisted they wanted to see the number of vessels that we have handled and the tonnages.

The last time we had a meeting in Lagos we had documents showing that we had about 5 meters draft but we know that we have more than that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;he said.

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CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GROUP PLC RESULT AT A GLANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER, 2017

Revenue Operating Profit Profit before taxation Profit after Taxation Key Ratios Operating Margin Net profit Margin At year end Property, Plant and Equipment Borrowings Paid-up share capital Share premium Revenue reserve Shareholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; funds Per Share Data Earnings per share (Kobo) Fixed assets per share (Kobo) Net assets per share (Kobo) Dividend per share (Kobo)

3UHVFR

2017 Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;000

Group 2016 Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;000

% Change

2017 Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;000

Company 2016 % Change Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;000

20,540,505 5,292,746 3,907,099 2,621,828

19,310,514 2,656,466 1,104,654 612,284

6% 50% 72% 77%

1,188,000 1,002,710 1,002,710 977,041

301,950 94,042 94,042 51,804

-75% -91% -91% -95%

26% 13%

14% 3%

22,071,147 16,646,812 1,675,255 6,616,991 7,417,841 15,803,687

20,589,051 16,099,225 1,675,255 6,616,991 4,824,341 13,193,859

7% -3% 0% 0% 35% 17%

1,675,255 1,675,255 6,616,991 6,616,991 638,610 - 338,431 8,930,856 7,953,815

0% 0% 0% 0% 153% 11%

78 659 472 15

18 615 394 0

29 267 0

2 237 0

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GROUP PLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 9th Annual General Meeting of CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GROUP PLC will be held at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria on Tuesday the 8th of May, 2018 at 10:00am to transact the following business: A. ORDINARY BUSINESS: 1. To present and consider the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2017 together with the Reports of the Directors, Auditors and Audit Committee thereon.

2. To declare a dividend.

3. To re-elect retiring Directors.

4. To fix remuneration of Directors.

5. To authorize the Directors to fix the remuneration of Auditors for the ensuring year.

6. To elect/re-elect members of the Statutory Audit Committee.

NOTES: A. PROXY A member entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his/her stead. Proxies need not be members of the Company. A blank proxy form is attached to the Annual Report. To be valid, a completed and duly stamped proxy form must be deposited at the office of the Registrar, United Securities Limited, 10 Amodu Ojikutu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.

B. DIVIDEND If the proposed dividend of 15 kobo per ordinary share is approved, it will be payable on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 to Shareholders whose names are registered in the Register of Members at the close of business on April 25, 2018. Shareholders who have completed the e-Dividend Mandate Forms will receive a direct credit of the dividend into their bank accounts on the date of the Annual General Meeting.

C. E-DIVIDEND MANDATE Shareholders are kindly requested to update their records and advise United Securities Limited of their updated records and relevant bank accounts for the payment of their dividends. Detachable forms in respect of mandate for e-dividend payment, unclaimed/stale dividend payment andshareholder data update are attached to the Annual Report for convenience.

E. STATUTORY AUDIT COMMITTEE In accordance with section 359(5) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990, any shareholder may nominate a shareholder for appointment to the Audit Committee. Such nomination should be in writing and should reach the Company Secretary at least 21 days before the Annual General Meeting.

Kindly note that the provisions of the Code of Corporate Governance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) indicates that members of the Statutory Audit Committee should have basic financial literacy and be knowledgeable in internal control processes.

In view of the foregoing, nominations to the Statutory Audit Committee should be supported by the Curricula Vitae of the nominees.

F. SHAREHOLDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; RIGHT TO ASK QUESTION Shareholders reserve the right to ask questions not only at the Meeting but also in writing on any matter, subject or issue contained in the Annual Report and Accounts. Shareholders may also submit questions prior to the Meeting in writing to the Company, in line with the Rule 19.12(c) of the Listing Rules of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Such questions should be addressed to the Company Secretary and reach the Company at its Head Office at 1 Prince Kayode Akingbade Close, Victoria Island, Lagos not later than 7 days to the date of the Meeting.

G. BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS OF DIRECTORS FOR ELECTION OR RE-ELECTION Biographical details of Directors standing for election or re-election are provided in the Annual Report.

H. WEBSITE A copy of this Notice and other information relating to the meeting can be found at www.caverton-offshore. com DATED THIS 5TH DAY OF APRIL 2018

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

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The duly completed forms should be returned to the office of the Registrars, United Securities Limited, 9 Amodu Ojikutu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

D. CLOSURE OF REGISTER OF MEMBERS The register of Members and transfer books of the Company will be closed on the 26th of April, 2018 to enable the Registrar prepare for payment of dividend.

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Why the Forensic Audit of Oando is Essential Olujobi Akanni posits that the sure way to instill investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; confidence in Nigeria is for President Muhammadu Buhari to direct a full scale investigation into the crisis that led to the suspension of SEC DG, Munir Gwarzo and ensure an objective audit of Oando Plc Anyone who thinks the crisis rocking Oando Nigeria Plc is over deludes himself. Last week, some groups of shareholders consisting of the Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria (TSAN), Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PROSAN) and the Oando Shareholders Solidarity Group (OSSG), marched from Eagle Square in Abuja to the National Assembly Complex, demanding the removal of the Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu from office.

The shareholders complained that it would be impossible to achieve an objective forensic audit of the financials of Oando with Tinubu still overseeing the affairs of the company.

The shareholders, in their hundreds, chanted various slogans and carried different placards decrying what they called the poor handling of the Oando crisis by the present management of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

PROSAN National Coordinator, Mr. Taiwo Oderinde, accused the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the Acting Director-General of SEC, Dr. Abdul Zubair, of shielding the management of Oando from scrutiny. The situation, he said, is dangerous for the Nigerian capital market as it has continued to erode investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; confidence in the market.

Oderinde, who also submitted a petition on behalf of the protesting shareholders to the House Committee on Capital Market and other Institutions, said the malfeasance in Oando and the attempt by Adeosun to shield the company leaves a sour taste in the mouth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The management of Oando Nigeria Plc led by Wale Tinubu should step aside until the forensic audit is released to the public so as to pave way for an unhindered forensic audit,â&#x20AC;? Oderinde had said.

The Oando storm gathered momentum late last year after several months of petitions and allegations of financial mismanagement and insider trading, culminating in the suspension of the shares of the company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on October 19, 2017. The Nigerian capital market regulator also ordered a forensic audit of Oando in view of several allegations of untoward practices leveled against the management.

In its preliminary findings, SEC said it established cases in which Oando Plc allegedly declared dividends from unrealised profits and released false financial statements to the public. The commission also said that it discovered that the oil firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 Rights Issue Circular â&#x20AC;?contained misleading information.â&#x20AC;?

In a letter dated October 17 and signed by Braimoh Anastasia, Head of Legal department of SEC, the regulator also claimed that the oil companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disposal of Oando Exploration Production Limited (OEPL) to Green Park Management Limited was done in contravention of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 because the regulatory body was not informed.

In 2013, following the structuring of the OEPL transaction in a way SEC said contravened the ISA 2007, Oando recorded a profit of about N6 billion that erased a loss of N4.68 billion which made the company declare a profit of N1.4 billion for the same financial year. SEC said since the transaction was done in contravention of ISA 2007, Oando Plc restated its 2013 and 2014 audited accounts which contained â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śmaterial false and misleading information contrary to section 60(2) of the ISA 2007.â&#x20AC;?

The SEC letter also revealed that the 2014 Rights Issue Circular of the company contained information on the profit reported by the company in 2013 arising from the sale

Gwarzo

of the OEPL, which the commission considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;false and misleadingâ&#x20AC;?. This action, it said, amounted to a violation as contained in sections 85, 86 and 87 of the ISA 2007.

Similarly, the commission noted that the corporate governance return submitted by the company in December 2016 showed that the renumeration of the Group CEO, Mr. Wale Tinubu, and his deputy were approved by the board while the GCEO approved the renumeration of other executive directors, a clear violation of part B 14.3 of the SEC Corporate Governance Code.

SEC also said that its preliminary findings revealed that the last audit of the Oando was done by KPMG in 2012, a development it also said contravened the SEC regulations.

The commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter also said that the firm paid dividends to its registrar in piecemeal, also a clear violation of the SEC regulations, even as independent auditors reported the going concern status of the company in 2016.

Further checks by SEC, as detailed in its letter, also revealed that certain persons classified as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;insidersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; within the provision of section 315 of ISA, 2007, and were in possession of confidential price sensitive information not generally available to the public, had between January and October 2015 traded on Oando shares prior to the release of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 financial statement, in which the company reported a loss of N183 billion.

In 2013 and 2014, SEC revealed, Oando also declared dividends from unrealised profits even as certain Related Party Transactions were not conducted at armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length basis, all in violation of the SEC rules and regulations.

The commission said the findings were weighty and required further investigation by an independent team of auditors.

It is however unfortunate that almost six months after the preliminary findings, SEC has exhibited a lackadaisical attitude towards ensuring an objective closure of the Oando matter. This poor handling has further aggravated Oandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exasperated investors, who have decided to take to the streets to express their grievances.

The shareholders believe that Zubairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SEC has become a puppet in the hands of the Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe the Minister (of Finance) is clearly working to protect her friends in

Tinubu

Oando Plc from the impending embarrassment that findings from the forensic audit may cause them,â&#x20AC;? Oderinde said.

Referring to the suspension of the former Director-General of SEC, Dr. Munir Gwarzo as a grand ploy to pave way for the said protection bid, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also fear that the suspension of the director-general is a clear attempt to frustrate the forensic audit.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Similarly, the chairman, Trusted Shareholders Association, Alhaji Mukhtar Mukhtar, said the group was convinced that SEC, under the acting DG, Dr. Abdul Zubair is only buying time by foot-dragging on the forensic audit.

He expressed anger that while shareholders of the company are dying without getting returns from their investments, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management members are acquiring new expensive automobiles and private jets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of our members have become victims of hypertension watching their investments tumble without any hope to salvage same in sight,â&#x20AC;? Mukhtar said.

He stated that the global practice is that when forensic audit is being carried out on a company, the management of the company will forced to step-aside to give room for thorough investigation without any interference.

Gwarzo himself had accused Adeosun of removing him from office for failing to stop the Oando probe.

Speaking on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Capital market and Institutions, the suspended SEC Director-General said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;On one occasion, the Minister invited me and asked me the powers I had to carry on with the audit.

So, I explained to her it was within the powers of my office. She said we should have mentioned it to her but no problem.

But the scary aspect was that she told me she was told I should have been sacked.

After that encounter, we went on with our investigations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On another occasion, the Honourable Minister invited me again in the company of the Permanent Secretary (of the Ministry of Finance) and said I should lift the technical suspension placed on Oando. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Later around 4pm, another meeting was conveyed, with the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Director of Legal Services and some staff of SEC. The Minister went

through all the allegations against SEC and also the recommendations. We discussed extensively with her and sought some clarifications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Minister said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;even though you did not carry us along, we have no choice than to support youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The case was in court, so we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do anything then. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Next, we issued a letter to Oando informing them we will continue with the audit and the next day, I was invited by the Minister. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She said to me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I want this Oando issue to be concludedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and I replied, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;no problemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

She then said I should stop the forensic audit of Oando and that I should constitute a committee comprising the Head of Legal of SEC, that of the Ministry and that of Oando. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She then told me I will not be on that committee, and that they were giving me the directive as my board (members). I said okay, if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the case, I want it to be committed in writing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She went on to tell me I had two options, either I resign or I am suspended and went on to remind me of the allegations against me. I told her I am ready to defend myself against those allegations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Minister then said no, that my case is similar to that of Babachir Lawal, the former SGF, which means she has already pronounced me guilty.â&#x20AC;?

These allegations of interference against Adeosun are as weighty as the ones against Oando and must not be swept under the carpet.

The Nigerian capital market is fragile and needs a strong, independent regulator to instill investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; confidence. As a result, it is necessary for President Muhammadu Buhari to wade into this matter at this time. The allegations against Adeosun must be investigated and the Minister must be asked to step aside if found to be true.

The management of Oando Plc must also step aside to allow for unhindered forensic audit. They can be reinstated if no untoward conduct is established against them.

It is also important to revisit the issue of Munir Gwarzo. If he has committed any offence, he should be prosecuted but if not, fairness demands he be returned to his position with immediate effect.

- Akanni is a Lagos-based capital market analyst

26

T H I S D AY ˾

ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

LIVING | P31

COLLAGE | P36

THISLIFE | P37

BUDDING TALENT

FILE

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Budding Talent Idia Aisien is one of the few names one can easily reckon with in the fashion industry.

She told Sunday Ehigiator what inspired her and her current work on the International Development Initiatives for Africa to showcase unsung humanitarians, among others You started your career at a young age, what inspired you and how was the experience like at that time?

I am lucky to have been one of those people that always know what I wanted to do. I was in secondary school and I remember learning about Dele Giwa, and was so fascinated by his commitments to his work, and his life, I remember that I had met a girl even in the university that was his daughter. It’s so interesting that, from the day I learnt about him I realised that journalism is such an honourable profession; and telling peoples’

story at all cost was something I wanted to be able to do. Though at a time, it wasn’t something that my parents were onboard with due to the low remuneration, but I was able to get my first job at Punch Newspaper at age 15. I remember that one thing that has always helped me was that ambition, despite the discouragements. I never believed that any door was closed. At that age, I also got signed to Beth Models. But because I had to go to school and wanted to do a lot of travelling at that time, I have to suspend my employment there for some years to enable

Aisien in a modeling shoot

me focus properly in my academics.

How have you been able to manage being a presenter and a model together?

I don’t think there has ever been any time in my life when I haven’t managed more than one thing together at a time. Throughout when I was still in the university, I was always going for modeling jobs, auditioning and so on. Presenting didn’t happen for me immediately because at that time, I just studied journalism and was fortunate enough to have worked at Discovery, Fox news and so on, but I was always looking out for modeling opportunities. It was hard sometimes; there were months when you have to prioritise one thing over the other, but I think with perseverance and consistency, I have been able to pull through managing both.

Aisien

Do you have any show you currently anchor in Nigeria at the moment?

Yes, right now I currently host two televi-

sion shows for Spice TV, on DSTV channel 190. The first show is entitled ‘You’ve Got Issues’, it entailed people sharing with us their problems in their relationships, love, career, abuse and so forth. Then we usually have well-seasoned guests on every episodes, who deal with the issues our audience had sent in. The second show is called ‘Style 101’.

And it’s the fore front of the Nigerian version of Fashion Police. It’s basically like a jury of four people, I and three new guests on every episode, we talk through trends in all sphere of life, entertainment, fashion. We basically vote and give our opinions on what people are wearing, doing at weddings or any other trending matter.

As a philanthropist, what was your motivation and how many philanthropic projects have you sponsored so far?

When I was 15 and got signed to Beth’s, the first fashion show I ever did was a show to raise money for UNICEF. That day, I was so

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Aisien in another modeling shoot

sisters in other states; and likewise went to elderly shelters in Lagos. This is what we did, and we were sending pictures to our family group page informing them of our activities. It lasted for three days.

What is your strongest personal quality?

I don’t take no for an answer. If I ask to be your assistant and you don’t want to hire me, it’s either I go and start a rival paper or meet someone that could help me figure out how I can make you hire me as your assistant (smiles).

touched. I remember I was in tears. I remember we wore a couple of dresses down the run way and people would auction. I remember the dress that I wore was auctioned for about N250,000. And it was so heart-melting to see that you could merge two things you are so passionate about together, and it was beautiful to see that fashion could be used for such a good course. So that was my first real contact with humanitarianism. And being raised in a family where my mum has always done humanitarian works. She was the President of Lion’s Club at one point. She is always away from home, travelling here and there for humanitarian reasons, helping people. And dad was always helping to build churches, helping kids with tuition and stuffs like that, I just had to realise that no matter how little you have, you just have that responsibility of helping that man next to you. So I think that is where it all started. I was also fortunate to move to New York when I was about to study for my masters. I work at that time

with United Nations; The Peace Building Commission. And I realised then that, they were doing a fantastic job at the UN but it was on a very high level or large scale. I wanted to be able to do work that I could see the direct impact on the society in need. And I am so committed to this course because I feel like a lot of people give but they don’t give sustainably. For instance, you can give a carton of Indomie to somebody, but guess what; in a month, it is finished. Instead, it’s best you teach a man to fish and not just always giving him fish. So I am looking at ways to focus more on poverty and education.

Education because it’s an empowerment in itself; if someone is educated; he already has the understanding needed to get skills without being told. This week; I am so excited because my father turned 70, and all he wanted for his birthday was that all of us should embark on charity work on his behalf in our different locations. So I and my team went to various orphanages as did my

What are the challenges you often encounter in your career and how are you able to manage it?

Two things I always say were my biggest challenges. The first thing was when I moved back to Nigeria. I know exactly what I wanted to do. I knew the brands, the companies I wanted to work with. But I had people judging me. They look at me and say, ‘Oh! she looks like she is from a well to do family, she doesn’t really need the job’. People don’t understand that there are people that genuinely want to make a difference and are passionate about working. They don’t see that, what they saw was; Oh! Her family, she feels that she could just come from nowhere and capitalise in this industry or whatever.

So, there was that. People just look at face value. I don’t see people, I see souls, I see how you treat people, I see your essence, so there was that judgment. The second thing was that so many people were telling me to wait my turn. You are young so wait your turn.

I don’t believe your age should determine your employability. I believe people should be given what they ask for based on what they can do and how well they can deliver.

If you are able to get to the front of the line, really there are no turns. Lines only exist in our head. In the real sense, there is no line.

What is the worst criticism you have ever heard about yourself?

That I am too ambitious; for me it is subjective. I think the things I want, I likewise have the hard work to back it up. I don’t rely on anyone contrary to people perception.

There are no connections anywhere. I go all out for the things I want and what I am today, through hard work and determination. I believe people would just define you negatively once they see you succeed where they had failed just to justify their failures and make themselves feel good. But I don’t care. It doesn’t sway me a bit.

Tell your fans what they can’t know about you merely from reading your portfolio?

The brand IDIA (the International Development Initiatives for Africa) is very aspirational, but me Idia I’m probably the easiest, sweetest and coolest person.

How do you cool off?

Travelling; I like travelling a lot.

Is there any upcoming project?

I have launched a project. Though I am yet to do the public launching but it’s going to happen. It is called the International Development Initiative in Africa (IDIA). The IDIA project, it’s a project that caters to showing every company, international organisations, or individuals that are developing Africa in terms of economic, societal development, humanitarianism and advocacy. The aim is to bring to the front banner the well-known and unsung humanitarians/builders of Africa.

It is to show what is working in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Initially, it wasn’t a project but just a foundation known as the International Development Initiatives in Africa, which was a foundation geared towards poverty eradication and education.

It was my own way of doing my part of the sustainable developmental goals. So, now we are making it a project, thereby involving companies and individuals with the aim of poverty elimination in Africa. The project is kick starting from April 15th this year.

If you could change anything about Nigeria, what would that be?

I would change the way people think. It’s not a problem necessarily with the way we think, it’s a problem of how we have been conditioned to think. I think that there are people that believe things cannot get better.

There are people that have so much played into that mentality and just go unbothered with corruption and other vices that they are faced with. There are also people that take out their feelings on other people, which do not make things better. If I am horrible to you, and other people are likewise horrible to you, it therefore turns you as well into a horrible person even though you don’t want to be. If we had the means to show people that we are all one, all these problems that we are facing would be eradicated.We should stand together and not be divided or treat each other differently. If we come together that way, I believe most of the problems facing us as Nigerians would be eliminated, and Nigeria would be a much better place. Everybody has a part to play in making Nigeria great again.

What is your advice to upcoming models?

They should be positive minded. Slow and steady wins the race. They don’t have to sleep around before they make wave. There are so many models out there that didn’t do that and are doing well in their career as we speak. They should emulate the good ones, not the bad ones. With patience, hard work and prayers, you would get there someday.

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Raising Teenage Readers as Leaders Adolescents who choose to pick up a book for pleasure are more likely to succeed in life research has proved. But getting them to do so isn’t easy, writes Adedayo Adejobi Every child is born with the impulse to make sense out of language and find meaning in the world around them. In a way, they are already reading. Preparing the child for what comes later, such as decoding letters and words on a printed page, is largely a matter of fostering that innate ability. In a bid to foster and encourage students to read ahead of a promising future, the Read, Educate and Developers (READERS) Club registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria, was officially launched in Lagos State at the auditorium of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka recently, at an event marking the 21st anniversary of the World Book Day. Sometimes, there's one key book that captures a child's imagination and opens him or her up to the exciting world of fiction. Other times, a teacher who assigns great books in class sparks a hunger for more big ideas and fine writing. In some cases, parents influence kids' appreciation of books by sharing their own love of literature and modelling reader behaviour always having a book to read, taking books on vacation, reading before bedtime, making regular trips to the library and bookstore, helps shape the mind and leader in the child.

Reading for pleasure at a tender age is a strong factor in determining future social mobility. Indeed, it has been revealed as the most important indicator of the future success of the child. That was the startling finding of research carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on education and reading, and their role in promoting social mobility. It highlights why getting teenagers to read for pleasure is more than a sepia-tinted ambition for frustrated parents. It is a fundamental social issue.

The research findings need unpicking. A distinction is being drawn between different motivations for reading – whether it is done for its own sake, or whether it is the result of being cajoled by carrots and sticks. Research suggests those who read for pleasure demonstrate an intrinsic desire to engage with stories, texts and learning. Reading for pleasure therefore

Some of the students that participated at the event

reveals a predisposition not just to literature, but to the sort of lifelong learning that explains increased social mobility.

In the words of Babajide Fagade, ‘‘There is a simple conclusion to draw from all this.

We must encourage our children to read for pleasure. But that is easy to say and hard to achieve, particularly in the culture in which many young people grow up today in Nigeria.

They have plenty of other leisure activities to choose from.’’

Speaking on the unique essence of the timing, the organisers deliberately choose World Book Day in an effort to create an extensive awareness that reading does not have to be boring; it can be fun. This they believe is the only way to spark interest for books in this new world of video games and entertainment on-the-go, which in turn affects most of our youth and

many students in other schools as well.

The official launch and re-launch in St. Finbarr’s College was organised by the members of the board of trustees, who founded the Readers Club in 1986 whilst they were students of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos and grew its membership to other schools. The members of board of trustee present at the launch/re-launch were Mr. Dare Tanimomo, Mr. Babajide Fagade, Mr. Anietor Obemeata, Mr. Emmanuel Frey, Mr. Kanbi Owolabi and Chief Oluwafela Ajayi.

“In view of the dwindling reading culture amongst teenagers today, we, the founding members of the club, got back together and decided to re-launch the club in order to revive the reading culture amongst the youths and to impact the coming generation, as we believe that Readers Are Leaders!” Chief Oluwafela Ajayi, Chairman, Board of Trustee disclosed.

In the spirit of re-launch for the club, so many schools were invited to participate but only the representative of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka and the Methodist Girls High School were present at the event which created an enabling environment for reading, interaction and connection between the non-governmental organisation and the notable schools present.

The event featured Career Talk, Reading and Quiz Competition between Methodist Girls High School and St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos.

The Methodist Girls High School was represented

by Omoniyi Temiloluwa and Ojo Glory under the supervision of Mrs. Ukato Obazele I.C, and St. Finbarr’s College by Mbata Daniel and Abraham Victor under the supervision of Mrs. Ezetendu Genevive.

The quiz based on the Nigerian national schools accepted literature book called Othello was won by the Methodist Girls High School and a cheque of N20, 000 as the cash prize was given to them as the winner and N10, 000 to St. Finbarr’s College by Eventrade International Limited owned by one of the members of the club’s board of trustee.

The aims and objective of the Readers Club are: To promote a reading culture amongst Nigerians, Establish Readers Clubs in schools and other institutions, Organise courses and events, Work with other groups and exchange of information and To revive a reading culture by taking over moribund reading facilities across the country.

The reading for pleasure habit, one firmly believe, can only be built by giving youngsters the sort of books that interest them. So school libraries, for instance, should not only stock books that support the curriculum, but also books that match pupils’ own interests, sparking their enthusiasm for reading and books.

As well as chiming with their interests, books that hook young people into reading need to resonate with who they are. The teenage novels of the past four decades are an extraordinary development in literature, and explore the teenage identity.

‘Cracking the Code of Possibilities in Business’ SundayEhigiator Taiwo Fajola, a visionary entrepreneur, and business training consultant-HSL Consulting, in a bid to solving problems and bridging the gap of impossibilities in entrepreneurship, and creating an enlightened framework for a revolutionised business in an unstable economy, recently launched a book entitled, ‘Cracking The Code of Possibilities in Business’.

The executive book launching event which took place at Lagoon Resort Lekki, in Victoria Island, Lagos, played host to several business moguls, politicians, technocrats, and other code-breaking entrepreneurs from various walks of life, amongst whom were; Hon. Debo Ranti Ajayi, former Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Ekiti-State, Mr. Goke Michael Omidiran, CEO/MD Quadline Group, Mr. Tunji Ilori, MD/CEO Seacore Shipping and Marine Services LTD, Barr. Femi Fajolu, Managing Partner (G.O, Sodipo & CO.), Rufai Oseni, On-Air Personality at Inspiration FM and a Business Analyst, Douglas Elisha, M&A Advisor-FBN Capital Limited, and a host of others.

In his opening remarks, the master of ceremony, Rufai Oseni, posited that there are a lot of codes that needed to be cracked in every aspects of this present day Nigeria.

Ranging from business, to political, economic, and educational, with a concluding analysis that, students to teachers ratio in Lagos State University is 1:124, as compared to Harvard where it is rated at 1:4, and Singapore; where it is ratio 1:10.

Making his welcome address, the man of the moment; author of the book ‘Cracking the Code of Possibilities in Business’, Taiwo Fajola, commended the master of ceremony for laying down the foundation of the thoughts to be discussed and continued by saying “I

Mr. Taiwo Fajola, author of ‘Cracking The Code of Possibilities in Business’, his wife, Deborah (middle) and guests cutting the cake

don’t just want to do a book launch, great things are packed in small ways. I’m hoping that, someone could just re-galvanise to do something real from this room today. And so, I thought of it that, let’s put this together and look at the concern of innovative dynamics to effective institution, and its impact on security, economy and production and entrepreneurship.

And then, how that affects sound delivery and profitability.”

He concluded by appreciating the coming of all in attendance and said “I think it’s high time for us to, start cracking the code of those things that will make businesses work in Nigeria.”

Speaking on the theme: ‘Dynamics to Effective Institution, and Impact on Security, Economic and Productive Entrepreneurship’, the first speaker Mr. Goke Michael Omidiran said to

him, the nexus to all these is leadership. In his words, “Whether in a company, public institution or household, leadership is the key. What continue to visit in any group, in any institution, that is failing is always on leadership.” He went further to conclude that “in everything that we do, the day we are able to crack the code of whatever problem that is before us, it’s the day that we will have our solutions.”

Also speaking on the same theme, the second speaker Hon. Debo Ranti Ajayi, blamed the reason why Nigeria is not working on the elites. In his words “The elites in Nigeria are the reason why Nigeria is not working.

We talk, we write, but when it comes to the time to decide who leads us, we are found wanting. On election day how many of us actually make a statement in determining

who governs us?” he asked. He concluded his speech by noting that, though the election processes isn’t favourable to elites as it appears easier to register for sim-card anywhere in the country, than registering to vote and collection of PVC, elites must be able to break that code by ensuring they painstakingly register to vote and collect their permanent voters card.

The highpoint of the occasion was the official launching and biding session, which succeeded an intellectual six-man panel session. It was officially launched by Mr. Anthony Adejugbe who bided for five copies of the book at the sum of N250,000, before other bidders took queue afterward, just as the programme was brought to an end.

In an interview session with THISDAY, the author said “when the people are actively engaged in an economic activity and the managers of state apparatus can create enabling environment for them to work, the communication between both sides would bring prosperity. So, when people are actively engaged, there would be reduction in crime, people would be busy doing something awesome, they would have the opportunity to be able to exert their passion, they would have ideas that they can exert on, and when they find enabling environment, to make it work, then they would be happy to do more, they will employ people, and they would be able to pay tax, and then, everybody will be happy. So you will find fewer numbers of people who are engaging in crime, that the government can easily take out. So, that is the thrust of this book.”

He concluded that he expects the public to be able to change their attitudes and approaches by learning some appropriate ways to breaking economic, household, political, religious, and other human-related codes, after digesting the book.

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FERTILITY WITH DR. KEMI AILOJE

Tel : +2348033083580, Email:info@lifelinkfertility.com, Website: lifelinkfertility.com

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) also improve cholesterol levels, lower insulin, and reduce heart disease and diabetes risks.

Any diet that helps you lose weight can help your condition. However, some diets may have advantages over others.

Studies comparing diets for PCOS have found that low-carbohydrate diets are effective for both weight loss and lowering insulin levels.

A low glycemic index (low-GI) diet that gets most carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps regulate the menstrual cycle better than a regular weight loss diet.

A few studies have found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least three days a week can help women with PCOS lose weight.

Losing weight with exercise also improves ovulation and insulin levels.

Exercise is even more beneficial when combined with a healthy diet. Diet plus exercise helps you lose more weight than either intervention alone, and it lowers your risks for diabetes and heart disease.

Infertility is a major challenge affecting families across the globe, some of the causes are however treatable if only enough information about the challenges is addressed by specialists. There is the need therefore for the increased public education, awareness and advice on these issues.

These and other topics will be looked at and distilled in this column.

The first in line of the many topics will be Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which affects 5-10 per cent reproductive age women and therefore it is a common endocrine disorder.

A previous report from different countries shows the diversity in the incidence of PCOS with great concern which may make PCOS epidemic, however the statistics for PCOS in Nigeria is very scanty. Therefore, it is important to evaluate current PCOS status in the country and understand PCOS-related risk in order to effectively prevent and treat women especially teenagers. It is worthy of note that despite the high incidence of PCOS most Nigerian women especially teenagers do not know much about it.

PCOS is not a new condition. Italian physician Antonio Vallisneri first described its symptoms in 1721.

Common medical treatments Birth control pills and other medicines can help regulate the menstrual cycle and treat PCOS symptoms like hair growth and acne. ·

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. It is a hormone imbalance problem, which affects women during their childbearing years (ages 15 to 44). Many women have PCOS but don’t know it. In one study, up to 70 per cent of women with PCOS hadn’t been diagnosed ever before study was carried out.

PCOS is common, affecting as many as 1 out of 15 women. Often the symptoms begin in the teen years. Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term complications such as infertility, heart diseases and diabetes.

Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalance. This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.

PCOS affects a woman’s ovaries which are the reproductive organs that produce estrogen and progesterone hormones which regulates the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce a small amount of male hormones called androgens.

The sex hormones may get out of balance.

Normally, the ovaries make a tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens) but in PCOS, they start making slightly more androgens. This may cause the body to stop ovulating, get acne, and grow extra facial or body hair and in some cases baldness.

The body may have a problem using insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body does not utilise insulin well, blood sugar levels rises.

Over time, this increases the chance of getting diabetes and heart disease.

Birth control pills and diabetes drugs can help fix the hormone imbalance and improve symptoms.

The ovaries release eggs to be fertilised by a man’s sperm. The release of an egg each month is called ovulation.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) control ovulation.

FSH stimulates the ovary to produce a follicle (a sac that contains an egg) and then LH triggers the ovary to release a mature egg.

In PCOS, many small, fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries. The word “polycystic” means “many cysts.”

These sacs are actually follicles, each one containing an immature egg. The eggs never mature enough to trigger ovulation.

The lack of ovulation alters levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. Estrogen and progesterone levels are lower than usual, while androgen levels are higher than usual.

Extra male hormones disrupt the menstrual cycle, so women with PCOS get fewer periods than usual.

In other words, PCOS is a syndrome, or group of symptoms that affects the ovaries and ovulation with the main features being: · high levels of male hormones · multiple cysts in the ovaries

irregular or skipped periods

What happens in PCOS regarding hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger many different processes, including growth and energy production. Often, the job of one hormone is to signal the release of another hormone.

For reasons that are not well understood, in PCOS the hormones get out of balance. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms tend to be mild at first. You may have only a few symptoms or a lot of them.

The most common symptoms are: · Acne · Weight gain and trouble losing weight. · Extra hair on the face and body. Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back. · Thinning hair on the scalp. · Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding. · Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility). · Depression.

What causes it?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. It is believed that high levels of male hormones (androgens) prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally.

Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation have all been linked to excess androgen production Genes: It is likely that many genes not just one contribute to the condition.

Insulin resistance: Up to 70 per cent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning that their cells can’t use insulin (the hormone the pancreas produces to help the body use sugar from foods for energy), properly. This results in the increased body’s demand for insulin. The pancreas makes more insulin to compensate.

Extra insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more male hormones.

Obesity: A major cause of insulin resistance.

Both obesity and insulin resistance can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Inflammation: Women with PCOS often have increased levels of inflammation in their body.

Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation. Studies have linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels.

What are the effects of PCOS on the body?

Having higher-than-normal androgen levels can affect fertility and other aspects of health.

Infertility: To get pregnant, you have to ovulate.

Women who don’t ovulate regularly don’t release as many eggs to be fertilised. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

Metabolic syndrome: Up to 80 per cent of

women with PCOS are overweight or obese.

Both obesity and PCOS increase your risk for high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Together, these factors are called metabolic syndrome, and Xthey increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Sleep apnea: This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, which interrupt sleep. It is more common in women who are overweight especially if they also have PCOS. The risk for sleep apnea is 5 to 10 times higher in obese women with PCOS than in those without.

Endometrial cancer: During ovulation, the uterine lining sheds. If you don’t ovulate every month, the lining can build up. A thickened uterine lining can increase your risk for endometrial cancer.

Depression: Both hormonal changes and symptoms like unwanted hair growth can negatively affect emotions. Many people with PCOS end up experiencing depression and anxiety.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS in women is typically diagnosed when a doctor notices at least two of these three major symptoms: · High androgen levels · Irregular menstrual cycles · Cysts in the ovaries Your doctor should also ask whether you have had symptoms like acne, face and body hair growth, baldness and weight gain.

Physical examination needs to be done to rule out male pattern hair distribution and PCOS-like features.

A transvaginal ultrasound scan can be done to check for abnormal follicles and other problems with your ovaries and uterus.

Blood tests check for higher-than-normal levels of male hormones, check for cholesterol, insulin, and triglyceride levels to evaluate the risk for related conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Pregnancy and PCOS PCOS interrupts the normal menstrual cycle and makes it harder to get pregnant. Between 70 and 80 per cent of women with PCOS have fertility problems This condition can also increase the risk for pregnancy complications.

Women with PCOS are twice as likely as women without the condition to deliver their baby prematurely. They are also at greater risk for miscarriage, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes However, women with PCOS can get pregnant using fertility treatments that improve ovulation.

Losing weight and lowering blood sugar levels can improve the odds of having a healthy pregnancy.

Management of PCOS Treatment for PCOS usually starts with lifestyle changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise.

Losing just 5 to 10 per cent of your body weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve PCOS symptoms. Weight loss can

Birth Control: Taking estrogen and progestin daily can restore a normal hormone balance, regulate ovulation, relieve symptoms like excess hair growth, and protect against endometrial cancer. These hormones come in a pill, patch, or vaginal ring.

Metformin: Metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet) is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also treats PCOS by improving insulin levels.

One study found that taking metformin while making changes to diet and exercise improves weight loss, lowers blood sugar, and restores a normal menstrual cycle better than changes to diet and exercise alone.

Clomiphene: Clomiphene (Clomid) is a fertility drug that can help women with PCOS get pregnant. However, it increases the risk for twins and other multiple births. The use must be monitored by a doctor.

Hair removal medicines: A few treatments can help get rid of unwanted hair or stop it from growing. Eflornithine (Vaniqa) cream is a prescription drug that slows hair growth.

Laser hair removal and electrolysis can get rid of unwanted hair on your face and body.

Surgery: This can be an option to improve fertility if other treatments don’t work. Ovarian drilling is a procedure that makes tiny holes in the ovary with a laser or thin heated needle to restore normal ovulation.

When to seek specialist care: · Missed periods and you are not pregnant after a pregnancy test done. · You notice symptoms of PCOS, such as hair growth on your face and body. · Unsuccessful attempt at trying to get pregnant despite unprotected regular sexual intercourse for more than 12 months. · You have symptoms of diabetes, such as excess thirst or hunger, blurred vision, or unexplained weight loss. · If you have PCOS, plan regular visits with your specialist. · You will need regular tests to check for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other possible complications.

What women especially the young need to know about PCOS · PCOS can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycles and make it harder to get pregnant. · High levels of male hormones also lead to unwanted symptoms like hair growth on the face and body. · Lifestyle interventions are the first treatments specialists recommend for PCOS, and they often work well. · Weight loss can treat PCOS symptoms and improve the odds of getting pregnant and having healthy babies. · Diet and aerobic exercise are two effective ways to lose weight.

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Future Champions Emerge as Chioma Ajunwa Athletics Competition Ends in Abia Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia It was a harvest of budding talents as the maiden edition of Chioma Ajunwa athletics competition for secondary schools in Abia State ended with the twinkling stars exuding prospects of shinning out very brightly in a matter of few years of grooming.

No fewer than 34 schools competed in the three-day event with the student-athletes showcasing their talents in both track and field events, including 100, 200, 400 metres sprints, 4x100 and 4x400 relays as well as long jump and triple jump.

The competition was a starting block for the revival of school sports in Abia with teenagers between the ages of 11 and 16 really gave out their best as they vied for honours and prospects of burning the tracks at international athletic competitions with the attendant fame and wealth.

President of Chioma Ajunwa Foundation, ACP Chioma Ajunwa expressed satisfaction at the success recorded in the athletics competition, which was targeted at enhancing grassroots youth sports development.

The Olympic gold medalist said that she was

Champions at the finals of the Chioma Ajunwa Under-16 Athletics Champioship for Secondary Schools in Abia State

encouraged to sustain the hunt for budding student athletes in Abia, adding that by partnering her foundation, the state governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has created the enabling environment for the discovery of athletes.

She said that the enthusiasm shown by studentathletes and the number of potential international

athletes discovered at the competition has justified her decision to come and hunt for talents in Abia “the hub of talents”.

“I am so proud of you because from now I can see future Olympic champions,” Ajunwa said, adding, “Height and weight don’t matter but the quality in you.”

Ajunwa who promised to expose the discovered budding athletes to training opportunities and scholarships in order to hone in their athletic skills, seriously warned them against engaging in drugs in order not to end up ruining their future.

In his remarks at the closing ceremony the state Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Martins Okoji said that the successful conclusion of the sports competition has become a milestone in the development of sports in Abia.

He said that Governor Ikpeazu had further demonstrated his love for youths in Abia to develop their talents hence he had mandated the Sports Ministry to liaise with the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation to organise the athletics competition for Abia secondary schools.

The Sports Commissioner assured that the state government would henceforth start monitoring the development of the discovered studentathletes, adding that they would participate in the forthcoming Abia Sports Festival and the National Sports Fiesta slated for Ilorin.

Medals were presented to the champions in various events with the Immaculate Conception Seminary, Ahiaeke Ndume Umuahia coming out overall champion winning gold in 100m dash, 4x100 and 4x400 relays for boys.

For Increased Access to Quality Education: Vetiva Trustees Partners with Slum2School Africa Peace Obi In furtherance of the Slum2School Africa initiative, aimed at providing quality education for every African child irrespective of their location or background, the Vetiva Trustees Limited has announced its partnership with the Slum2School Africa in setting up and management of the Slum2School Endowment Fund.

Slum2School Africa, is a volunteer-driven, social development and a non-governmental organisation that focuses on providing quality educational to less-privileged children residing in slums and developing communities across Africa.

With a network of over 6,600 volunteers across

26 countries, the organisation has provided educational scholarships and various degrees of psycho-social support for over 26,000 children in over 16 communities and IDP camps across Nigeria - Emina, Isaga and Tarkwabay Islands, Makoko, Iwaya and Sogunro communities in Lagos State, Durumi and Bakassi IDP camps in Borno state, Dalori IDP in Abuja.

According to the Head of Trustee, Vetiva Trustees Limited, Theresa Orji, "The Slum2School Endowment Fund, is to be actively managed to ensure sustainability of funding, increased impact and efficient accountability.

Stating that organisation is committed to the Slum2School vision, Orji said that "we are

passionate about the education of the Nigerian child. We also use this opportunity to encourage the private sector to invest and commit resources that will impact the lives of the less-privileged children in the society. This is the time to make a difference.”

Also speaking, the Founder and Executive Director of Slum2School Africa, Orondaam Otto, said "the Vetiva Trustees and Slum2School Africa partnership is timely considering the huge needs for millions of disadvantaged children across the country and the need for individuals and corporate organisations to play their parts in building the nation into what we all desire.

"Slum2School Africa is pleased to collaborate

with Vetiva Trustees Limited and in a bid to grow our partnership opportunities, this collaboration will enhance awareness on our impact within these communities, whilst ensuring the funds raised benefit many more children and are efficiently utilised. Our mantra of quality education for all is a philosophy we challenge ourselves to achieve daily through our scholarship programs, mentoring series, donating materials to schools, empowering teachers, and constructing learning facilities.”

Vetiva Trustees Limited is a subsidiary of Vetiva Capital Management Limited and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to carry on business as Trustee.

Ex-militants: Dokubo Must Beware of Those Who Misled Boroh Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa A coalition of former militants in the Niger Delta has called on the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof. Charles Dokubo to be wary of those who misled his predecessor.

Coming under the aegis of the Niger Delta Reformed Ex-agitators Association, the ex-militants urged Dokubo, who was recently appointed by the federal government, to do away with people whose only aim is to enrich their pockets.

The former militant leaders, drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta region, in a statement signed by their National President, Ebiowe Ayado, advised him to beware of the ‘bad eggs' in the Presidential Amnesty Office that created impediments for the smooth and effective implementation of the mandate under Boroh.

"However, we hereby call on him to beware of the bad eggs in the Presidential Amnesty Office that

misled his predecessor and created impediments for the smooth and effective implementation of the mandate of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

“He should weed out the bad eggs and inject fresh blood into the programme and engage very patriotic and committed persons as his aides to enable him actualise his mandate," the ex-militants said.

They added: "He should do away with all the aides that misled the former S.A, Paul Boroh and appoint only very honest and dedicated aides to help him succeed in his new assignment. He should never recycle or engage all those who have questions bordering on corruption and other illegalities to answer under his predecessor."

They also urged him to distance himself from vendors, who instead of executing contracts awarded to them, made away with funds meant for the Presidential Amnesty Delegates and abandoned their contracts at the expense of the programme and the delegates.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for the sustenance and continuation of the programme and building on the fragile peace in the Niger Delta, the association advised Dokubo that “such vendors should never be given any such opportunities under this new administration."

The former warlords also urged the President to ensure the prompt payment of stipends to the beneficiaries, noting that it will go a long way to assuage some angry youths in the Niger Delta.

"We are however, calling on Mr. President to facilitate the timeous and speedy release of budgetary allocations meant for the Presidential Amnesty Programme to enhance the activities of the Presidential Amnesty Office.

"Finally, we call on Prof. Charles Dokubo to ensure prompt payment of the monthly stipends of the Presidential Amnesty beneficiaries and ensure that they are properly trained and empowered in accordance with the spirit of the Presidential Amnesty Programme,” the ex-militants said.

Dokubo

Afrebay Parades Exotic Brands Yinka Olatunbosun It was a roll call of entrepreneurs and other stakeholders as Afrebay Trading Platform makes its way to making Nigerian brands global. At a recent stakeholders’ conference held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Afrebay’s drive towards providing services to small and large private companies as well as non-profit organisations were discussed through a series of presentations by key players in product and services marketing.

In the welcome address that was delivered by Mr. Afolabi Andu, it was remarked that Afrebay was founded on the need to showcase authentic African brands through technology. There were a few surprises at the unveiling ceremony. One of them was from the CEO, Farm Crowdy, Mr. Onyeka Akuma who revealed how technology

is enabling the agricultural sector in Nigeria and beyond through the application of smart farming techniques that covers acquisition and distribution of quality seeds and fertiliser, agro-knowledge sharing, amongst others.

For the CEO, Afrebay, USA, Lekan Salaam, this initiative is about changing lives. It is not just another e-commerce platform that is detached from the actual people that it is meant to serve.

“Nigeria is a good country. We are geniuses.

We came to explore and so we created an app.

We also want to see what our customers’ needs are. Our eyes are set on building the Nigeria of our dreams.

“To be Afrebay ambassador, you must have finished high school. We will then train you. We are not just about buying and selling. We are about empowerment. And we are building global

brands that meet quality standards,’’ he said.

In the same vein, Fela Durotoye identified three requirements that a global brand must meet. They are desires, needs and aspirations.

He also spoke on the need to have enabling laws and policies for businesses in Nigeria.

“People should be succeeding because of the government not in spite of the government,’’ he said. He encourages makers of global brands to be determined to make quality products and services which mirrored what Maureen Obaweya, the CEO, Merin O’ said about the painstaking effort she had put into her luxury accessories.

She advised entrepreneurs to “start small and dream big.”

For the trained lawyer and educationist, Mrs. Abolaji Osime, entrepreneurs need to recognise business opportunities, be critical thinkers and

problem solvers while ultimately taking advantage of technology to propagate businesses.

She observed that the largest chunk of the unemployed in Nigeria are SSCE certificate holders. She blamed the unemployment rate in Nigeria on poor educational system that still functions on irrelevant curriculum. She argues that at present, the Nigerian school curriculum is very much theoretical rather than skill-oriented.

Other problems that she identified as the causes of unemployment include inadequate capacity, non-availability of vocational institutions and lack of access to finance. She also found it worrisome that many entrepreneurs in Nigeria are fond of copying business models which may not necessarily work for them. She charged entrepreneurs to reinvest profits in business.

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Bloom Tribe Charity Inspired Fair Odawayi Ukandu Tagged ‘The Everything 1k Sale’, a charity yard sale held on 10th March, 2018 at Aimas Garden, Ikoyi, Lagos, ushered in a large number of people who came to support the community.

The charity purpose sales event featured music, variety of games, and auction sales amid fun as attendees happily shopped their way to making charity get benefits from the sales.

Organised by the Bloom Tribe, calls for donations of male and female items ranging from clothes to shoes and other accessories for its very first project in 2018 elicited excitement as participants who had their stuffs in between February 1 to March 3 contributed to helping provide relief to less-privileged families.

The Bloom Tribe, a faith-based social enterprise community founded by a twenty something-year-old love child by name Olakunmi Oni in November

2015, is partnering with people to serve, support and give relief to less-privileged girls and families in Nigeria through proceeds from its charity sales.

According to Kunmi, she was inspired by God to build a community of people wired to make lives easier, and so she reached out to a couple of friends and started this journey.

The Bloom Tribe is dedicated to sharing God's love through our words and most importantly our actions. "In Isaiah 58:6-8, we exist to loose chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share our food with the hungry, provide shelter, cloth the naked and take care of families," she noted.

According to the founder, the Tribe is building a community of people who are wired to make lives easier. “We are raising up Love Revolutionaries that will take up compassion, stand against injustice and spend their lives living out simple acts of God's Love."

Guests patronising the charity sales

Poskii’s Moods Extracted Features Legendary Jimi Solanke Yinka Olatunbosun Ade Adebanjo, otherwise known as Poskii is dropping his first studio album and it features the legendary theatre artiste, singer-songwriter and master storyteller, Jimi Solanke. The five-track album is a product of a five-month intensive studio work with songs that are rooted in highlife music tradition and folkloric elements.

Solanke’s collaborative effort with Poskii yields the track, “Ife Baba Agba’ which is largely inspired by a song originally recorded

by Solanke titled, “Baba Agba’’. Poskii was weaned on highlife music and other rich African vibes as a child. His father was a strong music fan and his siblings, all towing the medical line, play several instruments.

Poskii is a medical doctor in public health but in private, he is a true artist. Freedom Park is like a second home and his associates there had contributed to his return to music.

As a young student in the UK, Poskii had toyed with music. Having received a loving warning from his father not to make career out of music, he stayed along the corridors, following the music trends and playing only to friends in private.

But one incident almost pushed him to

Solanke

stage. The first time he performed at a friend’s birthday in the UK, the residential ATM was emptied as friends withdrew money to show appreciation for his performance. That day, he made £700. The second time, he made £1000.

He had to stop because he remembered his

father’s warning that to go into music profession full time would put personal reputation at risk, lure one into reckless lifestyle involving drug abuse and promiscuity.

He ended up being a music fan, watching friends perform instead. Occasionally, he would

be called to get on stage. The jazz musician, Seun Olota once did that and the audience’s response was a thrill. Poskii knew he had to return to music, though not at the expense of his medical duties.

One thing Poskii has in common with Solanke is producing music without putting commercial interest ahead.

“Music for me is not about money. Most people who play good music are not flamboyantly rich.

For me, it’s never about the money,’’ he said.

His songs are created to speak more to the soul than to the feet but they are very danceable. Poskii thinks they may have cross-over appeal judging by the reaction of his friends spread across different generations. At work, Poskii’s colleagues adore him and enjoy watching him perform.

“I have been encouraged by many of my colleagues in medicine, some with cash,’’ he said, citing the example of a colleague who gave him a sum of N10,000 when he started working on the album.

Poskii who hails from Ijebu Mushin is interested in producing music with clean lyrics that a family can listen to. Other songs in the album are “E Gbami (Accept me)’’, “Way Home’’, “Freedom Way’’, “Instruments for life’’ and “Ajimu (Early Merry)’’. The album listening is scheduled for April 8 at Freedom Park.

N’Delta Youth Leaders Squabble over PANDEF’s Alleged Partisanship Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The youth wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has tackled a former Niger Delta militant, Chief Micheal Johnny, alleging that penultimate weekend’s mega rally held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was a congregation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyalists.

Led by Famous Daunemigha, a Niger Delta activist, PANDEF's youth wing described the allegation as shameful, mischievous and a calculated attempt to rubbish the good intention of Niger Delta leaders.

Johnny had maintained that the rally attended by leaders from four zones out of the country’s six, which was essentially to press for the restructuring of the country, was only for selected PDP members.

Daunemigha, former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) leader, now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the body was a gathering of a Niger Deltans, irrespective of party affiliation, tribe or creed.

In a statement in Yenagoa, Daunemigha described the event as historic, noting that PANDEF would continue to relate with people across party lines until the federal government decides to heed the voice of Nigerians who are yearning for a restructured country.

“My attention has drawn to the media publication of one Chief Michael Johnny wrongly asserting that the historic rally of PANDEF on restructuring held on the 24th of March 2018 in Bayelsa State, was a rally for selected elders of PDP. “First it is very important to enlighten Nigerian

readers and the APC that I am a proud member of APC and a staunch supporter of President Buhari, since the days of ANPP and CPC. “That we were instrumental to securing the ceasefire in Niger Delta in the wake of resumed hostility in the region which we are all enjoying in our dear country Nigeria.

“And for the records the Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri (Minister of State, Agriculture) played a major role in putting a team of veterans from the Niger Delta region and handed them to Ibe which led to the formation of PANDEF today.

“PANDEF is a congregation of every Niger Deltans, irrespective of political party and I am the Youth Coordinator and an APC member from Bayelsa State, just like so many others from other political affiliations.

“Therefore, it is very unguarded and misplaced for Chief Michael Johnny to describe this historic rally as PDP elders rally on restructuring,” Daunemigha said.

He added that it was very important to enlighten Chief Johnny, that restructuring is a key item in in APC's manifesto and advised him to retract the 'abusive’ statement.

According to him, between now and the next two months, PANDEF will hold a meeting of all the Presidents of all youth bodies of all ethnic organisations, who will go back and mobilise the people for a grand youth rally in support of restructuring.

He argued that restructuring the country will stabilise the economy and make the federating units strong and look inwards for survival, rather than going to Abuja every month.

Death Sentence: Agbofodoh’s Son Fights Back, Alleges Political Undercurrent .Seeks FG's intervention, heads for appeal Peace Obi The first son of High Chief Newton Agbofodoh, the embattled Traditional Prime Minister (Unuewvodo) of Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Darlington Newton has alleged high wire political undercurrent in the death sentence by hanging slammed on his father by Delta

State High Court 4, Asaba.

The younger Newton made the allegation in a chat with journalists in Warri on Sunday, April 1. He claimed that the purported political grievance against the sacked Uvwie Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Henry Baro Minabonware was extended to “my father who is neither a member of PDP or APC. It's just because Baro is my father's

nephew. My dad was accused of not working for Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 Governorship /House of Assembly elections," Newton said.

According to him, the court judgment sentencing his father to death over the murder of one John Mogidi on the testimony of Innocent Chukwuma Akemu that he was accomplice in the murder “raises more doubt, because

the same Innocent Akemu, a PDP member, initially said he doesn't know anyone in Ekpan."

While calling on the federal government, members of the traditional institution to intervene with a view to saving his father over perceived taboo in Urhobo land, especially Uvwie, Newton vowed that they will head to Appeal Court and explore all legal avenues “until justice is served”.

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Foundation Offers over N5 Million Scholarship Fund to14 Law Students

Celebrating Mothers

Mary Ekah Over five million naira was recently expended on scholarship fund for 14 students from Eleme, Rivers States who are currently running their programme in the Nigerian Law School as support for their studies in the Law institution.

Funder, HRH Appolus Chu Foundation and Egbere Emere Okori, HRH Appolus Chu recently presented the money in bits of N400,000 to each of the 14 Law School students who are beneficiaries of his foundation's post graduate scholarship scheme.

Presenting the drafts for the fund at his palace in Okori Ogale, Eleme, HRH Appolus Chu charged the students to be defenders of truth, justice, fairness and equity while stressing that that lawyers are exceptional people in the society. He therefore urged them to strive to make a difference in their field of endeavour and to make Eleme a centre of attention.

While calling on Law students to be

L-R: Executive Producer, Yeye Cabaret, Ayo Ogundipe; Former First Lady, Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola; Director, Greater Nigeria Foundation, Mrs Omotayo Omotosho; Pastor Mrs Yinka Morgan and her husband, Pastor Remi Morgan of RCCG, Christ Church, Gbagada at the event

Ayodeji Ake Addressing the law students after handing over the scholarship funds to each of them is Egbere Emere Okori, HRH Appolus Chu (middle) flanked by the beneficiaries

the loud voice for the people of Eleme as the people lack a strong and formidable voice at the larger society, Chu described Eleme as a goal post without defenders while asserting the need for them to mount up a formidable wall of defence around

Eleme to protect her territorial boundaries.

"I don't see any reason why any community in Eleme will go into extinction if we have outstanding future legislators, senior advocates, judges and solicitors like you all,'' he said.

Footwear Academy Wins Proudly Made-in-Aba Hackathon Challenge Mary Ekah Footwear Academy, a footwear training firm, has won the maiden edition of the Proudly Made-in-Aba Hackathon Challenge, designed to proffer solution to challenges currently faced by Aba entrepreneurs, especially in the finished leather, garment and steel fabricating clusters. Footwear won the challenge with a solution to upgrade the skills of Aba shoemakers to enable them to improve the quality of their products, using modern equipment and technology.

Bentley Chukwuemeka, co-founder, The Footwear Academy, stated that their plan is to introduce Aba shoemakers to modern technology to enable them speed up production. The Footwear Academy also intends to reduce the apprentice period from five years to six months.

For their effort, which was considered to be the best by panel of judges made up of seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals, Footwear Academy won a sum of $50,000.

Clintonel Technology came second and won a cash prize of $30,000 with a solution to digitalise and automate the metal fabrication process in Aba, through Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). While the third prize of $20,000 went to Ogwugo Technologies, an online marketing platform designed to handle trade activities between buyers and

Winners Emerge at Phidel School Sports Competition

L-R: Hon Eziuche Ubani, Bentley and Chidinma Chukwuemeka, co-founders, The Footwear Academy (Winners of the Hackathon challenge), Prof Paul Nwulu, Ford foundation and Mr Kelechi Nwosu , CEO of TBWA\Concept Unit at the at the event

sellers in broad categories. The technology according to Tochukwu Chukwueke, cofounder, Clintonel Technology, would help shoe manufacturers and metal fabricators in Aba to reduce production cost, increase production speed, multiply production volume, improve finishing and generate more revenue. Chima Abafor, co-founder, Ogwogo.com, explained that the firm is offering a dynamic platform built from scratch to adapt to modern e-commerce technology as well as e-commerce problems.

The three-day event was organised to enable young minds to hack and pitch ideas that can solve real problems faced

daily by entrepreneurs (Abaprenuers) in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

The event organised by TBWA\Concept, a global marketing communications firm and sponsored by Ford Foundation is in continuation of the ‘Proudly Made-in Aba campaign’, geared towards promoting goods made-in-Aba. Programme manager, West African Office of Ford Foundation, Prof. Paul Nwulu, said the Hackathon Challenge was organised to find ways of using technology and innovative ideas to help influence the lives of shoemakers, fabricators and garment makers in Aba.

RCCG First Born Family Empowers Widows, Gives Scholarship to Students

Pupils of Phidel Group of Schools displaying cultural dance during the inter house sports event

Kayode Olusemire House also known as Red House, emerged overall winner of the second inter-house sports competition of Phidel School Idimu, Lagos, held at Agege Stadium. Red House won a total of 23 gold, 16 silver and seven bronze medals ahead of Funmi Peter House (Blue House) who got 11 gold, 12 silver and 15 bronze.

The third position went to Taiye Ige (Yellow House) who settled for nine gold, nine silver and 21 bronze medals.

Etim Bassey House (Green House) came forth with seven gold, 13 silver and nine bronze.

Red House got a total of 110 points to claim first position in the primary school match pass category where they showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Blue House with 98 points came second ahead of Yellow House 94 points and Green House 90 points who finished third and fourth respectively. The college match pass was won by the Yellow House ahead of Red, Blue and Green respectively.

Flextree Farm Launches Pigcity Initiative

Mary Ekah Close to a hundred persons were empowered with grinding machines as a means of making a living, while 30 widows were given cash gifts to keep them going with life at the 30th anniversary of the First Born Family of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) held penultimate Sunday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos.

Also 15 students were given scholarships to continue with their education at the Redeemers University of Nigeria (RUN).

The gesture, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer of the Church on Missions, Pastor Brown Oyitso said, was part of the church’s aim to catering for people not just spiritually but also physically and financially. Oyitso, who is also Pastor-incharge, Region 19 noted further that the empowerment was part of the First Born Family’s effort to support the people. He therefore encouraged beneficiaries to put into good use what they were given. Each of the grinding machines, Oyitso revealed, cost N35,000.

Wife of the General Overseer of the

To mark the world International Mother’s Day, Eclectics 21 organisers of Yeye Cabaret took the 2018 celebration a notch higher with the theme ‘Labour of Love’. Yeye Cabaret, annual artistic showcase with a cultural undertone designed to be the highlight of Mother’s Day that brings together mothers across the land irrespective of religion, background, social status or political affiliation to celebrate the joy of motherhood at a venue. It is an event of entertainment, fine dining and shopping experience where a variety of creatives from the industry come together to showcase their individual talents to honour mothers in a cabaret setting.

The just concluded 5th edition of Yeye Cabaret Mothers celebration honoured mothers who are role models in the society. This year’s edition celebrated the Head of Civil Service of the federation Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, during the ‘Iya Ni Wura' segment of the event.

Ayodeji Ake

Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye addressing the widows and beneficiaries of First Born Family CSR commemorating its 30th anniversary

church, Mrs. Folu Adeboye, who had warm handshake with each of the beneficiaries while congratulating them, said the support was like a seed which they must nurture jealously. She thanked those who made it possible and prayed that the seed would germinate and multiply in the hands of beneficiaries.

While speaking on the topic, ‘From Glory to Glory’, The General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said God can change a person’s fortune once he was pleased with him or her. “If you must move from glory to glory, you must sow bountifully, surrender all, you must be ready to let God be God,” he said.

Pigcity initiative has been designed to encourage Nigerians to invest in farming business by providing structural facilities to ease capitals and to encourage agricultural collocation, Chief Executive Officer Flextree Farm, Mr. Lawal Babatunde, has said.

Addressing the journalists recently in Lagos, Babatunde noted that farming business has been a lucrative business that requires little funding with huge harvest but is being neglected because of the risk factors. Speaking on Pigcity initiative, he said the demand of pork meat in Nigeria is on the high side but the supply is low, which spurred the ideas of Pigcity to develop farming collocation to boost pork supply."Pigcity is one of the dedications of farming estate that we will have because the demand for pork is high and by nature, they are rugged. They don't die easily. They produce numbers of like seven to nine piglets. With Pigcity we are encouraging people to farm", he noted. Babatunde also added that Flextree Farm will be establishing Farm Academy to retrain agricultural students from different institutions to bridge experience gaps.

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‘We’re Bringing Digital Revolution to D’ Core Club of Ondo’ The newly elected President of D’ Core Club of Ondo, Chief Olugbemi Oyeneyin, in this interview with Ugo Aliogo, speaks about the future of the club under his leadership and what the new executive is bringing to the table is possible this year and next year.

Can you tell us more about yourself?

My name is Otunba Olugbemi Oyeneyin.

I’m from Ondo town. I am the newly elected president of D’ Core Club of Ondo. The election was carried out on February 11, 2018. I am also the Chairman Association of Telematics Operators of Nigeria (ATON). I am a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC) and also a certified management consultant. I am the Group Managing Director, Mints International Group. I am the Executive Producer Forte taste Concert.

I am a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo town.

What is D’ Core Club of Ondo all about?

Well, D’ Core Club of Ondo is a social club for Ondo indigenes in the five Ondo-speaking local government areas. It is a non-political organisation with the responsibility of providing economic development to the Ondo-speaking communities.

The club started over 30 years ago and it was pioneered by Chief Akinmade. Since then the club has done a lot in Ondo town such as award of scholarships, installation of boreholes, and other areas. The main focus is for those of us who have left home to have something we are bringing back home to develop the place and better the lives of the people that is the key objective. This is why yearly we organise the Unity Cup Club competition for all the secondary schools which is something to encourage the young people who are interested in football. Two years ago, we carried out health programme where we distributed free eye glasses to people.

Who conceived the idea of setting up the club and when was it established?

The idea was conceived by Chief Akinmade in the 80s. In the 80s in Ondo State, water was a major problem especially when you realise the fact that Ondo State is located on rocky plain.

Then there was no single borehole anywhere, people were going to the stream to fetch water.

Therefore they decided to install boreholes for people in the five local government areas where people never thought that there would be water.

That was breakthrough for the town, people and the club. It was after then that the rich thought they could actually sink a borehole in their houses.

Can you highlight some of the reasons driving the initiatives which the club has embarked upon over the years?

Basically, the objectives of the club is to maintain social relationship amongst members, foster both economic and cultural development of Ondo and its environs, setup good example for others to emulate in order to promote peace, progress and happiness in Ondo town and its environs, interact at clubs and social levels to enhance community and self-development, to search for avenues to raise funds and encourage provision of infrastructure for the economic industrialisation of Ondo town and its environs, to participate in development of Ondo, encourage health education sports, and cultural competition, give succour to the old and needy such as the widows, and aged, form cooperatives and encourage self-sufficiency, identify and encourage the industrialisation of local products, made in Ondo town, because there was a time when we encouraged people making shoes and bags, in order to exhibit their products. We engage these artisans to participate and help promote the cultural festival. We also participate in the Ekimogun Festival which comes up in December yearly. This is the biggest event in the town because people come from far and within.

Does the club have special intervention programme for youths in the community?

Every year, we select different projects. In the area of intervention, we have embarked on scholarships scheme for youths in the past, we have also created avenues where they can learn skills acquisition initiatives such as tailoring, carpentry, wielding and others. The place which was the

Are you planning to inherit any of the unfinished programmes from the past administration?

Definitely, I will inherit their programmes; we have been part of it all along. I have been a member of the club since seven years ago.

Some of the programmes we will inherit are the youth D’ Core Cup, participation in annual Ekimogun Festival, the free eye glass programme, scholarship and awards.

For these initiatives that the club would be embarking on whether monthly or quarterly.

How do you intend to raise funds?

We raise funds through members, through levies and contributions. If there is a project, we ascertain the cost of the project, some will sponsor and others levied. This is how we do it. We can send out appeal letters maybe to the honorary members who will be willing to support the programmes.

Oyeneyin

initiation of Mr. Femi Akinmade is still running today and yearly they graduate students who have undergone skills acquisition programme.

Do you have a youth wing and are you training a crop of young people who will take over the mantle of leadership from you?

The club is a leveler. In the club, we are all the same. But with the old generation and the younger people that came in now (which is our own generation) the new executives are people within our age bracket because the founders and promoters are persons within their 60s and 70s. We are the next generation taking over the baton from them. The election that actually that took place replaced senior members of the club. There are some names worthy of mention. We have the outgoing President of the club, Chief Siji Olowosuko (J.P), and Pioneer President of the club, Chief Femi Akinmade. Other pioneer members include Hon. Tayo Fawehinmi, Prince Oyin Ogunrakinyo, Otunba Olu Akinmurele, Arc Biodun Akinrimisi, Engr. Rotimi Eso and Dr. Rotimi Adeola. The new executives include President, Otunba Oyeneyin, Vice President, Mr. Tayo Abiola, Secretary General, Mr. Kunle Olamuyiwa, Social Secretary, Mr. Seyi Fadayomi, Financial Secretary, Otunba Akinbobola, and the Treasurer, Mr. Dolapo James.

Now you have been elected as the President of D’ Core Club. What are you bringing to the table?

With the coming of this new generation, there is going to be new things that will be injected into the club. Basically, what the new executives are looking at is the rebranding of the club which is a major focus for us. This is the key for us especially because of the image and the logo.

This will reflect positively in the way club is to be portrayed in a 21st century platform. We are already putting up a new website with members and a whole lot of integration with members who are in diaspora because we are planning to have the United Kingdom and U.S. chapters respectively. Therefore, we are actually taking the club from just being a localised to international because there are so many Ondo indigenes who will love to be part of this club and these individuals are in top positions in government and the private sector.

Presently, the world is a digital community

and everything is going online. You don’t need to visit people to get them involved in whatever you are doing, but through your social media account you can get them involved. The website is expected to increase membership and create more awareness on what the club stands for and what we are doing and propose to do.

The rebranding idea was conceived by the new executive. The focus for us is to become the number one Ondo club in the near future that is our drive. Before now, the club used to be number one, but things happened along the line so our position as first was lost. You must rebrand to bring in new changes and remain relevant to the changing world.

How do you intend to raise funds for this project?

The club is made up of a lot of wealthy persons.

Raising funds is not a problem, but by the time the club expands with more members coming in, there will be more funding. We plan to have different categories of honorary members, who may not necessary be Ondo indigenes but love to support what we are doing. We are going to have a lot of support from that, from different sectors because the idea is to be able to do more.

It is also premised on the fact of giving back to Ondo as there are newer challenges.

Unemployment is a serious issue in the country.

Regarding the issue of unemployment, we are looking at what we can in this area. Will it be possible to attract investors into the town? This is part of the rebranding project and this will help the town especially the young people. Employment will bring back investments in the state, empower youths and drive growth. We are also thinking of an industrial park which is under investment and create millions of jobs. This is what will take us to corporate organisations. For instance, there may be companies who might want to go into agriculture and they will decide to settle in Ondo State because of the presence of arable lands. These are kinds of investments we are focusing on because presently, there are no industries in the town.

When is the campaign kicking off?

The timeline for the programme has not been fixed. We came onboard few weeks ago, so we need to settle down and put things in place.

Our swearing-in was second Sunday in March, before then we would have drawn the timeline for the activities we will embark on and see what

What were the challenges in the past administration and how are you willing to address these challenges?

The key challenge was funding. There were so many things that the club could have done, but because of insufficient funds they were not able to do. During the economic downturn, members who could do 5-10 million before were doing less. It really affected everybody and a lot of projections were not met. Some of the projects we wanted to execute were not executed because of the increase in the price of dollars in the forex market last year. We are taking over to ensure that there is a new assessment of these projects.

You talked about the projects you jettisoned.

Are you bringing back some of these projects?

There are projects we want to do it is not that we will not do them. For instance, the beautification of the major roundabouts in the town, the renovation of schools, and awarding of more scholarships, if we are doing 10 students before, due to the economic situation of the country, presently we want to triple that figure, because we know that some students cannot afford to go to school anymore. Currently, we pay some teachers to teach some students in primary and secondary schools. We want to expand on the scope so that we can affect more lives because as it now, we don’t have a government.

Do you have a monitoring team that monitors some of these initiatives you embark on to see if they are functional and if people are deriving benefits from them?

For each project, there is a monitoring team because each project has a chairman. The chairman reports on that project at every meeting. We go to Ondo once in two months to check on some of those things. We have chairmen for projects such as scholarship to less-privileged, provision of recreational parks in Ondo, free community development and Health Advisory Services, Organising Gala Nights to raise funds and other projects. Before the execution of the project and after there is a report because we want to build this project for continuity, if it does not continue it will not be nice. The organisation is a continuum so it must outlive everyone of us.

What is the support of the traditional rulers in the community and the people towards these initiatives that you carry out?

For Ondo, the Oshemawe, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo (Jito III), is the supreme Oba. He is the 44th Osemawe. He was crowned in 2008. The Ekimogun event is organised by the Oshemawem therefore our support and contributions goes into that event. Two years we chaired the event.

Everything we do is to the glory of the Oba, the free eye glass was in the Palace of the Oshemawe.

We pay courtesy visits to him yearly and when we go for the Ekemogun Festival.

36/COLLAGE

06.04.2018

L-R; Marketing Manager, Zee TV South Africa (PTY) Ltd, Linda Oliphant; Chief Executive OďŹ&#x192;cer, Zee TV South Africa (PTY), Harish Goyal and Business Head, Africas, Zee TV South Africa (PTY), Ratna Siriah at the Zee World Content Upfront in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe; Club Chief/Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Ibadan Media City Project, Mr. Yomi Layinka; Co-founder, Lifeforte International Schools, Ibadan, Dr. Sarah Olubi-Johnson; and founder, Pastor Olubi Johnson, during the annual Black Tie Gala of the Silver Knights in lbadan... recently

L-R: General Manager, Hogg Robinson Nigeria Ltd, Nworah Nwani; Group Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Tope Smart; retiring Executive Director, Operations, NEM Insurance, Alani Olojede; his wife, Aderinola, and Chairman Board, NEM Insurance, Fidelis Ayebae, during the send-forth dinner party in honour of Mr Olojede in Lagos.. recently

L-R: Sales and Marketing Manager, Shongai Technologies Ltd., Mr. Manish Sigh; Sales Executive, Techblow Nigeria Ltd., Miss. Farojoye Bukola; Sales and Marketing Manager, Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Ltd, Shashi Kumar and Business Development Manager, Shongai Packaging Industry Ltd., Mr. Ajeet Das during the SONA Group exhibitions at the Nigeria Plastprintpack 2018 Exhibition in Lagos...recently

L-R: Minister for Budget and Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Chairman of Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko; Celebrant Dr. Udo Udo-Aka, MON; Sally Udoma and Dr. John Agboola Odeyemi during the 80th Birthday Celebration of Dr. Udo Udo-Aka held yesterday April 2nd, 2018 in Lagos...recently

L-R: Editor, AskIfa. ng, Jumoke Adekanye; Founder, Askifa.ng, Charles Edosomwan;Content Creator,Napisah Abdul; and A Comedian, Omo Baba, at the spokrn word hangout event on demystifying technology by Askifa. ng in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

A cross section of Guinness Nigeria Plc employees during the Safety Walk to mark the ďŹ nale of the Transport and Safety Week 2018, held in Lagos... recently.

37/ THISLIFE

06.04.2018

‘Life Was Tough Being the Only Blind Student at School’ Visually impaired website developer, Jolomi George, who graduated from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, shared his experience on how he managed to scale through school after all efforts to regain his sight proved abortive. Ayodeji Ake writes George

“I wasn’t born like this. I got blind at the age of 18 in 2003, a day after I wrote my last paper for senior WAEC. I stayed home for five years till I got to know about the blind school, so I enrolled for the school and spent nine months there. That was my first journey to city technology. I got to know about how a blind person can use the computer very well and do other things, after then I enrolled at Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ). Starting NIJ was another challenge being the only blind student in the school, it wasn’t easy but through the help of God I was able to keep up, writing my notes, attending lectures, doing assignments and preparing for exams, more people like me will find it difficult but thanks to technology provided I was able to scale myself through school and I had good result at NIJ and I came out with upper credit.”

Those were words of Jolomi Geroge, explaining the journey of how he found succour in technology to forge ahead after losing his sight as a teen. Yet, he struggled to live healthy and he is fulfilled catching up with his academic pursuit even though visually impaired.

As a visually impaired student with a strong determination of excelling and getting a good job and sometimes in the future become a responsible father who will take up responsibilities of his family, George narrated his encounters, how he felt his situation was next to not-existing and his classrooms scenes.

“There are moments whereby I feel I shouldn’t be like this but determination took me through NIJ because I was determined that no matter what I have to go through NIJ and come out with good grades because if I don’t go to school, what will I tell my unborn children, how will I cope? So it’s

something I fixed my mind on that no matter what I have to start and finish.

“I had an experience in school where a lecturer came into the class and spent much of the time analysing on the board which clearly I couldn’t see or understand what he was doing and he didn’t do it just once but every time he comes into the class and believe me I just drop by one of the days.

Honestly, I felt bad in the class but I later stood up and I went to the man’s office and made complaints that he should please always carry me along. There was a time I started developing this feeling that people were afraid to talk to me, people are scared to talk to me but anytime I try to reach out, I wouldn’t know they have been trying to come closer too,” he said.

George as a young graduate with the zeal of exercising his potentials to make a change despite his condition went out on the streets of Lagos looking for a job but reverse was the case. Instead of being offered a job, he was treated as a beggar while he held his certificate with him.

His words: “I can say academically I’m fulfilled, socially yes but career wise no, because believe me it is very difficult getting a job. I have been a graduate for four years now and still looking for a job. I went to an office in Ikeja to drop my CV, immediately I walked into the office trying to locate the receptionist, I just heard a voice from nowhere telling me they don’t tolerate beggars, I felt bad, I felt like breaking down in tears, I found my way out of the office. I didn’t even bother dropping my CV anymore. “ He pleaded for government interventions while urging the private sector to rescue the visually impaired from hunger by providing them with job. “Honestly, in the situation of

looking for a job I have heard so many things, so many funny things, it is not easy as a blind person looking for a job and everybody believes that it is only the government that can help us. But private institutions also can take us in only if they give us the chance, we are competent, most of us, I am competent, as at now I design website enough to earn a living. That’s what I do.

“I remembered when I was in my final year back then in school, I knew that they might leave school and looking for job, so I was taking short courses online. My only regret is doubt. When I was in school, even when I graduated there were moments where I have this doubt that I can’t do this, I cannot make this happen, at the process, I got to lose many things, some knowledge was wasted. If had I believed in myself, I would have been much better, I mean knowledge wise, confidence wise,” he said.

The Deputy Provost of NIJ, Dr. Jide Johnson, said the institution has been committed to an inclusive education to encourage young people academically.

“We believe in an all-inclusive education that gives opportunity to every student regardless of their status or regardless whether they have one physical challenge or the other because we are there to allow and to provide opportunities for everyone to fulfill his or her dream because the right to education is a fundamental right that should not be denied to anybody based on one form of disability or the other. So, we run an inclusive institution that gives opportunity to every student and I am sure virtually every institution in Nigeria does that,” he said.

Speaking further on inclusive mechanism, Johnson noted that there is no rigidity impacting students who are visually impaired if

the lecturers are qualified enough to carry the students along despite their challenges.

He said: “There is no rigidity about it because, you just have to adapt, let me say for example as a lecture teaching someone that is visually impaired, basically I make the lecture notes (I mean the slides) available ahead of time, I make it available to the student which they use on their system. Well, there are different devices that could read out what you have in terms of those lectures and I think most of our lecturers do that for our visually impaired students.

“One of the fundamental thing is that you must give your student the lecture materials well ahead of time before you talk about the lecture and then also you’ve got to be available to go extra mile in case such student with physical disability needs your assistance. You know the capacity of student to understand varies, you have different level of understanding. So, we operate an open door policy that any student walk up to any lecturer for further clarification and the rest of these, we operate what we call the local prentice, each and every lecturer is like a local parent to the student and I think that goes a long way to help any student with any form of disability be it physical, be it mental, be it academic.”

Speaking on stigmatisation, Johnson said “understanding is ingrained in every one of our student, I will tell you that from experience, I can give you examples, naming some of the students we have had in the past and the kind of support, the kind of encouragement from their colleagues not to even talk of staff, this can be independently verified. They are never victimized. We ensure they strictly address the issue of stigmatisation during their stay in school.”

38/OPINION

06.04.2018

Internet Can’t Replace TV in Nigeria Kayode Adeoya From the onset, the introduction of television to Nigeria in 1959 was basically for political and education reasons. But shortly after establishing this audiovisual medium of communication in Nigeria, government, corporate bodies and individuals realised the potentials and opportunities that television presents.

In time, TV became a powerful tool for information, education and entertainment.

It became a medium for the government to create awareness on national integration and cultural promotion, corporate bodies on the other hand, saw TV as a medium through which they could promote and market their products and services and many parents; including mine saw television as a means of learning and acquiring skills for self-development.

But when in 1996 the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) licenced 38 internet service providers to sell internet services in Nigeria, many ICT exponents, thought that this would be the new technology to dethrone television as a medium of influence. True, the internet is undoubtedly a powerful medium of communication. But its power and influence does not in any way replace or reduce the influence of television as a broadcast medium.

This speculation is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. When the internet launched in America, many in the industry thought that television viewing experience had finally come to an end especially with the introduction of Netflix and other internetbased movie streaming services.

Reports confirm that in the United States of America in the fourth quarter of

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed

2017, Netflix had well over 54.75 million subscribers. Still, more and more people are turning to the internet for their television content. Despite the immense impact of Netflix in America and other parts of the globe, it is pertinent to note that subscribers cannot stream movies on their mobile phone, tablet or laptop without the internet and having internet requires that you have data. Thus, no internet, no viewing.

Having a Netflix account does not stop more Americans from watching traditional TV or even pay-TV. The reasons behind these are because television viewing is addictive and besides being addictive, TV gives viewers’ variety of channels to choose from and with the large screen viewing experience and live programme opportunities, the movie streaming companies are still a few steps behind on this.

Even with the introduction of Netflix and Showmax to the Nigerian and African markets, traditional TV has not been neglected. This is because traditional cable TV has the potential to showcase more content. For example, pay TV companies like DStv has over 200 channels to choose from and with as low as $17, a DStv subscriber can get a Compact package and get the opportunity to watch over 95 channels. Unfortunately, $7 cannot buy data that will last for a month if you decide to download and watch Netflix movies through the mobile providers in Nigeria.

Another unique aspect of traditional TV is that it has the ability to show live sports. The 2018 World Cup is around the corner and I bet that the Netflix’s and Showmax’s of this world will not stream these live matches. But pay TV companies will broadcast all 64 live matches.

An analyses of Nigeria’s population figure and the number of people who have embraced the internet in Nigeria is a clear indication that traditional television viewing cannot be replaced by the internet. Currently, Nigeria has a population of 170 million and internet penetration in Nigeria is well close to 50 per cent, which is the highest in Africa. Yet so many

more Nigerians do not have access to the internet especially in rural locations.

Reports also have it that the population of Africa as a continent is 1.216 billion and only 216 million are internet users.

This figure is poor but the reality of it is that many more Africans still prefer their traditional and pay-TV, as the streaming TV is still not pocket-friendly.

Again, a comparative analyses of Nigeria, the U.S. and Europe indicates that internet TV would deliver its content seamlessly without hiccups but in Nigeria and Africa as a whole this may not be the case because the mobile companies still have some ways to go to achieve reliable connectivity, making it frustrating to stream or even download a movie effortlessly. Many here in Nigeria keep their options open, alternating between a streaming service or pay TV. Internet TV service may at first appear much cheaper than pay TV, but I would emphasise that it still requires a connection to the internet and lots of bandwidth.

This will undoubtedly cost people more.

Some mobile service providers are among those likely to offer internet TV. For example, on average, internet usage in a month is about $33 and Netflix download can consume as much as 3-7GB per hour.

This is a clear indication that even a prudent data user will barely last a week with this plan.

No doubt, the internet has come to stay and the television cannot be phased out anytime soon and pay-TV providers like DStv would continue to provide its subscribers with wholesome family entertainment and economically empower more Nigerians. .Adeoya is an ICT analyst based in Lagos

What Can You Be Remembered For? Eddie Onuzuruike World’s number one poet and dramatist, William Shakespeare is greatly acclaimed to have said: ‘All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts’.

What defines your personality? Your visit and tenureship on earth is indented by your life pattern. One great hymnal in the Methodist collection ‘only remembered’ states that you are remembered for what you did on earth. That song says so much about our existence but has been aggressively adopted for sober moments especially in burials.

Great Martin Luther King Jr, world’s exponent of passive resistance stated that ‘If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he is not fit to live’.

It may seem a paradox but potent and reinforces the fact that our passion to a great extent ensures our place in history.

Senator T. A. Orji who represents Abia Central senatorial district at the Senate fits into these exemplified modes of good deeds, a few more instances below will elucidate. He was born the son of a Warrant, Chief Tom Ikoro Orji who admired the life styles of district officers (DOs) and thought aloud that his son should be one of the district officers. Young T.A. Orji overheard his dad and strived to surpass his father’s wishes. He got into the civil service as an administrative officer, the entry point of graduates into the civil service.

He took the job very seriously despite

Orji

the shortfalls and challenges. He got to the peak of the civil service and incidentally the first in Abia Government House to be addressed as the Chief of Staff. He served for solid eight years and surpassed the record of all who worked in that administration where deputies were changed with the speed of lightening.

As fate would have it, he became the

first in the history of the state to be chronicled as the first civil servant and Chief of Staff to become Governor in 2007.

From there so many firsts like promoting all civil servants to the next level trailed his tenure as governor.

Undeniably, he assailed the governorship through the PPA but at a point the party was rocked by controversies which became too hot to handle and the PDP the national party at the time recognising his strong points and character came to Abia with a powerful delegation led by the party chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo who addressed Ochendo as a top striker who was badly needed to lead the Abia PDP team to victory.

Chief Nwodo from Enugu State was proven right when T.A. Orji like an Army General led the PDP to the greatest reconciliation ever made in the PDP, putting Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prince Vin Ogbulafor, Chief Tony Ukasoanya, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Senator Abaribe, Senator Adolphus Wabara all to eat at the same table and ably executed the most successful election in 2011.

Without doubts, Abia had nursed a long time sore since the creation of East Central State or rather the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 as none from Ukwa na Ngwa extraction have been governor.

They were at best put to a sobriquet as the land of deputies with Isaac Uzigwe, Abaribe, Nwafor, and Nwakamma serving as deputies in a row.

Orji from inception made up his mind to end this draught of top leadership cadre in Ukwa na Ngwa land a thing of the past. In a related development, in a magnificent and historic declaration in

Aba Township Stadium aimed at charting a new course, Elder Adaelu in the warm up to 2011 election after extracting a firm promise from T.A. Orji then as governor, warned all Ngwa sons and daughters to desist from the 2011 election as to allow Governor T.A. Orji to finish with his two terms. If they harkened to this plea why not Ochendo?

Today, the rest is history as an Ukwa na Ngwa son, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, is happily and ebulliently seated as governor healing the political and social wounds of many years past. No doubt Chief T.A. Orji has emerged as a corner stone stabilising as exponent of equity with additional titles as Grand Governor, Promise Keeping Leader, Ochendo Global and many others.

Ochendo is the first governor to become a Senator in Abia and is still making waves. In the Senate, he has not rested on his oars coming out with 14 bills and four motions to his credits to the envy of most people who have been there before him.

This is not an empty boast as the Daily Trust, a national newspaper acknowledged a few years ago. It is not surprising to hear the spate of endorsements from all categories of people, political and apolitical urging him to a second bid because his first attempt is painted in gold.

For these and more, the Ukwa na Ngwa domiciled in nine local government areas out of the 17 in Abia State are rolling out their drums on Friday April 13 2018 in appreciation of his selfless service and courageous stand on equity. According to R.J. Palacio, ‘remember that we will not be here forever. Good thoughts, good ideas, and good deeds have a chance to live for a very long time’. .Onuzuruike wrote from Abuja

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018

39

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

40

CITYSTRINGS

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

Members of the Asaba traditional council inspecting facilities at the Asaba International Airport...recently

Royal March on Asaba Airport In this report, Omon-Julius Onabu evaluates the significance of the recent visit of members of the Asaba traditional council to the airport in the Delta State capital

B

y the beginning of the year (2018) air traffic was expected to reach about 3.91 billion passengers at the growth rate of 5.4 per cent, going by Air Transport Association projections.

The economic benefits of improved access to air travel facilities are numerous and compelling. Several measures have been employed by governments and airline owners to address certain issues and challenges in the aviation sector especially against the backdrop of the economically stimulating benefits of air travel.

Standing out in bold relief is insufficiency of aviation facilities, particularly standard airports to cope with the steadily growing number of passengers and even the volume of cargo.

Nigeria, despite its huge population and a rapidly expanding economy, in terms of size and sophistication levels, has only 30 airports; and, though five of these are so labeled, only four currently function as international airports.

Thus, the real need to address aviation cum air travel deficit in the country obviously justifies the establishment of the Asaba International Airport by the Delta State Government. In other words, the building of an airport in Asaba, the state capital, is definitely not a white elephant.

It is clearly a well-conceived response in the light of the implications of the projection of huge passenger growth, which makes expansion in both international and regional or local airport hubs inevitable.

However, the airport in the last few years has been immersed in controversy stemming from the downgrading of the airport about seven years after construction work on the facility commenced. On April 27, 2015 the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) slammed

its big hammer on the fledging Asaba facility.

Citing an undulating runway, a meddlesome range of surrounding hills, poor lighting of the runways and taxiways, lack of perimeter fencing and inadequate number of well-trained airport personnel as major grounds, the NCAA formally downgraded Asaba International Airport. At the time, the Emmanuel Uduaghan administration was only one month shy of its exit.

Nonetheless, acknowledging the importance of the project to the development agenda of his administration, and indeed future generations of Delta State, the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, wasted no time in mobilising resources towards a speedy upgrade of the airport. Following due legislature approval, a N5.01 billion loan facility was soon ready, and the upgrade commenced in earnest. Two other companies were engaged by the government to undertake certain aspects of the project, which had an indigenous construction firm, ULO Consultants,

The Asaba monarch is anxious about the fate of the project and decided to ascertain the veracity of the streams of controversies about the scope of the work already done or being done

as the main contractor. However, one thing led to another and the contractor could not deliver the completed project in three to four months as stipulated on paper. Incidentally, the story was unchanged after even at least three completion deadline rescheduling. It became crystal clear that something had to give.

The Asagba-in-council visits the airport It was hardly surprising, therefore, when the management and workers of the Asaba Airport had the rare experience of playing host to a high-powered delegation of traditional chiefs from the royal palace of the Asagba of Asaba, HRM (Prof.) Chike Edozien, the traditional ruler of Asaba Kingdom, jolted by the situation. But for the fact that his royal majesty was then away on medical vacation to the United States of America, and as well the absence of the Iyase, the traditional prime minister and renowned technocrat, Chief Patrick Onyeobi, the entire council was practically on ground at the airport with all its awe-inspiring splendour.

The mission of the noblemen – arrayed as they were in immaculate robes made from intricately woven Akw’ocha famed Anioma (Delta North) cloth – was simple: To see firsthand the ongoing upgrading work in the light of the cacophony of claims and counter-claims concerning the termination of the contract with ULO and engagement of another indigenous firm, Setraco.

The Asaba monarch is anxious about the fate of the project and decided to ascertain the veracity of the streams of controversies about the scope of the work already done or being done. As the spokesman of the regal delegation told newsmen, who had laid siege at the place on learning of the visit, the rumour mill has been

active with varied and baffling tales about why the completion of the prestigious facility has been sign-posted by claims and counter-claims of contract breaches.

Inspection and royal interrogation Special Project Director for the airport project, Austin Ayemidejor, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Works, Fred Edafiogor and Jihad Yaghi, who is the Area Manager of Setraco construction firm handling the project, conducted the royal team through the 3.4 kilometres runway where the undulating portions were being peeled off and reinforced with thicker layers of stones and asphalt. Their efforts were supplemented by the state Commissioner for Works, James Auguoye and his Information counterpart, Patrick Ukah.

The delegation of the Asagba-in-Council, which is an equivalent of the State Executive Council, also inspected the expanded drainage system designed to properly channel all water and flood from the runways and taxiways and other parts of the airport. The visitors were, moreover, conducted round other functional facilities at the airport, including the Fire Service Station, the Flight Watchtower, VIP Lounge and Luggage Hall, with dual carriage elevators as well as Terminal Building.

Perhaps, the most significant aspect of the royal march through the airport was the question-and-answer session that rounded off the tour. Notwithstanding the fact that the chiefs took every opportunity to ask questions or seek clarifications on the remoulding work at every point, they generally exhibited professional adroitness with their probing questions on the concept, design, construction and sustainable functionality of the various features comprising

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

41

CITYSTRINGS

The Asaba International Airport

The water channel at the airport under construction

the Asaba International Airport. For instance, they took pains to interrogate the team of guides from the relevant ministries and construction firm on strength or capacities of the 3.4km by 60m (width) ‘Class IV Runaway’ with a 45m middle section and the improved taxiways. They sought explanation about plans to evacuate all water to be drained into the extended 20-metre culvert, which opens into a natural valley on the west end of the airport and which route is expected to be dredged in future. They asked apparently informed questions about the category of contemporary fire-fighting machines and general functionality of the fire service station, in terms of number and sophistication of fire fighting vehicles and emergency response capacity.

They probed about the categories of aircraft that would ultimately come into Asaba when the upgrade was completed and the structure of the expected additional cargo handling wing as well as the possibility of building modern hangars in the airport. They asked questions on the perimeter fencing and wading off any form of encroachment by trespassers and land speculators, while electing to directly step in where youths are reported to be fomenting trouble around the airport or any government project site.

Moreover, the Asagba-in Council made suggestions on further lowering of the surrounding hills to acceptable levels just as it recommended the modification of the watchtower with an additional storey, from the three-storey structure that was put up by ULO Consultants for enhanced aircraft actual flight management beside the traditional Control tower.

The state government officials were optimistic that the NCAA “restriction order will be lifted by the time the (upgrade) work is done” so that Boeing 737 capacity aircraft could land and takeoff from Asaba International Airport. The two denser layers of tarmac (40mm and 90mm), ranging between 99mm-200mm reinforcement is expected to correct the lack of “slope constancy” or undulation on which the ULO earlier remedial work was faulted, the technicians and managers explained. Only Lagos and Abuja international airports can accommodate the largest aircraft (Boeing 747) that fly into Nigeria today.

Stamp of commendation Speaking at the end of the inspection visit, the leader of the royal delegation and renowned engineer, Obi Godfrey Konwea, told newsmen that “His Majesty, the Asagba who is currently on medical vacation in the USA, asked us to inspect the airport. We have seen the massive work going on, we are happy with what we have seen. This is wonderful! We are hungry to start using the airport.”

While thanking Okowa for the impressive airport project, he stated that Governor Okowa has justified the financial receipts since the inception of his administration even though the funds were relatively less than what his predecessors received within the same period.

Nevertheless, asked whether they would sanction the contractor, who is also an illustrious son of Asaba Kingdom, if he was found to have underperformed on the upgrading of the airport, the royal chiefs said that they would intervene appropriately to ensure that the matter did not generate unnecessary bad blood. While noting that the Asagba-in-Council was yet to receive any information of failure or a formal complaint,

Airport is not about the structure but about the runway; and, we believe that when completed, the airport will be among the best in the country based on standard. It is not about the speed but getting it right, because if you get the slope or gradient right in the first segment, you will get it right in the second and third segments

they stressed that Obi Edozien desired peace and real development in the state rather than embark on witch-hunting anybody.

Okowa on original contract termination Earlier, while fielding questions from newsmen at the Government House Asaba, Okowa explained how he had to put aside personal friendship with the chief executive officer of the contracting firm to ensure that the completion of the upgrading project was no longer a subject of conjecture. He disclosed that the contractor was literally nudged into throwing in the towel. Although, the ULO Consultants reportedly gave several reasons why the company had to hands off the project, Okowa told journalists that the state government actually prompted the contractor’s action by giving the company a ‘Yellow Card’ in October 2017 when it became increasingly clear they would not deliver the project.

The governor did not mince words: “I don’t care if I step on any toes. Unfortunately, his work remained very slow despite the pressure we put on him, and having paid fully the 50 per cent mobilisation agreed with the previous administration.”

On why the government decided to so pressure ULO, which undertook the actual construction of the airport and was initially awarded the contract for the Asaba Airport upgrade involving six aspects, the governor said: “Funding was not the issue; and, I regularly went to the airport simply to ensure that the project was delivered in good time and for us to have about the best airport in the country. But the pace of work remained very slow in spite of the pressure we put on the contractor to complete the project according to schedule.”

It is noteworthy that the views of the governor and those of the company’s chief executive, Chief Uche Okpuno, on the importance of safety and security aspects of the airport were harmonious and in tandem with the specifications of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. “Getting it right is very important,” Okowa had noted during one of his visits to the facility in January, 2017.

“Airport is not about the structure but about the runway; and, we believe that when completed, the airport will be among the best in the country

based on standard. It is not about the speed but getting it right, because if you get the slope or gradient right in the first segment, you will get it right in the second and third segments.”

Similarly, Okpuno noted that “a solid runaway and not the beautiful buildings” was what makes a good, functional airport. He had at that time (January, 2017) assured the governor that work to re-jig the first segment (900 metres) of the runway would be completed within two weeks.

He revealed also then that civil work on the Instrument Landing System (ILS) had been completed while installation was ongoing. The equipment would greatly improve safety of the airport as it will reduce visibility problem to the barest minimum and allow aircraft to land and take off even in foggy weather,” he said.

At the beginning of this piece, the social and economic benefits of an airport within a locality were highlighted. Indeed, a functional airport is a virtual tonic as it stimulates the local economy with ripple effect. It is, therefore, noteworthy that the barrage of questions from the Asaba chiefs included what plans the state government has to improve the network of roads in and around Asaba in anticipation of the increased volume of social economic activities, including commerce and tourism, which the facility is bound to boost in future.

In response, the Information Commissioner, Ukah, assured the delegation that the Okowa administration was passionate about infrastructure development, particularly roads, drainage systems and general urban renewal in the state capital and other major centres across the state. It is in this context that the chiefs’ submission about their impression of the Asaba airport upgrading vis-à-vis the performance of the Okowa administration should be appreciated. The Asagba-in-Council said, “That Asaba people are peaceful and patience does not mean that we are weak. We have witnessed three democratically elected governors in our state (since 2019), this administration has not received half of the money others received but he (Okowa) has done very well. From what we have seen, we the entire Asaba people and those residing in Asaba are grateful to Governor Okowa; we ask him to prepare for, possibly, a third term in office.”

T H I S D AY Ëž , APRIL 6, 2018

42

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Agbaje: GTBank Will Maintain Profitability Despite Economic Challenges Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje has expressed optimism that 2018 financial year would be a much better year for the bank notwithstanding the current state of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic.

The GTBank boss made the prediction yesterday, while briefing journalists on the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently released audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2017.

He said the bank posted positive performance across all financial indices despite the challenging environment.

Agbaje noted that given the current state of the economy, 2018 is going to be a tough, but however expressed strong optimism that the bank will work hard to maintain profitability.

He posited that the bank will tread carefully because

â&#x20AC;&#x153;the growth is still very slow and the monetary policy is still tightâ&#x20AC;?.

The bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s audited results for 2017 showed that gross earnings for the year rose by 1.1% to 419.2billion from 414.6billion reported in December 2016.

The growth was driven by the rise in interest income and revenues from e-payment. Profit before tax stood at 200.2billion, representing a growth of 21.3% over 165.1billion recorded in the 2016 financial year.

The Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loan book dipped by 8.9% from 1.590trillion in December 2016 to 1.449trillion in December 2017 while customer deposits increased by 3.8% to 2.062trillion from 1.986trillion in December 2016.

The GTB Boss said the loan book contracted by 8.9per cent â&#x20AC;&#x153;due to the cautious effort to de-risk the balance sheet, repayment of US dollar term loans and unwinding of US dollar trade obligations.â&#x20AC;? He

further explained that the US dollar repayments led to increased dollar liquidity which contributed to 41 per cent growth in cash and cash equivalents from N455billion in 2016 to N641billion in 2017.

Total assets stood at 3.9%, while shareholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; funds rose to 625.2billion. In terms of assets quality, Non- performing loan ratio (NPL) grew to 7.7% in December 2017 from 3.7% in 2016 financial year. This, according to the bank was largely as a result of classification of a single exposure within the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.

Agbaje however explained that NLPs would moderate to 4.6%, below regulatory threshold, if the 9mobile loan was excluded from NPL ratio computation.

The bank in a recent notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), said its board of directors would meet on April 18, 2018 to consider its financial statements.

Agbaje

Analysts Forecast Further Drop in Inflation Obinna Chima Analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited have predicted that inflation rate (year-on-year) will drop to 13.49 per cent in March 2018, from the 14.33 per cent recorded in February.

The firm, which stated this in a report obtained yesterday, pointed out that the anticipated drop in inflation rate is premised on the base effect of higher prices in the Composite Consumer Price Index (CCPI) in March 2017 than the current month.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is expected to release the inflation rate for March on 16 April, based on the data release calendar on the website of the NBS. The latest monthly Food Price Index (FPI) from the

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) released yesterday, showed that the index was up 1.05 per cent to 172.8 points in March, from the revised value for February.

The increase recorded in the FPI was because of a strong recovery in dairy and cereal prices.

The FAO Dairy Price Index appreciated by 3.26per cent in March as prices of butter, Whole Milk Powder (WMP) and cheese were on the increase. The increase was mainly supported by strong global import demand and lower than expected milk output.

On the flip side, the FAO Sugar Price Index dropped by 3.4 per cent. The drop in the index is on the heels of favourable supply conditions

in the main sugar producing regions, and a weaker Brazilian Real. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our analysis indicates that the value of the naira remained stable at the parallel market while it appreciated at the interbank market by 0.08 per cent to close at $/ N305.65 from $/N305.90 at the end of February,â&#x20AC;?it added.

The report noted that the appreciation recorded at the interbank market between the two months under review moderated the impact of the imported consumer good prices in the domestic market.

It also stated that the prices of most of the food items monitored by the firm in March 2018 recorded moderate appreciation, leading to 1.12 per cent increase in our Food and Non-Alcoholic Index.

Sterling Bank Partners Lagos on Digital Payment for BRT Commuters Over 500,000 daily commuters on the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system can now board buses using a contactless card payment system.

It is an enhancement which makes the Lagos Connect card that was launched last November by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode usable on mass transit systems anywhere in the world.

Powered by Lagos State, LAMATA, Primero Transport Limited and Sterling Bank Plc, the enhanced electronic payment system was launched in partnership with some leading global payment and technology companies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mikroelektronica, MasterCard, E-Purse Systems, Monet Plus, NIBSS, Epay-plus and SecureID in Lagos.

It allows commuters who ride on BRT buses to make payments via their Lagos Connect contactless cards powered by Farepay that have either been pre-loaded or linked to a funded bank account.

Speaking during the launch, theManaging Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, said the bank was focused

onachieving its primary role of financial intermediation through intervention in sectors that will create jobs and bring about economic growth for the country.

He identified such sectors as health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and transport.

Abubakar stated that the bank was proud to collaborate with Lagos State, LAMATA, Primero, E-Purse Systems and MasterCard to launch the multimodal contactless payment card for use on mass transit buses, ferries and trains in the Lagos metropolis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is another major step forward in enhancing the commuting experience and social well-being of more than 80 per cent of Lagos residents who rely on public transport daily. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sterling Bank is committed to improving standards in a sector that is a crucial of driver economic growth and determinant of social well-being for both urban and rural residents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are driven by the understanding that an efficient transport system facilitates trade, reduces poverty, creates

economic and social opportunities while enhancing human development through greater mobility. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working with our partners, our vision over the next few years is to understand the peculiarities of various locations and replicate this kind of solution across the nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transformation of the transport value chain is an imperative for us at Sterling Bank,â&#x20AC;? he said. He commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for creating the enabling environment with the launch of the Lagos Connect Card in November 2017, which has made the enhancement of the system to EMV standard possible thereby putting Lagos amongst the most advanced cities for transit payments globally.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Primero Transport Limited, Chief Demola Seriki described the launch of the contactless payment system as symbolic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is indicative of efforts to eliminate the inefficiencies associated with public transportation in Lagos.

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&#x2039;Ě&#x2039;Ě&#x2039;Ě&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ë? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Ě&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ě&#x161; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ă?

7,834,536.74

Ě&#x2039;Ě&#x2039;Ě&#x2039;Ě&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ë? Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x2122; Ě&#x161;

-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&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039;

MANAGED FUNDS Month

AUGUST 2017

Inter-Bank Call Rate

22.63

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.35

Savings Deposit Rate

4.08

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.86

3 Months Deposit Rate

10.14

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.51

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.40

Prime Lending rate

17.69

Maximum Lending Rate

31.20 Ëž Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x2039; ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED, APRIL 4, 2018 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $64.48 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $64.98 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 Ëž , Í´Ë&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

43

MARKET NEWS

Forte Oil Grows Profit After Tax by 323% to N12.2 Billion Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

N129.443 billion, showing a decrease of 12 per cent from N148.605 billion in 2016.Cost of sales fell from N128.021 billion to N105.327 billion, making the company to close the year with a gross profit of N24.115 billion, up from N20.583 billion in 2016.

Forte Oil reduced its distribution expenses by 40 per cent from N3.016 billion to N1.796 billion, while administrative

Forte Oil Plc has reported impressive performance for the year ended December 31, 2017, showing a jump of 323 per cent in profit after tax (PAT). The company adopted cost reduction strategies that boosted its performance.

According to the results, Forte Oil Plc recorded revenue of

expenses stood at N10.119 billion, from N10.293 billion in 2016.

Finance income improved by 11 per cent to N2.096 billion to N1.888 billion, while net finance cost reduced by 15 per cent to N3.636 billion from N4.281 billion in 2016.

Profit before tax improved by 34 per cent from N5.340 billion to N10.627 billion. A

reduction of 34 per cent in income tax from N2.449 billion to N1.599 billion, made PAT to grow faster. Specifically, PAT soared by 323 per cent from N2.890 billion to N12.226 billion in 2017. Despite the high profit the board of directors did not recommend dividend payment.

Meanwhile, the equities market rebounded yesterday as the All Share Index (ASI)

appreciated by 0.31 per cent to close at 40,875.69. Similarly, market capitalisation added N45.5 billion to close at N14.77 trillion. The appreciation recorded in the share prices of ETI, Dangote Cement, Zenith Bank, UBA, and Access Bank were mainly responsible for the positive performance.

Also, activity level improved as volume and value traded

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF

increased by 23.5 per cent and 13.3 per cent respectively to 495.6 million shares and N7.7 billion.

Prestige Assurance Plc led the price gainers with 9.3 per cent, followed by LASACO Assurance Plc. Transcorp Plc, May & Baker Nigeria Plc and Eterna Plc appreciated by 4.8 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively.

A S AT 2 8 / 0 3 / 2 0 1 8

Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

BANKING

MARKET

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

29.80

-0.17

427

13,255,508

13

67

6,110,342

155

16,374,890

155

16,374,890

Ë&#x203A;

53,303.99

18.50

-

CAP(Nm) 1

935,615.51

S/N

2

-

MARKET

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

434,333.04

12.10

Ďą

-2.02

427

13,255,508

Ëš

S/N

372

28,509,452

14

372

28,509,452

799

41,764,960

S/N

-

MARKET

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

Ë&#x203A;

711.32

Ëš

MARKET

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

15

Ë&#x203A; Ë&#x203A;

16

Ë&#x203A;

Ďą

4.79

-

0

0

0

0

Ďą

34,188.00

25.90

-

10

11,035

165.00

6.60

-

0

0

10

11,035

S/N

MARKET

Ďą

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161; 3

4,311,248.37

253.00

-0.78

59

618,216

Ëš

59

618,216

59

618,216

858

42,383,176

S/N

17

-

MARKET

MENT

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

-

8,184.95

Ďą

3.15

-

11

47,868

11

47,868

Ë&#x203A;

Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x203A;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă?Ě&#x161;

S/N

-

MARKET

Ě&#x2122; Ě&#x161;

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

Ďą

2,000.00

100.00

-

1

10

11,300.89

45.20

-

0

0

26,682.70

10.00

-

0

0

1

10

22

58,913

18 S/N

MARKET

Ďą

0.20

-

6

48,500

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161; 19 4

-

440.00

5

Ë&#x203A;

Ě&#x2122; Ě&#x161;

68,681.52

72.00

-

17

41,329

20

6

72,000.00

72.00

-

14

181,049

37

270,878

Ě&#x2122; Ě&#x161;

Ëš

S/N

Ëš Ëš

MARKET

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

Ë&#x203A;

511.20

Ďą

4.26

-

0

0

0

0

7

S/N

Ëš Ëš

S/N

Ëš

MARKET

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

Ë&#x203A;

2,820.00

Ďą

0.94

-4.08

33

926,418

Ëš

33

926,418

70

1,197,296

21

Ëš

MARKET

PARTS

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

Ęś

1,670.43

Ďą

0.35

-

0

0

0

0

Ëš 8

S/N

Ě&#x2039;Ě&#x2039; Ëš

MARKET

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

22

Ë&#x203A; Ë&#x203A;

23

Ë&#x203A;

Ďą

20,200.10

2.58

-4.80

14

153,903,833

242.22

0.89

-

0

0

Ë&#x203A; S/N

9

-

MARKET

Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

Ë&#x203A; Ë&#x203A;

1,773.68

0.67

Ďą

-

7

58,293

24

226,704.62

103.50

0.49

41

539,088

25

-

467,614.89

54.40

0.46

37

581,800

1,023,603.46

128.00

-0.08

68

1,074,294

160

156,099,015

Ë&#x203A;

Ë&#x203A;

10

Ë&#x203A;

210.14

0.54

-

3

1,050

26

11

Ë&#x203A; Ë&#x203A;

2,111.93

3.25

-

0

0

Ě&#x2039;Ě&#x2039; Ëš

-

Ë&#x203A; Ë&#x203A;

ERS 12

75,605.26

1.86

0.54

78

10,205,205 S/N

MARKET Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ě&#x161;

Ďą

˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

44

Nigeria Daily Stock Market Report: dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶƐ Ϭ͘Ϯϱй

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

dŚĞ dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ Ϭ͘Ϯϱй LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϲϴ͘ϵϭ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ zd ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϴ͘Ϯй͘ zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ŵĂŝŶůLJ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ƵƉƟĐŬƐ ŝŶ E' D ;нϭ͘ϲйͿ͕ h ;нϭ͘ϯйͿ ĂŶĚ d/ ;нϰ͘ϬйͿ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϰ͘ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

Ticker

ƋƵŝƟĞƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ ƵĐŬƐ ϮͲĚĂLJ ŽǁŶƚƌĞŶĚ͙ E^ ^/ ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϯй dŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƌĞďŽƵŶĚĞĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĐůŽƐĞ ŽĨ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ /ŶĚĞdž ; ^/Ϳ ŝŶĐŚĞĚ ϯϭďƉƐ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϰϬ͕ϴϳϱ͘ϲϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ƌŽƐĞ ƚŽ ϲ͘ϵй͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚ ŽŶ ƚŚŝƐ͕ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ Eϰϱ͘ϱďŶ ŝŶ ǀĂůƵĞ ĂƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝnjĂƟŽŶ ŐƌĞǁ ƚŽ Eϭϰ͘ϴƚŶ͘ dŚĞ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĂƩƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ƚŽ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ E' D ;нϭ͘ϲйͿ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŝŶ d/ ;нϰ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ h ;нϭ͘ϯйͿ͘ /Ŷ ůŝŶĞ ǁŝƚŚ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďLJ Ϯϯ͘ϱй ĂŶĚ ϭϯ͘ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ƚŽ ϰϵϱ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ Eϳ͘ϳďŶ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ h ;ϭϬϯ͘ϱŵͿ͕ &/ >/dz ;ϵϬ͘ϮŵͿ ĂŶĚ 'h Z Edz ;ϲϯ͘ϬŵͿ ǁŚŝůĞ 'h Z Edz ;EϮ͘ϴďŶͿ͕ h ;Eϭ͘ϮďŶͿ ĂŶĚ E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^ ;EϬ͘ϳďŶͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ ŵĞƌŐĞƐ >ŽŶĞ >ŽƐĞƌ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďƌŽĂĚůLJ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ĂƐ ϰ ŽĨ ϱ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŶŽƌƚŚǁĂƌĚƐ͘ dŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ /ŶĚĞdž ŐƌĞǁ Ϭ͘ϲй ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ E' D ;нϭ͘ϲйͿ͘ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ͕ ĐůŽƐŝŶŐ Ϭ͘ϰй ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ WZ ^d/' ;нϵ͘ϯйͿ ĂŶĚ >/E< ^^hZ ;нϮ͘ϰйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϯй͕ ĂƐ d/ ;нϰ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ h ;нϭ͘ϯйͿ ĚƌŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͘ >ĂƐƚůLJ͕ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ d ZE ;нϰ͘ϳйͿ ĚƌŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ /ŶĚĞdž ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϭй͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŚĂŶĚ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ ƐŚĞĚĚŝŶŐ Ϭ͘ϭй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ ŝŶ E'^h' Z ;Ͳϭ͘ϮйͿ͕ E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^ ;ͲϬ͘ϱйͿ ĂŶĚ /Ed Z t ;Ͳϱ͘ϬйͿ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϳdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ƚŽ ϭ͘Ϭdž ĂƐ Ϯϭ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϮϮ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ ǁĞƌĞ WZ ^d/' ;нϵ͘ϯйͿ͕ > ^ K ;нϱ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ dZ E^ KZW ;нϰ͘ϴйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ǁĞƌĞ ůĞĚ ďLJ '> yK^D/d, ;Ͳ ϵ͘ϲйͿ͕ : / E< ;Ͳϴ͘ϭйͿ ĂŶĚ : W h> K/> ;Ͳϳ͘ϲйͿ͘ &ŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌĞďŽƵŶĚ ŝŶ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ĚƌŝǀĞ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĂƌ ƚĞƌŵ͘

ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ &ŽĐƵƐ͗ hŶŝŽŶ ĂŶŬ ŽĨ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ WůĐ ;͞hŶŝŽŶ͟Ϳ tĞŵĂ hŶŝŽŶ ĂŶŬ ŽĨ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ WůĐ ;͞hE/KEͿ ďĞŐĂŶ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ŝŶ ϭϵϭϳ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĐĞŶƚůLJ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞĚ ŝƚƐ ϭϬϬƚŚ ĂŶŶŝǀĞƌƐĂƌLJ ǁŚŝůĞ ĂĚŽƉƟŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƐůŽŐĂŶ ŽĨ ͞zŽƵƌ ^ŝŵƉůĞƌ ĂŶĚ ^ŵĂƌƚĞƌ ĂŶŬ͘͟ KŶ ƌĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ŝƚƐ ϭϬϬƚŚ ĂŶŶŝǀĞƌƐĂƌLJ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬ͛Ɛ ŵĂŝŶ ĨŽĐƵƐ ǁĂƐ ƚŽ ͞ ĞůĞďƌĂƚĞ͕ /ŵƉĂĐƚ ĂŶĚ >ĞĂĚ͟ ǁŚŝůĞ ĞdžƉĂŶĚŝŶŐ ŝƚƐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚ ƉŽƌƞŽůŝŽ͘

/Ŷ ŝƚƐ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ ƌĞƐƵůƚ ůĂƐƚ LJĞĂƌ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬ͛Ɛ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ƌĂƚŚĞƌ ƵŶĚĞƌǁŚĞůŵŝŶŐ͘ 'ƌŽƐƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƌŽƐĞ ϭϱ͘ϲй zͲŽͲz ƚŽ EϭϬϵ͘ϱďŶ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ͕ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ ďLJ Ă ϮϮ͘ϰй zͲŽͲz ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ŝŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ;ĨƌŽŵ EϳϮ͘ϯďŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϲ ƚŽ Eϴϴ͘ϱďŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳͿ͘ ŽŶƚƌĂƌLJ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ͕ ŶŽŶͲŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ƵŶĚĞƌƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞĚ͕ ĨĂůůŝŶŐ ϲ͘ϯй ƚŽ EϮϭ͘ϬďŶ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ ;ĨƌŽŵ EϮϮ͘ϱďŶ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϲͿ͘ dŚĞ 'ƌŽǁƚŚ ŝŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ǁĂƐ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ Ă Ϯϲ͘ϯй ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ ůŽĂŶƐ ĂŶĚ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞƐ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ĂŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ŝŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ĨƌŽŵ dƌĞĂƐƵƌLJ ŝůůƐ ;ƵƉ ϮϬ͘Ϭй zͲŽͲz ƚŽ EϮϭ͘ϵďŶͿ͘ DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬ͛Ɛ ŶŽŶͲŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ǁĂƐ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ďLJ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ŝŶ KƚŚĞƌ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŶŐ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ Ă ϵϴ͘Ϯй ĚŝƉ ŝŶ ĞͲďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĨĞůů ϲϭ͘ϱй ƚŽ EϬ͘ϳďŶ ĂƐ ĂƌĚ &y ŐĂŝŶ ƌĞĚƵĐĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ Eϭ͘ϰďŶ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϲ ƚŽ EϮϱ͘Ϭŵ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŚĂŶĚ͕ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŶŐ ĞdžƉĞŶƐĞƐ ŐƌĞǁ ϭϬ͘ϭй zͲŽͲz ƚŽ Eϰϵ͘ϬďŶ ĨƌŽŵ Eϰϰ͘ϲďŶ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϲ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ W d ĂŶĚ W d ĨĞůů Ϯ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ϰ͘ϲй ƚŽ Eϭϯ͘ϬďŶ ĂŶĚ EϭϮ͘ϰďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŝŶ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ͘

KŶ Ă ƋƵĂƌƚĞƌ ŽŶ ƋƵĂƌƚĞƌ ďĂƐŝƐ͕ Yϯ͗ϮϬϭϳ ƐƚĂŶĚĂůŽŶĞ ƐŚŽǁĞĚ ĂŶ ĞƋƵĂůůLJ ǁĞĂŬ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͘ 'ƌŽƐƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ĨĞůů ϭϵ͘ϰй YͲŽͲY ƚŽ EϮϬ͘ϯďŶ ;ĨƌŽŵ EϮϱ͘ϱďŶ ŝŶ YϮ͗ϮϬϭϳͿ͕ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ďLJ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƐ ŝŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ;ĚŽǁŶ Ϯ͘ϲй ƚŽ EϯϬ͘ϮďŶ ĨƌŽŵ Eϯϭ͘ϬďŶ ŝŶ YϮ͗ϮϬϭϳͿ ĂŶĚ ŶŽŶŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ;ĚŽǁŶ ϯϳ͘ϯй ƚŽ Eϱ͘ϮďŶ ĨƌŽŵ Eϴ͘ϯďŶ ŝŶ YϮ͗ϮϬϭϳͿ͘ ůƐŽ͕ W d ĂŶĚ W d ĨĞůů Ϯϳ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ϯϭ͘ϵй ƚŽ Eϯ͘ϱďŶ ĂŶĚ Eϯ͘ϮďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ ĞƐƉŝƚĞ ŝƚƐ ƵŶĚĞƌǁŚĞůŵŝŶŐ ϵD͗ϮϬϭϳ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ďĂŶŬ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ƐƚĞƉƐ ƚŽ ƌĞĚƵĐĞ ĐŽƐƚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ŽŶ ƉƌŽĮƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ ŝŶ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƚŽ Ɛƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ &z͗ϮϬϭϳ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ͕ ǁĞ ďĞůŝĞǀĞ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͛Ɛ ĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ Ɛƚ ŝƚƐ ƌĞƚĂŝů ƐĞŐŵĞŶƚ ďLJ ůĞǀĞƌĂŐŝŶŐ ŽŶ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ƚŽ ĚƌŝǀĞ ƉƌŽĮƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ͕ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ďĂŶŬ ĂƐ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĞĂƐĞ ŽĨ &z ϮϬϭϳ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƌĞƐƵůƚƐ͘

Afrinvest Securities Limited (RC 603 315) (A Dealing Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange)

Friday, April 6, 2018

Previous Current Current Price Price Weighting Change

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 1,668.91

0.25% -0.5%

Price Change YTD

Price Change Index to Date

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

8.2%

66.9%

25.9%

8.2%

7.8x

1.0x

53.0%

12.8%

Divinden Earnings d Yield Yield

1

Guaranty Trust Bank PLC

44.10

21.4%

8.2%

8.8%

30.6%

5.2%

7.3x

2.1x

6.1%

13.7%

2

Zenith Bank PLC

27.50

0.5%

12.9%

7.3%

6.1%

23.3%

3.4%

4.9x

1.1x

9.8%

20.6%

3

Nigerian Brew eries PLC

128.30

-0.5%

7.9%

-4.9%

-5.0%

19.2%

8.8%

30.9x

5.8x

3.2%

3.2%

4

Nestle Nigeria PLC

1,380.00

0.0%

6.6%

-11.3%

-11.3%

89.0%

21.3%

32.4x

24.4x

3.1%

3.1%

5

Dangote Cement PLC

255.00

1.6%

6.4%

10.9%

10.9%

26.3%

12.4%

21.9x

5.7x

4.1%

4.6%

6

FBN Holdings Plc

12.20

0.4%

7.1%

38.6%

38.8%

2.6%

0.3%

19.9x

0.7x

1.6%

5.0%

7

Access Bank PLC

11.90

0.8%

4.7%

13.9%

12.3%

13.0%

1.6%

5.5x

0.7x

5.5%

18.2%

8

United Bank for Africa PLC

11.90

1.3%

4.7%

15.5%

14.3%

16.1%

2.0%

5.4x

0.8x

7.1%

18.7%

9

Ecobank Transnational Inc

17.00

4.0%

3.0%

0.0%

4.5%

10.3%

0.8%

6.4x

0.6x

3.6%

15.6%

10

SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

665.10

0.0%

3.0%

6.2%

6.2%

19.4%

11.1%

3.8x

0.7x

11

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

49.00

0.0%

3.2%

18.1%

19.8%

28.7%

3.4%

11.3x

2.9x

1.0%

12

Guinness Nigeria PLC

104.00

0.0%

2.4%

10.6%

10.6%

14.6%

5.6%

19.5x

2.7x

0.6%

5.1%

13

Lafarge Africa PLC

44.00

0.0%

1.5%

-2.0%

-2.0%

47.1%

9.8%

3.9x

6.7x

2.3%

25.4%

14

Fidelity Bank PLC

2.68

4.3%

1.3%

8.9%

3.9%

8.0%

1.1%

2.3x

0.4x

5.2%

42.8%

15

Oando PLC

5.99

0.0%

1.2%

0.0%

0.0%

40.7%

4.2%

2.7x

0.6x

16

Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

20.75

-1.2%

1.1%

3.8%

1.9%

43.2%

19.8%

8.1x

3.1x

2.4%

12.4%

26.0% 8.9%

37.0%

17

Okomu Oil Palm PLC

72.70

0.0%

1.1%

7.4%

7.4%

37.4%

25.9%

7.6x

3.2x

4.1%

13.2%

18

Unilever Nigeria PLC

55.00

0.0%

1.4%

34.1%

36.8%

50.3%

8.4%

33.9x

12.9x

0.2%

3.0%

19

International Brew eries PLC

51.70

-5.0%

0.7%

-5.1%

-6.0%

24.6%

7.4%

54.1x

12.3x

20

Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

36.80

0.0%

0.8%

26.9%

26.9%

13.1%

3.0%

7.7x

0.9x

2.5%

13.0%

21

Transnational Corp of Nigeria

1.73

4.8%

0.6%

18.5%

16.9%

8.3%

1.8%

14.8x

1.1x

115.6%

6.8%

22

UAC of Nigeria PLC

17.30

0.6%

0.5%

2.4%

2.4%

6.3%

2.2%

23.4x

0.7x

3.8%

23

Diamond Bank PLC

1.93

1.0%

0.6%

28.7%

22.9%

2.5%

0.3%

7.8x

0.2x

24

Total Nigeria PLC

249.00

0.0%

0.5%

8.3%

8.3%

31.0%

6.5%

10.5x

3.0x

6.8%

9.5%

25

FCMB Group Plc

2.40

0.8%

0.7%

51.9%

3.8%

0.6%

5.0x

0.3x

1500.0%

20.2%

26

11 PLC

4.4%

11.1%

183.00

0.0%

0.4%

-6.0%

-6.0%

30.8%

11.0%

9.0x

2.4x

0.0%

0.4%

-3.6%

-0.2%

19.6%

1.8%

21.1x

3.6x

1.8%

4.3% 12.8%

27

Forte Oil PLC

41.90

28

PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

23.45

0.0%

0.4%

13.8%

10.9%

10.7%

5.0%

22.2x

2.3x

2.2%

29

Cadbury Nigeria PLC

14.50

0.0%

0.3%

-7.5%

-7.1%

2.6%

1.1%

57.1x

2.3x

1.1%

1.8%

30

Presco PLC

72.00

0.0%

0.4%

5.1%

5.1%

42.9%

25.9%

3.5x

1.3x

2.1%

28.2%

31

NASCON Allied Industries PLC

21.20

1.0%

0.3%

14.6%

10.3%

54.6%

19.5%

10.5x

4.9x

7.1%

9.5%

32

UPDC Real Estate Investment Tr

10.00

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

0.8x

7.2%

33

Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

6.65

-4.3%

0.3%

-14.7%

-11.5%

5.6%

1.2%

8.5x

0.4x

34

Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

24.70

-4.6%

0.3%

-11.8%

-11.8%

17.3%

1.8%

6.8x

1.1x

35

Sterling Bank PLC

1.66

-4.6%

0.4%

53.7%

46.9%

6.1%

0.6%

8.7x

0.5x

36

Dangote Flour Mills Plc

13.75

0.0%

0.3%

13.2%

13.2%

61.6%

15.8%

4.4x

37

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Niger

31.50

-9.6%

0.3%

45.8%

45.8%

61.2%

23.6%

38

Chemical and Allied Products P

38.75

0.0%

0.2%

14.0%

8.5%

66.2%

39

Beta Glass PLC

75.70

0.0%

0.2%

47.5%

47.5%

18.4%

40

Transcorp Hotels Plc

7.45

0.0%

0.1%

3.3%

3.3%

4.7%

2.8%

T o p 10 G a in e r s T ic k er

4.7% 4.5%

11.8% 4.0%

14.6%

1.9x

1.5%

22.5%

6.5x

2.3x

23.8%

15.3%

30.2%

18.1x

12.1x

5.3%

5.5%

11.9%

10.7x

1.8x

1.4%

9.4%

21.2x

1.0x

1.8%

4.7%

11.4%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

P R EST IGE

0.47

9.3%

UB A

103.5

1.3%

LA SA C O

0.38

5.6%

F ID ELIT YB K

90.2

4.3%

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

T R A N SC OR P

1.73

4.8%

GUA R A N T Y

63.0

-0.5%

M A YB A KER

2.92

4.7%

A C C ESS

40.3

0.8%

ET ER N A

6.29

4.7%

FB NH

31.4

0.4%

F ID ELIT YB K

2.68

4.3%

ST ER LN B A N K

22.0

-4.6%

ET I

17.00

4.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

16.5

0.5%

LA WUN ION

0.82

3.8%

FCM B

14.5

0.8%

UC A P

3.42

3.6%

SKYEB A N K

14.4

0.0%

H M A R KIN S

0.32

3.2%

D A N GF LOUR

11.5

0.0%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s P ric e

P ric e C hg %

Value

P ric e C hg %

GLA XOSM IT H

31.50

-9.6%

GUA R A N T Y

2779.8

-0.5%

J A IZ B A N K

0.68

-8.1%

UB A

1234.3

J A P A ULOIL

0.49

-7.5%

NB

IN T B R EW

51.70

-5.0%

NP FM CRFB K

2.02

-4.7%

24.70

T ic k er

J B ER GER

T ic k er

1.3%

741.1

-0.5%

N EST LE

540.0

0.0%

A C C ESS

474.6

0.8%

-4.6%

Z EN IT H B A N K

453.1

0.5% 0.4%

ST ER LN B A N K

1.66

-4.6%

FB NH

380.6

UN IT YB N K

1.06

-4.5%

F ID ELIT YB K

241.0

4.3%

WEM A B A N K

0.88

-4.3%

D A N GF LOUR

151.9

0.0%

UB N

6.65

-4.3%

UA C N

117.3

0.6%

Investment Research

Brokerage Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Bolaji Fajenyo | bfajenyo@afrinvest.com

Omotola Abimbola | oabimbola@afrinvest.com

45

˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

MARKET NEWS

UACN Shareholders to Receive 65kobo Dividend Despite 83% Profit Decline Goddy Egene Shareholders of UAC of Nigeria Plc are to receive a dividend of 65 kobo per share for the year ended December 31, 2017 despite a decline in the company’s profit for the year. The conglomerates firm was affected by huge finance cost that drove its bottom-line down by 83 per cent.

The audited results of UACN showed revenue of N89.178 billion, down by eight per cent from N82.572

billion. Cost of sales rose from N65.639 billion to N7.222 billion in 2017, bringing gross profit to N15.956 billion, down from N16.932 billion in 2016.

Sales and distribution expenses increased from N3.155 billion to N4.595 billion, while administrative expenses followed same pattern rising from N6.511 billion to N6.898 billion in 2017.

Operating profit fell by 19 per cent to N7.031 billion,

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

from N8.639 billion. However, net finance cost soared by 218 per cent from N1.361 billion to N4.324 billion in 2017.

The surge in the cost of finance was fueled by high interest charges paid on bank borrowings. UACN paid N5.984 billion on charges on loans and overdraft from banks. Profit before tax stood at N3.246 billion, showing a decline of 61 per cent from N8.368 billion, while profit after tax fell by 83 per cent to N962 million in

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 04Apr-2018, unless otherwise stated.

2017 compared with N5.666 billion in 2016.

Assessing the fourth quarter results, analysts at FBN Quest said they were hit by rising input, finance and operating costs as well as increasing competition across key businesses. According to them, group sales of N20.4 billion (in Q4) declined 21 per cent while PBT fell by 88 per cent to N202 million.

“The drivers behind the significant decline in PBT were an 80 per cent rise

in operating expenses to N3.5 billion a 64 per cent decline in other income to N756 million and a 130 per cent rise in net finance charges. UACN also posted a large loss on the income from associates line. Sales for the food and beverages segment are now more important to the business. Combined, this segment accounted for 86 per cent and 83 per cent of group sales in Q4 2017 and FY 2017 respectively. As such, increasing challenges

within this segment, especially for the animal nutrition businesses, is likely to impact profitability going forward,” FBN Quest.

According to the analysts, compared with their estimates, sales and PBT both missed by 22 per cent and 89 per cent respectively.

“The major drivers of the variance were a weaker-thanexpected top-line growth and negative surprises on both operating expense and other income.

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 186.61 187.45 5.02% Nigeria International Debt Fund 243.88 244.75 5.42% 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 0.88 5.16% ACAP Income Funds 0.65 0.65 8.06% 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 14.88% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.76 20.36 8.15% ARM Discovery Fund 416.38 428.94 7.02% ARM Ethical Fund 28.56 29.42 4.53% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.10% 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 158.98 160.10 4.81% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 14.41% 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 12.57 12.90 9.78% Women's Investment Fund 105.50 106.15 3.63% 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 14.76% 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 15.13% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.08 1.10 2.72% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.10 1.13 6.37% 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 1,199.58 1,200.78 4.51% FBN Heritage Fund 147.66 149.00 5.93% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.10% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 114.75 115.22 1.59% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 114.75 115.22 1.69% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 182.25 185.06 13.14% 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 1.43 1.40 7.34% Legacy Debt Fund 2.98 2.98 3.54% 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 3,149.04 3,182.18 5.49% Coral Income Fund 2,561.66 2,561.66 4.70% 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 13.98% 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 14.71% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.16 2.19 2.66% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 16.38% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 118.27 118.67 2.85%

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 2.12% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,069.18 1,069.18 3.41% 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 16.19 16.34 14.87% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.85% 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 1.31 1.33 10.10% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.51 11.56 4.24% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.38% 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 143.23 145.85 11.25% 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 1.54 1.54 3.95% 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 2,344.02 2,364.58 4.53% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 180.93 180.93 2.54% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.06 1.07 5.45% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 230.54 230.63 4.69% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 190.60 192.75 6.43% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.76% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,100.64 10,238.41 4.46% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.08 1.08 2.08% 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 1.39 1.40 4.08% United Capital Bond Fund 1.61 1.61 3.05% United Capital Equity Fund 1.01 1.03 10.35% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.41% United Capital Eurobond Fund 105.05 105.05 2.09% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.13 1.13 3.75% 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 13.37 13.57 6.63% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.13 14.30 7.16% Zenith Income Fund 19.80 19.80 4.68% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.50%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

10.00 134.23

-11.35% 1.34%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.40 158.70 116.35

12.50 162.11 118.52

2.29% 11.12% 6.50%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

5.12 9.66 18.91 21.21 155.16

5.16 9.74 19.01 21.41 157.16

7.90% 0.91% 6.47% 7.80% 4.41%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

T H I S D AY ˾

ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

46

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47

FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018 Ëž T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Ĺ? Ĺ?

Ä?Ĺ? +Ĺ?Ä Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x192;Ä

Brazil Sends Former President Lula to Prison for Corruption Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will begin his 12 year prison term from Friday, after a judge gave him 24 hours to surrender to police.

The order from Judge Sergio Moro, head of Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car Washâ&#x20AC;? anti-graft probe, came as a complete surprise given that lawyers had earlier said the leftist former two-term president had at least until Tuesday before heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have to go behind bars.

Lula, 72, was once one of the most popular politicians on the planet and he easily leads polls in Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s October presidential election. His incarceration will throw the race completely open.

Moroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office said that in view of Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stature as a former president, he would have â&#x20AC;&#x153;the opportunity to present himself voluntarilyâ&#x20AC;? to police in the city of Curitiba, where the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car Washâ&#x20AC;? probe is based, by 5:00 pm (2000 GMT) Friday.

There was no immediate reaction from Lula, who had been described earlier by supporters as facing his jailing calmly.

However, Senator Lindbergh Farias, from Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Party, issued a defiant call for supporters to congregate in front of Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house in Sao Bernardo near Sao Paulo on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moro ordered prison for Lula. Everyone to Sao Bernardo tomorrow from 5:00 am in front

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I, formerly known and addressed as ONONIWU NKEIRU AGNES, now wish to be known and addressed as ONONIWU Íł NWOKEDI NKEIRU AGNES. All former documents remain valid.

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of Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house!â&#x20AC;? he tweeted.

Lula had been due to address a Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Party rally in the city on Friday afternoon, but that event would now coincide with Moroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surrender deadline.

Lula petitioned to the Supreme Court on Thursday to be allowed to remain free while pursuing appeals in higher courts against his conviction for receiving a seaside apartment as a bribe from a construction company. A lower court appeal failed this January.

However, the Supreme Court judges ruled 6-5 in a marathon session that under the law, Lula must begin his sentence after having lost that first appeal.

Still, it had been widely expected that with more technical appeals, Lula would start his sentence only sometime next week at the earliest.

Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left is furious at the Supreme Court ruling, seeing Lulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imminent imprisonment as a plot to prevent the Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Party from returning to power.

Party leader Gleisi Hoffmann said the court ruling violated â&#x20AC;&#x153;constitutional law and the presumption of innocenceâ&#x20AC;? and made Brazil â&#x20AC;&#x153;look like a little banana republic.â&#x20AC;?

However, there were celebrations on the right and among prosecutors supporting the epic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car Washâ&#x20AC;? probe, which has revealed high-level corruption throughout Brazilian business and politics over the last four years.

To them, Lula epitomizes Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corruption-riddled elite. His conviction on charges of accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Car Washâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? biggest scalp by far.

Lula, who grew up poor and with little formal education before becoming a trade union leader and politician, says he will go down fighting.

Analysts say that his election hopes have now been dealt a body blow.

But he is not necessarily knocked out.

In theory, once someone has been convicted and lost their lower court appeal, they are barred from running for office under Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clean slate law. But the issue will not be decided for months.

Lula has until mid-August to register his candidacy and only after that will the Superior Electoral Tribunal rule on whether his candidacy is valid.

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48

FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

PDP Seeks Legislative Action against Buhari for Okaying $1bn Withdrawal from ECA Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the National Assembly to immediately commence action against President Muhammed Buhari for gross misconduct over what it said was his unilateral approval for the release of $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account for the procurement of military equipment to fight the insurgency in the North-east without getting legislative approval.

The party also urged Nigerians to reject and resist the renewed attempt by the presidency to allegedly loot $1 billion from the national coffers to finance Buhari’s interests in the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s national convention and the 2019 general election.

At the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in December last year, the federal government was given the nod by the state governors to withdraw $1 billion from the $2.31 billion left in the ECA to fight insurgency in the North-east.

The NEC decision, however, led to criticism from both the opposition PDP and some of the governors, notably Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, at the time.

The National Assembly also joined the fray, saying it must be consulted before the withdrawal could be made.

Since then, nothing was heard of the money until the defence minister, Col. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), disclosed last Wednesday that the president recently gave the approval for its use.

Dan-Ali was also silent on if the state Houses of Assembly had given the federal government the green light to withdraw the funds from the ECA, even after the governors had given the approval at the NEC meeting for the $1 billion to be taken from the account.

The PDP, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity issued Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said its investigation had revealed that the presidency willfully sidestepped the National Assembly so as to avoid legislative scrutiny and accountability, and in order to pave the way for the diversion of the $1 billion for selfish partisan purposes.

“It is a notorious fact that the presidency and the APC have been plotting to loot this $I billion from our heavily depleted Excess Crude Account since last year, using the guise of fighting insurgency.

“This is the same Buhari administration that has been boasting of having technically defeated the insurgents. This is also the administration that is not known to have exhausted the subsisting budgetary allocations for defence.

“Nigerians are thoroughly disappointed that President Buhari, the same African Union (AU) ‘Anti-corruption Champion’, who swore to be above board and to defend the constitution will allow himself to fall for the temptation of resorting to ways and means that are totally at variance with the laws and all democratic tenets.

“Democracy thrives on constitutional processes of separation of powers, due diligence and transparency, and not on totalitarian

tendencies.

“PDP believes the president, as a leader, reasonably ought to have known that he is in not above the law.

“We therefore urge the National Assembly to look into the constitution and impose the appropriate legislative instruments against the president, if any part of

the 1999 Constitution (as amended) has been breached by this unilateral decision.

“We further urge the National Assembly to scrutinise the constitution and other statute books for the purposes of strengthening the laws guiding the application of funds in our country, particularly under this inherently corrupt and

incompetent administration.

“Moreover, since it has come to light that the Buhari administration is using the fight against the insurgency as a conduit to siphon funds, as evinced in the alleged looting of the N18 billion internally displaced persons funds, we demand an independent

investigation into the processes of release and utilisation of all special funds for the war against the insurgency in the last three years,” the party said.

PDP also said APC is in tatters and had lost the “enormous goodwill” that brought it to power in 2015 after failing in all its promises to Nigerians.

Buhari’s Security Detail Rough Handle Ace Photographer, Sunmi Smart-Cole

CONDOLENCE VISIT

Chinedu Eze

Oba of Benin, Obaseki to Build Museum to Fast-track Recovery of Stolen Artefacts

Ace photographer and Director in THISDAY Newspapers, Sunmi Smart Cole, was rough handled

by President Muhammadu Buhari’s security detail during the colloquium to mark Senator Bola Tinubu’s birthday in Lagos.

Smart-Cole, 76, who is currently recovering from the injuries sustained during the beating in a hospital in Ikoyi (name withheld), narrated how he was rough handled until he slumped.

He threatened to sue the Department of State Service (DSS).

The former head of photography in the presidency and Photo Editor of The Guardian said he was revived by the former Governor, of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, and the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, who had to vacate his seat for him where he was made to sit down to be revived.

He said he was invited to the colloquium to take photographs, and that things were going on well until the president arrived and the place became rowdy.

According to him, there were so many DSS personnel and most of them wore suit and were allegedly pushing people around, including those who had their invitation cards and waiting to pass through the metal dictator for security checks.

“I was invited by the vicepresident’s office. The vice-president told one of his assistants, Mrs. Uwais, the wife of a former Chief

Justice of Nigeria, to invite me to cover the event.

“The security operatives around the president continued to push me until I became exhausted and I slumped because my legs became weak. I slumped right in front of Segun Osoba, Niyi Adebayo, the former Governor of Ekiti State; the Governor Tambuwal, and Governor Okorocha, who sat together, including the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki. They all saw me. I am the oldest working journalist in Nigeria.

“I slumped but I did not pass out. Prof. Pat Utomi and the Publisher of Ovation Magazine were detailed by Osoba to keep me seated, saying I get too excited when I carry camera. He seized my camera,” Smart-Cole narrated to THISDAY. The ace photographer said the Okorocha got off from his chair where he sat for almost one hour.

“When Buhari entered with about 50 security personnel, things changed. If you stood near them they would give you elbow. At a time, I just told one of them, ‘I am an old man; I am actually 76 years old’. He said he didn’t care and directed another security official to make sure ‘this old man does not come near the president’. I had to take photographs from a distance,” he narrated.

At the hospital yesterday, SmartCole said the doctors were not yet satisfied with his recovery, which means he would still spend more days there.

R-L: Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Senator Rafiu Ibrahim; Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba, Senator Dino Melaye; and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, commiserating with the wives and family members of the late Hon. Buba Jibril in Lokoja .....yesterday.

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Government in conjunction with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, is working to build a world-class Royal Museum to hold stolen artefacts being recovered by the Benin Kingdom.

This was disclosed yesterday by the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, when he hosted Prof.

Nicholas Thomas of the Cambridge University and Prof. Mrs. Annie Coombes of the University of London, both experts in Benin History, to a dinner at the Government House in Benin City.

The governor said the state government planned to work with the monarch to build the museum in his palace in Benin City, and counter the arguments of art collectors who are still in possession of stolen artefacts from the Benin Kingdom and have maintained that the safety of the artefacts is not guaranteed if they are returned to the ancient kingdom.

According to Obaseki, “The decision to establish a world-class museum at the Oba’s palace, one of the safest places in the world, will encourage curators across Europe and in other parts of the world to be confident and

support the advocacy for the safe return of stolen artefacts of Benin Kingdom.”

He expressed appreciation to Prof. Thomas and Prof. Coombes, for their advocacy for the safe return of artefacts of the Benin Kingdom looted during the 1897 invasion.

The governor said: “We hope your experience in Benin City will encourage you to sustain the advocacy for the return of our stolen artefacts. When the artefacts are returned, they will assist generations yet unborn to understand who they are as a people and how they have dominated this environment in

the past.”

In his remarks, Thomas said his experience in Benin City was exciting as the visit gave him the opportunity to see first-hand, the place where the historic stolen artefacts were fashioned in Igun Street.

Thomas said: “True knowledge about artworks is not in university museums but lies in the makers, creators, communities where these works are created.”

He noted that the advocacy for the safe return of the stolen artefacts of the Benin Kingdom would be sustained until the artworks are safely returned.

Six Policemen, Four Others Killed in Kwara Bank Robberies Hammed Shittu in Ilorin No fewer than 10 persons, including six policemen, were yesterday reportedly killed in Offa in Kwara State, when dare devil armed robbers attacked three commercial banks in the town and carted away large sums of money.

THISDAY investigations revealed that the bandits, numbering about 15, operated for about an hour.

They were said to have entered the town around 4:45p.m.and operated till about 5:40p.m.

The robbers first reportedly

blocked roads from both the Ilorin and Osogbo ends of the road leading into and out of the town.

The hoodlums, who escaped with unspecified amount of money carted from the commercial banks, also reportedly made their escape through Igosun area of the town.

It was also gathered that the armed robbers first approached the Offa divisional police station on entering the ancient town, killing policeman on duty among other people at the station, before raiding the commercial banks and killing people by shooting them on the

head.

Among the policemen killed by the armed robbers who operated in commando style, was a man identified as Pelemo, who was expected to retire in a few months and a pregnant police woman.

An eyewitness said corpses of six policemen were taken away in his presence, while efforts were being made to bring out others inside the police station.

It was also gathered that the bandits, numbering about 15, came in different vehicles as they stationed themselves in strategic

areas of the town, as it was reported that they also snatched commercial motorcycles to operate and escape.

It was learnt that the General Hospital in Offa, where the injured victims were taken, was already over populated by those who secured varying degrees of injuries.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the bank raid, said the victims included a policeman and other individuals.

He said the details on the bank robbery would be made public after a full investigation on the incident.

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Buhari: l Declined Signing EPA to Protect Local Industries, Youths FG expresses concern over trade deficit with Ukraine Omololu Ogunmade and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said he declined signing Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) involving Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) because of his commitment to secure the future of youths and keep local industries alive.

The president made this disclosure while receiving a letter of credence from the Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria, Ketil Iversen Karlsen, at the State House.

He said his insistence on probity, transparency and accountability in the public and private sectors was dictated by his commitment to secure the future of the country for all Nigerians, especially the youths.

Buhari Congratulates New Sierra Leonean President, Bio Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja congratulated Julius Maada Bio on his emergence as the new President of Sierra Leone following his victory at the presidential election run-off of March 31.

According to the president’s Media Adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari commended the people of Sierra Leone on the successful conduct of the presidential election run-off as well as the parliamentary and local council elections held on March 7, 2018.

He said with the conclusion of the election, and following the trend of other recently held peaceful elections in West Africa, the president urged all stakeholders in Sierra Leone to work together for the peace, security and development of the country.

“He enjoins all those with grievances over the outcome of the elections to seek constitutional means of resolving them, stressing that nothing should be done to endanger the peace and stability of the country in particular and the sub-region in general.

“The Nigerian leader salutes the resilient spirit of Sierra Leoneans, who have clearly demonstrated their ability to manage their own affairs and consolidate on the country’s progress after a post-conflict era.

“The president also commends the immediate past president, Ernest Bai Koroma, for his commitment to a credible electoral process and spirited efforts at bringing stability and positive changes to the nation during his presidency.

“President Buhari looks forward to working with President Bio for the growth, prosperity and stability of their nations, and West Africa,” the statement added.

According to his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, the president said his administration would always promote the culture of honesty and integrity in service, with a view to guaranteeing a better future for the youth.

“Our insistence on probity is to encourage people to be accountable, and accept honesty as a lifestyle so as to secure the future of our youths,’’ he reportedly said.

Adesina also said the president observed that more than 60 per cent of Nigerians are youths and deserve to inherit a stable and prosperous country that they can be proud of, adding that the government would work assiduously to prevent waste and the depletion of resources by corrupt Nigerians.

He also said Buhari told the Head of Delegation of the EU that Nigeria had been reluctant to sign the EPA among ECOWAS countries because of the need to protect the economy, especially the industries and small businesses which currently provide jobs for most Nigerians.

Adesina said the president noted that signing the agreement would expose the industries and small

businesses to external pressures and competitions, which could lead to closures and job losses.

“We are not enthusiastic about signing the EPA because of our largely youthful population. We are still struggling to provide jobs for them, and we want our youths to be kept busy.

“Presently, our industries cannot compete with the more efficient and highly technologically driven industries in Europe. We have to protect our industries and our youths,’’ he was quoted as saying.

Buhari, he added, commended the EU for its support for the rehabilitation of the North-east, noting that the Nigerian economy was already being repositioned to attract more investments that can create jobs. Adesina added: “In his remarks, Karlsen said the EU will continue to support Buhari’s administration in the key priorities it listed including security, economy and the fight against corruption.

“He said the EPA was designed to accommodate and protect some economies that would find it difficult to compete.

“President Buhari also received

Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Italy, Dr. Stefano Pontesilli and the Ambassador of Spain, Mr. Marcelino Cabanas Ansorena.”

The federal government has expressed worries about dip in the volume of trade Nigeria and Ukraine in 2017.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, made the disclosure yesterday when he addressed Ukrainian investors at the NigerianUkrainian Trade and Investment Round Table Meeting in Abuja.

The Ukrainian delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Trade and Investment, Nataliia Mykolska.

Mustapha said the volume of trade between Nigeria and the Eastern Europe country, shrunk by 4.6 percent or $42,872 in 2017, against the $93.20 million transacted in 2016.

He expressed hope that Mykolska’s visit help in addressing the deficit, leading to improved volume of trade this year over the corresponding year between both countries.

He said the Nigerian government was ready to resolve the trade

volume imbalance for mutual benefits, adding the federal government would grant the necessary waiver that will sustain Ukrainian investments in the country.

The SGF appealed to Ukrainian investors to consider the Nigerian waterways as one of the possible areas they could invest in given the huge potential of the sector that is yet to be fully harnessed.

“Nigeria has 10,000 km waterways and a lot of potential for economic growth.

Ukrainian investors should help Nigeria to develop it.

Though the country is passing through economic challenges, it remains an Investment haven for foreign investors,” Mustapha appealed.

Mykolska said the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, which facilitated the meeting, would convince Ukrainian investors to help tackle cybercrime in Nigeria.

The deputy minister similarly said that the Ukrainian investors were in the country to explore opportunities for the widening of their investments in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Obasanjo’s Father-in-law, Abebe for Burial May 18 Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The burial of the patriarch of the famous Abebe family of Iruekpen in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Dr. Christopher Abebe, has been slated for May 17, 18 and 19.

The burial arrangements, THISDAY gathered, was released following a meeting of the family presided over by the eldest son, Dr. John Abebe.

According to the burial arrangements, the Christian wake would take place on May 17, while

the interment holds on May 18 with the thanksgiving service slated for the 19.

Christopher Abebe, was the father of Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, the late wife of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Abebe, who died at the age of 99 years, was the first indigenous Chairman and Managing Director of United African Company (UAC) He was also the Odionwere (community leader) of Iruekpen, home of former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor.

He died on March 22 at his Iruekpen country residence after a brief illness.

MAN Decries 14% Policy Rate The Chairman of the Ogun State chapter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Wale Adegbite, yesterday expressed disappointment over the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) decision to retain all the monetary policy rates.

Adegbite expressed his view in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun State.

He said MPC could have reduced the policy rates so as to jump-start the economy after the long seizure for close to two years.

“We hope that the rate would have started coming down now because we need a lower interest rate so as to increase activities in

the manufacturing sector, “the chairman said.

Adegbite said with lower interest rate, the manufacturer would be able to produce at the optimal level as well as adding value to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

MPC had on Wednesday, concluded its two-day meeting and retained all the monetary policy rates.

The benchmark interest rate is at 14 per cent with the asymmetric corridor between 200bps and 500bps around.

The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is at 22.5 per cent and the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent.

CORPORATE GUYS

L-R: Chief Consultant, B. Adedipe Associates Ltd. Biodun Adedipe; CEO, Proshare, Olufemi Awoyemi; Convener/Researcher, Nduneche Ezurike; and Managing Director, Kindell Ltd. Akindele Semowo, at the public presentation of the research titled: ‘Do We Then Kill the Millennials’ by Ezurike at the CIBN House in Lagos.... yesterday Sunday Adigun

Army Promotes 3,729 Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole Paul ObiinAbuja TheNigerianArmyyesterdaypromoted anout 3,729 troops under a special promotion under Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-east.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Texas Chukwu, said: “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has approved the release of special promotion for 3,729 troops of Operation Lafiya Dole who participated in

Operation Deep Punch II in Sambisa Forest.

“This is in recognition of their valour and uncommon commitment to duty dur i n g the operation.

“A breakdown of the b e n e f i c i a r i e s include 223 staff sergeants promoted to the rank o f w a r r a n t o f f i c e r s.”

Chukwu explained that others include“511sergeantspromoted to the rank of staff sergeants while 994 corporals were promoted to the rank of sergeants.

Omisore Dumps PDP Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has reportedly dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The News Agency Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that Omisore’s supporters were seen burning flags of the party angrily.

At the time of filing this report, Omisore was yet to announce his new party to pursue his governorship ambition.

Reacting to Omisore’s defection, Deputy National Publicity

Secretary of the PDP, Diran Odeyemi, said Omisore was making a wrong political decision.

Odeyemi s a i d : “ I t is unfortunate that Otunba (Omisore) is making a wrong political decision. He should have learnt from those who left PDP and came back. In politics, y o u d o n ’ t w in all the time. So, if he does not have his way this time around, it does not mean he cannot make his way some other time. It’s his decision anyway.”

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Lawmaker Warns against $1bn Withdrawal from ECA for Arms Procurement Paul Obi in Abuja As expected, a crisis appears to be brewing between the presidency and the National Assembly following the unilateral decision

by President Muhammadu Buhari to approve $1 billion for the purchase of arms to fight the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east.

The $1 billion which is to be taken from the Excess Crude Account (ECA), has been declared illegal by the National Assembly, Governors Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

Opponents to the withdrawal had argued that considering that the ECA is jointly owned by the three tiers of governments, removal of $1 billion would amount to an illegality and unconstitutional act, as such withdrawal has to be approved by the National Assembly.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, had on Wednesday told journalists at the Presidential Villa that Buhari had already approved the $1 billion for arms purchase to combat the insurgency in the North-east.

Dan-Ali said: “I can inform you that of recent, our leader, President Buhari, gave approval for the purchase of more equipment for the military worth $1 billion.”

But speaking on the sidelines of the second procurement awareness seminar organised by the Directorate of Procurement, Army Headquarters, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Army, Hon. Rimande Shawulu, vehemently warned that there would be trouble and deep

consequences if the president approves any money for arms procurement without the stipulated constitutional approval by the National Assembly.

Shawulu argued that Buhari lacks the constitutional powers to approve money for arms procurement without the mandate of the legislature, adding that any such violation was bound to lead to a collision between the two arms of government.

Shawulu, who represents Donga/Ussa/Takum/Special Area Constituency of Taraba State, observed that there would be serious trouble if any money goes out for such purpose without approval from the parliament.

Shawulu said: “The fact of the matter is that there are processes for money coming into the Federation Account and for the money being used.

“And the point too that we must note is that a lot of times, pronouncements are policy statements and the policy statements are not just executed, it’s not as if as at yesterday, when the announcement was made, the federation account was debited.

No, it doesn’t happen that way.

“When the president says he’s going to spend money, there’s a process that is followed before the money is spent. So I want you to understand that, it’s not as if money has gone out.

“However, if money has gone out without parliamentary approval, that’s is a problem, it’s a very serious problem if money went out without parliamentary approval.”

Speaking earlier at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, explained

Melaye Asks Supreme Court to Declare His Recall Process Illegal Alex Enumah in Abuja The embattled Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has asked the Supreme Court to declare as illegal and unlawful, the process of his recall from the Senate already being initiated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Melaye in a notice of appeal dated April 3, 2018 and filed by his counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), wants the apex court to equally set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 16, 2018, which dismissed his appeal against the recall for lacking in merit.

The notice of appeal which is predicated on seven grounds, is seeking a declare action that the statutory 90 days period provided for in section 69(b) of the 1999 Constitution, having elapsed with effluxion of time on September 23, 2017, INEC can no longer validly proceed on the basis of the purported petition for his recall, presented on June 23, 2017.

He further prayed for an order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC from commencing or further continuing with the process of acting on the purported petition presented to it by his constituents.

Some of the grounds upon which the appeal was anchored challenged the entire decision of

the Court of Appeal.

The first grounds of appeal claimed that the appellate court erred in law when it held that “an unchallenged finding of fact stands’, the basis of which the court held that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain his appeal, for the alleged failure to appeal against a specific finding of fact at the trial court.

Another grounds is that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it held that “it is not for the court to verify the signature on the petition.

It is the duty of INEC”, saying that the court failed to invalidate the petition presented to INEC. The Court of Appeal had on March 16, 2018, dismissed Melaye’s appeal for lacking in merit as it disclosed no cause of action.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Tunde Awotoye, the appellate court resolved all the issues contained in the appeal in favour of the INEC. The Court of Appeal had in its judgment affirmed the decision of Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, who held that Melaye’s suit was “hasty, premature and presumptuous.”

Melaye, not satisfied with the judgment of Justice Dimgba approached the Court of Appeal to set it aside and stop the electoral body from embarking on the recall process.

that the operational capability of the Nigerian Army today depends on the availability of requisite hardware, highly trained personnel and other essential resources.

According to Buratai, “the Nigerian Army has no doubt taken robust steps and emplaced policies in enhancing its procurement plans and processes with a view to meeting its overarching constitutional roles.”

He stressed that the theme for

this year’s seminar, ‘Optimising the Operational Capabilities of the Nigerian Army through an Effective Procurement System,’ was quite apt and incisive in view of the need to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Army towards meeting the present growing security challenges.

“The security challenges facing our dear country manifest in the forms of terrorism, insurgency, separatist movements and banditry among others.

“Our operational commitments and improving our procurement methods as well as processes in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement (PPA) Act 2007.

“This seminar, therefore, provides a veritable platform for us to familiarise and educate ourselves sufficiently on the procurement matters that would enable the Nigerian Army compete successfully in the opportunities that arise

from the implementation of the national budget,” Buratai stated.

The Director of Procurement, Army Headquarters, Brigadier General E. T. Essien, added that said the seminar was convened in line with the army training directive 2018.

Essien informed the gathering that “the objective of the seminar was to develop the capacity of the Nigerian Army personnel on procurement procedures in accordance with the PPA 2007.”

PROJECT FLAG OFF

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Toby Okechukwu; Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Gbazueagu Nweke Gbazueagu; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Senator Hyde Onuaguluchi, and others, during the flag off of Nkwo Inyi-Akpugoeze-Anambra border road....yesterday.

Ohanaeze: We’ll Resist Attempt to Discredit Ekweremadu Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has said it will resist any attempt to discredit Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

President-General of the group, Chief Nnia Nwodo, in a statement yesterday in Enugu, said it was preposterous for the federal government to be carrying out unwarranted inquisition into Ekweremadu’s life.

He said the allegation that Ekweremadu, the highest ranking Igbo politician in the country, embezzled public funds without any prima facie case was inappropriate.

Nwodo, according to the

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stated that the idea of asking the senator to defend himself instead of his accusers showing how he fraudulently enriched himself, amounted to turning the law upside down.

He observed that Ekweremadu was a revered Igbo son and had attracted a lot of development to his area without any previous accusation of embezzlement.

“Ekweremadu is a revered Igbo son whose public image is very high and who has attracted a lot of development to his area; he has never occupied any public office where he was accused of embezzlement.”

The president-general queried the system of investigation where one was tried for simply belonging to a political party “and is exonerated of an offence he committed for belonging to a political party or being in government.’’

He cited examples of former and serving military officers who had been let off the hook either through plea bargain or for just changing from one political party to another.

He also said that a former governor of Enugu State whose property was under investigation was now dining with the Head of State after dumping his former party for the ruling party.

Nwodo warned that the apex Igbo group would no longer fold it arms while Igbo sons were being systematically singled out for persecution in a country they had contributed so much to build.

He observed that the cautionary statement by Ekweremadu had been and was still being echoed by many prominent Nigerians and wondered why his case would be different.

He said it was such selective justice and marginalisation of Ndigbo that fuelled agitations by their young ones for selfdetermination, adding that restructuring was a first step toward assuaging the situation.

El-Rufai Denies Attacking Bill Gates John Shiklam in Kaduna Against the recent reports that he attacked the founder of Microsoft, Mr. Bill Gates, for his comments on Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir ElRufai, has explained that he never attacked United States billionaire.

Gates had at an expanded National Economic Council meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on March 22, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s ERGP does not truly reflect the needs of Nigerians.

The governor was said to have faulted the philanthropist, saying that his comments were not correct.

However, speaking at the end

of the state investment summit yesterday, El-Rufai said he never attacked Gates but merely put things in context.

“A few weeks ago, when Gates came to Nigeria and appealed to Nigerian government to invest more in education, I made a comment that was reported widely as attacking him.

It was not an attack on Gates, it was merely putting things in context,” the governor said.

He recalled that “Gates observed that in the ERGP,there was no enough moneyforhumancapitaldevelopment, for health and education and I did not disagree.

“What I merely pointed out is that the ERGP plan has numbers that reflected federal government’s

investment in health and education,” he said.

El-Rufai explained: “The bulk of education and healthcare investments are subnational because primary education, junior secondary education and primary healthcare where most of the problems are, are all within the purview of state government, just like secondary healthcare are all under the state government.

“What I told Gates is that you have identified the problem correctly, but you are looking at the wrong tier of government to handle it.

“The state and local governments have the responsibilities to invest in education and healthcare.

“So, it is up to state governments to invest more in education and

healthcare and I gave example of what we are doing in Kaduna and also urged my colleagues, the governors to do same. Because unless the state governments do so, the country will be clapping with one hand.

“That is what I said, but it was misrepresented to mean that, I was attacking Gates. There is nothing wrong with attacking Gates, we can differ, but that is not what happened, I merely explained the context, where the investment should be”.

According to him, “Gates is a big partner, he has invested $1.6billion in Nigeria and a large percentage of that money was invested in Kaduna state.

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Senate C’ttee Queries Unclear Status of Beneficiaries of N500bn NSIP Questions N800m NIWA security budget Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation has queried the lack of clarity of the beneficiaries of the N500 billion appropriated for the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

The members of the committee at the budget defence session yesterday with the Special Adviser to the President on the programme, Mrs. Mariam Uwais, said the impact of the disbursement of the fund was yet to be felt despite appropriation in 2016 and 2017.

The Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, presided over the defence session after the death of the Chairman of the Poverty Alleviation Committee, Senator Ali Wakili, three weeks ago.

Goje disclosed that many

lawmakers are dissatisfied with NSIP, and recalled that in the last two budget cycles, they have complained about not seeing the impact of the project, despite the amount of money involved.

“If you remember when you first came two years ago, I raised a point about your capacity as of then, to handle N500 billion. I was called names by the powers that be. I had to go and explain myself to the powers that be,” he said Goje added that as a former governor, and a serving senator, he was yet to feel the impact of the programme in his state or meet a single beneficiary.

“Many other Nigerians are saying the same thing. N500 billion for 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is about N13 billion.

If you spend N13 billion in one year in Gombe State, there is no way I would not have known, other people will also know.

Bill to Criminalise Estimated Billing System by Discos Introduced in House James Emejo in Abuja A bill to prohibit the issuance of estimated electricity bill to power consumers across the country has been initiated in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by the Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos), the proposed legislation has consequential orders criminalising such billings method which many Nigerians considered as extortion - giving the electricity distribution companies (Discos) discretion to unilaterally determine the estimation of electricity bill to be paid by consumers in the event that such consumer does not have pre-paid meter.

He assured Nigerians that legislators irrespective of party affiliation, would push through the masses-oriented bill until it is signed into law.

Gbajabiamila added that it would permanently address complaints by constituents across the country who have argued that the unfavorable technical manipulation of the reading pattern of existing pre-paid meters led to incommensurate calculation of purchased electricity credit and electricity consumed by customers.

Essentially, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (amendments bill) which had been read on the floor of the House for the first time, would be further debated by the House upon resumption from the Easter recess.

According a press statement issued by the media aide to the House Leader, Mr. Olanrewaju Smart, the bill became necessary following several complaints from constituents across the country who felt that policy adjustments by the executive cannot arrest the highhandedness of the electricity companies but instead called on lawmakers to use full weight of the law to address the problem.

As a result, the Principal Act is amended by creating new sections 68 to 72 as follows to allow that estimated billing methodology is hereby prohibited in Nigeria.

It stated that every electricity consumer in Nigeria shall apply to the Electricity Distribution Company carrying out business within his jurisdiction for a pre-paid meter and such consumer shall pay the regulated fee for pre-paid meter to be installed in his premises and the Electricity Distribution Company shall within 30 days of receiving the application and payment install the pre-paid meter applied for in the premises of the consumer.

Further subsection of the new Section 68 empowers electricity consumers to ignore paying estimated bill and also exempts from electricity disconnection in the event that no pre-paid meter was issued to them by their power distribution company within 30 days.

The bill stated: “If a customer is not metered within 30 days after application has been duly made, the relevant electricity distribution company is prohibited from refusing to connect the customer or disconnect the customer in the event that the customer has been connected or estimate his bills.”

Also, the newly introduced Section 69 of the 2018 Electric Power Sector Reform Act (amendments bill) is poised to address the alleged technical manipulation of the reading pattern of the existing pre-paid meters and unknown tariff methodology.

It noted: “Upon connection, the Electricity Distribution Company serving the Consumer must inform the customer in writing on the nature of the meter installed, tariff methodology and all other services available to the customer.”

The bill further recommends imprisonment of six months for officials of relevant electricity distribution company found guilty of illegal disconnection, refusal of the disco to connect a customer after application, un-metering within 30 days of a customer applying for a pre-paid meter and issuance will of estimated billing.

“If you spend N500 billion in one year in Nigeria, Nigerians will know. No single All Progressives Congress (APC) person in Gombe State has benefitted from your School Feeding programme. No single person from Gombe State has benefitted from your N-Power. We don’t know about your N-Power.

As far as many of us are concerned, we are completely dissatisfied with what you are doing.”

He further explained that as one of the key campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly appropriated the same amount of money in the 2016 and 2017 budget, because the lawmakers did not want to be seen as opposing the president.

“N500 billion is about to be spent the third time. Because of this, we felt you have to explain to Nigerians, how far this your

programme has gone, because it has not achieved the desired effect as far as I am concerned in my constituency,” he added.

He added that the impactful implementation of the NSIP would help boost the party’s chances in the 2019 polls.

Senator Tayo Alasodura said from the inception of the programme, it was obvious there were going to be challenges.

“Those of us who approve the budget, we don’t know what is happening. We should know what is happening in our constituencies.

You have spent N85 billion this year.

You spent N90 billion in the first year 2016, making it N175 billion.

A programme that has been on for two years, and I don’t know what is happening. It is terrible,” Alasoadura said.

He urged that the programme

be stopped if it cannot be better handled.

Uwais in her response, said the programme has been affected by inadequate releases as N90 billion was released in 2016 and N85 billion from the 2017 budget, despite the appropriation of N500 billion each year.

In the two budget cycles, a total of N175billion has therefore been released for the programme which currently has 300,000 Nigerians on its pending list of beneficiaries, Uwais explained.

The committee members however threatened to reduce the money, based on the performances of the last two appropriations.

In another development, the Senate Committee on Marine Transport raised eyebrows at a curious budgetary demand of N800 million, by the Nigeria Inland

Waterways Authority (NIWA) for the purchase of security equipment in its 2018 budget estimate.

The sum of N800 million was also appropriated for the agency in the 2017 budget.

The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Danladi Ibrahim, speaking during his agency’s budget defence before the committee yesterday, said the equipment is intended for different parts of the waterways.

He added that N790 million of the N800 million appropriated for same purpose was spent in 2017. The committee members were however dissatisfied by his explanation.

The Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, said there were no clear details on the expenditure of the N790 million.

Abia Female Lawmakers Eye APC for Fourth Term Tickets Emmanuel Ugwu inUmuahia Unsure of actualising their ambition to secure tickets for a fourth term in office, the female members of the House of Representatives from Abia State are set to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pitch tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

An insider in the Abia State chapter of the APC told THISDAY that the Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha, who represents Umunneochi/ Isuikwuato federal constituency and Hon Nnenna Ukeje, Bende federal constituency “will soon join APC.” There has been mounting opposition within Abia PDP against the ambition of both female federal lawmakers to return to the National Assembly in 2019 after spending 12 years.

“These women (Onyejeocha and Ukeje) are desperate to get tickets and APC offers the best chance for them to actualise their fourth term bid,” he said, adding that “it is near impossible” for the two ladies to receive PDP tickets again.

According to the source, Onyejeocha and Ukeje have established contacts with the APC and would crossover to the ruling party “at the appropriate time” to the warm embrace of Abia APC leaders.

“These two federal lawmakers are valuable political assets to any party given their experience in winning elections in their respective constituencies even in the midst of stiff opposition from male candidates,” he said.

“That is why we in APC are eager to prise these Amazon politicians from the PDP camp and bring them to add value to our mission to rescue Abia come 2019,” he further added.

Onyejeocha had fallen out of favour with the PDP administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu following her support for Mr. Uche Ogah in his failed bid to unseat the governor after obtaining a favourable court judgment in 2016.

Since then, the PDP structure was taken away from her and handed over to an emerging politician, Chief Chris Odinaka Igwe, who

is a billionaire businessman.

Onyejeocha was conspicuously absent at a rally attended by major PDP stakeholders from Umunneochi last Tuesday, thereby further confirming her estranged relationship with Ikpeazu and Abia PDP leadership.

The stakeholders endorsed

Ikpeazu’s second term at the rally organised by Igwe, who is the president of Chrisnak Group.

On her part, Ukeje is said to be uncomfortable with the disposition of the PDP stakeholders in her constituency and cannot say with certainty if she would still get the PDP ticket for the fourth term.

To buttress his claim that Ukeje was “no longer in spirit with the PDP”, the source cited the fact that the House member did not append her signature to the document signed by stakeholders to endorse Governor Ikpeazu at a rally held at Uzuakoli last month.

FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

52

NEWSEXTRA

FG Irresponsible in Compilation of Looters’ List, Says Wike Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said the federal government acted irresponsibly by publishing the names of people standing trial in courts and calling them looters.

The governor also declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as presently constituted is setting the stage for the rigging of the 2019 general election, insisting that Rivers people have the capacity to resist the commission and the All Progressives Congress (APC) rigging machine in the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Rivers State yesterday at the Government House Port Harcourt, Wike declared that Nigerians are experiencing the height of irresponsibility in governance with the APC-led federal government refusal to obey the rule of law.

He insisted that publishing

the list of persons standing trial in courts and calling them looters is an unfortunate act of irresponsibility by the federal government.

He said the act of irresponsibility was worsened by the fact that APC leaders standing trial were excluded by the APC-led federal government.

“This is an irresponsible federal government that has no respect for the rule of law. They have become the judge, the prosecutor in cases before courts.

“All they want to do is tie the hands of judges to ensure all those standing trial are convicted at all costs,” Wike said.

He pointed out that the irresponsible list of looters excluded the name of the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, who was indicted by the court-approved Judicial Commission of Inquiry for embezzling over N90 billion state funds.

On the alleged plot by INEC, federal government and security agencies to rig elections in Rivers

State, Wike said available credible intelligence indicate that strategies have been mapped out by the agents.

He noted that the head of Rivers State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Mr Akin Fakorede, was indicted by INEC in its official report for the rerun elections, but the commission made no attempt to prosecute him.

The governor said instead of prosecuting Fakorede, he was promoted by the Police High Command to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, posted to Yobe State and the posting cancelled

for him to remain in Rivers State for planned electoral fraud.

He said despite overwhelming evidence, INEC has refused to respond to the fraudulent release of two separate original Rivers East senatorial district result sheets which led to use of police for the theft of the people’s mandate.

“Unfortunately for them, we have so much capacity to resist any attempt to manipulate the forthcoming elections,” he said.

He noted that there is a plot to unleash violence on the state using SARS and other security agencies, so that the elections are not held

alongside other states to pave the way for their rigging plan.

On the neighbourhood safety corps, he said the Police and other security agencies would be involved in the recruitment of operatives.

He wondered why some Rivers politicians derive pleasure in demarketing the state, saying that they should re-direct their energies towards attracting projects to the state.

On the issue of soot, he regretted that the APC-led federal government and her agencies have politicised the issue as they have refused to work with the Rivers

State Government to curb the menace.

“We have been fighting with the federal government that the military must find refined ways to destroy illegal refineries. We are not in charge of security agencies.

They take their orders from Abuja,” he said.

Earlier, the Leader of the CSOs of Rivers State, Mr. Sotonye George, commended Wike for fulfilling majority of his campaign promises.

He said CSOs of Rivers State would always partner with the government for the development of the state.

EMBATTLED NHIS BOSS APOLOGISES FOR ‘PAST MISTAKES’ an enrollee. I go to the hospital incognito and I see the suffering of the people, so we need to make a difference in the lives of the people.

“We have not done the right thing in the past and my pledge is that we will serve our people better this time,” Usman said.

In her remark, the chairperson of the governing council, Enyantu Ifenne, described Usman’s speech as ‘opulent’.

“This is very opulent,” she said.

Ms Ifenne, also a paediatrician, urged the staff and management of the scheme to “drop your guns and open your hearts so as to bring competence to the table.

“The organisation needs to heal. The board is here to hold it while it heals and we are not going to allow them to take too long to heal so people can rebuild their confidence in the scheme,” she pledged.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the “cabal in the presidency” have turned the NHIS into their ATM where funds are taken at their convenience.

The party said the nation was yet to recover from past revelations of an alleged withdrawal of N10billion when fresh plot by the APC federal government to loot another N25 billion from the coffers of the scheme was exposed.

Nigerians are still lamenting the N10 billion stolen earlier from the agency’s savings in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by presidency cabal.

The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday said the APC and the presidency had been bleeding the nation, adding that the very idea of stealing funds meant to provide health lifeline to the already impoverished Nigerians is agonising and shows that the ruling party has lost all scruples.

“Our nation is now faced with daily pillaging of our national patrimony by APC interests and a notorious cabal, who, operating under the cover and protection of the Buhari presidency, have

turned our revenue agencies, particularly the NHIS into cash cows to painfully milk funds for APC’s ill-fated 2019 re-election bid.

When we say that this Buhari administration is debauched, many do not realise to what extent. This administration is so brazen in stealing in the NHIS that the presidency has to recall and reinstate the indicted Executive Secretary of the scheme, Usman, while he was still being quizzed by the EFCC for alleged corruption.

“Betraying its complicity in the NHIS racket, the Presidency has refused to speak out on allegations that it reinstated the suspended executive secretary to conceal the earlier looting and protect members of the cabal and has also refused to order any form of investigation in the exposed frauds.

“The magnitude of direct looting that is going on in revenue agencies, such as the NNPC, NPA, customs, Federal Inland Revenue Services, MDAs and even the TSA already infiltrated by the presidency cabal and APC interests, who hide under spurious investment portfolios, inflated concessions, allocations, jobs and other financial sleazes to siphon public funds are better imagined.

“In the last three years, the nation has witnessed unparalled impunity to the extent that the President could even unilaterally make approval of releases of public funds without recourse to the legislative instrument of the appropriation.

“We also want to remind Nigerians that this administration has refused to take any step to investigate the alleged stealing of N9 trillion ($25billion dollars) in NNPC through corrupt contracts, the alleged diverting of N1.1trillion worth of crude to service APC interests, the alleged stealing of N18 billion Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) funds among other grafts.

“This Buhari-led APC administration is fast looting our nation into an economic desert and we urge Nigerians not to spare any thought in voting them out come 2019.”

COURTESY VISIT

Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, speaking when the Chancellor of Al-Madain Medical University, Sudan (first left) paid courtesy on him at Government House Damaturu ....yesterday. With them are the Cultural Attache of the Sudanese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Yagoub Babiker (second left); a member of the Nigeria-Sudan Friendship Association, Mr. Abdalla Zakaria Adamu (third left), SSG, Yobe State, Baba Mallam Wali (first right), and Head of Service, Saleh Abubakar (second right).

23 FEARED DEAD AS HERDSMEN, BANDITS ATTACK BENUE, TARABA, KADUNA COMMUNITIES who confirmed the incident, said the attack was the third on the community in recent time.

He appealed to the military task force based in Kafanchan to work harder to fish out those behind the killings.

The attack on Sarari was said to have occurred at about 2p.m. when bandits invaded the village and went from house to house shooting people.

A resident of the area who confirmed the incident said the village head of the community and five others were killed while eight people sustained injuries The bandits were said to have arrived the village on motorcycles in large number. “They were well armed and they went from house to house shooting at people. “Every body was running for safety. Our village head and five other people were killed “Those wounded were said to have been rushed to a Primary Health Centre in Oduwa town, a neighbouring town,” the source said.

The attack came few days after the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazzau, and the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Operations visited the area following persistence attacks by bandits in the Birnin Gwari area.

Efforts to confirmed the incident from the police proved abortive as the Aliyu Mukhtar, spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command did not respond to phone calls or a text message sent to his phone.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Caucus in the House of

Representatives yesterday called on the federal government to immediately explain to Benue indigenes and the Nigerian people why the military operation tagged Cat Race which was launched in response to recent deadly attacks by herdsmen in the state was terminated without a resolution of the issue.

It further demanded that the federal government deploy a proper military operation to the state as well as create military units in restive communities until the herdsmen menace is properly dealt with.

The lawmakers also urge the federal government to immediately declare the deadly herdsmen as terrorists in view of their inhuman, volatile and destructive activities.

The caucus called on the international community to pay more attention to the ongoing pogrom of Benue people and appeal for their intervention in the provision of aid to the over 190,000 internally displaced persons at different camps in the state.

“We believe it is only when these criminal and vicious elements are properly designated and treated as terrorists that the spate of killings would be put to rest,” the group stated.

Addressing journalists over the termination of the military exercise in the state, the caucus noted that a similar exercise was recently extended by two months in Taraba State and wondered why the reverse is the case in Benue where the killings had continued

unabated.

The Chairman of the caucus, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, who spoke alongside other members including Hon. Emmanuel Udende, Hon. Mark Gbillah and Hon. John Dyegh, said: “We, the Benue caucus of the House of Representatives in the National Assembly with a deep sense of loss and grief have cause once again to raise an alarm to the entire nation and the international community about the state of perpetual mourning that has been fostered upon the hapless citizens of our state by the endless and unhindered killing of our innocent and defenseless people by armed herdsmen.

“As it was with the New Year attacks, the herdsmen have been on rampage in several communities in Guma, Gwer-west and Logo Local Government Areas since the day after Easter killing and maiming women and children and destroying homes and farmland without any intervention by security operatives even though the federal governments exercise Cat Race or “Ayem A Kpatema” is supposed to be in place.

“We are very seriously concerned and alarmed at the withdrawal of Personnel of exercise Cat Race from Benue when the herdsmen menace has not been curbed and the reasons for their continued deployment to other states in the region which has left Benue even more vulnerable and has paved the way for the recent despicable and premeditated attacks by the herdsmen in our communities.

“We view this decision as very suspicious, condemnable and illadvised and leaves one to wonder about the military’s strategy or lack of it in the fight against the killer herdsmen.

“We are worried that there is still no evidence of the disarming of these killer herdsmen by the military, police or any other security agency and the apparent refusal by the Police to enforce the open grazing prohibition law constitutionally enacted by the Benue State House of Assembly which has emboldened the flagrant disregard of the law by the herdsmen who continue to openly graze cattle in several communities of the state with impunity.”

Reacting to the recent call by Gen. Theophilus Danjuma for self-defence, Gbillah said: “What I will talk about is what the statute of our law provides.

All of us know that in our criminal law code every Nigerian citizen is allowed to defend themselves if there lives is at risk.

“This is statutorily provided and this is a right to every Nigerian. So the only thing I will say regarding this even as Benue citizens have the right to protect ourselves under attack, we have no right to premeditatedly attack anybody.

“But if you are going about your business as a law abiding citizen and your life is at threat and you are being attacked, our laws provide for you to be able to defend yourself and the consequences thereof are covered by law. And that’s my own personal opinion in that regard.”

53

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018

MAMA GOES HOME With heavy heart, but gratitude to God for an unforgettable life well-lived, we announce the passing unto glory of our beloved Matriach

85

1932-2017

Nneoma HELEN EGOBEKEE

EMENIKE UWAGBAMA SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 FUNERAL SERVICE: Umukabia Central School, Umukabia-Okpuala Ohuhu.

Umuahia North L.G.A., Abia State TIME: 10:00 A.M INTERMENT: Immediately After Service At Her Compound.

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2018 OUTING SERVICE: St. John’s Methodist Church Umukabia-Okpuala TIME: 9:00 A.M

Mama, memories of your warm heart, sacrifice, steadfastness and Godliness are forever etched in our hearts.

Signed: The Emenike Family

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

54

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

I N T E R N A T I O N A L F R I E N D LY

Super Falcons Primed for Good Outing against France Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Nigeria’s senior women national team, Super Falcons, is scheduled to take on France today in an international friendly in the city of Le Mans, west of France.

Kick-off time is 9pm at the Stade MMArena.

Today’s game is an interesting one with Nigeria a mix of veterans and upcoming stars, while France, who finished in fourth place at the FIFA World Cup finals in Germany seven years ago, also boast a number of new prospects.

Falcons’ Head Coach, Thomas Dennerby, who had been in France three days

before the contingent landed on Wednesday is expected to use the game to try out fresh invitees to spice up the team.

All 18 players, including Holland-based Sophia Omotola Omidiji, a late call-up, had a light work out at the Le Clos Fleuri ground at 10am and later followed with a tougher

session in the evening at the Le Mans Stadium.

Nigeria’s Falcons have won eight of the 10 editions of the Women Africa Cup of Nations staged to date, and have represented Africa at all editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the first competition was held in China 27 years ago.

While Skipper Rita

Chikwelu, Josephine Chukwunonye, Faith Ikidi, Ugo Njoku, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Okobi, Francis Ordega and Desire Oparanozie have been everywhere and seen it all, goalkeepers Onyinyechukwu Okeke and Chiamaka Nnadozie, as well as Glory Ogbonna and Anam Imo are starryeyed and looking to notch

senior caps.

The match comes just days after the Super Eagles concluded the first phase of their 2018 FIFA World Cup actual build-up with useful encounters against Poland in Wroclaw and Serbia in London, and the Under-20 boys concluded a two-match tour of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Three Mouth-watering Fixtures on Match-day 5 of BOA Lawyers’ League Three games of the Match-day 5 fixtures of the 2018 BOA Lawyers Football Tournament will set fans on the edges of their seats this weekend as Rickey Tarfa takes on Lagos State Ministry of Justice (LSMJ).

Both teams are tied on seven points apiece at the top of Group A with Tarfa having the edge on +4 goal difference as against LSMJ’s +2.

Win for either team will make the leader of the group distinctively clearer heading into the knock out stage.

Similarly, another mouthwatering fixture involves Group B leaders, B.A. Law/ Probitas and AELEX. B.A. Law/Probitas hammered Babalakin 4-2 last weekend at the AstroTurf 2000 venue of the league. It is another chance for the leaders to consolidate.

The third game with so much to look out for is the clash between Group D leaders Falana & Falana and Banwo & Ighodalo. Falana is leading on nine points while B & I is on six points.

Any slip from Falana will leapfrog Banwo & Ighodalo to the top of the group. It

however remains to be seen how champion Falana will give up its stake in the battle for the three points at stake.

Others fixtures for the Match-day 5 include: A & O versus ALP/ SPA Ajibade.

It is dog-fight for survival at the bottom of the table. Olisa Agbakoba Legal has a date with SOOB/NICCOM. Templars is also listed to face Tayo B/ B. Osipitan with the clash between Pinheiro and Bloomfield /DOA concluding the match-day 5 fixtures.

Two players, Kehinde Daodu (Babalakin) and Bimbo Atitebi (Templars) were sent off in last weekend matches.

They are to miss this weekend games involving their teams.

Also to observe rest day is the quartet of WiseView/Grey, ADVOCAAT, Acas/UU& BO and Punuka.

The 16th edition of the annual BOA Football Tournament for law firms is taking place at the Astroturf 2000 Facility in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The tournament is held in memory of the late notable lawyer, Mr. Bankole Olumide Aluko, a founding partner in the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode (A & O).

Visionscape Partners Nigeria Cricket Federation The Board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has announced yet another corporate sponsorship deal as it prepares to host West Africa in the ICC World T20 Africa ‘A’ Qualifier.

Lagos-based environmental services company, Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, has been named a major sponsor of the NCF especially for the ICC Qualifier.

Vice-President of NCF, Uyi Akpata, spoke glowingly of the partnership with Visionscape.

“In our search for sponsor/ partners, we deliberately approached companies whose values and posture are similar and complementary to the sport of cricket and the NCF. Of interest to us are companies who identify with the ordinary people of Nigeria especially kids and the youth and are committed to promoting the activities that impact positively on their well-being.

“We are quite pleased to enter into a partnership with Visionscape beginning with the hosting of the ICC T20

Qualifier. We are certain that this partnership will blossom into a long-term relationship especially as it relates to our plans for children and youth in Lagos state,” he stressed.

CEO Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, John Irvine, was happy partnering one of Nigeria’s oldest sports federations.

“We are very pleased to enter a partnership with one of Nigeria’s oldest sports – cricket – that has helped mould the lives of several generations of Nigerian youth across the country.

“Our company is built on a very strong culture of environmental sustainability and we recognize that imbibing this culture in the youth of today is a sure way to guarantee a better environment for all, in the future,” the Visionscape CEO concluded.

The ICC World T20 Africa ‘A’ Qualifier is being hosted

by Nigeria for the first time in the history of the game in this country.

Super Falcons receiving instructions from Head Coach Thomas Dennerby (centre) ahead of today’s friendly against France

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Team Nigeria Challenged to Win Biggest Medal Haul in Gold Coast President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Habu Gumel, has charged Team Nigeria athletes to the ongoing XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia to go all out for gold to ensure that win the country’s largest medal haul in the competition.

Nigeria won 11 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals totaling 36 medals at the last Games in Glasgow Scotland four years ago. It was a nearperfect performance only close to the country’s best record set in 1994 Games in Victoria, Canada The team garnered 11 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals then.

“This is a clarion call to all athletes representing Nigeria at this Games to go for gold.

We know that you have what it takes to win gold for our country. The government has been most supportive to you and this is the time for you to show appreciation,” Gumel, an executive committee member of International Olympic Committee (IOC) told the athletes as competition began in earnest yesterday.

Also speaking to the athletes, Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, emphasised the need for discipline and for clean medals as Nigeria would not tolerate medals that are tainted with dope.

“The federal government will appreciate your honest efforts in bringing in medals but the medals must be pure.

Its better we post a decent performance without medals

than to bring in shame to our country through tainted medals,” Dalung warned the athletes.

Meanwhile, Nigerian table tennis players began their campaign in the Men’s Team – Group 4 on a bright note yesterday. Despite the absence of Aruna Quadri and Segun Toriola, the trio of Bode Abiodun, Olajide Omotayo and Jamiu Azeez lived up to expectations by topping Group D ahead of Belize and Malaysia.

The Nigerians won the first two matches; Olajide Omotayo beat Chee Feng Leong (1311, 15-13, 11-7), before Bode Abiodun accounted for Muhammed Ashraf Haiq Muhamad Rizal (11-5, 11-7, 13-11).

However, Chee Feng Leong and Javen Choong combined to secure the doubles; they accounted for Azeez Jamiu and Olajide Omotayo (11-4, 11-9, 11-7).

Suddenly, there was a degree of pressure on Azeez Jamiu playing in his first Commonwealth Games; he responded, he won but it was tense. He needed the full five games to beat Muhammed Ashraf Haiq Muhamad Rizal (11-7, 9-11, 11.6, 7-11, 11-8).

“We lost the doubles, we never practise. I thought we would win, I never expected that I would need to play singles, I wasn’t prepared, I just kept fighting, serve short and be the first to attack.”

Azeez Jamiu noted after the match yesterday.

…Beware of Overfeeding, Nwokedi Warns Nigerian Athletes As the Commonwealth Games kicked off in grand style in Gold Coast, Australia yesterday, Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, Chief Kofo Nwokedi, has warned Team Nigeria athletes and officials not to be carried away by the abundance of too much food provided at the Games Village.

Mrs Nwokedi who visited the massive restaurant in the Games Village was wowed

by the delicacies provided by the Australians. She told the athletes not to be carried away by the delicacies. ‘’This is a temptation to much to resist,” Nwokedi said after going round the hall to behold the continental dishes provided by the host.

“Some athletes will fall to the sweetness of the food.

We need to let our athletes control themselves so as not to wobble and fumble in their

events due to over feeding,’’ she emphasised.

The main dining room seats up to 2,300 people at any one time and handles about 20,000 meals that are served each day.

Most countries here came with their nutritionists to help advice their athletes on what to eat and not to eat.

A Nigerian athlete confirmed that whoever follows the abundance and

sweetness of the food would get burst before the end of the Games. Not just that.

The dream and aspirations of mounting the podium would equally burst as the delicacies are too tempting.

EUROPA RESULTS Arsenal 4-1 CSKA Atletico 2-0 Sporting Lazio 4-2 Salzburg Leipzig 1-0 Marseille

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018

We commiserate with our friend and colleague, Festus Okoye, Esq. on the call to glory of his dear father, LATE CHIEF SAB OKWARA OKOYE (Ozuo – Omee I of Ihioma) Aged 85 years.

May the Almighty God grant the family the solace and fortitude to bear the loss, and may the soul of the departed rest in peace.

Signed ~ S.I. Ameh, SAN FCIArb Dr. Garba Tetengi, SAN J.S. Okutepa, SAN Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN (Life Bencher) Inuwa Abdulkadir, Esq. (Life Bencher) Ibrahim E. Mark, Esq. (Life Bencher) Paul Agbo, Esq. Paul Harris Ogbole, Esq. Olasupo Ati – John, Esq.

I

Okey Ajunwa, Esq. Adeola Adewara, Esq. Abimbola Kayode, Esq. Paul M. Kasim, Esq. Kola J. Omotinugbon, Esq. Steve O. Emelieze, Esq. Afam O. Okeke, Esq. Emmanuel O. Mark, Esq. Barth Okoye, Esq. Steve O. Ononye, Esq.

Friday, April 6, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE PDP to Buhari â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is President Buhari and his handlers hiding anything from Nigerians so much that they cannot disclose the reason and duration of the so-called private visit?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on why the president billed to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is taking off to an undisclosed destination in London two weeks ahead.

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OKEYIKECHUKWU GUEST COLUMNIST

Nigeria, Your Karma Speaks to You K arma, or the law of sowing and reaping, never fails to take its pound of flesh; provided you nurture whatever seed you have sown. It is the nurturing that makes the â&#x20AC;&#x153;seedâ&#x20AC;? to blossom. Today the Nigerian state stands in the season of harvest for all of its many carelessly sown seeds. The sowing and nurturing went on diligently for decades. Some of those who used the days of their youth to sow the wind in Nigeria are facing the whirlwind today. Some of them also, fortunately, have the chance to make amends. The person who, as a young man in the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), created a militant and mercantilist medical position is now Health Minister. He is struggling today to drag his misguided colleagues back from the wrong road he paved with great energy and enthusiasm decades ago.

May help reach him.

President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, Dr. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Late Gen. Shagaya and many others in our national history joined hands to create the Nigeria we are living in today. Most of them are stupendously wealthy. They are also among the main drivers of Nigeria`s Old Boys Association in power. They have been elder statesmen for decades, but their eldership and statesmanship were largely self-proclaimed. Their presumption, in always stepping forward to chart new courses for the nation, but without taking responsibility for the misfortunes they consistently inflicted on the nation in the past, verges on the legendary.

But the sowing of the seeds that birthed present-day Nigeria goes far beyond that. The quasi militia force with which the British controlled the locals defined â&#x20AC;&#x153;effective serviceâ&#x20AC;? in terms of total disregard of traditional norms, filial loyalties, cultural values and extant notions of propriety. The immediate harvest from this small seed was values disorientation.

Our current national political reflexes show the same thing. The bifurcation of values created by the British and nurtured for the decades by successive leaders is seen in the disposition, conduct and living habits of our current political and military leaders.

The seed sown by the creation of Northern and Southern Protectorates in Nigeria, initially to improve colonial control of a confiscated cash cow, was harvested and replanted as state creation; also initially in order to gain greater administrative control of political Nigeria. It is in the same way that the Amalgamation of 1914 joined the Protectorates and not the people, that the creation of more states re-carved the land but without eliminating agitation, or ending marginalization. It is in the same way that the formal declaration of

Buhari

independence did not end colonialism that the formal declaration of end of the civil war did not end the continuous and sustained conduct of that war by other means.

The fiat that created one Nigeria, did not also create â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigeriansâ&#x20AC;?. The merger of the administrative units made of confiscated territories by a trading company and its home government is not the same thing as the birthing of a nation. That is why the Nigerian State still wears all the trapping of a child of questionable ancestry; or at least one that was begotten in controversial circumstances. The Nation of Israel was created in 1948, because the people had a shared heritage of family trees, related experiences, verifiable historical and cultural antecedents. This is in addition to thousands of years of habitation in spaces around and contiguous to the decreed homeland. That is different from our Amalgamation, which guaranteed Britain a mightier cash cow for merciless milking.

Just as the Treaty carving out Cattle Grazing Route was proposed, marked out and approved without recourse to peoples and communities affected by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;routeâ&#x20AC;?, British, and not the peoples of the Protectorates, that proposed, agreed to and signed the Amalgamation document.

Dr Nnnamdi Azikiwe was ten years old in 1914. He was then not a politician, a leader, but another local boy, probably battling with domestic chores and whatever challenges his small world inflicted on him.

The same must be said of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, (2 years old), Sir Ahmadu Bello (4 years old) and Sir Tafawa Balewa (2 years old). Dr. Michael Okpara Okara was even born at the time. Where was Okotie Eboh, Margaret Ekpo, Ransome Kuti and others?

The fact that the British created Nigeria, but could not create Nigerians, stares us

in the face today. The fact that we have invested heavily in further reinforcing everything wrong, including the lopsided demographics and keeping the regions at loggerheads, also stares us in the face everywhere today. The seeds of perfidy have been watered, nurtured and allowed to blossom for decades. Some of these foundational seeds, the main ingredients and raw materials sown in our past that helped to create our present (and is forming our future), explain our rolling national crises. Harvest time is here and Buhari stands as the ultimate expression of it all.

While President Muhammadu Buhari, his government and the Ruling party can be described as probably the most incompetent, perfidious and roundly unconscionable government Nigeria has ever produced since 1960, we must be honest enough to admit that neither the present actors nor their immediate predecessors are solely, or even largely, responsible for the crises before us. They are also victims of a subsisting political economy and political culture, which had a long gestation.

As I had cause to say on this page on 28th October 2016: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been building a mansion on quicksand and with pillars of straw. The soil, quicksand as it is, is further infested with two species of ants, called presumption and nepotism. These ants, which feed exclusively on straw, have been nibbling away for decades. They have left us with a hollow and painted frame that conceals a lie. This lie has been on parade for decades. It is described as an architectural masterpiece by casual observers. An architectural masterpiece that is not designed to withstand the wind?

Now that the whirlwind has come, and the elements are in their element, radical modifications (in design and material) have become necessary.â&#x20AC;?

I also said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not right that a nation should be undergirded by untruth. It is also not right that a nation should be under a political economy of decay and corruption, warehoused and propagated by a business and political elite that lives in denial. When old lies are told afresh by those who know they are lying, a time comes when even the liars themselves wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be sure whether they are lying anymore. Reason? Others would be repeating the same lies with great aplomb everywhere.â&#x20AC;?

The further observation in that piece was this: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now that we have brought up children who have seen shielded criminality as leadership, we have a nation wherein hiding under the instruments of state to violate natural justice, equity and good conscience makes you not guilty of any crime. Look at Nigeria today! The dominant motifs are (1) skewed values, (2) a flawed national psyche and (3) an aberrant leadership recruitment processâ&#x20AC;?.

We should not forget that the Kaduna Nzeogwu military coup of January 15, 1966 made an act of murder an instrument for leadership recruitment and transformation.

It sowed the seed of impunity, violated Service Discipline and ruined esprit de corps in the armed forces. It also bore the fruits that blossomed into subsequent murders and abominations. It damaged the armed forces, made the existing crop of national leaders and their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;replacement generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to stagnate for 12 years, until 1979 when Zik, Awo and Aminu Kano (very old men at the time) sauntered out in their walking sticks as presidential candidates. That is why, today, we have a backlog of leaders with unfulfilled historical missions struggling to be youth leaders.

Nzeogwus coup and subsequent followup actions and inactions, eventually created a corps of persons who boldly replaced responsible national leadership with perfidy, nepotism, misuse of office and titles and general confiscation of the state. In no case was this better manifested than during the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo. President Buhari has only upped the ante.

Many of our current elders became elder statesmen without actually being either elders, or statesmen. Today we are a nation that celebrates its Armed Forces Remembrance Day on the very day that arbitrary exercise of discretion led to the death in cold blood of some highly respected senior citizens, and some of our best senior military officers. We are celebrating Armed Forces Remembrance Day on the day families of some of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest leaders are in mourning.

Then look at our armed forces. Many prematurely retired military are frustrated and unfulfilled professionals. Some senior military leaders of today belong to the crop that joined during the triumph of military regimes, when he military was seen as a short cut to wealth. That is, perhaps, why Boko Haram is thriving with embarrassing luxuriance.

Going back to the question of sowing and reaping, it is clear that the seeds sown by the years of plunder gave rise to our current democracy of leaders with miraculous, massive and unexplained wealth. They are hailed by the priests, traditional rulers and other supposed custodians of public conscience. They are honoured as â&#x20AC;&#x153;illustriousâ&#x20AC;? sons and daughters, at least until they are either arrested or jailed. Even their relations see them as thieves who got away with their loot!

The present government is a product of our history. So was the lousy Presidency before it. Karma is at work here and resolutely so. Doing the right thing is the only way for us not to miss the intended lessons. Nigeria is in a hole today. Let us stop digging.

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