Friday 11TH MAY2018

NEITI: FG, Others Shared N1.94tn in First Quarter Cautions as budgets of C’River, others surpass projected revenue Crude oil retreats as investors take profit on Iran rally Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Chineme Okafor in Abuja with agency report The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed N1.938 trillion in the first quarter of 2018 to the three tiers of government, a report

from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has shown.

NEITI, in its quarterly report on Federation Account allocations released yesterday in

Abuja, said the amount shared represented an increase of 37.3 per cent over the N1.411 trillion shared during the same period in 2017, and 71.1 per cent above N1.132 trillion shared in the

same quarter of 2016.

A breakdown of the allocations indicated the federal government received N812.8 billion, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT) got N683.4 billion, while N393.3billion went to the 774 local governments in the country.

On a monthly basis, N655.2 billion was disbursed by FAAC

Senate: IG’s Claim for Shunning Summons, Diversionary… Page 10

in January, N635.6 billion in February, and N647.4 billion in March this year to the three tiers of government.

The report stated that even with rising revenue disbursements to the three tiers Continued on page 6

Friday 11 May, 2018 Vol 23. No 8422. Price: N250

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Oshiomhole Promises to Rebrand APC, Says Nobody Can Use Him National convention slated for June 2 NWC aloof over NPDP’s ultimatum Party members fret, warn threat should not be taken lightly Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja TThe former governor of Edo State and an aspirant for the post of national chairman of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) has said that he would rebrand and reposition the party if elected.

Oshiomhole, who disclosed Continued on page 6

Obasanjo’s CNM Fuses With ADC Tobi Soniyi in Lagos The group founded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Coalition for Nigerian Movement (CNM), has fused with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The merger was announced in Abuja yesterday by the co-convener of the CNM, Mr. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, signposting his departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oyinlola, a former

governor of Osun State and one of the signatories of the New PDP’s (NPDP) petition to the leadership of the APC, complaining of alleged maltreatment of its members, has also resigned his appointment as the chairman of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

He said the CNM was also ready to work with other political parties and groups to end APC’s reign and forge Continued on page 8

Court Nullifies Omo-Agege's Suspension, Senate Appeals Ruling… Page 10

L-R: Head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Katil Karson; Senate President Bukola Saraki; and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the EU Day celebrations in Abuja… Wednesday

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PAGE SIX N E I T I: FG, OTH ERS SHAR ED N1.9 4 T N I N F I R ST Q UART ER of governments, the disbursements in the first quarter of 2018 were still 25.6 per cent lower than the N2.6 trillion disbursed during the same period in 2013 before the crash in global oil prices.

The report also projected brighter prospects for higher revenue disbursements for the rest of the year due to rising oil prices, supported by the increase in oil production.

NEITI, however, called for caution celebrating increased disbursements in the first quarter of 2018, stating that the oil market remained volatile. “The year started on a bright note as all tiers of government received higher revenues than the corresponding quarters in the past two years. This was largely on account of sustained increase in domestic oil production and global oil prices,� said the report.

On the allocations received by each state, the report showed that Akwa Ibom got the highest of N50.44 billion while Osun State received the lowest net share of

N4.99 billion, indicating a variance of 920 per cent between the highest and the lowest.

The NEITI report explained that the disparities in FAAC disbursements suggested the differences in revenue capacities of different states and the implication for expenditure decisions by the affected states.

Accordingly, NEITI noted with concern the relationship between projected revenues of states and their proposed budgets for fiscal year 2018. “The budgets of all states completely outstrips their projected total revenues,� noting, however, that the gap between projected total revenues and budgets were small in some states like Kano, Enugu, Delta and Bayelsa.

In these states, the report noted that projected revenue was at least 60 per cent of the budgets.

But in 18 states, projected revenue was less than 40 per cent of budgets. “Examples are in the 2018

budgets of Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River and Ebonyi States. Other states are Imo, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara,� said the report, which went on to identify the situation in Cross River State as chronic.

It observed that Cross River State, which a few months ago boasted of passing a N1.3 trillion spending plan for 2018, projected total revenue of 4 per cent of its proposed budget. “These conditions will ultimately result in a situation where the states will either not be able to execute their budgets or have to increase borrowing,�

NEITI warned.

It explained that the quarterly review was designed to provide timely information and data to support citizens’ engagement, advocacy, as well as promote constructive debate, information sharing and enlightenment in tracking the utilisation of funds for purposes of development.

NEITI also said its interest in FAAC disbursements and the statutory recipients was in view of the fact that more than 50 per cent of the funds are derived from the extractive industry which it has a mandate to monitor its revenue and process flows.

In a related development, crude oil fell yesterday, giving up earlier gains as investors took profit on a rally triggered by potential disruption to oil flows from major exporter Iran in the face of United States’ sanctions.

The U.S. said on Tuesday that it plans to impose new sanctions against Iran after abandoning an agreement reached in late 2015 that curbed Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for the removal of U.S. and European sanctions.

Brent crude futures fell 29 cents to $76.92 a barrel after rising earlier in the day to $78, their highest since November 2014.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 18 cents at $70.96.

Reuters reported that the price of oil was still on track for its fourth consecutive quarterly gain, the longest such stretch for more than 10 years.

Analysts had little hope that opposition to the U.S. action would prevent sanctions from going ahead.

Even without disruption to Iran’s crude flows, the balance between supply and demand in the oil market has been tightening steadily, especially in Asia, with top exporter Saudi Arabia and No.1 producer Russia having led efforts since 2017 to cap output to prop up prices.

Saudi Arabia is ready to offset any supply shortage but it will not act alone to fill the gap, an OPEC source familiar with the kingdom’s oil thinking said on Wednesday.

One factor that could partially mitigate any shortfall from Iran is the soaring U.S. oil output.

The EIA on Tuesday raised its forecast for U.S. output in its monthly report to 12 million bpd

late next year. The agency has raised its forecast every month since last August.

This would make the U.S. the world’s largest producer, ahead of both Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Trump pulled America out of the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday, re-imposing sanctions on the regime and delivering on an election campaign promise.

Iran has been accused of failing to be honest about its nuclear ambitions while supporting terrorist groups and acting in an increasingly hostile way across the Middle East.

Britain, France and Germany condemned the move in a joint statement and promised to stay within the nuclear agreement, claiming that it was the only way to prevent a Middle Eastern nuclear arms race.

However, the White House announcement was welcomed

by Israel - which released new intelligence on Iran’s nuclear programme last week - and several Arab nations.

by the NPDP members with levity.

Frank said if nothing was done to address the grievances of the NPDP members, this would give the impression that “we are no longer needed in the APC�.

Frank was one of several members of the PDP faction that decamped to the APC in 2013.

Frank said Baraje spoke the mind of the group, adding that it will be dangerous for Buhari and the leadership of the APC to turn a deaf ear to “our grievances�.

According to Frank, what the group was asking for was to be given fair hearing and equal stake in the “change� project as it was given to other groups. “Apart from being sidelined, our people are also the most harassed within the party, from the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye, to myself and many others.

These and other reasons call for round-table renegotiations. “Since the APC came into power in 2015, there have been deliberate efforts by the government at the center and the national leadership of the party to sideline members of the NPDP, compared to other blocks comprising the CPC, ACN and ANPP which made up APC,� he said.

While stressing the need to heed the seven-day ultimatum given by the group, Frank said since APC came into power, only the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Ameachi and Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, were given appointments among the NPDP members, despite their unquantifiable contributions to bring APC to power. “If President Buhari must be fair to all groups and blocks of the APC, we expect him to urgently call for an emergency meeting where the grievances will be resolved, that is, if he still cares about the interest of the oppressed. “The meeting we are calling for at this point is important, as it will enable us to renegotiate our interest within the APC and decide whether we can continue to bear the maltreatment or not,�

Frank stated.

Also, another chieftain of the party, Chief Ray Murphy cautioned against underrating the threat posed by the ultimatum given by the NPDP bloc of the APC. He warned that if the APC bungled the opportunity offered by the outcry by members of the former PDP faction, the party could end

up being engulfed in a crisis.

Murphy, who is a close ally of Oyegun, said the views expressed in the petition were germane.

He said the present power sharing equation in the party was tilted towards only two of the legacy parties that formed the APC. According to Murphy, who spoke to journalists yesterday at the party’s national secretariat, APC was moving into murky waters, adding that if the concerns raised by the NPDP members are not quickly addressed before the convention, things may get worse for the party. “My view is that it is targeted at the fact that one segment of the party is getting virtually everything in the party. The fact of the matter is that the NPDP feels that it has not gotten its fair share. “Two of the legacy parties have taken over everything.

The head of government is CPC, the second is ACN, and many other positions are occupied by the members of the defunct ACN. So the NPDP was very truthful and their grievances should be quickly looked into within the seven-day ultimatum. “I am a foremost member of APC and I want the success of the party. Negative things have occurred that de-market our party and have affected us.

I think when those things are properly handled, the party will be much stronger,� he said.

Speaking on forthcoming convention of the APC, Murphy said the timing of the NPDP letter was timely, as it would afford the party the opportunity to heal the wounds and correct the anomalies.

O S HIOMH OLE PROMISES TO R EBRAN D APC , SAYS N OB ODY CAN U SE H I M this yesterday when he offered himself for election to the post at the national convention of the party, also said he was not capable of being used by anyone, in an apparent effort to discountenance suggestions that his candidacy enjoys the support of the presidency and several leaders and governors of the APC. He equally said that he would operate an all-inclusive administration if elected chairman of the APC. Oshiomhole’s mission statement came just as the party informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a letter that its convention will now hold on June 2.

APC had initially slated the convention for May 23, but moved the date due to the Ramadan fast starting on May 16.

The decision to hold the convention on June 2, THISDAY gathered, was taken in the transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi’s residence recently to avert litigation in the event the convention was held after June 13 when the tenure of the incumbent national chairman of the APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun and other National Working Committee (NWC) members would have expired.

With their exit imminent, THISDAY also learnt that the NWC may have scaled down its interventions in disputes rocking the party, in anticipation of the emergence of a new leadership at the convention.

This, according to party sources, stemmed from the aloofness the party leadership has projected since receiving the petition of the New PDP (NPDP) members, who complained about maltreatment and marginalisation, and gave the APC leadership including President Muhammadu Buhari, seven days to address their complaints.

Speaking yesterday during his formal declaration to contest for the APC chairmanship seat, the former governor of Edo State said he would also strive to build a cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

Regarding the 2019 elections and Buhari’s reelection bid, Oshiomhole said: “The starting point is that the president is not a thief and we expect the same from all other ex- this, and ex- that on what character they must possess. “My task this afternoon is simply straightforward, to announce my desire to contest for the national chairmanship position of APC and work to

rebrand the ruling party, making amends where necessary. “It is my hope that if and when elected as national chairman of the party, we will reposition and reorganise the party based on its philosophy of social democracy, which basically means a peopleoriented, membership-driven and mass-based political organisation.�

He said though his ambition to become chairman had been an open secret, he still felt it was right to formally make the declaration.

He said he was not a reluctant aspirant to the office of APC national chairman, recalling that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did everything humanly possible to scuttle the formation of the APC during its formation.

He also conveyed his appreciation to the contributions of Oyegun for driving the party to the first ever victory of an opposition party over the then ruling party in the 2015 elections.

Elaborating on why he was contesting, he said: “I am contesting not because there is a leadership vacuum, but because it is in line with democratic tenets to allow for competitiveness in our affairs.�

He said the APC was unique going by its name “progressive� unlike the PDP. Among other goals, Oshiomhole said he hoped to change the APC, if given the mandate, and to ensure that a credible members’ register is in place, there is collective decisionmaking, and a good interface between party members and those elected on its platform. “Under our leadership, we will naturally have to do a couple of things differently in the day to day management of the party, while interfacing with all those elected on the platform of the party at all levels. “For me, it is fundamental to be able to have a membership driven party grounded at the grassroots. Accordingly, it is important that we must ensure that we have an authentic and verifiable membership register that can be checked and verified by members and even nonmembers of the party. “For us to become a political party that is membership driven, the irreducible minimum is that we must have a membership register that captures accurately the membership of the party,� he noted.

He said having a credible membership register was very necessary and then accused former President Goodluck Jonathan of destroying the

membership register of the APC by ordering security agents to invade the party’s facility in Lagos where its register was being collated in 2014.

Oshiomhole also promised to create a platform that would ensure that members of the party interfaced with those elected on the APC platform so as to understand what they are doing.

The former governor also spoke on the need for party supremacy, pointing out that no one can talk of party supremacy without the party organs functioning as they should.

He said when there is inclusiveness in the way the party is run, everyone will be able to own the decisions reached by the party.

On the role of the party in brokering a harmonious working relationship between the executive and legislature, Oshiomhole said the APC as a governing party must find a way of negotiating and persuading the two arms of government currently under APC control to operate with a sense of collectivity. “The party must have seasoned parliamentarians including non-serving Senators and House members to monitor the National Assembly on a daily basis and advice the party leadership on engagement with the National Assembly,� he said.

On the presence of NLC president, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, at his declaration and what this may portend in terms of neutrality for Nigeria’s main labour union, Oshiomhole was of the view that to be neutral did not mean that Wabba had to be politically aloof.

Also speaking at Oshiomhole’s declaration to contest for the chairmanship post of the APC, Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha, who said he was not officially invited to the function, noted that he had no doubt that when elected, Oshiomhole will show the way forward for the party.

He also predicted that Oshiomhole’s emergence as chairman will be bad news for the opposition. “President Buhari is not just a president, he is a leader. Why we are supporting Adams Oshiomole is to see that there is strong party chairman that will be behind him. “You must, as a matter of urgency, tell everybody that Buhari should be supported.

For all my colleagues, the governors of APC, Oshiomhole is our project. “He understands us, we understand him. I came in

here to show my support and endorsement. PDP is making so much noise now and they need to be silenced, and the only silencer is Adams Oshiomhole,� he said.

Okorocha described Oshiomhole as a dogged fighter, adding that he will help to strengthen the party in the South-south and South-east.

He said in the North there may be no need for excessive campaigning, but in the South, it would require more than the ordinary for APC candidates to win in the region.

But as Oshiomhole formally indicated his interest in becoming the chairman of the APC, there were feelers yesterday that the looming crisis threatening to tear the ruling party apart may not abate anytime soon.

THISDAY gathered from reliable sources that the party might not meet the demands of its NPDP wing, which gave a seven-day ultimatum to the APC leadership to address its grievances.

A party source, who spoke to THISDAY, said based on the mood of Oyegun-led NWC, the party may not do much to assuage the feelings of the aggrieved former PDP members who defected from the former ruling party to join the APC in 2013.

According to a source close to Oyegun, the party chairman was of the firm belief that the Abubukar Kawu Baraje-led group had given up on the APC and whatever was done now cannot change their resolve to leave the ruling party.

Baraje on Wednesday led a delegation on behalf of the NPDP block to protest what he described as “maltreatment and exclusion� of his members in the scheme of things by the leadership of the APC. However, the party source said Oyegun might not consider initiating any major attempt to address the grievances of the NPDP members of the APC, because as far as the incumbent chairman was concerned, he (Oyegun) was on his last leg as chairman of the party. “I think Oyegun believes that the NPDP group has made up their minds and since they are certain that Oshiomhole is going to be installed as the next chairman of the APC, their interest cannot be protected,� he said.

In spite of the NWC’s seeming aloofness, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Timi Frank yesterday warned his party and the president not to treat the seven-day ultimatum given

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Nigerian-American Nurse Saved Thousands to Open Medical Clinic, US Customs Seized It at Airport Anthonia Nwaorie spent years saving up thousands of dollars to open a medical clinic in Nigeria, where she was born. Finally, last October, she walked down a jet bridge at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport to board the plane to get there.

The 59-year-old registered nurse had more than $37,000 in her carry-on bag and $4,000 in her purse. It was all cash, stowed in separate envelopes, some of it earmarked to help ill or aging family members. In her checked luggage she packed medical supplies and over-the-counter medication, which she planned to use to provide free basic care and checkups to anyone who needed it.

But she wouldn’t make it there.

Just as she was about to board the flight to Nigeria, agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection stopped her. “How many people are you carrying money for?� an agent asked her, she recalled in an interview with The Washington Post. “How many people are you traveling with?�

Before Nwaorie could even open her mouth, she said, the agent asked another question: “How long have you been in the United States?�

The questioning threw her off guard. She explained she had legally earned the money and she was alone. Nwaorie, who lives in Katy, Tex., became a U.S. citizen in 1994. She showed her passport, thinking perhaps they were questioning her legal status.

The agents took her to a room to search her and her luggage anyway. Then they seized all $41,377 dollars. “It was like I was a criminal,� she said. “I felt so humiliated, so petrified, too. They were talking among themselves, saying this

is how people smuggle money out of the country. ‘This is how they do it’.�

More than six months later, Customs and Border Protection still has not given back her money.

This, despite the fact that the U.S. attorney’s office in the Southern District of Texas did not bring a civil asset forfeiture case against her or charge her with any crime. The infraction she committed was failing to declare the money to Customs before traveling. According to the agency’s website, “there is no limit on the amount of money that can be taken out� of the country, but if a traveler is carrying more than $10,000 in currency they must fill out a declaration, a rule she said she did not know existed.

The agency told her in April it would give back her money under one condition: that she gives up her right to sue the federal government. It’s called a “hold-harmless agreement�.

The condition, her attorney says, violates Nwaorie’s basic First Amendment rights to petition the government for grievances.

Nwaorie didn’t sign it, deciding to sue instead. “This is just about as unconstitutional as it gets,� said Nwaorie’s attorney, Dan Alban of the Institute for Justice, which specialises in civil asset forfeiture. “They’re requiring her to trade her right to the property in exchange for giving up these other rights: Does she want her right to the property? Or does she want to give up her right to the First Amendment? They’re sending these agreements out to not just to Anthonia but we think hundreds or thousands of people every year.�

A spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection declined to comment for this report, citing pending litigation, and would

Anthonia Nwaorie shows a receipt from US Customs and Border Protection regarding her seized $41,000 not answer general questions about According to documents the lawsuit, as the data is not CBP’s hold-harmless agreement provided to The Post, prosecutors immediately available. The suit policy. declined to pursue a case against seeks class-action status to cover CBP seizes property from people Nwaorie. The lawsuit states that every person who has signed a more than 120,000 times per year, under the Civil Asset Forfeiture hold-harmless agreement with according to the federal lawsuit, Reform Act, the government should CBP despite being freely entitled filed last week in a federal court have been required to “promptly to their property under federal in Houston. To get the property release� Nwaorie’s $41,000 to her, law. It seeks to void all of those back, individuals have two options. no questions asked. Alban contends agreements.

They can argue for their property that forcing a person to agree not “This case highlights the using CBP’s administrative process, to sue the government — and to abusiveness of civil asset forfeitures in which case Alban said a hold- pay the government’s legal fees if in general,� Alban said. “It’s just harmless agreement wouldn’t be CBP has to enforce the agreement crazy: She’s not been charged with unusual. Or they can go the route in court — is an “unconstitutional a crime. The entire situation was so weak and not worth pursuing Nwaorie chose, leaving it to federal condition�. prosecutors to decide whether to Alban said discovering how that the U.S. attorney decided not to pursue civil asset forfeiture within often this happens to people in even try to forfeit her money. She’s 90 days. the United States will be part of been deprived of that money. She’s

been unable to open her clinic.

She’s been living a nightmare.

This has really disrupted her life.�

Nwaorie has been traveling to Nigeria to provide free basic medical care to people in her home town, in the state of Imo, on an annual basis since 2014. She sets up a pop-up medical clinic in churches or community centers, where she provides basic care and over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen and Tylenol for basic ailments. Trained as a midwife, she also examines all the pregnant women and lets them hear their babies’ heartbeats for the first time.

But after a while Nwaorie said she wanted to go bigger. She wanted the patients to have regular access to care with full-time doctors at a small, permanent clinic. This year, she said her father helped secure her a parcel of land. Before she was stopped by CBP, she intended to get a permit from the local government in Nigeria and begin purchasing materials for construction. “This was my dream, that people cannot be sent away from a clinic or a hospital because they do not have money,� she said. “This is something that I want to do for humanity, myself and my God, so there is nothing I would want to do to go against the law of this land to get it done. If I had known I had to declare the money before traveling, I would have done that.�

Nwaorie ultimately travelled to Nigeria the month after CBP seized her money, paying for her trip on a credit card and setting up another week-long pop-up clinic.

And she had to tell some family members that she didn’t have the money set aside for them.

She explained to her brother what happened. “He was surprised,� Nwaorie said. “He said, ‘What? Does that happen in America?’ �

their destiny in their hands as demanded by the Constitution are bearing fruits already. Our Constitution guarantees all Nigerians their fundamental human rights, including freedom of association and the right to hold political views.�

He reiterated Obasanjo’s position that the current state of despair and despondency in the country was an ill wind that would not blow any good. “It is a foreboding and can only lead to a conflagration. Indeed, every one of us who has been in power before at whatever level may have a share of the blame for the state of the nation. That fact, however, will not disqualify us from being part of, and indeed, stand at the vanguard of finding a lasting solution to this problem. “Indeed, those who have seen it all but with the right perspective are better placed to bring in knowledgeable young men and women to come and reinvent the country for the challenges of the future. “ADC and other like-minded political parties should join other patriots in democratically building and enthroning a new set of youthful, knowledgeable and goal-oriented leadership for this country. “We believe, therefore, that through the right engagements and fundamental reordering of the affairs of our nation, our country will be out of the woods. “Nigerians are a very resilient people. They are great optimists. They have invested so much trust and hope in our democratic infrastructure with very miserable returns so far. “As I stated during the launch of the CNM, our country must not continue to be condemned to a four yearly ritual of voting without results. “To get positive results, therefore, we must get right the choice of leadership. But the apple does not fall far from

Muhammadu Buhari, resigned his appointment as chairman of NIMC to attend to greater political engagement.

The letter dated May 9 said: “Sir, I write to resign my appointment as the chairman of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with effect from today, 9th May, 2018. “Your Excellency, I must put on record my very deep sense of appreciation for the special privilege and consideration you gave me to serve our fatherland in that capacity. “As I stated in my appreciation letter to you shortly after the appointment, the offer was a clear call to service. “I gave the job the dedication it deserved and would have loved to continue but I regret to inform Your Excellency that I have a new, greater political engagement that will make that difficult and even impolitic. “Sir, as one of my bosses in the army, I believe you would understand my stand given recent political developments. “The training I got as a decorated officer and gentleman precludes me from engaging in any act that could amount to disloyalty and conflict of interest. “I am moving on to chart a new course in my politics outside the ruling party and this thus demands my dropping the NIMC chairmanship. “I thank you, sir, once again for the great honour and confidence reposed in me. “However, there is time to take a job and another time to leave it and move on. “For me, the time to work on something else in the interest and service of our people is now. “I wish Your Excellency good luck while praying that you will finish well and strong in the service of our country.�

Buhari appointed Oyinlola NIMC chairman in September 2017.

O B ASANJO ’S C NM FUSES WIT H ADC a new direction for Nigeria.

Elaborating on the decision of the CNM to merge with the ADC, he said: “The decision to move in to African Democratic Congress is in appreciation of the progressive essence of the party and its untainted existence on the terrain of our nation’s politics. “While I on behalf of the leadership and the over three million members of the CNM congratulate ADC as the vehicle for national reinvention, I urge us to let us know that the task ahead is an arduous one that needs further strengthening of the forces of change. “What I am saying is that we should be open to new engagements and alliances being forged and crystallising across the country.�

Oyinlola added that the movement was committed to the use of the tools of democracy to recreate a Nigeria that would truly serve all, irrespective of religion, tribe or socio-economic status.

According to him, with the merger, the CNM had ceased to exist, having been formally collapsed into the ADC. Continuing, he said: “This is just the first in a multi layered action plan to give back the country to its much deprived people. “As we stated in January during the launch of the CNM, we are taking on this task not minding the inconveniences and other expected and unexpected consequences of our efforts at reinventing the country. �

Olagunsoye said the decision to collapse the movement into the ADC was informed by the need to form a formidable force to wrest power from the ruling APC during the 2019 polls.

He explained that the understanding of like-minded persons and organisations across

the country was required to rescue the country from the APC. He was optimistic that the governorship elections of 2018 and the general elections of 2019 would be used to cure the curse and afflictions of failed leadership and perpetual underdevelopment in the country.

According to him, “We have said it before and we are stating it here again that the current state of despair and despondency in our dear country is an ill wind. “It is a foreboding and can only lead to a conflagration.

Between January when CNM was formed and now, can we say that the story of Nigeria has changed for the better? Have things not worsened at all levels? “You will all recall that in January this year, the Coalition for Nigeria Movement was formed by some of us across the country as a political platform to create a new generation of leaders for our country. “Between that time and today, a lot of grounds have been covered in achieving the set goals. One of such is what we are doing here today – the formal fusing of – our movement into the African Democratic Congress. “Beyond what we are doing here today, we put our countrymen and women, old and young, on notice that they should expect more from us; that they should expect deepened political engagements across platforms in the coming days and weeks. “We admit that structural inadequacies and failure of leadership have robbed our country of greatness. We also note that a future of greatness for Nigeria will only be birthed by a new generation of youthful leaders with fresh ideas and knowledge of what it takes to govern a 21st century nation. “This gathering here today is proof that the modest efforts at waking up the vast majority of our people to, for once, take

its tree. Only credible, positive platforms can produce positive results. “A tree conceived and nurtured on lies, can only bear imaginary fruits. Every government has ideas and programmes – most times packaged in flowery prose. “The deficit in leadership is noticed at the point of implementation of the ideas and policies. The ADC from its well-enunciated policies and programmes is well placed to make democracy work for the people. “ADC is properly placed to join other patriots in moving Nigerians in all the wards, the 774 local governments and the 36 states to join hands to make our country truly great.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we have a job to do. “The destiny of Nigeria is not to remain forever in crises and in the doldrums. As the CNM takes this momentous step of coalescing into ADC as a vital step in building a national consensus to reconstruct the country, we assure all Nigerians with their support.

And with the understanding of like-minded persons and organisations across the country, Nigeria will be rescued. “God willing, the elections of 2018 and 2019 will be used to cure the curse and afflictions of failed leadership and perpetual underdevelopment.�

In his remarks, the national chairman of ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu described the fusion as the dawn of a great Nigeria project leading with the right ethical compass.

Nwosu noted that nation building could be a very daunting exercise, but added that with good and committed leaders, the journey could be much easier. “I invite all Nigerians to have a very deep reflection concerning

our nation, Nigeria, and its 100 years of nationhood,� he said.

He stated that Nigeria, with a 200 million population was in a dysfunctional state. “However, I do not want to dwell on our failings. I want to assure you all that we the African Democratic Congress (ADC) working with CNM, and many strategic coalition partners, involving a rainbow coalition of political parties, civil societies, labour and trade unions, and well-meaning eminent Nigerians, are determined to reframe the narrative about Nigeria. “We have worked tirelessly to put this coalition together.

Many important stakeholders helped to guide our party. I wish to specially mention President Olusegun Obasanjo for his tireless support. His word: ‘I am not perfect, but I enjoin you to join me in having a deep passion and unshakable commitment for Nigeria.’ “This will guide this new ADC always. The formal launch of our new ADC party will take place, so I wish to enjoin all of us to embrace our philosophy of role modelling leadership as a way to building the new Nigeria and a greater Africa. “In everything we do, to be successful, we must remain true to ourselves. Deep reflection helps leaders to clear their heads, clarify their path to be able to focus purposefully for each party involved; we expect true and committed engagement to the Nigeria project.�

When he announced the formation of the CNM, Obasanjo last January had said he would withdraw from it once it merged or become a political party.

There was no statement from the former president yesterday on whether he would withdraw from the CNM following the coalition with ADC. Meanwhile, Oyinlola, in a letter addressed to President

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

Senate: IG’s Claim for Shunning Summons Diversionary Damilola Oyedele Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Senate yesterday asked the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, to stop holding to the claim that he refused to comply with the invitation of the Senate for him to come and explain what the police are doing on the spate of killings across the country.

The Senate has described claim by the IG who shunned the three consecutive summons on him because it was centred on the maltreatment of Senator Dino Melaye as diversionary. The upper legislative chamber said the summons were to engage the IG on the spate of killings across the country, and rising insecurity, adding that the matter of Melaye had been overtaken by events. Idris was first summoned to appear on April 26 and then May 2, 2018, over the spate of killings across the country and the inhuman treatment meted out to Melaye in the course of his arrest, detention and arraignment by the police.

On both occasions, Idris had sent the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) (Operations), Mr. Habila Joshack, to represent him. The Senate, however, turned Joshack back and insisted that Idris must personally appear.

He was expected to finally honour the summons last Wednesday, following Monday’s meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, where Idris’ attitude to the legislature was discussed. The police boss however failed to honour the summon again last Wednesday, causing the Senate to declare him an

“enemy of democracy� and “unfit for public office in Nigeria and abroad.�

Idris, however, dismissed the Senate’s declaration as “blackmail� and a “witch hunt� with the mischievous motive to arm-twist him into perverting the course of justice in a felonious and serious offence of criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms for which Melaye was indicted.

The Senate in a statement yesterday, however, said Idris was attempting to confuse issues and play on the intelligence of members of the public with his claims. “The resolution of the Senate leading to his invitation is clear and we invite our people to check.

It is for the purpose of having a transparent and open hearing that we fixed his appearance for Wednesday when our plenary sitting enjoys live coverage on national television,� the Senate said. The statement issued by Senate spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, maintained that the crux of the matter that informed the invitation was the ceaseless spate of killings across the country.

The statement read: “We noted the response issued by one Jimoh Moshood on behalf of the IG following yesterday’s resolution of the legislative chamber on the continued refusal of the IG to honour the invitation for him to come and explain what the police are doing to halt the spate of killings across the country. “Let it be known that the IG, by trying to reduce the reason for his invitation by the Senate to the arrest of Melaye, is simply clutching at straws. The issue of  Melaye’s arrest has been overtaken by events. The courts are already handling the related cases. Our main concern is the

Police Nab 56 Suspected Militias, Others in Kaduna, Zamfara Senator Iroegbu Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The police have arrested 56 suspected militias, bandits and cattle rustlers alleged to have been responsible for the killings in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna and Zamfara States.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Jimoh Moshood, said the success was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, to fish out those behind the recent killings in parts of North-west .

Moshood said Idris had during the visit to Kaduna State, approved the creation of one Police Area Command and two new divisional headquarters.

The police boss, he stated, also ordered the immediate deployment of additional 200 personnel and 10 patrol vehicles to beef-up security in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State to other villages and towns in Zamfara State to flush out the bandits. “This operation which is still ongoing has been yielding positive results and culminated in the arrest of the above

mention vicious bandits and militias terrorising the areas from Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State to other villages and towns in Zamfara State,� he said.

Moshood grouped the suspects into five gangs who he said, were responsible for armed robberies, cattle rustling and dealing in firearms in the areas of operations.

He said the first gang was led by Mohammed Rabiu, who was arrested after four members of his group were killed by the Police Joint Team in a shootout in the forest at Bawan Daji, Anka LGA in Zamfara State.

One 45-year-old Ardo Aliyu is the principal suspect.

According to the police spokesman, Rabiu “confessed to have been responsible for the killing of 46 people during the burial of three people that his gang killed earlier in Bawan Daji village in Zamfara State�.

He said seven AK47 rifles were recovered from his gang and that he will be charged to court on completion of investigation.

security crisis across the country where people are being killed in scores on a daily basis. “The primary responsibility of the police is maintenance of law and order as well as  protection of lives and property. If there is a breach along the line of this responsibility, we do not see why the IG should feel he cannot be invited to offer explanation to the arm of government which is constitutionally empowered to ask questions and investigate the breach. “No responsible body of representatives of the people

will ignore sad reports given by members on the floor of the Senate. For instance, on April 24, two Catholic priests and 17 members of their congregation were murdered as reported by Senator George Akume.  Also, Senators Kabir Marafa and Tijani Kaura had earlier intimated the Senate of the killing of 35 people in Maradun Local Government Area; over 100 people killed in Anka and 36 people killed in Birani Village in Zurmi Local Government Area, all in Zamfara State. “Even as of now, reports

reaching us showed that recent killings have occurred in Kaduna, Taraba and Benue States.

These  were just few  instances of daily occurrences of gruesome murder of our constituents as raised by senators. The IG definitely should not have any problem with an invitation for him to tell the Senate what he and his men are doing to stop the killings as well as their challenges and needs in doing this. “In one instance in the past, Idris had gone to court in order to evade honouring the invitation of the Senate and the

court headed by Justice Abba Bello Mohammed of the FCT High Court on April 10, 2018, told him in clear terms that his suit lacked merit as Sections 88 and 89 of the constitution empowers the lawmakers to carry out investigations on issues of public interest. “Any public officer who plans to place himself above an arm of government obviously is not fit to remain in office. Idris is only afraid of his shadows by alleging a witch-hunt when he is called to account on the performance of the duties of his organisation.�

WHEN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS VISITED...

L-R: World Bank Country Host Director, Nigeria, Ms. Bongi Kunene; World Bank Executive Director, Italy and Leader of the Delegation, Mr. Patrizio Pagano; and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, during a courtesy call to the vice president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja....yesterday

Court NulliďŹ es Omo-Agege’s Suspension, Senate Appeals Ruling Damilola Oyedele Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Senate yesterday appealed the nullification of the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Senate and its President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who is the second defendant in the case, also filed a stay of execution of the nullification of the suspension.

Earlier yesterday, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba had nullified the suspension placed on OmoAgege by the upper legislative chamber over alleged infractions of its rules.

The senator had dragged the Senate before the court, alleging that his suspension was illegal, unlawful and such should be reversed by the court.

In the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/314/2018, he prayed the court for an order restraining the upper legislative chamber from denying him access into the Senate chamber and or preventing him from carrying his legitimate duty as a senator in the National Assembly.

But delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Dimgba who reversed the suspension, held that though the legislature has the power to deal with erring

members, it did not follow due process in arriving at its decision in the instant case.

The court however held that the position of the plaintiff that the Senate was wrong in proceeding with his investigation was baseless and consequently refused him reliefs  one to seven prayed for in his originating summons.

In addition, he held that the upper legislative chamber was right to have directed its committee to investigate Omo-Agege.

But in his judgment, Justice Dimgba nullified the suspension on the grounds that due process was not followed and that the reason given for the suspension was an affront on government and the judiciary.

According to the report of the committee, Omo-Agege was punished for taking his suspension which was suppose to be an internal matter to the court. “Access to court is a constitutional right which cannot be taken away, by force or intimidation�, he said, adding: “The decision to punish the plaintiff for going to court is a great violence to the constitution.�

In faulting the process followed by the Senate in suspending the plaintiff, the judge further

noted that while the matter was pending in court, the Senate went ahead to suspend the plaintiff.

Among others, Dimgba, faulted the 90 legislative day suspension placed on OmoAgege, stating that no member of the Senate shall be suspended beyond 14 days based on default of the Senate laws. “The suspension for 90 days is ultra vires, the number of days a member can be suspended, according to the Senate rules is 14 days. It follows therefore that any suspension which exceeds 14 days is null and void,� he said.

In addition, Dimgba stated that suspending the senator for 90 days denies his constituency the right of  representation.

The judge while declaring that the nullification is with immediate effect, also ordered the leadership to pay OmoAgege all salaries and allowances due to the suspension.

Earlier, the judge dismissed the preliminary objection of the defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter. Â Meanwhile, Omo-Agege has hailed the judgment, describing it as a victory for democracy.

A statement by his media aide, Mr. Efe Duku, said the

judgment is consistent with the senator’s position that the Senate as a foremost national institution should live consistently by example and set the pace in legislative best practices. “It is not a victory against the Senate, as there is no war against that great institution. Rather, given his fine understanding of the law, Omo-Agege believes that there are rare moments that demand the intervention of our courts to enrich the law and our constitutional experience,� the statement read.

It added that the judgment is also about ensuring that no lawmaker is removed arbitrarily from serving his or her people. “It is about ensuring that constitutionality, legality, good conscience and due process are the cornerstones of public leadership actions and decisions,� it read. “For their increasingly amazing support, Senator Omo-Agege is very grateful to the good people of Urhobo Nation whom he has the great honour of representing in the 8th Senate. He remains absolutely committed to their fine values of justice, honour and humility in service,� the statement read further.

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NJC Sacks One Judge, Investigates 25 Others Petitioned by EFCC Appoints 21 new ones for the bench Tobi Soniyi ÓØ ËÑÙÝ The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Michael Goji of the High Court of Adamawa State for compulsory retirement.

The decision was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the council’s Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye.

The judge was sent packing after he refused to proceed on transfer to the Mubi Judicial Division of the state High Court since July 2017.

The council also ordered the judge to refund all salaries received by him from July 2017 till date, failing which the Adamawa State Government is to deduct the amount from

any entitlement due to him and remit same to the NJC. In the interim, the council, in exercise of its disciplinary powers under the constitution, has suspended Justice Goji from office pending his removal from office.

Justice

Goji was recommended for compulsory retirement to Governor Bindo

W’Bank Mission Seeks to Understand Power Sector Evolution in Nigeria Ndubuisi Francis ÓØ ÌßÔË The World Bank Mission of 10 executive directors currently in Nigeria disclosed yesterday that part of its focus was to understand how the power sector is evolving in the country.

The delegation led by Mr. Patrizio Pagano arrived Nigeria on Wednesday to hold high-level discussions with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, and some governors over the bank’s projects in the country as well as private sector players, among others.

Speaking during a meeting with Adeosun in Abuja, Pagano explained that the team was in the country to acquaint itself with the government’s growth and power priorities.

“We have met with several Nigerian entrepreneurs and have seen how vibrant the private sector is. We want to understand how the power sector is evolving in Nigeria,” Pagano said.

The World Bank officials had earlier met with the organised private sector in Lagos and undertook a tour of LAPO

Microfinance projects in Lagos.

The bank’s 10-executive directors, representing 96 countries, are expected to inspect the Azura Power Plant in Edo State in the course of their three-day visit to Nigeria.

The visit is expected to provide a first-hand impression of the challenges that both the federal and state governments face in implementing development projects as well as ensuring good governance overall.

It will further enhance the goal of the bank for membercountries and the effectiveness of the executive directors in providing the necessary support.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Finance Minister, Mr. Oluyinka Akintunde, said while receiving the delegation, Adesoun had stated that the federal government would mobilise more revenues to drive its growth plan for the economy.

She stated that the government would accelerate Nigeria’s growth level as well as improve the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ initiative in the country.

The minister stated: “The

Nigerian government is working towards accelerating the country’s growth level. The growth will be underpinned by stimulating the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in Nigeria and improving our capital expenditure which we have done in the last two years.

“Nigerians should trust the government to deliver on its promises of improving the economy and providing sustainable infrastructure development. We are very optimistic but we will remain vigilant.”

The minister revealed that the country’s taxpayers’ base had risen from 14 million in 2016 to 19 million in 2018, grossing additional five million taxpayers into the system.

Continuing, she said: “By 2019, the growth will be stronger than the present level in 2018. We are optimistic in sustaining Nigeria’s economic growth. That is why we are driving the mobilisation of more revenues.

“We have been able to grow the tax payers’ base to 19 million in two years from the 65 million economically active people who are not tax complaint.”

Again, Melaye Fails to Get Bail, Court Fixes Ruling for May 16 Yekini Jimoh ÓØ ÙÕÙÔË Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West senatorial district, who is currently standing trial for alleged gun running and conspiracy, yesterday failed to be granted bail by a High Court sitting in Lokoja as the court adjourned till May 16 for ruling.

The decision of the court was after a prolong legal fireworks by counsel of both parties, Dr. Alex Iziyon and Chief Mike Ozekhome, which lasted for four hours exchanging superior legal submissions.

The two applications before the court, one each from the counsel, were consolidated for ease of justice delivery.

Iziyon had told the court to vary the order given by the magistrate court in Lokoja, which ordered that the senator be remanded in police custody, and rule that he should be remanded in prison custody.

Moving his application, the counsel to the Inspector General of Police (IG) argued that what should govern the court was the affidavit in support of the application, which stated that the prosecution did not say that he was ill but it was the defendant that argued that he was ill.

However, the prosecution in a 23-paragraph counter affidavit in the application for bail by the defendant urged the court to refuse the bail application.

Moving the application for bail, Ozekhome argued that the motion for variation by Iziyon was uncalled for as the judge could not reverse himself on the matter.

According to Ozekhome, since the trial judge had already ruled according to Section 166 of the administration of criminal justice law of Ondo State, saying that the section did not say the court should vary an order it earlier made.

He noted that the

prosecution failed to appeal the ruling of the court that Melaye should be taken back to the National Hospital in Abuja.

The counsel added that the prosecution had taken the senator from the private hospital to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital because they knew he had health issues and didn’t want him to die in their custody.

While further arguing the application for bail for Melaye, his counsel cited Sections 35(1), 36(1,4,5,6b and 6c) of the 1999 constitution and Sections 156, 159, 160, 161 and 162 of the administration of criminal justice Law of Kogi State.

Ozekhome noted that the sections empower the judge to grant Melaye bail, arguing that even if he were accused of capital offence, that the judge still has power to grant bail.

The presiding judge, Justice Nasir Ajana, therefore fixed May 16 for ruling after listening to arguments from both counsel.

Umaru Jibrilla of Adamawa State sequel to the advice of the state Judicial Service Commission after its findings on the allegations of misconduct levelled against him.

The state Judicial Commission had conducted an investigation on the conduct of Justice Goji following the directive of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) after receiving the complaint of his misconduct from the Adamawa State Chief Judge.

The council also considered petitions written against 25 judges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and decided to set up seven committees to investigate the petitions.

NJC said it considered the reports of its various committees and dismissed petitions written against them.

Those affected are Justice Paul Adamu Galinje of the Supreme Court, Justice Aminu Sabo Ringim, Chief Judge of Jigawa State, and Justice Peter Umeadi, Chief Judge of Enugu State.

The council said: ”The petition against Justice Galinje of the Supreme Court was dismissed sequel to its withdrawal by Hon.

Yaro Abarshi and Hon. John Yobi Yarafa and others who alleged that he interfered in a chieftaincy matter in Taraba State.

“The petition against Justice Ringim was also dismissed because the petitioner, Dr Jamil Gwamna, who wrote to Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Minister of Power and Works who in turn forwarded same to the NJC, withdrew the petition.

“The allegation was that the judge ordered the arrest, assault, and detention of a staff of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) when they disconnected the electricity at the state High Court and the judge’s house for non-payment of bills.

“The committee that investigated the matter found that the petitioner could not prove that Justice Ringim instructed or directed the arrest of KEDCO’s staff.”

NJC said it did not find any reason to further investigate Justices Galinje and Ringim after the withdrawals.

The petitions against some high court judges were also dismissed for lack of establishment of misconduct,

being subjudice or that such petitions were matters for appeal.

The dismissed petitions were against Justices A. I. Chikere and J. T Tsoho, Emeka Nwite and Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Justice Adetokunbo Banjoko of FCT High Court, Justice Taminu Zailani, Chief Judge, Kaduna, Justice M. A. Adeigbe, High Court, Osun State (who had already retired from the Bench), and Justice E. N. Ogbuiji, High Court, Rivers State.

The council has also queried 16 judges found to have performed below expectation by the Performance Evaluation Committee of Judicial Officers of Superior Courts of Record in the Federation.

The council has invited the judges to come and explain their low performance in the last two to four quarters in 2017.

Also yesterday, the NJC recommended 21 judges for appointment as Chief Judges, Grand Kadi, High Court Judges, Sharia Court Kadis, President, Customary Court of Appeal, and one member for the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

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COMMENT

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

SAD ROMANCE WITH MIND BENDING

All the stakeholders should fuse efforts to tackle the problem of drug addiction among our youths, writes Monday Philips Ekpe

M

y first encounter with the subject of chemical abuse was in the early 1970s, in my primary school days. My late father, Mr. Philip Ekpe Odekina, who was a headmaster then, paraded one of his pupils at the morning assembly. The boy had been caught in a rare, often concealed, act. In his self defence, he told the stunned audience that he wanted badly to end his run of failure in arithmetic. His friends then graciously proffered a simple solution: Indian hemp. That explanation did not impress his listeners. I can’t remember whether the strokes of cane he later received succeeded in turning him away from the lure of smoke or any other stimulant.

One thing is certain, though. The truism that the more things change, the more they remain the same applies well to the drug addiction issues in Nigeria today. That episode over four decades ago still attests to the fact that this affliction, in all ramifications, is rooted in falsehood; in the promise to provide succour, solace and soulful satisfaction. No doubt, the affinity between educational prowess and puffing is far-fetched; so also is the ability of the numerous unauthorised substances that have emerged over the years to shield young people, especially, from the various vicissitudes they constantly face.

The sad reality before us now is that people, both young and old, embrace and utilise drugs beyond the dictates of rational medicine.

Both hard substances and prescription drugs have put many lives in chains. In some other cases, young people smoke or inhale latrines, industrial gum, lizard droppings, paint; just about any smell that can get them on a “high�. End result: complicated, shattered lives. Why do they through the dark, treacherous paths to euphoria, sense of self-worth and enhanced sexual drive? What happened to recreational activities, healthy diets and other agents of energy acquisition and release?

Ahmed Lawan, Leader of the Senate, put the tragedy thus: “Between Kano and Jigawa states, over three million bottles of codeine are consumed daily and, according to report, 70 per cent of the drugs that come to northern Nigeria go to Sambisa Forest. You know what the forest is associated with. We have many issues associated with drugs and we have to do something. If we do not, we may end up wiping out our youths, especially in the northern part of the country, through military action against insurgency. “Those who escape military action will be destroyed by drugs. The country is heading for a serious crisis until we are able to deal with it.

I consider the fight against drug addiction an important fight. It can be as important and equal in significance to fighting the war against insurgency and banditry. Drug addiction costs us so much in terms of

THIS AFFLICTION, IN ALL RAMIFICATIONS, IS ROOTED IN FALSEHOOD; IN THE PROMISE TO PROVIDE SUCCOUR, SOLACE AND SOULFUL SATISFACTION

security and it is leading to the loss of lives of the youth that ought to be very productive under normal circumstances.�

Equally disturbing is the pronouncement of Prof. Moji Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on the matter. Her words: “Using drugs is centrally controlled or central nervous systembased which means it hits the brain immediately and it changes the user to somebody else. During the first use and second use, the brain of the user becomes very different because of dependence.

The youths are then no longer able to control themselves, and that is where the crimes, terrorism, come in. Therefore, please let the word go out that drug use comes with consequences. Many youths are dying of drug overdose because it is very easy for them to access addictive drugs‌�

Even though many watchers of this sad phenomenon agree that the far north suffers more than the rest of the country, the way forward is to see it as a national menace and fight it accordingly since every part has a recognisable share of addicts and potential abusers. Signs of derailing already exist, unfortunately. Some people are of the view that suppliers mainly from the east are only glad to service the ever-growing market up north, that there is a deliberate attempt to render the youths of the target destination useless through this nefarious means. The nation cannot afford this distraction now. The items that constitute hard substances keep multiplying in quality and number. At the moment, codeine, an otherwise innocuous pharmaceutical ingredient of cough syrup in the country, is taking hard knocks for also being in hot demand among junkies. Others like tramadol, valium and alabukun are working in concert to keep the young bound, first in their minds and then the other departments of their lives. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), other relevant bodies, places of worship, educational institutions and parents should be encouraged to do the right things. This is one battle we cannot afford to lose.

Where is Lola Fani-Kayode? Nigeria needs professionals like her now. In 1990, this foremost Nigerian female film producer and director created a television series titled, “Mind Bending�. Highly informative and educative, the short films – On Edge, Last Days, Wake to the Night and Scars Within – displayed the clear dangers of drug addiction. The successes recorded by those outings urgently need to be replicated now. The current generation of youngsters who, interestingly, are big fans of the social media and television, should be taught that escapism has its own limits, that not many people have the luxury of turning back from the tip of the cliff.

THANKYOU, OBA OTUDEKO Greyne Anosike pays tribute to Otudeko, an entrepreneur and administrator, for making a difference in his life odyssey

O

n June 9, 1984, I left Owerri, Imo State for Ibadan Polytechnic, two days ahead of the 11th date for prospective corps members to be encamped. From that 9th to date, my life has never been the same again. Prior to that date, there was skin-deep phobia to serve in the West due to alleged rampant juju usage that had resulted in the death of corps members. In those days, some of us prayed and fasted against being posted westward.

As a result of this myth, I never, as the SUG President of my university, ventured to attend any NANS meeting in South West except once at the University of Lagos.

Going to Ibadan two days ahead of time was to avail me the opportunity to understudy the city and know if I would adapt or head back home.

At Ijebu Ode, where Ekene Dili Chukwu bus dropped me off, the struggle by Agberos to force my luggage into a particular vehicle resulted in the tearing of the box with my “belongings� littering all over the place. To heighten my anxiety, nobody spoke one English word. It was all Yoruba. From there the seven-passenger-504 peugeot station wagon headed to Ibadan. From Ijebu Ode to Ibadan, not one English word came out of any other passenger mouth. The conclusion? They were discussing how or where to use me for rituals. I resigned to fate, with my heart panting like a lion which is outrun by a zebra in a jungle. One after the other, most of the passengers dropped off along the Ibadan city road leaving behind one Yoruba woman and her pretty young daughter and myself. The intensity of their chattering in Yoruba was consummating that I did not need to be a General Overseer to realise my end was imminent.

In that feverish condition, I looked up and saw “welcome to Ibadan Polytechnic�. My heart sprang up. Shockingly, the driver drove into the campus and stopped. That woman came out and spoke English language for the first time. “This

is where you are coming to for your orientation.�

Unbelievable! From this point, things assumed positive crescendo in all sides. The moment I disengaged from that car, my perception of the Yoruba people changed for life. Other miraculous events in quick succession gave credence that God was behind all these.

For reporting first and two days ahead of other 2000 Corps members, I was made the camp leader - deputised by Abubakar Momoh – the radical Political Science Professor who died late last year.

Posted to the headquarters of Oluyole Local Government Area, Idi Ayunre for my primary assignment, the Principal of Prospect High School, Abanla, one Mrs Ajobo, offered me accommodation in her vast school premises. Here, I offered to teach final year students English language from 4pm when I closed from Idi Ayunre office to 8pm most times. I set and marked their Mock in English language. I stayed back at the end of service at my cost to do revisions with them and supervised the students during WAEC exams. This action was embarked upon because the next room to mine in that school premises was that of an Indian English teacher of the school.

During casual discussions, this Indian would be unable to speak correct grammar. One evening, I walked to the Principal’s house (Mrs Ajobo) who showed me the WAEC results of the school for the past years the Indian had taught the students. It was alarmingly poor. A college which enrolled 200 plus students for English language yearly, would have about seven to eight passes at the end of the year and one or two credits in English. The students in class five were not communicating properly either. Every Friday, the school compound got empty as everybody, students, teachers headed to Ibadan for weekend from where they attended lessons on Saturday and Sunday evenings. When the results for that year were released it was 82% credit pass in English Language. Abanla community erupted in jubilation!

This long story is recounted because of my desire to mention the name(s) of one or two great Nigerians who God used to bless me in the process. This man is Dr Oba Otudeko of Honeywell Group. Throughout my service year in Ibadan, I never met this man. But one night something subconsciously told me to make more impact in that land as a compliment to the love, Abanla community and the parents of my students showed me. I wrote a letter and took it to Honeywell office in Ibadan. The letter was simply asking for money to buy a trophy for Inter-college quiz competition among all secondary schools in old Oyo State (Oyo and Osun today).

Otudeko responded through one of his managers that for the fact that an “okoro� came here and had this dream, the company would buy a gold trophy. Just two weeks, this was done. Incredible!

You will shortly know why this long story is being recounted. It was favours all over. The then DPO for Oluyole was the retired DIG, Tunji Alapini.

He would ask me to bring corps members at weekends and we would all go to Ibadan country club and had good time at his cost. Occasionally, Mr. Alapini would give us money for our weekends. The manager of the then Allied Bank in Idi Ayunre was exceptionally good too. Corps members were asked to open account in this bank for our monthly 200 “allawee.� The NYSC usually paid us second week into the next month.

I would approach this bank on my honour. The manager would pay all corps members posted in that local government on trust that when our allowances came, he would take back bank money.

He did this throughout our Service year.

Now, the day we were passing out, something happened. I was announced the best corps member in Oyo State. Col. Tunji Olurin offered me automatic employment; the Olubadan was going to give me a chieftaincy title when I ran away from Ibadan at night. Got home in Obowu Imo State safely and a month later I was setting off to leave for Ibadan to became a civil servant, when a

letter from the family mail box was handed over to me. It was a letter proclaiming me the 1985/86 NYSC Presidential Award winner which came with an automatic employment. In 1987, I enlisted into Federal Civil Service. This week, I would exit as the Director IT. It is instructive that within the period under review, the grace of God had taken me to all the Continents except Australia.

I had served in Nigeria House in London for six years as a diplomat, and at various times attended short, medium and long term certificate courses in the US, Israel, Wales, Gambia, Ghana, Germany and Belgium. Within Nigeria, I had served the Ministers of Transport, Power, Agriculture & Rural Development as well as Industry, Trade and Investment as Head of Press and Public Relations.

I was at a point, an SA to the Managing Director of Nigeria Social Trust Fund (NSITF). Locally, the courses at management levels were numerous.

Now the purpose of this long gist is for people who now campaign for the scrapping of NYSC to simply read this my story and how it demystified a hitherto dangerous myth about the Yorubas.

Secondly, to let Nigerians know this highly detribalised Nigerian; Oba Otudeko who made a hitherto Igbo boy, today is a senior citizen courtesy, his generosity. I met him live for the first and last time in Lagos Oriental Hotel at a Power Sector gathering few years ago. I am paying tribute to this unique Nigerian, that whatever I am today and in the nearest future is attributed to him. I do not have his contact I would have sought audience with him and thank him from the bottom of my heart for making me what I am today. I also put on record, the overwhelming love shown me by the Oluyole Local Government, and the Abanla Community in particular where majority of my students came from. I recall with love how Oyibo!

Oyibo! rent air whenever I was seen walking along the community. To many others, individuals, groups I could not mention here, I remain proud of you till death. ganosike@gmail.com

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018

EDITORIAL THE CHALLENGE OF SAFE WATER Government must make clean and safe water accessible to all

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afe water is a basic commodity necessary for the survival of humanity. But a recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals the lack of access to this basic commodity for the mass of the Nigerian population. The UNICEF report, anchored on the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2017, highlighted the fact that access to safe water remains a big challenge for majority of Nigerians.

We cannot be tired of exposing this shame and the absence of the basic commodity for 40 per cent of households that make people vulnerable to health risks in our country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said waterborne diseases account for an estimated 3.6 per cent of the total Disability- Adjusted Life Year (DALY) global burden while about 1.5 million human deaths annually. It also estimates that 58 per cent of that burden, or 842,000 deaths per year, are attributable to a lack of safe drinking water supply, sanitaPOTABLE WATER AND tion and hygiene.

IMPROVED SANITATION This statistic is SERVICES ARE VERIFIABLE quite disturbing and MEASURES FOR FIGHTING can be connected POVERTY AND DISEASES to Nigeria, where lack of access to safe water is causative of waterborne diseases including Cholera, Dysentery, Typhoid Fever, Polio, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Hepatitis A, Scabies and Dengue Fever, among others. It is also responsible for Diarrhoea, the main killer of children under the age of five years in Nigeria, and stunting, an abnormality that hampers a child from reaching their full learning potential.

UNICEF is distraught that access to safe water constitutes a challenge for majority of Nigerians, especially those in the rural communities. It warned that for the country of 195 million people to attain the global goal of providing access to safe water for every citizen by 2030, it needs to make water,

Letters to the Editor

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together with sanitation and hygiene, a national priority.

It is in this light that we appeal to government, the private sector and development partners with responsibility in the management of water quality to provide safe water and sanitation for all. Government should upgrade non-protected water systems and improve the management of all drinking water systems in line with WHO and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines on drinking of quality water.

T T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, JOSEPH USHIGIALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

o realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets by 2030, the N85 billion earmarked for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in the 2017 budget should be fully implemented while governments at all levels should make clean and safe water accessible to all. We are also calling for a policy guideline that will modulate the practice where virtually all Nigerian house owners dig wells and boreholes to meet water requirement. This practice is carried out without considering the impact on the environment and the possibility of seismic shift in the earth crust that could result in earthquake.

Meanwhile, potable water and improved sanitation services are verifiable measures for fighting poverty and diseases. Yet, in the absence of water from piped supplies and protected wells, millions of Nigerians living in both rural and urban areas consume what is available. In many rural communities, the challenge is critical as women and children trek long distances to fetch water from contaminated streams and ponds.

What the foregoing says is that public officials, at all levels, as well as key stakeholders must begin to develop effective policies and interventions to address shortcomings in access to clean water. Such efforts should be targeted at the most vulnerable in the society, specifically those who experience the greatest burdens of poverty. Access to water is a right, not a privilege.

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TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific 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.

LAGOS AND CANCER CONTROL

radually, cancer, a non-communicable condition that can be terminal if not detected early, is fast becoming a huge health challenge in Nigeria. There are over 200 different types of cancer that affect humans and it is among the three leading causes of adult deaths in developing countries. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Union Against Cancer, by 2020, cancer could kill up to 10 million people annually with the number of new cases increasing to 15.7 million in 2020.

In Nigeria, according to a 2017 WHO statistics, over 100,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer annually, and about 80,000 die from the disease, averaging 240 Nigerians every day or 10 Nigerians every hour, dying from cancer. The Nigerian cancer death ratio of four in five is one of the worst in the world with the common ones being breast, cervix, uterus, liver, prostrate, colorectal, non –Hodgkin lymphoma and pancreatic. Prostate cancer, the commonest malignancy in men has continued to rise, while breast cancer leads the female cancer incidence and deaths in Nigeria. Also, incidence of cervical cancer continues to increase in young female Nigerians.

It is in order to stem the tide of this deadly epidemic that the Lagos State government has put a number of interventions in place. At the forefront of these interventions is the state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who recently donated a digitally equipped mobile cancer clinic worth N365 million to support the advocacy, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the state. Lagosians re enjoined to avail themselves with the services provided by this mobile cancer clinic. Schedules of outreaches can be obtained on pinkcruise.org. No doubt, the donation

of the Mobile Cancer Centre was a direct and prompt response to the cancer menace.

The goal of the effort of the state government is to create awareness about cancer among the populace, screen for and detect early cases; and ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality caused by the common cancers, notably breast, cervix and prostate cancers. The methodology is to promote screening of all the common cancers that is breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer through clinical breast examination, Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA), and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Assay and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) for men. Intensive and sustained public enlightenment and awareness campaign is also ongoing with, free screening at the local government level. Free treatment of affected women captured during the outreach and appropriate referrals is also in place.

It is good to note that there are designated government facilities for screening and treatment. For instance, seven General Hospitals located at Orile- Agege , Ikorodu, Lagos, Epe and Badagry handle diagnosis while Lagos Island Maternity Hospital is essentially for cervical cancer management and chemotherapy is available at LASUTH with oncologists in attendance.

Since commencement of the State Wellness Week till date, 35,100 women have been screened for cancer of the breast, 23,810 women for cancer of the cervix and 5,934 men have been screened for cancer of the prostate. Collaboration and partnership with relevant agencies have also helped in achieving good outcomes. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has in the past collaborated with the training of more than 80 family planning providers on the cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with Acetic Acid.

The Ministry of Health had also provided information booklets on breast cancer to assist spread of information on the need for regular screening for men and women. Other partners that collaborated with the Ministry of Health include NGOs such as COPE, Bloom, Sebeccly, MWAN, BRECAN which provided counsellors during the community awareness and screening programme. The message is that early detection can prevent morbidity and mortality.

Also, screenings for vaccination and treatment of Viral Hepatitis, and Wilms tumour in children have commenced while the state government is equally supporting organisations involved in awareness and screening. The long term plan is to have e-mobile centres across the state that would aid early detection, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Also, the enactment of a law seeking to establish the Lagos State Cancer Institute to provide for the promotion, aid and coordination of researches relating to cancer and cancer-related illnesses and for connected purposes is part of the measures being taken to institutionalise the campaign against cancer. The plan to establish the institute is a testament to the determination of the state government to improve the health and welfare of the citizenry.

Essentially, cancers occur as a result of extreme exposure to toxin, pollutants and electro-magnetic light. Obesity, tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and high stress lifestyles that destroy the immune system, junk food are also risk factors. Some simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in cancer prevention include eating healthy diet.

Adeola Salako, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos

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POLITICS

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

Botched Ekiti Primary: Will APC Get it Right?

The battle for the APC governorship ticket in Ekiti State at last Saturday’s botched primary was a crisis foretold, writes Victor Ogunje

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he battle for the APC governorship ticket in Ekiti State at last Saturday’s botched primary was a crisis foretold, writes Victor Ogunje On Saturday, May 5, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship primary in Ekiti State ended in a fiasco and was suspended and rescheduled to today.

The violence sponsored by some bigwigs, portrayed the APC as a party still operating in an Hobbesian clime, where life was crude and brutish. Th thugs who invaded th venue of the primary took rascality to the extreme, by openly brandishing dangerous weapons and halted electoral process effortlessly and without restraint.

Observers had for long forewarned that the long list of aspirants, numbering 33 jostling for the ticket was dangerous and posed grave consequences for APC. It was obvious that the inability of the party’s leadership to prune down the number would work against the party.

On that day, dreaded looking party goons took to the field and made a mess of the hordes of security men at the venue by disrupting the poll midway. They smashed ballot boxes to the bewilderment of delegates and that abruptly terminated the process and rendered it inchoate.

From the outset , the party appeared determined to reclaim Ekiti from Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The statements made by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi when he declared on April 14 corroborated this assertion. He said: “We shall use local, state and federal might to win Ekiti. This is a task we must achieve.”

Analysts wonder how the party hopes to win when it can’t agree on a candidate.

Before the horrible turn of event, signs were ominous that there was deep hatred among some strong contenders in the race. Several caustic statements posted on social media platforms attested to the war of attrition in APC. Most troubling was the exchange of verbal tirades between Fayemi and Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

Before the botched primary the State Working Committee, led by its Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, was spilt into two factions. Awe is leading the pack of those fingered to be loyal to former Governor Segun Oni while the Secretary, Barr Paul Omotoso and others had coalesced behind Fayemi.

The party leader in the state, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo was alleged to be backing Fayemi and could therefore not legitimately arbitrate among the contending forces. The division became so palpable to the extent that each faction did not trust the other.

It all started like a child’s play at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, venue of the exercise, as agents of some strong contenders alleged that security agencies of compromising the process in favour of Fayemi. Trouble started at about 5.30pm when some agents raised observations about electoral malfeasance being perpetrated by agents of a particular aspirant , accusing the men of the Department of State Services (DSS) of dictating to the delegates who they should vote for. The agents were those representing Ojudu, Senator Ayo Arise, other strong contenders. Efforts made by APC Primary Chairman and Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura to calm down frayed nerves were rebuffed.

Aggrieved aspirants accused Fayemi’s agent , Mr. Samuel Abejide of dictating to delegates who to vote for and also writing the serial numbers of their ballot papers to authenticate who they actually voted for.

To ensure that the primary went smoothly, Al-Makura had set out stringent rules , which included that an aspirant could only enter with one agent and two supporters. However, all these were violated.

It got to a point, the place became so rowdy and disorderly. Trying to rescue the situation, Al-Makura convened a meeting with the aspirants

Bimbo Daramola

to get them to behave but this rapprochement failed.

The aspirants stood their ground that the process was allegedly skewed in favour of the minister and should be annulled immediately.

Dazzled by this position, Al-Makura hurriedly entered his vehicle and left the venue.

Though, the Nasarawa governor refused to speak, two aspirants, Bimbo Daramola and Femi Bamisile announced that it was a unanimous verdict at the meeting that the process should be suspended indefinitely.

Daramola said: “There was an issue somewhere about the exercise and they raised observation about sharp practices that had compromised the process, which led to protest and the feeling was that the process should be suspended to avoid bloodshed.”

Speaking on the perceived electoral heist, the Director General of Babafemi Ojudu Campaign Organisation, Chief Ranti Adebisi alleged that the process was lopsided “The guidelines stipulated that each aspirant can only bring in four supporters, but Fayemi brought many. His agents, including DSS were issuing cards to delegates to fill when they vote for him , so that they can later come for the money he promised them.

“I contested against Fayemi in 2007 and I knew what I am talking about. The process has been compromised. Even, Fayemi has been bragging around that he is a friend of Alhaji Al –Makura, so we are disappointed that this could happen”, he said.

Reacting, Oni called on the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to investigate the errors that rendered the primary inconclusive.

Oni said the way some people who were discovered to be friends of a particular aspirant were nominated into the Ekiti overnorship

It was obvious that the inability of the party’s leadership to prune down the number would work against the party

primary committee put the integrity of the party’s national leadership to question.

“Those who have penchant for cheating and fraud structured the primary to favour a particular aspirant. I was the APC National Deputy Chairman for four years, I never used my position to influence anything about a primary I was directly involved. When you have penchant for fraud or to cheat the system, it makes democracy looks sour and uninteresting.”

Venting his anger on the shoddy conduct of the primary, Fayemi said: “If the quest for political position is to serve, then one wonders why the desperation being displayed by the likes of Femi Ojudu and Bimbo Daramola.

Fayemi’s agent in the primary, Mr Samuel Abejide, said five local governments had voted before the uprising that led to abrupt suspension of the exercise, saying the results of that already concluded were valid in the face of the law and Electoral Acts.

Stating his own position, Ojudu clarified that he never exhibited any desperation adding that that accounted for why he didn’t go to the venue with party supporters.

He said: “They said I was desperate, let us ask ourselves, who among the aspirants took delegates to Igbara Oke and Owo in Ondo State to camp? It was Fayemi. He was the one who compromised the committee and bought over security agencies to compromise the system.

“I brought him to Ekiti, I did a lot for him to be governor, so I had always known him to be desperate and we were getting video clips about how he offered bribes to delegates and how he was making calls at the election venue to top security brass in Ekiti and Abuja to cheat the system “Let me tell him, all these antics will not work.

The primary will be conducted and it must be free, fair and credible”, he said.

Daramola stated his own side of the story, saying the allegation of being desperate to be governor is not only spurious but jejune. He said : “Not only that I totally condemn the unfortunate incident which I find reprehensible.

But something must have triggered that, that should be of interest to all beyond the press release.”

The state chapter of the PDP saw a window of opportunity to project itself as the better organised party.

In a statement, the governor, Ayodele Fayose said: “We thought that we have gone beyond the era of ballot box stuffing and snatching as well as violence and killings during elections

until yesterday’s show of shame.

“This development should be of great concern to all well-meaning Nigerians as we approach the Ekiti and Osun states elections as well as the 2019 elections.”

The APC crisis has been exacerbated by the discordant tunes from the warring factions.

Fayemi’s camp was threatening to sue the party if the results of the five local governments thus conducted were cancelled.

They even took a step further by disbanding the SWC and formed a parallel caretaker committee. The party itself had directed that the committee should begin where it stopped while the SWC and other aspirants were rooting for a fresh primary.

The crisis didn’t stop at that. A group of 27 aspirants opposed to the minister’s candidacy and his alleged desperation to get the ticket, warned the Chief John Oyegun-led NWC to disband the Al-Makura-led executive and conduct fresh primary election. This group maintained that Fayemi had infiltrated the committee and nominated some people as proxies, which can’t make the credibility of the results of the five councils that had been conducted before the violence reliable.

They alleged the Al-Makura’s committee was biased and incompetent.

The aspirants posited that the shoddy way the committee handled the primary caused the violence that marred the exercise.

In a communiqué issued and read by one of the aspirants, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, they regretted the unfortunate incident that led to the protest and subsequent disruption of the primary.

They alleged that members of the primary committee, headed by Nasarawa State governor compromised the integrity of the poll and that they said had invalidated its outcome.

“We want the committee to be disbanded completely and our National Working Committee should set up a new committee to conduct another primary that will meet international standard”, they demanded.

“They said further: “Even many of those in the panel were friends to a particular candidate and this we thought could vitiate the outcome of the election.

“We are determined to win Ekiti but the right thing must be done for a candidate that will command the respect of everybody to emerge”, they added.

Supporting the position canvassed by the aspirants, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Jide Awe called for the annulment of the poll, saying: “There is no way you can conduct a primary without allowing State Executive Council to have a say.

“The aspirants were not happy. There are lots of lessons to learn as a party. One of the cardinal principles of a free and fair election is for the electorate not to have a doubt. When a system is doubted in an election it becomes invalid.

“When a system is disrupted, it becomes invalid. An invalid primary can’t produce a valid candidate. We want to have a credible election so that the electorate will be able to vote for us at the main election.

“With what happened we believe sincerely the committee is culpable and the security agencies are compromised. So the thugs that disrupted the election some people allowed them in.”

Sensing that there was a gang up against the minister, those sympathetic to Fayemi’s cause besieged the party’s office to register their disapproval over the conduct of the members of the State Working Committee, led by Awe. The protesters, who brandished placards of various inscriptions , also passed a vote of no confidence on Awe and party spokesman, Taiwo Olatunbosun, for allegedly supporting one of the aspirants in the race.

The party’s NWC after reviewing the report from Al-Makura agreed that the process had been vitiated and ordered a fresh primary slated for tomorrow.

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BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157, 08057161321

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

REPO 7.17 % 8.08 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

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

5% 8.75 % 9.50%

347.43 % 0.07% 1.41%

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

5.45 % 5.45 %

EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎ͳ˛ʹͳ˚ͯ ̊ ̊

Quick Takes Ethiopian Orders for Bombardier Q400s

BRAINSTORMING ON THE ECONOMY

L-R: Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Special Adviser, Media & Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina; Minister of Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka, during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja ‌ recently

AfDB, Afreximbank Earmark $20bn for Establishment of Leasing Company, MRO in Nigeria Chinedu Eze African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Export, Import Bank (Afreximbank) have agreed to raise capital base of about $20 billion for the actualisation of federal government’s plan to establish aircraft leasing company and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

This is in line with the two financial institutions’ objective to support aviation development in Africa in order to expand and improve inter-city connectivity in the region and give teeth to Single African Air Transport

ECONOMY Market (SAATM), a treaty signed by the African Union to promote air connectivity in the continent.

Informed source from the Ministry of Transportation told THISDAY on Tuesday that the two banks have keyed into the plan by the government of Nigeria to establish the leasing company, which it planned the national carrier, which would be birthed before the end of 2018 would source its aircraft from.

The source said that it is projected that part of the fund

would be used to acquire about 50 medium range aircraft for short-haul flights to various destinations in West and Central Africa in addition to domestic operation. “With about $4 billion the leasing company will acquire about 50 medium size aircraft for both domestic and regional flights. The banks want to support airlines in West and Central Africa with the leasing company which is being facilitated by the federal government and the major aircraft that will be acquired will be mainly Boeing, Airbus and possibly Bombardier, depending on the request of each

airline that partners with the leasing company,� the source said.

The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika had said that the Buhari administration programme in the aviation industry was to establish a national carrier, a leasing company, a MRO facility and to concession major airports in the country.

THISDAY gathered that government’s plan was to ensure that the national carrier when established, would not go the

The federal government’s initiative on export especially the agricultural commodities is yielding results as a total of 45, 462 metric tons with free on board (FOB) value of N29.146 billion of products were exported out of Nigeria between January and March 2018.

Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Musa Abdulahi, disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Lagos.

Giving a breakdown of the products exported, he said agriculture products export was responsible for 38, 517 metric tons with FOB value of N22.435 billion while processed and manufactured goods exported was 6,945 metric tons valued at N6.711 billion.

This, he stated represents an appreciable improvement of 558.46 per cent in terms of volume and 402.24 per cent

ECONOMY in terms of FOB value when compared with the 8,140 metric tons valued at N7.246 billion recorded between January and March 2017.

He listed the agriculture products exported to include; cashew nut, rubber, hibiscus flower, cocoa butter, sesame seeds, processed wood, frozen shrimps and processed leather while the manufactured products were; empty bottles, biscuit, cigarette, polyethylene, billets, soap, hair cream and tissue paper.

Abdulahi said efforts have been intensified by his command under the federal government presidential initiative on ease of doing business to improve its performance rating.

According to him, “We have made some gains in the 48 hours cargo clearance time.

Some categories of goods are being cleared from the customs zone within six hours. Trade

facilitation structures have been strengthened to sustain the gains here as follows: Fast track facilities-provided to compliment trader/importers, dispute resolution committee working as scheduled, help desk for enquiries and operational support, time release studies and securing of government revenue in disputed area through the use of bank guarantee/ indemnity as provided in the import guideline.�

He added general improvement in compliance with laid down standard operating procedures has resulted in fewer intervention due to voluntary compliance.

He said Tin Can Island Command is committed to the transformation of its revenue collection and reporting system with the implementation of NICIS11 with additional functionality, “which is an upgrade of the NICIS1.� “As part of the specific gains with the implementation we

Air France Workers Continue Strike

Labour issues faced by Air France have continued to dog the airline and might lead to the resignation of its chief executive.

Airwise.com reported that CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac said he would resign after failing to persuade Air France sta to accept a four year, 7 percent pay deal. The oer included a two percent increase for 2018, but unions want ďŹ ve percent for this year.

The airline put the oer to sta last week as part of a consultation process that ended with an electronic vote.

In the Friday vote, 55.44 percent of votes cast were against the oer, on an 80.33 percent participation rate.

At an Air France-KLM board meeting last wekend, Janaillac conďŹ rmed his decision to resign, but was asked to stay on until the end of the group’s general meeting on May 15. A company statement said the board reaďŹƒrmed their “full and total supportâ€? for Janaillac, and said he had agreed to stay on until then.

The Tuesday strike is the 15th in a series of one-day stoppages that have cost the airline over â‚Ź300 million ($358 million) so far.

The 80 percent of ights Air France said it would operate is broken down into 95 percent of long-haul services, 75 percent of medium-haul ights at Paris Charles de Gaulle, and 82 percent of short-haul operations to and from Paris-Orly and French provincial airports.

Air France said it has updated its schedule for May 8, but passengers should expect last minute delays and cancellations.

Failed Engine Showed Metal Fatigue

Continued on page 20

Nigeria Exports N29.146bn Worth of Agricultural Products in Three Months Eromosele Abiodun

Ethiopian Airlines has ordered for 10 Bombardier Q400s and has purchase rights for ďŹ ve additional Q400 turboprops, the East African carrier said.

With this order, Ethiopian increases its eet of Q400s to up to 39 aircraft if all purchase rights are exercised. The ďŹ rm order is valued at approximately $332 million at list prices. “The market trend for high-performing and larger turboprops is intensifying,â€? Bombardier Commercial Aircraft President Fred Cromer said, noting that this latest booking is Ethiopian’s ďŹ fth reorder.Ethiopian is the largest operator of Q400s in Africa; the airline operates 22 Q400s based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and through its partners at ASKY in Lome, Togo and Malawian Airlines in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Ethiopian is expected to take delivery of two more Q400s in 2018.

The 82-seat Q400s will support additional domestic capacity in Ethiopia, as well as the carrier’s new African partnership hubs in Mozambique, Chad, and Equatorial Guinea. “The Q400 turboprop is a great network builder. Its unmatched performance and outstanding economics has allowed us to better serve the domestic and regional demand in Ethiopia,� Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said.

have the biometric system and introduction of a one stop shop, which will enable treatment of declarations of valuations, classification and other related clearance issues/queries. In the meantime, the renovation of the space for the one stop shop is in progress. “There is also the automation of cargo examination and assignment process where examination officers are assigned examination automatically, this is designed to ensure transparency in the process. The vehicle valuation system is being further improved with the attachment of the valuation note issued to the SGD in the system, this will enable a quick verification of assessment and duty payment, “he stated.

He confirmed the seizure of two containers of Tramadol imported from India.

He disclosed that the products were declared as electrical static converters and ciprofloxacin in Continued on page 20

The fan blade on the Southwest Airlines 737 engine that failed last month showed signs consistent with metal fatigue, the US NTSB said in an update on its accident investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board said an ultrasonic inspection of the CFM56-7B engine’s damaged fan blade revealed fatigue fracture features. The blades had over 32,000 engine cycles since new and were last overhauled 10,712 cycles before the accident.

According to airwise.com, the NTSB’s inspection showed the engine failure had caused signiďŹ cant damage to the wing’s leading edge and a cabin window which was missing.

Flight attendants, who were moving through the aircraft cabin immediately after the incident, observed that a female passenger in row 14 was partially out of the hole in the fuselage where the window had been. The ight attendants and two male passengers were able to bring the passenger in, but she died of her injuries.

The ight crew requested an emergency landing and was diverted to Philadelphia. The report shows that the captain was planning a long ďŹ nal approach into the airport to make sure that all checklists were completed, but decided to shorten the approach when the pilots learned of passenger injuries.

“Nigeria is not hostile to foreign airlines; Nigeria is hostile to its own airlines-the Nigerian airlines�

Organiser of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market

Ikechi Uko

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BUSINESSWORLD AFDB, AFREXIMBANK EARMARK $20BN FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF LEASING COMPANY, MRO IN NIGERIA way of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) by making sure the new airline is private sector driven; it will also provide the airline and other airlines in Nigeria, West and Central Africa maintenance facility and a leasing company.

According to the source, the new national carrier when established will not order aircraft directly from the manufacturers but through the leasing company which would provide the airline robust and flexible payment options, while at the same time providing it aircraft on demand.

In a recent road show to sensitise airlines in West and Central Africa on the plan of Afreximbank to support the development of air transport in Africa, the client relations manager of the bank, Mr. Rene Awabeng said that the bank would assist airlines in the region to acquire aircraft with terms that would enable airlines spread the payment of the aircraft, hence the banks’ financial support to the planned leasing company.

NIGERIA EXPORTS N29.146BN WORTH OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN THREE MONTHS a bid to evade arrest.

Abdullahi expressed concern that despite efforts to discourage importation of illicit drugs, some unrepentant elements still engage in such practice. “One by 40 and 2 by 20 containers of Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg which were declared electrical static converters and ciprofloxacin.

We are collaborating with NAFDAC and NDLEA on this seizure, �he added.

He added that a suspect in connection with the containers was arrested by the Command, while the search for those behind the import continues. “We have gotten a suspect who is the agent and through him, we will get the importer and ensure they are prosecuted and thereafter the consignment will be destroyed.

Those who are involved in this thing should stop because it is dangerous to our health.�

NEWS

DG NITDA: Nigeria Spends $2bn on ICT Annually ȹȊ Â’Â‹ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠÂ—ČąÂ–Â’Â—Â’ÂœÂ?ÂŽÂ›ČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–ÂŽÂ—Â?ÂœČą Â’Â? ˜– ŠÂ?

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Pantami, has disclosed that the federal government spends $2 billion on ICT annually, stating the agency had saved the federal government N6b through its IT Project Clearance.

This came as the Liberian Assistant Minister of Planning in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Dominic Kwenme has described the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat) as a great asset and pride to the African continent.

Stating this in Abuja, during the stakeholders’ workshop on “Engagement and sensitisation workshop on IT Project clearance Portal and draft guidelines�, the DG of NITDA said that the agency was engaging stakeholders to make sure that the sector is properly regulated for Nigeria to fully benefit from the potentials that ICT offers.

According to him, “NITDA has emphasised the need for the sector to be properly regulated in order for the country to effectively benefit from the full potentials offered by ICT. It may interest us that about $2billion is being expended on IT projects on annual basis in Nigeria. ‘’Accordingly, the apparent disparity between increasing

budgetary allocation and expenditures on IT projects and services and the insignificant increase in automation of public services call for concern. The need for proper co-ordination can therefore not be over-emphasised.

A major step at properly addressing this is the IT Projects Clearance initiative in MDAs.�

Pantami further added that their initial findings showed that many IT

projects were riddled with the challenges such as IT projects was becoming a conduit pipe for siphoning huge public resources, poor conceptualisation and planning of many projects, which he stressed were done without clear sustainability plans. “Our goal at NITDA is to use the IT Projects Clearance process to correct the ills identified above and to further entrench IT product manufacturing and services in

Nigeria’’ NITDA boss further stated. ‘’I am delighted to report to this gathering that our collaboration with relevant government organisations on this initiative is already yielding positive fruits. ‘’For instance, the Office for the Auditor General of the Federation now issues audit queries to MDAs who refuse to get NITDA clearance before embarking on their IT projects while The Economic and

Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is also partnering with us to investigate government agencies that might be breaching the NITDA guidelines and policies.’’ In another development, the Liberian Assistant Minister of Planning in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Dominic Kwenme, has described the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat) as a great asset and pride to the African continent.

LUCKY WINNERS

Deputy Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mohammed Balarabe (M) flanked by prize winners in the Fidelity Bank’s “Get Alert in Millions Promo Reloaded�. From left: Jennifer Nnanna (N2 million), Clara Okafor (N1 million), Bartholomew Nnalue (N10 million) and Chukwuemeka Aniugbo (N1milliom), at the final prize presentation in Abuja ... recently

Dakuku Seeks Regional Cooperation for Maritime Security, Devt Eromosele Abiodun The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stated that regional cooperation is the key to the safety and security of inbound and outbound goods and services to Africa through the seas.

Peterside said this at a technical workshop on Prospects, Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Collaboration on the sideline of the just concluded Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston Texas, in the United States of America.

Equally, he noted that the development of the maritime sector on the African continent is hinged on regional cooperation.

He further assured the select international stakeholders of a renewed effort to enhance safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea based on sustainable regional cooperation.

Peterside, who was represented by the agency’s Executive Director Operations, Rotimi Fashakin said efforts at regional collaboration have led to signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ghanaian Maritime Administration amongst others.

He added Africa particularly the sub-Saharan region of the continent stands to benefit from regional cooperation as this will enhance participation in international shipping thus reversing the current trend of the region having only an insignificant part of international cargo freight.

He noted that the Federal Government of Nigeria supports regional integration as demonstrated with the approved Integrated National Security Strategy (INSS) for the Nigerian maritime sector which is designed to be implemented in collaboration with other countries in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). “The oil & Gas industry needs the maritime sector, particularly shipping, which is international in nature for it to thrive. The fact that shipping is international in nature makes collaboration particularly at the regional level inevitable.

This will serve as a catalyst for growth in the industry and we at NIMASA have recognized this fact, thus our numerous collaborative efforts which have begun to yield fruits�, he said.

He informed the stakeholders that NIMASA has established a command and control centre for enhanced situation awareness, response capability, law enforcement and regional cooperation amongst others, all geared towards an enhanced water security and by extension, the entire region.

Peterside who is the current Chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) also assured the international community that NIMASA will continue to collaborate with other countries in sub Saharan Africa and beyond in order to realize its vision of a prosperous maritime sector in Nigeria and the West and Central African Sub-Region.

While calling for continuous collaboration amongst partners across continents,

the NIMASA DG noted that improved profiling and information sharing on maritime criminality and illegality, enhanced maritime domain awareness and surface to air patrol capabilities, functional legal framework, integration of national inter-agency efforts, amongst others are factors that can help bring solutions to the issues related to insecurity in the maritime domain.

On his part, the Chairman of NIMASA Governing Board, General Jonathan India Garba (Rtd.) noted that regional collaboration in the maritime sector is an effective measure to grow both human and infrastructural capacity in the maritime sector, adding that the NIMASA Board supports the Agency’s executive Management’s efforts at regional integration.

Group Business Editor

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Bala-Usman UrgesYouths to Strive for Nigeria’s Unity

Comms/e-Business Editor

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Eromosele Abiodun The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman has called on Nigerian Youths to continue to work for the unity of Nigeria by developing a nationalistic mindset as they prepare for future leadership of the country.

Hadiza Bala Usman made this call while delivering a key note address titled; “The Youth as forebears of the New Nigeria,� at the 2018 edition of United Action for Change Youth Leadership Training Programme at the Digital Bridge Institute,

Oshodi, Lagos.

According to her, developing a nationalistic mindset will enable them to avoid the manipulation of war mongers, ethnic and religious jingoists who peddle divisive narratives for selfish interests. She advised the youths to shun leaders who wield religious sentiments and always ready to drag them into unnecessary conflicts but rather they should look for role models that can make them realize that they have a common destiny with the Nigerian nation.

She noted: “The pride of Nigeria is in its diversity and the new Nigeria must be one in

which leaders employ the things that bind us together efforts to limit the fault lines and the divisions that they bring. There can be no greatness for Nigeria if every citizen of the country cannot feel at home whether they are in Sokoto, Ilorin, Lagos, Uyo or Aba. The onus to ensure that we have a country where every single Nigerian can proudly call home lies in the hands of the our youth.’’ She enjoined the youths to develop a cosmopolitan mindset which abhors all forms of discrimination and prioritise merit, honesty, hard work and love for Nigeria, pointing out that

appointments or recognition is not given on religious or ethnic backgrounds but rather on discipline, dedication, commitment, diligence etc. “As youths who aspire to lead Nigeria into a new era, we must develop a deep sense of righteous living and contentment, none of which can happen without self-worth and self-control, essential life skills that need to be developed also include the capacity to work under pressure, work with other and take decisions that reflect a deep understanding of the situation. Potential leaders must also learn to read and be

attentive listeners�, she added.

While urging the youths to cultivate a sense of service to the people, the NPA boss also advised them to embrace politics early by emulating Nigerian leaders like Sirs Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe who became leaders in their Thirties (30s) and Senator Hillary Clinton, who wanted to be President at 69 but has been in public service for about four decades and President Obama, who became America President at 46 but had been in active public service at 24.

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NEWS

‘Cashless Policy Aimed at Boosting Revenue, Foreign Investment’ Chinedu Eze The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said that it adopted cashless policy in order to boost its revenue, facilitate foreign investment, check corruption and to eliminate the encumbering logistics of cash payment and movement.

The cashless policy will take effect from May 14 and it would be adopted at the 22 airports managed by FAAN, which has deployed all the equipment and personnel for the implementation of the policy.

FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, told THISDAY the gains and the reason for adopting the policy.

We want to create enabling environment for foreign investors and even for all of our travellers that make use of our airports. That was how the cashless policy came up. All over the world people

hardly travel with cash. The world has gone digital. With your credit card you can carry out many transactions so FAAN is keying in to what is happening globally for coming up with this idea to go cashless,� Yakubu said.

Another major reason, according to her, is to fight corruption.

She added: “When cash is being handled by staff, corruption becomes inevitable.

So this is a way of stopping corruption and also to beef up our finances as many loopholes through which FAAN loses money will be closed with the cashless policy. So whatever that is due to FAAN will get to the agency without it being shortchanged. When you do electronics transaction, everything comes to the agency. So these are some of the reasons that made us to go cashless.�

Yakubu said that the policy would also enhance ease of doing business and internally

generated revenue (IGR) and overall revenue base. “We will be able to track money that comes into our system and this makes it very easy for us. We hope our passengers will key into it once you are in our airport.

It starts from May 14. But already our passengers have started complying, especially those that are learned and travel a lot. It is easy to go cashless because passengers don’t like travelling with cash. “It also makes accountability easier for us. Our account officers face the challenge of going to bank every day to deposit cash but the cashless policy will take care of that. Accountability will be easier for us now that going to bank everyday has been eradicated. FAAN has deployed POS (point of sale) machines because we are working with banks, so we have deployed these machines to most of our 22 airports, if not all of them,� she added.

AIR WATCH Endless Wait for New Airport Terminals

Abuja Airport New Terminal

Aviation Industry Faces Acute Labour Shortage Chinedu Eze The aviation industry is currently contending with acute labour shortage worldwide, industry operators have said. They have therefore warned that unless training and retraining of aviation personnel is increased, in the nearest future airlines may ground flights because of lack of pilots.

In Nigeria, since the past 10 years, domestic airlines have been engaging expatriates as pilots and engineers, but recently, some of them have been engaging scheduling officers, route development officials and others.

The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Captain Abdulsalam Mohammed said that the cost of train-

ing pilots is high but noted that relatively, the cost of the training at the college is relatively low.

Industry observers argued that the major challenge Nigerian pilots face is type-rating, alleging that Nigerian airlines are reluctant to engage pilots from school to type-rate on their aircraft.

Airlines pay hugely to recruit and retain expatriate pilots and engineers and most often they pay them in dollars, while they earn their revenues in local currency, the naira, which literally digs big holes in their finances.

It is not only pilots that are at short supply, most personnel in the technical areas of aviation is not easy to come by, said KLCC, an industry magazine, which noted that there is paucity of aviation personnel in all

the technical areas.

Reports also indicate that aircraft mechanics and flight simulator technicians are also in high demand.

KLCC reported that at Alaska Airlines’ Flight Training Center near Seattle, USA, the organisation is finding it difficult to get instructors for the facility. “You’ve heard about the pilot retirement wave, but there is also a retirement wave in the flight simulator maintenance field. Even though our numbers aren’t as large as the pilots, the impact might be greater than the pilots because we maintain these machines that the pilots actually train on day in and day out before they go out and fly you safely to your destination,� said one of the instructors at the flight school.

Lufthansa Makes $2.5 Billion Plane Order Germany’s Lufthansa has ordered up to 16 new planes worth 2.1 billion euros (1.84 billion pounds), including up to six Airbus (AIR. PA) A320ceos to make up for delivery shortfalls in a newer version of the jet and four long-haul Boeing (BA.N) 777s.

Lufthansa said it is among airlines hit by delivery delays to the Airbus A320neo, a version of the best-selling plane with new engines, and has partly curtailed growth plans as a result.

It therefore plans to order up to six of the older version of the jet, the A320ceo, depending on availability.

Lufthansa said it needs the planes because it is expanding capacity fast

this year, mainly through its Eurowings budget brand, as it seeks to fill the gap left by the collapse of local rival Air Berlin. “The plan is to deploy them at Lufthansa this year already, in order to offset delivery delays for Airbus A320neo aircraft,� Lufthansa said in a statement. It also said it would convert six options for A320neos to firm orders.

In total, the orders for up to 16 planes have a combined list price of around 2.1 billion euros, although buyers usually negotiate discounts, and were approved by the group’s supervisory board on Monday.

Along with the A320s, the orders include two Boeing

777-300ER long-haul jets for its SWISS subsidiary that are expected to enter service at the beginning of 2020, and two further Boeing 777F for Lufthansa Cargo, which will replace older MD-11 planes.

Both SWISS and Lufthansa Cargo reported improved first quarter results last month and Lufthansa said the order reflected their economic success.

The Boeing 777 orders would also be a boost for Boeing, which last month moved to ease concerns over output of the jetliner.

The aircraft are expected to be delivered through 2022 and the orders should have no impact on Lufthansa’s 2019 investment plans, the company said in a statement.

Recent reports from Arcaid, Architects and Environmental Consultants on behalf of the federal government revealed that the four new terminals at the four major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano are encumbered by structural defects, thus they would not be put in use in 2018 as earlier planned.

The consultants also said that many facilities that would dovetail the new terminals to the existing ones for seamless passenger facilitation are lacking and providing them would cost about $500 million (about N1.8 billion).

THISDAY however gathered that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has approved additional cost and this was included in the 2018 budget.

Feelers from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are that the terminals might not be ready by the end of 2019, so it would be about four years behind the projected 2015 completion date following the commencement of work on the projects in 2013.

Arcaid also revealed that the new terminals built at the cost of $600million (N2.16 billion) are inadequate for targetted passenger traffic and also lacked essential facilities.

The terminals located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa are being built by a consortium of Chinese companies led by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The project was funded by the Chinese government at the cost of $500 with counterpart fund of $100 million paid by the federal government.

The money, which was obtained in 2012 from the Chinese Exim Bank led to the commencement of construction at the terminals in 2013. Five years down the line, work is yet to be completed in the terminals in 2018; although almost all of them are at advanced stages of completion.

Details of the report showed that adequate feasibility study was not carried out before locating the terminals at the area of the Abuja and Lagos airports where it obstructed the fire service and the control tower respectively.

The studies also revealed that essential facilities that were absent in the new terminals include landside link, which ought to link the new terminal to the old, drop off canopy, access roads, apron and taxiway, water treatment upgrade and power improvement equipment, The company that carried out the studies therefore recommended urgent construction of the new fire station, power upgrade and sewage upgrade and the link between the new and the old terminals, which is said, must be completed before the new terminals could be cleared to become operational.

The report also disclosed that the construction of the terminal was hurriedly done without proper study on the location of the facility and that explained why the one located at the Lagos airport was built at the area it blocked the control tower and on top of electricity cables, which gave rise to constant power outages at the airport.

In addition to other recommendations, the consultants also recommended that “the connections between the existing terminal building and the new terminal building be done as soon as possible to enable the airport function as a potential hub�, noting that the needed facility was out of scope of the project at conception.

In a recent interview with THISDAY the Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, while pointing out these limitations, expressed optimism that the agency and federal government would intensify action to ensure that the terminals were completed. He projected that some of them might come on stream by end of this year and others by early next year.

But THISDAY learnt on Tuesday from FAAN officials that lack of funds may stall the provision of additional facilities to make the terminals operational. “The timeline may not be correct because currently there is no apron to link the terminals to the runway. For the terminals to be ready, other facilities must be ready, so we need to have additional power supply, water system, connectivity between the old and new terminals.

You cannot be sure that we will get money from the 2018 budget until the money is made available,� said a FAAN official.

Industry observers posited that the terminal at the Lagos airport, sited at a wrong place is blocking the control tower and must be pulled down and rebuilt before the terminal could become functional. They reasoned that the other side of the existing terminal, where it was initially planned to be built, would have been the best location for the project.

But that location has been a subject of controversy for several years because it was given out in concession to Chief Harry Akande to build hospitality facility but was later revoked

by FAAN, forcing the legal luminary to go to court.

But Chief Harry Akande once told THISDAY that if FAAN and the federal government had approached him, he might have considered giving them that land and deplored the way the agency and government went about using force to wrest the land from him, which explained why he approached to court.

As passenger traffic continues to grow at the major airports where these terminals are located, it is hoped that one day Nigerians and other airport users would someday benefit from these facilities.

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MAY 11, 2018

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National Shipping Line: A Pipe Dream?

Eromosele Abiodun wonders what happened to the report on the establishment of a new national shipping line submitted to the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi last June State-owned companies are often touted as necessary tools for development in emerging economies. This is because they can be directed by governments to achieve development ends. The model has been a success in some countries but an epic failure in others. Such companies are not generally needed to provide goods. Rather, they are needed to provide the foundation for a well-functioning economy and a healthy, well-informed populace. Although the companies operate in a wide range of sectors across all countries, they are most common in emerging markets.

Research suggests that electricity infrastructure roll-out increases employment. Also, transport infrastructure expansion increases economic growth in the long-run and has relatively high rates of return in industrialising countries.

Thus, state-owned companies that provide the backbone of an economy can be expected to help spur economic growth and development.

While some have argued that the era of state sponsored enterprises is over, the story is different in Asia and Africa. For instance, the share of state-owned companies among the top 10 firms is 96 per cent in China, 88 per cent in the United Arab Emirates, 81 per cent in Russia, and 59 per cent in India. Given that China and India are among the fastest-growing economies in the world, it is tempting to conclude that state-owned enterprises can spur economic growth. But analysts believe that conclusion is not supported by any empirical research and ignores the fact that even China believes it is necessary to further reform its state-owned enterprises sector.

Experts told THISDAY that state-owned companies could be found in every country in the world. “Norway has, arguably, seen greater success than other countries, especially in Europe, while South Africa cannot point to the same levels of success. State ownership itself is not necessarily the problem. Instead, success more often hinges on managerial skill and autonomy. In Norway the government operates through the board and treats all shareholders as equals. Chinese state-owned enterprises have been spurred on by a variety of events, including increased autonomy and the impact of market forces, “said an expert in the sector who do not want his name in print.

Nigerian Example Historically, governments have set up companies to develop industries where investors seem reluctant. But is this still important in today’s world? The Minister of Transport, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi thinks so.

Last year, the minster unfolded the federal government’s plan to float a new national shipping line.

Amaechi explained that the new national carrier of ocean-going vessels would not be funded via the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

To this end, in April last year, the minister constituted a committee to screen shipping operators interested in acquiring part of the 60 per cent holding for Nigerians in the proposed National fleet.

The fleet is expected to have a 40 per cent foreign ownership. The Chairman of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and Chief Executive Officer, Starzs Investments Group, Greg Ogbeifun, who was a member of the committee had expressed confidence that the new national fleet, unlike the old one, will be a success.

He pointed out that Amaechi had assured stakeholders of government’s political will at ensuring that the new project gets cargo to carry.

He quoted the minister as saying that the present government was determined to do everything possible to ensure that the new national carrier succeeds.

Minister Receives Report Following the timeline given to the committee,

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi

it submitted its report the minister last year June. However, since the report was submitted, nothing has been hard from the Ministry of Transport, raising fears that the effort may yet be another pipe dream.

On presentation of the report from the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Olu Olusoji, in Abuja, the minister immediately constituted an implementation committee which he said would be headed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello.

According to him, it has become expedient to constitute the implementation committee immediately because government attaches premium importance to the revival of the national shipping line, adding that it will greatly impact on the socioeconomic development of the country.

Amaechi said international regulator and willing investors in the industry had given Nigeria August as deadline to put all the necessary framework and foundation for viable international maritime activities which will attract foreign investors. “Investors have given us August as deadline on this issue. And we have said government is going to use part of the cabotage fund in this direction. We must also advise on how to choose who qualifies to benefit from the fund because the 60 per cent that we have must be accessed from the cabotage as part of their equity contribution,� he said.

He, however, warned the committee members not to allow private vested interest in the utilisation of the cabotage fund jeopardise government’s good intention in the allocation of the fund to ship owners at the detriment of national interest. “I will leave that to the committee. I don’t want to see your private interest because everybody wants to access the fund. The law states that the minister decides and that is why I have said NSC should chair the committee, “he said.

Making clarification on how much Nigeria loses as a result of patronage of foreign fleet in international waters, Akinsoji said in 2014, Nigeria lost $2.2 billion because of the absence of national shipping line.

According to him, “If 50 per cent out of the 5,000 ships that landed in Nigeria in 2014 were Nigerian ships and managed by Nigerians, the country would have saved $2.2 billion.�

He said Nigerian seafarers that would have been engaged to work on the fleet would have been earning about $3,000 per month.

He added, “So you can imagine the number of families that would have benefitted from that and these are the kind of loses that we

are making by not having ships carrying our cargoes in the international waters.�

Akinsoji said international cargoes generated are carried by foreigners and foreigner ship as the country did not have ships in the international waters carrying dry cargo.

While pleading with Amaechi not to allow the report gather dust, he said the roadmap to the successful establishment of a Nigerian fleet, was the implementation of the report as well as the repositioning of NIMASA. He said: “On our part, we have taken a bold step to advise the minister on the way forward on the establishment of a Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee (NFIC) in flying Nigeria’s flag in international waters.�

Obasanjo’s Fears Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had while reacting to the matter advised the federal government against resuscitating the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line, NNSL. Obasanjo blamed the demise of NNSL on the lack of professionalism and high level corruption at the time.

He said: “NNSL had been liquidated. They tried Nigeria Unity Line (NUL), it collapsed.

Nineteen brand new ships were specially built for Nigeria and we did not take delivery of some of them until I left office in 1979. When I came back in 1999, NNSL had been liquidated with all 19 ships and the five already in existence gone.

Two of the ships were missing for almost two years and it was discovered that one military man was using them all over the world without accountability.�

Obasanjo urged the present administration to ‘think out of the box’ and come up with what should be done to grow the maritime industry.

Amaechi, however, promised that the federal government was ready to create an enabling environment for steering the maritime industry to its rightful position.

Amaechi said government would provide safe environment for both foreign and indigenous investors to reap returns on their investment without compromising the nation’s economic benefits.

The Collapse of NNSL Meanwhile, Obasanjo and other stakeholders’ fears may not be out of place given what happened to the NNSL in the past. The company was established by the Nigerian government in 1959. Despite heavy investment and subsidies, the state-owned company was unable to compete with European lines. Much of the investment went to enriching the political elite. Deeply indebted, the NNSL was liquidated in 1995 and all 21 of

its vessels were sold.

At inception in 1957, 33 per cent of the capital was held by the Elder Dempster Line and 16 per cent by the Palm Line, both British companies, while the Nigerian government held 51 per cent. In 1961, the Nigerian government acquired all the shares. The NNSL started operations in 1959 with three vessels. Nigerian seamen who had been employed by British shipping companies in the colonial era moved to work for the Nigerian Line. By 1964 it had grown to a total of 16 vessels. The public company was assisted by private businessmen. Sir Louis Ojukwu, who was an early member of the board, died in 1966. The chairman from 1967 to 1973 was Chief Adekunle Ojora, formerly of the United Africa Company (UAC), who later became a highly successful businessman in his own right.

During the Nigerian civil war the army made free use of the NNSL for transport of troops.

The ships played a key role in the advances along the coast in 1969. With the end of the war in January 1970, General Yakubu Gowon announced an extensive programme to revive the economy. In place of expensive hired vessels two new ships were bought for the NNSL and the ports at Calabar and Port Harcourt were rehabilitated. In 1977 the government ordered construction of 19 new vessels to replace the aging fleet. By 1979 the company had 24 oceangoing ships. The NNSL was an important source of training for seamen of the Nigerian Merchant Navy (NMN).

While addressing newsmen in January 1980 about his first 100 days in office, former President Shehu Shagari said that during this period the NNSL increased its percentage of imported goods from about eight per cent to 11.3 per cent and had started bringing in components for the Peugeot assembly plant in Kaduna, components that had previously been flown in. On a less positive note, heroin smuggling by crew members was a significant issue in the 1970s and 1980s, with Nigeria serving as a major transit point for drugs bound for Europe.

A 1987 study of the NNSL for the World Bank compared results to the benefits that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had estimated would come from entry of Nigeria into shipping. The findings were that the investment had made no significant contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment, the balance of payments, exercising countervailing power, national security or the country’s image. The gains had been less than the opportunity costs of the resources used.

In 1988 the National Maritime Authority (NMA) granted six Nigerian shipping lines “national carrier� status, including the state-owned NNSL. The NMA planned to extend this status to more domestic companies so as to reduce control of trade by foreign-owned lines. The Shipping Policy Decree of 1987, which established the NMA, gave approval for a 50-50 share between foreign and domestic lines for non-conference cargos. However, in 1988 the 24 ships of Nigerian national carriers including the NNSL took only 11 per cent of the cargoes at Nigerian ports. The NNSL and the private companies suffered from financial problems and lacked the facilities needed to attract cargoes. In the 1990s several of the company’s vessels were seized in different parts of the world for alleged breach of contract and unpaid bills.

Finally, the NNSL was liquidated in September 1995 and its assets were assumed by the newly formed NUL. The NUL, fully owned by the Nigeria Maritime Authority, began commercial operations in July 1996 as Nigeria’s national flag carrier. The NUL had just one ship, MV Abuja.

In August 2005 the government put the NUL up for sale. The company now had no vessels, but owned a shipping licence. In July 2010 it was reported that the NIMASA, the successor to the NMA, had completed arrangements to establish a new national shipping line for Nigeria. A fresh attempt was made to re-launch and sell the NUL in 2011.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

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CBN and Inflation Management In this article, Arize Nwobu applauds the monetary policy stance of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele Inflation is dangerous and cancerous, and is something every central bank and responsible government should worry about and strive to manage and keep within reasonable and acceptable limits for the benefit of the economy and standard of living of the people. Inflation hurts our buying power and makes it difficult for people to afford basic necessities of life, it raises the effective tax people pay on income they earn, which in turn discourages savings and investment, even as it also affects our retirement.

As noted by experts, inflation can destabilise an economy, drive out foreign investors due to exchange rate fluctuations, and topple governments especially when it becomes galloping or hyper(double-digit inflation). With galloping inflation prices rise 10 per cent or more in a year while hyper inflation renders a currency useless.

As one writer puts it, ‘’If hyper inflation happens you will need a wheel barrow of money to buy a loaf of bread as was the case in Zimbabwe in the 2000s and Germany in the 1920s.’’ Inflation can be cost-push or demandpull. The former arises due to higher production cost which leads to a decrease in aggregate supply and an increase in the overall price level, and the latter is when demand for goods and services in an economy rises more rapidly than an economy’s productive capacity.

Central banks manage inflation by controlling the quantum of money inflow into the economy, the volume of money in a system affects the GDP, overall growth, interest rate and unemployment, thus, the need for the right quantity of money to circulate to keep the economy healthy.

Some of the methodologies used by central banks to manage inflation include the Open Market Operation(OMO), which involves buying or selling of government securities which has been noted to be quite effective, easy to apply and flexible.

Others methodologies are Bank rate, Credit ceiling, Special deposit, Funding, Cash Reserve Ratio and others.

The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) is working hard, and tactically so, to reduce inflation rate to a comfortable limit to

The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) is working hard, and tactically so, to reduce ination rate to a comfortable limit to ensure a better standard of living through a combination strategy of tight monetary policy and a strident effort to boost the productive capacity of the economy through innovative policies aimed at increasing local production and decreasing imports The strategy makes sense, because experts have noted that in the long run, it is the growth of a country’s supply-side productive potential that gives an economy the energy to grow without suffering from acceleration in cost and price ination

EmeďŹ ele

ensure a better standard of living through a combination strategy of tight monetary policy and a strident effort to boost the productive capacity of the economy through innovative policies aimed at increasing local production and decreasing imports.

The strategy makes sense, because experts have noted that in the long run, it is the growth of a country’s supply-side productive potential that gives an economy the energy to grow without suffering from acceleration in cost and price inflation. But, in managing inflation, it is noteworthy of the correlation between inflation and inflation expectation. The latter is the action people take to protect themselves when they begin to anticipate a decline in the purchasing power of their currency.

Inflation expectation creates an adverse effect, it hinders economic performance as people consume resources that would have been used more productively- they begin to spend more now than later and in the process heat up the economy which leads to spiral inflation and which can go out of control. In some economies relevant institutions scrutinise certain indicators to figure out how the economy and inflation will perform in future.

The European Commission conducts a poll every month to seek consumer inflation development in the Euro areas, getting their perceptions of current inflation development and their expectation for the next 12 months. But the bottom line is that keeping inflation low and stable is an antidote for anchoring inflation expectation; and also to reinforce commitment to price stability in addition to clear communication.

Some market watchers believe that CBN is being tactical with a tight monetary policy which has witnessed the MPR standing at 14 per cent for a prolonged period, and that predictably, the apex bank would drop the rate, after the first half of 2018 when inflation rate would have dropped to a single digit.

But, the former Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), ChikeObi, proffers an expansionary monetary

policy now to spur growth. In a press report, Chike-Obi, an advocate of easy money, noted that ‘’interest rates are too high. So what we have chosen is to defend the naira and inflation. For me, MPR should be at five per cent and we should be lending at eight per cent to businesses.

My position is that we should expand, grow and be aggressive about it.’’ But, historical research show that CBN’s tight monetary policy may be the best in the face of the current inflation headwind.

The apex bank’s policy stance aligns with Milton Friedman’s advice, which contradicts Chike-Obi’s advocacy. Friedman had warned economists and policy makers not to try to stimulate economic growth at the cost of ‘’just a little more’’ inflation. A 1976 Nobel Prize winner in economics and the world’s most influential monetarist, Friedman was an intellectual leader of the second generation of Chicago price theory who had advised both late former Republican US President, Ronald Reagan and late former British Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher.

A survey of economists of the 20th century ranked him as the second most

Ination expectation creates an adverse effect, it hinders economic performance as people consume resources that would have been used more productively- they begin to spend more now than later and in the process heat up the economy which leads to spiral ination and which can go out of control.

In some economies relevant institutions scrutinise certain indicators to ďŹ gure out how the economy

popular economist after John Maynard Keynes. His advice and monetary theory influenced the Fed’s response to the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, his works include, Price Theory Monetarism, Helicopter Money, Permanent Income Hypothesis, Applied Economics and Floating Exchange Rate, among others, and he is noted to have mentored several students and young professors who went on to become leading economists.

Also, CBN’s monetary policy align with that of the Fed under Paul Volcker(1979-1987)- ‘’the man who quashed inflation.’’ Before his appointment as Chairman of the Fed, prices were rising at 9 per cent and 11 per cent, which was debilitating considering that Fed funds rate are often kept within the band of 2 and 5 per cent, known as the ‘sweet spot’, to maintain a healthy economy.

Reportedly, Volcker launched a ‘wild fight’ against inflation. He announced that he would tightly restrict the amount of money in circulation, and pushed interest rate up so high it threw the country into a deep recession, but it was noted he did it on purpose. Thereafter, things got worse, inflation spiked from 12 per cent to 14 per cent, but Volcker stuck to his gun. By 1981 inflation dropped to 9 per cent and progressively to 6 per cent and further to 4 per cent. And Volcker became a hero.

CBN has consistently retained the MPR at 14 per cent, and inflation rate has continued to drop. From a high of 19.0 per cent in January 2017, it dropped to 17.78 per cent in February 2017, and further to 15.37 per cent in December 2017 from 15.90 per cent in November 2017. It dropped to 14.33 per cent in February, 2018 and further to 13.34 per cent in March, reported to be the sharpest decline in 11 months.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele has predicted a single-digit inflation(less than 10 per cent) in July 2018. It will be recalled that he also predicted that the economy would exit recession in the second half of 2017, and it came to pass.

-Nwobu, Chartered Stockbroker and Business Journalist wrote via arizenwobu@yahoo.com Tel: 08033021230

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

NEWS| P31

COLLAGE | P36

XTRA | P37

FILE

FOOD AND DRINK FIESTA

ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

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11.05.2018

Food and Drink Fiesta The just third edition of GTBank Food and Drink Fair was another icing on the cake.

Sunday Ehigiator who was there, reports

L-R: MD/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje; Chairman, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mrs. Orasetin Afusat Demuren; and the headline Chef, Mr. Raphael Duntoye, at the event

A buyer at one of the stands.

The three days long event which also could pass as the biggest food feast ever organised in Nigeria; if not the world, had over hundreds of thousands from different parts of the world and within Lagos State in attendance, and left them in the hospitality of sumptuous, meager, rich, delicious, and assorted foods and drinks of different cultures and societies all over the world, as prepared by both local and international Master Chefs, with an effect of creating the feeling of ‘a day I will never forget’ in the hearts of all attendees.

This year’s edition of GTBank Food and Drink Fair successfully brought together small businesses in Nigeria’s food sector, more than a dozen internationally renowned chefs and food experts and thousands of food lovers to create the biggest food experience in Africa.

The event which engaged over 170 Chefs kicked started on a cool Sunday evening with thousands of participants flocking in and out the premises with already purchased goods, as the staff and top managers of GTBank could be seen in a simple dressed down outfits, socialising with participants.

The enticing delicacies, quality products showcased at the event ground by the Chefs, edible products, wide landmark, well decorated

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One of the Suya points at the event

and beautified venue, tantalising showcasing of assorted meat, fish and chicken barbeque by different Chefs, freshly made natural fruit-juice, assorted wines, serene environment, Mobile Automated Teller Machines on standby, the well-organised Chef’s Stand, Children play arena, live-bubbling musicals and awesome radio commentary were the first point of at-

This year’s edition of GTBank Food and Drink Fair successfully brought together small businesses in Nigeria’s food sector, more than a dozen internationally renowned chefs and food experts and thousands of food lovers to create the biggest food experience in Africa

traction on entering the event venue on the first day of the event. One cannot over-flog the quality and affordability of the assorted drinks and different categories of foods sold at the events. There were likewise drinks such as Watermelon Palm Wine Punch, Lagos Mule, Frozen Zobo Lime Margarita and many others.

Street foods such as Boli and Fish, Garden Egg and Groundnut Pasta, Garri and Groundnut with Chilled water, Kilishi, just to mention a few.

The aesthetic decoration of the occasion was likewise a thing to reckon with; especially the GTBank Food and Drink Customised selfie wall, as franchised and freelance photographers also had their pay day; thanks to the GTBank. The event on the first day also featured Masterclasses from five different tutors namely; Chef Imoteda, who lectured on ‘The Art of Plating’ between 12:30p.m. to 1:30p.m.; Lorraine Pascale, lectured on ‘Making the Perfect Deserts’ from 2:00p.m. to 3:00p.m.; Sunny Anderson, delivered the topic ‘Home Cooking Made Easy’ by 3:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.; Scott Winston, lectured on ‘Support and Advice for Small Food Business’ from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. and Edd Kimber who handled ‘Pastry and Sweet Things’ by 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. At this juncture, it is appropriate have a little profiling of some of

the world’s known international Chefs present at the occasion, most of whom taught at the Masterclasses.

First, is the Food Network Star Chef Sunny Anderson; known for hosting popular shows such as; ‘The Kitchen,’ ‘Cooking for Real’ and ‘How’d That Get On My Plate,’ and renowned for a cooking style that combines classic comfort foods along with unique flavours inspired by her many travels. She is the author of The New York Times bestseller Sunny’s Kitchen: Easy Food for Real Life.

Second, is Chef Elizabeth Solaru; the founder of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium, which is regarded as one of the best wedding cake companies in the world. Recently named as one of the world’s ‘Masterful 100’, her creations have been featured in numerous international publications including Wedluxe, Strictly Weddings and The Telegraph, amongst several others.

Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium creates beautifully handcrafted cakes that are adorned with the most realistic edible jewelry, sugar flowers, lace, pearls, and gems. She regularly features on BBC and Sky TV and is the only three-time winner of The Great Cake Bake, a show which features the best wedding cake makers in the UK. Third, is Chef Lorraine Pascale; British Chef,

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Buyers patronising the stands

bestselling author, and TV personality. Before she became one of the biggest names in UK food shows, Lorraine was the first Black British fashion model to appear on the cover of American Elle. Being there and done that, she decided to follow her real passion–cookery–and enrolled for Leith’s Diploma of food and wine course. She later graduated with a first class honours degree in Culinary Arts Management at London’s University of West London. Lorraine’s mastery of baking has earned her international appeal and accolades.

She has been a judge on the UK version of My Kitchen Rules, Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship in the U.S. and in March 2015, co-hosted one of the UK’s biggest TV programmes, The Nation’s Favourite Food.

She also runs a successful blog where she shares her recipes for baking as well as tips for those wishing to embark on a journey to a healthy lifestyle.

Fourth, is a Food Business Consultant, Scott Winston; With over 20 years’ experience in the Luxury Food Retail Industry, Scott is the founder of Scott Winston Fine Food Consulting, which is a key member of the buying and retail teams at leading retail brands such as Harvey Nichols, Harrods, and Selfridges.

Passionate about food and food business, Scott Winston started his career in fine food retail at Harvey Nichols Foodhall and rose quickly through the retail operations and purchasing ranks to reach the level of buyer. He later joined the prestigious department store Harrods

Excited buyers patronising one of the food points

where he worked in different buyer roles and played a key role in organising and managing Harrods restaurant food buying across the 20 own-bought restaurants.

Scott also works as a Judge Arbitrator for the Great Taste Awards, one of the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink awards,

I feel so good to be here, I am so happy, this is fun mixed with good food. It’s fun all the way. The musical jams are so compelling, you can’t but shake your waist, the foods and drinks are so delicious, I feel like eating of all available. There is this craving I can’t control, I can’t even mention all what I have eaten and bought here today. See my stomach, I am so filled but I want more. I love GTBank, they deserve all the accolades

The massive crowd at the 2018 GTBank Food and Drink Fair in Lagos

which is organized by the Guild of Fine Foods.

Lastly, is the first winner of the Great British Bake Off and TV presenter, Chef Edd Kimber, who took his enthusiastic audience on making pastries and sweet things.

Speaking with THISDAY Funmilayo Oloni, a participant of the masterclass session said “it gives me great pleasure to be here. I have always wanted to improve on my cooking abilities and I am glad that it wasn’t a waste of time.

I missed coming to last year’s event because I was out of the country. But I stayed through for this event because of the fact that I learnt Scott would be there. And I am glad I did.”

Another participant, Enoch Adewunmi said “the truth is that, you would think you know all until you come here and rub minds with great Chefs like Pascale, Edd Kimber and the likes.

Those guys are top-notch. They have brought so much creativity to the food business that it deserves an accolade. Thumbs up to GTBank; the best bank in the whole world for putting all these together.”

Commenting generally on her experience about the event, Owen Jennifer said “I feel so good to be here, I am so happy, this is fun mixed with good food. It’s fun all the way.

The musical jams are so compelling, you can’t but shake your waist, the foods and drinks are so delicious, I feel like eating of all available.

There is this craving I can’t control, I can’t even mention all what I have eaten and bought here today. See my stomach, I am so filled but

I want more. I love GTBank, they deserve all the accolades.”

Elegbede Akin said, “ask me the best bank in Nigeria and the world; I will tell you GTBank, ask me the best innovator in the world; I will tell you GTBank, ask me the best cook in the world; I will tell you GTBank. Just give them everything; they deserve much more for pulling these together for us. Who doesn’t like food?

Not to say good food and drinks and other foodstuffs available here, go GT.” Aside the masterclasses, the wide margin of profits recorded by the vendors on the first day, was also a high point of the day, as most of them kept going out of stocks and restocking within the shortest possible intervals. One of the vendors who spoke anonymously with THISDAY, when asked how the sales has been; said, “we bless God, the sales are massive. I am glad to be here. In fact, we didn’t expect to sell as much as we have sold already. We have restocked for more than three times, and we might likely restock more. The demands are really high. We really appreciate GTBank for giving us this platform. It is our prayer that they keep growing from grace to grace and remain the best amongst others.” Asked how long she has been partnering with GTBank on such occasions she said “funny enough, this is the first time we are collaborating with them. I am glad they gave us this opportunity, we would be glad to be here longer than this even in the next coming years by God’s grace.”

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L-R: President Lagos Polo Club, Mr. Ade Laoye; CEO GTBank Plc, Segun Agbaje and Babajide Coker, during GTBank Food and Drink Fair in Lagos

Also worthy of note is the overwhelming presence of physically challenged people at the event. They weren’t in anyway left out of the fun filled event, especially not when GTBank had measures such as flat stairways into the indoor event ground put in place to allow easy access by all.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, said: “Alongside the unparalleled culinary experience, the GTBank Food and Drink Fair showcases the richness of Africa’s food culture and the vibrancy of the small businesses involved in the industry.

This year, we have added an extra day to the fair, thereby increasing the opportunities for small businesses to connect to more consumers as well as businesses.

“Apart from the amazing experiences that we create for our tens of thousands of guests, it is the personal testimonials that we receive from small businesses that speak to the true value of the GTBank Food and Drink Fair. Behind these small businesses are hard-working fathers, enterprising mothers and incredibly passionate youths, and when they share their remarkable stories of record sales at the fair, we see not just the impact of our efforts at promoting enterprise but the immense capacity of our organisation as a platform for enriching lives.”

The second day wasn’t anything short of the high expectations from participants. It was specially scheduled to host school children from different schools in Lagos, who appeared in company of their teachers and caretakers to take part in the culinary classes. As they arrived, they were led into the children’s play area were they engaged themselves in some recreational activities and games which could widen their horizon. It was a very lively atmosphere just as the first day as the kids had ample time to have fun and taste familiar and new foods and drinks. There were sophisticated toys such as bouncing castle, the merry-go-round, the makeshift hospital and supermarket which they all had different turns to play with and likewise learn. They were taken through lessons on how to use the Automated Teller Machines (ATM) for withdrawals, how to bargain and identify quality products in the market places, how to prepare specific foods, and so on. The reasons for these lessons as informed by THISDAY, was to teach them as the future generations; all the good values and qualities they need to learn before they grow older. They were likewise taken to the masterclass hall where, Chef Muneera Tahir simply addressed as Chef Muse, took them on how to make sandwiches, pancakes and how to bake chocolate cookies.

The third day of the event being a public holiday recorded an upsurge in attendance.

Foodies and fun-seekers that couldn’t make it on the first two days due to work and other important engagements added up to the thousands of loyal attendees. A lot of parents likewise brought their kids to the event to have fun to the fullest. The kids were also engaged in a master-class where Chef Crofie practically taught them how to bake cupcakes. They were so excited and could not hide their joy. There was so much fun, jubilation and celebration in the air, like that which you would rarely see even on

Participants at the GTBank Food and Drink Fair

Buyers and owners of businesses at the event

Christmas day. It was equally colourful as the first two days but with more vibrancy and enthusiasm being the grand finale of the three days events. It was a time for all the vendors to count their gains with minor reckoning to losses and a time for all attendees to embrace and enjoy the platform to its fullest all the fun as they may not see anything close to it till another 365 days. To show appreciation to the customers for their patronage most of the vendors provided a free extra rider in terms of small chops, cakes, and packed gift items to compliment any purchase. GTBank on its own end since the first day had made available free Wi-Fi to all in attendance to support their social media life all through the period of being at the event.

The atmosphere was indeed hygienic and security guaranteed all through the three

days with the heavy presence and efforts of different security personnel’s felt all around the venue, as equally accompanied by the commendable and efficient efforts of environmental sanitation officers who did all in their capacity to create, maintain and sustain the serenity and cleanliness of the environment.

From the mouth-watering delicacies, musicals, to the allure of savory wine tastings, the 2018 GTBank Food and Drink Fair delivered an experience that will certainly remain unmatched for the entire year.

The free for all events provided small businesses with a free and vibrant platform to connect with a wider segment of their target markets as well as experts in their business fields. GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry.

The GTBank brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its press for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.

The bank is also going beyond the traditional understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as corporate philanthropy by intervening in key economic sectors to strengthen small businesses through non-profit consumer focused fairs and capacity building initiatives that serves to boost their expertise, exposure and business growth.

The GTBank Food and Drink Fiesta indeed celebrated Nigeria’s vibrant food culture whilst promoting enterprise in the small business sector of the food industry.

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11.05.2018

Osinbajo Preaches Religious Tolerance

RICS Harps on Embracing Change in Property Services

Stories by Mary Ekah Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has called on Nigerians across religious divides to rise in unison against growing cases of religious intolerance in Nigeria, promising that the federal government is doing everything in its powers to protect the rights of all citizens for freedom of worship.

Osinbajo, who made this call while inaugurating the over 40,000 capacity new headquarters building and church auditorium of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Gbagada, Lagos, said the religious intolerance remains a major challenge against the socio-economic revival of Nigeria, assuring that President Muhammadu Buhari has given him the mandate to intervene in areas that are facing such challenges with the aim of bringing enduring peaceful co-existence.

He lamented the growing persecution of Christians in many parts of the country including places where they are being prevented from erecting their places of worship and promised that the government is doing all that are within the law to ensure that the rights of all Nigerians are preserved as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria.

“Persecution of Christians is on the rise. The devil is hard at work, stoking religious tension.

I call on all Christians not to be broken even as security is working hard to prevent such occurrences and protect the lives and property of every citizen,” he stated.

Osinbajo congratulated the General Superintendent and members of the Deeper Life for the

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Osinbajo

vision and execution of the edifice and called on them to sustain the message of undiluted gospel of Christ the Church has been known for while also ensuring that the Temple of Christ which the church was built is also built in the hearts of the people.

“This is one of the proudest moments for me as a Christian, being alive and here seeing this sweet edifice built solely for the propagation of the Gospel of Christ. I am proud of what has been achieved here; the amenities, the IT

architecture and ambience, it is my prayer that, with the way this church has been growing, the coming Glory will be greater than the one gone by,” he said.

He challenged the leaders and members of the Church to continue spreading the message of Christ, especially in this end time by making disciples of all nations, expressing his confidence that the ultra-modern headquarters will provide greater motivation and inspiration to preach the word of God with greater fervour.

AMCON Has No Legal Right Confiscating Our Property, Says Suru Group Boss There have been concerted efforts by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to illegally take over Best Western Plus Hotel, located on Allen Avenue Ikeja, Lagos, the Chairman of Suru Group, Mr. Edward Akinlade, owner of the property, has alleged.

Speaking recently, during a press briefing in Lagos, Akinlade said AMCON has no legal right in confiscating his property, noting that even after several court judgements to his favour, AMCON is still bent on frustrating him with allegedly illegal court judgement, which AMCON is seeking at the moment with the aim of taking over and selling his property.

While calling on the federal government as well as the authority concerned to come to his rescue, the Suru Group boss said, “AMCON is committing fraud and judicial recklessness against our company. So, we are calling on the federal government to intervene and call AMCON to order.

“As we speak, AMCON is making arrangement through a receiver to sell the hotel for about N1.7 billion naira (a property worth over N6 billion) in spite of the judgement. Whereas the court has said it was not AMCON property, AMCON wants to sell the property using a fraudulent legal mortgage,” he lamented further.

Recalling how it all started, Akinlade said official of AMCON had in the morning of September 22, 2017 stormed the venue where his property is located with armed policemen to forcefully eject staff and customers from

the hotel building in attempt to seal up the facility over allegations of N13.4 billion the hotel allegedly owed Oceanic Bank Plc (now Ecobank).

Expatiating more on the issue, he said, “Our loan was performing under the old Oceanic Bank Plc (now Ecobank) and then the loan was sold to AMCON illegally. So we sued Oceanic bank.

AMCON in return sued us in 2014 still on the case, saying that we owed them N15.3billion but the suit was dismissed in 2015 by Justice M.B Idris and the sum of N50 was awarded as cost in favour of our company but AMCON still went to another court last year again and sued, as counter claim, the IG of Police listing our property without mentioning us as a defendant and because no one showed up to defend the case, AMCON came to our property last year with Mobile policemen, teargas, and bullets to kick us out of the hotel. And also, AMCON has been brandishing various amounts which do not concern us.”

Akinlade said however that judgement was again given by another judge, Justice M.S Hassan on March 22, 2018 in his company’s favour.

The judge he said stated that the “counter claim is an abuse of judicial process, it seeks to relegate issues that have been determined by the court, it is an attempt to restore Suit No FHC/L/CS/218/2014, which has been dismissed by this court on 22/6/2015.”

He noted however that even after the last judgement, AMCON has still not given up as

it has again appealed the judgement. “Judgement was given on the 22nd of March 2018 and AMCON appealed again in the following day, saying the judgement is wrong. But by the judgement we had in March this year, the court said we do not owe AMCON and therefore it cannot seize our property but as at today, AMCON is still sitting in our property at Allen.

They have Mobile Police there every day.”

Akinlade who described AMCON’s activities as illegal and fraudulent, lamented that AMCON is trying to frustrate his company to let go its property adding that AMCON is plotting, to sell his property without due process.

The Suru Group boss who apparently is totally frustrated at the moment, stressed that so far it has been catalogue of fraud upon fraud ever since. “Last March, we won the case against AMCON where the court said we do not owe any money and none of our properties should be seized. But AMCON had appealed that judgement soon after the last ruling. Not satisfied, AMCON came again to sue us for a counter claim of N24 billion but the judge demised it completely on March 22, 2018 and ruled that AMCON cannot touch any of our assets. “The Judge said AMCON cannot buy a performing loan and so we won the case; the Judge said we do not owe AMCON any money and we also won the case, the second time. So what we are saying is that AMCON should go back to Ecobank and collect its money back,” he added.

Call for Entries: The Quramo Writer’s Prize Quramo Publishing Limited has officially announced the call for entries for this year’s edition of the innovative and impactful Quramo Writer’s Prize (QWP). This year, the call for submissions is for manuscripts between 15, 000 and 20, 000 words and will close on the 31st of May, 2018. Aspiring writers of fiction are enjoined to submit entries via the website, www.quramo. com. Following the outstanding success

of its debut in April, 2017 when first time writers; Samuel Monye for his piece titled ‘Give Us Each Day and Arshiya, for The Forgotten’, the competition continues to set a vital pace for the next generation of promising writers irrespective of background and nationality.Judging the competition last year were a diverse group of avid readers and lovers of literature including Ego Boyo, Aduke Gomez and OlakunleKasumu. This

year, Quramo Publishing will once again showcase an array of some of Africa’s most promising creative minds as front liners in deciding the most outstanding work from hundreds of entries. “At Quramo, we pride ourselves as frontline bearers of this cause.

We are glad to play our part and contribute meaningfully to the learning and reading culture in our beloved country”, said the Executive Publisher, Gbemi Shasore.

Property First Show to Tackle Real Estate Challenges The management of Babsomo Communications, producers of ‘Property First Show’ has said the programme will continue to tackle the issues and challenges within the real estate industry. To this end, the show is poised to minimise and eradicate the unethical practices within the industry. Seyi Adetu, one of the Executive producers of the show and a quantity surveyor, lamented that

the industry is filled with miscreants and non-practitioners who have almost taken over the industry, milking undiscerning publics of their hard-earned money. He stated that the need to sensitise the public and also intimate them with professionals in the industry birthed Property First Show, adding, “Property First Show is taking giant steps forward and we will be partnering with as many professionals

and companies in our quest to sanitise our industry.” Currently running on a weekly basis on TVC NEWS Nigeria, DSTV channel 418, Gotv 45, Star times 307, Playtv, BskyB UK, also live on tvnews.com at 8:30PM on Mondays and also on its social media platforms @propertyfirstshow, organisers said the show would be syndicated to all TV houses in the country very soon.

The Chairman, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Nigeria Group, Mr. Yinka Omotosho, has emphasised the need for estate surveyors to embrace change even as the real estate industry is changing. Speaking during a recent conference held in Ikeja, Lagos, Omotosho, who is also the Senior Partner of J.O Omotosho & Associates, a firm of Chartered Surveyors, Estate Surveyors & Valuers, with offices in Lagos and London, said, “It is imperative that as the global world and the real estate sector is changing, we do as well but with utmost awareness of the evolution taking place.” Still stressing on the need to embrace change, the Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in the U.K, and an Associate of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, said these changes have been instrumental in the forward movement in the real estate sector in an evolving world and business cycle, adding, “This can be brought home to our real estate and construction sector which is changing as the world does.”

Speaking further, Omotosho who explained that change is an essence which could most times depict progress, noted, “It is a key tool required in taking strides. Through varying centuries, there have been several disruptors such as information and technology which has led to changes and influenced the curse of the society,” he added.

The event which had the theme, ‘Embracing Change in the Property Services’ was graced by the Head of Property, Nigeria and West Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Anne Rinu, guest speaker of the day who spoke on the topic, ‘Change: Why Change?’

During her presentation, Rinu said, “In recent times, we have seen changes across all spheres in the real estate world. These changes are largely decided by clients who we all represent as service providers in various spheres of real estate services (landlords, developers and tenants).

Kano is Safe for All, Says Gov Ganduje The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has said that the coming of crowd pulling General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka to Kano ancient city for open religious meeting is a practical indication of a good relationship existing among religious and ethnic groups in the state. He made the statement while welcoming Pastor Muoka who led the church delegation to pay a courtesy visit to his office as a prelude to the international crusade of the church held during the weekendat Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon-Gari, Kano.

Explaining further, Ganduje said that the rapport his administration fashioned among religious organisations and ethnic groups in the state was the reason for the peaceful co-existence being witnessed in the state. Commending the man of God for his wisdom and courage to bring the good news message of his ministry to Kano State, Ganduje affirmed that the revival message preached

by Muoka will help to sustain the already existing peace in the state as that will strengthen tolerance and understanding among the residents irrespective of tribes and religion. “Who has not been to Kano will not believe that we are living peacefully with different ethnic and religious groups. If we are not peaceful here, the crusade would not have been held successful,” he said. The governor called on Muoka to continue on the peace messages he is spreading worldwide and expressed optimism that after the crusade it will be more felt in the state. “The crusade is a good one and we hope that it will bring more peace to the state.”

In his remark, one of the special guests that attended the programme, the Eze Ndigbo in diaspora, Igwe Dr. Boniface Ibekwe said that the programme which witnessed an unprecedented crowd as never seen in any religious campaign in Kano ancient city was by all standards successful.

32 / XTRA

11.05.2018

Sahara Group's Kola Adesina, Others Proffer Roadmap to Future of Energy in SSA Peter Uzoho The need to promote the adoption of sustainable energy practices in sub-Saharan Africa will be a key talking point by a host of government heads, cabinet ministers and key energy experts, including, Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group at the Horasis Global Meeting in Cascais, Portugal from Saturday, May 5, 2018.

Adesina who spearheads the operations of Sahara Power Group, one of the largest private power businesses in SSA, will address a community of global delegates as one of eight other panelists to speak on Creating Sustainable Energy Policies.

He will highlight the need for innovation, institutional support, good corporate governance, sustained public-private sector collaboration within the region and the participation of global partners, including developed economies and multilateral institutions.

"Innovation is a long and painstaking process.

Adesina

Not only does it require great intellectual capital it needs due diligence and a strong institutional support system to flourish. Institutional support

means that government policy and private sector corporate governance work in concert by creating and facilitating the right policies needed to proliferate sustainable energy across multiple sectors and borders," said Adesina to journalists ahead of the conference.

He added: “Any ambitions we have for lighting up sub-Saharan Africa either via exploring alternative sources of energy or addressing the current infrastructural deficits that blight us can only succeed if there is a solid underpinning of policy creation and execution.”

According to the International Energy Agency, in 2016 global investments in energy including networks, renewables and thermals exceeded investments in traditional oil and gas development for the first time. There is an undeniable paradigm shift from the dying, dirty business of fossil fuels towards a more sustainable, climate complaint source of energy.

Adesina explained that, “sub-Saharan Africa needs to begin to develop a road map for the creation of institutional equivalents to agencies

like ‘Energy Innovation Investment Portfolio’, ‘Innovative Renewables Fund’ or ‘Energy Entrepreneur’s Fund’ to ensure sustainable, efficient and reliable access to energy in the sub-region."

On the need for innovation and technology, he added: “Successful adoption of technology and innovation requires a working eco-system of informed and committed stakeholders across the public and private sectors. I am looking forward to joining the conversation with other speakers on the Horasis Global platform.”

The Horasis Global Meeting is an annually held summit which brings business leaders together with the people and institutions that shape the landscape in which they operate. It provides a unique platform for companies looking to globalise their interests. It has been described by the New York Times as “a World Economic Forum for emerging markets.”

The event is co-hosted by the Portuguese Government and the City of Cascais.

Guinness Nigeria Plc Launches Royal Kingdom Lager ˾ ÓÝÓÞÝ Ùà ÌËÝÏÕÓ˜ ÌË ÙÐ ÏØÓØ

Obaseki (7th left) flanked by Guinness team when the latter paid him a courtesy visit

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Management of Guinness Nigeria Plc has presented its new product, 'Royal Kingdom Lager Beer' to the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

Royal Kingdom lager is a five per cent ABV golden beer. It will be available in 60cl bottle for N200, a truly local beer finely brewed to international quality.

Royal Kingdom is a first of its kind; redefining quality, heritage, culture and royalty for the proud people of Edo and Delta states. It has a refined, crisp and refreshing taste made with pure

ingredients for a rich and rewarding experience.

The lager is a result of years of extensive research, and the need to celebrate the indigenous people in the heartbeat of Nigeria with a beer that stands as a symbol of their pride, heritage, communal life and kingdom.

As part of the activities to introduce Royal Kingdom to the people in the region, the Guinness Leadership Team paid a courtesy visit to the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki; Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II. The Guinness team will also be paying a courtesy visit to the Olu of Warri, Ogiamen Ikenwoli II and the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Ejike

Masari Mourns Isyaku Rabiu, Says Loss Monumental to Islamic World

Joseph Edozien.

Speaking during the visits, Mr. Babatunde Savage, Chairman Guinness Nigeria Plc Board of Directors, said that, “Royal Kingdom is our way of connecting with a community we have been part of for more than a decade - since 1974 when our brewery was built in Benin.

We appreciate the strength of character, rich cultural heritage of the great people of both Edo and Delta.

“The birth of this brand stems from our long-standing relationship and progressive involvement in the economic advancement of these states as a corporate citizen. It is to also consummate our appreciation of

Rotary Awards Scholarship to 25 Indigent Undergraduates Kehinde Lawal

Late Rabiu

Peter Uzoho Katsina State governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, has expressed his sadness over the death of Kano State-born billionaire and business mogul, Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu, who passed on in the United Kingdom after a brief illness, saying the death was another monumental loss to the Islamic world, coming only three days after the demise of the Chief Imam of Katsina Central Mosque, Alhaji Muhammadu Lawal.

Masari said this in a condolence message signed on his behalf by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, noting that the religious and business communities in Africa, and the world at large, have lost an icon in Rabiu

whose footprint, he said, would remain indelible for a long time to come.

He described the late cleric and leader of the Tijjaniya Movement as a “deeply religious, intensely generous and very simple person, whose conduct has impacted positively within and outside the shores of Nigeria.”

The governor condoled with his Kano State counterpart, Abdulahi Ganduje, the Emir of Kano, the leadership and members of the Tijjaniya Sect, as well as Alhaji AbdulSamad Isyaku Rabi'u and other members ofthe immediate family of the deceased, and called on religious and other leaders to borrow a leaf from the life of the deceased for the betterment of the society.

the sterling characteristics and qualities of the great people of both Edo and Delta states.

Hence, our decision in crafting an indigenous lager which alludes to the rich cultural heritage and great qualities of the people,” he added.

Oba Ewuare II who welcomed the Guinness team to his palace said, “We are, particularly, proud of a beer like Royal Kingdom. We respect and honour our roots, history and culture and tradition. We are pleased that Guinness Nigeria is uplifting and promoting Edo culture and traditions. We believe that every day is a step forward and by investing in our land they play an active role in pursuing our desired future.”

Rotarians put smiles on the faces of the poor at this year’s District Educational and Welfare Endowment Fund (DEWEF) scholarship awards. 25 indigent undergraduates, drawn from Lagos and Ogun states, smiled home with N100,000 worth of scholarship that would run throughout their undergraduate programme, courtesy of Rotary, District 9110, Nigeria.

Chairman, District Educational and Welfare Endowment Fund (DEWEF) of the Rotary International, District 9110 (comprising Lagos and Ogun states), Mr. Adeniji Raji in his address said the number of annual scholarship awards increased from four in 2009 to 18 in 2017, while noting that this year number of scholarship recipients has reached all-time high of 25, adding that the years to come, the association are planning to extend their focus to post-secondary school vocational training in collaboration with the states ministry of Education. Presenting the award at a colourful ceremony, held recently at the Rotary Centre, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA, Ikeja, the Chairman, DEWEF, Mr. Adeniji Raji, said investment in people’s lives yields the greatest interest.

He said the scholarship was meant for brilliant but indigent students, who are into undergraduate programmes within Lagos and Ogun states.

According to him, only those in 200 level or 300 level in any of the state or federal government universities, College of Education or Polytechnic

are qualified to apply for sponsorship which would cover their courses of study, ranging from three to five years. Adeniji said the association has sustained the scholarship, since the first set was awarded in 2009. He noted that 10 students that benefitted from the scholarship had graduated, with some of them finishing in First Class Division. Also, 13 existing students that won the award in past years had their offer renewed.

According to him, the Board of Trustees of the association would soon increase the slot above the current slot annually while pleading for more organisation supports.

He hinged the inability of the government to give educational attentions to Nigerians at all levels is one the reason for the nation's underdevelopment.

He said: "We believe there is a great need to supplement skills and knowledge. Unemployment is on the increase every year. We must provide Vocational Skill Training, Internship Opportunities, Mentorship, and Access to latest Equipment, knowledge, and provision to start-up capital for our youth. We therefore believe that vocational education is the bedrock of industrial developments."

Also speaking at the occasion, the District Governor, Rotary International, District 9110, Mr. Adewale Ogunbanjo, said Rotary International has remained the only organisation that awards the greatest number of scholarship in different categories in the world.

33/TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

11.05.2018

Minister Seeks Tourism Writers’ Support for Success of UNWTO/CAF Meeting Sunday Ehigiator The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has solicited the support of Nigeria's tourism journalists and writers for the country's hosting of the 61st UNWTO/ CAF Meeting in Abuja between June 4-6 2018. ''We are keenly aware that we cannot host a successful UNWTO/CAF Meeting without you,'' the minister said during a meeting with members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) in Lagos. ''I am therefore using this occasion to solicit your support for the success of the 61st Meeting of the UNWTO/CAF,'' he said.

Mohammed described the tourism writers as Nigeria's foremost brand ambassadors, whose writings go far beyond the shores of the country and influence the opinions of foreign tourists, adding: ''With that tag (of brand ambassadors), a lot of responsibility is placed on you.'' He said the UNWTO/CAF Meeting is a great opportunity for Nigeria, ''in that - apart from the socio-economic gains - the event will put Nigeria, and the nation's tourism industry in particular, on the world map, attract foreign research experts and promote the necessary network

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle),flanked by his two Special Assistants, Mr. Williams Adeleye (left) and Mr. Segun Adeyemi (right), during a press briefing on Nigeria's hosting of the UNWTO/CAF meeting in Lagos…recently

that will form the basis for future cooperation.

The minister described as apt the theme of the Meeting, which is: ‘Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development’, because ''it will give us the opportunity of strengthening our tourism data gathering and analysis, which is an area in which we have been relativelyweak.''

He said with participants coming from the

51 African countries that are members of the UNWTO as well as representatives of the UN agency, other international organizations, local and international media as well as experts and stakeholders from the public and private sector, the meeting will provide a good opportunity for Nigeria to showcase itself to the world, especially in the area of its culture and tourism.

The minister also said that Lagos State would host the Technical Visit aspect of the meeting, which will be used to showcase Eko Atlantic City which, on completion, will boast of the largest shopping mall in sub-Saharan Africa, vast amenities for entertainment, such asnfood courts, cinemas and playgrounds, and a canal that can be used for water transportation and

The Night 2Face Swayed Beijing Solomon Elusoji After the clocks struck one a.m. at Chocolate Club in Beijing, recently, the question on everyone’s lips was ‘where is 2face?’ Onstage, a tall dude was rapping to the inconsequential delight of, perhaps, a rented few who had moved forward to provide support. Earlier, some half-clad women had done half-incredible things with poles and giant rings.

About two days earlier, 2Face had arrived Beijing and was welcomed by the concert’s promoters, Peterson Entertainment and Faaji House Beijing, at the airport. He was treated to some Chinese cultural performances and, the next day, he attended an interview session at Startimes Headquarters in Beijing.

“We are trying to put the good things about Nigeria in the face of other people,” Mr. Peter Eze, the CEO of Peterson Entertainment, had told this newspaper some weeks before the concert.

When 2Face did finally appear, some 45 minutes later, it was a slow transition, almost inconspicuous if not for the temperature change – heat filtered in, spread through the hall and waited, suspended in the air above. When 2Face, who was sporting a white T-shirt over stripped blue jeans and white sneakers, pointed to the crowd and blurted ‘I see you’, the heat broke and washed over the crowd, like rain.

A great concert is a collection of stories. Perhaps this is more difficult for a solo concert to achieve, where the artiste is tasked with entertaining a crowd with his body of work without the variety that numbers often offer. So the artist – and his body of work – should be dynamic. There are crowds, of course, who prefer – and even

2baba thrills the crowd at Chocolate Club in Beijing

pine – for a certain kind of monotony, stability, but the consensus is that while, as humans, we want to laugh, there is also the niggling need to find tears. And this, the agility to move between two extremes without sacrificing panache, is why Tuface excels.

When Tuface (Passport Name: Innocent Idibia) released his first solo album in 2004, Face 2 Face, he was most popular for ‘African Queen’, a slow, soulful song about the majesty of the African woman. But he refused to be defined

by it, recording faster songs, what some might describe as ‘shallow, club bangers’ touting sex and booze. That, too, has never defined him. It is hard to find a lover of Nigerian music who describes Tuface as shallow – whatever that means. There is a word that might summarise a typical voxpox on what kind of artiste he has turned out to be: complete.

It was that word, complete, that lingered in this reporter’s mind as he ‘shook body’ with the Chocolate Club crowd that April morning while

Tuface told, not a story, but stories. The first one was about Nigeria. At a point, he stopped the music and started rapping into the microphone.

“Very soon, our dead body go soon dey walk,” he said, referencing Nigeria’s Protest Society, an abstract organisation his music, not body-sacrifice, gives him access to. He did that – stopping the music to speak extemporaneously – often, working the crowd like a radical politician, like a frenzied prophet. Twice, he stretched out his hands and blessed us. “Receive,” he cried.

When he sang ‘See me so’, a song about brotherly love from his ‘Grass to Grace’ album, this reporter was reminded of the blooming friendship between the two Koreas who, the day before, had signed an agreement to end war between the North and South and denuclearise the Korean Peninsula.

But thoughts soon changed as, during another monologue, Tuface called out for someone, a beautiful lady, to be his African Queen. The crowd squealed back in delight, reminding him he had one back home, in Nigeria. “Make we pretend like sey Annie no dey here,” he replied, grinning.

And thus the night went, sifting through heavy topics like government corruption (‘For Instance’), tolerance (‘Only Me’), while ‘gagashuffling’ and ‘implicating’ ourselves. In the end, he advised the ladies: “Let somebody hold you.”

“I was excited that I got to see 2Face for the first time,” Menyene Patrick, a Nigerian student in Beijing, told THISDAY. “And the nostalgia was incredible. He reminded me of so many memories from way back. I loved the energy, the sense of humour and everything. I totally enjoyed myself. It was an amazing night.”

J Cole, Davido, Wizkid Thrilled Fans at the Castle Lite Unlock Peter Uzoho Thousands of music fans were recently thrown over the moon when multi-platinum selling rapper, J Cole, stormed the city of Lagos, blowing the minds of his teeming followers with his epic performance at the Castle Lite Unlocks Concert.

The concert held fortnight ago at the Eko Hotels and Suites’ Convention Centre, also witnessed ground breaking performances by some of Nigeria’s finest music idols: Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, MI, Falz the Badh Guy and Davido, with support from popular DJs– DJ Obi, DJ Xclusive, DJ Neptune and Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt on the wheels of steel.

Performing for the first time in Nigeria, the Dreamville top dog, Jermaine Lamarr Cole who headlined the show, mesmerised the audience while letting out hit tracks from his rich collections that include, 'Can’t Get Enough' from his debut album (Cole World).

The superstar equally performed 'Role Modelz, Apparently, Wet Dream’ from his recent platinumselling album 2014 (Forest Hills Drive), at the show anchored by popular OAP, Do2dTun,

and one of South Africa’s finest entertainment personalities, Pearl Thusi.

Speaking to journalists at the event, Marketing Director, AB InBev Nigeria, Arne Rust, said “innovation is what drives Castle Lite as the brand is always at the forefront of technology, making beer drinking easier and fun in every space.”

According to him, innovation approach is geared at unlocking new spaces for consumers to enjoy Castle Lite.

“Also, Nigerian music has over the years showcased its innovative, progressive and extremely expressive streak. This explains why we have this rich assemblage of Nigerian music stars who push boundaries and do things differently like Castle Lite,” Rust said.

J Cole further captivated the hearts of the audience by performing all the songs from his latest album: ‘KOD’ for the first time in Nigeria and dropped his fifth studio album KOD on April 20, which spans 11 tracks, including titles like “1985, ATM, Brackets, and Motiv8.”

He has twice gone platinum despite not having featured guests on his albums, and KOD looks to be following the same route. Already, KOD

has broken Apple Music’s record for streams in the first 24 hours in the U.S. with 64.5 million streams on its first day. Spotify, music, video streaming service confirmed in a tweet that KOD was streamed 36.6 million times in the U.S. in the first 24 hours, where it also broke the record for most first-day streams in the U.S. for an album.

Also commenting on the concert, Marketing Manager, Castle Lite, FranscoeBouwer, described it as such an illustrious spectacle on parade in Lagos, pointing that Castle Lite breaks boundaries and that music is a natural fit with the brand’s DNA. “We also appreciate the fact that it represents the biggest passion point for our consumers lives, hence we are always committed to unlocking memorable fan experiences and creating shared value for all our consumers with concerts like this,” Bouwer noted.

The Castle Lite Unlocks is a music experience that brings international artists on the shores of Africa, giving consumers the most progressive and immersive music experience, with both local and international acts performing on one Extra Cold Stage.

J Cole

34

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

35/LIVING

11.05.2018

FERTILITY WITH DR. KEMI AILOJE

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

AGE RELATED INFERTILITY (ARI) PART 2 The Facts: Men, Age and Fertility Last week, we talked about age related infertility in female, today we shall be addressing issues relating to men’s age as it causes decline in fertility.

The quality of a man’s sperm decreases with age. As a man ages, it takes longer for his partner to get pregnant. There is also an increased risk of not conceiving at all. Whatever the age of the mother, the risk of miscarriage is higher if the father is over 45. The children of older fathers are at greater risk of autism, mental health problems and learning difficulties. r5IF BWFSBHF UJNF UP QSFHOBODZ JG B NBO JT under 25 years is just over four and a half months, but nearly two years if a man is over 40 (if the woman is under 25 years). r5IFSF JT B à WF GPME JODSFBTF JO UJNF UP QSFHOBODZ if the male partner is aged over 45 years. r'PS DPVQMF IBWJOH *7' UIF SJTL PG OPU IBWJOH a baby is more than five times higher if the male partner is aged 45 years or older. r5IF WPMVNF PG B NBO T TFNFO BOE TQFSN motility (the ability of a sperm to move toward an egg) decrease continually between the age of 20 and 80. r 5IF SJTL PG NJTDBSSJBHF JT UXJDF BT IJHI GPS women whose male partner is aged over 45 than for those whose partners are under 25 years. r $IJMESFO XJUI GBUIFST BHFE ZFBST PS PMEFS are more than fives as likely to have an autism spectrum disorder than children fathered by men aged under 30 years As men age they are more predisposed to conditions that may reduce their fertility such as: r#FOJHO 1SPTUBUF )ZQFSQMBTJB r -PTT PG MJCJEP TFYVBM ESJWF

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3FMBUFE *OGFSUJMJUZ JO .BMFT BOE 'FNBMFT Yes of course, despite what may seem like somber odds, there are still measures we could apply to beat infertility due to aging, through some of the under listed processes: Fertility preservation of oocytes (eggs) and sperm 'FSUJMJUZ QSFTFSWBUJPO JT UIF QSPDFTT PG TBWJOH PS protecting eggs or sperm or reproductive tissue so that a person can use them to have biological DIJMESFO JO UIF GVUVSF 1FPQMF XJUI DFSUBJO EJTFBTF and disorder, and life event that affect fertility may benefit from fertility preservation. These include people who may: r %FMBZ IBWJOH DIJMESFO r )BWF VUFSJOF Ã CSPJET r"SF BCPVU UP CF USFBUFE GPS DBODFS r"SF BCPVU UP CF USFBUFE GPS BO BVUPJNNVOF diseases r)BWF HFOFUJD EJTFBTF UIBU BGGFDU GVUVSF GFSUJMJUZ r)BWF CFFO FYQPTFE UP UPYJD DIFNJDBM JO XPSL place or during military duty 'FSUJMJUZ QSFTFSWBUJPO TVDI BT PWBSJBO UJTTVF PS oocytes cryopreservation (egg freezing) may also

prevent infertility as well as birth defects associated XJUI BEWBODFE NBUFSOBM BHF *O UIJT DBTF UIF woman after receiving doses of hormonal medication to stimulate oocytes (eggs) development in the PWBSJFT XJMM IBWF FHHT FYUSBDUFE BOE DVMUVSFE JO the laboratory and also frozen in liquid nitrogen HBT UIJT QSPDFTT JT DBMMFE 0PDZUFT $SZPQSFTFSWBUJPO These eggs may however befertilised with own or donor sperm and cultured in the laboratory to form an embryo which is frozen by days 3 or 5 BOE UIJT QSPDFTT JT DBMMFE &NCSZP $SZPQSFTFSWBUJPO 0WBSJBO UJTTVF DBO BMTP CF DSZPQSFTFSWFE CVU JU JT SF JNQMBOUFE JOUP UIF CPEZ UP BMMPX UIF encapsulated immature follicles to complete their maturation.

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Donor Eggs IVF: A younger woman who has

been appropriately screened and matched to the older woman, is treated through the process of *7' FHHT DPMMFDUFE JT GFSUJMJTFE XJUI UIF QBUJFOU T husband’s sperm and embryos transferred to the woman’s uterus (womb).

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Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS): This is a procedure done prior to implantation to help identify genetic defects within embryos.

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'SPN FNCSZPT HPUUFO UISPVHI UIF QSPDFTT PG *7' a cell is removed to test for overall chromosomal OPSNBMDZ &NCSZPT XIPTF DFMMT UFTU BCOPSNBM XJMM not be transferred back to the womb to prevent having abnormal babies as well as pregnancy that may end up in miscarriage, ensuring delivery of healthy baby.

OPINION

END OF HUBRIS: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF SHEMA Bature Sani Malumfashi *U XBT RVJUF VOTFUUMJOH SFDFOUMZ UP TFF GPSNFS ,BUTJOB 4UBUF (PWFSOPS *CSBIJN 4IFIV 4IFNB CFJOH TIPWFE JOUP UIF &'$$ WFSTJPO PG B #MBDL .BSJB TRVBTIFE CFUXFFO UXP PQFSB tives, with sirens blaring unceremoniously, this time heralding the transit to detention. *U XBT B QBUIFUJD DPOUSBTU UP UIF NPSF SFDFOU overly confident Shema dismissing any and all possibilities of being incarcerated in the face of several allegations of financial indiscre tion while in office as governor. )JT MBUFTU FODPVOUFS XJUI UIF MPOH BSN of the law did not emanate from Katsina State where he claims political witch hunt, CVU GSPN UIF GFEFSBM &'$$ XIJDI IBT GPVOE cause to prosecute him for alleged conspiracy and money laundering of over five billion OBJSB PG UIF 4VCTJEZ 3F *OWFTUNFOU BOE &NQPXFSNFOU 1SPHSBNNF 463& 1 PG UIF GFEFSBM HPWFSONFOU 5IF 'FEFSBM )JHI $PVSU JO ,BUTJOB IFBSE IJT OPU HVJMUZ QMFB CVU TUJMM PSEFSFE UIF &'$$ UP LFFQ IJN JO DVTUPEZ until April 27, 2018 when it would resume sitting on his bail application.

5IJT JT OPU UIF Ã STU UJNF *CSBIJN 4IFIV Shema is being arraigned in court for various charges of financial wrong doing in Katsina where he once was the first citizen and the cumulative effect of these humbling appear ances can only be imagined, especially on someone who paraded himself with all the pomp and pride of a peacock in dress and

Shema

gait. Shema is certainly not unfamiliar with such twists of fate afflicting several previously A7FSZ *NQPSUBOU 1FSTPOBMJUJFT UVSOFE A7FSZ *OEJDUFE 1SJTPOFST GSPN UIF MPOH IJTUPSZ PG BOUJ DPSSVQUJPO DSVTBEFT FTQFDJBMMZ VOEFS military regimes of the past. &WJEFOUMZ IF OFWFS DPOUFNQMBUFE BOZ UXJTU PS UVSO BXBZ GSPN UIF iFYDFMMFODFu PG privilege and power even after his tenure is over. Well informed politicians in Katsina 4UBUF DBO SFDBMM UIF QVCMJD TQJSJUFE JOJUJBUJWFT of some respected community leaders and stakeholders in the state whose concern

for a smooth, rancour free transition from 4IFNB UP "NJOV #FMMP .BTBSJ XBT SPVOEMZ commended in the light of the nasty episodes that characterised such transitions in other states. Their concern was not so much about the personalities but more about the need to TBGFHVBSE UIF FYBMUFE TUBUVT PG SFTQFDU BOE authority vested in the office of governor from the public ridicule and defamatory perception linked to the political tribulations and court trials of previous holders of the office.

The idea was to bring outgoing and incoming governors together under the goodwill auspices of respected leaders and stakeholders for the purpose of harmonising UIF IBOE PWFS QSPDFTT UP GPTUFS NVUVBM understanding as well as reach an amicable common ground on the resolution of any issues in contention or requiring commit ment. The incoming governor is usually less inclined to such arrangements for obvious reasons of vicarious responsibility and political correctness while the outgoing is UIF VMUJNBUF CFOFÃ DJBSZ PG B TPGU MBOEJOH GPS any matters arising. )PXFWFS JO UIJT DBTF UIF SFTQFDUFE leaders and stakeholders were taken aback, nay disappointed, when outgoing Shema repeatedly rebuffed such intervention IBSQJOH PO IJT TFMG SJHIUFPVT JOTJTUFODF PO CFJOH BCPWF CPBSE BOE FWFO FYQSFTTJOH a pompous preference and willingness to prove his impeccable faultlessness at any UJNF BOE QMBDF JODMVEJOH DPVSUT PG MBX )JT

stance was a negation of the spirit of the initiative and an absurd attitude as it was more sensible to use the amicable forum if indeed there was nothing amiss in the tenure of the outgoing governor than to opt for the protracted, costly and potentially antagonistic process of investigation and prosecution. Yet all entreaties on Shema to reciprocate the unhesitating acceptance of the informal forum CZ JODPNJOH (PWFSOPS .BTBSJ NFU XJUI IJT PCWJPVTMZ FYBHHFSBUFE TFMG SJHIUFPVT DMBJN UIFSFCZ TFUUJOH UIF TUBHF GPS IJT PO HPJOH trials and tribulations that not only question his professed perfection but are also clearly TFMG JOáJDUFE Without prejudice to the unfolding investigative and judicial processes linked to Shehu Shema’s tenure as Governor of Katsina State and their outcome, it remains a curious case of pride coming before a fall that he DIPTF UP TIVO UIF XFMM DPOTJEFSFE BOE QVCMJD spirited initiative of respected leaders and stakeholders for a smooth and rancour free handing over process based on mutual understanding between him and his suc DFTTPS POMZ UP FYQPTF IJNTFMG UP UIF QVCMJD embarrassment, physical discomfort and psychological trauma of court arraignment, &'$$ DVTUPEZ BOE SFUSPTQFDUJWF SFáFDUJPOT PO UIF UXJTUT BOE UVSOT PG MJGF &YQFSJFODF JT indeed the best teacher! .Malumfashi wrote from Daura, Katsina State

36/COLLAGE

11.05.2018

L-R:Acting Executive Commissoner Legal and Enforcement, (SEC, Mr. Reginald Karawusa; Acting Executive Commissoner Corporate Services, Securities & Exchange Commission, Mr. Henry Rowlands; Acting Director General, SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk and Acting Commissoner Operations, SEC, Mr. Isyaku Bala Tilde, during the press conference by Capital Market Committee at its office in Victoria Island, Lagos..recently kolawole alli

L-R: Secretary to the Katsina State Government Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; Deputy Governor Alhaji Mannir Yakubu; Governor Aminu Bello Masari; and Alhaji Dayyabu, the younger brother to the late Chief Imam of the Katsina Central Mosque, Malam Muhammadu Lawal, , during the condolence visit to the family of the deceased by the governor in Katsina…recently

L-R:General Overseer of The Lord's Chosen Charistmatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka and the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, during a courtesy visit to the Governor by Pastor Muoka at Government house Kano...recently

L - R: Chief Executive Officer – Jumia Nigeria; Juliet Anammah, President International Coach Federation - Nigeria Chapter; Mrs. Titi Akisanya, Director - Enterprise Development Center; Mr. Peter Bamkole, Chairperson, International Coaching Week; Mrs. Adeyanju Olomola and Chief Executive Officer, No Surprises Events Architects, Mrs. Funmi Victor – Okigbo during the commemoration of the 2018 International Coaching Week held in Lagos...recently

L-R; Chief Executive Officer, Tellco Europe, Mr. Rudolp Fielder;Chairman, Catch Energy, Mr. David Collett;Chairman, Tellco Europe Nigeria, Prof Wale Omole; and Co-Founder, Tellcosol Swithzerland, Dr. Omar Fischer, at the media briefing on the official unveiling of Tellco Europe Nigeria and inauguration of off-grid solar power solutions for MSMES in Nigeria held in Lagos... recently etop ukutt

L-R: Oyo State Commissioner for Liaison Affairs and Special Duties, Alhaji Fatai Salau; a former state Commissioner for Information, Chief Timothy Jolaoso; state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; his wife, Florence; and a leader of the All Progressives Congress, Apostle Sunday Aderounmu, during a visit by elders from Ibarapa land to thank the governor for the stately burial of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan...recently

L-R; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Fola Adeyemi; Special Adviser, Arts and Culture, Mrs Aramide Giwanson and Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde at te Lagos Laughs season 2 event...recently

L-R: Representative of World Quality Alliance, Mrs Abiola Bashorun; presenting award to Group General Manager, Eliel Jerahmeal Nigeria Ltd, Suraj Negi;and Group Managing Director, Eliel Group, Mrs Damilola Adefemi for XIZI Africa's Best Premium Quality Elevators and Escalators product company in Abuja...recently

37/XTRA

11.05.2018

The Impact of Contributory Pension Scheme on Nigeria’s Economic Growth

L-R: CEO Premium Pension, Mr. Umar Mairemi, Former Executive Director Operations and Services, Mr. Adamu Mele, Board Chairman, Yunusa Yakubu, Outgoing CEO, Mr. Wilson Ideva, former ED, Mr. Kayode Akande and Executive Director, Mr. Kabir Tijjani, at a sentforth dinner in honour of the outgoing management staff of the company held in Abuja recently

Ivor Takor The Contributory Pension Scheme for public and private sectors was established under the Pension Reform Act 2004, which was repealed and replaced with the Pension Reform Act 2014, in 2014. Section 4 of the Act, provides for a mandatory minimum contribution of ten and eight per cent of employee’s monthly emolument by the employer and employee respectively.

Each employee is to open a Retirement Savings Account (RSA) into which the contributions are to be paid, with a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) licensed by the National Pension Commission, established under section 17 of the Act, to regulate and supervise pension schemes in the country.

The PFA is to manage and invest the fund in the RSA, from where a contributor will draw benefits on retirement, in line with the provisions of the Act. Economic growth of a country can be referred to as economics’ capacity to increase the productivity of service and goods in comparison with previous time period. The success of every government is tied to the growth of the economy of the nation. Therefore, achieving a high and stable economic growth rate is an important issue for every government, since economic growth is key to citizens’ enjoyment of a higher standard of living.

A major factor in economic growth is savings. Savings can be termed as money that is set aside through banks or any other financial institution that provides the facility. The Contributory Pension Scheme being a mandatory scheme, has compelled employees and employers in the public and private sectors to collectively save a minimum of eighteen per cent of an employee’s monthly emolument into the employee RSA, from where employees will be paid retirement benefits. This has increased national savings.

As at December 2017, the Net Assets Value of Pension Assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme was N7.5 trillion. This happening against a background of federal government budgetary pension deficit estimated put at N2 trillion as at June 2004, when the Contributory Pension Scheme took off and a non-existing industry before the CPS took off, is a huge achievement. Of the N7.5 trillion Net Assets Value, 70.42 per cent

was invested in FGN Securities, 10.33 per cent in Ordinary shares, 9.08 per cent in local money market securities, 2.03 per cent in state governments securities, 2.71 per cent in Real Estate properties. The fund was also invested in Supra National Bonds, Mutual Funds, Specialised Funds (Infrastructure and Private Equity) etc.

Investment of pension fund in federal and state governments’ securities, has assisted these governments to costeffectively manage their national debts, thereby contributing in the solving of their financial needs. The fund has come in as an independent financial intermediary, as the nation’s private business enterprises no longer rely on the banks as the sole sources of outside capital for the financing of their businesses. The fund has therefore provided a domestic source of borrowing, which doesn’t attract excessive high interest rate. The transfer of resources in favour of long term assets by the fund has significantly impacted on the nation’s GDP growth rate.

The Pension Reform Act 2014 provides that the Contributory Pension Scheme should be privately managed and to this end, the law made provision for specific institutions that will manage the Scheme. Principal among the institutions is PenCom, established under section 17 of the Act. The principal objectives of PenCom are to enforce and administer the provisions of the Act; co-ordinate and enforce all other laws on pension and retirement benefits; and regulate, supervise and ensure the effective administration of pension matters and retirement benefits in Nigeria. PenCom with headquarters in Abuja, has regional offices in the five geopolitical zones of the federation.

Section 51 of the Act provides for Closed Pension Fund Administrators (CPFA). Pension Schemes in the private sector existing prior to the introduction of the CPS in June 2004 were allowed to continue as CPFA, subject to guidelines issued by PenCom. The companies are required to have operated a fully funded existing pension scheme with assets of at least N500 million. There are currently seven CPFAs, namely Chevron CPFA Ltd; Nestle Nigeria Trust Ltd; Nigeria Agip CPFA Ltd; Progress Trust CPFA Ltd; Shell Nigeria. CPFA Ltd; Total (E & P) Nigeria CPFA Ltd; and UNICON CPFA Ltd. Section 54 of the Act also provides

for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

PFAs are limited liability companies whose sole objectives are management of pension fund; including investment; and payment of benefits. There are twenty-one licensed PFAs, with their headquarters either in Abuja or Lagos, including branch offices in most states capitals. The Act in section 56 further provide for Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs). PFCs are responsible for keeping safe custody of pension assets. There are four in number, namely; Diamond PFC Ltd; First PFC Nig. Ltd; UBA Pension Custodian Ltd; and Zenith Pension Custodian Ltd. Combined, PenCom, CPFAs, PFAs and PFCs employ thousands of graduates of diverse professions, thereby helping to take off the streets able bodied Nigerians in particular, young graduates who otherwise would have been roaming the streets in search of jobs.

Pension fund has also impacted positively on other sub sectors of the financial sector of the economy. As the fund press for improvements in the architecture of allocative mechanisms, including investment, risk management, better accounting, auditing, brokerage and information disclosure; Insurance supervision and management for Group Life Insurance and annuity, new securities and rating agencies have developed. The fund has developed Equity market, which has shown to enhance overall economic development.

The monthly pension payment under the Life Annuity Scheme established under section 7(1)( c ) of the Act has averaged N1.7 billion as at March 2017. That figure is much higher now.

Moreover, the total premium paid to Insurance Companies for the Group Life under section 4(5) of the Act was N170.57 billion as at March 2017. This has significantly assisted the growth of the insurance industry. In spite of these notable achievements and the positive impact of the fund on the economy, there have been recent activities, both legislative and administrative, which will undermine the Pension Reform in Nigeria. There are Private Members’ Bills in both chambers of the National Assembly, which have all gone through second readings in both chambers, and public hearing held on them. Of note is the fact that during the public hearings organised

by both chambers, critical stakeholders in the in the pension industry, roundly criticised, condemned and rejected the Bills. The unfortunate point in the Bills saga is that it points to the fact that the Bills are surreptitiously, being sponsored by agencies of the federal government, with the sole objective of exempting the Police, Customs, Immigration, Prisons and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The sponsors of the Bills carry on, with full knowledge that the issue of Police personnel exiting from the Contributory Pension Scheme had since been resolved by government with the licensing of a Nigerian Police PFA by PenCom and the PFA is doing well. These sponsors are also aware that a Federal Government White Paper on the Report of the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, accepted the committee’s recommendation that the practice where certain categories of employees were opting out of the Contributory Pension Scheme should be stopped. Administratively, the federal government as the sole employer of federal public servants including staff of the Federal Capital Territory, has not been adequately funding accrued rights of her employees who were in service before the Commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme, thereby causing these employees not to be paid their retirement benefits as and at when they retire from service. Furthermore, there are delays in the payment of premium for the mandatory Group Life Insurance, thereby causing delays in the payment of death benefits. The government has also not commenced the implementation of the increases in the rates of contributions by employers and employees as provided for in the Pension Reform Act 2014. These increases took effect from 2014 and were meant to enhance the balances in the employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts.

The government needs to tackle these drawbacks to the smooth implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme because if not address, they are capable of eroding the gains so far recorded.

Takor, a legal practitioner is the Executive Director, Centre for Pension Right Advocacy

38/PERSPECTIVE

11.05.2018

Obi, Gates and Adding Value to the Society

Obi

Polycarp Egodi Wisdom and introspection are necessary to understand the dynamics of the world and apply oneself becomingly to those realities. It is not every act of man that adds to our humanity and not everybody is disposed to making positive contributions to the society. I have seen wealthy people that understand wealth and use it to better the lot of their fellow beings. They often achieve genuine happiness, which is built of trust and responsibility they exhibit towards the society. I have also observed persons that made money, real money, but ended up using it to enslave themselves and their communities. Examples abound across the land, including those who boast that they have made enough money to court trouble and mayhem, which they gleefully welcome by the refrain: “Akalili m okwu nketere” (“I am greater than any problem that I cause”).

In our dear country, Nigeria, many of our compatriots who are labelled “billionaires” engage in all manner of senseless orgies and unwholesome public displays in order to be rated among the richest Nigerians. Some even lobby to be included by Forbes magazine as among the richest persons in the world. There is nothing men have not done to be seen as stupendously rich, even when they are in debt all over the place.

Globally, only a few men and women have stood out as examples on how to take on the realities of human society.

The other day, Bill Gates of the Microsoft fame himself commended Nigeria’s Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his donations to charity around the world. Aliko Dangote is undoubtedly very, very wealthy, but is not carried away by his riches. Such are his life-style and disposition to life that millions of people across the world continue to pray that God should grant more riches to his kind.

On the contrary, there are some men in Nigeria that literally go crazy at the sight of money. They always want to

Gates

lord it over others. At any opportunity, they would brag about their affluence from Jerusalem to Jericho. The objective of their concocted philanthropy is for men to praise them. Theirs is a sorry case of poverty of understanding.

One of the few men that must be held out at all times for his approach to life is Bill Gates. Until recently, he was the richest man of all times. What is touching about his wealth is that it has helped him discover his humanity. He channels most of his wealth to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has impacted tremendously on humanity.

Obviously exasperated by the Nigerian condition, he advised the Nigerian Government to focus more on human resource development as a key to unbundling the nation’s latent greatness.

He expressed himself in all sincerity because Nigerian authorities have not demonstrated decent attention to developing the human person. Current statistics reveal that Nigeria has the highest out-of-school children in Africa and yet some people criticised Bill Gates for his statement. All the concerned philanthropist did was calling on Nigeria to look inwards by focusing on the right values centred on the people to enable its ascent to greatness.

The bane of Nigeria’s meaningful development is our approach to leadership. We have the wrong conception of leadership as an open sesame to power, wealth and fame rather that an avenue to contribute to humanity in positive and fulfilling ways.

In the People’s Republic of China, National leaders must have gone through thorough distillation processes; proving themselves at the Local and State levels of governance. In such climes, leadership is graduated. People cannot be entrusted with higher leadership responsibilities except they have proved themselves worthy at lower levels. Going by the Chinese process, the antecedents of anybody aspiring to leadership must be scrutinised. If, for example, he was a Lo-

cal Government Chairman who did not care about human capital development, he cannot be trusted to perform well if he were made a Governor. If a Governor did not appreciate human resource development, chances are that he would wallow in the same ignorance if given opportunity at a higher level.

Bill Gates’ statement regarding the importance of developing our human resources is most profound. It is not that he said something new, but coming from him has made it wear a new toga.

Having observed trends in Nigeria, I know and can talk about a Nigerian that has not only constantly advocated the grooming of human resources, but has lived it out as a state governor and in his private life thereafter. Indeed, the Case Study of my Master’s degree thesis is focused on his leadership style of responsible and responsive public service.

Whenever he is asked of his greatest achievements as Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi would not talk about the roads he built (acknowledged by the Federal Ministry of Works as the best road network in Nigeria) nor the over N100 billion he saved for the successor administration (being the only Governor that did not leave a debt or borrow from any financial institution). He would not boast of the number of industries he attracted to Anambra State (including two “Fortune 500” companies) nor refer to the several national organisations he persuaded through deft diplomacy to partner with the state. He would not talk about the numerous erosion sites he worked on or many institutional structures he variously set up and attracted to the state.

With a justified sense of fulfilment, Peter Obi has always said that what was uppermost in his mind was how to change the value-frame of the people of Anambra State. Besides personal example of right conduct and approach to life, which made him inspire the people of the state to shun extravagance and

epicurean life, he invested heavily in education. At a point, he propagated what was known as “Adopt a School” policy; encouraging the people to support schools of their choice across the State.

The then Governor Peter Obi’s massive investments in education was in realisation that education is the easiest way to change the mind-set of the people and to develop the human resources of the state. It was not lip service or a mere slogan for him as he took a commendable stride to return schools to their original owners – backing it up with over N10 billion in grants, structures and equipment. His administration provided N5 billion to the State University for capital development; while each of the state’s secondary schools got two buses, computers, power-generators, Internet facilities, bore-holes, sporting equipment, rehabilitated laboratories, among others. The benefits soon began to manifest as the state came first in national/external examinations.

Across the country and internationally, many people and institutions started looking upon Anambra State with admiration and respect.

Against this back-drop, when Bill Gates made comments about developing our human resources, many felt he was responding to the gospel that Mr. Peter Obi has been propagating over the years. Even many years since he left Government House, he has continued to support educatio n i n a l l t h e p a r ts of Nigeria: Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kogi, Sokoto, Ogun States, among other places. We therefore agree that the smoothest means to develop a country is through its human resources. As Nigeria is at cross-roads today, we shall, like the Chinese, look for those who have done well at the Local and State levels of governance to take on the onerous task of rescuing Nigeria from the brink. .Mr. Egodi sent this piece from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

39

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

LCCI Promises Better Deal for 2018 Exhibitors The 2018 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) has been positioned to enhance value delivery to its numerous exhibitors and visitors, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said.

The 32nd edition of the Fair is scheduled to commence from November 2, to November 11, 2018, at the usual LITF venue, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The fourth edition of the LCCI International Investment Conference which has also contributed brilliantly to the discourse on investment growth in Nigeria will hold on Thursday, November 1st, 2018.

President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase, in his remarks, assured stakeholders that tireless efforts are on ground to ensure hitch free and quality exhibition this year. “This year’s event is also unique because this is the first time we are choosing a special forum to officially commence the marketing activities of the annual LITF, we are doing this because we believe in the strength and power of the press in projecting the image of the Fair and creating a positive perception. We also believe in the ability of our valued exhibitors and members of the diplomatic corps to add value to this annual event whose focus is to connect businesses while creating values “he said.

Unveiling the LITF Brand Promise, Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, announced a new marketing campaign slogan that should be used year after year for the LITF ‘Lagos International Trade Fair, which is “Connecting Businesses,

creating value�.

Emphasising on the changes, Gabriel said changes like Online registration and payment, zero tolerance to noise, musical instruments will not be allowed in the fair premises, if found will be confiscated. Excess noise, he said is injurious to health and complained by the exhibitors and visitors. “The LCCI central PublicAddress System will be made available to disseminate information and light music to make the environment welcoming.

Besides, we are working on alternative publicity strategies that can attract quality patronage rather that making noise and becoming threat to other stakeholders at the fair, we will make findings available to all exhibitors to support their marketing efforts� he added.

Other changes include zero tolerance to hawking, which he said does not give the fair that international ambience it deserves. Improved sectorisation of exhibition area, upgrade of facilities and improved security arrangement.

In addition to the 2018 LITF programme, Gabriel said there would be easy competition among secondary schools in Lagos State, the LCCI have decided to make it a tradition to inculcate in our children the relevance of commerce and industry for economic development and winners of various categories would be given prizes by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, during the closing ceremony. LCCI has reportedly recorded interest from 25 countries willing to participate in the 2018 LITF.

Ex IMO Chief to Speak at Lagos International Maritime Week Eromosele Abiodun A former Chairman, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Legal Committee, Dr. Kofi Mbiah would be delivering the opening public lecture at the Lagos International Maritime Week 2018, organisers of the event have revealed.

While, Mbiah who was the former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), would give the public lecture; other notable maritime bigwigs that would deliberate issues at the conference include; the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello,

Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, President, Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) Mr. Chidi Ilogu (SAN), President, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, among others.

The event which would take place in Victoria Island, Lagos, comprises the 3rd International Maritime Business to Business conference and exhibition from May 15th to May 17th.

The convener, Mrs. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore in a chat with journalists to announce the event said the reason we chose this theme; “Developing

Maritime Infrastructure In Africa� is because the resource company, Zoe Maritime Resources Limited, noticed that maritime infrastructure is a challenge in Africa. “Look at Lagos and the challenge we have in Apapa with the port access roads. If these challenges are addressed the nation’s economy would be taken to its zenith because efficient port systems play significant roles in developing a nation’s economy. “The essence of the event is to provide an opportunity for Africa discuss the issues that have hindered the development of maritime, especially Nigeria that is a nation strategically positioned as a coastal state.

The question should be – is Nigerian utilising its God-given

potentials to the best? How can the nation maximise the potentials in maritime? These are some of the questions that would be answered at the conference, �she said.

The event also comprises several roundtable discussions on Maritime Transportation, Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea, Maritime Law and Arbitration, Port Development, Marine Environment, Maritime Training and Education and Women in Maritime.

As part of efforts to contribute to youth enlightenment on the nature and significance of the port system in Nigeria, the event would conclude with an excursion for some students to the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL).

TALENT HUNT FOR APP DEVELOPERS

L-R: Director, Tech Services, Ayo Akanbi; Director, Sales and Marketing, Dammy Akanbi; Director, Business Development, Yeside Ireobhude, all of Busicon Nigeria Limited and Chief Executive Officer BB Buzz, Yomi Olaniwun, at a press conference to announce the maiden edition of Busicon App Challenge, held in Lagos...recently

Ambassador Olukanni WACOT Rewards Agro Dealers, Unveils New is NACCIMA New DG Packaging forVinash

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has appointed Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni as its new Director General. He replaces Barrister Emmanuel Cobham, who recently left the association.

Olukanni, graduated from the University of Ife (now OAU) in 1979 with a first degree in (Political Science). He joined the Nigerian Diplomatic service in July 1980 after his National Youth Service in Jos Plateau State. His first diplomatic posting from 1982 to 1983, was to the Nigerian Embassy, Brussels, Belgium, which also serves as the Nigerian Mission to the European Union. In 1984, he returned to school for postgraduate studies in International Law and graduated with Post Graduate Diploma in International Law from the University of Lagos Between December 1986 and April 1989, he served in the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations New York, covering among others the work of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Committees of the UN as well as the Security Council. He was thus involved in the work of the UN spanning Economic and Financial matters; South-south Cooperation, Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC);

Social, cultural and humanitarian and legal affairs as well as Peace and Conflict Resolution and UN Peace Keeping operations.

He returned to Nigeria in 1989 and in line with his insatiable quest for knowledge he enrolled for another Postgraduate studies at the University of Lagos. He graduated from UNILAG in 1991 with Masters of International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) with focus on International Environmental Law. Between 1991 and 1994, he worked at the Bilateral Economic Cooperation Division (BECD) at the Headquarters, (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and was in Tel Aviv, Israel from 1994-1998 where he functioned as Counselor Political, Culture and Information following closely the implementation of the Oslo Peace Accord.

He also served in the Embassy as Pilgrims’ Liaison Officer.

In January 2000, he returned to the Permanent Mission to the UN in New York to strengthen the Mission when Nigeria was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the New York Chapter of the Group of 77 and China.

During the period, he was closely involved in the UN Millennium Summit and the negotiations of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as the meetings of the First Ever South Summit .

As part of its commitment to engaging and adding value to its stakeholders, WACOT Limited, a member of The TGI Group, held its first Dealers Meet in four locations across the country, where about 100 of its dealers were rewarded for their patronage.

The last of the four-part meetings was held in Central Hotel Kano. The first three which were held in Ibadan, Abuja and Gombe in the preceding weeks, was a gathering of the company’s Agro-Inputs dealers, who stated that the quality and performance of WACOT’s products in the market is the major reason why

they deal with WACOT. The rewards for the dealers in various categories ranged from motorcycles, television sets, and refrigerators to a brand new car for the grand prize. In Gombe, due to a tie in the performance, two grand prizes were given out.

Speaking at the meeting in Kano, Mr. Sadiq Kassim, GM Corporate Affairs, TGI Group (parent company of WACOT) said: “We pride ourselves in being able to engage our stakeholders at every level, and our dealers are not left out of this. While the rewards are a way of us giving back to them and encouraging them, the joy for us is being able

to sit in a room with them to hear directly from them how our products are doing in the market, and ways in which they want us to improve�.

The company also used the opportunity to introduce the revamped packaging of all its products which now have a more pronounced outlook for easier brand recognition, and unveil the redesigned VINASH, the company’s flagship agro-chemical which is a household name among Nigerian farmers.

Commenting at the launch, the MD of WACOT, Mr. Ujwal Senapati, reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering only

quality inputs saying “our goal is to make the packages more user-friendly, tamper-proof and easy to identify, especially in a market where counterfeiting is rife. More importantly, our strategy is to brand and promote the products in such a way that it makes sales easier for our dealers.� “We are also using this opportunity to recognise our sales team in our branches across the nation. Without them, none of these would have been possible.

Our people are our biggest assets and we will continue to appreciate their efforts in every way we can� added Senapati.

“33�Export Excites Consumers with Experience Party Friends in Lagos, Uyo and Enugu were recently treated to the best in music, comedy and games at the “33� Export Friendship Experience.

The event, organised by “33�

Export beer, is a platform created by “33� Export to connect friends and loved ones and giving them the opportunity to enjoy memorable moments together through music, dance, games and other fun activities that create positive and enjoyable ambience for all attendees of the event.

Top DJs and Comedians, DJ Kentalky, DJ Real, MC Shakara, and Bash, were there to strengthen consumers to unforgettable fun activities. “My first experience was at the party held in Onitsha last week and it was totally great,� said Ugo Chiemeka, a guest at the event. “Personally, I think It’s a wonderful concept that a brand is building on friendship to engage Nigerians, especially its consumers.

These events have become an interesting way for people like

us to celebrate each other and relax.�

Winners who emerged from different competitions played were rewarded with mouthwatering gifts like 33� Export Branded T-shirts, Standing fan, Power Bank Chargers, Chaoba Hair-Clipper, Generators, Refrigerators and many more.

Also speaking after last weekend’s party in Onitsha, Abba Bright, a ‘Winner’ and guest at the party expressed satisfaction saying: “My friends and I have

not attended an event this interesting in a while. It’s not just about the party, but the ambience of friendship, memories, and wonderful stories that we can share from this.�

The Friendship Party train will move to Ibadan, Aba, Port-Harcourt and other cities across Nigeria to continue strengthening the friendship bond across the states. “33� Export Lager is a premium quality beer brand produced by the master brewers, Nigerian Breweries Plc.

40

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY11, 2018

42

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

MTN to Issue N400bn Bond in Nigeria Nume Ekeghe with agency report The MTN Group plans to borrow as much as N400 billion naira ($1.1 billion) in Nigeria this year as Africa’s largest wireless carrier by sales seeks to fund local investment and replace existing debt in Nigeria.

According to Bloomberg, MTN plans to sell bonds and take out long-term loans as Nigeria recovers from a 2016 economic contraction.

The carrier expects to list its Nigerian unit on the Nigerian Stock Exchange by the end of 2018.

previous year.

The Johannesburg-based company plans to shift its focus from dollar-denominated debt to debt in local currencies where it operates, Mupita said.

MTN also recently raised money in local currency for its Ghanaian and Ivory Coast operations, according to Bloomberg data.

MTN shares declined 0.6 percent Wednesday, on a day that U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated economic sanctions on Iran, the company’s second-biggest market. The carrier is valued at 234 billion rand.

Nigeria’s securities regulator is preparing for record bond issuance from companies seeking to benefit from lower interest rates and an economy on the mend, it said this week.

“We want to gear up our debt on an operational level away from the holding structure,” MTN’s Chief Financial Officer, Ralph Mupita, said in an interview.

“The debt must be where the Ebidta is and we want to raise as much as possible in local currency.”

MTN’s net debt rose to 57 billion rand ($4.5 billion) in 2017 from 52 billion rand the

Naira Records Marginal Depreciation on Parallel Market The naira dropped to N363 to the dollar on the parallel market yesterday, compared to the N362 to the dollar it was previously.

This is also as the gap between banks’ bids to buy and sell the naira to investors was widening due to a tight supply of dollars in the market, suggesting the currency was coming under international pressure even as government

finances improve.

According to Reuters, some lenders are seeking to sell the naira at N365 per dollar to investors, while others offered to buy at N359 to the dollar.

It also stated that banks were trading between themselves at N362 per dollar.

The currency bid-offer spread has been much tighter in the past, usually ranging between N359 and N360 to the dollar.

The naira had been relatively stable at N360 to the dollar for months after the central bank in April 2017 introduced the Investors’ and Exporters’ window.

Part of the latest shortage of dollars is due to offshore funds dumping Nigerian bonds following a fall in yields and multinationals repatriating their dividends, Reuters stated.

Access Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Female Entrepreneurs The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe yesterday restated the bank’s pledge to continue to support female entrepreneurs under is ‘W’ initiative.

Wigwe said while speaking at a breakfast session organised by the bank for its ‘W’ initiative customers that took place in Lagos.

The bank had unveiled the ‘W’ initiative to accelerate its support for women. In addition to financial inclusion, the initiative also focuses on women empowerment offerings. Some

several things that have been done in terms of supporting women.

“The ‘W’ initiative is supposed to inspire and empower women as well as female entrepreneurs.

When we started doing it, some people thought it was a joke.

“But frankly speaking, we have not had even 0.1 per cent bad loan by supporting women. So, we have done several things and we have won several accolades and awards by supporting women in terms of how we give out loans to them, supporting them with technical skills and knowledge,” he said.

of these include mentoring, capacity building, maternal health services, access to loans and credit facilities.

Continuing, Wigwe said the event, among others, was organised to also gather feedback from its female customers who had keyed into the initiative.

“For us at Access Bank, supporting and empowering women is truly at the heart of our strategy and other things we have to do as far as sustainability is concerned.

“In the last couple of years, we have made significant progress as a bank and there have been

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA) 2018

Month

MARCH

Broad Money (M2)

24,303,049.86

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,912,604.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,668,378.21

---- Demand Deposits

9,244,225.90

-- Quasi Money

13,390,445.76

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

15,619,134.18

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

8,683,915.68

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,267,136.53

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,823,345.45

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

5,433,209.43

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-1,609,863.98

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,443,791.08

--Other Assets Net

-17,583,220.85

Reserve Money (Base Money)

6,746,646.49

--Currency in Circulation

1,668,378.21

--Banks Reserves

4,357,551.58

CIBN to Inaugurate New President The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) will on May 19, 2018, inaugurate Mr. Uche Messiah Olowu as its 20th President/Chairman of Council.

The Investiture, which holds in Lagos, is expected to be attended by leading professionals in the banking and finance industry, regulatory agencies, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic community,

government functionaries and other business leaders in the economy.

The CIBN which is the umbrella professional body for banks and bankers in Nigeria was established by extant law, CIBN Act No 5 of 2007 to determine the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the banking profession; secure in accordance

with the provisions of its Act, the establishment and maintenance of a register of members of the banking profession and conduct professional examinations leading to the award of certificates.

The Institute was created to amongst other things, to maintain and observe ethical standards and professionalism among practitioners of the banking profession in Nigeria.

• Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Month

MARCH

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

Standard Chartered Unveils New Sustainability Framework

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

framework, the bank’s Group Head Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Tracey McDermott, was quoted to have said: “We believe we have a key role to play in promoting sustainable economic growth in the communities and markets we serve. We aim to be a force for good – taking a long term view and working with our clients to improve their sustainability performance and so help to drive up standards across our markets.”

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Standard Chartered Bank has launched new sustainability framework. According to a statement, the Sustainability Philosophy sets out how the bank integrates sustainability into its organisational decision-making and how it would work with its clients, suppliers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and governments in its markets, stating that it explains “how the bank addresses the balance between supporting business

and economic growth, and protecting the environment.”

“Over the coming weeks and months, the bank will be publishing new criteria and standards which will outline clearly the type of business it will and will not do, starting with coal.

“Additionally, for the first time the bank has made public the Prohibited Activities List, which details those activities it will not support,” it stated.

Commenting on the new

• Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, TUE, MAY 8, 2018 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $72.12 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $72.45 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), Zafiro (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 • FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018

43

MARKET NEWS

Union Bank Reports N15bn Full Year Profit, Grows First Quarter Profit by 16% Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

of N163.8 billion for the full year, up by 26 per cent from N126.6 billion in 2016. Net interest income improved from N65 billion to N66.6 billion.

Impairment charges rose from N27.7 billion to N31.7 billion.

Profit before tax (PBT) was N15.519 billion, showing a marginal decline from N15.738 billion, while profit after tax stood at N14.608 billion, down by five per cent from N15.391

Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc, yesterday released its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2017 and first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2018. While the full year profit recorded a marginal decline that of Q1 rose by 16 per cent.

UBN posted gross earnings

billion in 2016. .

However, the bank has shown brighter prospects in Q1 of 2018, recording gross earnings of N39.5 billion compared with N34.3 billion in Q1 of 2017.

Interest income had grown by 14 per cent to N31.7 billion in 2018 as against N27.7 billion in 2017. Net interest income before impairment increased by 22 per cent to N17.8 billion in 2018 compared to N14.6 billion

in 2017, driven by 14 per cent increase in interest income and a lower six per cent increase in interest expense. Non-interest income also rose by 18 per cent from N6.6 billion to N7.8 billion.

PBT tax rose from N4.7 billion in 2017 to N5.4 billion in 2018, while PAT to N5.3 billion in 2018 from N4.5 billion in 2017.

The Chief Executive Officer of UBN Mr. Emeka Emuwa, said the Q1 reflected the bank’s

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF

renewed focus on driving efficiency and productivity with a view to fully leveraging resources including human, technology and new capital to maximize the bottom line.

“While we are just in the early stages of this drive, we are already starting to see positive results,” Emuwa said.

Emuwa disclosed that the bank had been pushing strongly on debt recovery efforts across

board including initiating or continuing legal action where necessary.

“For the first half of the year, we will continue to hone initiatives around our productivity drive, focusing our people on targeted opportunities across regions and optimising our technology and digital platforms to deliver operational efficiency and improved customer service,” he said.

A S AT 0 3 / 0 5 / 2 0 1 8

Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N 1 2 3

BANKING ACCESS BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

11.30

-0.44

149

57,037,932

S/N

401,843.20

11.75

0.43

198

79,908,140

31

868,113.05

27.65

0.18

298

17,657,438

32

645 154,603,510

33

PRICE

%CHANGE

BANKING S/N 4 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N 5 6 BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL GOODS OIL AND GAS S/N 7 EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OIL AND GAS PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES AGRICULTURE S/N 8 9 10 CROP PRODUCTION S/N 11 FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING S/N 12 LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES AGRICULTURE CONGLOMERATES S/N 13 14 15 16 17 DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES CONGLOMERATES CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N 18 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION S/N 19 20 INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION S/N 21

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 448,691.16

22 23 24 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONSUMER GOODS S/N 25 AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS S/N 26 27 28 29 30

VOLUME

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

12.50

1.63

390

12,363,379

390

12,363,379

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

4,178,332.42

245.20

-1.09

364,283.99

42.00

-

VOLUME

34 35 36 37

VOLUME

38 FOOD PRODUCTS

82

544,037

S/N

41 123 123

1,189,572 1,733,609 1,733,609

TRADES

39 40 FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

450,160.09

765.00

-

40

87,734

41

87,734

42 HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

40

40 87,734 1,198 168,788,232

S/N

S/N 43

CROP PRODUCTION

676,342

87

3,432,583

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

1,456.01

0.55

-

4

100,543

55

206.25 2,111.93

0.53 3.25

-3.64 -

2 0

120,000 0

56

69,508.06

1.71

1.79

88

5,715,386

51,863.34

18.00

4.96

55 149 149

415,512 6,351,441 6,351,441

MARKET CAP(Nm) 711.32

57 58 59 60 61

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4.79

-

0 0

0 0

63

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

64

28.05 6.60

-

23 0

57,072 0

65

23

57,072

66

62

INFRASTRUCTURE/ HEAVY CONSTRUCTION JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 37,026.00 165.00

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

67

6,392.05

2.46

-

9

310,330

68

9

310,330

69

VOLUME

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/ DISTILLERS CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 2,000.00

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

100.00

-

0

0

11,300.89

45.20

-

1

100

70 71 72

26,682.70

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,574.98 MARKET CAP(Nm) 18,947.38

10.00

-

0

0

1

100

33

367,502

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.33

-

1 1

2,389 2,389

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2.42

-

4

14,200

242.22

0.89

-

0

0

225,609.43

103.00

-

42

360,805

408,303.44

47.50

-8.30

36

7,305,284

1,017,205.94

127.20

-1.40

141

1,255,847

73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

0

0

54,313.49

20.50

1.23

33

325,174

3,676.41

13.45

-

0 601

0 18,916,219

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

24,698.36

13.15

-

51

241,489

1,260,402.71

1,590.10

1.28

32

235,152

83

476,641 VOLUME

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

-

25

136,762

301,612.78

52.50

-4.37

31

253,412

56

390,174

977

29,297,972

46

676,342

0

22.50

1,342,375 2,756,241

27

-

PRICE

8 60

VOLUME

0.40 6.85

89,335.73

0.71

27

0

1,489.00 1,220.67

MARKET CAP(Nm)

70.50

TRADES

1,055,653

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.

70,500.00

-

36

0

DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. JAIZ BANK PLC SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC.

%CHANGE

-1.83

576,413 576,413

BANKING

0.80

2.68

13 13

45

PRICE

4,636,892

21,252.93

1.85

S/N

48

5,242,864

139

3.30

1,413,866

49 50 51 52 53 54 BANKING

98

2.90

3,439.82

52

0 0

-5.00

35.50

0

1.35

VOLUME

19.00

145,563.48

TRADES

78.55

0 0

228,000.00

-

74,929.63

TRADES

7,655,636

%CHANGE

0

-

VOLUME

295

22.10

VOLUME

%CHANGE

TRADES

-4.98

PRICE

0

4.26

%CHANGE

11.45

1,680.31

TRADES

PRICE

PRICE

57,250.00

MARKET CAP(Nm)

-

47

8,936,136

MARKET CAP(Nm)

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm) 2,400.00

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

FOOD PRODUCTS-DIVERSIFIED CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC.

0.20

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC UNION DICON SALT PLC.

PRICE

MARKET CAP(Nm) 511.20

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ARBICO PLC.

FOOD PRODUCTS

440.00

FISHING/HUNTING/ TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC.

44 PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES

223

MARKET CAP(Nm)

FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT S/N

TRADES

1,035 166,966,889 BUILDING MATERIALS

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

MARKET CAP(Nm) 326,886.08

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC UNIC DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC VERITAS KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 48,173.61

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2.08

0.97

80

3,251,634

381,670.67

20.80

3.48

47

321,291

72,726.74

2.51

-1.57

133

4,396,447

1,330,289.30

45.20

0.56

194

4,177,189

22,098.19 11,659.45 47,792.09 195,109.04 13,442.74 35,102.76

0.75 0.84 1.66 6.70 1.15 0.91

7.14 -1.18 1.84 3.08 9.52 -1.09

35 74 45 34 22 38 702

4,378,568 10,686,635 1,677,480 574,331 1,520,663 3,974,648 34,958,886

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4,528.70

0.22

-

0

0

4,920.45

0.71

-4.05

37

3,605,011

24,675.00

2.35

-

4

25,959

2,240.00

0.32

-3.03

9

191,500

16,492.66

1.59

4.61

11

218,724

5,155.33

0.35

-

1

1,000

4,060.00

0.29

-

1

10

2,411.47

0.53

-

0

0

1,913.74

0.50

-

0

0

2,456.00

0.40

-

0

0

590.68

0.46

-

0

0

2,709.67

0.37

2.70

21

2,013,081

3,351.14

0.78

-

2

18,100

6,800.00

0.85

-

1

500

2,000.00

0.25

4.17

15

563,800

14,785.41

2.80

1.79

39

2,658,930

2,244.45

0.29

-

4

13,355

1,794.18

0.47

-4.08

4

250,274

1,800.56

0.27

-

2

1,500

1,834.98

0.22

4.55

19

10,477,900

5,422.63

0.42

-

0

0

4,483.72

0.48

-

2

13,100

516.46

0.20

-

1

500

8,000.00

0.50

-

0

0

4,298.67

0.31

3.33

2

201,000

6,825.20

0.51

-3.77

44

2,219,909

219

22,474,153

44

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

45

˾ FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018

MARKET NEWS

Jaiz Bank Projects PAT of N927m in 2018 Goddy Egene Managing Director of Jaiz Bank Plc, Mr. Hassan Usman, has projected a growth of 73 per cent in profit after tax (PAT) for the 2018, assuring stakeholders that the bank would sustain year-on-year growth in the coming years.

Speaking at the bank’s ‘Facts Behind the Figures’ session at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos, Managing Director, Jaiz Bank Plc, Mr. Hassan Usman, said the bank

had been positioned to sustain its growth trajectory.

Jaiz Bank Plc ended 2017 with a PAT of N537 million.

However, Usman said the bottom-line would hit N927 million in 2018 and grow further to N1.42 billion in 2019.

PAT is projected to jump to N2.11 billion in 2020; N2.82 billion and N3.83 billion in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Usman said the bank’s growth strategy of focussing on the real sector, though painstaking, would ensure

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

sustainable growth and better returns over the years.

According to him, Jaiz Bank wants to develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs), grow with them and support them not only for profit making but to ensure the country achieves real growth.

He said the bank would soon start to disburse $20 million financial lifeline to SMEs as part of the commitments of the bank to drive the growth of the real sector of the economy. He said Jaiz Bank

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 09-May-2018, unless otherwise stated.

and Islamic Corporation for the Development of Private Sector (ICD), the development arm of Islamic Development Bank (IDB), had recently signed a $20 million line of agreement to finance SMEs in Nigeria.

“We shall continue to internally develop new customers, new markets and new product for both our physical and virtual channels.

We remain committed to continuous up-scaling of our governance mechanism to meet the highest operating

standards. Cost efficiency is at the heart of our value creation model. We shall strive to be a low cost operator,” Usman said.

According to him, while the bank would continue to expand its operations across the country by opening more branches, it will significantly leverage on technology to reach the nooks and crannies of the country and bring the semi-banked and unbanked population into the formal economy.

Jaiz Bank had recorded significant growths in key performance indicators in 2017 with the Islamic bank making an average of a double of previous profit on every unit of transaction during the period.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema, said Jaiz Bank had demonstrated ability to grow sustainably, urging the bank to continue to uphold high corporate governance.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 193.91 195.14 9.24% Nigeria International Debt Fund 245.28 246.54 6.29% 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 0.87 0.89 6.16% ACAP Income Funds 0.66 0.66 8.82% 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 13.65% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 20.35 20.96 11.36% ARM Discovery Fund 425.32 438.15 9.32% ARM Ethical Fund 29.25 30.13 7.06% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.52% 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 160.07 161.20 5.52% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.64% 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 12.60% Paramount Equity Fund 12.14 12.46 9.53% Women's Investment Fund 103.56 106.22 2.91% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 13.17% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.14 1.16 8.29% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.11 1.14 7.26% 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 1,151.90 1,152.61 0.33% FBN Heritage Fund 151.48 152.81 8.66% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.61% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $111.71 $112.27 -1.05% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $111.83 $112.39 -0.85% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 183.05 185.81 13.59% 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 1.41 1.44 8.04% Legacy Debt Fund 3.02 3.02 4.78% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.66% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 102.95 103.79 2.91% 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 13.50% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.21 2.24 4.95% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.65% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 120.19 120.61 4.52%

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 1.19 1.21 3.51% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,065.02 1,065.02 5.66% 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 16.23 16.32 14.94% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.53% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 130.51 133.00 1.41% 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 1.57 1.57 5.71% 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 2,411.96 2,432.77 7.55% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 185.04 185.04 4.87% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.09 1.10 8.42% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 233.83 233.90 6.18% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 187.37 189.36 4.59% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.37% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,385.06 10,525.19 7.39% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.09 1.09 2.73% 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 1.35 1.36 1.18% United Capital Bond Fund 1.66 1.66 5.92% United Capital Equity Fund 0.98 1.00 7.17% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.79% United Capital Eurobond Fund 105.62 105.62 2.65% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.14 1.15 4.70% 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 13.49 13.69 7.60% Zenith Ethical Fund 20.07 20.07 50.27% Zenith Income Fund 14.04 14.20 -24.91% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.01%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A 135.12 51.22

N/A 2.01%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.72 161.32 120.22

12.82 164.71 122.43

4.92% 12.93% 10.03%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

5.23 9.71 19.04 20.91 146.48

5.27 9.79 19.14 21.11 148.48

10.28% 1.48% 8.60% 6.26% 6.96%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

46

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ͚͚˜ ͺ͸͚΀

47

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: Ă&#x;Ă?ÞËÚÒË Email ĂŽĂ?ÔÓ˛×Ă&#x;Ă?ÞËÚÒË̜ÞÒÓĂ?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

Hoping For Ramadan Sakina Ali/Al-Jumuah/IslamiCity

I

t is known that our early Muslim scholars used to spend the six months leading up to Ramadan asking Allah to let them witness it with life and faith, and the six months following it praying for Allah’s acceptance of all the good they tried to do in it.

So much depends on this one month of beauty-so much in terms of reaching our full potential with the support of Allah to purify our faith and practice. For with all the focus packed into this “spiritual intensive,� we cannot-cannot possibly-afford to let it go without having tried our very best.

Before Ramadan’s thin crescent appears, we need to practically and spiritually prepare ourselves as much as we can so that we do not lose any ounce of benefit when this portal of Heaven does actually open for us.

To be in such close proximity to Allah, His Books, His Angels and His Worship, when we can truly be born anew, are of inexplicable worth.

Sensible Steps to Readiness

Practical preparation for Ramadan entails different things for different people. Some working full-time may have the option of arranging for a few days off, preferably in Ramadan’s last third. Others will want to create a get-home-early schedule. And the opposite-starting work late after a night of salah-may work best for those resolved to keep the late-night vigil.

There are other logistics to arrange in advance. Think through a thorough iftar-suhoor grocery list prior to Ramadan and stock up on as much of it as you can before the month’s intense cycles and rhythms set in.

Get those ginger-garlic pastes ready, the patties and their cheese or walnut and raisin stuffings prepared.

We don’t want to waste time peeling and chopping when we could be reading Qur’an and making dhikr.

Consider coordinating carpooling with others to get to and from taraweeh. And plan out special trips to masajid you don’t normally attend- especially with communities you don’t normally pray with (or exactly like) to get that sense of the wonderful diversity and togetherness of our Ummah. The point is Ramadan has many practical arrangements to be made, so do as much of the background work as you can before

we step into Ramadan so we’re not under-utilizing precious worship moments then.

There are psychological preparations that are even more important, like getting yourself and your family into the Ramadan mood. Keep the smalls ones excited about the new routine. Explain to them the joy of Ramadan. Needless to say, when we are joyous and excited about something our kids effortlessly pick up that energy from us.

Talk with your spouse about how the two of you will coordinate your individual spiritual striving. This is especially important if the children are smaller and mother is taking care of them all day. In my own case, we all went to the masjid for taraweeh. My husband would say the first eight rak’ahs as I looked after the kids. Then in the transition of the next two rak’ahs, he completed witr and took over watching the kids from me. Now it was my turn to do the next eight rak’ahs in congregation.

This worked marvelously. We both got to focus in salah individually knowing that the children were in safe hands and it felt like such great teamwork, the way a family ought to be. In the last 10 nights, we took turns with alternate odd nights for our personal qiyam.

This is not about equality as much as wanting to share the growth of Iman (faith) in the family. And there is a precedent. Take, for example, the Companion who used to wake for the first third of the night for salah. When he finished, he would wake his wife up for her tahajjud. When she completed her third, she would awaken their daughter, so that all night the house was in salah and the lamp of worship was ever lit within it.

One of the more obvious practical measures we should take before the first sunrise of Ramadan blazes is fasting in the month preceding it. This was the routine of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and it makes perfect sense. Especially with the advent of Ramadan in summer, we need to train ourselves for the fast in the weeks before fasting becomes incumbent.

Think about it, you can spend the first week or more of long fasting days barely able to function from lack of physiological adjustment-in which case you will not be able to do the many things you have planned and hoped for (and a bad start can seriously throw off your whole Ramadan). Or you can fast as much

as you can in the preceding month, and in this way get your energy levels and capacity to fast up, all the while consciously psyching yourself and training for all that you wish to achieve spiritually in the blessed days ahead.

Another necessary preparation is picking up our recitation of the Qur’an, by which I mean both increasing our reading of it as Ramadan approaches in order to sharpen our ability and striving to memorize as many new surahs and ayahs as we can, so we can use both during this month of mercy and forgiveness.

Ready or Not

Once Ramadan arrives, focus as much of your mind as you can on two things: ibadah and ‘adah, acts of worship and qualities of character. Many a time we home-in on worship, such as how much Qur’an to read and what portion of it we will recite in taraweeh. Yet we pay no mind to the personal qualities we need to change and the habits we need to eliminate or develop.

This too is a family project. Engage the young and old in helping each other build your ‘ibadah. The more worship and good manners we acquire in Ramadan the better. But we need also remember the Prophet’s advice that the best actions are those that are constant, even if they are small. So this Ramadan center yourself on acts whose habits you will continue once the month is over, those we have been too lazy or unmotivated to inculcate in our lives in years past.

Among the best of these kinds of acts is the adhkar that the Prophet taught us, simple duaa for eating, drinking, sleeping, waking, greeting, entering or leaving the house, the masjid, the market, the bathroom, getting in a vehicle, etc. Write or print them out and affix them near the appropriate places so we remember to say and memorize them.

In this category also are the adhkar after the five salahs, the special ones at dawn and dusk, on Friday mornings, and so forth. Integrate these into your Ramadan practices. (There’s another pre-Ramadan preparation activity for the whole family. Before it arrives pick up a good book on these remembrances and see the beauty of the Prophet’s life, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, saturated with the mention of his Lord- in rain or drought, fear or happiness, at moments of sickness, birth, and death, upon looking into a mirror, and in

refuge from every evil under the sun, from sloth, to debt, to animal attack.) These adhkar truly fill our lives with the strong presence of Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. So get the family together on this mission, and get the duaa ready, written, and mounted before Ramadan sets in.

And what of the all-important Ramadan (and life!) ‘ibadah of sadaqah, charitable giving. Encourage your children to put some sadaqah aside for the needy each day. Make food and share food with those around you, particularly those who need it most, Muslim or non-Muslim. Be sure to incorporate a wider vision of sadaqah into your life. It’s not just money, but clothes, bedding, shoes, all the things that people need, including a happy attitude displayed toward others, for the sake of Allah. Remembering to smile, greet others with peace and guidance-all of it becomes a charity that you need to get in the habit of practicing. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, was the most charitable of people always, but he was more giving than a free-flowing, salubrious wind in Ramadan.

The Book of Allah

At last, we come to the Qur’an, the Revelation that this month celebrates for humanity and the inhabitants of the earth. Ramadan is the month of Qur’an, therefore, iqra’bismi rabbika! Read the Qur’an in the Name of your Lord. And read it on multiple levels- of recitation, understanding, and explanation. And with a mind to implement as much of it as you are so able. For that, after all, is the purpose of the Qur’an.

Use Ramadan to get in the habit of reading a bit every day, of opening ourselves to conversing with Allah, and getting into a deeper study of Qur’an and hadeeth.

Keep a record of its commandments and exhortations, and create a checklist for their implementation to the extent you are able.

This brings us to another serious check. We need to become mindful of the correctness of our salah, and the sincerity with which we perform it. If you are praying taraweeh alone, incorporate the recitation of the Qur’an into this as much as you are able. If you’ve memorized new surahs this will make your salah flower all the more. Sometimes we recite the To Be Continued

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018˾ T H I S D AY

48

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Trump-Kim Jong-un Summit to Hold in Singapore on June 12 US President Donald Trump on Thursday disclosed that his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will hold in Singapore on June 12.

The location and date of the landmark meeting -- the first ever between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- were announced by presidential tweet just hours after North Korea released three American prisoners, AFP reported.

“We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!” the Trump tweeted.

In March, the US president stunned the world by accepting an invitation to meet Mr Kim for an unprecedented sit-down.

The pair had previously exchanged insults and threats.

The breakthrough came after landmark talks between North and South Korea.

Trump’s announcement came hours after he welcomed home three US detainees released by North Korea.

Their release came during a visit to Pyongyang by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to arrange details of the meeting between Trump and Kim. US officials said their freedom removed the last major obstacle, providing Trump with tangible evidence that his twin-track

policy of engagement and “maximum pressure” was working.

“We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!” Trump wrote.

Technically the United States and North Korea are still at war -- a stop-gap armistice ended the brutal three year war between the two countries in 1953 and around 30,000 US troops remain in neighboring South Korea.

Neutral Singapore has long acted as a bridge between the United States and China, with successive prime ministers offering Oval Office occupants cherished geopolitical counsel.

When Trump and Kim sit down in the sweltering Southeast Asian city state, the two relatively new and untested leaders face a nuclear puzzle that has eluded seasoned diplomats for decades.

A series of US administrations have sent envoys, both official and unofficial, to Pyongyang in the hope of stopping North Korea’s provocative nuclear weapons program.

Former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter visited after leaving office, non-proliferation talks have repeatedly taken place and a deal was even signed in 1994.

But despite the optimism of that moment, all efforts to limit North Korea’s nuclear program have, to date, failed. And more than two decades and multiple provocative weapons tests after the last accord, the threat from

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as SHARON MOSES now wish to be known and addressed as MONYEM BLESSING ISIOMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

North Korea has only grown.

The country is now believed to be on the cusp of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile that could deliver a nuclear warhead to the continental United States.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYENIYI CHIBUIKE now wish to be known and addressed as ONYENOBI CHIBUIKE MATTHEW. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEBANJO OLUBUKOLA MARY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AFOLABI OLUBUKOLA MARY . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHISOM JULIET BERNADETTE OKWOR now wish to be known and addressed as CHISOM JULIET ZE dd , Z> ^ͳ E/ <t ͘ All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as AMUDO ANTHONY now wish to be known and addressed as AIMUDO ANTHONY OFEMDO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MR TAMMY EREKS now wish to be known and addressed as MR TAMUNO-ENE EREKOSIMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEBANJO OLUBUKOLA MARY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AFOLABI OLUBUKOLA MARY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŽ ŶŽƟĨLJ ƚŚĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ that my name is EZE SIMEON MADUKAKU and not EZE SIMEON MADUKA ĂƐ ǁĂƐ ĞƌƌŽŶĞŽƵƐůLJ ǁƌŝƩĞŶ in my access bank account.Also, my correct DoB is 5th Sept 1979 and not 20th August 1980.All documents remain valid

Trump has vowed that he will not let that happen and has

demanded that North Korea give up its nukes.

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I, formerly known and addressed as ODO CLEMENT now wish to be known and addressed as ADIKWU PAULINUS ONUH. All former documents remain valid. LINDA MANUFACTURING CO. LTD. and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MR OLANREWAJU ADISA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR OLUWADAMILARE ADISA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note I, formerly known and addressed as GOLD ULOAKU ABDULRAHEEM, now wish to be known and addressed as GOLD ULOAKU EBUBEDIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known as MRS AZEEZ KAFAYAT YETUNDE now wish to be addressed as MISS QUADRI KAFAYAT YETUNDE. All other documents remains valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AWOH ROSE ENOW now wish to be known and addressed as OBEN ROSE ENOW. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. EMEM OKWONG OKWONG now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EMEM MANSON AKADUH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as KAMA UDE SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as KAMA KAMA UDE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWAKWO NWANKEGO JECINTA now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWOR JESINTA NWANKEGO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as FELICIA OYIE AJOGWU, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as FELICIA OYIE AMALU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MAY 11, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MAY 11, 2018

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FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

INEC Meets RECs, Ekiti REC Absent at Meeting APC reschedules Ekiti primary to Saturday Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Victor Ogunje Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C; The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun final preparations for the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Speaking at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the gathering was aimed at deliberating on arrangements for the July 12 election in Ekiti, as well as that of Osun State.

He said the meeting would also focus on the ongoing national civic registration, as well as the forthcoming 2019 general election.

The INEC chairman and RECs later entered into a closed door meeting. However, the REC in charge of Ekiti State, Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Raji, was absent at the meeting at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Although part of the deliberations had focused on the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State but during the time for introduction, all the RECs representing the other states introduced themselves but that of Ekiti was conspicuously absent.

The INEC chairman while making his opening remarks, frantically looked for the REC to brief the meeting on updates about the gubernatorial election in the state but to no avail.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled the Ekiti governorship primary election for tomorrow.

A statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary

of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This followed consultations between the APC National Working Committee (NWC), aspirants and other stakeholders.â&#x20AC;?

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters and governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has withdrawn from the rescheduled governorship primary slated for tomorrow.

The primary was disrupted by irate party men last Saturday, citing cases of fraud and alleged manipulation of the process in favour of a candidate.

Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Ojudu said he decided to make the sacrifice to stop the alleged conspiracy between Chief John Odigie Oyegun-led National Working Committee (NWC) from imposing an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unpopularâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; candidate, who will later fail woefully in the general election on the party.

He said his movement, Ekiti Rebirth Organisation (ERO), will work with other like-minds to stop the conspiracy of some cabal in the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NWC and their alleged antics to institutionalise money politics in APC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This movement continues but I would be stepping down immediately as a governorship aspirant to focus on this new mission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ours is a battle for the soul of Ekiti that is just and we are going to win! Lets get going.

Ekiti will never forget. To this end, I urge you all to hold steadfast. To not give up on the future of Ekiti.

Sincere appreciation to my

FG Re-arraigns Ex-IG, Ehindero for  Alleged N578m Fraud Alex Enumah Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; The federal government yesterday re-arraigned a former Inspector General of Police, SundayEhindero, over allegations of corruption and fraud.

Ehindero, alongside a former Police Commissioner, John Obaniyi, were re-arraigned on a six-count charge for alleged fraud. They were accused of misusing N557,995,065: donated by the Bayelsa State Government for the purchase of arms. The defendants, who were arraigned at an Apo District High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Their counsel, Eyitayo Tella, however, urged the court to admit them to bail.

The trial Judge, Justice Sylvanus Oriji, admitted the defendants to bail, based on the previous conditions and adjourned the matter to June 19 for trial.

According to the charge, the fund was diverted into

separate accounts owned by the defendants, where it generated an interest of N16,412,315.00. The generated interest was allegedly used for the defendantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal objectives. The charge also alleged that the defendants lied to officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) when they told two of the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff upon enquiry about the diverted funds, that the generated interest was used for official purposes. Ehindero and Obaniyi were first arraigned in 2012 by the ICPC for the alleged offences. They however filed a preliminary objection, challenging the competence of the charge against them and asked the trial court to suspend their trial pending the determination of the appeal at the higher court. Delivering judgment on the appeal, the Supreme Court last December, however, ordered the defendants to return to the trial court and face the charge against them.

wife, Omotola, for being a pillar of support and to my children, other family members and my friends, for believing in me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yours has been a labour of love. The future is bright, our sights are certain and our gaze is steadfast on the future.

We wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t relent because the struggle continues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From what has happened since May 5 to date, it goes without saying that this is an unfair contest where the NWC

Ojudu withdraws from contest

Chairman has clearly demonstrated that he does not care what happens to our dear party now and in the nearest future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We saw a Chairman who has conspired with one of the aspirants in the race to unleash mayhem on others, wreck havoc and violence on ordinary citizens and exposed the state to great embarrassment on national television. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We saw an aspirant so

unpopular to the extent that delegates called him unprintable names at the voting arena now being imposed on our people, not minding if this means we lose this state forever. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do not believe in engaging in an unfair contest and I am not ready to step on blood to get to power. As I have reiterated at different times in the course of the campaign, this was never about me. It was not about an ambition but a mission to give

a new lease of life to Ekiti State and the people. It was about safeguarding the future of our children, our grandchildren, great grandchildren and even generations yet unborn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no doubt that we all love this land, that everyone of you had best hopes and aspiration for this beautiful state we call ours and that above all, this state should wear a new look, be adorned with a new reputation and have a new image of itself.

FORMAL DECLARATION

L-R: Imo State Governor and Chairman, Progressives Governorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum, Rochas Okorocha; Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Anselm Ojezua; and APC National Chairmanship aspirant, Adams Oshiomhole, during his official declaration to run for the election in Abuja....yesterday..

ECOWAS Parliament to Discuss Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Membership Nigeria remains adamant on countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admission Alex Enumah Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would be part of deliberations as parliamentarians from the subregion resume the 2018 First Ordinary Session in Abuja.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Moustapha Cisse Lo, who made the disclosure yesterday in an aside with journalists, noted that the move would further deepen integration of the African continent.

However, Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon Yussuf Lasun, citing economic consideration said Nigeria remains steadfast to her earlier position on the matter.

While ECOWAS is made up of 15 West African countries, none shares its  borders with Morocco, a North African country.

At the resumption of plenary yesterday, Moroccan parliament was represented by two of its deputy speakers, Hon. Rachid El Abdi and Hon. Amina Maelainine.

Speaking to journalists, on

the presence of the visitors at the opening session, Cisse Lo, who noted that the practice was a usual part of parliamentary diplomacy however said the development would be beneficial to all. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do not agree that we should not involve Morocco in what we are doing because some people are saying they are very much ahead. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m of the opinion that we should cooperate with them because doing that, we are all going to win,â&#x20AC;? Cisse Lo said.

According to him, their have been high level collaboration between ECOWAS and Morocco, adding that a memorandum of understanding on capacity building for parliamentarians was recently signed by the two. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parliamentary diplomacy is part of our mission. That is the reason we are in discussion with countries that are outside of ECOWAS. We want Africa to be united and prosperous and you cannot but work with neighbouring countries and others. That is the case of morocco,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He added that based on invitation, the leadership of

the ECOWAS Parliament visited Morocco last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope to discuss the issue, it is on our agenda and we will discuss it on the floor of the houseâ&#x20AC;?, he said.

On the issue of the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Zone, he commended most African leaders for appending their signiture, noting that it would facilitate the realisation of the African project.

While, respecting the sovereignty of member States of the regional block, he said he however look forward to a situation where Africa would speak with one voice on issues.

He disclosed that the Parliament starting from this session would commence its oversight functions of projects and programmes carried out by the community agencies as part of exercising its powers over the supplementary act of the commission.

Responding to Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence at the plenary, Lasun, however, expressed concern on the economic implication of Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership.

He said â&#x20AC;&#x153;any government that refuses to think about the economic aspect of life, that country is doomed.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Morocco is still observing the observer status so they are not yet part of the ECOWAS. As at the last report, the Authority of the Heads of Government of ECOWAS has set up a committee, reviewing the possible inclusion of Morocco into the ECOWAS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, they are not part, they are only observing, and of course it is done like that all over the world.

We all go to other parliamentary unions as observers,â&#x20AC;? Lasun, said.

Answering question on whether Morocco is likely to be accepted into ECOWAS, he said â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is probably going to take a long time before such a feat can be achieved.â&#x20AC;?

Earlier, President of the ECOWAS Commission, JeanClaude Brou, assured the Parliament of his unflinching support to drive forward the regional integration process.

He said he would in the next few days present to the Parliament, the status of the community.

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018˾ T H I S D AY

53

NEWSXTRA

Shell Paid $23bn to FG in Five Years, Says Oil Giant Supports Nigerian contractors with N472bn loans Ejiofor Alike The Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, has stated that the SPDC JV partners made an economic contribution of $23 billion (N5.31trillion) to the Nigerian Government between 2013 and 2017.

This is coming as some 290 Nigerian contractors have received loans worth more than N472 billion under the Shell Contractor Support Fund, which was set up by Shell companies in Nigeria to help vendors and suppliers in the oil and gas industry secure funds at reduced interest rates, relaxed collateral requirements

and quicker processing time.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday when he presented Shell’s 2018 briefing notes, Osagie stated that the Shell Companies in Nigeria are major contributors to the Nigerian government, not only through the energy they produce and the revenue they generate for the country, but also through their extensive supply chain, local content and social investment.

He also disclosed that the SPDC JV partners and the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) had contributed $1.9 billion (N338.12 billion) to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since the inception of the agency in 2002.

Osagie, who was accompanied by the Managing Director of

Lassa Fever Emergency Period Over, Says FG

SNEPCo, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, added that the average daily production by Shell-operated ventures in Nigeria in 2017 was 631,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

According to him, $228 million (N41.10 billion) social investment funds were disbursed for community-driven projects under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) structure by SPDC JV since inception in 2006.

The Shell Country chairman further revealed that Shell companies in Nigeria awarded contracts worth over N230 billion to Nigerian contractors in 2017, representing 94 per cent of the total contracts in that year.

“We are pleased to support Nigerian contractors to play greater roles in the oil and gas industry. As pioneers in the industry we have taken

deliberate steps to award contracts to Nigerian vendors and worked with them to grow their capacity, cost efficiency and delivery timelines. We discovered however, that access to finance has been a challenge, and the search for a solution led to the Shell Contractor Support Fund,” Osagie explained.

He noted that the Shell companies started their intervention in 2011 with the Shell Kobo Fund, which gave way to the Shell Contractor Support Fund the following year with seven participating financial institutions which have since set aside more than N690 billion for contract execution by Nigerian companies.

He listed the banks to include: Access Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Standard Chartered

Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank.

The Shell Nigeria boss also disclosed that Nigerian ownership of key assets such as rigs, helicopters and marine vessels is also a focus, with Shell companies providing technical and financial support to companies across a range of sectors including transportation, manufacturing and research and development.

On social investment, Okunbor said Shell companies had continued to work with the government, communities and civil society to fund and implement projects and programmes that have a lasting impact on people’s lives in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as whole.

“For example, since 2006, the SPDC JV has disbursed more than N41 billion to 37 active Global Memorandum of

Understanding (GMoU) clusters in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Abia States. A GMoU is an agreement that brings a group (or cluster) of communities together with representatives of state and local governments, SPDC and NGOs, with the SPDC JV providing five-year funding for communities to implement development projects of their choice,” he said.

“Social investment activities of Shell companies focus on community and enterprise development, education, health, access-to-energy and since 2016, road safety. In 2017, SPDC JV, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company and Shell Nigeria Gas spent more than N 18 billion on direct social investment projects. Nigeria is the largest concentration of social investment spending in the Shell Group,” he added.

Sets up working group on Ebola risk in Nigeria Paul Obi ÓØ ÌßÔË The federal government yesterday said Nigeria’s Lassa fever emergency period was now over, giving room for a review and strategic preventive planning.

The Minister of Health, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, stated this yesterday while giving update on Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

The minister told journalists that “we are pleased to announce that following epidemiological review by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation, the emergency phase of the Lassa fever outbreak is over.

“You may recall that since the beginning of January 2018, we have experienced the largest Lassa fever outbreak in history.

As at May 7, 2018, we had 423 confirmed cases and 106 deaths was recorded.”

Adewole explained further: “The Lassa fever outbreak provided an opportunity for us to review and strengthen our public health system across disease preparedness, detection, surveillance and response.

“The Federal Ministry of Health through NCDC activated an Emergency Operation Centres that worked extensively to coordinate outbreak response activities. We also supported the establishment of EOCs in the high burden states of Ondo, Edo and Ebonyi.

“Rapid Response Teams were deployed to States with cases where we supported enhanced surveillance activities, case investigation, management of cases and other response activities.

“During this outbreak, we supported the full operationalisation of the Virology Centre at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and the development of its laboratory as a testing site.

We have now grown from two

laboratories in January 2017, to four laboratories in January 2018 with the capacity to test for Lassa fever.

“The Federal Ministry of Health also supported further development of infrastructure at the three main treatment centres- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Owo and Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.”

He added that “the end of the outbreak does not mean we will no longer record cases of Lassa fever. Given the epidemiology of the disease in Nigeria, there will still be reports of cases.

However, we are now better prepared and have a stronger response architecture.

“One of our medium-term strategies which has already begun includes a nationwide training of healthcare workers on Lassa fever case management and diagnosis by NCDC and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.

“The first phase which covered all States in the South West of Nigeria ended in Akure on May 4, 2018. We are going to the South-east from May 14, 2018.

On Ebola virus, Adewole said: “We are also aware of the outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo following an announcement by the country on May 8, 2018.

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is currently coordinating a national working group that is assessing and managing the risk to Nigeria.

“We are in close communication with our partners including the World Health Organisation, who are in Congo to monitor and respond to the situation.

“The Port Health Services Unit has been placed on red-alert and will heighten screening measures at ports of entry. Letters of alert have also been sent to all states to enhance surveillance activities and an advisory note for the public.”

TIME TO RENDER ACCOUNT

L-R: Non-Executive Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Atedo Peterside; Company Secretary and Legal Director, Ghana and Nigeria, Abidemi Ademola; Non-Executive Chairman, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe ; Managing Director, Yaw Nsarkoh; and Vice President Africa, Adesola Sotande-Peters; at the company’s 93rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos....yesterday

Ex-minister, Adeyeye Quits PDP after Loss at Ekiti Primary He cursed me over outcome, Fayose alleges Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ

accused the former PDP National Publicity Secretary of Following the outcome of the the PDP of raining curses on governorship primary of the him when he called to plead Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with him to accept the result in Ekti State, which didn’t go in of the Tuesday governorship his favour, former Minister of primary election in good faith.

Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Fayose stated this on has quit the party.

Wednesday night while Adeyeye, said he cannot answering questions on a radio allow himself to be enslaved and television programme on

by Governor Ayodele Fayose, state channels in Ado-Ekiti. saying he was moving to another Speaking with journalists in party to seek the votes of Ekiti Ado Ekiti yesterday, Adeyeye people to develop the state. after a meeting with his Adeyeye promised to reveal supporters, alleged that Fayose’s the platform he would use to agenda was to do a third term contest the July 14 governorship in office by installing Olusola “in the next 48 hours.” in a bid to perpetually corner Fayose’s deputy, Prof. Kolapo Ekiti’s commonwealth.

Olusola garnered 1,119 to defeat He said he would have Adeyeye, who polled 771, in won the PDP governorship the election conducted by Delta primary “if not for the way State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa. Fayose intimidated delegates Meanwhile, Fayose has by forcing them to wear aso

ebi to the venue.”

Despite allegedly monitoring delegates, Adeyeye said many of them voted against Olusola which enabled him (Adeyeye) to garner 771 votes.

He claimed that the governor who had boasted that he (Adeyeye) would not get up to 50 votes, was shocked that he got 771 votes which allegedly made him (Fayose) to embark on an investigation of those who voted against Olusola.

The former minister claimed that Fayose has wasted N8 billion Ekiti funds on chartered flights in the last three and half years while the flyover project was jerked up from N5 billion to N17 billion.

He said: “I am leaving the party because it can change but your state cannot change; party can change, your hometown

cannot change.

“I can’t be part of enslavement, I can’t be part of corruption, I can’t be part of those keeping our people in poverty but spend billions of naira on chartered flights to Abuja every year but will be riding okada at home.

In a statement yesterday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, he quoted the governor as saying that he had twice called Adeyeye on the outcome of the primary election which Adeyeye lost to Olusola.

“I called Prince Adeyeye twice and on each occasion, he rained curses on me and would not even listen to what I had to say.

He said I should never call him again. I am not afraid of the curses because I know I have not done anything to warrant that or for the curses to have any effect on me.”

Ë&#x153; ͚͚Ë&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ëž T H I S D AY

54

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

PRE-WORLD CUP FRIENDLIES

Onazi Says Super Eagles Will Be Ready Midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has assured Nigerian football fans that the Super Eagles will be ready for action ahead of preWorld Cup friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo, England and the Czech Republic.

Nigeria hosts the Leopards of the DR Congo in Port Harcourt on May 28, before a prestige clash with Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Three Lions at Wembley Stadium in London on June 2 and an encounter with the Czech Republic in Vienna on June 6. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not focusing on any particular game; we are getting ready to face all the teams that we have to play before the World Cup. It is the right mentality to approach the games. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been asked several questions about the match against England, but I tell people that the England match is very important, just like the other matches that we have to play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is key for us is to get into the right psychological state to confront every opposition that lie ahead, including those that will be waiting at the FIFA World Cup,â&#x20AC;? Onazi told NFF website on phone from his base in Turkey yesterday.

Former FIFA U17 World Cup silver-winning midfielder Onazi, who played for Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, dismissed feelings that the team would be over-confident going into the FIFA World Cup following victories in friendlies against Argentina and Poland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is nothing like overconfidence. What I can say is that we are a very ambitious team and we will always be ready to play any team. Yes, we defeated

Argentina and Poland, but that has not in any way generated feelings of over-confidence in the camp. We are focused and have our heads on our shoulders.

but they still need our support and encouragement.

And I think The Sun coming up with this seminar is an added advantage, and I call on Nigerians to see it as a project that all of us must buy in,â&#x20AC;? observed Odegbami fondly called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mathematicalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in his days at the senior national team.

Odegbami, a member of the Green Eagles squad that won the African Nations Cup in 1980 said it would be nice if the Super Eagles could break the second round jinx and go as far as the semi finals, adding that the superlative performance which the team put up at USAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;94 still remains the bench mark which every Nigerian wants the present squad to surpass at Russia 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking forward to a glorious outing and every hand must be on deck to see that the Eagles succeed in Russia,â&#x20AC;? he concluded.

Man Utd Secures EPL Runners up Spot Manchester United sealed runners-up spot in the Premier League, despite being denied victory by the inspired form of West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.

The result leaves Jose Mourinhoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side four points clear of third-placed Tottenham with one game left.

United players were wasteful at times, but Adrian did make three superb saves in the West Ham goal.

David Moyesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; side remains 15th in the table after securing their survival

different teams with different styles and approaches of play.

It is important that we are adequately prepared and we appreciate the games that the NFF has lined up for us,â&#x20AC;? said

the Trabzonspor of Turkey ace.

The Eagles clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, before flying to London for

the match against England at Wembley.

Four days later, they will trade tackles with the Czech Republic at the Rudolf Tonn Stadium, just outside Vienna.

L-R: Advisory Board member, League Management Company (LMC) Limited, Mr. Nduka lrabor; Chairman of the LMC, Shehu Dikko; President NFF, Amaju Pinnick; General Manager, Marketing & Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho; Laliga Delegate in Nigeria, Javier Del Rio; General Manager, SuperSport, Felix Awogu and General Manager, GOtv, Akinola Salu during the press conference to announce the maiden edition of GOtvMax Cup held at MultiChoice Nigeria oďŹ&#x192;ce in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śyesterday ABIODUN AJALA

Odegbamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plaudits for The Sun World Cup Seminar Former Green Eagles Captain, Segun Odegbami, has commended The Sun Publishing Company for organising a seminar to galvanise support for the Super Eagles ahead of Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, saying it is a welcome development.

The seminar, billed for Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on May 22 is titled :â&#x20AC;&#x153;That Super Eagles May Excel in Russia and Beyondâ&#x20AC;?.

Odegbami said yesterday that anything that could be done now to attract support for the Eagles to excel at the World Cup in Russia is laudable and in the right direction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a good idea, and I welcome it whole heartedly.

The Super Eagles need to be encouraged so as to perform very well at Russia 2018. We have the players that can hold their own when the chips are done,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For us, humility and hard work will be the winning words going ahead. Our preparation is going on well and we are happy with that. At the World Cup, we will come up against

against Leicester last week.

Despite West Hamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempts to generate an atmosphere at the London Stadium for this fixture by adding huge concourse motifs of their former captains and record-breakers - there were a large number of empty seats.

And the game was reflective of an end-ofseason affair, petering out in the later stages to a draw - Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first in the league of 2018.

AtlÊtico Madrid Coming to Nigeria for GOtv MAX Cup Femi Solaja Spanish LaLiga giants and 2017/2018 UEFA Europa League finalists Atletico Madrid will be visiting Nigeria for the first time to play Home-based Eagles in the maiden edition of the GOtv MAX Cup on May 22 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The game is coming up six days after the Europa League final in Lyon, France between Atletico and Marseille.

Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria and provider of digital terrestrial television platform, GOtv, is bankrolling the trip of the Spanish team to Nigeria.

General Manager, Sales

and Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said yesterday at the unveiling of the programmes lined up for the GOtv MAX Cup that the coming of Atletico to the country was historic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted to bring one of the three biggest clubs from LaLiga to Nigeria in what we believe will be a historic visit. As you all know AtlĂŠtico Madrid is one of the top clubs in LaLiga. GOtv customers and indeed, football fans in Nigeria, will have the rare opportunity of watching the stars play the Super Eagles right here on Nigerian soilâ&#x20AC;?, he said.

Speaking further, Mabutho said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;MultiChoice is undoubtedly the continentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader in sports and we have

repeatedly shown this not only by the exclusive content we broadcast, but also by the way we support sports in Nigeria and put the country on the global sports map through exciting initiatives like the GOtv MAX Cupâ&#x20AC;?.

Founded in 1903 in Madrid, Spain, AtlĂŠtico Madrid is one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful football clubs with 10 LaLiga and 10 Copa Del Rey trophies.

The club, which currently sits second in the Spanish topflight, are also three times UEFA Champions League finalists.

In his remarks, the President of LaLiga, Javier Tebas said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a historic announcement and we are excited to share this news with our Nigerian fans: Atletico Madrid, one of LaLigaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

greatest clubs, will come to Nigeria and give our fans the chance to enjoy watching their stars up close. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Africa and Nigeria in particular are very important for us and have a lot of love for Spanish football, something we are proud of,â&#x20AC;? the LaLiga chief further observed.

The match will air live on SuperSport Select 4 on GOtv MAX, which is the home of the best Spanish footballing action. With only N3, 800, GOtv customers can catch the AtlĂŠtico Madrid versus Super Eagles match and all LaLiga games Live, and they can also watch other quality entertainment content on over 60 exciting channels including Sony Max, CSB Reality & Fox Entertainment.

Kiplagat, Tuei Seek 4th Okpekpe Kenya Double Kenyan duo of Ronoh Timothy Kiplagat and Sandrafelis Chebet Tuei will spearhead Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bid for a fourth double swoop of the top prize and titles on offer when the sixth IAAF silver label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race is flagged off tomorrow in Okpekpe near Auchi in Edo State.

Last year Ethiopian duo of Leul Gebriesialse and Gabru Azemra won the men and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s title respectively for the second time since the second edition of the race in 2014 when Teshome Asafan ran a new 28:36 seconds new course record and Wudey Ayalew also raced into a new 32:41 seconds course record to make it a double sweep.

Tomorrow in Okpekpe,

Kiplagat and Tuei will hope to re-establish Kenyan dominance in the race.

Kiplagat is one of the fastest men registered for the race this year following the 27 Â minutes, 52 seconds he ran to place third at the Laredo 10k in Spain.

He will however have to get one over Ethiopiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amedework Walelegn who ran faster (27 minutes 37 seconds) at the Laredo race as well as compatriot, Simon Cheprot, the 2016 winner who wants to become the first man to win the Okpekpe titles twice.

Another Kenyan, Josphat Kiprono Menjo may wind back the clock to surprise the pre-race favourites.

He holds an eight-year old 27:04 personal best which

makes him the fourth fastest man in the all-time list.

His best so far this season is the 28:28 he ran to place fifth at the Valencia 10k race in January this year and he may have to go back in time for form if he hopes to become the fifth Kenyan man to win the title.

For the women, Tuei, whose 30:57 run in Valencia in January makes her the unofficial fastest woman over the distance so far this year looks good to become the fifth Kenyan woman to run away with the title.

The Kenyan will however be fiercely challenged by not only her compatriots including Polline Wanjiku, the 2016 winner who hopes to make history as the second woman

to win an Okpekpe title but also by Ethiopiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jima Bekele Reta and Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Damaris Muthee Mutua. Reta ran what would have been the second fastest time of all time (30:10) in Dubai in June 2017 and will now have an IAAF silver label road race to prove she can run faster and be officially recognised.

Mutua has been active this season over the distance. She was fourth (34:22) in the Abu Dhabi 10 km last March and fifth in April at the Kenitra 10 km in Morocco with an improved time of 34:06.

She may however need to run as fast her 32:22 personal best set way back in 1994 to have a chance of upstaging the Ethiopians and the Kenyans.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MAY 11, 2018

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Friday, May 11, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE Anyaoku to FG “...our country is currently drifting with decreasing respect for the sanctity of human life and as a result, has become number 13 in the Wikipedia list of the world’s fragile states.” – Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku making a case to the federal government on the need to restructure the country.

SHAKAMOMODU 2019: The Die is Cast!

THIS REPUBLIC

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

F

ellow Nigerians, the die is cast!

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019 against the well-considered advice of many well-meaning Nigerians that doing so would not be in the best interest of our country. I had hoped against hope that the greater love of country would persuade him to retire after his very poor performance in his first term. Apparently, other sentimental and selfish considerations weighed heavily in his decision to run again which unfortunately he claimed was a response to the “clamour

by Nigerians for him to re-contest in 2019”.

Contrary to what the arrowheads of the president’s re-election bid have told us, viz. he was sent by God to save Nigeria and that without him Nigeria would have since disappeared, he has become the single biggest threat to Nigeria’s continued existence. If he was actually sent to save Nigeria, then he has failed in that mission. Now Nigeria needs to be saved from him.

Let no one be mistaken that his chief campaigners’ decision was borne out of altruistic considerations, because it was not. Do not believe the lies told by John Odigie-Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, Rotimi Amaechi, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yemi Osinbajo, Kayode Fayemi, Babatunde Fashola, Lai Mohammed, Orji Uzor Kalu, Nasir el-Rufai, Rochas Okorocha, etc., that Buhari means well for Nigeria. Buhari does not mean well for our country. If he did, he would not seek re-election in 2019.

These people know in their heart of hearts that the man has nothing to offer this country by way of progressive leadership. He lacks the capacity to visualise a positive future of growth and development, but they are supporting him anyway for their own personal advancement. If they claim not to be seeing the damage Buhari is doing to our country since he was elected in 2015, it means they are blind and can never see again.

Just as I was agonising over what has happened to the sanity of Buhari’s supporters, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, an erstwhile staunch supporter of Buhari but now his rabid critic, was reported to have lambasted Buhari’s supporters: “If anybody wants Nigeria’s current situation to continue the way it is today, then his head has to be examined. And some people are still saying that this situation should continue.

God, the Almighty, will not allow them to have their way; we will neither suffer, nor shall we be put to shame.” In another statement a few days after, he stated that even “morons” won’t describe Buhari’s performance as superlative.

Obasanjo and I hardly agree on anything but I applaud him for that statement even though I believe he owes Nigeria a huge debt for his failure to set our polity right when he was the president and for supporting Buhari to power in the first place. I want to let him know that he is not alone in

President Muhammadu Buhari

wondering what has become of people’s ability to discern. I have been bewildered and horrified beyond description, how some people think it’s okay to continue with the present situation, with the country sliding into anarchy and chaos every passing day.

How can it be okay for people to continue to be killed like flies all over the country, particularly in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states? And all we get from the government are pathetic excuses and feigned helplessness?

How can it be okay for herdsmen from “Libya trained by the late Muammar Gaddafi” to be killing Nigerians and the government elected by Nigerians raises its hands in surrender because the herdsmen are from Libya? Why do the herdsmen from Libya as the president wants the world to believe travel all the way through several countries, viz. Ghana, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Togo, etc., not killing one person on the way, but immediately they get to Nigeria, they begin to wreak havoc on human lives. Does it make sense? Has people’s sanity been temporarily suspended? Or is there a diabolical dimension to the blind support for a man who is clearly leading us to perdition and yet some people are clapping?

If these herdsmen were actually from Libya, is that not the more reason the government should take a far more aggressive action against them rather than try to arm-twist state governments to create colonies for them? Added to that is the fallacy (at least going by current realities) from the President that herdsmen only go about with sticks.

Some even still have the audacity to say he is the best to lead us? How can he be the best to lead? Why are those with a long history of fighting for good governance in bed with a man who clearly has no business ruling Nigeria? Would Buhari’s supporters that are businessmen allow someone like him to run their businesses the way he is running Nigeria?

Well, let me tell them now, in their blind and dangerous support for a man

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who has proven to be a total disaster for the once-promising Nigerian Project, they have all become complicit in the murder of innocent people who have died in the hands of terrorist-Fulani herdsmen and killer bandits. They are complicit in the destruction of the economy by Buhari and his APC government. They are complicit in the enablement the government is giving terrorist-Fulani herdsmen.

Fellow Nigerians, we must tell these people campaigning for Buhari that we have paid a huge price already. They deceived Nigerians the first time that he had changed and many chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. President Buhari has not only completely substantiated all the 2015 pre-election allegations against him that were then described as “contrived”, but has even surpassed them in scope and scale beyond imagination.

Anyone still in doubt about Buhari’s incompetence to manage a diverse country like Nigeria needs their head examined. To those who say he is the best we have, I say hell no! May the Almighty God deliver them from their delusion. If what we have now is the best, as some claim, how come things are worse than they were three years ago when we had the “worst”? It is unnatural when things are so bad and yet Buhari’s supporters claim things are so good. How can this be? What kind of spell is controlling their senses? I certainly don’t understand what is going on because every excuse I have heard from them blurs the lines between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and falsehood, light and darkness, dusk and dawn, crime and punishment, and the quest for justice. How can the endless killings be right? How can normal reasonable people excuse these atrocities?

How can we excuse this indifference and nonchalant attitude of the government to these killings?

A former New Jersey Superior Court judge, Andrew Napolitano stated this recently: “Liberty is rarely lost overnight. The wall of tyranny often begins with benign building blocks of safety -- each one lying on top of a predecessor -- eventually collectively constituting an impediment to the exercise of free choices by free people, often not even recognised until it is too late.” We are gradually sliding into that era of fascism and gradual erosion of liberty. It starts small, and little by little, it grows into a monster.

We are at a critical moment now to save our country from those hell-bent on imposing their provincial and clannish interest as the dominant rule on the whole country.

This is where the youth vote comes in.

In 2015, wilfully blinded youths voted Buhari. It was their votes that carried him to power. They helped amplify the lies told by the APC that Buhari had changed; that he was the messiah that was to come. What have the youths got in return? Nothing! The education system

is in a shambles, youth unemployment has reached unprecedented levels, the public health sector is a disaster. Even Aso Rock clinic cannot boast of simple Paracetamol to relieve pain. One would have thought that Buhari’s health challenge would inspire him to draw up and implement a plan that would revolutionise the health sector to meet complicated challenges that daily kill thousands of our countrymen. But not Buhari, instead he consistently runs abroad for medical attention, leaving the youth and others to the mercy of the failed health care system.

The best the youth have got is a thorough dressing down from the president, branding them as lazy. So on what basis are the youth supporting him? They can be forgiven for refusing to use the lessons of history as a guide to making their choice in 2015.

Seeing the stupidity of their decision, it would amount to a tragedy of immense proportions for them to repeat the same mistake in 2019. If that were to happen, it would mean the youth lack the capacity to shape their future in a positive way.

It would spell doom for this country’s future. Youths will have no one to blame – including history - but themselves for repeating history.

It is jarring that with the state of the country today, some youths who should be in the vanguard of change are the ones calling for the continuation of the status quo. How can a generation be so undiscerning? Just think about it for a moment: a man who is seeking re-election is unable to guarantee the security of lives and properties of Nigerians, and is even in denial of his duty and responsibility to protect lives; a man who has done next to nothing about the mindless killings going on in the country, and who constantly blames others for his failure - who will be safe in this country if he gets a second term? Again, a man in re-election mode showing so much disinterest in the pain of Nigerians and he is even making statements deriding the youth will not be bound by restraint if he wins.

Let me ask youths rooting for Buhari two simple questions: What have they got in return for supporting Buhari? Are they proud of the way Buhari is representing them and the country at international fora? Firstly, he lacks an understanding of how the world works. Secondly, he lacks the confidence to articulate anything of meaning or purpose. Finally, he lacks the expressive ability to initiate and participate in complicated or even simple issues of trade, diplomacy and international politics.

For some of us who saw through the lies and propaganda in 2015, we are now more than ever determined to take back our country enveloped and captured by that mad hysteria of 2015. As I have repeatedly stated, there is no sitting on the fence anymore. The future is now. Stand with Nigeria, vote out Buhari or be damned.

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