FRIDAY 6TH JULY 2018

Adamu Ciroma, a Nigerian Original, Dies at 84 Buhari, Atiku, Dickson, PDP mourn

Omololu Ogunmade, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Shola Oyeyipo in Lagos

It was a torrent of tributes for one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, Alhaji Adamu

Ciroma, who died yesterday as President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other top politicians

showered encomiums on him for his sterling contributions to the development of Nigeria.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, whose exemplary public life marked him out as

a significant patriot and nationalist, passed on at the Turkish Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja at 84.

He has been buried at the Federal Capital Territory in accordance with Muslim rites.

He was a seasoned journalist, an astute administrator and an outstanding politician, who also held ministerial portfolios at the federal level. He forcefully Continued on page 10

Ciroma

Naira Appreciates to N357/$ as External Reserves Sustain Gains at $48bn… Page 8 Friday 6 July, 2018 Vol 23. No 8478. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

CAF Appoints Amaju Pinnick 1st Vice President Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has been appointment Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) 1st Vice President.

The appointment, according to a memo dated 5th July 2018 and signed by CAF’s General Secretary, Amr Fahmy, took effect from yesterday.

Pinnick’s appointment, said Fahmy, was made by CAF President Ahmad Ahmad, after consulting with members of the Emergency Committee, following the resignation of the former 1st Vice President, Continued on page 8

TAKING ENTREPRENEURSHIP HOME… Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, flanked by TEF entrepreneurs from Delta State, during the presentation of the young entrepreneurs to the governor at the Government House in Asaba, Delta State… yesterday

There is No Faction in Our Party, Says APC The persecuted are departing Pharaoh’s Egypt, says Shehu Sani Dogara: Only justice can silence dissent PDP meets ruling party’s splinter group, 34 parties in Abuja Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Onyebuchi Ezigboand JamesEmejoinAbuja Responding to Wednesday's

emergence of a splinter group, the Reformed All Progressives Congress (rAPC), the All Progressives

Congress (APC) said yesterday that there was no division within its rank, contending that it had no

faction.

The party in a statement by its National National Publicity Secretary, Mallam

Bolaji Abdullahi, said it was studying the situation and would not hesitate to take lawful actions to defend the

unity of the party.

"APC wishes to affirm that Continued on page 8

Despite Trump’s Demand for Reduction, Oil Prices Near Three-year High… Page 10

2

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

3

4

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

5

6

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

7

˜ ;˜ ͺ͸͹Ͷ ˾ T H I S D AY

8

PAGE EIGHT

Naira Appreciates to N357/$ as External Reserves Sustain Gains at $48bn Obinna Chima The sell rate of the naira appreciated significantly to N357 to a dollar on the parallel market yesterday, from the N359 to a dollar it was the previous day, as demand for the United States currency continued to weaken.

Checks by THISDAY also showed that the buy rate of the greenback strengthened to N359 to a dollar, as against the

N360 it was previously.

This is just as Nigeria’s external reserves sustained its accretion, closing at $47.798 billion on Wednesday.

The current value of the reserves represented an increase by $326 million, compared with the $47.472 billion it was as of June 4, 2018.

Currency dealers attributed the gains recorded by the naira to the saturation of the market

with dollars by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The central bank had in May, directed all Bureau De Change (BDC) operators to always access forex from it on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, every week.

Owing to this, dollar supply has increased tremendously.

Speaking in a chat with THISDAY yesterday, the President, Association of

Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, explained, “Demand is weak and as you know there have been a lot of interventions in the market. Also, there is no naira liquidity. Normally it is naira liquidity that chases the dollar.

“Most of the frivolous demand in the market has been stamped out. Also, don’t forget that every weak, the CBN intervenes in the

interbank forex market as well.

“They have used that avenue to mop-up most of the naira liquidity in the market and by doing that, forex speculators have been exhausted.”

In a bid to create more forex liquidity in the market and uplift the value of the naira, the CBN had warned that any BDC that fails to access the market three time a week would face sanctions, and risks losing its operating licence, according to the new order which was also aimed at clamping down on forex hoarding.

“All BDCs shall henceforth access forex from the CBN on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It is compulsory that all BDCs access forex at least three times weekly,” the CBN said in a mailed statement at the weekend, insisting that compliance is compulsory.

“Any BDC that fails to access the forex window at least three times weekly shall have its licence reviewed by the CBN,” it added.

In the new directive, the CBN had also mandated banks to

henceforth, sell forex to travellers across the counter as long as they present valid documents that prove their eligibility.

“All travellers shall be attended to immediately at the banks’ counters.

Any contravention shall be sanctioned by the CBN,” it had warned.

The bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor reassured members of the public that the bank would continue to intervene in the forex market in line with its quest to sustain liquidity and maintain stability.

Meanwhile, the CBN has been on roadshow in the past one week, sensitising local businesses importing goods from China to use the yuan instead of the US dollar in its effort to support its naira currency and boost reserves.

To this end, central bank on Wednesday held a town hall meeting with businesses in Lagos to introduce the yuan for imports from China ahead of plans to start auctioning the Asian currency later this month.

CA F A P P O I N TS A M A J U P I N N I C K 1 ST V I C E P RE S I D E N T

CONTINENTAL HONOUR FOR WARRI BOY… New 1st Vice President of CAF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick (right), and FIFA President, Mr Gianni Infantino; before the 2nd round match between Switzerland and Sweden at the ongoing Russia 2018 World Cup in Russia

Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi.

“This decision is immediately applicable, in accordance with article 27 paragraph 2 of the statutes,

which will be ratified by the Executive Committee in its session scheduled on the 27 and 28 of September, 2018,” Fahmy said.

agents that he was not interested in any offer made to him,’’ one of the leaders of the group stated.

the ward levels. ‘’The first part of our calculation has been achieved; there is now a clear division within APC, and that has created room for many of our members at both state and national assemblies to leave the party and be part of the emerging platform. Leaders of our group along with other 34 political parties will be meeting with PDP on Friday for more consultation’’, the source stated. ‘’In the next one week or so, we will sign MoU that will spell out our working relationship, how our teeming members and supporters can be accommodated in PDP at various levels of the party’s structures across the country.’’

Already, at a personal level, the National Chairman of PDP, Mr. Uche Secondus, is said to be engaging with leaders of PDP at the state level, on how the defecting members of rAPC could be accommodated in the party’s structures at the ward, local government and state levels.

TH ERE IS NO FACT ION IN OUR PART Y, SAYS APC there is no faction in our party and declares the action by these individuals as mischievous and ill-advised," it said.

The party said after failing to scuttle the national convention as was their original plan some individuals had resorted to subterfuge as a way of achieving the pre-determined end of causing confusion.

It said the group of individuals that announced themselves as reformed APC at a press conference held in Abuja was mischievous, adding that by their actions, the group has attempted to create the impression that the party is factionalised.

The party’s position was, however, contradicted by Senator Shehu Sani from Kaduna State, who stated emphatically yesterday that the APC was neck deep in fractious crisis.

“We the persecuted are on exodus, riding on horses, chariots and caravans, departing Pharaoh Thutmose’s Egypt; we are now at the coast of the red Sea, about to leave the land of cruelty and injustice,” he said.

But the APC insisted, "This is not true. As a matter of fact, we doubt that these individuals parading as leaders of the so-called faction are actual members of our party. We are currently investigating their true membership status within the party.

"While we shall continue to monitor developments in this respect; we will not hesitate to take lawful actions to defend the unity of our party and protect the sanctity of its identity.

"We are currently reviewing the action of this so-called faction in order to determine if any aspect of the party’s constitution has been breached with the connivance of any of our members.

"For those members who have genuine grievances, we want to assure them of the commitment of the new leadership of the party to address those grievances as quickly as possible in a manner that ensures that justice is done to all."

The rAPC that debuted yesterday had key members of the APC, as its leaders. The national chairman of the splinter group, Buba Galadima is an APC stalwart from Yobe State, who served as the National Secretary of the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) before the party joined the APC merger.

Also the Deputy National Chairman of the rAPC, Bala Muhammed Gwagwarwa was until recently the immediate past National Treasurer of the APC.

Oshiomhole Denies Break Up The National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday said the party would not be distracted by the activities of some aggrieved persons, referring to themselves as Reformed APC (rAPC).

Oshiomhole said contrary to speculations, there was no break up or distraction within the core APC leadership.

He also played down the threats posed by the Buba Galadima-led rAPC, describing them as hired mercenaries used to try to destabilise the APC. Speaking with reporters at the end of a closed-door session with APC Caucus in the House of Representatives, he said, "There's no break up; my friend, if one Galadima of no particular political address says that he's not happy, that's fine; he has the right not to be happy and if he now decides to call himself what he calls himself,

I won't lose my sleep over that.

"We know those who are in the system: those who are in politics for bread and butter, that's their problem.

"We are engaging the real stakeholders; I mean between the executive and the two arms of government, we have very important influential leaders that we are engaging."

Dogara Says Only Justice Can Silence Dissent Welcoming Oshiomhole to the House of Representatives, Speaker Yakubu Dogara highlighted the need for justice and fair play for the survival of APC. Dogara said it was only by enthroning justice and equity that the ruling party would be able to silence voices of dissent and opposition.

Speaking at a meeting between APC members of the House and members of the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the party led by Oshiomhole, the speaker noted that although there was no human endeavour that was perfect, APC lawmakers only expected justice, which he said was indivisible and universal.

He said: “In every family whether it is a nuclear, extended or an organisation there is bound to be problem and that is because we humans that are running those institutions are not perfect ourselves. So we don’t expect perfection from any quarters.

“Our only expectation is the issue of justice and justice is indivisible. What is justice to the executive should be justice to the legislature and it should be justice to the judiciary.”

According to him, “What is justice to the president and the

vice president should be justice to the governor and it has to be justice for the members of the National Assembly, because you can’t divide justice. Once you begin to divide justice you don’t have justice.

“And once we are able to get these things in their proper perspectives to some extent we will be able to silence the voices of dissent within the party but we have problems is perfectly okay but we mustn’t allow our problems to define us rather we should define our problems as a party.”

Dogara, however, expressed optimism about the ability and capacity of Oshiomhole to tackle the challenges confronting the party.

Presidency, APC Reach Out to Dogara, Galadima Meanwhile, President Buhari was said to have called Dogara last night, hoping to get him to change his mind.

But an insider told THISDAY that the Speaker ‘’bitterly explained’’ to Buhari how he was humiliated by his state governor—Bauchi State, in the last congresses in the state.

Dogara was quoted as telling the president that his state governor did not even allow him to produce the ward executives of APC at his ward in Bauchi State in the last congresses, telling the president that he had made up his mind along with his group, to seek his political aspiration in another political platform. ‘’It is not just Dogara alone, the presidency also called Galadima over 23 times on Wednesday night, when he got the news of the formation of the rAPC, promising him heaven and earth.

But the man told him and his

PDP Meets rAPC, 34 Other Parties in Abuja Today As part of its ongoing consultations to form a formidable coalition against the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is expected to meet with other 34 political parties and representatives of the reformed rAPC in Abuja today (Friday) to work out modalities for signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will define their relationship.

This came as THISDAY gathered that President Buhari and his close relations made spirited moves on Wednesday night to get some leaders of the aggrieved group like, Galadima, Dogara and others to pull out of the coalition against him.

One of the leaders involved in coordinating formation of the coalition, told THISDAY last night that the fragmentation of APC by the aggrieved members of APC, which led to the formation of rAPC, under the leadership of Galadima, an estranged ally of President Buhari, was deliberately carried out in order to make room for many members of the state and national assemblies to be part of the emerging coalition.

The development will now clearly enable aggrieved members of the APC in the federal and state legislatures to switch allegiance on the grounds that the party had split into factions.

Announcing the formation of the faction at a crowded press conference Wednesday at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, Galadima said the group had activated its parallel structures from the national to

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN MULTIVERSE 0.02 0.22 CONSHALLMARK 0.03 0.34 JAPAUL 0.03 0.39 MAYBAKER 0.13 2.38 STERLBANK 0.08 1.48 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN CAPITALOIL 0.03 0.30 N.E.MINSURE 0.30 1.30 CHAMPBREW 0.16 1.84 DOUBLE ONE 15.00 175.00 UNITYBANK 0.08 1.02 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,500.00 Volume: 497.1 million shares Value: N5.887 billion Deals: 3,710 As at 5/7/18 See details on Page 43

% 10 9.6 8.3 5.7 5.7 % 9.0 8.8 8.0 7.8 7.2

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

9

˜ ;˜ ͺ͸͹Ͷ ˾ T H I S D AY

10

PAGE TEN

Despite Trump’s Demand for Reduction, Oil Price Nears Three-year High Buhari to meet NNPC officials over FAAC, corporation's remittance debacle Glencore to buy back $1bn shares Omololu Ogunmade and Chineme Okafor in Abuja and Ejiofor Alike in Lagos with agency reports President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja resolved to meet officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over its alleged failure to make accurate remittances of oil revenue to the Federal Allocation Accounts Committee (FAAC) in the month of June.

The news of the proposed presidential intervention in the corporation’s dispute with the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) coincided with the NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru’s statement that the corporation had repaid the International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria a total of $1 billion out of the discounted $5.1 billion cash call debt owed to the companies.

In the meantime, United States President Donald Trump has again accused the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of driving crude oil prices higher and urged the cartel to do more to reduce the prices.

In Nigeria, however, President Buhari resolved to meet officials of the NNPC over its alleged failure to make accurate remittances to the FAAC in the month of June.

The president will meet the officials of the apex oil body alongside the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, at an undisclosed date.

His decision was the fallout of a meeting of three All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, and the finance minister with him in the State House yesterday.

The alleged questionable remittances made by NNPC to FAAC in June had compelled the committee headed by Adeosun to reject the remittances, resulting in the suspension of the monthly sharing of collectible revenues between the federal and state governments.

Against this background,

three governors, Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Abubabakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and Adeosun, respectively met Kyari and the president in the State House yesterday to determine the way forward on the development.

At the meeting, it was resolved that given the importance of the issue at stake, the president and the minister would meet the officials of the NNPC, with a view to getting to the root of the matter and also find a lasting solution to the debacle.

Answering questions from journalists after the meeting, Yari said although his visit to the State House along with his colleagues was meant to be a private visit, it eventually turned out to be official, in view of the persistent debacle over fund remittance between NNPC and FAAC. He said, "There is headway because the president and the minister of finance will meet with the NNPC officials so that we can resolve the problem with the federal allocation accounts committee.”

Also speaking, Adeosun said she was in the State House to brief both the governors and the president on update on the matter, affirming that the president had promised to intervene in the matter.

She said, "Well, as you know, the last FAAC meeting ended in deadlock and since then, we have been having a series of engagements between ourselves, the governors, the commissioners and of course, various stakeholders.

"Today’s meeting was for me to brief the governors and the chief of staff and by extension, the president on the progress we have made so far on our position.

The president has promised to take the next step and to that extent we are very satisfied."

On why there was yet a remittance problem when NNPC was also part and parcel of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the minister said all revenue generating agencies make returns to FAAC, adding that the issue

under contention was not about gross revenues of the corporation but about deductions it made.

She added that since the last FAAC meeting ended in deadlock, several meetings had been held by the committee with governors, commissioners of finance and other relevant stakeholders.

She explained, "Every agency of government is in the TSA. You know FAAC is unique.

FAAC is a meeting where all the revenue generating agencies make returns on net of their expenses.

It is in the area where we have disputes - the dispute is not on the gross revenue but what has been deducted from that gross revenue gives us the net which is being brought into the FAAC.”

NNPC Pays $1bn Cash Calls Debt to IOCs, Says Baru In another development, the NNPC has repaid $1 billion out of the $5.1 billion owed the IOCs as unpaid cash calls for the joint venture projects.

NNPC’s Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, quoted Baru as saying in a statement yesterday that the corporation had been successful so far.

He listed some of his achievements to include, the payment of the cash call debts to the IOCs amongst others.

According to him, the NNPC under him had done well in its upstream oil business and so far maintained two million barrels per day (mbd) oil production level in 2018.

“Aside securing approval and signing off the novel financing structure with Schlumberger for the NNPC/First E&P JV which is expected to deliver a peak production of 50,000 bpd and 120mmscfd by 2019, the corporation had maintained commitment to repayment of cash calls arrears where about $1 billion of $5 billion indebtedness has been settled,” Baru, was quoted to have said.

His disclosure suggested that the corporation still had

On the international front, President Trump had been

asking for oil price reduction.

“The OPEC monopoly must remember that gas prices are up & they are doing little to help.

If anything, they are driving prices higher as the United States defends many of their members for very little $’s. This must be a two way street. REDUCE PRICING NOW!” Trump wrote on Twitter.

But oil price edged lower yesterday but still stood not far from its highest in the last three and a half years, boosted by potential disruptions in Iran and the Middle East, despite the fresh demand from Trump that OPEC cut prices.

Trump’s comment is coming as the Swiss commodities trader and a major exporter of Nigeria’s crude oil, Glencore said it would buy back shares worth up to $1 billion in a programme of purchases that would run to the end of 2018 The US Republican president has lashed out at OPEC in recent weeks as rising oil prices could create a political headache for him before November mid-term congressional elections by offsetting Republican claims that his tax cuts and roll-backs of federal regulations have helped boost the country’s economy.

In an earlier tweet on Saturday, Trump said Saudi Arabia had agreed to increase oil output by up to two million barrels, an assertion that the White House rowed back on in a subsequent statement.

Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s biggest member, has assured Trump that the kingdom can raise oil production if needed and that the country has two million barrels per day of spare capacity that could be deployed to help cool oil prices to compensate for falling output in Venezuela and Iran.

Trump has been complaining about OPEC at the same time that Washington is piling pressure on its European allies to stop buying Iranian oil.

Reuters reported that the Iranian OPEC Governor, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili said yesterday that Trump had raised oil prices through

his tweets.

“Your tweets have increased the prices by at least $10. Please stop this method,” the Iranian oil ministry’s news agency, SHANA, quoted Kazempour as saying.

However, oil edged lower yesterday but still stood not far from its highest level in three and a half years, boosted by potential disruptions to flows from Iran and the Middle East despite a fresh demand from Trump.

While the global benchmark, Brent crude futures were at $77.99 per barrel, the US crude futures were also down at $73.89, not far from Tuesday’s three and a half year high above $75.

OPEC, together with a group of non-OPEC producers led by Russia started to withhold output in 2017 to prop up the market.

Recent price rises have also been spurred by a US announcement that it plans to reintroduce sanctions against Iran from November, targeting oil exports.

OPEC and Russia said in June they were willing to raise output to address concerns of supply shortages due to unplanned disruptions from Venezuela to Libya, and likely also to replace a potential fall in Iranian supplies due to US sanctions.

Despite these measures, Goldman Sachs said in a July 4 note to clients that “the market will remain in deficit” in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, commodities trader and a major exporter of Nigerian crude, Glencore said yesterday it would buy back shares worth up to $1 billion in a programme of purchases that would run to the end of 2018.

Glencore, a beneficiary of the yearly crude oil lifting contracts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is under probe by the United States over alleged corruption relating to its business in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Venezuela.

Glencore shares in London are hovering near one-year low and are down about 18 per cent, so far this year.

that Almighty Allah will grant Malam Ciroma eternal rest and comfort the elder statesman’s family, relatives, friends and associates."

In his tribute to the late elder statesman yesterday, Atiku, in a statement by his media office, said his world view was largely influenced by the early contacts and mentorship that he received from Ciroma.

“A lot of what I have turned out to be in life today was as a result of the early contacts and mentorship that I had with Adamu Ciroma, who graciously offered me vacation job in my formative years,” said Atiku, regretting that his mentor’s death had robbed Nigeria of a valuable leader.

Bayelsa State Governor Dickson commiserated with the people and Government of Yobe State, describing Ciroma as a rare patriot and nation builder who passed on when

his counsel and selfless services were most needed.

"We have lost a rare patriot and a nation builder,” he said, adding, “Mallam Adamu Ciroma passed on when his selfless services and wise counsel were most needed.”

On its part, the PDP said it was deeply grieved over Ciroma’s passing, describing him as one of its founding fathers, a foremost democrat, nationalist and statesman.

The party said Nigeria had lost one of her finest; an incontrovertible patriot, who spent his life making inestimable sacrifices for the unity and development of the country.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said Ciroma lived as a committed citizen; an astute administrator and highly disciplined politician, who discharged all responsibilities

vested in him with unequaled forthrightness and loyalty to the nation.

The PDP said, "As CBN governor, minister of finance, minister of agriculture and the minister of industry, positions he held at various times, Mallam Ciroma played very vital roles in the formulation and implementation of crucial policies and programmes for economic stability and growth.

"On the political sphere, this great Nigerian will be remembered for his roles in ensuring the stability and growth of our nation, and particularly, the roles he played in the formation and growth of the PDP. He played a leading role in Group of 34 eminent Nigerians, otherwise called the G34 that formed the PDP. "He was an embodiment of the ideals and visions of our great party in our pursuit of a prosperous nation where unity, equality and justice prevail.

about $4.1 billion to pay off in the negotiated cash call arrears.

Although, parts of the agreements reached with the IOCs in this regards was that repayment will be based on incremental oil production.

Baru equally said in his message to NNPC’s workers that the oil corporation would remain globally competitive to ensure value addition to Nigeria.

He said: “Going forward, our priority will be to remain globally competitive. In pursuing this, we will ensure the gradual transition of NNPC from an integrated oil and gas company to an energy company.

“We will also review our business models to reflect current operations reality with improved profitability, transparency and accountability as the cornerstone.”

Baru explained that the NNPC would pursue improved relationships with local communities; states; local governments and security formations in the country.

The NNPC, he stressed had remained a critical gas supplier to the domestic market with a dominant market share, adding that it now supplied an average of 720 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/day) to the power sector, representing about 47 per cent of total gas supply to the domestic gas market.

Despite the obvious challenges and poor showings of the corporation’s refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna, Baru, said the refineries have remained operational and strategic in their contribution to petroleum products availability to support domestic supply across Nigeria.

He also stated that he had institutionalised transparency in the bid processes for contracts for lifting of crude oil from the country.

Despite Trump’s demand for reduction, oil price near three-year high

A DAMU C IRO MA, A NIGERIAN ORIGIN AL , D I E S AT 84 announced himself on the nation’s political landscape when he emerged runners-up to Alhaji Shehu Shagari at the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) presidential primaries for the 1979 presidential contest.

Born in 1934 in Potiskum, Yobe State, Ciroma attended primary schools in Fika and Potiskum. Later he attended the Bornu Middle School and Barewa College, Zaria before he proceeded to the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology also in Zaria.

He graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1961 and joined the civil service as an administrative officer. He became a Senior Assistant Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Power in 1966, and later, Editor, New Nigerian Newspapers where he eventually became the Managing Director and later CBN Governor.

He delved into politics and was a presidential aspirant on the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) platform in 1979.

He came third behind Shehu Shagari and Maitama Sule. And as he gained prominence in the party, he was named at various times as minister for Industries, Agriculture and Finance.

In September 1983, Ciroma became the chairman of a presidential transition committee, with a term of reference of making proposals on how to re-structure the federal government.

Ciroma, one of the leaders who fought the military regime of late General Sani Abacha, was a founding member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which was at the helm of affairs in Nigeria between 1999 and 2015.

His death was received with sadness by President Buhari yesterday according

to his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

"Buhari on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, extends sincere condolences to the Ciroma family, the government and people of Yobe State on the passing of the elder statesman," Adesina said, adding that the president believed that Ciroma’s life would be long remembered for his remarkable service and dedication to the country’s unity, progress and stability.

"President Buhari also affirms that the late former CBN Governor will be honoured too for his contributions in promoting democracy in Nigeria and his legacies should be a constant reminder to politicians who wish to work for the good of their communities and our great country,” Adesina said, adding, "The President prays

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

11

12

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

13

14

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ʹ˜ 2018

COMMENT

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

REAL WORTH OF A NIGERIAN’S LIFE The story of Thailand’s 13 holds lesson for Nigeria, writes Monday Philips Ekpe

T

he stories coming out of the cave in Thailand where 12 adolescents and their 25 years old coach have been trapped for days will go down as yet another set of demonstrations of common humanity and respect for the sanctity of life. The initial atmosphere of loss that greeted the news of their missing has since been replaced by the adventurers’ discovery more than one kilometre into the earth crust. Even if they had given up hope, the spirit of the erstwhile loss has now been reinvigorated by the prayers and rescue attempts of the outside world. The positive attitudes of other people, especially agents of government, have, no doubt, contributed to alleviating the gruelling travails of the boys and their instructor. Nothing is being spared in figuring out ways they can be delivered. Theirs is clearly a society that places premium on the inviolability of the human life and is blessed with commensurate public policies and practices.

The entire world is standing by 13 persons in danger now mainly because of the passion and sense of urgency attached to the melodrama by the host nation. Compare that with the abduction of Nigeria’s Chibok girls, for instance. It was the protests that erupted in cities around the world that jolted the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan from its slumber. And even with all the interest it generated, the momentum was not sustained largely because of weak local leadership.

In fact, the humanitarian crisis was quickly subsumed by dirty politics and conspiracy theories. On a balance, the present administration has not performed differently, to put it mildly. The kind of concerted response and evaluation mechanism on display in Thailand is not readily available in Nigeria today.

Sadly, government officials lead the way in unwittingly belittling the value of an individual’s life. It is common to hear police personnel say that “only five or 10 persons died in the clash.” When such declarations are made, Nigerians who are already used to them would multiply the stated figure by two or three or more to determine the actual casualties.

Of course, when the law officers announced that 89 people were killed in the recent attacks on unarmed citizens in Plateau State, most watchers of this sad editing of numbers knew that the dead were probably in hundreds. The point must be made, however, that since every human being is unique, no sacrifice is too much for his or her wellbeing and preservation. The seriousness about the importance of life we hope to project as a people can only truly begin with the attention we give to one or few persons, like what is playing out in far-away Thailand.

It is always better to prevent calamities wherever and whenever we can. The incessant killings especially in parts of the north now threaten to dominate and define the nation’s psyche, unfortunately. The horrible occurrences, more than any other factor, have further undermined our claim to decent humanity. The feeling that people’s lives can be cruelly

THE FEELING THAT PEOPLE’S LIVES CAN BE CRUELLY CUT SHORT BY MILITANTS AND MURDERERS IN WHATEVER MOULD, WITH SAVAGE GUT AND IMPUNITY, HAS FURTHER SLICED OFF A CHUNK OF OUR EXISTENTIAL IDENTITY

cut short by militants and murderers in whatever mould, with savage gut and impunity, has further sliced off a chunk of our existential identity.

In the midst of this seeming sea of despondency, I still nurse some optimism about our ability to demand and work towards safeguarding the integrity of human life in our country. This is reinforced by agitations from numerous personalities and organisations. Earlier in the week, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a body known more for trade matters and strikes, added its voice to the pressure on government to act decisively. The union’s President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, was emphatic: “The Federal Government must take responsibility for failure to anticipate, manage and control the crisis.

Government’s handling of the issue has fallen far short of protecting certain constitutional provisions on fundamental human rights. In particular, the government has failed in enforcing Section 17 (2b) of the Nigerian Constitution which states that: ‘the sanctity of the human person shall be recognised and human dignity shall be maintained and enhanced. ASUU condemns unreservedly and unequivocally the unjustified and unjustifiable loss of lives and property arising from the unwarranted conflicts. We condemn, in strong terms, those hiding behind the farmers and the pastoralists to incite the poor to mutual destruction.

“Nigerians had hoped for socio-economic opportunities that would improve their deplorable conditions, secured dwelling and working environment to safeguard their present and their future, as well as qualitative and life-enhancing educational provisions for transforming the citizenry and the country. These hopes, and many more, have been dashed. Not only that, the hope for any meaningful change in the near future appears bleak and is getting bleaker each passing day. The recent antipathy and violence evolved in conditions of land hunger and environmental hardships, which themselves, are not produced by farmers or cattle workers (‘’pastoralists’’). Severe changes in natural, climatic conditions which triggered a large hunger for land and, consequently, hardship in the availability of feed for cattle was a significant causal factor.”

Well spoken. Living dangerously must not be accepted as a way of life here. The president of Nigeria and his team should not continue to lament about these tragedies like the rest of us. Promises to “bring culprits to book” have become empty, useless and even provoking.

Also, paying condolence visits and issuing related press releases, good as they are, can be irritating at some point if there are no visible efforts and results. It does not take any hatred for this government to see that it is overwhelmed by the present security challenges. Ironically, this same issue was Jonathan’s biggest undoing. It should, therefore, rise to the occasion, call for help, shop for workable solutions. Enough of having Nigerians reduced to insects.

MAKING NIGERIA WORK

Olayemi Olaniyi writes that true federalism is essential to making it possible

I

write to bring to your attention the need and urgency to adopt a new instrument of governance for our country to create a Nigeria that works.

As you may be aware, the system of governance we are currently practicing in reality is a unitary system of government. This model of governance has continually fuelled the disunity, disharmony, disparity, lopsidedness and instability we have around in this country.

Oftentimes, people have said bad leadership and corruption are the cause of the chaos in Nigeria. These are the effects and manifestation of the Nigeria problem. Whilst attempting to state the cause of the Nigeria problem, I denounce any attempt to incite conflict amongst groups but it has been said that when people don’t know the cause of a problem, solutions often become an illusion.

The problem sprang from the forced marriage of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 that resulted in Nigeria. This marriage lacked mutual consent, unity, love, cohesion and most other good ingredients that would ensure a loving and peaceful marriage.

Even the country’s patriarch and founding leaders at that time attested to this fact: Lord Lugard: “The North and the South are like oil and water, they will never mix.” Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa: “The Southern people who are swamping into this region daily in such large numbers are really intruders; we don’t want them and they are not welcome here in the North. Since 1914, the British Government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country. But the people are different in every way, including religion, custom, language and aspirations, we in the North take it that Nigeria unity is only a British intention for the country they created.

IT IS NOT FOR US.” Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo: “Nigeria is only a geographical expression to which life was given by the diabolical

amalgamation of 1914; that amalgamation will ever remain the most painful injury a British Government inflicted on Southern Nigeria.” Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello: “The new nation called Nigeria should be an estate from our great grandfather, Othman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We must use the minorities in the North as willing tools, and the south as conquered territories and never allow them to have control of their future.”

Dr Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe: “If this embryo republic of ours must disintegrate, then in the name of God, let the operation be a short and painless one.” But painstakingly, these men were able to discover a workable solution to make the marriage and all parties live in peace and fulfilment of their aspirations, and the solution was to change from the unitary system of government handed over to them by the colonial masters to the federal system of government (Federalism.)

Tafawa Balewa: I am pleased to see that we are now all agreed that the Federal system under present conditions are the only sure way on which Nigeria will remain united. We must recognise our diversity and the peculiar conditions under which the different tribal communities live in this country.

Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo: “If rapid political progress is to be made in Nigeria It is high time we were realistic in tackling its constitutional problems. Nigeria is not a nation; it is a mere geographical expression. There are no ‘Nigerians’ in the same sense as there are ‘English’ ‘Welsh’ or ‘French’. The word Nigeria is merely a distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria from those who do not.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo: “I predict that every multi-lingual or multi-national country with a unitary constitution must either eventually have a Federal constitution based on the principles I have enunciated or disintegrate or be perennially

afflicted with disharmony and instability.”

This was the system they practiced until the military took over and the military instituted an unsuitable unitary system of government, which is what we are still using today.

Many researches and studies have shown that large countries of the world with diverse language, culture and religion like Nigeria thrive better under the federal system of government.

Empirical studies have also shown that large countries of the World except China practice federalism. It was noted that about 28 countries practice federalism and 21 of these were initially under the colonial era, hence such countries post-colonial era function better under federalism.

In fact, the research came to a conclusion that federalism is almost an obligatory choice for countries in post-colonial era.

Federalism is a sophisticated method for bringing together the members of a diverse community. Federalism is a system that offers an unusual ability to deal with complex societies and internal diversity. A country can only enjoy dividends of democracy when it consolidates on the diversity of its population. Federalism brings unity in diversity.

Federalism can be a very useful solution to the issue of governing a large country like Nigeria.

It is a way of meeting each state/region’s needs without those states/regions losing touch with the central government.

Leaders of a country are largely responsible for solving the country’s problems and we have observed that quite a handful of leaders in the past and present government of Nigeria are aware of this required change.

They have consistently displayed the lack of WILL POWER to correct this anomaly and Nigeria has been moving around the circle all these years, hence, the problems in the country today.

It’s been over a hundred years since the 1914

marriage and the present state of Nigeria is not necessarily because of the past mistakes of the western colonialists but rather as a result of the unwillingness of the present day generation of Nigerian leaders to do the right thing and correct the mistakes of the past.

This inability to effect the necessary change has been the architect of their governance failure because no matter how good their intentions were/are, the present system of government and constitution has not empowered them to be successful leaders and it has always been a case of a fish struggling in water.

This is the basis of this appeal to you today as individuals and people who will be custodians of power and will be in positions of authority to make this irrefutable change. Nigerians implore you to please in the name of God, leave partisan politics and embrace the patriotic and nationbuilding politics.

This required change to the federal system of government is very possible and achievable if we have visionary leaders who are selfless and people-oriented leaders who have overgrown ethnic and religious bigotries and have conquered the syndrome of allegiance to primitive oligarchy and nepotism. Without a federal system, this country will continue to wallow in the desert.

As you come into office, please bear in mind that the major task and hallmark of your success as Nigeria’s president/senator/house of rep. member/etc., is to give Nigerians the federal system of government as this is the only premise upon which you and your government will be empowered to deliver all your lofty campaign promises to the people of Nigeria.

Therefore, If Nigeria is to unite and if we want to get rid of agitations and instability, there is only one hope and that is federalism.

Our founding fathers did it and we can do it again.

Mrs Olaniyi wrote from Lagos

15

T H I S D AY FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018

EDITORIAL WHY GOOD JOURNALISM MATTERS

Good journalism will continue to matter as it plays the critical role of informing the citizens and keeping those in power accountable

F

or almost a week, Nigeria hosted the cream of journalists and communication scholars at the 2018 World Congress of the International Press Institute (IPI) in Abuja. Under the theme, “Why Good Journalism Matters: Quality Journalism for Strong Societies”, the 67th Congress marked the first time in the 68 years history of IPI that it would hold its flagship global press freedom event in West Africa. And at the end, there are many lessons to be learned by the Nigerian media from the theme of the discourse.

It is a given that no society can thrive without a robust, virile and vibrant media to gauge the pulse of the public, offer institutional check on government’s abuse of power and make the powerful accountable to the people. The media is the fourth estate of the realm and its watchdog role is clearly captured under Section 22 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, which provides that, “the press, radio, television and other FOR GOOD JOURNALISM agencies of mass TO TRULY MATTER IN THIS media shall at all times be free to CLIME, GOVERNMENT uphold the fundaSHOULD TAKE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO mental objectives in this CURB VIOLENCE, THREATS contained chapter and uphold AND ATTACKS AGAINST the responsibility and JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA accountability of the government to the WORKERS people.”

The ability of the citizenry to make sound judgment about policy is the fulcrum upon which an informed society leans and such would be almost impossible without the news, information and analysis that the media provides. However, for good journalism to truly matter in our country, the Nigerian media practitioners must stand and be counted in the service of justice. At all times and in all circumstances, they must ask salient questions, tell interesting stories and inspire those in power to do the right thing. But above all, it is also important to be mindful of the operating environment and the need for balance

and sensitivity to the culture and diversity of our people.

P

T H I S DAY

EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, 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

resident Muhammadu Buhari appeared to lend his weight to the theme on good journalism, when at the opening ceremony of the IPI Congress, he charged journalists to use their platform to promote good governance in an increasingly competitive field and in a world where the borderline between hate speech and free speech has become blurred. However, in spite of the exhortation by the president, the Nigerian environment remains hostile for the practice of good journalism as many practitioners still risk their lives in pursuit of truth and holding the people in power accountable. In many instances, especially in some states, reporters are repressed and detained even without any court warrant for their critical reporting. We call on the government, at all levels, to uphold the right to freedom of expression reflected in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 and in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the General Assembly in 1966.

For good journalism to truly matter in this clime, government should take appropriate steps to curb violence, threats and attacks against journalists and media workers. Government must also refrain from actions that could be seen as instigating violence against journalists.

But the onus is also on media organisations to set editorial templates that will mitigate the effect of fake news and occasional breaches of professional standards. Nigerian media owners should also ensure the working conditions are right.

We commend the organisers of the IPI conference in Nigeria for a successful hosting. But it is important that the lessons endure. While the advent of social media may have raised serious questions about the future of traditional media, there can be no doubt that journalism as a profession will continue to matter, as it plays the critical role of informing the citizens and keeping those in power accountable. It is precisely for those reasons that good journalism matters!

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

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.

GOODBYE, CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER

I

rving Charles Krauthammer was born on March 13, 1950 in Manhattan, New York, U.S. He was a well-respected American political columnist, a political conservative, and a medical doctor.

I first read his article in TIME magazine in those years of the Iraq war. He was also a FOX News contributor.

In his first year in medical school at Havard he had a diving board accident which affected his spinal cord and made him permanently paralysed from the waist down.

He spent 14 months in the hospital. And after recovering he went back to medical school to become a medical doctor. He stayed back for his residency programme in psychiatry and eventually became the chief resident. It was during his time as chief resident, he found out about a variant of manic depression (bipolar disorder) which he called “Secondary mania”. He published his findings in the archives of General Psychiatry. He also coauthored a work on the epidemiology of mania, and was part of those who created the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III in 1980. But Krauthammer was better known for his political articles in TIME magazine and The Washington Post, articles syndicated to more than 400 newspapers and magazines the world over.

His writings won him the Pulitzer Prize.

In October 2002, he wrote why America should go to war in Iraq.

He said, “Hawks favour war on the grounds that Saddam Hussein is reckless, tyrannical, and instinctively aggressive, and that if he comes into possession of nuclear weapons in addition to the weapons of mass destruction he already has, he is likely to use them or share them with terrorists. The threat of mass death on a scale never before seen residing in the hands of an unstable madman is intolerable—and must be preempted. Doves oppose war on the grounds that the risks exceed the gains. War with Iraq could be very costly, possibly degenerating into

urban warfare.”

A day before the invasion, Krauthammer wrote, “Reformation and reconstruction of an alien culture are a daunting task. Risky and, yes, arrogant.” In February 2003, Krauthammer warned that “it may yet fail.

But we cannot afford not to try. There is not a single, remotely plausible, alternative strategy for attacking the monster behind 9/11. It’s not Osama bin Laden; it is the cauldron of political oppression, religious intolerance, and social ruin in the Arab-Islamic world—oppression transmuted and deflected by regimes with no legitimacy into virulent, murderous anti-Americanism,” which I might add violence against the free world which is still on today in many guises.

On April 22, 2003, Krauthammer humbly predicted that he was going to have a “credibility problem” if weapons of mass destruction were not discovered in Iraq within the next five months.

In August 2017, he had a cancerous tumour excised from his abdomen. The surgery was believed to have been successful; however, on June 8, 2018, Krauthammer told the world that his cancer had returned and that doctors had given him only weeks to live. On June 21, 2018 he lost the battle to cancer of the small intestine. He was 68. He left behind a lawyer wife and a son.

Krauthammer, who was also Jewish had his critics dwelling mostly on his role in the war in Iraq. After his death one cynically wrote: “A lover of death gets his wish: The very end of his career, Charles Krauthammer was shoving the world as hard as he could toward death. He loved death. Now he has it.”

But a media person once rose to his defence. Krauthammer is “a god in our world.” And that he “is a thoughtful guy, he’s not a bomb thrower, he’s one of the intellectual voices among conservatives.”

Dr Cosmas Odoemena, Lagos

SANÉ SHOULD HAVE PLAYED FOR SENEGAL

I

f the World Cup tournament is meant to be a football fiesta where every nation that participates should enjoy and be fulfilled then FIFA needs to consider making changes to its player-eligibility rules for subsequent World Cup tournaments. It was a big surprise that the German national team omitted LeRoy Suleymané Sané from its final list for the World Cup at Russia. Folks felt that his form at Manchester City Football Club should have guaranteed him a placement in the Mannschaft (the German national team). Sané’s omission was a slight blur on the fans’ entertainment vista, as it were; now, FIFA should have softened its player-eligibility rule for this young man such that, if he was not playing for Germany at the World Cup in Russia, he should have been called up by the Terranga Lions (the Senegalese national team) so as to add spark and flair to their overall play and this would have been great entertainment value for fans across Africa. After all, LeRoy’s dad was Suleymané (Mané) Sané, a former professional footballer. This sort of easing of rule would benefit football in Africa overall; now, then, Tammy Abraham could still play for Nigeria whilst England wait to recall him. Also, since Karim Benzema has been frozen out by the French national team, Algeria could then use his services.

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

16

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018

17

roup Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

POLITICS

TRENDING NEWS

Suspicious Sleight of Hand Segun James argues the decision of the federal government to share monies recovered from the Swiss government to certain families in 19 states may be a tacit ploy to score a political goal.

T

here is no doubt that the past few years have been difficult for Nigeria, largely due to the unstable price of oil, the country’s most profitable export.

This has made it more difficult to obtain funding to support economic and social development programmes.

In the middle of this economic quagmire, the federal government announced that USD322 million looted from the Nigerian treasury and lodged in several Swiss banks, which have been recovered will be shared to 300,000 households in the country.

The announcement revealed that each household will get about $14 (approximately #5,000) monthly as part of the government’s move to ensure that the ordinary Nigerian benefits from the recovered fund.

The road to this began when the Federal Government, soon after it received the fund, announced it will commence disbursement of the recovered N322 million dollars Abacha loot through Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) to 302,000 poor households in 19 states in July.

Mr. Tukur Rumar, of the National Cash Transfer Office (NTCO), said this at a roundtable on assets recovery organised by the Swiss Embassy in Abuja. The event was organised to intimate citizens and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the efforts both nations were making on asset recovery after the Post-Global Forum on Assets Recovery (GFAR) held in Washington D.C. in December 2017.

At the forum, Nigeria made commendable commitments on beneficial ownership, tax transparency, asset recovery, transparency management of recovered funds and payments to victims of corruption. The states are: Niger, Kogi, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Cross River, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarrawa, Anambra and Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs) in Borno.

According to Rumar, the benefiting households will receive N5,000 monthly and are derived from the National Social Register (NSR) that the 19 states are already on.

He said the programme was designed to train beneficiaries on livelihood skills, social skills and other programmes that would change their lives completely.

Surprisingly, Rumar also disclosed that NCTO had been making payments to the 46,000 poor and vulnerable households across the 19 states since Dec. 2016, adding that the number had increased to 290,000. This was a surprise to many people.

Mr. Iorwa Apera, the National Coordinator, National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO), said 503,055 households were already on the NSR register from the 19 states, adding that by July, there would be a social register for all the states of the federation.

He said that of the Abacha loot, about 302,000 poor homes across the 19 states would be mined by the NCTO to begin to receive the Abacha loot. Apera told the participants that the Federal Government would begin with those states, because they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASSCO to put in place certain infrastructure to empower the national register.

“Some of the states delayed, but the other ones were quick enough to set up infrastructure that allowed us to start work there, but all the states are now on board as they have set up their state operating offices and donated office equipment to us. As states come on board, we enroll and so they extend to the beneficiary register, and presently we are generating data in all the states,’’ he said.

Mrs. Linda Ekeator of the office of the Special

Udoma Udo-Udoma, Minister of Budget Planning

Adviser to the President on Social Investment said the Abacha loot was invested in the social investment programme, because it was a programme that was already supported by the World Bank. She said that before the money was returned to Nigeria, there was an agreement with the Swiss government that it should be used for alleviating poverty and this was to be done with the supervision of the World Bank.

The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Eric Mayoraz said the USD722 million of the Abacha family money that was hidden in Switzerland was fully repatriated in 2005.

He also said that the USD322 million that was repatriated in December 2017, was previously frozen by the Swiss Attorney-General, but was not domiciled in Switzerland, but in other countries, mainly Luxembourg.

Until this recent decision, such moneys were shared among the states of the federation. The monies were supposedly used by state governments for projects that benefited the people entire populace, instead of a few households.

In Bayelsa state, following the recovery of such monies from the former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the government of Chief Timipre Sylva used it to build five multistoried building in the Yenagoa Central Business District which it called the Transparency Buildings.

At that time, Sylva insisted that the recovered fund must be used to do something tangible that the people would be able to point to as the benefit from the recovered loot.But as lofty as the decision of the federal government maybe, the criteria for sharing the money is suspect.

The questions on many lips include how the amount to each family was determined? What will #5,000 monthly do for a household of six?

How was the money shared and who are the beneficiaries? What is the ratio of urban and rural dwellers in the sharing formula? How are the rural dwellers paid? Is it through a dedicated bank account and with which bank?

Finally, why give the money to households in 19 states in a country with 36 states?

Questions such as these are what prompted

Kemi Adeosun,Minister of Finance

the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to say that the plan by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to share the $350million (around N115 billion) loot recovered from former military ruler, late Gen. Sani Abacha among estimated 300,000 households is “mis-targeted and would not bring any tangible benefits to the beneficiaries.”

SERAP said, “The authorities have a legal obligation under the UN Convention Against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party to make sure that the returned Abacha loot is properly and efficiently used, both from the viewpoint of using asset recovery as a tool of ensuring justice to victims of corruption and breaking the cycle of grand corruption. But the plan to share the loot among households is mere tokenism and would neither have significant impact on poverty alleviation nor satisfy the twin objectives of justice and development.”

The government announced last week that starting from July, it would distribute the returned loot by the Swiss authorities to around 300,000 households, with each getting around $14 a month.

SERAP in its statement signed by its deputy director Mr. Timothy Adewale said, “Rather than spending the loot to fund the National Social Safety Net Program (NAASP), President Buhari should, within the framework of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), create a central recovery account/trust funds, with oversight mechanisms to ensure repatriated funds are transparently and accountably spent to invest in tangible projects that would improve access of those living in poverty to essential public services such as water, education and health.

“Distributing N5,000 to households would neither improve the socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries nor achieve the enduring value of a more transparent and robust system to manage recovered loot,” the organization insisted, adding that “the return of the Abacha loot is a chance for President Buhari to commit to the enforcement of the 2016 judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris, which ordered his government to disclose the spending of recovered loot since 1999 by past

and present governments till date, as well as details of projects on which the funds were spent; and to vigorously push the National Assembly to pass the Proceeds of Crime Bill.

Buhari should make these happen before the next general elections if he is to truly demonstrate his oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption.”

For a country under so many social and economic challenges, with millions living under the poverty line and the ever widening gap between the rich and the poor, the decision by the government to share the money barely seven months to the 2019 general election is suspect; especially when such action is considered as not so urgent.

According Chief Sunday Olomo, “What can N5,000 a month do for any household in the country where the average family, including the husband and wife is six? What can N5,000 buy in Nigeria today? What difference will it make in the life of the beneficiaries?

“There are so many things that the government is not telling us. How many of the supposed beneficiaries do you know? Mark my words, these are political times. We will never know exactly what is happening. It is going to end as the more you look, the less you see.”

Also sharing similar sentiment Mr. Jonathan Ezenwa made it clear that the money will no doubt be diverted to politics by the government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prosecute the 2019 election.

According to Ezenwa, the government’s reason and sharing formula are not convincing; saying that this type of situation prompted international watchdog, Transparency International (TI) to say that corruption was actually worse under President Buhari than previous leaders despite his anticorruption stance.

While it might seem reasonable to suggest that a palliative such as this is good idea, but since most Nigerians are rural dwellers and have no access to banking facilities, they will be disenfranchised from enjoying this seeming good gesture by the government.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018

18

PERSPECTIVE

2019 and Ugwuanyi’s Enduring Legacies

By Louis Amoke

A critical evaluation of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s unique approach to governance in Enugu State, especially from the standpoint of ideology, clearly underscores his sense of direction, vision, charisma and passion for the wellbeing of the lowly and less privileged.

It is on record that Ugwuanyi assumed office in 2015, at a very difficult time, when the nation witnessed severe economic recession and a change of government at the centre, with all the bureaucratic intricacies associated with such transition. What kept the governor afloat was a dedication to his vision, innovation and selfless service to the people as well as absolute faith in God. Three years after, Gov. Ugwuanyi was able to successfully lead the state through the economic crunch to an enviable height with the meager resources at his disposal. As a grassroots leader, the governor provided effective leadership and accelerated infrastructural development in the state, concentrating more in the rural areas than in the urban centres, through his administration’s rural development initiative.

He was able to bring governance closer to the doorstep of the masses, ensuring that the peace and security of the state took their pride of place as veritable ingredients for rapid development and good governance. It is noteworthy that Ugwuanyi’s administration has spent over N45 billion on road construction and rehabilitation across the length and breadth of the state, covering about 300 kilometres.

An outstanding achiever, Ugwuanyi has distinguished himself creditably through his worthy stewardship and passion for the wellbeing of the people. His remarkable achievements, sound vision, humility and closeness to the people have continued to earn him swelling popularity and unprecedented endorsements for re-election in 2019, from all spheres of the society, including

Gov. Ugwuanyi

the religious and traditional institutions.

These glaring facts were recently confirmed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who described Ugwuanyi as “an established leader who is being celebrated widely because of his closeness to the people and effective delivery of dividends of democracy in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.”

Dogara, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who made the assertion, when members of the Enugu State Caucus in the National Assembly hosted Ugwuanyi

and endorsed him for a second term in office added that the governor is “a very nice man to a fault”, and has “done so exceptionally well in office that members of the National Assembly in particular and the people of Enugu State in general are exceedingly proud of what he has achieved.”

A visionary, humble and peace-loving leader, Ugwuanyi’s uncommon leadership style has equally unified leaders and people of the state, irrespective of political, cultural, social and religious differences, ending the hydra-headed issue of dichotomy. Through his administration’s peace and grassroots

development initiatives, Ugwuanyi has initiated and prosecuted well-thought-out people-oriented programmes that are ideological and germane to the future of the citizens of the state. The programmes are also conceptualized to directly impact positively on the lives of the masses to give them a sense of belonging, as the true heroes of democracy.

This legendary vision capped with patriotism, which is akin to the likes of Pa Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory, is exclusively geared towards building a secure future for the people of Enugu State, especially the younger generation. It is a deviation from societalnorms where execution of gigantic projects is the basic barometer of measuring a government’s achievements.

In this regard, besides effective provision of critical infrastructure and remarkable achievements in other sphere of development, Ugwuanyi has through his human capital empowerment programmes and special interventions aimed at improving the living standard of the lowly, long neglected and under-privileged, ensured that dwellers who had been hitherto denied access to basic amenities; qualitative and affordable education, healthcare delivery, among others, are remembered.

For instance, in line with his administration’s educational policy and the need to discover and assist under-privileged intellectuals, especially in the rural areas to further their studies, Gov. Ugwuanyi recently granted scholarship to 340 indigent students of the state’s Polytechnic in Iwollo, Ezeagu Local Government Area. A few weeks after, the same gesture was extended to 340 students of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, totaling 680 students within one month.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

By Nseobong Okon-Ekong

AUTOGRAPH

BUHARI MISSED THE BUS

I

n the heat of the campaign leading to the 2015 presidential election, Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo who was then a running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari deepened the favour of mainstream acceptance for their joint ticket by canvassing for votes in the most unlikely places. Osinbajo, a law teacher and clergy was seen in market places and commercial buses in Lagos trying the win the support of the populace. While many were still grappling with his novel method of appealing for support, Osinbajo increased the surprise element by visiting the New Afrika Shrine to continue his crusade for wider participation in the ballot. It was a courageous enterprise to have a pastor visit a supposed sanctuary of sinners and demons.

It is arguable if Osinbajo’s stride on the streets of populism created impetus for latter day champions of anti-elitist agenda like Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State who started drooling gbegiri soup from both sides of his mouth, eating a meal of amala and roasted corn on the roadsides of Ado Ekiti to prove his love for the masses. Since the Buhari/Osinbajo team won the election, devotees at the New Afrika Shrine have hoped against hope for an Osinbajo return to the Shrine. Chances are that Osinbajo has since become possessed by urgent anxieties that have distanced him from the Shrine. It is possible that he has been reminded of his Christian realities that he should never go

near a temple that covets worship of ancestors. Whatever Osinbajo did or did not do at the Shrine, he did for his principal and himself.

President Buhari’s perception managers can only deny to their jeopardy that his image is in tatters, badgered on all sides by political opponents and sometimes, self-inflicted, ill-timed actions and comments. But it does look like an unseen hand keeps turning the odds in favour of Buhari by offering him frequent opportunities to redeem himself. Unfortunately, lack of imagination to convert half-a-chance to political capital has been the bane of Buhari and his handlers. A mighty prospect to emancipate himself knocked on his door again with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the New Afrika Shrine this week. Buhari and Macron were at the African Union meeting in Mauritania.

They continued their conference later at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

The Nigerian capital city filled is with reminiscence of Mr. Macron’s tour of duty in the French embassy. Apparently, it was a period that afforded him an opportunity to visit other Nigerian cities including Lagos. It has since emerged that Macron joined the throng of worshippers at the New Afrika Shrine, an iconic centre of culture built in memory of the progenitor of Afrobeat music, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, by his children. Macron has been famously quoted saying, that, whatever happened at the Shrine remained at the Shrine.

Whether he smoked a joint or two and

Femi Kuti dragging President to the stage to the delight of Gov. Ambode masturbated on the gyrating backside of Femi Kuti’s sexy dancers remains in the realm of conjecture. What is not in doubt is that Macron cherished the New Afrika Shrine experience and wanted to relive it, when the opportunity came through an evening of African cultural showcase packaged by Trace television.

This is where PMB missed the bus!

He lost the chance to accompany the youthful French President to the New Afrika Shrine. To be sure, Macron loves the company of elderly people. His wife Brigitte is 65 years. There is no doubt he would have got on well with the 75 year-old Nigerian President. Mr. Buhari lost the opportunity to take back the love of Nigerian youths, many of who bear a grudge against him for allegedly describing them as a lazy lot. So, it was

Macron who advised Nigerian youths at the Shrine on the importance of politics and why they should take it seriously. The only mention of Buhari at the Macron visit to the Shrine was a routine courtesy delivered by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.

Where are Buhari’s spin doctors who made him wear a suit, an Igbo attire and toy with an iPad in make-believe photos during campaigns leading to the 2015 presidential election? We can only imagine the huge favour that would accumulated to him had he accompanied Macron to the Shrine on a night populated by a diverse mix of leaders drawn from the media, business, ICT, public service, banking, culture-all young and some in their middle-age.

Buhari missed an opportunity to

meet these influential Nigerians in an atmosphere with no restrictions.

An appearance by Buhari at the Shrine would definitely have added a huge gain to his political capital, even if he was going to stutter in his speech.

Perhaps, Buhari could have been persuaded to fool around on stage, dancing or toying with a musical instrument.

The French President entered the Shrine looking prim and proper. By the time he left, his jacket and tie were off and his shirt-sleeves rolled. He was sweating from the different robust engagement with the crowd. Imagine how good and pleasant it would have been to see the human side of Buhari, all convivial and approachable.

Buhari lost a chance to show the world his forgiving spirit. It is true that the irreverent Fela had openly derided him in the past. In the monster-hit recording, Beast of No Nation, Fela mocked Buhari, calling him, animal in human skin. But the teeming crowd of Fela devotees and the global media would have witnessed one of the most emotional reconciliation that could have shot up Buhari’s rating instantly, if he had the good judgment to visit the Shrine with Macron.

Osinbajo must repeat his 2015 visit to the Shrine. This time, he must bring Buhari. This is a consideration Buhari’s re-election campaign managers, Rotimi Amaechi and Festus Keyamo should be interested in. It is a cheap route to win over 18 million votes for PMB in the 2019 presidential election.

19

T H I S D AY ˞ ˜ ʹ, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078, 08091152219

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

REPO 2.83 % 3.58 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

2.50% 9% 9.38%

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

354.49 % -0.71% -0.98%

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

2.46% 7.59%

EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎ͳ˛͎͜˚ͯ ̊ ̊

Quick Takes Shoprite Plans Clean-up Exercise

WELCOME TO NIGERIA

R-L: General Manager, Engineering, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Rufai Mohammed; the United Kingdom Hydrographer, Cathy Tunks; Managing Director, NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman; Chris Booth of the UK Hydrographic Office and the Principal Manager, Hydro& Dredging, NPA, Amos Ishaya Talum, during a working visit by the UK Hydrographic office delegation to Bala-Usman at the authority’s Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos...recently

Experts Flay Proposed National Carrier Project Chinedu Eze

Aviation industry experts have expressed doubt over the realisation of the national carrier by the federal government, which the government anticipate would be finalised

by December 24, 2018.

Beside the promise made by government, the industry is yet to see any concrete plans to the establishment of the project less than six months to the given date, as informed sources disclosed to THISDAY, that N1.7 billion had been expended in the process for the project that would cost the government about $4 billion.

So far, the federal government

AVIATION is funding the project 100 per cent and it has not made public the money already expended on it, except the aforementioned sum, which received approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), meant to settle the Transaction Advisers.

In early 2016 the federal government had among other plans for the aviation sector, disclosed plan to establish a national carrier, concession of major airports in the country, establishment of a major maintenance hangar and aircraft leasing company.

However, almost at the twilight of the administration, none of these set goals has been realised. But the government appears to be strongly committed to making the establishment of a national carrier a reality.

To this end, the government had earlier established Transaction Advisers to guide it on the processes and procedures to realisng these projects, but the team was yet to complete its work.

Owing to this, some experts in the aviation sector have expressed doubt about the realisation of the project.

They argued that there was no clear picture on how the government wish to start the

company, what the share capital would be and the definition of its ownership, since the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said it would be private sector driven. “What we do not understand is how the national carrier can be realised in less than six months to the deadline when government said it would establish the airline. “According to NCAA regulation, which is the domestication of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulation, an airline that wishes to have Air Operator Certificate (AOC) should start the process Continued on page 20

Nigeria Imported Fish Worth $170m from Iceland, Russia, Norway in 2017 Eromosele Abiodun Nigeria imported fish worth $71 million, $56 million and $43 million from Iceland, Russia and Norway respectively in 2017.

This development was due to the lack of investment to encourage large-scale commercial fishing, which should bridge the current 2.1 million metric tons (mmt) supply gap.

This implied that the total amount spent on fish importation during the period was $170 million (N61.2 billion).

Aquaculture remains an integral part of Nigeria’s agriculture sector, with annual fish demand estimated at 3.3 million metric tons (mmt).

Industry sources suggested that Nigeria’s per capita fish consumption is 11kg, significantly lower than the global average of 21kg.

According to the Fisheries Resources Department in the Nigeria Institute for Oceanog-

MARITIME raphy and Marine Research in Lagos, at least 70 per cent of local fish production was by small scale fishermen on a subsistence level.

Statistics released by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) showed that Netherlands exported $174 million worth of fish to Nigeria in 2017.

Numbers released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that fisheries grew by 4.2 per cent in the first quarter of this year and accounted for 3.1 per cent of total agricultural gross domestic products (GDP).

The segment has managed to maintain growth for two consecutive quarters.

To boost local production and regulate fish imports, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) provides quotas for fish importation to fish farmers en-

gaged in backward integration, rather than granting waivers.

Fish importers without quotas are subject to a fine of $250,000.

The FGN has announced its intention to partially commercialise the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDA) by next year. Transaction advisors for this process have been approved.

Analysts at FBN Quest believe this move could boost the segment through fish rearing in dams.

Following the recent hosting of the 10th annual conference of the Fisheries Committee for West and Central Gulf Guinea, FCWC, by Nigeria, the federal government had disclosed intensifying effort to reduce annual fish import bill.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Heineken Lokpobiri who stated this in Abuja, said government did not give waivers on fish importation, rather allocated

quota to fish importers through the seaport in order to regulate importation of the commodity.

Lokpobiri said: “To reduce the annual fish import bill, we give quota and we are not giving any waivers and would not give anybody waivers. “Anybody who imports fish without a quota or obtaining a license is guilty of the crime and where he is found guilty will pay a fine of $250, 000. “Fish imported with our quota comes through the seaport and subjected to good quality control, and while you are importing you do your backward integration thereby adding more value to local fish production. “We still have a deficit of 2.1 million metric tonnes of our national demand for fish which is 3.2 million metric tonnes, and to make Nigerians understand 10, 000 tonnes is 334, Continued on page 20

The Shoprite Group has concluded plans to stage a biggest clean-up in which over 6,000 people in nine countries are expected to participate in almost 500 events. The exercise will hold from 14th to 18th July.

It is expected to remove waste from communities.

In Nigeria the retail giant is partnering with Nigeria’s pioneer recycling outďŹ t, Wecyclers to execute this huge initiative.

Head, Business Development of Wecyclers, Ms. Omobolanle Olowu, an environmentalist and recycling champion explained that, “the hope is to launch a movement of active citizens who act for change by cleaning and keeping clean public areas. “Plastic waste is putting the environment under considerable pressure with the equivalent of a garbage truck of plastic being dumped into our oceans every minute.�

She further added, “Recycling is central to this initiative, hence Wecyclers’ decision to partner with Shoprite Nigeria on some of the 45 clean-ups planned in the country. “Those organising clean-ups are encouraged to partner with local recyclers to ensure that most of what is collected gets recycled.�

With this focus Shoprite aims to highlight the business opportunities available through the recycling of paper, glass, plastic and other material.

Ethiopian Receives Largest 737 MAX

Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it recently took delivery of the largest B737 MAX eet in the Continent. The B737 MAX 8 features the new ‘Boeinboosting customers’ experience. The environmentally friendly aircraft has a minimal carbon emission and consumes 15 per cent less fuel than the 737-NG. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said, “It is an immense honour for all of us at Ethiopian to reach this milestone a few days after we colourfully marked our 100 eet milestone and the latest acquisition is an aďŹƒrmation of our continuing pioneering role in African aviation and the successful implementation of our fast, proďŹ table and sustainable growth plan, Vision 2025. “Today, we are glad to include the B737 MAX 8, the latest in Boeing’s single-aisle series, in our young and modern eet family with an average age of less than 5 years. As a customer-centric airline with a high adaptability to emerging technologies, we have been pioneering Africa’s aviation with latest-technology eet throughout our 72 years history. In line with our growth targets under Vision 2025, we will keep on investing in further expansion of our eet an in acquiring the latest aircraft the industry has to oer.â€?

Air Peace, Benue Agree on Makurdi Flights

Air Peace said it has closed a deal with Benue state government to start operating ights to the state capital, Makurdi in a few weeks’ time.

At the signing ceremony, the Air Peace Chief Operating OďŹƒcer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, assured that the airline would deliver exceptional ight experience to residents of Benue and others travelling on the Makurdi route.

The airline said the route would be serviced by an Embraer 145 jet under Air Peace Hopper, the airline’s subsidiary and the ights to Benue would terminate at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Markudi.

The operations, Olajide conďŹ rmed, would cover Abuja-MakurdiAbuja and Lagos-Makurdi-Lagos.On his part, the Chief of Sta to Benue State Governor, Terwase Obunde, assured Air Peace of the government’s support to ensure its success on the Makurdi route.

The commissioner, who represented the state Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, said the government was grateful to Air Peace for accepting its proposal to y to Makurdi. The government, he added, would cooperate with the airline to ensure the launch of the route without delay.

Air Peace recently acquired six Embraer 145 jets it plans to deploy to underserved and unserved routes in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa, including Asaba, Bauchi, Kaduna, Osubi, Nigerian Air Force Base (Port Harcourt), Abidjan, Douala,Lome, Monrovia and Niamey.

The carrier has also acquired two Boeing 777 aircraft for its longhaul ights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

“We have resolved to change the face of aviation in the country during the tenure of the present administration �

Minister of State, Aviation

Senator Hadi Sirika

20

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

BUSINESSWORLD EXPERTS FLAY PROPOSED NATIONAL CARRIER PROJECT six months before the targeted date of operation. But they have not started the process now,� the Executive Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Nogie Meggison said.

Also, the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi who said a national carrier would provide the pivot for the development of aviation in Nigeria, however pointed out that, “If the federal government is establishing the airline, it has to be backed by an Act establishing it, which means we must go back to the National Assembly. I doubt that this could be realised in the next six months because it will take time and you must have to repeal the Act that established the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) before you enact a new Act for the national airline.�

But some industry experts believe that a national carrier was desirable for Nigeria, saying it would provide a platform for the growth of air transport in the country, boost the contribution of the aviation industry to the GDP, create jobs, strengthen aviation training institutions and cut down capital flight from the sector by international carriers.

NIGERIA IMPORTED FISH WORTH $170M FROM ICELAND, RUSSIA, NORWAY IN 2017 000 containers, and you can imagine how many containers it will be if we have a deficit of 2.1m mt. “If this vessels approved by President Muhammadu Buhari are acquired it will make our coastline safer because illegal fishing activities and security threat will be reduced on the country’s coastline and territorial waters. this will also boost our fish production.�

However, addressing the challenging on of smuggling of frozen fish and poultry products along the NigeriaBenin Republic border he said: “We are having issues with Benin Republic where most of those frozen fish and poultry products that they use formalin to preserve are smuggled.�

NEWS

Nigeria Loses $30m Export to Poor Quality Control Chinedu Eze Nigeria loses over $30 million in export produce annually, due to poor quality control and poor packaging.

In addition, the country has lost the position of a major hub for cargo freighting in Africa.

This was disclosed by the President of the Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN), Kingsley Nwokoma who said many farm produce exported from Nigeria were returned due to poor quality control and packaging.

He, noted however, that the same farm produce when taken from Nigeria to Ghana are packaged and exported as Ghanaian imports, noting that every day truck loads of yams leave Nigeria by road to Ghana where they are exported to Europe and other destinations.

Nwokoma said the Ease of Doing Business policy introduced by the federal government was yet to to be fully implemented.

Owing to this, he said same hindrances that impaired export of goods were still widespread.

These he listed to include high charges, inhibitions caused by the Nigerian Customs and poor infrastructure.

He said although exporting and importing goods by sea take a longer time but poor economy has forced businessmen and women to take the option of sea import instead of air freighting and plan their programme to correspond with the three months interlude it

takes for the arrival of the cargo.

Nwokoma, lamented that Nigeria does not have perishable centre and facility where farm produce are preserved and packaged for export, noting that because Accra has the facility, it has edge over Nigeria so entrepreneurs prefer exporting cargo from Ghana, including products sourced from Nigeria.

“Our export business is down by estimated $30 million annually in the last few years.

This is caused by bad economy, poor quality control and poor packaging. “The importing countries have their standards. When these standards are not met they return the goods. Farm produce from Nigeria are returned regularly due to these reasons.

“We don’t have perishable centre like other countries. We have it in Accra. Accra is now the cargo hub for West Africa. It is through Accra that Nigerian yam is exported and distributed to supermarkets across Europe and other parts of the world. “With the new African policy on trade, you can import your goods through Benin Republic and move the goods by road to other African destinations.

So we need perishable centre, quality control and good packaging of our products,�

Nwokoma said.

He however noted that Nigeria remains a major exporter of vegetables in Africa, adding that the country needs the necessary infrastructure, a review of the existing charges to eliminate existing duplication of taxes in order to encourage more export.

BUILDING LEADERS

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah and Founder and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, the Ausso Leadership Academy(ALA), Mr. Austin Okere, during the minister’s interactive session with the delegates of the second ALA Masterclass in Lagos...recently

Expert Proffers Solutions for Economic Development Vanessa Obioha The founder and Chief Executive Officer of H. Pierson Associates Limited, Eileen Shaiyen has identified seven critical high-impact areas that Nigeria must focus on to stimulate economic growth.

She made this remark at the recent annual lecture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) where she was among the panelists.

Joining other stakeholders in the finance sector to discuss the theme, ‘Of Banks and Bankers: Finance and the Challenge of Economic Devlopment[si1] in Nigeria,’ as delivered in the lecture by the former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and presidential aspi-

rant, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, Shaiyen argued that a large population of Nigerians reside in the rural areas.

Thus, a large chunk of the labour force is employed by the Micro, Small and Medium-size enterprises (MSMEs). “MSMEs contribute probably about 90 percent to employment and 50 percent to GDP. With these statistics, how can we make great impact towards achieving economic development? “For us to achieve this, we have to look at the MSMEs because of the wide role they have and the fact that we need to cover the majority of over 200 million people who are not living in Lagos.�

She further listed other

priority areas which the government should focus on to include strong consumer lending, funding to health, education, agriculture value chain, as well as women and exports.

According to her, the major type of funds needed by these high-impact areas for economic development is ‘patient money’ which largely includes lowcost revolving credit and then capital, both of which should be readily available on a wide-scale, especially in the hinterlands.

While recognising the role of commercial and merchant banks in the country, Shaiyen however expressed doubt that they can deliver effectively on the mentioned areas.

“We need a change of positioning in which microfinance banks and similar grass-root focused and capital-providing entities, begin to take the front row in our funding and financial sector discourse and strategies,� she stated.

Using India as a case study, she pointed out that the Asian country has 93,550 rural cooperative banks, 1,589 urban cooperative banks, several cooperative credit institutions and 56 regional rural banks in additions to its regular commercial and foreign banks “Most importantly, the financial ecosystem in India, significantly elevates these grassroots financial institutions to a position of primary and strategic focus and impact

assurance and not as ‘third cousins’ to the commercial banks.�

She also urged the CIBN to deploy its research and advocacy facilities to develop an index to track the impact of the various categories of banks on economic development. “The goal will be to push more support and appropriate positioning towards providers of widespread, rurally accessed patient money.�

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Kyari Bukar, who also chaired the lecture, emphasised the need to give more support to funding sources for start-ups such as Venture Capital Funds and Angel Investors.

FRC Insists New Corporate Governance Code Will Attract Investments Group Business Editor

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Some Nigerians have commended the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and have also expressed confidence that the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance that is being finalised by the council will attract local and foreign investments.

Speaking at the public hearing on the exposure draft of the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018 for South-south geopolitical zone in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum

Obinna Chima

Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ äĂ?

Comms/e-Business Editor

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

ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?

Senior Correspondent

Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ ĂœĂ™Ă•Ă? (Labour) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Cap Mkt) ÔÓÙĂ?Ă™Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? (Energy) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÔÙ (Nation’s Capital) Reporters

Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (Maritime)

Development Company Plc, Austin Avuru, who was also the special guest of honour, noted that many indigenous companies have failed because of non-adherence to good corporate governance.

Avuru, who was represented by the Mrs Obianuju Othniel, said most indigenous firms die before 20 years while their foreign counterparts last for even centuries. “In the oil and gas industry for instance, we like to ask why international oil companies (IOCs) are doing business successfully for more than 50 years while indigenous companies do not

survive. The answer is simply good corporate governance.

The secret is adherence to good corporate governance which instils discipline and accountability,� he said.

On the draft code, he said, “We applaud the efforts of the FRC and the Technical Committee on Corporate Governance.

The code complies with international standards and we enjoin indigenous companies to imbibe compliance with the code so that their lifespan will be guaranteed.�

In his remarks, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, In-

dustry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr, Emi Membre-Otaji, also commended the FRC for the draft code and called on stakeholders to start implementing the provisions to enhance their growth. “It may be a little more expensive at the onset but in the long-run, it very beneficial to the company,� he enthused.

In his presentation, the Executive Secretary of FRC, Daniel Asapokhai, said the Code would also enhance the integrity of the Nigerian capital market, by entrenching a culture of disclosure, transparency and accountability.

Asapokhai said, “It is

our belief that this Code will promote ease of doing business, attract local and foreign investments and enhance the integrity of the Nigerian capital market, by entrenching a culture of disclosure, transparency and accountability. In addition, this Code will raise public awareness of good corporate governance practices.�

He revealed that the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance has adopted the ‘Apply and Explain’ principle, which requires companies to apply the requirements of the Code and to explain how they did so.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

21

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Firm to Invest N9.7bn in Infrastructure at MMIA Chinedu Eze Elysium Integrated Development Company has completed plans to invest N9.720 billion ($27 million) in a mass transit transportation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

This was disclosed by the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika recently in Abuja, when inaugurating the project team for the construction of the proposed new office complex and staff quarters for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The firm has proposed to partner with FAAN to execute the project on Public, Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The Minister who noted that through PPP, FAAN could build befitting office structure and residency in the federal capital territory, remarked that it was ironical that an agency that has the mandate of building and managing airports in the country does not have a befitting office complex in the federal capital, just as its staff lack adequate and befitting residential quarters.

This, he said, has had the tendency to impede on their performances and therefore urged the organisation to kick-off the building of the office facility as urgently as possible.

The minister said the decision to construct the office complex and residential quarters through PPP arrangement was to ensure that what would be delivered would be of a quality that represents value for money.

Addressing the project team members, Sirika charged them to ensure that the most suitable designs for the office complex and staff quarters where respectively delivered.

Among the team’s terms of reference was to identify and confirm the proposed location for the office complex and staff quarters and recommend means through which the PPP could be fast-tracked.

He disclosed that the team also has the mandate to source for and identify prospective PPP partners, and to also consider an unsolicited proposal by Elysium Integrated Development Company, to invest N9.70

billion in a mass transit ground transportation structure at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Sirika also urged the team to be diligent and speedy in carrying out the assignment and directed that his office be briefed on a weekly basis on the progress of the task given to them.

In his response, the Managing Director of FAAN and leader of the project team, Saleh Dunoma said the team identified with the minister on his commitment towards addressing the infrastructure gaps in the sector, and promised that the team would be meticulous and swift in carrying out their assignment.

Dunoma said the team viewed the assignment as another call to national service which demands commitment and efficiency.

Membership of the team were drawn from the Ministry of Transportation (Aviation), FAAN, the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Federal Ministries of Finance, Justice and Budget and Planning.

AIR WATCH How Rivalry is Causing NAHCO, SAHCOL Revenue Loss

Air Namibia Begins Flight to Nigeria Namibian national carrier, Air Namibia, recently marked its inaugural entry to Nigeria with flight from Windhoek, capital of the southern African nation, to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The airline which started with four times a week flights said successful opening of the Lagos route was the actualisation of long term plan to connect many countries in West Africa to southern Africa and other parts of the continent.

Welcoming the airline to Lagos, the High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria, Dr. Peingeondjabi Titus Shipoh, expressed excitement to see the country’s national airline berth in Lagos.

“It is an honour to welcome you to the inaugural flight of Air Namibia to Lagos from Windhoek City in Namibia,” he said.

Shipoh, said Nigeria and Namibia share a long history of solidarity and cooperation, dating back to the years of struggle for the decolonisation of Southern Africa, disclosing that Nigeria played a strong pivotal role in campaigning for Namibia’s decolonisation.

“Today the political struggle is on and we continue to enjoy peace and stability; however, the fight for economic eman-

cipation of Africa remains to be won. Africa is now the new economic frontier. Africa needs to deepen intra-Africa trade to facilitate integration and derive tangible benefits from globalization,” he said.

The envoy said the role of transport and logistics sector has become extremely important for the African continent.

“I am applauding Air Namibia for taking advantage of the opening of African skies.

This is an opening of new and more dynamic chapter in furthering and consolidating relationship between Nigeria and Namibia. “This route will enable cooperation in all sectors; facilitate entry of Namibian investors to this strategic market. Air Namibia’s venture into the ECOWAS market is to establish a win-win cooperation to exploit available business opportunities, add value to the natural resources that both our countries are endowed with,” Shipoh said.

The General Manager, APG, the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Namibia, Chike Ohiagu said there has been positive response to the flight of the airline to Nigeria with huge requests for Air Namibia’ flight tickets.

“On behalf of APG Nigeria, GSA to Air Namibia we want to thank everyone that graced

this occasion. There is deluge of requests. It is a good sign that Air Namibia has come here to stay.

“Our duty is to sell tickets and make money for Air Namibia. In the next two weeks, there would be a forum where travel agents will be invited and we talk about Air Namibia and the product we have and the projections for the next few years,” Ohiagu said.

The Nigerian High Commission in the Republic of Namibia who was represented

by Uwem Johnson said that there is huge potential market for the airline in Nigeria and expressed the hope that in few months the airline would have daily flight from Windhoek to Lagos.

Spokesman of Air Namibia, Paul Nakawa who represented the management of the airline said it was a dream come true that Air Namibia now operates to Lagos.

“We are happy to come to Nigeria. We are here to stay.

Namibia is open to Nigeria and we have a lot of things to offer. The first departure of Air Namibia to Accra from Lagos Nigeria on the 29 of June, 2018 is a special occasion and calls for celebration. This is a major milestone for our airline as we journey forward.

Air Freight Records Modest Growth in May The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), rose 4.2 per cent in May 2018, compared to the same period the year before. This was slightly down from the 5.2 per cent (revised from 4.1 per cent) growth in annual demand recorded in April 2018.

Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs), grew by 6.2 per cent year-on-year in May 2018. This was the fourth month in a row that capacity growth outstripped demand growth.

After a weak start to 2018, demand for global air freight has now resumed a modest trend upwards. However, the rapid growth seen in 2017 is now over, with demand growing at a significantly slower pace in 2018. In IATA’s mid-year industry outlook, 2018 freight growth was revised downwards to 4.0% (from the previously forecasted 4.5 per cent in December 2017) There are three indications that growth will continue at a slower pace, which include the re-stocking cycle which required quick delivery to meet customer needs is over; the new export orders component of the global manufacturing

Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is at a 21- month low and the global trade appears to be softening as trade tensions increase “We expect air cargo demand to grow by a modest 4.0 per cent in 2018. That’s an uptick from a very weak start to the year. But headwinds are strengthening with growing friction among governments on trade. We still expect demand to grow, but those expectations are dampened with each new tariff introduced. Experience tells us that trade wars, in the long run, only produce losers,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (nahco aviance) and Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) are two ground handling companies in the aviation industry. The two companies enjoy a duopoly because there is no other major ground handling company in Nigeria.

While NAHCO is a publicly quoted company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange; SAHCOL used to be a subsidiary of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) that was privatised in 2009.

From THISDAY investigation, NAHCO and SAHCOL engage in very unhealthy rivalry that they desperately charge cheaply for their services.

When with other African countries like Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and others, Nigeria charges the lowest for ground handling services rendered to airlines, especially international carriers.

These two companies render services to all foreign and domestic airlines that operate in the country, but they have not grown to become major handling companies and inside sources reveal that financially the organisations are sstruggling to survive.

THISDAY also learnt that because of the fear of losing their customers to the other company, the duo allow airlines to owe them and sometimes some of the debts become stale and would not be paid and with a little threat they move over to the other handling company.

There have been calls, however, made to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intervene and set up minimum charges for the services rendered by these handling companies, but THISDAY learnt that the calls have not been formally presented to the regulatory authority.

When THISDAY spoke to the officials of the two companies, it was accusations and counter accusations, with each company accusing the other for being responsible for lack of cooperation between them.

But both acknowledged that business is very bad and that they are not making a good return for their services. None was willing to admit that both companies are suffering from self-inflicted wound.

A former labour activist and presently a director in one of the aviation agencies told THISDAY that if the two companies agree to cooperate, they would maximise the opportunities in the industry and sustain their operations with robust finances but expressed doubt that they would ever work together.

According to the source, such a partnership would enable them agree to have a ceiling on minimum charges for services and issues such as competence and equipment can be

handle through a shared-services arrangement.

With that, the companies can operates more efficiently and with more modern equipment.

So as long as one company has more equipment and more trained personnel than the other the bitter rivalry would continue because they cannot work together to determine the prices for their services.

The acting Managing Director of SAHCOL, Basil Agboarumi in a recent interview admitted that cooperation would be the best thing that could happen between the companies, but was evasive about taking concrete steps to actualising that.

“Cooperation is for the best of the industry.

We as a company we have identified cooperation as the tonic to build the industry. We will continue to do our best, take the right step and initiative to ensure that what can give us the kind of aviation that we desire in the future is done. There must come to a point whereby we will definitely need ourselves.

“In other parts of the world, ground handling companies are pooling resources together; it is for us to get to that maturity stage. Even, airlines are cooperating now.

When you have airlines in various parts of the world, they complement each other in passenger and cargo operations. We will have better aviation industry once we begin to look at the industry from that perspective,” Agboarumi said.

He lamented that it was because the two companies are unable to come together that handling rates or cost of handling remained the same despite the devaluation of the naira, while airlines have consistently increased their fares. But a NAHCO insider accused SAHCOL of being more desperate, noting that in the company’s desperation to take over some clients, it always offer to render services to the airlines free for six months, provides outrageous incentives to the officials of the airlines and severely undercuts its prices for the services rendered.

“This is because they know we have the equipment and the personnel but if we cooperate we will find a way round it so that two of the companies can benefit, but they have refused to understand,” the NAHCO insider said.

The rivalry between SAHCOL and NAHCO may be responsible for their exploitation by the airlines. The companies can boost their earning, improve the welfare of their workers and acquire more modern equipment if they can work together and agree on minimum charges for their services.

They can also cooperate in the use of equipment and personnel at the airports outside the major cities of Lagos and Abuja.

22

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Mbanuzuo: We Need Landing Aids to Maximise Flight Operations The Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo has stressed the need for the

upgrade of landing aids so that airlines can operate for more hours and maximise their revenues.

Obi also doubted if the government would give equal opportunity to private sector driven airlines when the planned national carrier takes off. He spoke with Chinedu Eze. Excerpts: The plan to establish a national carrier is putting operators on the edge because they are saying that the national airline will eclipse existing carriers. Are you perplexed about the coming airline?

To be honest with you we are not perplexed.

We are on edge because we don’t understand what is going on. We were all told it is going to be private sector-driven, we don’t mind if another airline comes; after all, more privately owned airlines are coming. We know one of the new airline’s aircraft just landed in Kano the other day. So, if more airlines are coming we don’t mind that but because we are hearing the story of this national carrier, we are hearing it will be flying in December.

All the current airlines flying now on average took 18 months to prepare their documents, but they are saying it will take 90 days for the new carrier, that is fine. But who is behind the airline? We are hearing Qatar. Is Qatar coming to lose money? Are they coming to make money? Are they coming to be national carrier? Will there be any special benefits that Qatar will get that the other airlines will not get? So those are the questions we all are asking.

The VAT, the five per cent Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) charge that we have been talking about, will Qatar pay all that? So, we don’t know, that is what we are saying. In fact, we don’t mind if they come and make the field level for all of us; such that it will be better for all of us and all those erroneous things that we constantly complain about are done with. The national carrier or the private person coming in if he is strong enough should lobby to get those things removed but it shouldn’t be removed only for them. If that is done then we will be happy.

If airlines are exempted from paying VAT, how would it beneďŹ t the airline and the passenger?

Going to those charges, there are two parts we are asking for: VAT and five per cent NCAA charge. I will first of all talk about the five per cent NCAA charge. Historically that came about because of the need to have autonomy for the regulator. If I am the man that pays the piper, then I will control the tune.

To avoid that it was agreed that regulatory agencies should be self-financing and that is the standard worldwide, they all have to be self-financing. In those days the airlines were very few, passenger number was very few and so the NCAA was made as the regulator of the industry and airlines were made to pay five per cent of their ticket charge to the authority. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria draw from it and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) draw from it also. NAMA draws 23 per cent from the 5 per cent. Then Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has now started drawing from it and of course the NCAA now gets the lion’s share.

So, separately NAMA then went and introduced new charges because previously these charges did not exist. Two separate charges, one is called terminal navigation charge and the other is called over flight charges; that is when you fly from point to another point. So currently, NAMA charges for those services individually and then draws 23 per cent from the five per cent.

Historically, maybe the five per cent was right 50 years ago, currently it is no longer

Mbanuzuo

the right practice because that distorts the market. How does it distort the market?

We are currently not competing on products or services, we are competing on price. You sell a ticket for N20,000, I will sell a ticket for N20,000, inside the N20,000, five per cent will go to NCAA. If for example, I bring the best airplanes in the world, the best service in the world can I sell that same service for N50,000?

Maybe I could but then. I have to pay five per cent of N50,000. My liability in that will suddenly rise. We feel that the NCAA should be self-financing, we agree with that, but per passenger charged is what happens in most places of the world. Even Ghana

So, if more airlines are coming we don’t mind that but because we are hearing the story of this national carrier, we are hearing it will be ying in December. All the current airlines ying now on average took 18 months to prepare their documents, but they are saying it will take 90 days for the new carrier, that is ďŹ ne. But who is behind the airline?

We are hearing Qatar

just two years ago shifted to per passenger charged. So, the airline can now charge more or less without being linked to a percentage.

NAMA argues that the percentage takes care of inflation, everywhere else in the world.

Would you say that these two issues are the major problems that are stunting or crippling the growth of domestic airlines?

There are many issues, but it is just that these two are the big ones. Why, because for airlines to grow we have to generate revenue.

But that five per cent is actually an over charge, same thing with the NAMA charges. It is too heavy on the airlines. In fact, those charges we pay currently are unduly too heavy on the airlines. If these charges are reviewed downwards along with the removal of VAT, Nigerian airlines would have a good breathing space in terms of finance and will thrive for a long time. These agencies make a lot of money. In those days you would not hear about N6 billion fraud as happened at NAMA few years ago. So, airlines are saying, let us know what is happening in these agencies, let us know how much they made and let us come and sit down together and decide how to finance them.

Why is it that Nigerian airlines don’t interline, partner with foreign airlines and take advantage of the open sky in Africa?

From the airlines’ point of view, we feel that in West Africa and in most of Africa the biggest passenger market is Nigeria. A lot of foreign airlines come in here and we know how important Nigeria is to the market. So maybe we should look for either those other markets, countries to implement whatever has been agreed internationally first or on

a reciprocal level before we go and implement. A lot of what Nigeria is doing now it is trying to implement, like the treaty on intra-Africa. They are trying to implement Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD) which was agreed on many years ago. In essence, if you look at the European market Lufthansa, the German airlines, can sit down tomorrow and fly from Paris to Dublin which is not anywhere in Germany. All they have to do is sit down, come to respective airports, agree on slots, space and go and operate; nobody will ask questions.

So Yamoussoukro Declaration was supposed to do the same for West Africa; whereby a Nigerian airline will sit down today and fly from Accra to Dakar. Currently some get the right to do that, but we then have to apply for the permission to do so. When I say fly, I mean carry passengers and actually sell tickets. Nigerian airlines sell tickets to Ghanaians, carry them from Ghana to Senegal, you have to apply for that. Some countries are easier than others but when you go to certain countries, Ghana is a good example.

If you apply they will give you the right but the charges are high. Try doing that in Cote d’ voire, they will tell you sorry, no.

They will give that right to their own airline. Meanwhile, Nigerian government gives multiple designations to foreign airlines, thus defeating interlining between local airlines and their foreign partners. For example, Ethiopia Airlines operates to Lagos and requests to go to Kano, Enugu, Abuja, Kaduna, but we cannot go to Ethiopia because there is no market in Ethiopia, so government should simply tell them no, go and partner with our own airlines.

We are well able to interline with the same Ethiopian. If they tell us that for us to interline with them, we have to pass the International Air Transport (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), we will go and pass the IOSA. If they tell us that we have to use the same system they are using, which we already have, we will go and use the system.

Interline means there is an Ethiopian man somewhere in Ethiopia and says I want to go from Addis to Lagos and after Lagos I want to go to Port Harcourt, the key thing is that he will issue one ticket, which is what interlining means.

So, in general the world is going to a point where people can fly from anywhere, but currently we are opening up and they are not doing the same for us.

The Aviation Round Table (ART) suggested that domestic airlines should have 10 to 20 aircrafts per airline. Is this possible when you look at the infrastructure, market and policies?

Without going against my colleagues, they got it wrong. I will say it straight. Jetblue in America was opened by a man called David Newman, who has opened four airlines.

The last one he opened was in Brazil called Azo, currently flying 96 airplanes. He started Jetblue with two aeroplanes.

You start with 20? If they know anything about the economics of running airline, if I have the funds, which is very rare, but if I have the funds to put down 20 aeroplanes today I will need three times those funds just to run them. That is number one. Number two, the other day we were sitting down and talking about Ethiopian getting its 100 aircraft, we were talking about the brand

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

23

We Need Landing Aids to Maximise Flight Operations new airport they built in Ethiopia. If we have 100 commercial airplanes in Nigeria today where will you park them?

I will tell you that in Lagos alone domestically the way our airports are built, MMA2 cannot take more than 10 airplanes over night.

General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at the Lagos airport equally cannot take more than 10 to 15 airplanes over night, the international terminal is already full. Somebody might say, okay, go and park them in the airports outside Lagos. Uyo airport can only take maximum two and for two to park one has to leave before the second one moves in.

Enugu airport can also take two likewise Port Harcourt. Then we now start looking at Abuja, so you see it does not make sense.

Almost no airline in the world started with 20 airplanes; even the ones that have hundreds of airplanes today. I lived and worked in the United Kingdom in 1995 when Easyjet was just starting. Easyjet leased its first two aeroplanes when they started flying. Yes, they now fly almost 300 aeroplanes because the market was conducive. Ryanair had only about three aeroplanes as late as 1996 or 97 currently Ryanair flies 780 planes. But when you say somebody should start with about 20 aircraft, even our regulators cannot regulate 20 aircraft per airline.

The regulator currently which is NCAA may not have the needed personnel. Compare South Africa and Nigeria, South Africa is the most advanced economy but Nigeria is the biggest economy. South Africa is a bigger aviation market, so at least about 70 million people fly in South Africa yearly, in Nigeria only about 10 to 15 million . At a conservative estimate, South Africa has 10 times the number of pilot we have, so the number of licensed pilots and engineers is much. The whole of the South African Civil Aviation Authority is 500 plus staff, for that number of airplanes.

Your passengers expect you to increase your eet. Why hasn’t that happened over the years?

Dana Air is close to 10 years in the market.

What is keeping us going is the passion and support of the people that work for us and the passengers that that travel with us.

One thing that we have always mentioned to people is fleet renewal. Our current fleet is made up of MD83 aircraft. They are very reliable. We have what is called dispatch reliability of above 95 per cent. We have mechanics, engineers that are well trained already on the aircraft because we also know where we are going.

As I said, going back 2016 we were advanced in discussions for a fleet renewal and that relied a lot on support from particular Nigerian finance house. But at that point the economy of Nigeria had a big shake up and they pulled back a bit. But right now, we are again back there; because you see the thing is that these airplanes will not fly forever; so fleet renewal is inevitable.

We have been progressing and there is another supplier that will be here next week because now that people have heard that we are in the market they are all looking for the bride. Boeing Director for Africa was here with us also, so we have advanced in talks and we are hoping and putting our heads together. He was preparing a commercial proposal which we hope by September we will sign, which means that delivery will start again after one year. The airplanes we have are currently very good for us and like I said, we need to work towards renewal.

Our wish and hope is that this airline will be here in another 10 years when we will celebrate our 20 years in service.

Is the apprehension of lessors concerning Nigerian airlines affecting your organisation?

It does affect because a lot of the discussions we had with manufacturers, you know lessors issues come most of the time when you are buying new airplanes. We are looking at brand new or slightly just new. We don’t want to acquire aircraft in the range of 20 years. I will be honest with you, an airline has just come with 20 years old aircraft, our airplanes are 22 years old and people will think they are

Mbanuzuo

older, but they are of similar age. So, a lot of time these discussions have to go, even if you go to the owner or manufacturer or lessor, you also talk of financing.

Sometimes there is an apprehension with Nigeria as a market, but it also sometimes not well founded. What you have to know is that because Nigeria is a signatory to the Cape Town Convention, if you renege on your agreement, all you have to do is to call the NCAA and if the NCAA does well, the NCAA grounds the aircraft and sends for the owner to come and collect it. So, it is not fully founded like I said, after all, we know one or two persons that had reneged, the people came and removed their aircraft, nobody stopped them from removing their aircraft. So that is already a problem with Nigerian airlines. Forget that insurance is going to cost more as well because they believe your airports are not very safe, your navaids are not good. So, they believe the operating environment is not favourable.

The perception does affect all these things.

Are you prepared for the weather challenges this December when Harmattan will begin to disrupt ights or is there a respite this time?

We are looking at two things; one thing we keep saying is that we all have to understand the contribution aviation makes to the economy. Aviation is not simply that people are flying up and down, no. If all the airlines in Nigeria shutdown for one day, we know that a percentage of the GDP will be lost because some work that was supposed to have been done will not be done. Some goods supposed to have been moved from maybe one point to another for production will not make it. People that would have gone somewhere to make money will not. After all, what is GDP? It is work.

So, aviation contributes a lot to the GDP of Nigeria.

When people understand it like that then we should understand that every year the harmattan comes, flights are cancelled, delayed money is lost. Money is not lost by the airlines; money is lost by the economy, by the country. By people not being able to go places, so why then haven’t we been able to put in place navigational aids, landing aids that can allow us to fly in harmattan?

People will fly around the world in worst conditions than harmattan, in zero, zero visibility conditions but in harmmattan you will

Almost no airline in the world started with 20 airplanes; even the ones that have hundreds of airplanes today. I lived and worked in the United Kingdom in 1995 when Easyjet was just starting.

Easyjet leased its ďŹ rst two aeroplanes when they started ying.Yes, they now y almost 300 aeroplanes because the market was conducive. Ryanair had only about three aeroplanes as late as 1996 or 97 currently Ryanair ies 780 planes

even see a little bit. But we don’t put those things in place, all our aeroplanes, even the aeroplane that Dana Air is currently saying we want to renew can land itself with the right landing aid. Put the correct aid to landing on the ground and calibrate them and make sure they are working correctly, and the airplanes will fly. Then change the minima in the regulation because it is linked, the regulation currently says you do 1,200 meters visibility. Well with 400 meters visibility and a Category 2 instrument landing aid, I will land and take-off. But now if I have 400 metres visibility, even in harmattan, I can see up there even with 400 metres and can even go but the regulation says I must have 1,200 meters visibility. So once the landing aids are put on round, of course, once the regulator checks and that they are working; then he will change the regulation to allow us to fly, then harmattan becomes a thing of the past. I am a child of the civil war, I was born during the civil war, my father reminded me that in those days planes landed day and night in at Uli airport located in today’s Anambra state.

The airplanes landed morning, noon, and

night, harmattan or no harmattan. Those 1940 aeroplanes were landing and now we are in the year 2018 and we can’t land. So, what we are forecasting is, we have the equipped airplanes, we have the pilots that are trained to fly those planes, so put the aids on the ground and we will do it.

How do you feel that the domestic market which is most viable beside South Africa, has only 41or 40 aircraft? And how is it affecting airfares?

It is a shame; it is a shame because, like I said, the airlines are weak. Again, go back to the environment, I gave example with airlines that started with two aeroplanes and they were able to fly with those two aeroplanes for 14, 15 and 16 hours a day.

What does that mean? The revenue goes up.

The cost per hour goes down because those aeroplanes were leased, for example, and it is not wet leased, so it is not dependent on how often you fly or how much you fly. It is a dry lease.

For example, say I pay a $100,000 for example per month to you for your aeroplane.

If I fly that aeroplane just once for that month that means I have one flight cost me N100, 000. If I fly that it 100 times that mean each flight cost me only N1000. If I fly it 200 times, each flight cost me 5000. So, the more I can fly an aeroplane the cheaper it comes for the airline. Now we go and buy whatever new fleet we want to buy I can only fly that plane from 7; 00 am till 6:00 pm, which is 11 hours maximum.

Only about five airports in the country out of about 28 allow aircraft to land after 6:00 pm. You have to depart from others by 6:00 pm. When we were growing up we all remember our streets, there was no street lights in Lagos, you will drive in the dark, now in Lagos there are street lights. If your flights lands in the night I can go to my house easily. Royal Air Maroc comes into Lagos at 3:00 am passengers still follow it. So why can’t I fly up to 1:00 am on domestic service?

So, we are limited, and we are talking of aircraft numbers, so I am limited because I can’t deploy those planes profitably So, the airlines are weak for many reasons.

I get stronger if I can make more money. I will then put more aircraft down. So there many reasons why airlines in Nigeria are weak. So, when we can utilise what we have we will add more as time goes on.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

24

Developing Countries’ Involvement in Global Maritime Business Eromosele Abiodun examines the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development review of maritime transport and submits that the long-term growth prospects for seaborne trade and maritime businesses are positive Before now the global maritime business was dominated by Western countries. That appears to be changing as it has emerged that developing countries are increasing their involvement in many parts of global maritime business. Aside expert’s position on the development, the review of maritime transport 2016, published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), lays credence this. The review, however, outlined a cautiously upbeat view of global shipping in the years ahead. This is correct because of the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States.

Following his rhetoric during his campaign, the risks for world trade appear to have suddenly multiplied or, at least, uncertainty has been abruptly amplified by this election outcome.

Trump had criticised globalisation and free trade, expressed hostility towards international trade pacts and shown enthusiasm for a protectionist stance. What is not clear yet is how much was campaign rhetoric and how much was firm intention. If government policy evolves on this basis, a potentially highly unstable period for world trade could result, where detrimental influences are a bigger feature. However, that is speculation and may remain so until the Trump administration outlines its plans. However, the report suggests that long-term growth prospects for seaborne trade and maritime businesses are positive, although there are many uncertainties and downside risks. Analysis of the report points to ample opportunities for developing countries to generate income and employment and help promote foreign trade.

Ship Supply Questions Meanwhile, an analysis of the entire world fleet of commercial vessels by country of ownership reveals that three countries remain at the top.

Greece is still by far the largest owning country with 293 million deadweight tonnes, 16.4 per cent of the 1792 million dead weight tonnes (dwt) world total. Japan is the second largest with 229 million dwt (12.8 per cent) and China is in number three position with 159 million dwt (8.9 per cent). Followed by Germany (119 million dwt) and Singapore (95million dwt), the top five owning countries account for exactly half of the world total.

The UNCTAD report discussed the structure, ownership and registration of the world fleet of ships. It points out that the fleet’s deadweight capacity (all ship types) grew by 3.5 per cent in 2015. While this increase was the lowest annual percentage for over a decade, it was still far higher than the 2.1 per cent growth in demand, resulting in continued global overcapacity.

The authors focus on various positive indicators for shipping markets. However, there was a discussion about the downside of the huge container ships surplus caused by overinvestment, which the review suggests is not in the long-term interest of either liner operators or shippers. In the short term shippers may benefit from lower container freight rates but, in the long term there is a danger of more markets with oligopolistic market structures, reflecting a continued process of concentration as service operators become fewer.

Ship Demand Conundrum Experts believe UNCTAD’s view of the seaborne trade outlook seems realistic at present and, to some extent, provides a counterpoint to alternative more pessimistic projections emerging during the past twelve months or so. But the report concedes that negative developments in the macroeconomic framework are intensifying, and dampening maritime cargo volumes.

Nevertheless, the experts argued that growth in global seaborne trade is still intact. “While China’s slowdown is bad news for shipping, a number of developing countries are becoming more involved and could drive further trade enlargement,�said the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero.

Uncertainties and downside risks listed in the report include: weak global demand and investment, political uncertainties such as the ongoing migration crisis, doubts about the future pace and direction of European integration and

a further loss of momentum in developing countries. Moreover, another set of factors were identified – technology, innovation, the data revolution and e-commerce – which can transform and disrupt the shipping industry, generating both challenges and opportunities.

How will these trends evolve? The report admits the outcome is unknown.

Among causes for anxiety about the future evolution of world seaborne trade was prominent, along with the shared and circular economies.

However, the report does not comment specifically on the likely timing of most of the impact from these trends. What seems clear though is that these are longer-term influences evolving over a decade or two perhaps and, as a result, immediate effects may be limited. Reduced global use of fossil fuels is another, more tangible, worry for the shipping industry because it is already highly visible.

The fourth industrial revolution is a concept which envisages that innovation, technology

Among causes for anxiety about the future evolution of world seaborne trade was prominent, along with the shared and circular economies. However, the report does not comment speciďŹ cally on the likely timing of most of the impact from these trends.

What seems clear though is that these are longer-term inuences evolving over a decade or two perhaps and, as a result, immediate effects may be limited.

Reduced global use of fossil fuels is another, more tangible, worry for the shipping industry because it is already highly visible

and big data could assist in increasing efficiency and productivity in the global economy. This progress, experts believe, could shift established modes of production and consumption, with negative implications for seaborne trade.

Experts also believe that the performance of supply-chains could be enhanced, accompanied by a reduction in their typical length as features such as three-dimensional (3D, or additive) printing and robotics are increasingly incorporated.

Shorter supply-chains, they added, imply shorter average sea voyage distances, with adverse effects on the demand for shipping services. “Similarly, the impact of the shared and circular economies points to savings and efficiency gains which could lower demand for maritime transport.

Shared economy characteristics (renting and swapping, for example) may modify demand and also supply chains. This would be achieved through new technology and platforms that facilitate asset management, service delivery and information access.

A circular economy promotes effective use of resources, greater resource conservation, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels and raw materials, to achieve sustainable production and consumption patterns. Steps have been taken already in numerous countries to cut fossil fuel consumption. Further advances in renewable energy production and energy storage could have a large adverse impact on oil, coal and liquefied gas movements and associated demand for shipping capacity,�Amiwero submitted.

Developing Countries’ Maritime Strengths Many developing countries are involved in five key aspects of the global shipping scene – shipowning, ship registration, seafarer supply, shipbuilding and ship recycling. As the UNCTAD report emphasised, in some activities developing countries are top participants, with increasing shares of the world market. The report suggests that a good policy choice for policymakers in these countries is to identify and provide support for selected maritime businesses in sectors where a comparative advantage is evident.

According to the report, for developing countries as a group (including transition economies) their ownership share of the global fleet total, as at the beginning of 2016, was just over two-fifths (40.5 per cent) and has been rising. Most of this capacity is owned in Asia, and just over half of that Asian sub-group comprised three countries/territories, China, Singapore and Hong Kong (China), jointly owning 19.1 per cent of the world fleet’s deadweight tonnage.

A breakdown of the fleet owned in Asian developing countries, by ship type, shows that almost half consists of bulk carriers, one quarter

comprised tankers, and one eighth is container ships. For comparison, in other developing country regions with much smaller tonnages, the breakdown is very different. Fleets in developing countries in Africa and the Americas have high shares of offshore supply vessel ownership, for example.

As is well known, ship registration in the global fleet is highly concentrated in developing countries. The report showed that, as calculated at the beginning of 2016, this group registers just over three-quarters (76 per cent) of the world fleet’s dwt. The top five flag states are all in this category, jointly registering 57 per cent of the world total. Panama is the largest, with 19 per cent, followed by Liberia (11 per cent), Marshall Islands (11 per cent), Hong Kong, China (9 percent) and Singapore (7 percent). Providing seafarers for the international shipping market is another large and strongly evolving activity for developing countries. “Figures for 2015 were drawn from a survey conducted jointly by BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping, published several months ago. These show China contributing the largest number at 244,000 (15 per cent of the world total).

In second place was Philippines with 216,000 (13 per cent), followed by Indonesia’s 144,000 (six per cent). Russia, India and Ukraine also provided substantial numbers. Global demand for seafarers apparently increased by a cumulative 45 percent during the decade ending last year, facilitating the expanding involvement of developing countries,� UNCTAD said.

A positive perspective The report highlighted the lacklustre growth of global seaborne trade, currently increasing at a pace notably slower than the historical average, and the slowest since the debilitating world economic recession seven years ago. It also points to uncertain prospects in the immediate future and further ahead, emphasising prominent downside risks.

Surplus capacity, it revealed, is compounding the problem for the shipping industry, with fleet expansion still exceeding demand enlargement across the shipping market as a whole.

The report revealed that there are ample opportunities for developing countries to generate income and employment and help promote foreign trade. A breakdown of the report showed that shipments expanded by 2.1 per cent, a pace notably slower than the historical average. The tanker trade segment recorded its best performance since 2008, while growth in the dry cargo sector, including bulk commodities and containerized trade in commodities, fell short of expectations.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

25

Peterside: Effective Intermodal Connectivity Vital to Port Efficiency Stories by Eromosele Abidun The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stressed the importance of effective intermodal connectivity to port efficiency.

Peterside made this known while speaking at the Crans Montana Forum Club of Ports held in Brussels, Belgium recently. He stated that good port- city linkage systems would facilitate seamless transport and create immeasurable positive effect on the economy.

Also, he noted that the quality of the rail and road transport connection to a port has an impact on the cargo throughput of the port.

According to him, the efficiency of a port is measured by the average quantity of import and export cargoes it is able to handle in a single day. “A port with bad road and rail facilities will have low cargo throughput, all other factors remaining equal.

While ships start and end their journey in a port, the cargoes in most cases originate and end up far from the ports.

This in effect implies that without the connection of other modes of transport to a seaport especially rail and road transport, the port becomes crippled and the sea transport becomes inefficient,� he said.

While noting that some port managements, particularly in developing countries do not still understand the level of impact an effective intermodal connectivity has on the efficiency of their ports, the NIMASA DG pointed out to the international audience that Nigeria, under the current leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, is investing heavily on linking all major sea ports and airports to the cities through rail and good access roads to further boost the economy.

In his words: “The Nigerian government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is investing heavily

No Rice Vessel Berthed in Apapa Port for Two Years, Says Customs The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that no single vessel of traded rice berthed in Apapa port in the last two years.

This, the customs said, is as a result of the restriction of access to foreign exchange for 41 items including rice by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The CBN had in 2015 listed rice among the 41 items restricted from accessing foreign exchange from the Nigeria foreign exchange market. Thus, importers desirous of importing the commodity will have to source for his own foreign exchange without recourse to the official market.

Speaking when he received members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), who paid him a courtesy visit at the command in Lagos, Controller of the command, Jibrin Musa, disclosed that since the last two years, the CBN had not issued Form M to any rice importer.

Consequently, the command, he said has not recorded any revenue on imported rice through the port within the review period. “Form M issuance is not within the purview of the Nigeria Customs Service. It is a document that is sourced from CBN. If we see any consignment that has form M, we treat. All goods imported that are for commercial activities must have form M whether valid for foreign exchange or not valid. CBN does that and we only treat when we see but throughout last year to date, no importation of rice has passed through Apapa.

So we have not collected any duty on rice through the port,� he said.

Jubril said despite the zeroduty recorded on rice, the command has not fared badly in its revenue generation as it has adopted various measures to up its revenue. He noted that since the launch of the Customs NICIS 11 automated platform, the command’s revenue has been on the increase.

He said the command collected N28 billion in April, N33 billion in May and N30 billion as at June 28th 2018.

He added that in line with the Executive Order on 24 hours port operation, the command was operating round- the -clock even as he dismissed claims by agents that officers do not report early for cargo examination.

He, however, noted that one of the challenges the command is faced with is the poor state of the port access road which has made movement of goods in and out of the port difficult for port users. “We operate round the clock.

If anybody wants to take his consignment in the night, he can come but the roads are so terrible, so no importers will want to take his goods through this kind of road in the night for security reasons. So, people are careful that is why they are avoiding the night. “The bad road is affecting movement of goods inside and outside of the ports but the command is contending with the problem. We hope that when the road is finally done activities will pick up and there will be faster movement of delivery of consignment of the port,� he said.

in using rail to link both the seaports and the airports to all major cities in the country. Our quest to enhance the quality of the rail and road transport connection to all ports in Nigeria is to ensure seamless transportation of goods and services through the ports.�

Peterside opined that the turnaround time in most

African ports is too high because of the inefficiency and lack of necessary port infrastructure which leads to longer dwell time for vessels and cargoes in the ports.

He said that the resultant effect is high demurrage, which is eventually passed over to the final consumer.

Speaking further, he noted

that while transport cost adds between two and five per cent to the final cost of imported cargoes in developed countries, it is as much as 15 to 50 per cent in developing countries.

He charged port managements in other developing nations to invest in effective intermodal connectivity to

enhance their port operations, adding that an efficient land transport system will ensure vessels idle time in the port is highly minimized thereby reducing the turnaround time of vessels as well as increasing the berth occupancy ratio of the port to make it more competitive and more profitable.

CLOSING GONG

L – R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema, presenting a replica of the closing gong to the Chief Executive Officer, Exotix Capital, Duncan Wales, during a courtesy visit and closing gong ceremony at the Exchange in Lagos...recently

PMAWCA Secretary Now Director General of Ghana Ports The Secretary General of the Ports Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Mr. Micheal Achagwe Luguje has assumed office as Director General of the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA).

Luguje’s appointment was approved in June by President Nana Akufo-Addo, following his decision to sack the former DG Mr. Paul Asare. The Director of Tema Ports, Mr. Edward Kofi Osei, was directed to hold forth while Luguje “clears� his desk at the PMAWCA Secretariat in Lagos, Nigeria.

An accomplished bilingual port management specialist, who has served at very senior levels at international port and maritime institutions, Luguje’s managerial skills, will no doubt help GPHA to reposition Ghana as the preferred hub of maritime commerce in West Africa, in line with President’s Akufo-Addo’s vision.

He has garnered extensive cognate experience in the ports sector of West and Central Africa; as a reforms and change expert with remarkable achievements in team building, employee motivation, and strict adherence to service quality and productivity.

Luguje joined GPHA in 1999 after serving as a National Youth Intern with the organisation the previous year. During his early

days, he distinguished himself as a disciplined pacesetter and rose to become Special Assistant to the DG of GPHA about five years after joining the organisation.

He secured his first high profile international job in 2007 as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa. IMO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for global regulation of shipping and maritime transport.

After five years with the IMO, he was elected as Secretary General of PMAWCA in 2012.

PMAWCA is a sub-regional intergovernmental economic organisation, made up of 23 regular member ports and nine associate members including landlocked countries and maritime organisations, all located along the Western Atlantic Coast of the African continent, stretching from Mauritania to Angola.

While on his tour of duty at PMAWCA, he also served as Executive Secretary of the Pan African Association of Port Cooperation (PAPC), the continental body for the three regional port associations, from 2012 to 2017.

Luguje holds an Executive MBA in Project and Strategic Management from the Paris Graduate School of Manage-

ment and Master of Science in Maritime Affairs (Port Management Specialisation) from the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmo – Sweden. He is also a Graduate of French and Linguistics, University of Ghana (Legon). He has attended numerous professional training seminars and workshops on port reforms, human resource management, performance indicators, concessions management and project management.

As Secretary General of PMAWCA, Luguje engendered greater vibrancy and prudency in the affairs of the association.

In 2017, he mobilised member ports from the region to support the candidacy of Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, who became the first to be elected Vice President (Africa Region) of the International Association of Ports and Habours (IAPH), under its new constitution.

President of PMAWCA and Chairman of Cape Verde’s Port Administration, Mr. Jorge Pimenta Mauricio, in a communication to the chief executives of all regular and associate member ports wrote: “As you will all agree with me, PMAWCA must be proud and grateful to the President of the Republic of Ghana and his government for this appointment which is not only in recognition of Mr. Micheal

Luguje’s professional competence as an individual, but also an endorsement of PMAWCA as a beacon of rich skills and competence in port management from which our Governments can obtain the best experts to serve at the highest level in all key areas of the port, logistics and maritime transport sector. “Over the last six years of his stewardship as Secretary General, PMAWCA can attest to Luguje’s professional competence, team spirit and dedication to producing good results, which has repositioned our Association among the best sub-regional port organizations in Africa and beyond. We therefore have no doubt that he would be successful in his new role as Director General of the GPHA. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Council and members of the Association, I extend our congratulations to Mr. Luguje on his appointment and wish him best success in this new role of higher responsibility�.

Although his notice of resignation has been formally received, the association’s president has requested Luguje to maintain general supervision over the work of the PMAWCA Secretariat for the month of July so that the 39th PMAWCA Council Meeting which will hold in Accra at the end of July could take a decision on modalities to elect a new Secretary General.

26

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

WEEKLY PULLOUT

WEEKEND Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi... Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

NEWS| P30

COLLAGE | P36

‘FAILURE WAS A STEPPING STONE FOR ME’

THISLIFE | P37

FILE

28/COVER

06.07.2018

‘Failure Was a Stepping Stone For Me’ He went into the university with a mind-set, which was to study and become a civil engineer, but in the first semester he failed the course woefully and had to revert. For many, that would have been a setback but that wasn’t for Femi Adeboyejo, an indigene of Aiyepe in Ogun State. His failure at the university was a stepping stone. Now with a Bachelor of Science in Soil Science and presently Managing Director of Brand Aluminium Limited, a construction servicing company, Adeboyejo tells the story of triumph from grass to grace, in this interview with Mary Nnah hope was in God and the knowledge I had. It was the right time to take that decision and also I knew that if I worked hard at it, I was going to be successful.

Today, the rest is history.

How did you get into the aluminium sector?

I went into the University of Makurdi to study Civil Engineering but somehow I failed. I had to move from Civil Engineering to Soil Science.

I finished as a Soil Scientist but because I had a passion for construction, every time I came for holidays, I always did my holiday jobs at the construction sites. So my early life was revolved around construction so when I finished from the university, it was very easy for me to put my degree certificate aside and ventured into the construction business but because I wasn’t a qualified engineer, I didn’t want to go fully into something people will begin to ask me questions even though I knew a lot about the industry. So I joined an aluminium company where I became the general manager. I worked there for five years, after which my friend and I started Brand Aluminium Limited.

There are other aluminium companies in the country, what stands you out from others?

All we have been working on all these years is to build a name and a brand and so we work towards achieving that always. And we have been very successful at that and we know that we can get better at it. So what differentiates us from others is our standard. We have been able to move from a point where there was no standard to a point where we have standard.

We don’t just do whatever we can do but we do what is right. It is important for us that each time we finish a job, someone out there is eager to know who did the job because it was done rightly.

Is Brand Aluminium Limited a construction company?

We deal in construction related items. We are involved in fabrication and installation of aluminium roofing, windows, doors, partitions, structural glass systems, building renovations and construction.

You graduated as a Soil Scientist and suddenly you jettisoned your degree and went into a construction related business.

How have you been able to groom yourself to fit appropriately into the industry?

Like I said, I worked in an aluminium company first for five years, and at the time that I joined the company, they just started, so I was part of the team that grew the company. And I left as the general manager. That alone will tell you that I had acquired a lot of knowledge in the field before I we started. So that was my training ground. I had basic engineering knowledge because I cut my teeth in the construction industry so that quipped me and so I knew practically everything concerning the industry and then I continued to improve on myself.

What in particular attracted you to the aluminium industry? Was it the money?

For me, it is actually a disaster for someone to go into the university with a particular mind-set. I went into the university with the hope of studying Civil Engineering but somehow, I messed up in the first semester.

And in Nigeria, once you fail some courses in year one, you are already doomed for failure.

So by the time I got my result in year one in the university and saw the degree of failure I was in, I told myself that I was going to be here for a very long time if I insist I wanted to graduate as a Civil Engineer. So quickly, I found the easiest way out which was switching immediately to Soil Science with the hope that as soon as I graduate as a Soil Scientist, I will return to school to study Civil Engineering.

But by the time I graduated, my passion was already built so strongly in the construction industry. Luckily then, I had a family friend who was starting his business and he invited me to join him and I said instead of staying at home and looking for a job for many months without any, let me just go over and while away time. So it all started like a child’s play but after two years I discovered the aluminium industry was huge. It was a big business and there was a lot of money in it, so there was no point going back to school to read Civil Engineering again. In fact my failure at school as student in the Civil Engineering department at the University of Makurdi was a stepping stone for me without which may be I would have still been struggling to find my feet in the Civil Engineer industry.

How long has your company been in existence and how has it been for you as a major player in the aluminium industry?

Adeboyejo

I have been here for 14 years and since then, it has been very interesting and challenging.

We started the company without a client or an office, in fact with nothing. As a matter of fact, I borrowed N200 from my boss to go home the day I left my former play of employment. So I was absolutely without nothing, the only thing I had was knowledge acquired over the years.

There was practically nothing to fall back on.

Luckily I met my partner who was working as an accountant then with firm. We looked at things together and then said okay we want to do this and so we started. I will go to his office, he would have fuelled his car and I will use his car to move around construction sites and then return the car by 4pm and then I will go home by public transport. I did that virtually every day while he was still working and was using his salary to fund the business.

I was doing the marketing and field job and within one year, we were able to get an office and he resigned and joined me fully. We put up a small table and two plastic chairs in our office and started.

You are 14 years in the industry. Tell us your success story. How were you able to get a breakthrough, considering how you started?

We started like any other business and we wanted to be successful. We were young men and I in particular was newly married with a child that was less than a year old. I must also say that one of the reasons why I left a paid job was because of my wife and kid. I was doing a lot of calculation considering what I was earning then. I knew quite well that with what I was earning I would not be able to buy a car in 10 years nor be able to carter for my wife and children. So I had to resign.

So we started Brand Aluminium Limited and because we had the passion to be successful, we put in our best. Every single job we got was for us a lifeline, so when you give us a job, we would put in everything we had to do it. We made mistakes like every other business would do but because we had the desire to be successful, it was easy for us to move from step A to step B and so on. At every point we made a mistake, we recognised the mistake and we worked on it. Over a period of time,

we go to a point where we knew that the most important thing for us to survive the industry was to have standard and create a name that people can trust. We got to that point and took that decision. The moment we took that decision to create a standard and a name that people would reckon with, that was the turning point for us. It was a tough decision but by the time the reward started coming, it was huge!

You left a paid job without even having a concrete plan on ground. You said you even had to borrow money to get home that day. So how did you survive it?

Like I always tell people, every young man must ask himself critical questions and one of those critical questions is: Where am I going?

And if you are fortunate to be married, you ask yourself: Where am I taking my family to?

Now anywhere you chose to go needs resources.

So are you going to lead the people you are responsible for to be successful? I had picture of the type of school I wanted my children to go to, I also wanted to travel abroad for holidays and all that. I wanted to live a very comfortable life and when I looked at what I was earning, I knew that would never be realistic with my salary then. So I said if that be the case, I don’t have to waste more time there anymore because by then I still had time to realise my dreams. I was still young, so if I spend the next five years struggling to survive rather than remaining in a paid job that will take me nowhere, it will still be better than taking such decision when I have started paying school fees. You see a lot of people having crisis in life today because they never asked themselves those critical questions while there was still time. For example someone has been working in the bank for 15 years and suddenly he is sacked, and he never had any plans on ground, nothing to fall back on and he does not know how to do any other thing. At that point, he becomes so frustrated. So when I asked myself those critical questions, I told myself that there was no point staying in that paid job and so I left. All my

What have been the challenges so far?

There is no standard because the industry is not regulated. This is getting worse by the day.

Operators in this industry are lowering standard every day and it has come to an alarming rate right now and that is the one of the reasons we started importing our accessories because you can’t even trust what you buy in Nigeria now.

Government is focused on buildings, structures, real estate and all that but no one is focusing on the aluminium industry because they feel it is not important and that is why the standard is being lowered and this has put a lot of risks on structures and buildings. It is because the government started putting regulations on building; that we started having less collapsed buildings. Same should be applicable to the aluminium industry. So what we are doing right now is to try and rally round players in the industry and see how we can come together to form a body so that we can now use to push the agenda to government on bringing regulation into the aluminium industry so that when you go to do a job, you don’t fall short of the regulated standard. So government should regulate the entire construction industry rather regulation some parts and leave out others like the aluminium industry.

What is the future of the industry in Nigeria?

It is huge. It is a multibillion dollar industry and people that know it are catching in fast.

You cannot imagine the kind of money that the guys that are doing importation are making in this industry. The people who are manufacturing are also making their own money. Ninety-eight per cent of construction works in Nigeria are done with aluminium so it is a huge market and the future is huge.

What is your vision for Brand Aluminium in a couple of years to come?

Our focus now is on technology. We have gotten some technologies into what we are doing so that we can achieve standard in what we are doing. We have done an app called optimum cut for calculating glass in order to achieve optimisation and it is free. We also plan start vocational school to help build better set of skilled people for the industry. The most important thing for us is for people to get better at what they do.

Considering your story and how you started, what would be your advice to young people?

They must ask them some critical questions when you are still young like when you are between 20 and 25. The answers you give yourself at that time will prove whether you took the right decision or not when you are 40.

No one can make you great but you and this depend on the decisions you take early in life.

29/XTRA

06.07.2018

A Feather in a Gallant Cop’s Cap It was a feather in the cap of a gallant and consulate cop, Dan Nkem Okoro, when he was decorated with the rank of Commissioner of Police recently. Okoro was decorated by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

Afterwards, Okoro decorated other police officers at the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi. The 27 officers were recently promoted by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Urging them to shun corruption or be shown the way out, Okoro said he would not tolerate lukewarm attitude and laziness.

Until his promotion, Okoro was Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at the SFU, Ikoyi, a unit headed by CP Ibrahim Lamorde. He had been appointed as the

CP in charge of Anti-Fraud, Alagbon.

He reminded the decorated officers that SFU was known for its transparency and professionalism.

Okoro said: "No senior officer wants to work with lukewarm personnel. You all must make good names for yourselves in the force.

"You have to be known as fearless, incorruptible officers. Be strict, decent and very professional. Do not disappointed your families nor bring the force to disrepute.

Be counted among the good eggs.

"The IG has no tolerance for indiscipline and corruption. He does not hesitate to show the exit to officers who soil their hands. Also, the SFU has been known for its transparency and professionalism. As you serve your tour of duty, be sure to respect

Okoro

Legacy Awards to Reconnect 1000 Professionals and uphold those values."

Rebecca Ejifoma A non-governmental organisation, Mind Smith, will on October 5 this year reconnect 1000 professionals from different fields with the special teachers who made profound impact in their lives to show gratitude after such a long time apart. The appreciation day, which is known as The Legacy Awards 2018, aims to give these professions the opportunity to say thank you.

Chief Executive Officer, Mind Smith, Peter Dingba, said: “Imagine the emotions that come with reconnecting with that special teacher whom you lost contact with 20 to 30 years ago. It is The Legacy Awards 2018 that can pull such nostalgia.”

Dingba said the award sought to recognise and celebrate those teachers who went

through the laborious process of teaching children – who like Donald Quinn’s sayings went through the laborious to contribute to making of children into the professionals they are today.

“Those former-student-now-turnedprofessionals will return to reward those special teachers on October 5, being World Teachers’ Day,” he assured newsmen at a media briefing in Lagos.

According to the convener of the awards, Mind Smith has taken the arduous responsibility of locating and fetching those teachers from all parts of the federation, adding that professionals filled the search form with details of their favourite teachers. He added: “We shall bring the teachers to the awards. In case of a teacher’s demise, the firm will bring the teacher’s son or daughter

to the award, reminding us that the work of a teacher outlives the teacher and benefits generations to come.”

Dingba listed the attendance of high-ranking professionals including: state governors, first ladies, federal ministers, managing director of banks, telecoms, insurance firms and others.

Mr. Joel Aworinde, delegate of the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Aisha Alhassan, said the minister was committed to the appreciation and reward of school teachers and as such had a keen interest in the programme.

Dingba also announced that 200 longest serving public teachers drawn from across the country would be rewarded with a cash prize of N100,000 alongside other gift items.

He continued: “The firm will also reward the different efforts and investments of state government into education. The criteria

being the observable and verifiable change in state’s education since the current administration assumed power.” While the firm assured the public of update on progress in locating the teachers and the event in general, “One thing is certain, the award will be emotional and will go a long way in inspiring today’s teachers to do their best in making greatness out of their children.

“We shall capture priceless and precious moments as the crème de la crème hug their former teachers amid tears and pleasant memories. We will love to hear their education stories, how a teacher inspired them to greatness, if any.” He, therefore, called on interested professionals to fill the search form on www.legacyawards.net or follow their page legacyawardsng on all social media platforms.

2018 Pharmaceutical Award is Call to Greater Responsibility, Says Ukah Winner of the 2018 Pharma Entrepreneur of the Year Award and publisher of PharmaTimes, Pharm Chris Ukah, has said the prize is a huge entrustment to him to do more for the progress of the pharmaceutical profession in Nigeria. Ukah said this after the award recently bestowed on him by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Board of Fellows (BOF) for distinguishing himself in the practice of pharmacy. He was also honoured for his exceptional and enterprising tenacity in setting up and nurturing PharmaTimes, a

pharmaceutical/health monthly. “I consider it a unique entrustment backed by hard-earned reputation of the finest brains that our great profession has produced and as such I would not take it for granted”, Ukah said.

He said the honour was “both gratifying and motivating because it signifies that what we are doing at PharmaTimes has made recognisable contribution in promoting Pharmacy profession and industry without our knowing it.” The award was presented to Ukah at the 2018 edition of the PSN Board of Fellows annual

mid-year meeting/dinner held recently in Lagos. The presentation was done by the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, on behalf of BOF. The awardee is also Group Managing Director of KCH, an emerging conglomerate with interest in publishing, production, and marketing of high quality essential medicines. Other awardees at this year’s event included Director, Nett Pharmacy, Pharm Chris Ehimen, and Pharm

Chibuike Uchemadu Agaruwa. Every year, the body of distinguished pharmacists in Nigeria organises the Pharma entrepreneurship award to celebrate members of the profession who have made outstanding contributions to the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria.

Highlights of the occasion included the launch of the “Say No To Drug Abuse” campaign initiated by the director-general of NAFDAC in collaboration with Young Pharmacists Group, to discourage drug abuse in Nigeria.

Expectations as Braimah Becomes President, Suru Group to Raise Funds for Late Super Eagles Stars’ Families, IDPs Rotary Club of Lagos Raheem Akingbolu This Friday, at Cosmopolitan Club, Kofo Abayomi, Lagos, an entrepreneur and Marketing Communications practitioner, Mr. Ehi Braimah, will be installed as the 58th President of the Rotary Club of Lagos.

This is coming six years after Braimah; a University of Benin graduate of Industrial Mathematics joined the humanitarian club.

In the last 20 years, the incoming president has successfully stamped his footprints on many areas of human endeavour.

He started off as journalist with Complete Sports and later moved to the entertainment and hospitality business.

However, he is more popular today as a leading player in the Marketing Communications industry, Braimah where he runs an integrated marketing company –Neo Media and Marketing, with strengths in Braimah stated, “As a person, I’m passionate Events Management and Public Relations. about humanity and I see Rotary Club as a good Speaking with THISDAY on what informed platform to contribute my quota to community his decision to join the club and his plan as development and touch lives. president, Braimah said he has weaved his plan "To me, if a country or a business organisation around the motto of the club -'Service Above' key into the objectives of Rotary as well as the to reflect the six focus areas of the club. six focus areas of the club, the world will be According to him, under basic education and better for all. literacy, he has about seven projects because On how he combines his interests in event the club likes to spend more time on education, management, entertainment and hospitality, with healthcare and clean water. He pointed out that the activities of Rotary Club, Braimah said, "it those areas were critical for members of the is easy, depending on how one plans his day club globally today activities.

Mary Nnah Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Suru Group, Mr. Edward Akinlade, has planned a fund raising walk where he alongside several Nigerian celebrities, will embark on a 10-day walk from Lagos to Ibadan to raise fund for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and support the families of deceased Super Eagles players.

Akinlade, a real estate guru, disclosed this during an interaction with the media in Lagos.

He said, “There are many ex-Super Eagles players that have died and their families are living in penury. This is just to encourage the families and those who believe in this cause to come together and support them.

"So, what I decided was that Suru Group will donate N10 million to open a pot for that purpose. As I walk to Ibadan, which is about 100 miles, we will do 10 miles per day. We will like the whole of Nigeria to support this walk.

"This historic task will commence October 1, 2018, and it will last for 10 days. I’m sure that by the time we get to Ibadan, Nigeria will be a new country.

“We will set off every morning from 6am and relax at 6pm every day, until we complete the last leg of our journey when we arrive in Ibadan."

Akinlade frowned on the rate of poverty in the country and said expanding investment in housing could take the nation out of poverty in one year. He expressed the hope that part of agenda for the coming elections would be

on how poverty could be reduced in Nigeria.

He went further to predict the effect of the coming elections on the nation’s economy. “As we move towards election, money will not be available for other things. So many people will be focused on election. This means people will not have money to pay their rent and buy property.

"You will see activities in capital market falling to zero until after election. This happened the last time and it affected us. A lot of people will wait to see the winner before they have confidence to spend,” he said.

Akinlade said Suru group had been in Nigeria for over 10 years, explaining, “We are focused in real estate and hotels. In real estate, we have done so many developments in Lagos. We own a number of hotels all around Lagos.

"The Suru Express Hotel, Best Westown Hotel and on the Homes, we have done developments in Ikorodu, Surulere, Ebute Metta. We are one of the first companies that did terrace construction at Ikeja GRA. "Ten years ago, we built about 56 terrace houses, we sold part of them and we still own 30 of them in GRA that we are renting. We then have two separate divisions, which are Suru Group and Hotels.

"We are involved in a number of projects. We are developing about 40 flats in Ikorodu, and that we hope to complete by December this year.

We are asking the buyers to pay just half the value and we are giving them the remaining two years to pay the balance.”

30/ NEWS

06.07.2018

Group to Stimulate Growth, Development outside Classroom Mary Nnah For the first time in Nigeria, School Games Limited, an initiative geared toward cultivating skills and engendering community through sports event management and marketing, is set to inspire millions of young sports enthusiasts across Nigerian schools. The games is spearheaded

by School Games Limited in partnership with the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) and aims to foster healthy friendship and interactions amongst children from diverse ethnicities, thus promoting the one-Nigeria dream via the power of sports.

The organisers are prepared to host over 50 schools that will compete in sporting activities like football, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, lawn tennis, swimming, boxing, fencing as well as track and field events.

Speaking recently in Lagos during a press conference to announce the first ever sports competition for private secondary schools across the Federation, the Founder of the Private School Games initiative, Mr. Adeyemi Egbeoluwa said it is dream come true.

“For us, it is an expression of hope in the coming generation and their hidden potentials beyond the conventional formal education,” he noted further.

Egbeoluwa said he had come to realise that sports competitions were key to the all-round

L-r: Chairman, Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN), Dr. Femi Ogunsanya, Founder Private School Games, Adeyemi Egbeoluwa and Director General Sports Development, Lagos State Sports Commission, Prince Olusegun Kolawole at the event

development and growth of children, and noted that it was important to quantify.

Egbeoluwa explained that the public school sector had various initiatives sponsored by government both on national and state level, stressing that those opportunities are few and far between when it comes to private school sports competitions. He said School Games Limited was determined to fill the void by organising a world-class multi-sport competition and marketing it as a platform where talented private secondary schools students could be identified, developed

and nurtured.

He stated that over the years, governmentowned public schools have produced some of the country’s most celebrated athletes globally, stressing that the Games will extend this challenge to private schools to get more children interested in sports and possibly, pursue a career in same.

“Competitions play significant role in motivating students to effectively channel physical, mental and emotional strength for excellence performance while reinforcing the possibility mentally in young talents”, he added.

Natures Gentle Touch Unveils Monoi Oil Range of Products

Funke Olaode

One of the leading hair products manufacturers in Nigeria, Natures Gentle Touch, recently, delighted its numerous customers with a new range of products to carter for those with virgin hair. The new products, Monoi Oil, which come in five different ranges, were unveiled in Lagos with top officials of the company as well as the media in attendance.

The general manager, Mr. Chijioke Anaele, said the new products were a solution to Nigerian women living in Nigeria as they required specific haircare solution because of their unique hair condition which is influenced by Nigerian weather, diet and hair texture.

Natures Gentle Touch, he stressed uses natural ingredients and knowledge sharing to provide solutions to meet these special beauty needs of Nigerian women.

Anaele explained further that since the company came into limelight in 1997, with a strong interest to developing beauty solution for the African women, it has not looked back as it continues to evolve. He said it has remained the motivation driving the Natures Gentle Touch brand, adding, "The Monoi Oil products range for Natural Hair Solution is, of course, another evidence of our commitment to improving the beauty and personal care of the African woman and we have

Ooni of Ife to Honour Wife of Ogun State Governor

L-r: Chijioke Anaele, Doreen Obindin, Boye Fejoku and Charles Etuk at the event

consistently used natural ingredients in all our solutions which suit the needs and environment of the African woman.”

The company’s head of technician, Daniel Komlan, explained that the importance of hair to women as a well-nourished hair adds to beauty and increase self-esteem. Speaking further, he said the range has five products such as Monoi Oil Strengthening Shampoo, Conditioning Therapy,

Restore Serum, Spray Lotion and Lock and Twist Gel which are formulated for natural hair.

Group Financial Officer of the company, Mr. Charles Etuk told the guests that the unveiling of the new products was part of the company’s commitment to carter for African women considering the trend going on among women in the last three years with women growing natural hair.

His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has concluded plans to honour wife of the governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun by dedicating a historic book titled “Moremi”, to her come July 14 at the Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The book, which is basically about Queen Moremi Ajasoro and written in honour of the Yoruba legend and queen of liberation, would be unveiled same day to the public. According to the Ooni of Ife, Amosun's inherent attributes of empathy, selflessness, humility and commitment to the cause of Moremi’s legacy awarded her the dedication of this literature book.

The event will attract first class monarchs in Yoruba, top personalities in Nigeria and cultural enthusiasts from the diaspora while the father of the day is Chief Alex Duduyemi, Aro Asiwaju of Ile-Ife, the chairman of the book launch would be Oba Francis Olushola Alao, the Olugbon.

The forward of the book, which talks about the strength and power of a woman in ancient Yoruba history, is written by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo while it was published by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi and House of Oduduwa Foundation in collaboration with the institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Ooni said the book written in both Yoruba and English aimed at reviving the rapidly vanishing history and culture of the Yoruba land. “People without history and culture are doomed to extinction therefore the publication of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro is expected to remind and restore the pride of a woman and to encourage the values of decency, courage, hard work, justice, sacrifice for public good, contentment, integrity and good governance”, Ooni noted. Ooni who built a statue of Moremi in her memory has described the heroine as the real mother of liberty whose legacy must not be left in oblivion, added that one of his greatest ambitions, was in

NHEA Awards Excellence in Health Care System

CIPRMP Honours Cornfield Group Boss Ayodeji Ake Governing council, Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics (CIPRMP), Ghana, has inducted the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cornfield Group, Babatope Agbeyo, into its Fellowship Hall of Fame. The recognition was for his commitment in promoting national and international economic productivity and contributions towards national devQelopment.

At the induction, the institute's Vice President, Babatunde Akinsanya, said Agbeyo is one of the greatest Nigerian business leaders that have transformed the economic landscape of not less than three continents of the world.

He said, “Agbeyo has a record that one can emulate to restore Africa back to its rightful position in global arena. We can authoritatively assert that this illustrious individual is an uncommon professional of excellence, a pace setter and an embodiment of resourceful development initiative in Nigeria and Africa precisely."

Akinsanya explained that the institute has unanimously selected Agbeyo as one of the five awardees for the 2018 roll call of honours, as a result of his phenomenal and exemplary statesmanship contributions to enhance Africa economic growth.

“We are very proud to celebrate with one of your renowned establishments, Botosoft Technologies Limited, the recent historic approval and acceptability of its ICT services in Kenya; this is another ground breaking attestation of

L-r: Vice President, Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management, Mr. Babatunde Akinsanya and recipient of the award and Chairman, Cornfield Group, Dr Babatope Agbeyo

your professional competence,” he noted.

Responding, Agbeyo promised not to tarnish his image and also not to disappoint the institute and millions around the Africa continent who look up to him. “Our incorruptible nature as

an organisation is a very difficult decision that we are very glad to make considering the environment where we operate and maintaining a clean record is very difficult but easy once it becomes part of you,” he said.

The 2018 edition of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) held recently in Lagos brought Lagos brought together various key stake holders in the health sector, both public and private, across the country.

The award, considered the leading Nigerian health care award that honours excellence, innovation and quality improvement in the nation’s health care system, according to the organisers received over 2500 nominations across various categories this year.

Among those awarded was Renal Dialysis Centre, the recipient of the dialysis service provider award for the year 2018 an award the organisation won in the previous edition in 2017.

Founder/CEO of Renal Dialysis Centre, Dr. John Okoh, after receiving the award, noted that the awards for the organisation was a call to do more in the area of dialysis and renal care as the reward for a job well done is more work.

Okoh clearly stated that Renal Dialysis was on a mission to “provide accessible, affordable and quality dialysis for people with kidney disease through individualized care to improve quality of life”.

He acknowledged the contributions of Renal Dialysis Medical board headed by Prof.

Babatunde Salako at ensuring patient care and wellbeing remain on the front burner.

31/ENTREPRENEURS

06.01.2017

How Selling Garri, Kulikuli and Sugar Changed My Life Being relieved of one's dream job is a truly devastating experience. That was exactly how Mr. Olubunmi Isiwoye, a banker, felt when he got the boot. He has, however, since gone entrepreneurial, selling garri, kulikuli and sugar, thus, turning his wheel of fortune. Isiwoye shares his journey with Hammed Shittu For Mr. Olubunmi Isiwoye, a native of Offa in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, retrenchment from the banking sector in October 2015, where he was working as head of the business unit of the Zaria branch of the bank, was one of his lowest moments in life. That was before he got a new lease of life through a new business initiative – packaging and selling cassava flakes, popularly known as garri, the Hausa bean cake, popularly known as kulikuli, and sugar, all in one pack.

One day, in his quest to seek another means of employment, his fortunes changed.

Isiwoye had decided to take his car to a mechanic village in Abuja for repairs. It was there inspiration struck and he told the mechanic that he would not mind supplying them with garri, sugar and kulikuli with water so that they can be buying from him every afternoon.

With the reply he got, Isiwoye, the breadwinner of his family of two kids, took up the challenge of doing the new business. He decided to do the supply every afternoon to the mechanic village in Abuja and with that, money started coming in every day to carter for his family.

Given his geographical knowledge of the town during his hey days in the banking sector, he located where to buy the kulikuli from in Zaria, while his wife, who had MSc in accounting but couldn't get a job too, supplied garri from the sellers within Abuja metropolis.

According to the MBA holder, his background at the bank in heading about 65 staff, has helped him out in his present venture as his commitment was unequalled. He noted that it was the same passion and commitment he showed in the bank to the extent that he was spending his personal money to grow the bank, when the management was not quick in making the fund available.

Recounting his ordeal, he said, "The day I was sacked was on a Friday, but it was on Monday that I was given the retrenchment letter. I had just used my personal money again for the company, this time to paint the office on Friday.

"Before this time, there was no complaint whatsoever about my job from any superior officer, not a query. I was in charge of about 65 staff and I was in the good book of everyone. So, the sack completely got me destabilised, I wept profusely. After, I calmed down, I wrote letter to the management that I deserved promotion and not to be sacked, that they should tell me my offence.

"I wrote several letters to the management since 2015 on that experience, and up till now, I have not received any response. I looked everywhere, I had nothing to do.

My wife who had MSc couldn't get job, I was the only one working in the family and we had two kids then, life was so difficult for us.

"I ran to several of my relations for help, but none came, so I knew it was the same survival problem I was passing through that was affecting everyone, so I turned to God and started praying."

On how he got the inspiration for his snacks packaging, he said, "One day, in the course of looking for what to do in Abuja, I went to service my car in one mechanic, there were over 1,000 of them in that place and it was in a hot afternoon.

"Then the inspiration came, I thought that in a hot afternoon drinking garri, with kulikuli and sugar all packaged in one piece won’t be a bad idea. I indirectly told the man working on my Toyota Corolla car that my wife packages garri, Kulikuli and sugar in one piece, and asked whether I can bring it for them to buy, the man was excited, he said that was exactly what they need.

"Then, there was no money so I contacted few of my friends and told them about what I wanted to do, in about two days or so, I was able to raise about N50,000 with which I started the business.

"Few days after, I brought the goods to the mechanic shop and the first morale

Isiwoye

booster I got was that right there in my presence, the 250 packs I took there were bought right there in my presence. I was so happy."

His journey to success wasn't without some hassles. While in Zaria, he said he was always harassed by NAFDAC officials to register the product. He said, “I was shocked because I didn't have the money they were asking me for registration. I asked them how many of those women and girls that sell Kulikuli and groundnuts openly on the streets do they harass? They didn't answer me, rather than they kept troubling me because of the very special way I was doing the business. Later I started the process of registration, so they left me alone."

Isiwoye who has now relocated to Ilorin in order to reduce the cost of living and production, today supplies banks, offices, supermarket across the state, also in Abuja, Zaria and Kaduna among others. Today on the streets of Ilorin, Kwara State capital, he moves around with the packages of Kulikuli, garri, groundnuts, and sugar and sells them in shops, offices and even distributes to supermarkets.

He said, "Because of finance, I can't afford to have permanent staff. What u do is that whenever I have production, I pick my staff, closely supervise them and pay them after the production. It’s almost the same set of

people. I feed them during production and pay them after. When next I need them, I just call them."

On what make the products special from the ones they sell on the streets he said," when I was in Zaria, what I did was to first search for the best hand that was doing it, and I met the woman. Among every other person, she truly knows how best to do it, and I know it from the taste, her patronage was truly high.

"As a business man and an MBA holder, what I did was to first analyse her own recipe, then I increased the ingredients in my own case. That is why people prefer it to the ones on the streets because, the difference is truly clear. You can eat the kulikuli alone, that one is bigger in size for the family because you can’t finish it at once. You can eat it and just drink water or anything you like on it while working in the office (it’s truly delicious), it’s between N200-300, I call it ‘Kuli Africa’.

"I also have a complete sachet of garri, kulikuli or groundnut with sugar and a cup you can drink it with for just N100.

To the glory of God, there is no where I go that people don't buy these products."

On how are he has been surviving with this business, compared with his former banking job, he said, "If I get any banking job today, I won't do it. I am fulfilled with

what I'm doing. Though the profits are not much, but the sales are very high, so we are surviving.

"The most important thing is that there is nothing as good as doing your own work, nobody pushes me around anymore. The passion with which I worked for the bank, I am using it to work for myself and I am getting results. Today, I feed my family conveniently and perform my obligation as a responsible brother to my younger ones and even my parents.

"With my own experience, I will like to challenge the youths not to look for jobs because there is none anywhere. There is nothing as good as doing your own job.

My beginning on this business was rough, but thank God, today, I'm getting over the challenges, things are much better now."

However, he said the major challenge he has is presently facing is to expand the business, adding that it has been a dream that has been difficult. "The progress is very small but steady because of the limited resources that I have. My desire is to expand the business, getting better accessories and equipment but the funds are not just there.

"I have tried, but none is coming. I would have loved to have my own permanent staff too, but I can’t because of this same challenge. I need a loan of about N1 million to N2 million to achieve this," he added.

32 / XTRA

06.07.2018

2018 Pharmaceutical Award is Call to Greater Responsibility, Says Ukah Mary Nnah A talent management company, Hillix Entertainment, recently kick-started operations as it brought on board its first artist, Ojo Victor Oluwagbengro, popularly known as Kings Music.

The head A&R, Hillix Entertainment. Mr Opeyemi Adebola-Walters said the idea behind the newly launched company is to help talented young people create the opportunities that they have been looking for by giving them access to the particular audience that will appreciate what they have in them.

Adebola-Walters who expressed the view that if young people are able to make a genuine living for themselves, the whole economy will be better, added, that is why we are launching Hillix Entertainment and we are starting with the talent management arm of our organisation.

Subsequently, we would be launching the record label and also the music and video production angles. “ He said however that the company does not intend to rush things, adding, “We have studied our strength in years past and we have discovered

Managing Director, Melvic Gold, parent company of Hillix Entertainment, Mrs. Angela Ukara-Makinwa; Oluwagbengro, owner of Kings Music and Adebola-Walter signing a deal

that the best way we can start is to launch forth is to launch the talent arm first and that is what we have done here today. “ Sharing with journalists the values, vision and mission of the company and what it is poised to do as a talent management company with the people that would be coming on board as individuals, he said, “Hillix Communication

is an entertainment firm consisting of various divisions including management, record label, recording studio and a video studio. Our vision is to be one of the world’s leading entertainment service providers.”

He said: “What makes us distinct and stand out from the crowd is the vision that we have. We want to marry innovation with

dexterity, accuracy and excellence wih provision of our entertainment services as we also create entertainment platforms for talents. “He noted further that as a talent management company, what it wants to do is to facilitate the goals, dreams and the aspirations of every sound talent –Song writer, artist or producer that we have on board.

Massive Turnout as Ocean’s 8 Premieres in Lagos In what was arguably the biggest red-carpet event of the year, hundreds of A-list stars, celebrities, entertainment and fashion bloggers and leading socialites graced the red carpet at the Grand Premiere of the Ocean’s 8 movie on Sunday, June 17, 2018, which took place at the Filmhouse Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos. This top-notch celebrity and fashion event with a MET Ball theme, attracted stars like Kate Henshaw, Osas Ighodaro, Toke Makinwa, OmoniOboli, Shaffy Bello, InidimaOkojie, Linda Osifo, Mimi Onalaja, Jemima Osunde, Waje,

Simi Drey and hundreds more with more than just eye-catching looks. The celebrity looks instantly began to draw a social media buzz even before the event was over, with everyone wondering who the look of the night would be.

Sponsor, Diamond Bank had announced that the night’s best stylist would win N500,000, while the designers muse would win N250,000 sponsored by Coca-Cola.The night was also therefore a sassy mix of excitement and, in a way, a style skirmish. Long before the movie premiered, guests were treated to cocktails

and light food, while granting interviews to the press pool eager to know what they were wearing and how they felt about the big night.

FilmOne and FilmHouse Cinemas also maintained that the Ocean’s 8 Premiere was much more than just coming to see a movie rather it was about celebrating achievement and see leading women in a different light.

Seeing brilliantly talented actresses like Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter on the

big screen also had a way of inspiring the younger generation of women to be bold about going after their dreams.

The Ocean’s 8 Premiere was also an opportunity to bring together women of distinct backgrounds and professions, which informed the organisers’ choice of guests, social influencers and partners. With sponsorship from Diamond Bank, Zaron, Coca-Cola and others, the event was more fun and more complete. Ocean’s 8 started showing on all Filmhouse cinema’s nationwide from June 22..

Lounge Thirty 8: Redefining Hospitality in Nigeria Uchechukwu Nnaike and Chris Asika Lounge Thirty 8 (LT8) a foremost relaxation outfit with international standard state-of-theart facilities, for some time now has become a force to be reckoned with and has contributed to immensely the hospitality and entertainment industry. The brand started as a dream some years ago by two young vibrant Nigerians as Co-Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).

The brand has been identified as a comfort zone of international standard for the crème de la crème of the society and a conducive atmosphere were celebrities, professionals and like minds meet and revive their down times.

Its core business is to sell affordable luxury; it does not only sells food and beverages, but a place of networking. The company offers range of services to the public such as daily express lunch buffet, lunch and dinner menus, take away services and inside and outside bespoke catering, which can be tailored to suit any budget, both international and local cuisine which includes quick service restaurant (both upscale dining services), birthdays, seminars, tea breaks and outdoor catering.

Other activities of the lounge include Karaoke (Mondays and Tuesdays), Dira’s Night (Wednesdays), Salsa Night (Thursdays) with Celebrity Disk Jockeys (DJs) and artists performing live, Urban groove Night (Fridays), Classic Oldie

Front view of Lounge Thirty 8

Night (Saturdays) and Comedy hour Night (Sunday) which also features upcoming artist and a programme: Fast lane with DJ Humility

and 24 hours Monday to Sunday service all in an adequately secured environment with five hundred capacity carpark.

Other programmes includes; Flaunt your jersey which comes up on the start of every football season( usually in the month of August),Halloweens celebration (usually in the month of October), Champagne night party, Life band (once a month) and world cup party which is coming up soon.

The duo came into the country, after trainings in Republic of Benin, Ghana and South Africa and some short courses in 2007/2008 while working in Spain, Europe.

They wanted to relax at a cool spot and a friend of theirs invited them for a get-together only for them to discover that there was no relaxation point that is top notch and of good standard in Surulere at that time.

“We usually go to The Palms in Victoria Island where we discovered a very good Cafe, we were envious and we felt we could replicate something like that in Surulere corridors and we started the project in 2008 and in December 2009, we had already replicated what we saw in the café.

"We were very happy with our success which was where we first started from. So many years now, we are still here and we are still celebrating our brand because of the products and services we have which are of international standard”, the brains behind the venture noted.

Over the years, the team who has ventured into many businesses lamented that the challenges of doing business in Nigeria is usually unfavourable government policies.

Daffang Entertainment Introduces Wasiu, Ejaiz Mary Nnah A South Africa -based a talent development firm, Daffang Entertainment, recently introduced two new young artists into the Nigerian entertainment industry. The artists, Jimoh Wasiu, a songwriter and record producer, and Ejiro, a pop artiste popularly known as Ejaiz, were presented to the global entertainment market in Ikeja, Lagos Speaking at unveiling, the representative of Daffang's new artists, Jimoh and Ejaiz Daffang Entertainment in Nigeria, Ibrahim Kabiru, said, “We are into talent discovery and talent that they are very good.” management, we had more than 500 person “As a talent discovering company, what we do during the audition but we had to trim them is to scout around the 36 states of the country to down and arrived at these two. That indicates get some of the best talent and groomed them

and make sure they are ready for the market and the task ahead,” Kabiru said.

He stressed further that Wasiu and Ejaiz were selected from the large pool of talents based on the fact that they possessed the essential flairs that the Daffang Entertainment seeks to unveil to the world, adding that are they proved themselves as confirmed leaders in the music space.

“We are thrilled to welcome them to Daffang Entertainment family. They have all it takes to develop and become superstars in the African music scene, and will be game-changers in dominating and bringing African music to the world. We are extremely excited to have them as a part of the team and eager for the journey

ahead,” he added.

Wasiu, an Ajegunle based act, belives that Daffeng Entertainment has everything an artiste needs to progress, particularly good management.

“I believe with the management structure and style in place at the outfit I can go anywhere with them.”

For the Warri based singer, Ejaiz his joining the Daffang Entertainment is based on the premise that everything is being done in a friendly manner.

“At Daffang Entertainment, we do things together like a family; we work together, and that is what prompted me to join them. I believe with the company, we will push the further the limits of afrobeat,” he said.

33/XTRA

06.07.2018

Canon Exhibits Products, Seals Deal With Ro-Marong

Canon Technology Managers and stakeholders at the exhibition and partnership launch with Ro-Marong Nigeria Limited in Lagos recently

Ayodeji Ake Canon Technology, one of the foremost global players in the manufacturing and distribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment, recently exhibited products in Lagos state as it seals partnership deal with Ro-Marong Nigeria Limited.

At an exhibition held in Lagos, Canon Nigeria and Ghana Country Manager, Mr. Karthikeyan Gurukkai noted “Canon values

quality across board, and with RoMarong’s presence and network reach within the country, we are certain that customers will easily gain access to all our offerings and further enhance their business operations with Canon”.

He said: “Nigeria is a very young country, with nearly two thirds of its population under the age of 25. It is an increasingly important market and manufacturing center for the African consumer product sector, it

is currently home to a growing middle class now estimated to be about 50 million. It is a country with a wide range of opportunities, resources and potential, with a big market for imaging and business solutions. There is also an amazing photography and cinema industry Nollywood worth over $4 billion.

“We believe Nigeria has the right audience and has a solid industry. With such, we are passionate about growing our presence in a country where imaging solutions are

embraced. Additionally, we have stepped up our investment in Nigeria by establishing a local presence, by partnering up with Ensure service centers as well as supporting up and coming film makers and hiring a local team based Nigeria to. We are in Lagos where we started last year and now we are expanding to other states. We will be in Abuja later to Port-Harcourt, among others. We are doing everything in a proper way so that the business will go on properly”, he said.

RCCG Empowers 120 Job Seekers Additional 120 job seekers have been empowered with requisite skills and vocational capabilities by the Redeemed Christian Church of God Lagos Province 44.

The latest one month programme which spanned between April and May 2018, brings the number of graduates from the Province’s Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme to over 320 in two years.

The skills and capabilities acquired include agro-allied, events and decorations, beads and hat making, website design, graphic design, shoe making, catering services, generator repairs, soap and deodorant making, beautification and fashion design.

Charging the beneficiaries to effectively utilize knowledge acquired during the programme, Pastor in charge of Province, Pastor Amos Emovon said “you have been given the raw materials for success, all you need to do now is to process the raw materials as inputs to achieve your desired outputs’’.

He further encouraged them to aim for the top, citing the example of one of last year’s trainees, who processed his raw materials and was now part of the training faculty for the 2018 session. Other personalities at the event were the Principal, Lagos Island Local Government Vocational/Skill Acquisition Institute, Mrs. Omowunmi Oyebola; Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Province (CSR), Pastor Ajibola Opeoluwa-Calebs and coordinator of Lagos State Vocational Training School, Surulere

L-r: Opeoluwa-Calebs, Oyebola, Emovon, his wife, Temitope and Ehkator during the event

Branch, Mrs. Bolanle Arikawe-Otu, who enjoined the graduands to be diligent and persistent as these are key ingredients for success.

Other special guests at the event include

Lipton Takes Campaign to Abuja, Maiduguri Lipton, Nigeria's leading tea brand, recently celebrated with Muslim faithfuls across the country as the brand promoted the essence of goodness with the “Don’t Just Think, Do” campaign across major central mosques in Maiduguri and Abuja from June 7 - 10, 2018.

As one of Nigeria’s far-reaching campaigns encouraging people to do good irrespective of religion and ethnicity, Lipton has toured several cities to appreciate people who are committed to service in various fields.

Speaking during the mosque activation at the Area One Central Mosque, Garki, Abuja, the Chief Imam, Imam Rabiu Sheikh Suleiman extolled the virtues of kindness and appreciation for one another, while also emphasizing that Islam is about love and care for one’s neighbour – no matter who they are.

“The essence of Ramadan is prayer and charity, and we thank Allah that Lipton has demonstrated a selfless act that can never be erased in our memories. We appreciate these acts of kindness, and as the messenger of Allah said, ‘He who gives food to a fasting person to break his fast receives the same reward as the person fasting’.

“We pray that Allah showers his countless blessings on all Nigerians this holy month of Ramadan and always,” he said.

Building on the activities from last year, Lipton will visit more cities for the mosque activations and also reach out to 1,000 widows by giving them care packs and seed funds.

Mosque activations have been held in Lagos, Katsina, Keffi and Sokoto. The campaign continues with Kano and Kaduna set to be toured during the next series of activations.

Assistant Pastor in Charge of Lagos Province 44, Administration, Pastor Joseph Ekhator; the Deputy Chairman of Itire/Ikate LCDA, Pastor Gbenga Oyebode; Mr. Augustine Anumudu

who represented Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara of Surulere 2 constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Titi Idris and Hon. Bisi Adetayo both of Itire/Ikate LCDA.

34/FEMALE CORNER

06.07.2018

‘I Abandoned Banking Job to Give Succour to the Wounded’ She had a promising career as a banker but chose to abandon it for a divine calling to give succour to the suffering. Mrs. Sarah Godfrey, Founder, Jesus Girls International Foundation, tells Mary Nnah how fulfilling it has been embarking on this great voyage.

Can you tell us how your journey into a ministry of this nature started?

Growing up, I had a very good upbringing but sometimes, things happen in your life that you just can’t explain or understand why you should go through what you are going through. Sometimes you ask yourself why things are going well for people who are careless about life and self-respect and yet everything goes wrong for you who have always been a church girl right from childhood. It never looked like I was going to come out of it. I had a marital issue and was almost involved with a demonically orchestrated marriage. I had a societal marriage introduction and when I decided not to go further with the main marriage, my parents felt I was bringing shame to them. I wanted to be fulfilled and I told them I was going to fight for my destiny with last drop of my blood and then I ran away from home.

The world around me then gave up on me.

Thank God for a mentor like Chief Ibrahim Oruma who became like a father to me. He has been mentoring me over the years and he gave me the courage to move on with life.

Eventually I started working and at some point I quit the job. Chief Oruma gave me a job in his company, saying I had to be in a job to sustain myself. For six months, I was in my mentor’s house. He counselled me, took care of me and gave me hope. He would just say, ‘Sarah keep moving’; and those words kept me going. Growing up back then in Kogi State, I loved singing in the choir. I played piano and I was well known in that environs and I moved from place to place singing from one crusade ground to another. When the world came crumbling down on me, the same people that enjoyed listening to me sing and play piano, were asking where is your God? It got so bad that I started asking myself why I was serving God. At the same time I had all sorts of men who wanted to date me. I almost succumbed but then I heard a voice warning me not to; that there is no way there. I harkened to that voice and cried unto God and then entered into a bargain with God. I told God that my desire was to serve Him and I was determined with everything in me to serve God if only He would give me peace. And God sent my husband, Pastor Emanuel Godfrey to me eventually, one whose vision tallies with mine.

So after some months, I began to hear the words, ‘What price are you willing to pay for your purpose?’ Initially, I did not understand but later I knew that God was calling me out for a purpose. I left my secular job because I love people and I love putting smile on people’s faces. I am the kind of person that any where I am, my attention goes first to those people that appear gloomy and inactive. I want to see that joy back on their faces. I wanted to impact lives and solve human problems. There was always this feeling of satisfaction in me each time I am able to pull a person out of a bad mood. It got to a point that people just kept coming to me, even at my place of work as a banker, to pour out the heaviness of their hearts. At that point I knew what exactly my purpose in life was and that was when I decided to establish Jesus Girls International Foundation. I then realised that everything I went through then when it looked like the whole world was crumbling upon me, was God taking me through a process. You cannot give what you don’t have. How can you counsel people when you have not been through some difficult situations in life? I then realised that whatever I went through was a school. So I had to abandon my banking job in order to have enough time to give succour to the wounded minds.

How long have you been into this?

I have been doing it one on one. I see every moment to reach out to some body as a moment of being fulfilled. Sometimes it could someone fall sick and I just want to be around you even if I never knew you before. If I hear that someone lost somebody,

Godfery

I just want come to you and help you heal.

The moment you have that joy, it gives me joy. So eventually I left my banking job four years ago to concentrate on this and yet I still couldn’t find my bearing. So just last year, the words: ‘It‘s time’, kept reoccurring to my hearing. And by then I have started meeting physically at my church all those people that were calling me on phone for one thing or the other.

Unconsciously I didn’t know it was God orchestrating things. And that was how it started formally last year. We started from Facebook and before you knew it, thousands of people joined from different states and different countries. As I speak now, we are all over the world and God gave us that brand name, Jesus Girls. I can remember those days when people would say this one is a Jesus girl and yet she is going through so much anguish.

Today I can still tell the world that I am a Jesus girl because Jesus came through for me and today the foundation has branches in the six geopolitical zones. Apart from meeting physically once in a while, we also operate regularly on various platforms like Instagram:jesusgirls100, Facebook: Jesus Girls Chat Room. You can also reach us through our email address: jesusgirls100@gmail.com

Jesus in others.”

Tell us about the vision of the foundation.

Jesus Girls International Foundation was established to provide emotional healing, mentoring and counselling to girls and women facing all kinds of challenges and also coming together to serve humanity.

The idea is to bring inner healing to those wounded at heart, reconcile relationships and awakened dead potentials. We started with a live gathering and what we do basically is to learn from each other. We share experiences and have counselling sessions. Jesus Girls is a Christian NGO dedicated to emotional healing and direct impact in the lives of people. We are looking forward to leaving a positive signature in the lives of people, as leadership is about impact and relevance. We are not a church and non-denominational inclined. We add value to the human race, particularly ladies; regardless of backgrounds. As a foundation, we wake up potential, mend broken hearts, bring emotional healing and resolve challenging relationships, getting back our self-worth and self-esteem.

In addition, we also work on redirecting the confused, refocusing our purpose, charting new vistas and opportunities, promoting mutual pure love and respect. By doing all this, we are enhancing the dignity of ladies and replicating

Would you say you are fulfilled?

I am getting fulfilled because the vision is bigger than me. Looking at where we started from and where I’m today, I believe God is fully involved. The vision is massive and that is the more reasons we need sponsors and partners who are will to key into our vision. We want people who are ready to render selfless services to this people with emotional needs. We need both government and private organisations to come in to assist us as well as individuals with like minds. We need financial, material and moral supports from those who are capable and willing to help. We intend to have many orphanages, old peoples’ homes, places for healing emotional pains and so on. So that if you are having problems with your spouse, you come, we can separate you for a while during which we give you a very comfortable place to stay and encourage you with the word of God directly or indirectly. By the time we leave you two for another two weeks and revisit the issue, the foundation would have been able to achieve solutions and bring that dying relationship back to life. By that, I mean bringing healing to many homes. Usually, many couples come here looking very gloomy and sad and they go back fulfilled. For us, that is fulfilment.

35/LIVING

06.07.2018

FERTILITY WITH DR. KEMI AILOJE

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

ENDOMETRIOSIS AND INFERTILITY (PART 2) Diagnosis and treatment plans Cases of extremely painful menstruation in young women are considered due to Endometriosis until proven otherwise.

Radiography and Ultrasounds are essential tools. Diagnostic laparoscopy assists to take needed biopsies for pathologic review.

33% of infertile women have some form of Endometriosis and 40% of sufferers of Endometriosis are infertile. At Varying stages Endometriosis can account for the infertility; at the early stage, inflamed tissues are evident whereas late stages have adhesions that block and distort the pelvic anatomy.

Visualization of the inner organs will be possible through ultrasound studies and laparoscopy to note the exact areas affected.

Pains experienced can be constant and debilitating or intermittent before, during and after the period.

The most severe types of pain are during the menses, with intense emotional sufferings, social isolation and feelings of depression.

Treatment of Endometriosis ranges from medical suppression of ovulation to reduce activity of the endometrial implants to radical surgery with total abdominal hysterectomy (to remove the womb along with both of the ovaries). Varying amounts of anti-inflammatory pain medications to relieve the extreme incapacitating pains suffered are standard management.

How can Endometriosis be managed?

While Endometriosis cannot be cured, there are two types of interventions: r1BJO NBOBHFNFOU r5SFBUNFOU PG FOEPNFUSJPTJT mBTTPDJBUFE JOGFSUJMJUZ The diagnosis of endometriosis is confirmed during surgery. Further steps depend on circumstances; women without infertility can be managed with hormonal medication that suppresses the natural cycle and pain medication, while an infertile woman may be treated expectantly after surgery with

care or the oral contraceptives, then microsurgery techniques, i.e. laser and laparoscopic surgery, can reduce the adhesions while maintaining the ability to generate children.

fertility medication or with assisted reproductive technology (IVF)

r$VU EPXO PO BOJNBM QSPEVDU FBU NPSF PSHBOJD diet, low gluten and avoid soy as much as possible

r1BJO NBOBHFNFOU GPS XPNFO XJUI &OEPmetriosis Women suffering from recurrent and cyclical menstrual pain must try as much as possible to avoid drug abuse. See your physician to prescribe necessary NSAID medication.

There are certain home remedies and lifestyle changes that have palliative effect on pain associated with endometriosis and they include: Warm application which includes warm bath, use of hot water bottle, warm drinks Adequate hydration: increase fluid intake Maintain healthy lifestyle; avoid cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, avoid narcotics (addictive drug affecting moods and behaviour).

Eating lot of veggies, studies have shown that there is a connection between low vegetable intake and endometriosis.

Eat foods rich in omega-3

Infertility Issues and Endometriosis Infertility can stem from many issues. Over 30% of infertile women have blocked tubes. This tubal blockage can be due to scar tissue from previous surgery, injury, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), birth defects and even endometriosis. Some of these conditions can be repaired by surgery, or a combination of hormonal treatment / surgery and others are not treatable.

As mentioned, the varying inflammations and adhesions can block the fallopian tubes resulting in ability of the matured egg to reach the proper site of fertilization and implantation to form the baby (infertility).

Important to note, if the pains are modest and do not impair daily life, hormonal suppression of your period can be helpful. But in cases of severe pains that have not responded to medical

Rectal or bladder bleeding may arise from the inflamedendometrial implants on surrounding tissues. Dysmenorrhea or painful menses occur possibly due to increased production of certain hormones. Polymenorrhea (short cycles) and hypermenorrhea (excessive flow) are common even without extensive ovarian disease. Inability to perform daily activities can result from incapacitating pain pre and post menstrual cycle lasting up to 2 weeks.

Incidence of infertility tends to coincide with the extent of endometriosis. But even, a few adhesions can result in infertility, Interference with the motility of the fallopian tube and motility of egg transport has been the theories.

Dyspareunia or pain during intercourse is often associated with endometriosis and is due to the irritation of the nerve fibers in the area of the cervix from the pressure of sexual activity.

Depending on the severity of the pain, lubricants or even surgery can assist.

Treatment Of Endometriosis To Enhance Fertility: Infertility associated with endometriosis, can become progressively worse, hence women attempting to have babiesare encouraged to begin efforts as early as possible, if they show signs and symptoms of the disease.

Treatment includes hormone medication and surgery to remove the lesions of endometriosis or the organ involved. The hormonal treatment would stop or suppress the ovulation of the egg, thereby reducing the pains this is because without ovulationthe inflammations would not happen.

Pregnancy often eliminates the symptoms during the baby’s development and for some time after

OPINION

WAITING FOR DAVIDSON AKHIMIEN’S TRANSFORMATIONAL PRESIDENCY Frank Oshanugor His name may not ring a bell in Nigeria’s comity of contemporary politicians like those we have known over the years because all along, he has not immersed himself in the waters of the nation’s politics of leadership. He has quietly pursued other interests which cumulatively are fundamental to building the economy. As an entrepreneur, he has made valuable contributions in various spheres to the growth of the nation’s economy.

However, tired of the rhetoric of recycled politicians who keep promising what they cannot offer, the man Davidson Isibor Akhimien is now set to challenge the old order by bringing freshness into the leadership of Nigeria.

In a system with over 80 registered political parties, Akhimien is careful in the choice of which platform to actualize his ambition as the president of Nigeria, come 2019. His ideological persuasion cum conviction finds a meeting point in no other place than in the manifesto of one of the youngest political parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It is the Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria (GDPN). He is not hesitating to blend his aspiration with the party’s determination to create a new Nigeria where mere good fortune, oil money or other natural resources would not be sufficient to make a successful country unless accompanied by good resource management, modesty and accountability. With a pedigree that largely appeals to intellectualism, charismatic and committed participation and leadership in his spheres of activities over the years, there is certainly no doubt that Akhimien clearly understands the task ahead as future president of Nigeria. Born in1965 into the family of Captain David Akhimien (retired) of Ekpoma, Edo State, Davidson Isibor Akhimien, perhaps borrowing from his father, showed early likeness for the military and paramilitary establishments. This obviously was the reason; his parents enrolled him at the Army Children School, Kakuri, Kaduna from where

Aikhmen

he moved to Nigerian Military School, Zaria for his secondary education.

In 1990, he gained admission into the NigerianDefence Academy, Kaduna as a member of the 29thShort Service Course and graduated from there with Presidential Parchment of Combatant Commission. As a young man with didactic instinct, he saw his military training as just a stepping stone for greater intellectual activities as he was set to pursue learning at higher levels. At different times, he attended several universities within and outside Nigeria, amongst them are the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo and the University of Lagos. Outside the country, at varioustimes, he attended the Universite du Benin, Cotonou, Universite National du Benin, Lome, Togo and Universidade de Brasilia, Brazil. He holds a first degree in Modern European Languages and he is a polyglot with fluency in Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba, Ishan, French, Portuguese and English.

His other qualifications include a Post-Graduate

Diploma in Theology (with emphasis on pastoral ministry), a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy and a second Master’s degree in Criminology. He is currently completing his doctoral thesis in Political Science with specialty in Peace and Conflict Management. Akhimien is an author of several inspirational books, one of which is titled Poverty and Governance.

As a young military officer, he attended several professional courses including the Young Officers Intelligence Course, Young Officers Infantry Course at Jaji, Kaduna and Tactical Intelligence Officers’ Course while serving at the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI). At a time, he served as an analyst for Africa and Middle East Affairs in the Strategic Intelligence Group of the Directorate of Military Intelligence in 1988. He was in the Nigerian Army till 1996 when he retired as an Admin Officer (AO) in the headquarters camp of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC).

On his disengagement from military service, he began his life as a civilian employee serving as the Manager, Central Security Control of Pacific Group of Companies in 1997 and later moved to Babcock University as Director of Security Services before he founded his own group of companies with interests in private security, logistics and hospitality.

He has thousands of Nigerians currently in the employment of his companies in no less than 20 states of the federation. Currently, Davidson Akhimien is the National President of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), the umbrella body of all registered and licensed private security companies in Nigeria.

Ask him how he feels about political governance in contemporary Nigeria and why he wants to become Nigeria’s president, come 2019, he would tell you that political parties and politicians have not been able to satisfy the minimum aspiration of the citizenry, as problems of insecurity, lack of social justice, unemployment, abject poverty and others have left people disillusioned. People

find it difficult to survive. Akhimien would also readily tell whoever cares to know that, there is no cohesion, no proper integration of the different peoples of Nigeria as a result of primordial sentiments.

Like some Nigerians with the mind for freshness in our politics, the polyglot strongly believes that the 21st Century Nigeria has come with the emergence of a new crop of Nigerians who do not care about ethnicity, religion and all those things that the political class use in holding the nation back. He is certainly one of those with fresh ideas set to make a difference.

The former military officer who is disenchanted with the performance of old political parties is propelled by the fact that real transformation for the country is possible. He believes that building strong and virile economy, creating a secure environment for the citizenrycan be realized. This transformation can be achieved on the platform of his party, the Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria (GDPN) which is already mobilizing the Nigerian people to the consciousness and awareness that they have the power to bring about the transformation that they need.

This transformation begins with the liberation and renewal of people’s minds as poverty overtime has held many Nigerians hostage courtesy of the existing old parties with recycled politicians. As a party, GDPN has the tendency to de-emphasise money politics because its interest is to have the people at heart, because money politics over the years, has sold the people’s destiny out. The GDPN’s ideology is rural or grassroot development and with the likes of Davidson Akhimien emerging as the President, industrialization in Nigeria will tilt more to the rural areas rather than the current concentration in urban areas.

With a shift of the industries to rural communities, there will be a drastic reduction in the rural-urban migration.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

36/COLLAGE

L-R: Co-founder/Managing Director, CardinalStone Partners, Mr. Michael Nzewi; Co-founder/ Executive Director, Mr. Mohammed Garuba; Non-Executive Director, Ms. Mairo Bashir; Co-founders/ Non- Executive Directors, Mr. Femi Ogunjimi; Chairman, Mr. Fola Adeola; and Mr, Yomi Jemibewon at the CardinalStone 10th year anniversary dinner in Lagos recently

L-R: Managing Partner Akindelano Legal Practitioners, Olayode Delano (SAN); Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu and Chief Akinwande Delano (SAN) at the 7th installment of the ALP Seminar Series themed "Transforming Nigeria's Agriculture and Agro-Allied Sector"

06.07.2018

L-R: Member, Continuing Legal Education Mentorship Committee / Senior Associate, Mabel Ekeke; Chairman, Continuing Legal Education Mentorship Committee,Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Mr. Tobanna Erojikwe; Pro- Chancellor,University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN); and Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Chuka Ikwazom; during a lecture an evening with Dr Wale Babalakin organied by NBA Lagos Branch in Lagos. recently KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R: Founder/CEO, Renal Dialysis Centre, Dr. John Okoh; Head Nurses, Ms. Onyiye Mmeje; Head Business Development, Mr. Ochem Victor; Head Accounting/ Finance, Mr. Julius Osoba, with other members of the team, during the presentation of award to Renal Dialysis Centre, at the Healthcare Excellence award night, in Lagos…… recently

The Children Choir of The Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries Singing praises, during the Church's Crusade tagged; ''And the Enemies Submitted'' held at the Chosen revival ground ljesha, Lagos recently etop ukutt

L-R: Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Olatunji Disu; Newly Decorated Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Tunji Aina; and Second in Command, RRS, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Samuel Awopetu, during decoration of newly promoted officers at the RRS headquarters in Alausa, Lagos recently.

L-R: Regional Business Manager, Abuja Region, Nigerian Breweries, Patrick Utomi; Zonal Business Manager, North Zone, Nigerian Breweries, Moses Ogbodo; Winner, Star Lager United We Shine Millionaires Promo, Celestine Nnama and Regional Business Manager, Kaduna, Nigerian Breweries, David Odihekandu, at the regional prize presentation in Abuja recently

L-R; Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries, Yinka Bakare; Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Franco Maria Maggi; and Corporate Communications, Nigerian Breweries, Patrick Olowokere,at the Super Eagles March Dome in Lagos recently

37/THISLIFE

06.07.2018

Omelioha: A Life in the Service of Humanity Okechukwu Uwaezuoke Omeloha has left us, the unexpected long-distant phone call announced that Wednesday afternoon.

The man, whose given names were Benjamin Madumelu Egbosimba, actually departed this earth-life on Fathers’ Day, Sunday, June 17, less than six months before his 93rd birthday.

Even as I was jolted by the news, my heart warmed up with the recollections of my relatively recent encounters with this great unsung Nigerian, fondly called Omeloha.

He was called Omeloha – literally, the one, who does for all – because of his passion for serving humanity.

Flashback to sometime in 1970. The 30-month long Nigerian Civil War had just ended and Omeloha was back to Lagos. Huddled at his desk, he was poring over figures he had written down on a sheet of paper when a colleague asked him what he was doing.

“I’m calculating school fees for 28 people,” was his reply.

Indeed, supporting his extended family on his meagre civil service salary, and that of his wife, was what he spent the greater part of his life doing. He not only sent several young people to school, he also helped several others get employment in P&T. Some of these later studied overseas, where they qualified as engineers.

Among the latter were many Arondizuogu indigenes, who studied in the U.S. Many still owe him a debt of gratitude for not only getting them employed, but also for his unwavering interest in their well-being.

He would, for instance, want to know if they were saving money and advise them on why they should. Whenever there were scholarship opportunities, he would send messages to them, urging them to apply. Sometimes, he would ask them to stop by the house for discussions bordering on their careers. His then telephone number – 042 (Enugu code) 254716 – was not only accessible, but also well known to them.

His philanthropic activities did not remain unnoticed by the Enugu branch of the Arondizuogu Patriotic Union (APU), who conferred the title, “Omeloha”, on him. This same title was subsequently formally conferred on him in 1987 by the traditional ruler of Arondizuogu, HRH Eze John Dike, for his passion for the development of his home town.

He was the last-born child of the eight children of Mazi Egbosimba Ikewete of Ndi Ogbuonyeoma community of Arondizuogu and Nwannedie Okoye of Igbo-Ukwu. Before he was born on Saturday, December 12, 1925 in Ndi Ogbuonyeoma, three brothers and four sisters had preceded him. His date of birth was recorded by his elder brother.

If philanthropy was the fulcrum on which his life pivoted, Omeloha should not be less remembered for his lustrous academic achievements, which culminated with a BSc degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. Right from the year 1935 when he was enrolled at a Catholic primary school in Ndi Aniche in Arondizuogu, it was clear that he was on the path to academic distinction. Thus, he found himself literally rushed through three classes (Primary 1 to 3) in a record one year. In the last primary school he attended (St Theresa’s Catholic School, Okigwe), after having been moved from several, the headmaster and Standard 6 teacher noticed his academic brilliance and advised his brother and guardian, Godfrey, to send him to secondary school.

Enrolling as a student of the Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha in January 1945 meant giving up his auxiliary teaching appointment at the St Theresa’s Catholic School, which he had taken on the completion of his primary school education. But that insatiable thirst for education continuously spurred him on.

In 1947, Omeloha sat for the School Certificate Examination as a private student even when he was still in Class 5 and passed with a Grade II result. Thus, he raced through his secondary education in three years. But the CKC principal, Reverend Father M. Flanagan, who had initially refused to give him a testimonial, finally consented and wrote in the remarks column that Omeloha “took the School Certificate Examination without the knowledge of the

Omolioha

college authorities”.

The next year, Benjamin got a job as a Sub-Inspector III-in-training with the Post & Telecommunications Company (the predecessor of the Nigerian Telecommunications Company, which was better known as NITEL). And this was about two months after he took the company’s examination.

While in a three-and-a-half year course in the P&T School in Oshodi, Lagos, he registered for a tuition course in economics with the Rapid Results Correspondence College in the UK. Though he had fully paid for the course and covered its syllabus in a year, he still could not take the Inter BSc examination on account of the increased work pressure at the P&T. He was later transferred to Onitsha to head its station, where his new responsibilities forced him to abandon the correspondence course, which would have earned him a BSc in economics and empowered him enough to leave the P&T. He was instead afterwards posted to Enugu, where he further distinguished himself with his reputation for excellence.

Soon after his marriage on November 10, 1956, to his childhood playmate, Florence, at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, he was promoted 1957 to the position of a senior technical officer at the P&T. In January 1958, while visiting Lagos with his wife and first daughter during his annual leave that he got a government scholarship, which he did not apply for, to study electrical engineering at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. Since he still retained his post as a senior technical officer with the P&T, this qualified as a study leave with pay.

In the U.S., where his wife joined him the following year, he continued to excel academically. Even with his tight schedule, he made out the time to groom his wife in physics and mathematics. He also found time for religious activities and travels around the U.S..

Later becoming the president of Purdue’s

African Students’ Association, a post he held until his graduation from the university with a BSc degree in electrical engineering in 1961, was an icing to his extracurricular activities.

On Nigeria’s Independence Day on October 1, 1960, he was chosen by fellow Nigerian students to address a university audience.

He later returned to Nigeria and to his job at the P&T but was this time posted to the telecommunications company’s headquarters’ External Plants Section in a different part of Lagos in 1962. In February 1963, Florence joined him in Lagos as one of the mathematics teachers of St Gregory’s College, where she taught the likes of Emeka Azikiwe (the son of the late nationalist Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe), the late Funsho Williams and the twin sons of the late Dr Lambo. She later moved on to a neighbouring school Holy Child College.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, the Egbosimbas fled first to Enugu, where Omeloha temporarily settled for a job in the Public Works Department, before moving with his family to Arondizuogu.

He briefly returned to Lagos at the end of the Civil War before he was transferred to Enugu in1973, where he became the P&T’s District Engineer/Manager and an assistant to the then Territorial Controller Jonathan Boytie Ogufere, who established the P&T-sponsored team, Vasco da Gama, on May 16, 1970.

Reuniting with his family in Enugu afforded him the time to ensure that the children attended the best schools and practised their Catholic faith with devotion. The family’s membership of the Enugu Sports Club took care of the extra-curricular activities, which included the weekly Thursday outings to watch movies, as well as local and international youth camps.

Several years later, he took over the helms of P &T as the Territorial Controller of the former East Central State (now split into Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states) and became the chairman of the Enugu-based football club,

Vasco da Gama. Under his watch as Territorial Controller, new post offices and telephone exchanges were built. By 1983, after 12 years in Enugu, he resumed as the P&T Territorial Controller of the then Bendel State, present-day Edo and Delta states.

The following year, he retired from the P&T and devoted his time as a full-time member of the Arondizuogu Patriotic Union Executive Committee. Before now, he was so passionate about issues bordering on the development of his home town that he also became a member of the Arondizuogu Leaders of Thought.

In 1995, Omeloha became a member of Knights of St John International Commandary 414, Enugu while his wife joined the Order of St John International Enugu as a Lady Auxiliary (LAUX 339) as well as becoming a member of the League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a member of the Association of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in 1996.

The couple celebrated the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of their wedding in 2007 with their children and their families coming together in a bond of fellowship to celebrate the landmark event, with hundreds of family friends and relatives.

Sadly, on November 17, 2011, his wife and companion of 55 years passed on and was interred on December 16, almost a month after.

Omeloha, who departed this earth-life on Father ’s Day, June 17, 2018, lived the rest of his years trusting in the goodness of the Most High and counting his blessings.

Omeloha is survived by six Children, 18 Grandchildren and two great grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives and in-laws. He touched the lives of both family and many mentees, is greatly loved and will be missed by many.

Omeloha of Arondizuogu! Sir Benjamin Egbosimba!! May your journey to the Abode of the Blessed be smooth!

38/INTERVIEW

06.07.2018

I’ve Clean Record, Never Engaged in Oil Bunkering, Kidnapping He was young, enlisted in the Niger Delta struggle at 15 and at 25; he had accumulated a formidable arsenal that put the entire southern Ijaw under his strict control as part of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Kile Silkey Toroughedi from Azuzu Ama, popularly called Young Shall Grow, was motivated by oppression to fight the system. However, in the struggle, he said he was never into oil bunkering or kidnapping but merely engaged in adroit usage of opportunities within his domain to alleviate the debilitating poverty that ravaged his people. He introduced free education from kindergarten to university level, employed youths in the region and even had a scheme that paid stipends to elderly and widows. Regrettably, after submitting weapons he valued at over a billion naira, he was not paid.

He however feels there was still a good chance for peace in the region if the federal Amnesty programme goes back to the original template but warns that should agitation start again in the region, it would be worse than the era of MEND. He spoke to Ahamefula Ogbu wanted to emancipate my people, for the younger ones not to be like us. We were like, no you have to go to school, that was why I established the free education programme in my domain.

How has life outside the creeks been for you?

Life has been good. As it stands right now, it is a great challenge and I have been talking to myself that after the guns who are you? That’s my major question to myself everyday and I have been working on that basis and everything is going on smoothly with the help of God. After everything, being a businessman, I’ve gone into private sector partnerships and working out things for myself and my family. I am a contractor and consultant in oil and gas so God has been helping me and I thank Him for all.

Now that you have not been paid for the weapons you submitted, are you still sustaining the free education programme?

After the disarmament, we went back to the community and there was a presidential directive that the scheme be taken over but when he died, the order died with him. However, from my meager resources, I still sponsor people from primary to secondary and tertiary levels. As we speak, more than 20 people are on my scholarship programme in tertiary institutions across the country. We can’t begin to count the ones in primary and secondary schools. No matter how hard it is for me to do, I must have to strive on so that the original intention of showing my people the light and stopping them from passing through similar experiences as we did would not be defeated.

You were the most armed among agitators in the Niger Delta region, were you adequately compensated for arms and ammunition you submitted under the disarmament programme of the federal government?

No. Because the initial and original plan of the programme was later changed after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. You know I was one of the big wigs in the system but later when he died, everything was hijacked and politicised and I decided to be on my own instead of being in a ship of too many captains.

I decided to be calm and focused.

Did Yar’Adua’s death affect the amnesty programme?

Exactly, seriously because the original plans of the amnesty was hijacked and they brought in a different concept to the system which they made the decisions on their own, not the way it was designed from the presidency. It is affecting us right now because most of us who fought gallantly as the founders of this struggle have not benefitted. The one who has not benefitted anything from the amnesty programme is Young Shall Grow because of the politics in the whole system.

When and how did you become an agitator?

I became an agitator because from infancy, I went to military school and with that military concept, when I got home, I found out that I am from an oil region and my community is an oil host community, so when I got home and saw how things were going on, how our mothers and brothers were suffering, I decided to agitate. Again, I travel a lot mostly to African countries and I saw how young boys hustle and survive with what they have around them, so when I got home and found out what we have around us, I mobilised people that lets us start talking to companies around us so that we can survive with our fathers and mothers which we started and at the end it resulted into Niger Delta struggle where the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) was founded. That was how it happened.

Has the Amnesty programme addressed the reasons and concerns that led to the agitation?

No. What were the expectations and what have not been done?

A lot of things. All the promises that were made by the founding President of the programme, after he died everything ceased. I attended so many meetings with him before he died. He assured us that he was going to build six new towns in Niger Delta, return the headquarters of international oil companies to the region, reserve 10 per cent of oil revenue for the host communities, a lot of things that were penned down were abandoned. I don’t know where the original plans are right now, the only thing

Additionally, I sponsor football competitions, hunt for young talents to expose on national and international platforms as well as sponsor our entertainment artists to enable them develop their talents. I have been made Ambassador for Peace and development as well as given a lot of honours for this but what gives me pleasure is my people having equal opportunities like others. For my schemes to address unemployment nationally, I was made the Chairman of the Unemployed Association of Nigeria.

Toroughedi

we see is amnesty programme in the education sector where people are selling forms to people, that is all we see about the programme now.

What are the possibilities of agitation starting all over in the Niger Delta with the failure of the programme?

The way I look at it is that if the programme fails and it comes up again, it will be worse than the former one because what happened in my time is an eye opener to those who were young then. Right now, if you look at the Niger Delta region, everybody looks at it that if you don’t involve yourself into guns, you are not a man or you are not ready to make money, so they involve themselves in kidnapping, several kinds of anomalies in the region which you can see the danger ahead of the whole thing, so we advise the government to follow up the structure of the original amnesty programme, how it was designed.

How old were you when you joined the agitation?

I started as a follower and a dedicated scout who listened to his principals and with that, as an errand boy, I started gathering things on my own. When you send someone somewhere, that person will bring first-hand information to you as a scout. I started as a scout, I used to go to an enemy camp, come back with information to my own camp and from there, I started taking care of things by myself; handling issues and gathering things.

How old were you when you first joined?

I started when I was between 15 and 16 years.

How old were you when you formed your own group and took control of Southern Ijaw area?

I was 25 years then You were recently arrested and detained for a while; why?

Seriously I don’t know why. I don’t know what really happened. When I was arrested and flown to Abuja, certain questions were asked if I knew anything about Niger Delta Avengers. Infact, I was labelled as one of top rank, infact, sponsor of the Avengers and that I was trying to destabilise the system which I had supported to gain power. I supported APC and in the end I was labelled as the Avengers leader and arrested. Later, different allegations came up that I wanted to assassinate some service Chiefs and serving military officers which I did not do when I was still the Lion in the den; things I didn’t do then they alleged I wanted to do after I had disarmed. Infact, my arrest was like a movie to me. I took it in good faith because I was invited and fully screened and at the end of the day I was cleared of all allegations and released unconditionally because there was nothing against me.

Those who arrested me later found that I was innocent of all the allegations and I was freed unconditionally. It took that detention to give me the highest clean security bill in the country.

For how long were you detained?

I was in DSS custody for a year and one month Were you tortured?

No. Nobody tortured me.

You had a free education scheme in Azuzu Ama as at the time you disarmed. What became of that programme?

Those are the reasons we raised arms against this nation because I have the vision of doing all those things for my people so when I looked at my environment, it motivated me into action so I said since we have oil in our community why not use part of this thing to help the less privileged, so I started taking to the companies and they gave me attention and provisions were made and every provision that was made was spent on the community because that was my reason for going into the agitation because I

Right now, are the children still schooling free there?

There is nothing like that because after the disarmament, we went back to the community to see that the directives of the President were carried out but they didn’t do so. However, I still sponsor people but not at the scale it was before the amnesty programme stopped out activities. We are still hoping that the government would do the needful as it will contribute to the sustenance of peace in the region. The dichotomy between the state and presidential groups and directives I think affected that but we are still hopeful.

What do you think should be done for lasting peace in the Niger Delta region?

Lasting peace in the Niger Delta is predicated on development and that development is not just for the government to come and develop us, we have right to develop ourselves where we must create peace and love in our region. If only we can sustain peace, then government will come in and develop us because most of the time we talk about development and we don’t even have the idea of how to develop us. That was the reason I established free education, keyed all the old women into different schemes where they were remunerated; I developed a lot of schemes for them by paying old men and women so that they will feel the reasons we raised arms against this nation because that is what the governors and the senators representing our people are supposed to do. I was just using that to show then what they ought to do and the possibility of doing them while they tagged us with different names like militants and all that.

My reason was to develop my people through practical examples and programmes. All the money I got in the community through government and companies were given back to the community because that was the reason I was fighting.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͵˜ ͰͮͯͶ

40

CITYSTRINGS Close Shave with Death

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ ÍÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ˛ÏäÏÙÌÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

Chiemelie Ezeobi writes on her experience at the hands of local security turned thugs at Atlas Cove, a notorious point for pipeline vandalism, when she went with naval operatives on a covert operation against suspected vandals

Enraged Tiamiyu Jeremiah with his group members at Atlas Cove

I

n a quiet backwater in the riverine village of Ilashe, off Ilade-Odo area of Atlas Cove, small wooden canoes litter the river. The area is notorious for oil pipeline vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage, blamed on locals and collaborators from outside the communities.

But the Nigerian Navy recently launched an operation to stop the vices in the area.

We were on the mission to have a first-hand experience of how the navy was trying to secure the vandalism black spot. But it turned out to be a dangerous adventure from which we only managed to escape. The naval personnel were not spared, as the daring local security-turned thugs that rule and reign in the riverine locale also attempted to hold them at gunpoint

Harm’s Way Having covered the navy for years and even sailed with them countless times within and outside our territorial waters, the invitation by the navy last Tuesday for another covert operation at Atlas Cove, a notorious hideout for pipeline vandals, elicited no worry. Given that we had visited that particular area before, there was no fear whatsoever. So on that particular Tuesday when the navy invited us – yours truly, Precious Igbonwelundu of The Nation, Mary Fatile of FRCN, Henry Oladele of NAN, and Eugene Agha of Daily Trust – to visit the site, none had an inkling of the danger ahead.

Sailing off from the NNS BEECROFT jetty about 2.10pm, we headed to Victoria Island where we picked the broadcast journalists from naval dockyard before we headed for the hinterlands.

On arriving at the shores of Ilade-Odo, we all disembarked and began the long walk into the village. Predominantly fishermen, the villagers quietly left the way for us as we made our way to the proposed site where some recovered products were kept.

Given the terrain, it was an arduous walk in the fierce afternoon sun. It was really difficult to walk as one's legs sunk in with each step.

The naval men had no such difficulty as they were well kitted. It was for this reason that they reached the site well before we got there.

Local ‘Security Men’ While we were still struggling through the sand, we heard loud cheers. Our first thought was that the navy men posted to patrol the area were cheering the Commander, Commodore Eno of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT. However, when we came through the bushy path and got to the flat, open grounds at Ilashe, the cheer wasn't coming from naval personnel but some thugs, who were supposedly local security men contracted to protect the pipelines.

Armed with charms, guns, machetes and cutlasses, the thugs supposedly in the employ of a security firm, refused the navy access to the hundreds of recovered stolen products, adding that since they recovered it themselves, it was not the job of the navy to take custody of it.

The thugs who were purportedly private security guards working with Topline Security to protect Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to supposedly supplement the efforts of the navy, who are constitutionally backed to protect such pipeline and oil facilities.

The Federal Government had in 2014 awarded the contract of securing pipelines belonging to the NNPC to Topline, a private security

It is part of the navy’s responsibility to protect such pipeline facilities, but you saw for yourselves how unruly those people were. I believe your guess is as good as mine whether the attitude they displayed were complementary

company and they in turn sublet the contract to the local security who went berserk.

As the operation was an on-the-spot assessment of the tonnes of recovered petroleum products at the site, which their aerial surveillance had captured, it was not surprising when the navy got to the scene and saw hundreds of stacked 25 litres jerry cans stuffed inside five sports utility vehicles (SUV).

However, the thugs, who were obviously high on drugs, challenged the navy to a gun duel, threatening to shoot everyone down and set the recovered products ablaze.

Chanting war songs and puffing into the air, these thugs were brandishing their guns, axes, machetes and even charms, as they threatened to match the navy weapon for weapon.

For over 45 minutes, they held sway, and when the journalists attempted to leave before the situation becomes bloody, they blocked off the escape routes, brandishing the guns at their faces and threatening to shoot them down.

Of course their threats were not taken lightly by the naval personnel, who quickly took positions by spreading out on the plain grounds. Save for the coolheaded intervention of the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Okon Eyo, a blood bath would have been recorded on both sides, with the civilian reporters inclusive.

Although the navy's intention was to take custody of over 3000 jerrycans filled with petroleum products recovered from suspected vandals, the thugs refused. The products were said to have been siphoned by suspected vandals from NNPC pipelines that runs from Atlas cove, Apapa to Ejigbo and Mosemi depots in Lagos and Ogun State.

The navy commander attempted to address us at the scene but they proved a nuisance as they interjected continuously. We were forced to abandon interviewing the commander and focus on them.

When we started interviewing them to know the cause of their agitation, we thankfully got few minutes of reprieve. But when we attempted to withdraw, they charged up again. Pointing

their close guns at us and threatening to smack us with their charms, we all looked death right in the very face.

At that point, they were divided whether to let us go. While their commander said we should be allowed to pass as neutral party, some of them refused and rushed to block the only exit point. We pleaded while some wept as we thought the end had come. After some entreaties backed by prayers, we were finally allowed to go.

Meanwhile, the navy had called for aerial back up but the sight of the helicopter infuriated them the more so they refused to allow the naval personnel go with us. However, after we had put some miles between us and them, we saw the naval operatives right behind us and they shielded us until we got back to the jetty and boarded our respective boats.

Navy's Stance When all finally got to the safety of the navy base, the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Okon Eyo, while addresing media on the issue said that the Navy was going to meet with the Management of NNPC to review the terms of engagement it has with Topline Security.

Eyo who said the navy was also going to ascertain if they are allowed to carry guns, noted; "You all saw what happened at Ilashe, a riverine community that plays host to an important NNPC facility. The navy had conducted an aerial operation on Monday during which they sighted over 3000 jerry cans loaded in vehicles.

"With the aerial reconnaissance, the navy decided to move in to ascertain the activities but the end of it was untold provocation.

Personnel of Topline security claim to have been awarded the contract of protecting the pipeline that runs from Atlas cove through satellite town to Enigbo, Mosemi and to Ilorin and other parts of the country.

"You also witnessed the shameless attitude which their personnel put up. They were apparently trying to provoke the navy into

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͵˜ ͰͮͯͶ

41

CITYSTRINGS

taking actions. But ours is not to endanger the lives of people and engage in needless casualty.

"They say that they have the contract to secure the pipeline but we are going to meet with the management of NNPC to review the contract terms. We also saw that they are carrying guns. We will also ascertain if they are allowed to carry firearms. The way they appeared today goes to show that they are not trained to carry guns.

"If the weapons are not part of the contract, we will do the needful. But if they are allowed to carry guns, we will ascertain the licences and then address their temperament and attitude because they are bearing arms. A lot of them are suspected to be under the influence of drugs and so, we have to clean up that island.

"It is part of the navy’s responsibility to protect such facilities, but you saw for yourselves how unruly those people were. I believe your guess is as good as mine whether the acts, attitude they displayed were complementary.

“We had to exhibit maturity in the face of such provocation. We did not see the need for any engagement to record needless casualty especially because we had civilians among us who are not trained for situations like these.

We had to manage the situation maturely but we would not allow that potential to continue.

“Since NNPC contracted them, we would meet with them and bring up this issue. If we were to go on a confrontational part, they would say the navy came to disrupt their security arrangement and facility. So, even though we had reasons to mount an operation, we had to retreat.

“But what is happening there cannot continue.

We will find out the terms and conditions of their contract from NNPC because we saw some people bearing locally made weapons and dane guns. Although such categories of arms are allowed, bearers must be licenced.

So, we will ascertain if they have licence and if their contracts include carrying weapons."

Some of the thugs chanting war songs

The demands of the local security Although they were screaming with one voice about no more threats, when given the chance to express their grievances, they said they are downing their tools because the navy and other security agencies are preventing them from actually working.

They claimed that they were made to sign an agreement that they would be surcharged for each product siphoned from the island, yet they were being monitored.

Their commander identified as Tiamiyu Jeremiah aka JayJay, who finally released the journalists on the promise of an interview, claimed the navy was preventing them from doing their job.

In between shouts and threats to deal with all within sight he said they want unfettered access to the pipelines.

He said, "We are tired of the threats by the navy and other military operatives. They told us that they will deduct money from our salary if any product gets missing and we agreed, yet they won't leave us alone.

"We made the arrest five days ago and brought it to our camp for onward handover to the NNPC because the other ones we handed over to the military never reached NNPC. In fact, even the vandals pointed at the navy as their partner in crime. We are not supposed to hand over to the navy but NNPC."

The recovered jerrycans of stolen products

The well-oiled pipeline vandalism scheme at Atlas Cove During one of the visit of this reporter to Atlas Cove, a notorious den of pipeline vandals, nothing in the rustic island of Ilagbo-Odo gave credence to the high powered pipeline vandalism going on there. Set in the deep of the mangroves and surrounded by the beach at the back and river at the front, Atlas Cove, was a perfect

We are tired of the threats by the navy and other military operatives. They told us that they will deduct money from our salary if any product gets missing and we agreed, yet they won't leave us alone

Commodore Eno attempting to field questions from journalists

front for illicit dealings in pipeline vandalism.

Given that these oil pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) were virtually on the ground surfaces, these vandals, dug boreholes two kilometers away from the pipelines and siphoned the products illegally. These products then run into their already dug boreholes, from which they now turn it into kegs and drums and sell to the buyers both within Nigeria and to neighboring countries at lower rates.

In early 2017, the authorities were forced to shut down the 76km stretch of pipeline running from AtlasCove to Mosimi Depot for

11months due to severe acts of vandalism on the lines This was to allow total refurbishment of the lines which cost the Federal Government billions of Naira. The maintenance of the lines was completed early this year and pumping of products to Mosimi commenced on March 21.

Yet that hasn't deterred these vandals.

But Atlas Cove wasn't always like this. The influx of vandals to the area was caused by Operation Awatse, a joint military operation which means Scatter in Hausa Language. Set up in Ishawo in Ikorodu, the Taskforce sacked the entire area, forcing the vandals to move to the far hinterlands.

The JTF comprises the elements of the navy, army and air force, as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police. The aerial bombardment and subsequent invasion of the enclaves at Ishawo and its environs by the JTF was undoubtedly a success that made the vandals more desperate as the operation spread to Arepo, Awawa, Elepete and Ibafo. What the recent action by the local security at Atlas Cove seems to indicate is the need to more closely monitor and supervise the activities of the local security personnel employed to secure the country’s oil facilities.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2018

42

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Group Raises Concerns over 2018 Constituency Projects Nosa Alekhuogie Tracka, a transparency platform which allows citizens to collaborate, track and give feedback on public projects in their communities, has disclosed that it noticed some irregularities in the 2018 approved budget, especially the N100 billion zonal intervention projects nominated by members of the National Assembly.

A statement from the organisation yesterday explained that considering the challenge of service delivery in the country, Tracka ensures that budgeted projects in local communities follow best practices and are executed to citizens’ satisfaction.

It noted that lack of citizen inclusion in the nomination of the capital projects had led to increasing number of abandoned projects across Nigeria.

“Over the years, despite huge funds allocated as capital expenditure, some projects are either left uncompleted or mismanaged.

In the 2018 budget, Tracka found out that over 800 projects were budgeted under agencies that do not have the mandate to execute the projects.

“In its search, Tracka noted that some education projects were budgeted under the Ministry of Water Resources. Case in point, the construction of five three-blocks of classrooms in Bunyun and four other locations in Plateau state were awarded to Lower Basin River Board Development under Water Resources for N70, 000, 000.

Projects like this make us raise eyebrows: does the Ministry of Water Resources have the competence to execute education projects?

“For clarification, we placed a call to a House of Representatives member in charge who informed the Tracka team that there were issues with the implementation of past projects under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

“He noted, the projects were routed through other agencies,

to avoid under-implementation of projects in 2018.

While Tracka understands the complexities around constituency projects and the wall hole for corruption, it is important to note that due process must be followed by all agencies and officials involved, Uadamen Ilevbaoje, Tracka Head stated,” it explained.

In addition to the irregularities, the statement revealed that projects with unspecified locations with a total sum of N1.4 billion were observed in the 2018 zonal intervention projects.

It noted that failure to provide the locations were antithetical to democracy, depriving communities, civil society organisations and auditing bodies of information and opportunities to monitor and ensure proper implementation of the public officials’ obligations to the people. It also provides an avenue for the syphoning of public funds meant for project implementation.

L-R: Company Secretary/Chief Legal Counsel, Sterling Bank Plc, Justina Lewa; Panelist, Damilola Adetunji and Principal Partner, Ubani & Co, Monday Ubani, during the Nigerian Bar Association 12th Annual Business Law Conference in Abuja…recently

MARKET INDICATORS

CBN ExtendsTenure of Skye Bank Board The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has renewed the mandate of the board of directors of Skye Bank Plc for an additional two-year term. With this, the tenure of the bank’s board and directors will now end of June 30, 2020.

The bank disclosed this in a notice to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which was signed by its Company Secretary/ General Counsel, Babatunde Osibodu.

The CBN had on July 4, 2016, intervened in the management of the bank by reconstituting its

board of directors to pave the way for a new team that took charge of the affairs of the bank and resolved issues that were hindering the performance of the institution.

Accordingly, the central bank gave the board a clear mandate with focus areas to turn the institution around positively.

“In the two years of the board’s mandate, the team has stabilised the institution, entrenched sound corporate governance and risk management practices, and restored depositors’

confidence. In recognition of the stellar performance of the board, the CBN has renewed the board’s mandate for an additional two-year term till 30th June, 2020.

“We wish to assure the bank’s shareholders and all stakeholders of the commitment of its board and management, working with the CBN and other regulators, to conclude various resolution initiatives to achieve a positive turn around for the bank and deliver value to its stakeholders,” it added.

CIBN Seeks Support on Building Project Nume Ekeghe The Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria (CIBN) Lagos State branch has said it plans to seek financial institutions’ partnership to erect a five-storey building for the branch.

The institute also said its upcoming Lagos Bankers and Stakeholders’ night that holds next Thursday, would be an avenue for stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on the theme, ‘Big Data, Fintech and the Future of Banking.’

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos yesterday, the Chairman, CIBN Lagos Branch, Mr.

Kola Abdul, said one of the important objectives of the chapter is to build a befitting structure. Abdul said: “We are selling some of the floors to financial institutions to have their name written in the sand of time because when the bank decides to put its name in an institute’s structure, it goes beyond that bank.

“We are hoping to have a five-storey building with an underground elevated parking space and five floors. The branch would only use one of the floors and all the other floors are to be sold out to institutions. So, we are working assiduously to

make sure we raise N525 million.” On his part, the Chairman , Organising Committee of the Lagos Bankers’ night, Mr. Tunde Popoola said the event would focus on four major areas.

He said: “It would focus on the intellectual disposition and the happenings around us in the banking industry and that is where Mr. Austin Okere would talk to us on, especially on fintechs, data and its role in sustainable banking in the future. “Also, it is to promote networking amongst stakeholders as well as award those who have created an impact in the industry.”

Sterling Bank Directs Staff to GetVoter’s Card Sterling Bank Plc said it recently announced a work-free day for its employees across the country. This was in line with the bank’s Active Citizens Programme (ACP) encouraging employees to register and collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) .

The bank explained in a statement yesterday, that beyond promoting voting rights, its ACP also motivates employees to be productive, responsible, caring and be contributing members of their communities in alignment with its purpose of enriching lives.

Commenting on the pro-

gramme, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman remarked that the bank was passionate about promoting active citizenship among employees as a business of wholly Nigerian origin which makes it important to place national interests above individual preferences.

“We believe that when more citizens are active and perform their duties to the nation, the country becomes a better place for all. These duties include abiding by the law, tax remittance and more importantly participating in the

electoral process to strengthen our democracy. In addition to obeying the law and tax remittance, we believe that Nigerian businesses can help strengthen her democracy by encouraging their employees to register, get their PVCs and turnout in numbers to vote which on the other hand, empowers us as individuals to shape our future.”

He further explained that the bank’s confidence in Nigeria’s future was the reason why employees who are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections were being encouraged to do so.

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 • 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

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55 • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED, 4, JULY , 2018 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $75.38 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $74.95 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, JUNE 6, 2018

43

MARKET NEWS

All-Share Index Appreciates 0.65% as Market Halts Three-day Bear Run Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

per cent to close at 37,743.22, while market capitalisation added N88.4 billion to be at N13.7 trillion.

Market operators said gains by bellwether stocks contributed to recovery of the market from the strong grip of the bears.

“Counters like Nigerian Breweries Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, GTBank Plc, amongst oth-

The equities market halted a three-day bearish run to record the first positive performance yesterday since the start of the second half of the year.

After shedding two per cent in three days, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.65

ers recorded gains that drove the market into the positive region. These gains arose, as investors bought into the tickers, given the attractive prices,” analysts at Meristem Securities Limited said.

A total of 23 stocks appreciated compared with 20 others that depreciated.

Multiverse Mining Plc led the price gainers with 10 per

cent, trailed by Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc with 9.6 per cent. Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc garnered 8.3 per cent.

May & Baker Nigeria Plc and Sterling Bank Plc chalked up 5.7 per cent each, just as C & I Leasing Plc, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc added 5.3 per cent, 5.1 per cent and 4.7 per cent

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF

Conversely, Capital Oil Plc led the bears, shedding 9.1 per cent, followed by N.E.M Insurance Plc that appreciated by 8.8 per cent.

Champion Breweries Plc went down by 8.00 per cent, just as Double One Plc, Unity Bank Plc and University Press Plc depreciated by 7.8 per cent, 7.2 per cent and 6.4 per cent respectively.

respectively. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc and Regency Alliance Assurance Plc advanced 4.7 per cent and 4.1 per cent in that order.

Other top price gainers included: Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (3.5 per cent); Julius Berger Nigeria Plc (3.2 per cent); Dangote Cement Plc (2.2 per cent) and Honeywell Flour Mills Plc (1.9 per cent).

A S AT 0 2 / 0 7 / 2 0 1 8

Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES

S/N 1 2 3 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 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT S/N 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

BANKING ACCESS BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 299,404.51

PRICE

TRADES

VOLUME

30 BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS S/N

10.35

-0.48

123

5,216,484

359,093.92

10.50

-0.48

181

12,566,746

772,353.75

24.60

-1.60

346

8,779,476

31

650

26,562,706

32

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

33

10.60

-0.47

34

MARKET CAP(Nm) 380,490.10

MARKET PRICE CAP(Nm) DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 3,818,777.71 224.10 LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. 355,176.89 40.95

BUILDING MATERIALS

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

382,488.96

650.00

265

23,701,187

265

23,701,187

915

50,263,893

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

-2.14 -

124 32 156 156

1,708,073 112,373 1,820,446 1,820,446

TRADES

VOLUME

35 36

%CHANGE -

8

5,604

8

5,604

8 1,079

5,604 52,089,943

37 38 FOOD PRODUCTS S/N 39 40 FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED S/N 41 42 HOUSEHOLD DURABLES S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm) 440.00

43

CROP PRODUCTION FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC

87,759.72 75,100.00

75.10

FISHING/HUNTING/ TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 511.20

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES LIVESTOCK FEEDS 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.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ARBICO PLC. INFRASTRUCTURE/ HEAVY CONSTRUCTION JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

MARKET CAP(Nm) 2,280.00

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,297.17

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.20

-

0

0

92.00

-

21

125,850

0.13

12 33

205,059 330,909

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4.26

-

0 0

0 0

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.76

-

10

36,434

10

36,434

43

367,343

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

44 PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 BANKING

9

5,170

-

2 0

600 0

54,468.31

1.34

-4.29

92

11,620,435

55

40,338.15

14.00

-

22 125 125

202,872 11,829,077 11,829,077

56 57 58

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

59

4.79

-

0 0

0 0

60 61

VOLUME

37,026.00

28.05

2.00

17

649,883

165.00

6.60

-

MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,962.94

S/N

PRICE

TRADES

0

0

17

649,883

62 63 64 65

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1.91

-

7

27,801

66

7

27,801

67

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,900.00

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

95.00

-

0

0

11,300.89

45.20

-

1

2

70

26,682.70

10.00

-

1

10

71 72

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,384.07

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 15,658.99

2

12

26

677,696

69

73

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

74

0.29

-

0 0

0 0

75

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

76 77

2.00

-

11

29,910

0.89

-

0

0

216,957.42

99.05

1.33

16

105,193

364,034.75

68

PRICE

242.22

42.35

-

11

32,141

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 82,188.87 301,612.78

3,231.35

MARKET CAP(Nm) 31,961.34

DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNA366,991.02 TIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC 63,744.55 GUARANTY TRUST 1,177,247.17 BANK PLC. JAIZ BANK PLC 20,624.97 SKYE BANK PLC 9,577.41 STERLING BANK PLC. 40,306.59 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 174,724.52 UNITY BANK PLC 12,390.70 WEMA BANK PLC. 28,159.36

-

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,680.31

45

0.58 3.25

PRICE

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

78 79

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

-0.96

64

389,218

102

556,462

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

10.10

1.00

65

2,069,622

19.00

-

39

132,669

32.80

2.50

108

1,437,102

2.07

-9.61

97

3,308,463

0.40

-

0

0

6.55

-

2

3,841

22.75

-

39

378,302

13.45

-

FOOD PRODUCTSMARKET PRICE -DIVERSIFIED CAP(Nm) CADBURY NIGERIA 24,416.63 13.00 PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 1,248,433.60 1,575.00

BANKING

0.49

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MARKET FOOD PRODUCTS CAP(Nm) DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS 50,500.00 PLC DANGOTE SUGAR 228,000.00 REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 134,492.45 HONEYWELL FLOUR 16,415.51 MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTE1,489.00 GRATED FOODS PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS 1,167.21 PLC. NASCON ALLIED 60,274.72 INDUSTRIES PLC UNION DICON SALT 3,676.41 PLC.

S/N

225.71 2,111.93

MARKET CAP(Nm) 711.32

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 904,449.62 113.10

PRICE

1

5

351

7,330,004

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

-

18

179,945

-

22 40

13,481 193,426

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

22.10

-

0

0

3.10

-4.32

11 11

409,305 409,305

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

20.70

-

28

90,827

52.50

-

29

145,503

57

236,330

561

8,725,527

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1.38

-3.50

45

2,288,232

20.00

-

34

1,825,802

2.20

-4.35

82

3,726,578

40.00

-1.23

190

5,924,025

0.70 0.69 1.40 6.00 1.06 0.73

-1.43 -1.64 9.28 1.37

7 15 19 40 9 39 480

166,214 214,437 100,355,111 704,890 191,307 16,895,702 132,292,298

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4,117.00

0.20

-

1

107,000

4,643.24

0.67

9.84

51

8,971,909

29,400.00

2.80

-

7

19,103

1,960.00

0.28

-3.45

4

212,900

15,040.48

1.45

-

3

13,200

4,713.44

0.32

-8.57

6

610,900

2,940.00

0.21

-

5

30,800

2,411.47

0.53

-

0

0

1,913.74

0.50

-

0

0

2,333.20

0.38

-

2

1,200

539.32

0.42

-

1

100

2,636.44

0.36

-

5

72,638

4,038.55

0.94

-

5

11,143

6,400.00

0.80

-

4

30,000

2,720.00

0.34

-8.11

12

930,500

17,161.63

3.25

1.56

12

349,873

2,012.26

0.26

-

9

5,079

2,023.23

0.53

-3.64

7

614,310

1,667.19

0.25

-

3

11,000

2,502.25

0.30

-

0

0

5,422.63

0.42

-

1

500

4,483.72

0.48

-

3

650

516.46

0.20

-

2

107,000

8,000.00

0.50

-

0

0

4,160.00

0.30

3.45

10

397,100

44

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

45

˾ FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018

MARKET NEWS

FBNQuest Expands Financial Resource Centre at Lagos Business School Goddy Egene FBNQuest Merchant Bank, the merchant banking and asset management subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc has delivered a financial resource centre at the Lagos Business School(LBS), Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, in line with its commitment to support reputable educational establishments with strong business and finance faculties.

The resource centre, known as ‘The Bloomberg Room’ is where students can get quick access to research tools, financial market

data, analysis of banks, and other economic data to facilitate effective learning at tertiary level.

Speaking on the initiative, Managing Director/CEO, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Kayode Akinkugbe, said it commenced in 2014 with two terminals in the LBS library, and due to demand it expanded to 12 terminals.

According to him, the delivery of the initiative aligns with the group’s corporate responsibility & sustainability (CR&S) focus areas of knowledge and skills development and sustainable

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

finance/investment.

Akinkugbe said:“We are conscious of the role technology plays in providing people with access to information. We believe it is important to equip students with the right financial tools and research, and we want to contribute meaningfully to that.

We started the initiative five years ago, and this expansion is something we were keen to deliver because we know that the impact at this stage of learning can be profound. Through the resource center we also provide access to our thought-leading

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 4-July-2018, unless otherwise stated.

FBNQuest Capital Research, which we believe will serve as an additional resource for the students.”

Also speaking, Dean, LBS, Dr. Enase Okonedo, highlighted the importance of the resource centre to students.

“It fits perfectly with the school’s effort to provide global standard teaching and knowledge sourcing facilities.

The students’ experience is significantly enriched, and the benefit of added qualifications is a bonus. We are glad to have this partnership with the

organisation, and the Bloomberg terminals have been impactful for the beneficiaries and the school in general.”

Recently the Executive Council of the LBS Alumni Association (LBSAA) awarded the prestigious 2018 Lagos Business School Alumni President’s Award to FBNQuest.

This was in recognition of its contributions to the school via the Bloomberg Room and other capacity building engagements, which have been of immense benefit to both current students and alumni.

Meanwhile, The Economist has rated , LBS as one of the top 50 business schools worldwide, surging ahead of world class institutions such as the University of Florida, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Minnesota.

This global ranking is a testament to the rising quality of business education delivered by the school. The School also achieved accreditation from the AACSB, the world’s most prestigious business school accreditor, and its MBA is accredited by AMBA.

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 184.41 186.15 4.05% Nigeria International Debt Fund 250.88 252.66 8.78% 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 0.84 0.85 1.99% ACAP Income Funds 0.64 0.64 7.02% 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 13.00% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.52% 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 N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1,177.08 1,177.85 8.82% FBN Heritage Fund 147.30 148.56 4.72% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.15% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 111.89 112.33 1.50% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 111.72 112.16 1.55% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 175.77 178.28 9.36% 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 1.38 1.41 5.94% Legacy Debt Fund 3.08 3.08 6.63% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,141.82 3,174.88 5.25% Coral Income Fund 2,647.85 2,647.85 8.19% 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 N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A

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 1.22 4.21% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,082.06 1,082.06 7.26% 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 13.54 13.66 3.15% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.49% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.31 1.34 10.40% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.82 11.87 7.01% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.46% 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 133.48 135.88 3.66% 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 1.60 1.60 7.82% 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 2,384.09 2,404.13 6.29% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 186.58 186.58 5.74% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.04 1.05 3.47% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 240.01 240.07 8.99% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 184.12 186.21 2.81% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.27% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,789.66 9,922.74 1.24% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.10 1.10 3.75% 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 N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 13.07 13.28 5.06% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.83 13.99 5.63% Zenith Income Fund 20.47 20.47 8.15% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.81%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 136.51 103.70 51.30

1.01% 3.06%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.07 150.04 110.46

12.17 153.16 112.47

-0.43% 5.02% 1.08%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund Union Homes REIT

0.92%

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

4.66 8.98 17.59 19.38 144.29

4.70 9.06 17.69 19.58 146.29

-1.69% -6.16% 0.46% -1.49% 5.50%

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.

˜ ;˜ ͺ͸͹΀ ˾ T H I S D AY

46

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

When an Illiterate Man Was Asked to Read – 2 Continued from last week

Spahic Omer/IslamiCity TOWARDS REVIVING THE IQRA’ CONCEPT

N

o wonder this awareness led to the creation of a powerful Islamic civilization whose most conspicuous characteristics revolved around the notions of knowledge, education, wisdom and science. It was a civilization of learning (reading), which was caused and sustained by learning and learned (reading) generations. Such was an engine of Muslim civilizational growth and cultural enrichment through centuries. It was only when such a spirit was lost that Islamic civilization started declining, and the Muslim community started losing ground to other nations and their less adequate patterns of civilizational progress.

Today in the age of globalization, as Muslims grow more and more desperate in their quest to restore their cultural and civilizational identity and respect from others, they should know that the only way forward is the revivification of the universal concept of iqra’ (read!), as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the Hira’ Cave, and everything such concept entails. That endeavour would bring an end to many alien, inept and outright useless alternatives Muslims have adopted in recent times in order to fill the void left by their gradual abandoning of the original iqra’ scheme.

If revived, the authentic iqra’ process would minimize memorization – unfortunately often associated with little or no understanding whatsoever – replacing it with a combination of better comprehension and practical application of knowledge. In passing, memorization in the past, when there was no technology and books were either rare or extremely expensive, was something, and memorization today, in the era of technology and when books are both easily available and affordable, is something else. Today almost every Muslim has downloaded on his smartphone – a gadget without which, in actual fact, life is unimaginable -- the Qur’an with its translations and numerous commentaries, anthologies of the Prophet’s sunnah, encyclopaedic works on fiqh, sirah, Muslim history, etc. Every aspect of Islamic knowledge is constantly with a person and is available at his fingertips. Everyone is a walking encyclopaedia, so to speak, in the sense that practically everyone has limitless access to limitless knowledge at all times.

Accordingly, talking about memorization today should not be in the sense of preservation and safeguarding – as it was in the past; hence the word hifz, which means safeguarding, and which is used for memorization -- in that everything is already painstakingly preserved and safeguarded. This is in no way a call for abolishing memorization in Islamic scholarship.

However, it is a call to seriously reconsider it and revisit its scope.

Nor should just reading a book – or books – and teaching notes from PowerPoint be the way.

As a lecturer myself, I often wonder what my role in teaching Islamic studies today should exactly be. To keep saying – and repeating -- things every single student has on his smartphone, or can easily find on a website and in numerous library books, certainly is not the way either.

That way, coming to a class is tantamount to wasting time. Reading alone in a hostel room, or productively spending the same time in a library, is a better option by all accounts.

Indeed, teaching and learning in classes ought to be more challenging, more provoking, more productive, more eye-and-mind opening and more real-world an experience. Sometimes I tell my students in certain Islamic studies courses that if they at the end start asking questions they never asked before, or they start looking at some absorbing life issues and challenges from perspectives they never did before -- that will be regarded as a great success. Or if they realize that they do not know and genuinely need to know, or that they can identify voids in their personal lives and, at the same time, know where exactly to go to pursue solutions -- that, too, will be seen as a great leap forward.

I keep encouraging them to “read” and investigate themselves and their lives honestly, pragmatically and ingeniously. It is better to have genuine questions than faulty or sub-standard answers. It is better to be life-oriented than good marks-obsessed, or driven. The former stimulates and galvanises, whereas the latter

deludes and debilitates. It is in this context that I am starting to feel more and more inclined towards the modern theory of outcome-based education, according to which no single specified style of teaching or assessment is adopted, and where the role of a lecturer adapts into teacher, trainer, instructor, facilitator, and/or mentor based on the specified and adopted outcomes.

Moreover, conducting Islamic studies programs need also be thoroughly re-evaluated. Such programs during most turbulent periods of Muslim history have been divested of their true meaning, dynamism and purpose. Instead of being man and life-oriented, promoting and facilitating the creation of righteous cultures and civilization – as implied by the iqra’ (read!) imperative – they became synonymous with mediocrity, regress, apathy and narrowmindedness.

One wonders, therefore, about the benefits of meticulously studying today, for example, some minor long-extinct religious sects, some endless -- at times utterly meaningless -- debates in the fields of philosophy, ‘ilm al-kalam (Islamic scholastic theology), Sufism and even fiqh (jurisprudence) and tafsir (exegesis of the Qur’an). It is unfathomable, for example, that while Muslims are today on the brink of total and all-consuming sectarian conflicts, many Islamic educational programs actively participate in exacerbating the predicament by the ways they teach certain sensitive historical episodes, theological doctrines and jurisprudential questions. As is inexplicable, in equal measure, that numerous irrelevant and outmoded topics are dealt with lengthily – with countless books and theses being filled with them -- while a great many pressing issues that aim to afflict the Muslim youth, Muslim politics, economics, education and human relations are either ignored or tackled only sporadically and superficially.

Furthermore, if the spirit of iqra’ is revived, there will be no separation between religion and any aspect, or dimension, of life. This is so because Islam is life, and life, in turn, is Islam, in that it represents and mirror the same truth. The truth of the Qur’an is the truth of the multidimensional life phenomenon. Islam, it goes without saying, is to be lived, rather than practiced. It is to be experienced, rather than just talked about.

That said, as the most ideal and somewhat farfetched implication of iqra’, having separate Islamic studies educational departments and programs, should be reduced to a minimum, or be done away with altogether – except in cases with very specialized character, objectives and scope. However, this is just concerning departments and programs, not Islamic studies as such. The latter should be integrated in all other educational programs that normally stand for different aspects of everyday life. The process of integration should be so seamless and harmonious that the students of a program, while learning about the chosen academic field of theirs, learn about Islam as well, without developing a feeling that the same has been unwittingly imposed upon them.

Thus, when the students learn about the worldview(s) that underpins any branch, or field, of knowledge, they will learn at length about the Islamic worldview, belief system and values, and how that branch, or field, of knowledge is to be turned into a beneficial civilizational component for Muslims and humankind at large. When they talk about professional codes of ethics, Islamic ethics and its application will be learned and discussed extensively. The implications of the same for the whole community will also be dwelled on. The legal aspects of various knowledge fields will bring the students face to face with Islamic shari’ah and fiqh. Moreover, the subjects of history will focus chiefly on the history of Islam, Muslim peoples and Islamic culture and civilization. That will create a framework from which every other aspect of human history and civilization will be studied.

Finally, every program will aim to make of a student an excellent, holistic and righteous man (and woman) ready to make a positive contribution in every context he (she) might find himself (herself) in, including the context of his (her) professional life. In this way, the students will become both better professionals and better Muslims.

Indeed, it is high time that Muslims stop embracing and practicing virtual illiteracy in the name of education and cultural development.

˜ ;˜ ͺ͸͹Ͷ ˾ T H I S D AY

47

FOREIGN/DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS

Foreign/Diplomatic Editor: VINCENT OBIA vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com 0805 468 1757

Barkat: Israel is a Challenged Land with Special Measures to Ensure Mutual Autonomy for Arabs, Jews Nir Barkat, Jerusalem’s two-term mayor, whose 10 years’ tenure ends in November, spoke with BBC’s Stephen Sackur in Jerusalem on HARDTalk. The interview was monitored on Thursday in Lagos by Vincent Obia. Excerpts:

Nir Barkat (left) and Benjamin Netanyahu

O

n the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research numbers, which show that the poverty rate for Arab citizens resident in Jerusalem has gone up during his term.

First of all, we operate an economy and when it rains, it rains on everyone.

The reality is that the number of Arabs joining the labour force has dramatically climbed. You see more and more of the Arab population becoming part of the economy. In the past, they didn’t even try to apply for a job.

Unemployment in all sectors is less than four per cent. We know that everyone that wants a job can get a job. The next point is the quality of life vis-a-vis the services they get; they get services like anyone else. By the way, we also have poverty in the orthodox population. The challenge is not necessarily only for the Arabs.

On the fact that there is 75 per cent poverty rate for the Arab population.

Very close to the Jewish orthodox population. My role as major is to do three things, and that is what I have been doing: job creation so that people can join the labour force; focus on education and a number of Arab residents can choose and elect by option the Israeli education system (about half of the population now wants to join our education); and we are working very hard to get people out of poverty.

Same system between Jews and Arabs and we are fighting poverty all over, and we are doing a good job.

On why the Arab population of Jerusalem has a shortfall of at least 2, 500 classrooms and just over half of the Arab population in the city are connected to the water grid?

There are 4, 000 classrooms in Palestinian East Jerusalem, 2, 000 for the Arab population and 2, 000 for the Jewish population.

On the obviously scandalous figure, considering the Arab population.

What I’m doing is that I’ve taken a loan and we are catching up with that neglect. We are dramatically improving that situation. They city has seen a lot of neglect in terms of classrooms, not only for the Arab population. The reality is that the neglect is all over the city. If anything, I have now pushed the button and we are developing dramatically hundreds of classrooms every year. We are catching up with the neglect; we are opening up new schools in East Jerusalem. I’m proud of the fact that we admit the challenge and we are dealing with it. It took accountability and responsibility for

developing the city for the benefit of our children.

On the comment by Israeli president, Reuven Rivlin, on June 1, 2018, “We have been saying for 50 years that Jerusalem is united, but we do not behave as if it is united.”

I agree with some of what he said, which is there is a lot to do. That is why I left all my business career and focused on improving the city of Jerusalem. And I’m happy to tell you that in my term, in the 10 years I’ve been major, we have dramatically changed that momentum. It wasn’t a good momentum. The gaps were growing and now they are choking. I’m

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULJELIL BABATUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAM ABDULJELIL BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINADE KAFAYAT ADERAYO, now wish to be knownand addressed as MRS BUSARI KAFAYAT ADERAYO. All former docment remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLAWALE OLAWALE now MUSILUIDEEN, wish to be knownand BADMUS addressed as M U S I L U I D E E N OLAWALE . All former docment remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and OGALUE addressed as BENJAMIN, now wish to be knownand addressed as

OGALUE BENJAMIN All former NONSO..

docment remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEGBITE BAMIDELE BUSAYO, now wish to be knownand addressed as AKINOLA BAMIDELE BUSAYO..

All former docment remain valid. &ĞŵĂůĞ͕ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ŽĨ EŽ ϭϬ ZĂŵŽŶĂ Ajako Close of Jayeoba Bus Stop, Shasha Akonwonjo, Lagos State.The general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES I, CHRISTOPHER NDUBUISI ATUWAOGU is the same person as NWAFOR CHRISTOPHER ATUWAOGU NDUBUISI. All former document remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

very proud of the fact that I changed the trend and now we are dealing with the reality and we are doing a good job, relative to where we were.

And there is still a lot of work to do.

On how good his Arabic is.

I don’t speak Arabic but I know how to speak to my Arab population very well.

On the fact that he has made no effort in 10 years to learn Arabic, even though 330, 000 of his residents are Arabs.

I speak to them on a daily basis.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EWA BEATRICE ORIEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWOBBI BEATRICE ORIEOMA. All former documents remain valid. the general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BASHIR IDAYAT OMOLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BADRU IDAYAT OMOLARA. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OMEZIE DORCAS ONYERO CHERISH, now wish to beknownandaddressedasMRS OJEAGA DORCAS ONYERO CHERISH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SMAILA AKOFE, now wish to be known and addressed as AJISOPE ISMAILA SULEMAN. All former documents remain valid. the general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as KAYODE ZACCHAEUS TEMILOLU, now wish to be known and addred essed as KAYODE ABIDEMI ZACCHAEUS. All former documents remain valid. the general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ESTHER ASUKWO EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ESTHER KINGSLEY EDET.Al former documents remain valid. the general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ABRAHAM GABRIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ITODO ABRAHAM OWOICHO-OCHE. All former documents remain valid. the general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AROH VERONICA CHIYEAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AMAEFUNA VERONICA CHIYEAKA. All former documents remain valid. the general public should take note.

On how he would feel if he were an Arab citizen of Jerusalem and looked at the building laws, the way construction works in the city have been done, and seen that the vast majority of building permits are given to Jewish builders for Jewish residency. A Jewish NGO, which studied this, said eight per cent of building permits for housing units in Jerusalem have gone to Palestinian neighbourhoods. Yet, 40 per cent of the city is Arab.

In my tenure as major, that is total nonsense. In the past, if you couldn’t prove that you own a piece of land, you won’t get approval. We created all kinds of structures to enable giving people permits. We have a lot of challenges to overcome for the benefit of enabling more building permits, and we’ve done that.

On how many Palestinian houses have been demolished in Jerusalem under his watch.

If I remember correctly, it’s about 200 – half in the west side, half in the east side. I took extra care when I looked at how to help my Arab residents to improve their quality of life. We want to ensure there are enough spaces for building green parks, then we want to make sure there is enough spaces for schools and kindergartens and we want to make sure there is enough property. That way, it is interesting for the Arab population. They come to me and say it’s good enough; it’s helping our quality of life.

On whether it seems just to him that more than two-and -a-half thousand

Palestinians have been left homeless due to house demolitions, while at the same time 2, 500 Jewish settlers have moved into Palestinian neighbourhoods in Jerusalem.

People, including Jews, buy apartments legally anywhere in the world.

On the situation where houses are built by Jews without permit and it is only after the event that buildings are legalised, something he has been asked, even by the American government, to stop, and he has failed to do so.

In Jerusalem, you have to build legally, and I will help everyone to build legally. One per cent of the buildings you see have building permit. Ninety-nine per cent of the buildings do not have a permit. We have changed the designing code so that 97 per cent would have a permit.

Jews buy apartment in the east of the city, west side, Jordan, Syria, or anywhere they want.

On whether it seems just to him that there are tens of thousands of citizens of Jerusalem in places like Shuafat refugee camp, which is inside the municipality of Jerusalem, but get virtually no services whatsoever from his municipality because they happen to be on the other side of the wall that now runs through Jerusalem.

They get all the services when they enter the fence, like any other Jerusalemite. The challenge is

security. When the people cleaning the streets are challenged with stones, it’s challenging to serve. I wish we could take the fence out.

On Shuafat being one place that makes a mockery of his claim that Jerusalem is the eternal undivided capital of Israel, because the people are Jerusalemites.

We have demonstrated and proved that if we didn’t have a security challenge, we will serve them as much as we serve other residents.

Everywhere we can, we will. Have you ever heard of a Jewish refugee?

No, why, because the Jews take care of our refugees in the world. We take care of them. Why is it that only Palestinian refugees are in Israel? Why is it that the Arab world doesn’t take care of them? There is no accountability on the Palestinian side.

On the statement by a respected Israeli lawyer and human rights campaigner, Daniel Seidemann, “The only place where Jerusalem is ‘the undivided capital of Israel’ is in the fertile imaginations of ideologues such as Netanyahu and Barkat. Nowhere else in the world is there a prime minister so utterly detached from the daily realities of a city that he claims to be his nation’s ‘exclusive’ capital; and nowhere else is there a mayor so utterly disconnected from – and in denial about – the realities of the flesh-and-blood city over which he purports to preside.”

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018Ëž T H I S D AY

48

NEWS

ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ejiofor Alike Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Congestion Looms at Apapa Port as Truckers Threaten to Strike Today Allege extortion by security agencies

Eromosele Abiodun The industrial action by truck drivers evacuating goods at the Apapa Port which is proposed to start today will shut down the port and worsen its congestion, a situation analysts have said could adversely affect the economy of the country.

Truck drivers and other major stakeholders at the port are protesting alleged extortion by personnel of the Nigerian Navy and other government agencies implementing the traffic call up system introduced by the federal government to manage the precarious Apapa traffic gridlock.

THISDAY gathered that the truck drivers might commence the strike today, a move some of their officials said was aimed at total shutdown of activity at the port.

If the strike goes ahead, it could fuel cargo congestion in the two Lagos ports because 98 per cent of cargoes in the ports are being evacuated by road transportation.

A leader of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) told THISDAY that the industrial action would be embarked upon by individual truck owners and drivers who are tired of the situation under which they operate.

He alleged that the situation was getting chaotic despite government intervention and introduction of call up system.

He source said: �It has not been announced officially, but truck drivers have down tool on individual basis but in the next 48 hours, there will be an announcement, and we want to inform authority before going on strike.�

Apapa access roads have become impassable for more than two years as a result of failure by the government to repair damaged portions of

Apapa-Oshodi expressway.

The traffic management system being coordinated by the Nigerian Navy via a call up card system introduced early this year to stem the perennial traffic lock down at Apapa port was at some point successful and restored sanity on the port access roads.

However, the slow pace of work on the Apapa Wharf road reconstruction project, despite claims by the contractors that it has achieved 75 per cent completion, appears to have worsened the situation.

But truck drivers have decried the activity of officials involved in the traffic management and vowed to henceforth resist the practice.

They also threatened to shut down the ports in a planned industrial action that may paralyse port activities.

To achieve their threat, the independent truck owners especially those operating at the Ijora axis had commenced series of meetings and consultations with truck owners under various associations such as the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), AMATO, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

Officials of the associations told THISDAY that the planned industrial action was the last resort as all their previous efforts to stop the alleged extortionist practice had been fruitless.

At the meeting held at the NARTO office in Tincan, Abdullahi Inuwa of NARTO, said the collaborative efforts by the truckers have become necessary and urgent, saying they have been pushed to the wall as a result of the extortion in the hands of the government security officials.

The Vice-President, Seaport (Western Zone) of National

Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Ibrahim Tanko, accused the naval officials of collecting N70,000 on 40- footer container while N40,000 was being collected on 20-footer container.

According to him, “The naval officers collude with the NPA officials to collect this unreceipted money from truck drivers before they could be issued CA Lloyd up card to access the port. “If any driver refuses to part with this amount, he would stay in queue till eternity and because these drivers want to enter the port to get job, they are constrained to pay.�

The National Publicity Secretary of Association of Nigerian

Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA), Joe Sanni, corroborated Tanko’s claims describing the situation as unfortunate. “Yes, there is extortion going on by the navy and NPA through the call up card system. We didn’t even know that the money they collect has increased to N70,000 and N40,000, it used to be between N30,000 and N40,000. “What is happening is necessitated by unfortunate stance of shipping companies not to obey the directive of NPA to direct empty containers to their holding bays, so they allow these trucks to float which causes congestion in the first place,� he said.

Also, the President of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, said

there was high level of extortion among these officers, but blamed the drivers who willingly offer them to get into the port faster. “Some of these drivers offer money to the officials who control the traffic to get the call up card and enter the port. Some of them may not even tell the truth about the actual amount they pay as a ploy to inflate the real amount for the owners of the trucks. Yes, extortion goes on day and night there, “Ogungbemi declared.

However, the Naval spokesperson for the traffic management committee, Lt. Commander Charles Brinemigha, dismissed the allegations.

He said the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS)

BEECROFT, Commodore Okon Eyo, who is in charge of the traffic call up system has no knowledge of it. “No naval officer collects money from any driver. The commander has even asked the drivers to report to him directly any of his men who ask them for money for disciplinary action. “The commodore even gave the truckers his personal phone number on which they could reach him for complaint, and he also pays impromptu visits to the operational site,� he added.

Brinemigha, however, alleged that some drivers, out of desperation, induce officers with money in order to get call up card ahead of others to enter the port.

PLEASE STOP THE KILLINGS...

Mrs. Leah Solomon weeping and pleading with President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the Killings during the visit of Christian Association of Nigeria to the the Presidential Villa, Abuja ‌yesterday

UK Offers to Assist FG Ekiti Poll: Atiku , Secondus, Govs Say PDP in Securing Release of Will Resist Rigging Fayose berates FG for closing down Akure airport Leah Sharibu The United Kingdom has promised to support efforts of the Nigerian government to secure the release of Leah Sharibu who has remained in Boko Haram captivity since she was abducted in February.

Sharibu, a 15-year-old girl, was among 119 students abducted from Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State.

All the girls were subsequently released except five who reportedly died in detention, but Sharibu, the only Christian, was held back for “refusing to renounce her faith.�

According to the Premier Christian Radio, the House of Commons (lower chamber of the UK parliament) discussed Sharibu at pleanry last Wednesday.

A member of parliament (MP) for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake, was said to have asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth

Affairs for updates on his department’s discussions with Nigerian authorities on the prolonged detention of Sharibu.

In her response, the Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Harriett Baldwin, said the foreign secretary spoke to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on February 26 and extended an offer of additional support from the UK government. “Attacks on schools and abductions of children are abhorrent and must stop. The government of Nigeria has said they are making all efforts to secure her release.� “The UK is resolute in its support for Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram, and are providing a substantial package of intelligence, military and humanitarian support to assist in the response to the ongoing conflict,� she said.

Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ Former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Uche Secondus, as well as governors on the platform of the party yesterday urged the electorate to resist any form of rigging in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The party’s leaders also declared readiness to displace the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the presidency in 2019, starting with the state election.

They spoke at the mega rally in Ado-Ekiti where they rallied support for the party’s candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, for the election.

Olusola was officially presented with the party’s flag by the PDP national chairman at a rally held at Ojumose area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. Atiku,

a presidential aspirant, said the PDP is on a mission to rescue Nigeria from insecurity and other challenges confronting it.

Bigwigs at the event included former Caretaker Chairman of the party and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi; former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa; former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, and Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibrin.

Other PDP governors who canvassed for votes for Olusola were Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Mr. Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Mr. Daris Ishaku (Taraba), Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross River), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), who was represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah

(rtd), and River State Governor, Nyesom Wike.  Drumming support for continuity agenda in Ekiti State, Atiku urged the people of the state to vote for Olusola, who is seeking to succeed his boss, Governor Ayo Fayose, in the July 14 election.

He said: “I have known Ekiti State since 1992 and between then and now, every project in this state was built by PDP and it is time to make sure that PDP continues. “People must ensure that PDP continues in power because continuity is the key to development. The PDP is on rescue mission to this country. “We will bring back security, we will revamp our economy, as well as restore good governance in Nigeria. Please stay until your votes are counted.�

In his contribution, Secondus said: “The PDP is rebranded and repositioned; we are

here to rescue Nigeria from insecurity, from collapse and hardship Nigerians are presently going through under the APC government. “Many Nigerians are being killed in Taraba, Benue and Plateau States. How many of our people will you kill before rescue comes? APC and its people are not God. “We refuse to be intimidated; it is their style to intimidate, thus country is experiencing civil war because of killing, and President Muhammadu Buhari is behind it, APC is behind it, and therefore, PDP will take over. “They have the plan to arrest our people, our members but we will not be intimidated.

The APC is broken already, the broom has scattered. We have the best candidate for this election who will take over from Fayose to continue the development of this state.�

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018˾ T H I S D AY

49

NEWSXTRA

Buhari Signs Executive Order on Suspicious Assets

Law targets assets of ex-govs, ministers, others Guidelines for implementing executive order 5 out soon Fashola debunks claim on Chinese prisoners working in Nigeria

Omololu Ogunmade ËØÎ Chineme Okafor ÓØ ÌßÔË President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja signed The

Executive Order 6, which seeks to restrain owners of assets under investigation from carrying out any further transaction on such assets.

Senate Wants Justice for Slain Corps Member, Nine Policemen Calls for removal of military checkpoints in South-east Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË

mandate the committee on youth and sports to investigate the killing The Senate yesterday condemned and report back to Senate. the killing of a member of the Seconding the motion, National Youth Service Corps Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (NSYC) and nine policemen in (Abia North), said the lady who three different locations in Abuja was killed by a trigger-happy this week and demanded that policeman few days to her the killers be brought to book. passing out from the mandatory Seven policemen were one-year NYSC programme must hacked down at a checkpoint be properly investigated. at Galadimawa by suspected The Senate thereafter observed armed robbers and two others a minute silence for the deceased killed at Abaji, while the lady corper and directed it’s corps member was killed by a Committee on youth, sports and policeman at Central Area, all health to investigate the killing in the Federal Capital Territory and report back to Senate in (FCT). two weeks.

Speaking at plenary, Senate Ohuabunwa had earlier President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, under matter of urgent national described as unfortunate, the importance expressed concern killing of the policemen who about the high number of police were trying all within their powers and army road blocks on major to protect lives and property. highways in the South East.

While commiserating with He cited the heavy presence the families of the deceased, he of soldiers and policemen at enjoined the police authorities various checkpoints along Enuguto ensure that the perpetrators Portharcourt road, Aba-Owerri of the dastardly act are arrested road and Onitsha- Owerri road and made to face the full wrath and moved a motion asking of the law.

Senate to call for the reduction He also directed the Senate or dismantling of the checkpoints Committee on Police Affairs as they affect free movement of headed by Senator Abu Ibrahim, people and goods in the zone. to find out what really happened Seconding the motion, Senator and advise the Senate accordingly Victor Umeh(Anambra Central), on what to do on the issue. also wondered why the heavy Speaking under Orders 42 and presence of military and police 52, Senator Atai Idoko (Kogi East), personnel on the highways in the drew the attention of the Senate South-east “ “when there is no to the recent killing of a corps threat to security in that area”. members, Miss Angela Igwetu, The Senate thereafter urged by a trigger-happy policeman. both the police and army to He said the hospital the slain quickly reduce or dismantle the corps member, who was shot in heavy road blocks on South-east Abuja, was taken to denied he roads so as to facilitate free medical attention at a hospital movement goods and people. because she did not provide a It also advised police and army police report. to always seek to balance the Idoko expressed worry at imperatives of national security the rate hospitals turn back and the economic interests of patients with gunshot wounds citizens in the monitoring of the “despite the fact that the National environment especially where Assembly passed a bill mandating there are no evident security hospitals to treat patients with gun breaches. shot wounds and assented to by The Senate further directed it’s President Buhari late last year.” Committees on police and army He, therefore, moved a motion to take a tour of the South-east requesting the Senate to observe roads and investigate the matter one-minute silence and also and report back to the Senate.

Mrs Egbarin Passes on The death has been announced of Mrs Esther Justina Omare Egbarin, nee Omatseye.

Aged 81, Mrs Egbarin, a qualified registered nurse and midwife from the Victoria General Hospital in Scotland, worked as nurse at the UACN and a staff member at Vono Products Limited Lagos.

In her lifetime, the deceased was a prominent member of the Warri Ladies Vanquard, Lagos branch, and

a distinguished member of the St. Jude’s Society of the St. Dominic’s Church, Yaba.

The late Egbarin will be interred on July 13, 2018, at the Ebony Vaults, Alagbon, Lagos, after a funeral service at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi. She is survived

by Mrs Bolajoko Abebe, Mr. Obiajulu Egbarin Ms Nneka Egbarin, in-laws among whom is Dr. John Abebe, grandchildren, sisters and relations.

The new law targets the assets of no fewer than 11 former governors, ministers and other politically exposed persons, who served in the country between 1999 and 2015.

With the coming into effect of Executive Order Number 6, Buhari hopes to swoop on the assets said to have been corruptly acquired at home and abroad by top government officials directly and through their fronts in and outside government over the years.

THISDAY gathered that no fewer than ten former governor currently under trial for various graft-related offences are listed by the federal government as targets for asset seizure pending the conclusion of their trials.

Also listed as targets for the seizure of their assets are former ministers and elements, who purportedly aided and abetted the laundering of government funds for top politicians in the country.

The list shows that a total of 155 Politically Exposed Persons,

businessmen, top civil servants and private individuals and companies that were used to launder funds are also targets under the new order, whose date of take off was not indicated.

This is coming as the federal government also disclosed that the guidelines for the implementation of the Executive Order 5 signed by the president to protect jobs and revenues created from Nigeria’s economy for Nigerians, would be out soon.

Buhari who signed the order in the State House, said he had chosen to do so in view of the necessity to stop owners of such assets from further using their proceeds to pervert the cause of justice or sponsor acts that can be injurious to the state. He described the order as a platform for counter-attack.

“It has thus become necessary to re-kit and re-tool our arsenal to be able to effectively tackle corruption’s perilous counterattack against the Nigerian state. Accordingly, the Federal Government of Nigeria has

declared a national emergency to deal with that crisis. In this regard, the Federal Government of Nigeria in line with its anticorruption strategy seeks to ensure that the ends of justice is not defeated or compromised by persons involved in a case or complaint of corruption.

“It is in consequence of this that I have decided to issue the Executive Order No. 6 of 2018 to inter alia restrict dealings in suspicious assets subject to investigation or inquiry bordering on corruption in order to preserve such assets from dissipation, and to deprive alleged criminals of the proceeds of their illicit activities which can otherwise be employed to allure, pervert and/or intimidate the investigative and judicial processes or for acts of terrorism, financing of terrorism, kidnapping, sponsorship of ethnic or religious violence, economic sabotage and cases of economic and financial crimes, including acts contributing to the economic adversity of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria and against the overall interest of justice and the welfare of the Nigerian State,” the president said.

According to him, available records have shown that the aggregate value of funds allegedly stolen on which prosecution is being conducted is N595,409,838 billion, saying the figure exceeds the N500 billion appropriated for Social Investment Programme in the 2018 budget.

He said the stolen money was also higher than the highest appropriation of N344 billion in the 2018 budget for the Ministry of Works for construction and rehabilitation of several roads across the country.

Buhari also said funds budgeted for execution of roads captured in the 2018 budget are the equivalent of about 57 per cent of the monies recovered from the prosecution of some of the on-going high profile

Cont’d on Pg 52

ROYAL BLESSING

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, flanked by All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Dr. Olusola Ayandele (left) and Wife, when Ayandele visited the palace to receive the monarch’s blessing ahead of 2019 elections... yesterday

N’Assembly Plateau Caucus Berates Buhari over Comments on Killings James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË The Plateau State caucus in the National Assembly yesterday described as unfortunate, comments by allegedly made by President Muhammadu Buhari after his recent visit to the state over the killing of more than 200 people by armed herdsmen.

The president reportedly consoled the people of the state, adding that only God can solve the security challenges.

But the caucus, drawn from both House of Representatives and the Senate, said it was unfortunate that such utterances would proceed from the mouth of the president.

Addressing House correspondents, the group queried: “When have prayers become a policy of government

to fight insurgency and insecurity?”

Led by Hon. Johnbull Shekarau, the lawmakers wondered how Buhari could have visited the state only to ask the people to pray when he ought to be decisive in finding a lasting solution to the killings.

“We need action not prayers,” they noted.

The caucus also called in the Inspector General of Police (IG) to investigate the allegations made by Hon. Idris Wase, who during last Tuesday’s plenary, claimed he had evidence that weapons were smuggled into the state during the 2015 elections and that he had documentary evidence of politicians who were behind the killings in the country.

Reacting strongly to the killings, the caucus, which also

includes Senator Jeremiah Useni, a retired army general; Senator Jonah Jang, Hon. Beni Lar, Hon. Solomon Maren among others, further charged the federal government to recover all the lands and homes currently occupied by the killer herdsmen who invaded over 52 villages in the state killing 215 natives.

In a statement read out by Johnbull which was endorsed by eight other members, the caucus said: “We are heartbroken by the fact that the hospitable and peace-loving people of Plateau State are being hunted and massacred by those who were embraced, hosted and accommodated as fellow citizens in the spirit of brotherhood and togetherness.

“We are still in a state of

shock and disbelieve with the magnitude and barbarity of the killings, destruction of homes and property that left hundreds of men, women, young, old, children and toddlers slain.

The lawmakers who commended the designation of the killings as genocide by the House said they believed the intruders have an agenda for land grabbing.

They said: “The narrative of the killings has clearly revealed that it is a wellorchestrated land grabbing agenda that inflicts terror to attack and sack targeted communities.

“Over 52 such villages and communities have been annexed up in four local government areas of B/ Ladi, Riyom, Bass and Bokkos.”

50

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Again, FG Says Corrupt Politicians Behind Killings Senator Iroegbu, Paul Obi, Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ George Okoh Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ“ With eight more persons felled in Adamawa and Benue States by suspected herdsmen, the federal government said again yesterday that corrupt politicians were behind the killings across the nation, particularly the northern parts of the country, cautioning religious leaders against making inflammatory comments capable of worsening the already bad security situation in the country.

And as eight persons were killed in attacks by herdsmen in Kola community, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Tiza Village, Tormbo ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, raised a team to investigate the recent killing of seven police personnel at Galadimawa Roundabout, Abuja.

The fresh accusation came through the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), while speaking at the opening of a two-day High Level Dialogue on Law and Security in Nigeria, where he appealed to religious leaders

as well as the public to shun the temptation of giving the current insecurity situation a religious coloration.

He said the forum was convened against the backdrop of the severe security challenges facing the country, particularly the killings of hundreds of innocent Nigerians by suspected herdsmen on June 23 to 24, 2018 in three local government areas in Plateau State.

While describing the incidents as “horrendous, depressing and alarming,’’ the AGF however, emphasised on the need for all to refrain from actions that could further aggravate the situation.

He stated, “Let me also use this opportunity to appeal to our religious leaders, both of the Islamic and Christian faiths, to be in the vanguard of the need for sober speech and prudent counsel in the present situation. “The rush to ascribe religious connotations to pure acts of criminality, even before investigation, can only serve to further deepen the national fault lines and inflame passions on all sides. No country survives a religious war and it is our collective prayer that Nigeria will never be pushed to that brink.’’

Sambo Denies Na’Abba’s Allegation Shola Oyeyipo Former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, has denied claims by a former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, that when he  (Na’Abba) raised the issue of the deteriorating state of education with him (Sambo), he went religious rather than address the matter.

Na’Abba, who was one of the discussants at a recent event marking the eighth session of the Lagos State House of Assembly, while reacting to a lecture by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on how to resolve some of the challenges facing Nigeria, said when he contacted Sambo, when he was the vice president, he simply went religious, saying “may God heal the situation.�

He told the gathering that “I told Jonathan’s vice president about the state of education in Nigeria and I thought he would

do something about it. But all he told me was ‘may God heal the situation’�.

But in a reaction, Sambo’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Alhaji Umar Sani, said the former speaker’s claim was untrue and an attempt to attract cheap publicity to himself.     “The attention of former Vice President Sambo was drawn to a publication widely circulated in the social media purporting to emanate from the Na’abba, making disparaging comments against the person and stature of the former vice president.       “For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, it is necessary to state that no such discussion took place between the former VP and the former speaker. The publication must have been motivated by desperation and a dubious desire to salvage a diminished public status,� Sani said.

He urged participants to use the situation to brainstorm and proffer lasting solution to the increasing insecurity situation, which he claimed, was being fuelled by politicians who are against the anti -corruption stance of the Buhari-led administration. “From an informed assessment of the situation, permit me to first situate the apparent upsurge in these incidents to the advent of another political season of elections and the fierce contestation for power which appears to now over-shadow all pretensions to patriotism and respect for human lives, in certain quarters. “As we approach another general election in 2019, it is easy to see the hands of corrupt politicians with contrary positions in our present security problems as they desperately attempt to discredit all the gains made by this administration, for pure political gain. We must resist these negative tendencies.�

Malami disclosed that the Buhari administration using the instrumentality of the law, had undertaken the prosecution of politically exposed persons within and outside the security services.

The AGF declared that the issue of insecurity presently has become a matter of urgent national importance, which requires the highest sense of patriotism and diligence to address.

He told the state AttorneysGeneral and Commissioners for Justice that as administrators of the law in their respective jurisdictions, they must be fully ready to deploy the full weight of the law to identify and punish all perpetrators of murder and other crimes, irrespective of their  religious    and ethnic background,

adding that they must treat all such cases of criminality as deserving the highest sanctions under the law.

Eight Killed in Fresh Attack in Adamawa, Benue Meanwhile, eight persons were killed in attacks by herdsmen in Kola community, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Tiza Village, Tormbo ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

In Kola community, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, the attackers were reported to have invaded the town, killing five persons and burning down houses.

The state police command through its Police Public Relations Officer, Othman Abubakar, confirmed the attack.

Abubakar said the attack occurred around Mararaba Kola in Guyuk where some herdsmen with locally-made guns attacked and burnt seven houses in Kola according to the first report from the Divisional Police officer stationed in Guyuk.

Abubakar said: “Herdsmen armed with locally made guns attacked Kola, killed a woman and four other men and burnt down seven houses. Two other victims, a woman and a man sustained gun wounds. “Others injured in the attack had been taken to the hospital for treatment and the dead to the mortuary for autopsy.�

Normalcy had been restored to the area and five of the attackers had been apprehended by local vigilantes.

Lemuel Bappa, a resident of Guyuk, confirmed the incident.

In Tiza Village, Tormbo ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State where a similar attack

was carried out by suspected herdsmen, a local source said the attackers invaded the village and laid ambush to farmers who were on their way to their farms around 8:30a.m., opening fire on them and killing three instantly, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.

A community leader and former aide to former Governor Gabriel Suswam, Chief Joseph Anawah, said the armed herdsmen came in their numbers wielding sophisticated weapons and blocked farm paths, shooting anything on sight.

Anawah said, “The Fulani herders’ terrorism has continued to wipe out Benue farmers especially in Logo and Guma Local Government Areas.�

He said the herders had shot and killed three persons at Tse Tyogbihi, Tombo ward in Logo LGA near Anyiin on their way to the farm.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Logo Local Government Area, Mr. Richard Nyajo, disclosed that the herdsmen ambushed four farmers who were on motorbike to their farms.

He said the Fulani herdsmen opened fire on them, killing three of them at a spot, while the remaining one person was shot on his leg.

Nyajor gave the names of those killed as; Aondofa Mkarsha, Emmanuel Iorliam and one Mr. Msugh, while the fourth person who sustained gunshot wounds had been taken to NKST Hospital Anyiin for medical attention.

The state police command could not be reached for confirmation as all effort made to get across to them failed.

CAN Declares Nationwide Protest, Three-day Prayer, Fasting

To once again draw attention to the persistent killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen across the country, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday declared a nationwide protest, prayer and fasting to express its anger and disappointment over the continuous cases of killings of Christians in the Middle Belt and other parts of the country.

The association bemoaned the dilly-dally approach of President Buhari and the federal government in confronting the killer herdsmen perpetrating the killings across the Middle Belt.

Speaking on the nationwide protest, CAN President, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, said, “The leadership of CAN has declared July 9 to11, 2018 as National Days of Prayers and Fasting against unwarranted killings in the land and calls on all well-meaning Nigerians, both within and outside the country, to join Christians on July 11, 2018 for a peaceful protest against the killings. “CAN’s decision is hinged on willful and persistent killings of fellow citizens in general and Christians in particular nationwide and mostly in Plateau and Benue where mass burial has become the norm without any positive response from the country’s security agencies.�

He explained that “CAN is worried, disturbed and disappointed that despite all the clarion calls on President Buhari to re-organise his security team by replacing all the security chiefs, he has consistently turned a deaf ear to such calls. “From all indications, the president seems to be satisfied with their poor performance and the attendant problems that have led to avoidable loss of lives and property.�

Simba Group Trains 440 Tricycle Mechanics in Kano Wandel International Limited, a subsidiary of Simba Group, has trained 560 vulcanizers and 440 tricycle mechanics across the local government areas of Kano State.

The 12-day training programme, which commenced on May 24, 2018 at the state Government House, was flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and the Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Wandel International is the sole distributor of TVS Motors (India), and the leading company in the three- wheeler industry in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Business Head , Simba Group – Mr. Manish , the Programme

“focused on training of 560 vulcanizers and 440 tricycle mechanics from all LGAs�

He added that  Osibanjo also acknowledged the concept and same was also highlighted by the governor that they were looking forward to the partnership.

He added that company’s Head of Northern region Mr. Sunil Korde, took the participants through the technical session where enlightenment was given on the basic trouble shooting, repair and maintenance.

He also stated that emphasis was laid on the quality of TVS tricycle known as ‘TVS King DLX+’ during the training session.

GRAND RALLY

Former Vice President and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar (left), and National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, at the grand rally for the Ekiti governorship election in Ado Ekiti... yesterday

House Probes Police Protest in Maiduguri James Emejo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The House of Representatives yesterday passed a motion seeking to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent protest by some men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Maiduguri, Borno State.  The proposed committee has two weeks to report back for further legislative action.  The resolution followed a motion of urgent national

importance moved by Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) on the need to establish the causes of the development.

He expressed serious concern and dismay at the protest by some policemen, noting that the security challenges in the country, particularly in Borno and other North central states, had necessitated the posting of additional security personnel to help beef up security in the area.

The lawmaker said the protest which was said to have been carried out by some men of the Mobile

Police Force’ unit (Mopol) did not only caused severe traffic gridlock, but also affected economic and social activities and brought the city of Maiduguri to a stand still for several hours.

According to him, the protest which witnessed the chanting of protest songs and several gun shots into the air is said to have been carried out because of nonpayment for about six months of special duties allowance to the policemen.

Chinda drew the attention of

the House to the provision of S.14(2)(b) of the Constitution of 1999 (as amended) which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government.

He said there’s an annual allocation for payment of salaries and allowances made to the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Service Commission (PSC), including those on special duties or assignments, and wondered why the policemen were still being owed.Â

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018˾ T H I S D AY

51

NEWSXTRA

Bode George: I’m Not Leaving PDP for ADC Count us out of APC crisis, says Bayelsa chapter A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-west, Chief Bode George, has made it clear that he is not leaving the party for the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to him, the visit by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to his home last week was a social and condolence visit, which had nothing to do with joining the ADC. George stressed that such visits are not unusual given his past relationship with the former president, adding that

Obasanjo was also his former boss in the military and that such camaraderie is not unusual given what had happened to him.

George said he shared similar relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari and other former colleagues in this military.

He made it clear that he will never leave the PDP for any other party, adding that party has survived it most turbulent times and is set to take over governance again.

The former president had

Ogunbiyi is Osun’s Most Competent Guber Aspirant, Says Group The Victory Group, a sociocultural organisation, has described Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi as the most suitable and competent governorship aspirant that can rescue Osun State from its present economic quagmire.

The group made its position known in a statement, describing Ogunbiyi as the most suitable aspirant for the governorship position of the state, saying as a winning candidate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should consider him worthy of being

given the party’s gubernatorial ticket.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the group, Olasupo Wale, and its General Secretary, Oluwagbemi Yinka, the group explained that it is only Ogunbiyi out of over forty aspirants jostling for the ticket, that met its five-point leadership criteria, carried out by its independent investigation into their credentials and outstandingly set for an ideal governor of the state.

paid a surprise visit to the home of George, a move that was interpreted as part of Obasanjo’s move to lure the fore deputy national chairman of the PDP to ADC. Meanwhile, as the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to unfold,

the Bayelsa State chapter of the party has dissociated itself from the crisis, saying that none of its members is involved in the crisis rocking the party.

According to a former chief of state to Chief Timipre Sylva when he was governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, “if

you check the name of the people that make up the Reformed All Progressives Congress (rAPC), there is nobody from our state among them. We are still with the APC even though some people who were not happy with the last congress have gone to the court to challenge the outcome

of the last congress. Despite that, the party is one united family here in Bayelsa state.”

Meanwhile, another leader of the party in the state, Chief Nathan Egba has urged the national leadership of the APC to call the aggrieved rAPC members to the negotiation table.

Indian Consortium to Invest $100m in Cross River A consortium of Indian firms under the auspices of Associated Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture and Mines (ASSOCHAM) has expressed its readiness to invest well over USD100 million in different sectors of the Cross River State economy.

Speaking with journalists shortly after inspecting some projects executed by Governor Ben Ayade in Calabar, the group attributed its investment interest in the state to the conducive and friendly business environment the governor has entrenched.

They expressed optimism that their partnership with the state government will create more jobs for the teeming youth as well as check restiveness.

Rahul Mehndiratta, a representative of Avaada Concept, said: “We are bringing in about one hundred million United States dollars to invest in Cross River to

build and evacuate two set of solar plants that will provide each local government headquarters in the state with 100 megawatt electricity to support the industrialization initiative of the state.

According to Mehndiratta, “Because of the critical role power plays in any economy, we are here to complement the effort of the state government in promoting industrialization by leveraging on the abundant resources to supply solar powered electricity to the state.”

On his part, Ravi Kumar representative of Simba Group, manufacturers of tricycles, disclosed the decision of his firm to put up a training school in the state on repairs of tricycles.

“We are putting up a training school in Calabar to train mechanics and drivers on how to drive their tricycles safely with the view to reducing the rate of accident.”

He further hinted: “For the first phase, we are training and also

empowering after training, 200 artisans that will be selected across the 18 local government areas with plans to expand for more people as we go on.”

Also speaking, Nitin Mahajan Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, T & D Technologies (Nig) Limited, explained: “We are bringing in the technology for a large scale mechanized farming in the state to check food insecurity with 100 percent buy back from India and to put in place effective distribution network in the state that will grow agro business in the for wealth creation.”

Responding, Governor Ayade stated that “The good thing with their investment is that they are not coming as a people who are looking for purchase but they are here with a concept to invest, bringing in Indian equity to invest and reap in the process.”

He added that “If our rice revolution initiative must be

sustained, we need these kinds of partnership because I have implicit confidence in them and I am very excited with gratitude to the Indian High Commission for their role in making this a reality.

“I must say that this is one of the investments that are coming due to my trips to India. Today they are here ready to bring in their money to grow our economy and better the lot of our citizenry.”

Continuing Ayade said: “This is good news; indeed this is what has come with the advent of our rice seedling factory because the whole world has watched it and they are fully conscious of what we are doing here. Indians are rapidly going into the world in a fierce competition with China and the rate at which they are going with their sophistication and the reliability of their equipment, I see them as a group to partner with which is the reason they have come to the state.”

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018˾ T H I S D AY

52

NEWSXTRA

Group Tackles Adesina over Comments on Herdsmen Killings David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË A rights group, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law(Intersociety)

has condemned comments credited to the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, asking Nigerians to give up their

ECN Staff Commends Buhari for Reappointing Bala Martins Ifijeh The Concerned Staff of Energy Commission of Nigeria has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for reappointing Prof. Eli Jidere Bala as the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, for a second term.

The group said with the reappointment, President Buhari’s change agenda of fighting corruption within and outside public service is firmly advancing to greater heights.

Stating this in a statement signed by its representative, Haruna Gidado, and made available to THISDAY yesterday, the staff said the reappointment of an incorruptible and principled Bala will certainly consolidate the financial discipline, accountability,

transparency, and openness he has instilled in the governance of the commission for the past five years.

“Despite the financial constraints during Bala’s first tenure, he drastically reduced the commission’s debt on constituency project from N16 billion in 2013 to about N6 billion in 2017. He also ensured no debt was incurred on all the laudable projects executed during his stewardship. ”Among his enormous achievements are his facilitation of the election of Nigeria as the Vice President of the 8th Assembly of the IRENA, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2016; his facilitation of Nigeria joining the International Energy Charter (IECh), Brussels, Belgium in first quarter of 2017.

land for ranching to stay alive.

Adesina, while speaking on the recent massacre in some communities in Plateau State, was reported to have encouraged indigenes in various parts of the country to heed the federal government’s call to give up part of their land for the construction of ranches.

He was also quoted as saying that it was better to donate land and stay alive than being killed because of land.

But Intersociety in a statement signed by its chairman Board of Trustees, Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi and made available to THISDAY in Awka, said such comment was legitimising the killings

being perpetrated by the rampaging herdsmen.

He said, “Instead of government de-escalating the violent attacks on Christians, such inflammable and complicit comments by the said presidential aides have escalated same.”

The group said by making such comment, Adesina has made himself complicit in the killings going on around the country, while calling on those it described as apostles of justice not to forget to join him when suing those responsible for such killings.

“The apostles of justice and other campaigners of

accountability for state and non-state atrocities around the world particularly in Nigeria’s old Middle Belt and Eastern Nigeria are hereby called upon to ensure that names of such presidential aides in Nigeria, including the vice president and Femi Adesina are not omitted in any civil claimant or criminal suit to be initiated in any part of the world including before ICC at Hague,” he said The group also condemned the regular comparison

by Adesina over the level of killings in the present government and those of the past, saying that the comparisons were unnecessary.

“These days, if he(Adesina) is not caught on camera comparing between his boss’ regime and that of the immediate or long past, which one ‘out-killed or out-supervised each other in national killing spree’; then he is caught on camera and in print ordering indigenous Nigerian Christians and other non-muslims to “give up their ancestral lands for ranching or die or become a land owner in dead”.

The group appealed to the international community to come to the aid of vulnerable Nigerians, especially in the face of ineptitude on the part of the federal government.

BUHARI SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON SUSPICIOUS ASSETS corruption related cases.

According to him, the fight against corruption is becoming a popular trend in Africa especially with the ratification of African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.

The president who tasked relevant stakeholders to uphold the executive order, also directed government agencies to, in consultation with the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, adopt what he described as best practices and strategies to make the order effective.

“Happily, the fight against corruption is gaining more momentum among the African states. We just returned from the African Anti-Corruption Year event at Nouakchott, Mauritania where all African Heads of State were gathered to promote the anticorruption message.

“Nigeria and 39 other African States have ratified the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. I pledge to elevate the African Union anticorruption agenda at the next session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

“Therefore, in order to preserve Nigeria’s political and economic systems, and the continuous progress of the Nigerian State from the serious threat of corruption, I call on all stakeholders, and indeed every Nigerian to give effect to this Executive Order.

“Agencies of the federal government in consultation with the Attorney General of the Federation should identify and adopt best practices, and develop strategies for action. The fight against corruption is one that must be fought by everyone wherever corruption rears its head,” Buhari added.

In a related development, the federal government has disclosed that the guidelines for the full

implemention of the Executive Order 5 signed by President Buhari to protect jobs and revenues created from Nigeria’s economy for Nigerians, would be out soon.

The Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu, said yesterday that the monitoring and evaluation council set up by the president to develop the guidelines was almost done with its job.

Adamu, spoke at the 2018 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Association of Consulting Engineers in Nigeria (ACEN) in Abuja.

His clarification on the Presidential Executive Order 5, also followed doubt expressed by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, that Chinese prisoners were smuggled into Nigeria by big Chinese firms to work and take away job opportunities from qualified Nigerians.

Meanwhile, Fashola, has said the claims that Chinese firms in Nigeria habour workers serving prison terms in their home countries within their workforce in Nigeria were subjective and unconfirmed.

He suggested the loan conditions given to Nigeria by China may include, the use of certain number of Chinese labour to execute infrastructure projects in the country, adding that it was necessary for Nigeria to upgrade its influence in the world by developing her economy such that it could equally take such decisions in its engagements with the rest of the world, especially countries it would lend money to.

“We don’t need to generalise, there is so much unverifiable news out there about this. How many people could they possibly have in jail in their country, can there jail produce so much people? We need to be careful about some of these,” he said.

GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle), performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of two new court buildings and an open registry for magisterial districts in the Enugu North, Enugu South and Enugu East local government areas, held at the magistrate court premises, Enugu...yesterday

NEMA Receives 155 Nigerians from Libya Rebecca Ejifoma The National Emergency and Management Agency (NEMA) has received a fresh batch of 155 Nigerian returnees who were trapped in Libya after a futile attempt to cross over to Europe for greener pastures.

They comprised 41 female

adults (five pregnant women, one female child and one female infant) and 107 male adults (three male children and two male infants) with three minor medical cases recorded.

The returnees voluntarily decided to return to Nigeria when the International Organisation for Migrations (IOM) offered them

opportunities to return with free transportation.

The IOM Director General, Mustapha Maihajja, received the returnees on behalf of Mr. Segun Afolayan at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

He admonished the returnees on the need to utilise the new

opportunities to restart a new life as their efforts at getting unavailable fortune in foreign land.

“We have been inundated with tale of woes on the sufferings that many of our nationals are going through and efforts are being made to ensure that helps get to all,” Maihajja said.

WS Int’l Cultural Exchange Project Marks Soyinka’s 84th Birthday Yinka Olatunbosun The ninth edition of the annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Project (WSICE) is set to hold from July 12 till 15 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

This event which was

announced by the producers of Open Door Series ProjectWS is one of the cultural traditions to celebrate the birthday of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

The theme for this year is, ‘The Pursuit of Truth in our Country (Truth and the National Psyche).’

According to the Executive Producer, WSICE, the theme is inspired by the Nobel Laureate’s preoccupation with the devastating consequences of lie in our national psyche which extends to global discourses, especially the invention of the term “fake news.’’

The four-day programme will

feature the annual essay competition with 84 students writing analyses of three of Soyinka’s poems in a reality television format at the 1000-seater amphi-theatre situated within the premises of Soyinka’s Autonomous Residency Ijegba (ARI) in the forest of Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.

Ibeshi to Resuscitate Tinapa, Obudu Ranch Resort Two key assets in Cross River State, the Obudu Cattle Ranch and the Tinapa Business Resort could spring back to life to meet the aspirations of the state’s immediate past two governors, Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Lyel Imoke, if former national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Emmanuel Ibeshi is elected governor of the state in the next election.

Ibeshi who is set to declare his

intention to run for governor in Cross River State presently has said that these two projects, which have since been lying comatose in the last three years since Imoke left government, are at the core of a 12-prong economic, social and entrepreneurial transformation and rescue mission which are the pillars of his action plan as governor of Cross River State.

Interestingly, it was learnt that Duke and Imoke, along with

Ibeshi, together fashioned the new Cross River State vision with Duke picked to begin the state’s revival mission in May 1999, an assignment he discharged and handed over to Imoke in 2007.

“Truth be told, Donald Duke used eight years to put Cross River in the face of the world as the destination of choice for commercial travellers and a haven for tourism seeking foreigners as well as Nigerians,” Ibeshi was

quoted as saying.

He further said: “Duke revamped the Obudu Cattle Ranch and created the Tinapa project, a N200 billion annual economy aimed at creating thousands of jobs. These giant strides had set the pace for the economic and socio-political development of Cross River State as a destination of choice for investors,” Ibeshi was reported to have added.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

53

T H I S D AY •FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

54

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

FRIDAYSPORTS WORLD CUP 2018...

JUNE 14 TO 15

CAF Appoints Amaju Pinnick 1st Vice President Embattled President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has been appointed as 1st Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

CAF’s Secretary General.

Amr Fahmy, said yesterday that Pinnick’s appointment followed the resignation of Ghana’s Kwesi Nyantakyi.

“Following the resignation of the 1st Vice President, Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, CAF President, after consulting with the members of the Emergency Committee, appointed Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick as 1st Vice President.

“The decision is immediately applicable, in accordance with article 27 para. 2 of the Statutes, which will be ratified by the Executive Committee in its session scheduled on the 27 and 28 of September, 2018,” the CAF statement released yesterday in Cairo read in part.

Nyantakyi was president of the Ghana Football Federation (GFA) until he stepped down from the CAF position following an undercover investigation that allegedly indicted him for

dropping the name of the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo in a shady deal.

Before Pinnick’s appointment into the exalted position yesterday, the former Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission was an Executive Committee member of CAF. He was also the President of the CAF Organising Committee that oversees the organization of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Pinnick who by his elevation has become the most powerful figure in football in Nigeria and West Africa is also a member of FIFA’s Organising Committee and has been match commissioner for five matches at the ongoing World Cup here in Amaju Pinnick Russia.

Early this week, the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung had September 30, 2014, election issued a statement directing in Warri that brought him Pinnick and his NFF board (Pinnick) to office. to vacate the Glass House in A statement issued by Abuja stressing that he was the Minister’s Aide, Nneka merely carrying out the judg- Ikem Anibeze, said the ment of the Supreme Court of directive followed a writApril 27, 2018, which restored ten notification signed for the orders of the Federal the Attorney-General of the High Court, setting aside the Federation and Minister of

Justice, Abubakar Malami, (SAN) requesting the Sports Ministry to ensure compliance.

The Supreme Court Order as interpreted by Malami, ordered Dalung to reinstate Chris Giwa, who purportedly won the parallel election held on August 26, 2014 in Abuja.

FIFA has refused to recognise Giwa as the legally elected

president.

Dalung, said Pinnick’s removal was sequel to the relief granted by Justice M. H. Kurya of the Federal High Court Jos, on July 5, 2017 in the suit between Yahaya Adama Vs Alhaji Aminu Maigari , directing that Giwa be given recognition pending the hearing and determination of the

motion on notice asking that ban of the individuals elected into the board on August 26, 2014, from football activities of the NFF should be declared unconstitutional, null and void.

‘It is trite law that court orders are sacrosanct and any acts of disobedience to it constitutes threat to the rule of law. Consequent upon the above, you are hereby advised to comply with the orders of court made therein which for now, is the valid and binding order of court, in the absence of any other subsisting order or judgment to the contrary,” Dalung said.

The minister consequently directed the parties involved to comply with the court order, saying: “This is a court order and not from Dalung. I will not want to go to Kuje Prison because of disobedience of court orders. Therefore, I hereby comply with the court orders of June 5th 2018, while Mr Amaju Pinnick and others are also directed to comply with same.”

With the momentum now

Familiar Faces at War in Kazan

ȱ ȱ £ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃę ȱ

Today’s quarter-final clash of the 2018 World Cup here in Russia between Brazil and Belgium ought to be a family affairs. But because of the semi final ticket at stake, Manchester City teammates in the two teams will put Etihad affinity aside this evening as they try to outdo each in the battle of Kazan.

Five of Europe’s biggest clubs have both Brazil and Belgium internationals on the books.

Manchester City alone has six of the players who will lock horns this evening in the battle for a place in the semis. Belgian Citizens Kevin de Bruyne and Vincent Kompany however pull rank over Brazilian Gabriel Jesus, Fernandinho (who are both expected to start), Danilo and Ederson.

Despite the ranking Kompany knows the havoc Jesus in particular is capable of doing if given half a chance in the goal area. Just like de Bruyne, his compatriot.

He admitted this in the pre-match chat here yesterday.

“He (Jesus) can score goals and create space for his teammates with his movement and work rate,” said the central defender in reference to Gabriel, before adding: “I really like my team-mates a lot as people, but once the handshakes are over there’ll be no love lost.”

As for Fernandinho, his job will be to prevent Kompany from getting the ball to De Bruyne, who in turn will look to link up with another of their compatriot, Romelu Lukaku, who plays for another

Manchester team, United.

Another reunion to look forward to is the one between Brazilian Neymar and Thomas Meunier. Although there is not much the right-back does not know about the Brazilian ace, having marveled at his technique at Paris Saint-Germain, he is less than sure about how to blunt the threat he poses when the chips are down in this crucial quarter final pairing.

“I don’t know how to stop him. He’s very unpredictable,” said Meunier of Neymar’s capacity. “Neymar is probably the best player I’ve ever played with or against. I’ll do my best.

I know we have a chance but I also know that it’s very tough to stop them as a whole, not just Neymar.”

The Belgian would like nothing better than a repeat of the 4-0 score-line that PSG inflicted on Barcelona and Neymar in the UEFA Champions League last season, which came before the Brazilian decamped to the French capital to link up with fellow countrymen Marquinhos and Thiago Silva.

Along with Thibaut Courtois and Michy Batshuayi, Eden Hazard has long been dreaming of taking on Brazil and their Chelsea team-mate Willian in the Final, a pleasure he will now have in the quarter-finals instead.

The two formed an instant connection on and off the pitch at Stamford Bridge. The similarity in their games no doubt plays a part in that; both like to express themselves to feel fulfilled and will in all

likelihood be trying to avoid each other in Kazan so they can do just that.

Though Simon Mignolet and Thomas Vermaelen are unlikely to be facing their Brazilian club-mates on the pitch, they are well versed in the way of the Seleção attack. The goalkeeper will have some advice to give to Courtois on the positioning and movements of Liverpool colleague Roberto Firmino.

Uruguay’s Immoveable We Can Make Life Difficult for Defence Ready for France’s England, Says Larsson Unstoppable Mbappe Sweden’s strong collective is already secured, this might be The build-up to tonight’s quarterfinal clash between France and Uruguay has been dominated by individuals, but it may be the South Americans’ almost unbreachable four-man defence which decides the result.

While Uruguay sweat on the fitness of striker Edinson Cavani, it should be remembered that La Celeste’s progress in Russia has been built upon their defence as much as their A-list attack.

And while France pin their hopes on Kylian Mbappe, it is unlikely that the teenage superstar has encountered a defence quite like Uruguay’s.

The mouth-watering last-eight tie in Nizhny

Novgorod is likely to be decided by a battle between Uruguay’s stifling backline and the speed of Mbappe, 19.

Led by captain Diego Godin, and including Jose Gimenez, Martin Caceres and Diego Laxalt, along with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, Uruguay’s defence have the joint-best record at the World Cup. They passed through the group stage without conceding a goal, and the only player to score against Uruguay was Portugal’s Pepe in the last 16, and that was ultimately in vain.

Brazil are the only other team to have conceded just the solitary goal so far.

Uruguay have conceded three fewer goals than France.

Both teams have scored seven times.

aiming to make life difficult for their more illustrious English counterparts when the two sides meet in their World Cup quarterfinal clash tomorrow.

The Swedes trained at their hotel on the Black Sea before departing for Samara where they will face England in their first World Cup last eight match since 1994, when they came third in the tournament.

“All we (can) do is focus on our own game. We’ve proven to other people and to ourselves that when we’re at the right level we can make it very difficult for teams, and we’re not going to try to do anything else against England,” midfielder Sebastian Larsson told reporters.

Larsson has spent his adult life in England playing for a variety of clubs in England’s top two divisions, and with a move back to Sweden and AIK

the last English fans get to see of the 33-year-old.

“It’s a game I’m really looking forward to, it’s the quarter-finals of the World Cup and for me personally to be going up against England, the country where I spent 17 years, it’s obviously a little bit special,” he said.

“We’ve got huge respect for England, they’ve got quality players all over the pitch, they’re a good team, but for us, like we have been doing for most of this tournament, we’re trying to focus mostly on ourselves.”

After knocking out Italy in a qualification playoff for Russia, the Swedes won a group containing world champions Germany before defeating Switzerland in the last 16, but England will be a step up again for Larsson and his team mates.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018

55

FRIDAYSPORTS

WORLD CUP 2018...

JUNE 14 TO JULY 15

WORLD CUP 2018...

Croatia Set to Tackle Russian Armies for S’final Berth

Colombian Yeri Mina celebrating his country’s last minute goal before the 3-4 loss on penalties to England. Diego Maradona has apologised for his comments about the match on Tuesday ABIODUN AJALA

Maradona Apologises over ‘Robbery’ Comments Diego Maradona has apologised to FIFA and its referees for saying that England’s last 16 win over Colombia in the World Cup was a robbery and that referee Mark Geiger was not up to the task.

Maradona said sorry after being rebuked by soccer’s governing body following comments he made after England’s hard-fought penalty shootout win in Tuesday’s game.

“Overcome by emotion in cheering for Colombia the other day I said a couple of things and I admit, some of them were unacceptable,” Maradona wrote on his Instagram account.

“My apologies to FIFA and its president (Gianni Infantino);

although I sometimes disagree with some refereeing decisions I have the utmost respect for the work - which isn’t easy - that the referees do.”

England won the match on penalties following 120 minutes marred by squabbling, protests to the referee, play-acting and feigning injury.

FIFA said it was “doing everything within its power to ensure principles of fair play, integrity and respect are at the forefront of this World Cup and how the organisation is now run.”

In that context, FIFA said it was “extremely sorry to read such declarations from a player

who has written the history of our game.”

Maradona had said England’s win was a “monumental robbery”

and that Geiger “shouldn’t be given a match of this magnitude.”

He added: “Geiger, an American, what a coincidence.”

Fire In The Building, Evacuate! about the Russian than his first time out here. And St Petersburg, with its beauty and warmth to foreigners, appeals more to me to warrant my making the place my base. Imposing four-star Park Inn by Radisson Pribaltyskaya was first home for a couple of days before opting for a more manageable accommodation in an apartment building in Pulkovskoe area of St Petersburg.

Unlike the Park Inn, the Salut Apartments are three imposing 15-story buildings overlooking the Mercedes Centre on thehighway from the Pulkovo Airport. Apart from its alluring facilities that make the place home away from home, it is less than 20 minutes drive away from one of the busy airports servicing Russia’s second biggest city.

But our love for the place almost turned sour with an early morning alarm signal yesterday. Few minutes after the alarm, a voice in Russian boomed through the speakers in each of the apartments. We were lost of what was happening until another voice whipped the

weekend.

‘Yeah, we have watched almost all of their games,’ the Inter Milan forward said.

‘Against Spain they used a different system, but you must adapt to every team you play against. So they thought it was the best tactics for them, and I think they made the right decision.

‘We will prepare well for both versions. We still have a couple of days to prepare well.’

Ante Rebic believes they must continue to focus on their own game: ‘I think we primarily must focus on ourselves because I think our team has bigger quality, we just need to show that on the pitch and we will be able to set the tone,’ Rebic said.

Croatia progressed after a nervy penalty shootout win over Denmark in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday night.

Benfica, Kegue Confirm Participation in Africa Youth Cup

DURO’S RUSSIA NOTE...

Those who have never experienced an emergency situation of fire alarm in a 15-story building will not understand what some of us (Nigerian journalists) went through this morning here in St Petersburg, Ruassia. Let me give you the preamble.

On arrival here in Russia for the World Cup three days to the June 14 kick off date at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, one was filled with excitement of going to tour at least eight of the 11 Russian cities designated to host the 2018 Mundial. Of course, having visited Moscow as first time visitor in 2013 for the IAAF World Championships where Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor equaled Nigeria’s best outing at the competition, winning a silver and bronze in the 200m and long jump, I truly wanted to know and feel the rest of the Russian cities.

Trips to Essentuki (Super Eagles’ Base Camp), Kaliningrad, Volgograd, St Petersburg, Moscow and Kazan, have really given this reporter more insight

Croatia are preparing for their date with destiny as they aim for a first World Cup quarter-final place since their charge to third place at France 98. Luka Modric and Co trained at their base in Sochi on Wednesday as they fine-tuned preparations for the game on Saturday night in the south of Russia.

But standing in their way of repeating the heroics of the class of 20 years ago, are the hosts, who will be riding the crest of a wave after their penalty shootout victory over Spain in the last-16.

After scoring eight times in their first two group matches, the Russians turned in a defensive masterclass to keep out the Spanish in Moscow on Sunday.

And Ivan Perisic insists the Croats will be ready for either approach from their opponents in Sochi this

three Nigerian journalists, (Vanguard’s Tony Ubani, Christian Okpara of The Guardian and my humble self) into panic mode. The voice simply said: “Vacate the building there is fire.” Fire?

How, where? The three of us sprang out of our rooms into the lobby of the 8th floor.

While one dashed towards the lift, another started screaming no use of lift in time of fire like this. Funny enough, the two exit points were written in Russian language but we had to use our initiatives to follow the direction of the arrow which ultimately led us to the staircase. In what appears to be race for life, we hopped several steps to ensure we beat other nationals also trying to get out of the building which is the Block A. In less than three minutes we were down at the reception try to catch our breath. Five other Nigerians who came in from the UK but also resident in the building also joined us in safety at the designated points.

We looked out for where the fire was burning in any of the floors, but there was none. Most staff of the apartment were going about their duties as if nothing was amiss. Then, one lady who appears as the Manager of the Salut Apartments came to address us that what we have just experienced was routine for their guests. She said it was meant to keep everyone in the high-rise building in check and to know what to do in case of an emergency. Did we feel angry? Your guess was right: “This Oyinbo people dey craze, why dem go dey play with something like fire?” muttered my colleague Ubani of Vanguard.

Reminded that it was good that we have known our ways round the emergency exit points in building, that sort of quelled the early morning false fire alarm. It was worth all the stress as I now know what to do in case of similar situation next time.

No panic is the watchword that we learnt.

Organisers of the Cape Verde 2019 Africa Youth Cup, Serahanasports, have confirmed that the duo of Benfica (Portugal) and Kegue FC (Togo) have confirmed their participation in the tournament billed for April next year in Praia.

“We are glad to announce that the darling club of the legendary Eusebio and Portugal shall be participating in the Africa Youth Cup in Cape Verde 2019. According to Mr Filipe Alves, who oversees organisation and communication at the Benfica academy, the team is set to come to Cape Verde next April 2019 for the Africa Youth Cup,” spokesman for Serahanasports, Godson Abba Ekadi disclosed yesterday.

Ekadi who was full of excitement at this development was quick to add: “Benfica is the first European team to be confirmed and others will soon register going by the very impressive online registration we have gotten lately. We are glad to inform you that Kegue football club from Togo are also coming to Cape Verde for the Africa Youth Cup. The president of the team Mr Daniel Amegangi was full of excitement in our last conversation about his team attending the tournament.”

Godson further disclosed that their staff in Europe, Mr

Newman Ebiegberi of Africa Youth Cup recently received the president of Ivoire Sport Promotion of the Ivory Coast, Colonel Kone Mamadou in Paris concerning the Africa Youth Cup and other sporting issues. Colonel Kone Mamadou is also the president of CF Volcan Junior academy of Cote d’Ivoire, another team billed for the Africa Youth Cup Cabo Verde.

Godson stressed that a lot of online registration have been received from teams in Ghana, Uganda, Liberia, Gabon, Cameroun, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria.

“Mr Shola Opaleye of the City of Lagos academy Nigeria (COG) and Honourable Justice Idris of United boys football club Bauchi Nigeria have also showed serious interest in the Africa Youth Cup. Since we are only featuring 16 teams in this first edition, participation requests shall be treated on ‘first come first served basis’. It is very important for all clubs to note that registration shall close as soon as 16 teams have been confirmed, and we believe that it would not drag to January 2019 the official closing month for registration.

We advise teams to make the registration commitment and be confirmed now before it’s too late,” Ekadi said.

Friday, July 6, 2018

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Protesters to N’Assembly Leaders “They have shown that they lack the requisite credibility and moral capacity to hold the position of authority. It is clear that the insertions are huge, which also signifies the size of the criminality behind the intent to hijack the budget.”

– Protesters under the aegis of National Convener of Citizens’ Action to Take Back Nigeria (CATBAN) protesting alleged padding of the 2018 budget by the National Assembly.

ORJIAGWUUKA RIGHT OF REPLY

AMCON Must Not Be Allowed To Intimidate the Judiciary

T

he Asset Management Company (AMCON) has been granted a lot of privileges under the Nigerian Legal System. First, it is allowed to exercise considerable powers by being able to confiscate assets of debtors by an ex parte application (that is, a one sided application) where the alleged debtor is not heard before the request is granted. It is very doubtful whether this power is consistent with the Due Process of Law. In addition to this, AMCON has its own Federal High Court Rules. These rules were adopted by the Federal High Court to give special status to AMCON cases. The advantages conferred by these rules are enormous. Critical rules of evidence are not applied to AMCON cases and thus, a lot of documents which are otherwise inadmissible in the regular courts can be admitted in AMCON cases. Above all, the courts are enjoined to hear AMCON cases from day to day. All of these make it very difficult for any person facing an allegation of indebtedness from AMCON to defend himself appropriately.

With these advantages, anybody that survives an AMCON allegation of indebtedness must have literally gone through very serious challenges. It is very likely that, that person’s case must be considerably meritorious.

In addition to this, the press has supported AMCON considerably without giving the other side that is, the alleged debtors an equal opportunity to articulate their position to the public. I hope that those responsible for regulating the press will one day examine the objectivity of the press in the AMCON campaign.

Last week, I stumbled on an article written by one Daniel Omale and published in some newspapers titled, “The Grand Judicial Fraud Against AMCON.” I could not believe the contents of the Article.

Every statement in the article was inaccurate or deliberately untruthful and it displayed such level of illiteracy that cannot be allowed to go uncorrected less the innocent public could be made believe that there is some truth in the statement. For ease of reference, it is important to state the relevant facts as presented by the author:

CEO/Managing Director AMCON, Ahmed Kuru

“Last week, a Federal High Court in Lagos granted over N2.8 billion against the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) as damages for libel, in favour of a defendant in a lingering case between AMCON and one of its numerous debtors.

The defendant in this case is a company owned and operated by one of the serial, chronic debtors in Nigeria, who also happens to be a senior Advocate- a legal luminary.

In this unusual judgment, the judge equally gave a restraining order against AMCON or its assignee from attempting to seize the property, the contested collateral.

The judgment is probably is probably the most biased decision a court in Nigeria has pronounced. It is becoming alarming these days as banks and other financial institutions are unable to recover debts

How can a Company with a net credit of over N100 billion be described as a chronic debtor?

How could this plain judgment according to the laws of Nigeria be described as an unusual judgment?

owed them by professional debtors, who rely on gratifying the judiciary to let loose- the financial noose. Judges are profiteering immensely from the ritual cases between institutional lenders and their clients. While the marginal benefits to the defendants and the fraternity of high court judges seem natural in a country with endemic corruption, the overall effect is a cash-crunched economy, incapable of supporting the wellbeing of the citizens.”

I happened to have attended every court session in this matter and thus I am very conversant with the facts of the case. In the said case, AMCON filed a case against Resort International in 2012 for the sum of N20 billion allegedly owed by Resort International to AMCON. Resort International responded that it was not indebted to the tune of N20 billion. The company borrowed N4 billion and as at the time AMCON purportedly bought the debt, it had paid back N1.7 billion. The debt was a performing loan.

Apart from this, the bank bought a number of flats at a discounted price in the development being executed with the money. An advance payment of N8 billion was paid for these flats, out of a purchase consideration of N12 billion.

In other words, the bank was an equity investor to the tune of N12 billion in the project of which an advance pay of N8 billion had been made.

In the course of trial, the following facts emerged: 1. There was a letter of offer duly executed for a loan of N4 billion of which N1.7 billion had been paid.

There was no letter of demand for the balance of N2.3 billion because the loan was still a performing loan.

2.

There was no letter of offer in respect of the N8 billion equity investment made in the project. What was available was a document evidencing the sale of flats to the bank and not a loan. The document evidencing the sale of flats was clearly a sale and purchase Agreement as there was no ingredient of loan in the Agreement. No provision of interest rate, no duration of the loan, and no terms and conditions for any loan whatsoever.

3.

The so called debtor has an arbitral award N59billion at 17.26% since the date of the award which was now N100 billion against the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The award had been confirmed by another court of the Federal High Court.

4. The so called debtor had stated that if it turned out that it was indebted in any form to AMCON which is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the alleged debt should be deducted from this credit. This position had been confirmed by the court in an earlier ruling. Consequently, N2.3 billion owed by the company was to be paid from this credit of over N100 billion, to AMCON by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

5. From the foregoing, the allegation that the company was a bad debtor to AMCON was false. The claim was libelous. The publication of the company’s name after it had been warned not to make such a publication by the solicitors to the company was grossly libelous. The award of N3 billion as damages for this great libel was justified. I actually believe that the damages for libel ought to have been more substantial than this as the statement made by AMCON was completely false and malicious.

In view of the above, how can the writer allege that the defendant in this case was a debtor? How can a Company with a net credit of over N100 billion be described as a chronic debtor? How could this plain judgment according to the laws of Nigeria be described as an unusual judgment?

This is a judgment that is consistent with the laws of the land.

The writer of this article referred to above constitutes an embarrassment to the world of journalism and the appropriate body should sanction him.

He cannot be allowed to peddle lies against innocent citizens.

Evidently, the judiciary is far more enlightened and assured than to be swayed by this rattling of a clear illiterate. r 6LB B MFHBM QSBDUJUJPOFS XSPUF GSPN -BHPT

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090, 0811 181 3085. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com