WEDNESDAY 11TH JULY 2018

With Strike in Norway, Libyan Disruption, Crude Oil Price Rises to $79 NNPC records N11.72bn surplus after long streak of losses House probes alleged N100bn under-remittance by corporation N’Assembly transmits PIGB to Buhari for assent Deji Elumoye, James Emejo, Chineme Okafor in Abuja and Ejiofor Alike in Lagos Crude oil prices rose by over

one per cent towards $79 per barrel yesterday due to growing supply outages, as Libyan production reduced by more than a half, while

Norway shut down one oilfield following a strike action by hundreds of workers.

This is coming as the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC), which had been on a long streak of business losses, has finally recorded a trading surplus worth N11.72 billion, according

to the corporation’s monthly operations and financial report.

But despite the claim that it recorded profit in March, the corporation will face a probe

panel set up by the House of Representatives for failing to remit N100 billion proceeds Continued on page 12

CBN, Others Back Removal of President’s Power on Assets Forfeiture… Page 10 Wednesday 11 July, 2018 Vol 23. No 8483. Price: N250

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We Remain One United Party under Buhari, APC Insists We didn’t sign MoU with PDP, says ANRP Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

DINNER FOR THE LATEST MD...

L-R: Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; Chairman, THISDAY/ARISE NEWS Network, Nduka Obaigbena; founder, Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia; founder, Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko; and Managing Director, ARISE NEWS Channel Africa, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, during a dinner, in honour of Nwogwugwu on her new appointment, in Lagos... Saturday kunle ogunfuyi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday insisted that it remained one united political party under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it did not recognise the reformed All Progressives Congress (rAPC), a group within its fold that signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 38 other opposition parties in Abuja on Monday.

Continued on page 10

Saraki, Dogara, Tambuwal, Ortom, Ahmed, Scores of Legislators Set to Move to PDP May defect before July 27 N’Assembly recess Sokoto, Benue cabinets dissolved as prelude to realignment Six other governors to remain in APC and play double game Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja Realignment of political forces to oust President Muhammadu Buhari from office has intensified with the imminent movement of Senate President

Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; and Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto State), Samuel Ortom (Benue State) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State), to the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), THISDAY learnt yesterday.

The political bigwigs are dumping the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with scores of federal and state

legislators shortly before the July 27 scheduled recess of the National Assembly, THISDAY further learnt.

Six other APC governors, who consider it impolitic to move, according to multiple

and reliable sources in the know of the realignment process, would remain in the ruling party and play the spoiler’s role as part of the strategic plan to push Buhari out of power next year.

Already, both Tambuwal and Ortom have dissolved their cabinets, barely a year to the end of their tenure, to offload APC elements in Continued on page 10

Regulatory Approval Delays Teleology’s Final Payment for 9Mobile… Page 12

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CBN, Others Back Removal of President’s Power on Assets Forfeiture

Dogara: Bill aimed at entrenching rule of law Senate to debate FG’s ‘constitutional breaches’ Queries deployment of 30,000 policemen in Ekiti for poll Deji Elumoye and James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other stakeholders yesterday backed the ongoing moves by the National Assembly to amend the Currency Conversion (Freezing Orders) Act, 2004 to remove the power of the president on assets forfeiture and transfer it to judges of the High Courts.

This is as the Senate resolved to debate allegations of constitutional and human rights violations by the federal government Speaking on the bill at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, the apex bank's Deputy Director, Mr. Adedeji Lawal, further asked that the bill should be amended to direct the court to forward any forfeiture order to the CBN governor for compliance.

He argued that since the relevant section of the bill had been repealed, the CBN governor ought to be communicated by the court to implement the compliance order.

The committee, however, contended that the courts often would not like any form of meddling in their affairs.

The lawmakers said directing the court on what to do was tantamount to legislative anarchy which must be avoided.

At this point, Lawal, who represented the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, sought to know from the committee, to whom the court order

would then be directed if not the CBN governor.

Members insisted that the decision would be left at the discretion of the judge to direct whoever to comply with the ruling.

Nevertheless, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Jones Chukwudi Onyereri (PDP, Imo) assured the deputy director that his concerns had been noted and that the committee would look into the issues at the committee level.

According to him, "Section 9(1) of the Principal Act is amended by the substitution of the phrase, "The president may in his discretion direct that..."with line 2, which says, "The judge of a High Court may after hearing the parties direct that..."

He said: "That means displacing the authority of the president to direct and moving it to the judge of the High Court. Section 9(2) of the Principal Act is deleted."

He said the bill would be given expedited action so that President Muhammadu Buhari could pass it and pave the way for growth of the economy.

The House Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said the move to remove the powers to forfeit assets from the president was to deepen democracy and adhere to the rule of law and separation of powers among the arms of government.

He said the development would further improve the investment environment in the country.

Speaking while declaring the hearing open, he said, "The discretionary powers being

sought for the judge of the high court; it's essential in order to ensure that the course of justice is protected in the Nigeria socio-economic space.

"Currently, the powers for forfeiture is vested in the president which invariably usurps the prerogative of the judiciary to adjudicate and give ruling among others.

"For democracy to be truly deepened, all the three arms of government need to be deepened to effectively perform their constitutional responsibility."

Essentially, there was no dissenting voice over the bill from all stakeholders present, except for the few observations

by Lawal.

The Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mrs. Patience Oniha, restrained herself from speaking to the billunderstandably as it concern the president. But she didn't oppose it nonetheless.

Other stakeholders present included representatives of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the Nigerian Export- Import Bank (NEXIM), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and officials from the AFRI-EXIM Bank.

The hearing also considered two other bills, namely, a bill for an Act to establish Factoring Assignment Act, in order to promote availability of capital and credit and to facilitate domestic and international trade and for other related matters; as well as a bill for an Act to repeal the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank

(Guarantee) Act and for other related matters.

Senate to Debate FG’s ‘Constitutional Breaches’ The Senate yesterday resolved to debate allegations of constitutional and human rights violations by the federal government.

The debate should have been conducted yesterday but for unavoidable absence of the lead promoter of the motion, Senator David Umaru.

Umaru is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

The enactment of the controversial “Executive Order No. 006 as an Executive legislation, which allows security agents to freeze suspicious assets without recourse to court and the continuous detention of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), in total disregard of court orders, were listed for debate by the senators.

The issues were listed in a motion titled: “Alarming rise in cases of alleged human rights violations and consistent assault on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution by the Executive.”

The controversial Executive Order was listed as the Senate’s first Order of the Day and Umaru was to lead the debate before it was suspended.

Although the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, read the Order to signal

commencement of the debate, the absence of the motion’s sponsor forced the Senate to suspend the debate till another legislative day.

The breaches to be probed include, continuous detention of a former NSA, Dasuki, for over two years in total disregard of over four court orders, including that of the ECOWAS Court which granted him bail pending his trial over money laundering charges; continuous incarceration of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiite, Sheik lbrahim El-Zakzaki, for over two years contrary to an order of the Federal High Court which ordered his release in 2016; and the lack of accountability for human rights violations by security agencies and other militant elements including armed herdsmen, heavy-handed violent responses to peaceful protests as exemplified by previous crackdown on agitators for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IP0B) and the recent violent clashes between the police and suspected members of the IMN who were protesting the release of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaki, in Abuja and Kaduna respectively.

…Queries Deployment of 30,000 Policemen in Ekiti for Poll Also yesterday, a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Police Act CAP P18 LFN 2004 and enact the Police Reform and for

related matters, 2018(SB.682) sponsored by Senator Bala Na'Allah (Kebbi South) passed the second reading.

Na'Allah while leading the debate frowned at government sending 30,000 policemen for Ekiti State governorship election coming up on Saturday.

He wondered why government that could not deploy enough policemen to curb incessant attacks and killings across the country could at this period in time mobilise policemen of that magnitude for an election in one state.

While canvassing for the support of his colleagues for the bill, Na'Allah emphasised, "We cannot envisage any meaningful reforms of the Nigeria Police without first reforming the legal infrastructure under which it operates."

According to him, the bill is a crucial step to reforming the Nigeria Police to make it amenable to the demands and expectations of an independent and democratic country.

The bill, he further said, would be a major contributor to the absolute panacea to the nation's policing problems.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over yesterday's plenary, thanked Na'Allah for the ingenuity he brought to bear on the sponsorship of the bill.

The bill subsequently passed the second reading in readiness for a public hearing to be fixed by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.

SARAKI, DOGARA, TAMBUWAL, ORTOM, AHMED, SCORES OF LEGISLATORS SET TO MOVE TO PDP their government and bring in trusted hands that would assist them to execute their agenda.

The defections, THISDAY learnt, are the next stanza in the strategic plan to further weaken the ruling party after it was broken, last week, with the emergence of the reformed All Progressives Congress (rAPC), which proceeded to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PDP and 38 other political parties on Monday.

The MoU gave birth to the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), a gathering of opposition parties, intent on procuring a consensus

presidential candidate that would defeat Buhari and wrest power from the APC in the impending 2019 general election.

Sources at the Senate and the House of Representatives told THISDAY yesterday in Abuja that the ‘’unprecedented defection’’, which might turn the ruling party into a minority party in the National Assembly, would definitely occur before the lawmakers go on recess on July 27.

A principal officer of the National Assembly, who was reacting to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by PDP with other 38 political parties on Monday,

while chatting with THISDAY, said, ‘’The APC has not seen anything yet; very soon, they will soon witness an unprecedented defection of many lawmakers from APC to PDP. ‘’This will happen before we break for recess on July 27 this month. By the time this is done, we will turn APC into a minority party in both chambers of the National Assembly.’’

Another source, a senator who pleaded anonymity, confided in THISDAY that ‘’over 28 APC senators will defect along with Senate President Bukola Saraki to PDP any moment from now.’’

THISDAY gathered that the current division within the APC, caused by the formation of the reformed All Progressives Congress (rAPC) by some aggrieved members of the ruling party, was deliberately carried out to enable some aggrieved lawmakers at the state and national levels to defect, in line with the provision of the 1999 Constitution.

With the division, the lawmakers can now defect without any legal implication that would warrant their seats to be declared vacant.

Tambuwal, who according to sources, is being favoured by leaders of the PDP,

especially the governors, to fly the presidential ticket of the party, is said to have secretly constituted his presidential campaign team, with an appointment of a ‘’respected journalist, scholar and media consultant from Anambra State,’’ as his spokesman. ‘’All is now set; Governor Aminu Tambuwal will surely return to PDP before the end of this month,’’ a close political associate of the governor stated.

On his part, Ortom is said to be very pushy in his move to return to PDP in the past few days because of his huge political disagreement with his acclaimed political

our genuine members. We call on them to take advantage of this opportunity while the windows for reconciliation are still open.

"We are confident that no level of gang-up can make our government under President Buhari to waiver in its promises to Nigerians to rid our country of corruption and improve the quality of lives for our people."

Meanwhile, the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) said yesterday that the recent

report associating it to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 39 political parties was erroneous, false, and misleading. ‘’We are not, and at no time were we in talks with the PDP to enter into a strategic relationship. Nor did we sign any MoU,’’ the party’s spokesman, Sesugh Akume, stated.

ANRP claimed that the “misleading story’’ had harmed its integrity, reputation, and good standing.

WE REMAIN ONE UNITED PARTY UNDER BUHARI, APC INSISTS The rAPC made a public entry last week, contesting the legitimacy of the leadership of the APC and contending that there had been a break in the ruling party.

But the APC in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, denied rAPC factional status.

It said, "On Monday July 9, 2018, a group of individuals under the so-called 'Reformed All Progressives Congress' platform purportedly joined a

coalition of opposition political parties ahead of the 2019 general election.

"We respect the right of everyone to join any association or group. However, we wish to "reiterate that the so-called rAPC is not a faction of our party. Our party, APC remains united under the leadership of our President, Muhammadu Buhari."

Referring to the MoU signed by rAPC and 38 political parties with the PDP, which threw up the Coalition

of United Political Parties (CUPP), the ruling party said, "No level of gang-up can make our government under President Buhari to waiver in its promises to Nigerians.

"It is also noteworthy that some political parties that have been named as signatories to the MoU have disassociated themselves from the publicised deal.

“We once again reiterate the commitment of our party to address real grievances of

godfather, Senator George Akume, allegedly instigated by the presidency.

The recent dissolution of his cabinet that saw the removal of Akume’s loyalists, according to sources, signaled his final decision to leave APC, coupled with fast fading popularity of the party in the state.

TOP GAINERS FORTEOIL CUSTODIAN UNITYBANK REGENCYALLIANCE JAIZBANK TOP LOSERS MULTIVERSE MUTUAL BENEFITS AXAMANSARD

NGN NGN 2.70 29.85 0.49 5.70 0.09 1.10 0.02 0.25 0.05 0.68 NGN 0.02 0.20 0.04 0.40 0.25 2.55 THE INITIATIVES 0.06 0.62 NEIMETH 0.05 0.52 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦ 1,500.00 Volume: 213.201 million shares Value: N3.760 billion Deals: 4,043 As at yesterday 10/07/18 See details on Page 39

% 9.9 9.4 8.9 8.7 7.9 % 9.0 9.0 8.9 8.8 8.7

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NEWS

Regulatory Approval Delays Teleology’s Final Payment for 9Mobile Emma Okonji With barely two weeks to the deadline given Teleology Holdings to pay the balance of $251 million to acquire 9mobile, the company is said to be ready to make the payment, but still waiting for regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Although it was speculated yesterday that Teleology might have paid in order to beat the remaining two weeks deadline, but sources close to Teleology Holdings told THISDAY last night that the $251 million was ready for payment, but kept in an escrow account, awaiting regulatory approval from NCC and SEC. NCC had said it would carry out due diligence on Teleology Holdings to ascertain its financial strength and technical capabilities to take over 9mobile before it would approve the use of 9mobile licence by it.

As at press time, NCC is yet to release its findings on the due diligence it carried out on Teleology Holdings.

Efforts to reach NCC officials last night to clarify the status of the transaction were fruitless as they were said to be away in Geneva on assignment at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) headquarters.

Barclays Africa, the Financial Adviser handling the sale of 9mobile, had in February 21, 2018, announced Teleology Holdings Limited as the preferred bidder for the sale of 9mobile and Smile Telecoms Holding as the reserve bidder.

In a letter transmitted to both operators, Barclays Africa directed Teleology to make an initial non-refundable cash deposit of $50 million within 21 days, which expired on March 21, 2018, and then pay the balance of $251 million within 90 days from March 21, which will expire July 25, barely two weeks from today.

Having met the initial $50 million payment deadline, telecoms operators are optimistic that Teleology will also meet up with the next deadline payment for the balance fee and take full control of 9mobile.

9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, became the fourth entrant into the GSM space in Nigeria, when it rolled out its commercial services on October 23, 2008.

But for want of network expansion, the telecoms company in 2013 approached a consortium of 13 local banks for a loan of $1.2 billion for network upgrade and expansion.

However, citing economic downturn of 2015-2016 and naira devaluation, which negatively impacted on the dollar-denominated component of the loan, the former Etisalat Nigeria, fell short of repaying the loan, a situation that compelled the banks to plan possible takeover of the

telecoms company.

After failed negotiations between the telecoms company and the banks, Emirates Telecoms Group Company (Etisalat Group), pulled out of the Etisalat shareholding structure, followed by the six Mubadala and Etisalat Group-appointed Nonexecutive Directors (NEDs), all nationals of the United Arab Emirates, who resigned their appointments.

Shortly after that, came the resignation of the former board chairman, Mr. Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who is a Nigerian.

This was again followed by the resignation of the then CEO, Mr. Mathew Willsher, and several management staff of the telecoms company, before the decision to sell 9mobile to core investor came up, and Teleology Holdings Limited emerged the preferred bidder, among 16 telecoms operators from within and outside Nigeria that initially indicated their interests to buy and invest in 9mobile.

9Mobile logo

WITH NORWAY STRIKE, LIBYAN DISRUPTION, CRUDE OIL PRICE RISES TO $79 from crude oil sales in May and June 2018.

Also, the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is set to overcome the 10-year old uncertainty in the operating environment, which has hindered investments as the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), passed by the National Assembly in March, 2018, has been transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.

The disruptions of crude oil production in Libya and Norway have added to the supply worries around the world.

Venezuela’s production has collapsed due to a lack of investment and Iranian exports have suffered due to US sanctions.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has little capacity to fill the gap as demand for oil quickens.

The global benchmark, Brent oil futures rose by 96 cents, or 1.2 per cent, to $79.03 per barrel.

They earlier hit an intraday high of $79.29, while Brent had gained 1.2 percent on Monday.

The United States light crude futures were up 35 cents, or 0.5 percent, at $74.20 per barrel.

Reuters reported that hundreds of workers on Norwegian offshore oil and gas rigs went on strike yesterday after rejecting a proposed wage deal, leading to the shutdown of one Shelloperated oilfield.

That potentially adds to disruptions in other oil producers amid tensions in the Middle East.

Libya’s national oil production fell to 527,000 barrels per day (bpd) from a high of 1.28 million bpd in February following recent oil port closures.

The United States said it wanted to reduce oil exports from Iran, the world’s fifthbiggest producer, to zero by

November, which would oblige other big producers to pump more.

Iran’s Vice President, Eshaq Jahangiri acknowledged yesterday that the US sanctions would hurt his country’s economy, but vowed that his country would “sell as much oil as we can” and protect banking.

Jahangiri said Washington was trying to stop Iran’s petrochemical, steel and copper exports. “America seeks to reduce Iran’s oil sales, our vital source of income, to zero,” he said, according to Fars news agency.

“It would be a mistake to think the US economic war against Iran will have no impact,” Jahangiri added.

President Donald Trump said in May he would pull the United States out of an international accord under which Tehran had agreed to limit its nuclear development in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump said he would reintroduce sanctions and Washington later told countries they must stop buying Iran’s oil from November 4 or face financial consequences.

The US ambassador to Germany yesterday called on Berlin to block an Iranian bid to withdraw large sums of cash from bank accounts in Germany.

But Jahangiri said Iran’s foreign ministry and the central bank have taken measures to facilitate Iran’s banking operations despite the US sanctions.

Jahangiri accused Washington of trying to use the economic pressure to provoke street protests in Iran.

However, Saudi Arabia, other members of the OPEC and allies, including Russia agreed last month to increase output to dampen price gains and offset global production losses.

The market has grown concerned that if Saudi Arabia offsets the losses from Iran

that will use up global spare capacity and leave markets more vulnerable to further or unexpected production declines.

NNPC Records N11.72bn Surplus after Long Streak of Losses Meanwhile, the NNPC, which had been on a long streak of business losses, has finally recorded a trading surplus worth N11.72 billion, according to the March 2018 edition of its monthly operations and financial report.

According to the report which was uploaded on the webpage of the corporation

by THISDAY, the corporation appeared to have equally made some profits in its operations in February.

The March report showed that the NNPC recorded a trading surplus worth N16.72 billion.

It explained that its March earnings were N4.99 billion short of what it earned in February.

“This 32nd edition of the report indicated a trading surplus of N11.72 billion which is relatively lower than the previous month’s surplus of N16.72 billion.

This represents N4.99 billion decline from February 2018 performance,” said the report.

It indicated that earnings from some of its subsidiaries which included the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC), Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), NNPC Retails, the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), and Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC) were responsible for the surplus, even though NPDC had a reduction in its oil production and revenue.

As usual, the report showed that the three refineries of the corporation in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, continued on their loss-making

streak, recording a collective operating deficit of N11.89 billion in March.

“This low performance is attributable to the refineries’ downturn with high cost of operations and reduction in NPDC’s production resulting to decline in their revenue,” added the report.

Before the release of the latest report, NNPC’s most recent profit was recorded in May 2016.

House Probes Alleged N100bn Under-remittance

by Corporation However, the House of Representatives yesterday passed a motion, seeking to set up an ad-hoc committee to probe crude oil sales by the corporation in May and June 2018, as well as other sources of funds to the corporation, and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.

The lawmakers alleged that over N100 billion might have been under-remitted by the NNPC within the period under review.

This followed a motion brought ‘under matters of urgent public importance’,

by Hon. Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta).

He noted that the monthly meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for June could not hold due to under-remittance by the corporation.

He said it would not be the first time that the NNPC had failed to pay what was fully due to the federation, thereby stalling the pace of government business across the country.

The lawmaker regretted that the issue was coming at a period when crude oil prices had risen appreciably in the international market above the budget benchmark.

The investigation will look into the volume of crude production, total sales and

how much was utilised as Joint Venture cash calls, as well as exchange rate gains within the period under review.

Leading the debate, Ossai said the deadlocked FAAC meeting meant that the 36 states were left without reasonable funds to run their affairs.

He expressed shock that the NNPC could not remit money, in spite of the fact the crude oil was sold above $75 and higher than the $51 benchmark in the 2018 budget.

Ossai said many less resource-endowed states and local governments depend on the allocations for monthly payment of salaries and allowances of its workers, adding that by the default of NNPC, many workers will be unable to get their monthly salary for June.

He said: "If the states are unable to get their allocations from FAAC as and when due, they will not be able to pay salaries or run essential services,” he said.

"It is already happening today that many states are owing arrears of salaries.

So, let us find out what is happening with our crude sales to ascertain the actual sales. They should give us records from January to July, this year,” he added.

He added that if not properly investigated and addressed, the NNPC will rise up in no distant month to declare no revenue from the nation's oil and gas business under its care.

N’ Assembly Transmits Petroleum Industry Governance Bill to Buhari for Assent In another development, THISDAY gathered that the leadership of the National Assembly transmitted the harmonised 10-year-old PIGB to President Buhari on July 3 for his assent.

The reform bill, which was initiated by the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and sent to the sixth National Assembly headed by Senator David Mark in 2008, had been enmeshed in controversy due to some of its provisions.

The Senate had on March 28 passed the PIGB having adopted the report of the conference committee of the bill, which harmonised the versions earlier passed by both Senate and House of Representatives.

The harmonised version of the Bill, which is the first leg of the four bills created from the old Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), seeks to, among others, unbundle the NNPC and merge its subsidiaries such as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), into one entity.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had at a function in Abuja in June, listed the objectives of the PIGB to include transforming the administration of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the Nigerian petroleum industry.

His words: "Firstly, the Bill creates a framework that will free up acreages that are not being developed by current licence and lease holders, thereby creating opportunities for new investors. This will bring substantial new investment to our oil and gas industry.

"Secondly, it ensures effective management of the environment by petroleum operators and administrators.

"Thirdly, it provides a framework to unleash midstream activities which will open up the market for the supply of gas and other downstream products, for economic growth. Above all, I believe the most important feature of this bill is that it provides much needed legal backing for the deregulation of our downstream petroleum sector," he had explained.

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COMMENT

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

THIS IS OUR HOMELAND

Sonnie Ekwowusi argues the need for people to protect their land

T

he massacre of our country men and women by the Cattle Fulani militia (whose origin in West Africa dates back to the Futa Toro State in old Senegal) constitutes both national and existential threats.

In the last three and half years we have watched with dismay the massacre of our countrymen and women by the Cattle Fulani militia. Rather than offer the citizens the much-needed protection the state security apparatus is complicit in the massacre of our fathers, mothers, children and great grand children. This is evil. Four decades and nine years ago, our freedom fighters brought forth in this land a new independent nation, conceived in freedom and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are under the greatest assault of the Cattle Fulani militia, testing whether that nation so conceived in freedom can endure. Now we are slaves in our homeland. They want our children, our great grand children to be their slaves as well in our homeland for that matter. Tufiakwa!

Therefore it is proper and fitting that we act now and uproot this evil from our land otherwise we shall be doomed forever. No matter their threats or intimidation, we must never surrender. No more procrastination. Beyond being a permanent voter card carrier, each citizen should try to get involved, even at a comparatively smaller scale, in the political process. If we decide to wait for all pregnant women to put to bed then all those who were delivered first would become pregnant again. This is our homeland. It is our ancestral land. In African cosmology, land is intertwined with human existence. To deprive a man of the land of his ancestors is to put him to death. They have taken everything we have.

They monopolise political power. They have stolen our commonwealth.

They have made us perpetual hewers of wood. They have destroyed our means of livelihood. They have destroyed our educational system.

They have even yanked history off our school curriculum to conceal their iniquitous past from our children. They have deprived us of our basic human rights. But no legislation, no force on this earth can force us to give up our ancestral land to the Fulani militia for grazing ranches or for anything. This is our homeland. It is the land of our hope. We were born on this land. Our children are the inheritors of our ancestral land not the illiterate cola-chewing militia. Therefore we must defend our land with the last drop of our blood. A crab can only become a King at the seashore but if dares extends its sovereignty to the middle of the sea, the king of all fish will have it for a dessert. Prayer? Of course we must pray assiduously always and not to lose heart to be delivered from this evil. But prayer alone without action is like tempting God. Silence?

At times. But silence cannot be golden amid political, social and moral turmoil. Besides being a proud carrier of PVC, try to get involved in the political process if you can. Evil, we are told, thrives when the so-called good men sit back and do nothing. “One injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere�, says Martin Luther King Jr. The toleration of injustices in Nigeria is producing more injustices. When they committed pogroms against the Igbos some kept mute because they felt they were not Igbos. But little did they know that 48 years after the Nigerian Civil War the entire spectrum of Nigerian society will be their killing field.

Yesterday they committed pogroms against the Igbos. Today they are committing pogroms against the rest of us. In February 2014 Nnamdi

EVIL THRIVES WHEN THE SO-CALLED GOOD MEN SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING

Kanu warned: “As they campaign vigorously for elections, you would think, they are coming to grow the economy, enthrone justice, breed unity and tolerance, love for one another. No, they are coming to elevate Hausa-Fulani supremacy, to reposition the security agencies by sacking all competent hands and replace them with their kinsmen to drive their ethnic domination of the Biafrans, the Fulani herdsmen will be armed and encouraged to slaughter us with impunity, and their masters will protect them. They are coming to ensure that my people are enslaved forever. Those who do not believe me will soon see it happen before their eyes.�

This warning was unheeded. Then on April 25, 2016 over 500 armed Fulani herdsmen invaded seven villages - Ekwuru, Nimbo-Ngwoko, Ugwuijoro, Ebor, Enugu-Nimbo, Umuome and Ugwuachara-in Ukpabi-Nimbo, a border town in Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State, and left scores of citizens killed. This was greeted with silence. In January 2018, the bodies of about 80 citizens of Benue State murdered by the Fulani herdsmen January 1 – 2, 2018 were given mass burial amid tears of sorrow. Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom said at that time that the Fulani herdsmen had murdered no fewer than 1,878 citizens of Benue State within the last three years. Yet another silence.

But after the Fulani herdsmen attacked and killed the Taraba town folks of T. Y. Danjuma the respected elder statesman opened up and said, “I ask all of you to be on the alert and defend your country, defend your state. This ethnic cleansing must stop in Taraba, and it must stop in Nigeria. These killers have been protected by the military; they cover them and you must be watchful to guide and protect yourselves because you have no other place to go�. As debate on Danjuma’s self-defence antidote raged the barbaric militia suddenly came out from where they were being protected and murdered two Catholic clerics – Rev Fr. Joseph Gor and Rev. Fr. Felix Tyolahan –and 17 parishioners who were peacefully worshiping God at a morning Mass at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Mbalom, Benue State.

As the nation was steeped in deep mourning, the Fulani militia again emerged from where they were being protected and slaughtered about 200 men, women, children and babies on the Plateau. In a statement ostensibly accepting responsibility for the Plateau murder, Miyetti Allah said, “We lost 300 cows, no one should expect peace in Plateau....� Till date, Miyetti Allah still thirsts for human blood. Their leader is not arrested. He is not prosecuted. He is not called a terrorist.

Python Dance is not set after him. Miyetti Allah apart, till date no Cattle Fulani murderer has been tried and convicted in court, whereas Christians accused of killing some herders have been convicted and jailed. And you want to still tell me that we are citizens of the same country? Tell that to the marines. Let’s not be naive. The 19th century Usuman dan Fodio Jihad is still spreading albeit in forms which may be undetected.

Once beaten twice shy. Now that we are all regretting the mistake of 2015, we should avoid a repeat occurrence in 2019. It will be suicidal to experience another four years of Buhari nightmare. But be forewarned.

Terrorism is deadly and directionless. None of us is immune from it.

Therefore you must stand up and be counted. No matter the size of the finger it can never be bigger than the nostrils of the owner. We are the owners of this land. This is our homeland.

A WIND OF CHANGE Youths in northern Cross River are clamouring for a change in representation, writes Ofem Uket

T

he political scenario in the northern senatorial zone of Cross River is evolving strategically to replace the incumbent senator representing the zone, Senator Rose Oko, a two- time member of the national parliament. From all indications, she would likely be replaced by Jude Ngaji, son of former Senator Greg Ngaji, a fourth Republic senator. A youth alliances cited inactive representation on the floor of the Senate and protracted stay in office as reasons for the new choice.

The youths said Senator Oko had served as education commissioner in the military administration of Ernest Kizito Attah in the early nineties, when over 90 per cent of the youths clamouring for change today in the area were in primary and secondary schools.

Independent investigation and random sampling of public opinion in the area point to the fact that the clan heads, youths, men and women and constituents of various communities in the zone have been involved in consultations and dialogues to effectively change its representation at the Senate come 2019 general election.

They claimed that since their representation in the House of Representatives in 2011 and the Senate since 2015 had not been effective in terms of community development, quality employment, skill acquisition, health services, water resources, agriculture and the develop-

ment of rural roads in the area.

The constituents are also saddened by their representative’s inability to sponsor bills and motions at the National Assembly to attract federal institutions to the zone, which most likely will translate to social services in employment and trade within and around the communities where these institutions are situated. They are worried and concerned about the repeated representation at the parliament without cognate performance that has direct bearing on the people, especially when existing health centres, primary and secondary schools classroom blocks are dilapidated, and no deliberate efforts are made by political representatives from the zone to rehabilitate these local educational and health institutions.

However, there are various caucuses, political formations and a grouping that convene consultative forums to educate the people on the choice of candidate in 2019, bearing in mind the peculiar experience and deprivation the people have suffred in all facets of governance in the zone. It is clear to everyone in the zone that the new formations drumming support for Jude Obgeche Ngaji, State Security Adviser, to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, is the preferred candidate to represent the area in the green chambers of the National Assembly come 2019.

Jude Ngaji is considerably enjoying and leveraging on the just assented to Not Too

Young to Run bill by President Muhammadu Buhari, an act of parliament that youths all over the country have stood for and are willing to translate into action in various states with particular emphasis in the Cross River North zone.

Perhaps, the politics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River to conduct primary elections, which of course can be described as a selection process for the choice of candidate that will emerge to win elections in contest with other political parties, the candidature of Jude Ngaji is likely to get the buy-in of the people.

In fairness to the process of emergence at the primary elections of PDP in the state, stakeholders have resolved on a transparent and open process devoid of imposition by political leaders, which has always been the practice in the past, culminating in poor representation and non-performance.

The youths, clan heads of communities in Cross River North have not only jostled for the emergence of Jude Ngaji as senator representing the zone, but have taking steps further to source funds to purchase INEC forms for the preferred candidate. The consensus of the predominant voice of the people is to ensure that the wind of change and effective transformation in the political history of the zone is not compromised.

Quite clearly, there is immense pressure on the mid-40 year- old security adviser of the

state to run for the senate on the platform of the PDP, because of his immense contribution to the development of communities in the area through a foundation for the less privileged, the youth empowerment programmes and educational scholarship awards for deserving and indigent students.

Determinations and the readiness demonstrated by constituents in the field at a private visit to the area for fact- findings indicate that the process of change is inevitable. Again, in no distant time, concerted efforts will be made to bring the so-much-talked about candidate on board to unveil his vision and promises to the people.

With so much accolades given to him by constituents, the position and voice of the people, if they anything to go by, means the incumbent senator representing the zone has to dialogue with the preferred candidate to have a common ground in the 2019 elections.

Overwhelmingly, dialogue and harmonisation will surely be melting points for the zone since the duo are members of the PDP. The reformative agenda of the youths and constituents for a change in command is borne out of ineffective representation, which according to them has impeded and stunted development in the area for about a decade, while stressing the fact that the youth representation will bring about the needed change and the desired progress that it has long for quite a while.

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T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2018

EDITORIAL THE EXODUS OF NIGERIAN DOCTORS Government must give attention to the health sector of the economy

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ue to both lack of job fulfilment and inadequate remunerations, Nigerian medical practitioners are leaving the country in droves for Canada, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Asian, European and American countries where their services are required and the reward systems are better. This latest form of brain drain poses huge challenge to our beleaguered health sector and should worry the authorities in our country.

Apparently concerned by the development, a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri recently wrote an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, pleading with him to stem what he described as ‘mass exodus’ from Nigeria of medical personnel. Although the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) had in January this year warned about the danger of a situation in THE BASIC OBJECTIVE which there were OF ALL DEVELOPMENTS 4,000 patients to one doctor in our IS TO GET THE PEOPLE TO ENJOY HEALTHY AND country, many other stakeholders CREATIVE LIVES have waded in.

The latest came from a UK-based Nigerian doctor, Dr Harvey Olufunmilayo, who raised the alarm about the number of his colleagues who now seek to migrate to the UK. In March this year, according to Olufunmilayo, “about 1,500 doctors wrote the Plab1 exam to work in the UK and about 1,000 passed. In a country that one doctor cares for about 4,000 patients, losing 1,000 doctors means four million Nigerians will find it harder to see a doctor. We are playing with fire as a nation.

The same exam is written twice a year in Nigeria. And with more hardship, more doctors will be writing by November 2018. And we are yet to talk of those going to other countries like USA or Canada.”

To begin with, the frequent face-off between doctors

Letters to the Editor

and the government has not only left an indelible stain on the image of the public health care system in Nigeria but has also brought untold hardship, deprivation, humiliation and frustration to the embattled medical doctors, their wives, children and relatives. It is therefore no surprise that many of our medical doctors have resorted to fleeing Nigeria in search of greener pastures abroad.

H 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

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

NIGERIAN LIVES MATTER!

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igerian Lives Matter is a bit different from those stereotypes movements calling for impeachments, reshuffling of the National assembly. It is borne out of the accumulation of recent events that constantly point to the fact that being a Nigerian in Nigeria does not guarantee you safety. It is an awakened consciousness that doesn’t need the social media to thrive. To deny the fact that it is a conclusive phrase for many fears, unwhispered words and unsaid speech that the average Nigerian fails to utter would be mere politicking.

Nigerian Live Matters can be linked to Black Live Matters in the US, which is basically to fight racism and White supremacy; it is a fight for equality and freedom, the target is White racists. The Nigerian Live Matters is more complex, it is a fight for survival, to remind a prayer-seeking government that prayers without policies won’t work. It is to the Presidency that accepting or not accepting cattle ranching should never be a prerequisite for the safety of Nigerians. It is not a political discussion, it is a reality that cannot be avoided.

One indisputable role of government is the protection of lives and property within its borders. It is a yardstick for all kinds of government. It is not a campaign promise that Nigerians demand, it is a fundamental right hinged on the Nigerian Constitution. It is a right, a duty that must be fulfilled by government. Security of lives and property is not a privilege to be paid for by religious loyalty, ethnicity, gender or geographical location. It cannot be sold on the basis of party membership or social status, it is a promise for everyone.

owever, the timing of this migration is antithetical to the health of our country.

Reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF reveal that Nigeria has the third worst infant mortality rate in the world. Nigeria is also the second country in the world with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Nigeria is the first country in the world with the highest number of malnourished children. Nigeria is the first country in the world with the highest number of people lacking access to basic primary health care.

Cancer epidemic is on the rampage. The life expectancy in Nigeria is 53. Ordinary primary health care system for prevention of preventable diseases such as polio, cholera and measles is virtually non-existent in different parts of Nigeria. Infrastructure and equipment in medical centres across the country are in a shambles. The consequence is that several Nigerians now habitually fly to India and other countries to obtain what they consider quality health services at a very huge cost to our economy.

It is noteworthy that in the course of his campaign for office, President Buhari promised to end medical tourism if elected. As it would happen, he has become the chief medical tourist in the country. The first anchor in our strategy to improve the wellbeing of the average Nigerian is to provide the citizenry with an unimpeded access to functional primary health care system. The basic objective of all developments is to get the people to enjoy healthy and creative lives. It is no use sermonising on corruption when the people lack access to basic primary health care.

Beyond any doubt, there is no more important time than now to remind the federal government that Nigerian Lives Matters, the numbers are increasing daily. It is doubtful if the government still keeps count of the number of victims, how many more lives would be exchanged for cattle? How many more churches would be burnt and priest dispersed? How many businesses would be ruined? How many more markets would be razed?

When citizens are not secured in their own country, there is no guarantee for safety when they are outside. The American government operates on the tenet of “an attack against one is an attack against all.” It is an obvious fact that has come to stay. The American government may not be a perfect example in the high school shootings and other security challenges, yet they are always putting long-term mechanism in place to attend to crisis area. What kind of security should Nigerians expect from this current government?

As this movement gains momentum, it won’t fail like others, because it was never formed by petitions, interests or influences. With its depth cutting across societal issues that affect affect Nigerians, no amount of social media post would break it, because it is a revolution that has its roots in survival.

Survival not freedom, only survivors ask for freedom.

The movement is no movement without you, the movement has not a physical presence, it can’t be framed by hashtags. The movement is within everyone seeking for a new Nigeria.

Absolutely, Nigerian Lives Matter!

Joseph Jegede, Lagos

REFLECTIONS ON KILLING OF AN NYSC MEMBER

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ews has been making rounds about how a lady who should have been among those corps members who passed out in Abuja was brutally murdered by a police man. I cannot but wonder what the parents of the lady by name Linda Igwetu would be thinking of now; the pain and agony will of course be too much to bear, not just because of the death but the fact that the lady had just 24hours to pass out. It is something very scary if people die in the hands of security officials who are meant to protect them. The situation in Nigeria calls for huge attention. Few days ago, in same Abuja seven policemen were killed by unknown gunmen. One may think Linda’s death may be a retaliatory attack as security measures have been beefed up in Abuja but it is quite unfortunate that killing has become something normal. The government should understand that if it does not act, the essence of National Youth Service Corps will be lost. There would be a revolt against the system because nobody wants to die. Serving your fatherland does not mean your fatherland should kill you; it means you are working for the growth of your country and you should be sure you will come out alive.

The case of spreading national unity through NYSC may be lost if violence against young Nigerians continue unabated. Media reports had it that five members of the youth corps died in a communal clash in Calabar; many persons on Twitter are beginning to vow that they would not serve due to fear. The Nigerian government should ensure that NYSC does not become a place where seeds of discord will be planted in the hearts of Nigerians. If Abuja can be very unsafe, then it is really scary.

The time has also come for human life to be respected, hospitals should not become death centres, every one deserves to live. The government should show responsibility by showing decisiveness and taking measures to ensure that Nigerians are treated humanly; even animals care for themselves. Nigeria should promote life and not eliminate life.

Olanrewaju oyedeji, Abuja

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018

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T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, 11 JULY, 2018

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

THE NEWSMAKER

Determined to Make His Voice Heard From a period of service as image-maker of the Ibikunle Amosun-led government in Ogun State, ChiefAdedayoAdeneye, better known as Dee 1, is inspired to become a federal lawmaker, writes Femi Ogbonnikan.

Not surprising, political leaders, friends and associates believe that as a federal lawmaker, Adeneye has the capacity to herald a new dawn of fulfilment of legitimate expectations

E

ffective and quality representation is the joy of every constituent. The populace desire to have a responsive and responsible representative that listens, feels the pulse of the people, knows where the shoe pinches and cares. Today, there is much frowning at benchwarming and sleeping lawmakers.

A candidate who is perceived to possess sterling legislative attributes would always have a winning edge.

From the on-going ground swell of events, it seems a new dawn is set to berth in Ijebu Ode/ Ijebu North-East/Odogbolu Federal Constituency, with Chief Adedayo Adeneye, better known as Dee1, the current Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, vying for a legislative seat in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

Dee 1, is undoubtedly a force to reckon with.

He is willing to provide active and effective representation, buoyed by focus, ingenuity and the fear of God. Feelers from his friends and close political associates hinted that Adeneye has formally declared his aspiration to bring succour to the people of Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu and Ijebu North East Local Governments of Ogun State, making up the federal constituency.

Humble and respectful, regardless of the social status of those who are close to him, Dayo, has been instrumental to the empowerment of the unemployed youths within his immediate locality and beyond. His convictions on the need to show good faith to diverse interests and serve group objective are always prevalent.

On account of his ability, competence, pedigree, capability and determination to bring development close to the constituency, his admirers are urging him to take a place of honour in the federal legislative arm to provide effective representation for his people. Adeneye, undoubtedly offers a beacon of hope in the horizon.

He continues to enjoy massive support of both the young and old, especially the teeming youths from the local government areas, who believe his success story in the current political life, is an indication of what he can offer his constituents, with particular reference to the development of their talents.

Undaunted in his bid, Dayo believes he possesses the competence and ability to square up against other contenders. His political trajectory has been anchored on how a decent society should evolve. He represents a paradigm shift in charting a new path that is not only full of shining potentials but one that affords unhindered expression of good values; for there is no greater misfortune than the inability to give vent to his innate desires.

Adeneye belongs to the school of thought that preaches “welfarism”, as a potent tool in improving the lot of the “haves not”.

As a clear demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of his constituents, he said. “I want to offer myself to my immediate constituency. I have some tangible things that will have direct bearing on their socio-economic empowerment. If most of us that are termed ‘technocrats’ continue to complain of poor representation and we close our eyes and allow those that have nothing to offer to take the centre-stage of our polity then, effective representation might become a mirage.

I am more than acquainted, and in direct touch with my constituents. I know where the shoe pinches them. I can feel their pulse.”

To discernable minds, the task ahead demands more than mere representations, but an ability to make worthwhile impact.

Not surprising, political leaders, friends and associates believe that as a federal lawmaker, Adeneye has the capacity to herald a new dawn of fulfilment of legitimate expectations.

Emmanuel Bello

Mr. Wale Shittu and Sunday Onafuye, both political leaders from Odogbolu and Ijebu-Ode summarised the personality of Adeneye as a man of integrity.

Onafuye, an APC youth leader captured it: “ Dayo isn’t yet our representative, but he has touched several lives of the people in his immediate communities, courtesy of the position he is currently holding as the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy. This is an indication that, when he federal lawmaker, we should all expect dividends of democracy.

We want a change of guard. We strongly believe in him to make a difference.”

Some of his classmates in secondary school, business associates and kinsmen spoke eloquently of Adeneye.

Mr. Muyiwa Olukoya who was with Adeneye at Ijebu Ode Grammar School, described him as a person who is wiling to rescue the people around him.

“We were classmates in secondary school.

He was an easy- going and a quiet person.

In fact, he was one of the brilliant students in our set. This good performance has taken him to great heights.

Another classmate, Mr. Bayo Ali, described Dee 1 as an exceptionally brilliant. “He was not an outgoing person like us that used to sneak out of the school to attend social parties in the town. He didn’t break the rules. He was always in school, reading. He was just an introvert and a shy person. We have been very good friends since then, and we still maintain the friendship till date.”

Rear Admiral Niyi Oshinowo who also went to the same secondary school as Adeneye described him as “too gentle to be stubborn.

He was amiable and easy to get along with.”

He was born at St. Jude Hospital, Ebute Meta, Lagos and was the third child of the six children his parents, late Pa Samuel Ayodele Adeneye,

a former SCOA executive-turned business man and Madam Comfort Olaide Adeneye, a business woman, from Ijebu-Ibefun in Odogbolu.

He began his early education at St. Catherine Primary School, Surulere, Lagos after which he moved to Ijebu-Ode Grammar School. Dayo enrolled at the Federal School of Arts and Science (now defunct), Victoria Island, Lagos, for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination which ultimately earned him admission to the prestigious Southern University, New Orleans, where he bagged a Bachelor of Art (B.A) degree in Business Administration and subsequently a Masters degree in Mass Communication, with emphasis on radio and television production at Southern University, Baton Rouge, USA. After graduation, he worked briefly at a foremost American Pharmaceutical sales company, Thrifty Corporations, in Los Angeles, USA, as an Assistant Manager, soon after which he rose through the ranks to become a manager. He soon veered into teaching and child development, which he did seven years in the cities of Compton and Inglewood. He is so very proud of this period during which he helped to transform several Africans, American, Caucasian and Spanish children.

At Inglewood, he was in charge of the Gifted Students’ Elementary School (6th grade) and equally taught all subjects, including Mathematics, English, Science and History. In appreciation of his invaluable contribution, he was appointed as a prominent member of the California Teachers Association and was equally decorated with the California Teachers Certificate; a honour that guaranteed him the privilege to teach in any institution of learning in America.

Back home and poised to make a marked difference, Dayo Adeneye and his bosom friend, Kenny Ogungbe, better known as Baba Keke, mooted an idea to replicate Hollywood in Nigeria through one of Nigeria’s most innovative entrepreneurs and brother in-law to Kenny Ogungbe, Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi.

With the birth of Ray Power 100.5FM, Baba Keke and Dee 1 got a platform from which they influenced a phase in the unfolding Nigerian entertainment industry.

In the 2015 general elections, Dayo made an unsuccessful bid for a seat to represent Odogbolu constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly. His strong showing must have caught the attention of Gov. Amosun who hired him to man the Information and Strategy portfolio.

He has brought his experience to bear at the helm of affairs in the information ministry, repositioning and boosting the image of the state within and beyond its shores. In the last three years, Adeneye had the privilege to promote several annual programmes, like Investors Forum, African Drum Festival and Education Summit sponsored by Ogun State.

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ONTHEWATCH

POLITICS

Ereboh Lives His Dream Segun James, writes on the antecedent of the former majority leader in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Stephen Ereboh who is gunning for the Creek Haven Government House.

Adika Stephen Ereboh, a former Majority Leader in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly epitomises, what may be described as the Nigerian dream. He believes that anyone can rise to the top from a humble beginning.

In a country full of great ambitions and damning frustrations, Ereboh is a role model to those who dare to dream. As a former member of the Bayelsa House of Assembly between 2003 and 2007, he claims to have expanded the frontier of politics in the state. He embodies the best in social engineering in the country, following his rise from the bottom to the top of the political hierarchy in the state.

He has an abiding faith that Nigeria could be better. That’s the faith that has kept Ereboh in politics since he left the House of Assembly in 2007. He is also a firm believer in the ability of the Ijaw man to be the change that the Niger Delta region needs, Ereboh, however, insists that government must provide the enabling environment for the people to take up the peculiar challenges of the Niger Delta.

According to him, ordinarily, government would love its citizens to build-up their own businesses so that they would be less dependent on the state. The inability of government to achieve this has been the bane of development of the state. He believes that given the peculiar nature of the delta, government should be the catalyst for growth in the region.

Ereboh, a businessman has indicated his desire to contest the governorship election in Bayelsa state. He insists that someone must be the change that the people need. He believes that he can be that change.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, Ereboh remained in the party even at the most trying times. He said that he still has the abiding faith in the PDP and that the party has the best agenda for Nigerian.

A patriotic and disciplined gentleman, Ereboh’s life is committed to success and devoted to fruitful service to Bayelsa, the nation and to humanity.

Ereboh, possesses a zeal that drives him to succeed where others are scared. His life has been crowned with many achievements. Indeed, in Bayelsa, he has been an inspiration and a role model to many youth organisations where he engages in mentoring activities.

Ereboh was born February 18, 1969 in Lagos, into the family of (late) Meshack Ereboh and (late) Mrs. Akisi Ereboh (Nee Dikibo). He hails from Amassoma town in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State. He was raised to believe in the supremacy of God and commitment to the upliftment of humanity.

Ereboh began his educational career at Christ the King School, Orodu-Apapa, Lagos, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate with distinction. Between 1974 and 1980, he went through secondary school education at Araromi Grammar School (now Sari Iganmu High School), briefly in Lagos, and Ennitonna High School Port Harcourt.

As an outstanding member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, he provided fiscal strategic leadership, led debates in appropriation bills, and passed them in record time for executive implementation

Ereboh

He then proceeded to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology between 1992 and 1997 to study for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Bsc) (Marketing Option). He worked briefly with A. Michelleti Nigeria Limited a leading construction giant in Port Harcourt as a Wages Officer and DHL, a leading courier company as a Commercial Executive. After the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme, he again went back to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, in the year 2000 where he obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) In 2003, Ereboh contested and won the House of Assembly seat for Southern Ijaw Constituency I. He was subsequently elected Majority Leader of Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

As Majority Leader of the House, he was the Chairman House Committee on Business and Rules, piloting the day-to-day legislative business of the house. His work provided the bridge between the party and its members in the house; and the executive arm.

Ereboh, was a member of various committees including the Standing Committee on Health, the Standing Committee on Transport, Standing Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the Standing Committee on Public Establishment and Pensions.

He was also Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations and a Member of the Drafting Committee Bayelsa Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (By-Seeds).

Stephen Ereboh, has attended several courses, seminars and workshops within and outside the country on Public Policy, legislative matters and business.

He has a Certificate in Strategic Marketing Management Harvard Business School. He has attended conferences and seminars like

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference in Bangladesh, 53rd Workshop organised by Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) UK Westminster London and National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Conference, Washington D.C, USA in 2005.

As an outstanding member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, he provided fiscal strategic leadership, led debates in appropriation bills, and passed them in record time for executive implementation.

He led a private sector approach to issues, driving accountability and utilisation of proven leadership practices and awarded scholarship to 250 persons for SSCE across his constituency.

As part of his constituency project, he built a landing Jetty at Amatolo Community (through constituency project), he provided electricity in Amatolo community and provided the community with a 250 KVA sound proof generator.

Besides, he built a befitting secondary school with offices for principal, vice-principal, staff room, laboratories and toilets in Amatolo Community and empowered youths, with over 100 motorcycles. He drafted Bayelsa State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy Plan, to lay a solid foundation for sustainable poverty reduction, employment generation, wealth creation and value re-orientation.

Ereboh exhibits good superior interpersonal skills, capable of resolving multiple and complex sales, human resources, legal, financial and operational issues, and he motivates people to peak performance.

His core professional competence include; strategy, vision and mission planning, policy procedure development, government regulations and relations, sales and marketing leadership, finance budgeting and cost management, profitability and cost analysis, team building

and performance improvement, site selection and real estate, billing, collection and cash management, business development, contract negotiations and strategic alliances, human resources management and customer acquisition and penetration.

A member of several professional bodies including the Chartered Institutes of Administration where he is a Fellow (FCIA); Chartered Administrator of the Chartered Institute of Administration (CACIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Ereboh has equipped himself to play creditably on any stage.

Ereboh is an erudite scholar and an assiduous parliamentarian, who has demonstrated his avowed commitment to the improvement of lives of Bayelsans and Nigerians. As a show of affection and appreciation, various groups and organizations have conferred on him distinguished honours and awards.

He was awarded the Aviator Certificate of Honour as Best Salesman by DHL Worldwide Express; Fellow and Nigeria’s First Class Leadership Award by National Affairs Society of Nigeria; Award of Contribution to the Development of the Grassroots and Nigeria in General by Nigerian Democratic Pillars; Alumni Merit Award, by National Association of Rivers State University of Science and Technology Bayelsa State Chapter; Distinguished Nation Builders Merit Award

by Complete Success Magazine; Gold Award

by African Nation Builders and Meritorious Service Award by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in recognition of outstanding contribution to the legislature.

Happily married to Barr. Esther Aihimegbe and blessed with children, Ereboh has also written brilliant scholarly papers including: ‘The Effect of Physical Distribution in the Soft Drink Industry.’

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Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Addressing Social Needs To deal with issues affecting the social wellbeing of communities, especially in the rural areas, Internovent, a technology startup company, has designed and distributed solutions in various fields, such as agriculture, household services, and community development. Ugo Aliogo reports

Participants at Startup -Like-A-Pro intervention training

E

ntrepreneurs are defined by their abilities to identify social problems and invent solutions to address them. Shalom Dickson is one of such. As a social entrepreneur driven by a passion to create solutions to social problems through technology, Dickson grew up watching his father develop communities, formulate chemical products in his laboratory, and build machines.

This inspired Dickson to carve out a path for himself. Although, he was not sure of the path he wanted to follow initially, he knew early he was passionate about Invention, innovation and intervention (the 3Is).

Start-up

In late 2015, Dickson partnered Precious Udegbue, and they kicked off their technology startup company known as Internovent. The name was coined from intervene, innovate and invent. Today, the company works in designing and distributing solutions in various fields, such as agriculture, household services, and community development, refining ideas from software technology to business plans.

As a social enterprise, they are equipped with a novel mechanism

Photos: Internovent

for developing solutions to socioeconomic problems, from software to hardware solutions.

Design, develop, distribute

At the baseline of Internovent’s works are three key stages – Design, Develop and distribute (the 3Ds).

According to them, the design stage involves inception of the idea. As Chief Idea Developer, Dickson leads the team that refines the idea from conception to creating Minimum Viable Product (MVP). He notes that there are very flexible design models in their laboratory, which they deploy

It's because of movements such as these that I can assure you that in the coming years, Nigeria will be at the forefront of world technology

to carry out such design solutions for clients.

Taking THISDAY through their work, they said at the development stage, they worked with a setup team for the chosen project. Through online research, market surveys and experts consultation, they ensure that the project is well developed and workable to address real life solutions. In the case of a project, for instance, a software project, they build it with software developers.

In the distribution stage, they partner with necessary channels to inject these solutions into the market.

Due to the rate at which they come up with solutions, and because they are new in the market, most of what they have created is still in the design and development phase.

New projects

But the company is faced with vulnerability in Intellectual Property (IP). Despite this challenge, they have launched a project known as the Neighbourhood Stalker (www. neighbourhoodstalker.com). The platform provides access to daily services needed for enclosed neighbourhoods.

Presently, it has been implemented in Agbara Estate, in Ogun State.

They have also launched a Community Development Project (CDP) known as CommuniFactory (www. communifactory.org), which is focuses on providing facilities in rural and urban areas to alleviate poverty through community projects, such as farming. They are using the CommuniFactory concept to develop their farm at Igbesa, Ogun State.

In the area of software, they have developed a number of good solutions. One of such is the Automated Answering System (AAS). The device helps to bring simplicity and facilitate self-assessment. The answering machine is for answering questions and also a handy self-assessment tool. They have also secured venture capital to develop a stipend solution for minors.

In the works

Dickson and Udegbue duo said they still had more in the pipeline, among which are the HandyFarm.org.

According to Dickson, “Among our coming big ideas are: HandyFarm.org (yet to be launched). It is a device we hope to boost agriculture at an unspeakable rate.

"We also have ClassOfSomething. org; this is currently being developed

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and tested with Federal Government College, Lagos (FGCL), alumni. It’s a platform that connects alumni in new ways and helps to answer any type of multiple choice questions.

The next version will be able to take on even more tasks."

Vision

On their vision Dickson said, “Internovent is the future of African innovation. Everyone deserves to know we are here. Venture capitalists need to invest in the movement. On a large scale, our vision is to equip and connect a network of 10,000 social innovators in Africa over the next five years. “The most obvious one is employment. With the creation and expansion of each new projects comes creation of job opportunities. Also, the direct impact of our solutions is aimed at promoting socio-economic change.

"Millions of Nigerians will live better and more comfortable. Internovent as a concept is here to refine the orientation of the African youths. It will also place before them the task of tackling problems, and provide them the tools to think about solutions. “To the ordinary man, we work with the passion of eliminating the elitist view of genius. We will bring to him, the education he truly deserves, so that he may have the confidence he needs to be superman. “Internovent will stay, not just because the chief executive officer is a remarkable visionary, or because the people behind it are fuelled with limitless passion, but because the idea is divine. This movement is bigger than any of us. We started developing all our software from 2016. Right now, internovent as a group is made up of over 50 people in three countries including, Canada and the US.�

Funding

Regarding the issue of startup capital for the business, Dickson noted that an entrepreneur should strive to develop creative approaches to tackle the issue of funding. He said family support was important, as it could be an effective backup for emergency spending.

As an individual who believes in creating value in service delivery, he developed a principle known as value-for-value. This principle has helped the organisation to cut cost, he said. “We have been able to find some private investors who are interested in providing venture capital for individual projects. We are still open for investment, though we have not had any major funding for Internovent,�

Dickson noted.

He added, "Putting value, people and purpose first is at the heart of everything we do. Sourcing loans from banks are sometimes steps that can distract you from important moves.

Maybe this is the right time for that or maybe months from now. No huge sum of money can come in once. From strategic partnerships to improvising with what you have, all partners put in what they can. “I am of a firm opinion that money (startup capital) is not the most important necessity in starting a company. You ought to get your value base right. Adopt a system that runs on little money. Do the dirty work."

Hope for the future

With the recent influx of young talented Nigerians into the technology ecosystem, Dickson and Udegbue believe there is great hope in the years ahead for the country. They say these youngsters are building mind blowing software applications to address societal needs, stressing that despite low government support, youths are tapping into the opportuni-

Cross section of beneďŹ ciaries

ties in the sector. Dickson is excited about the attention youths are putting into technology innovation. What is noteworthy for him is the advent of technology hub centres, such as Dev’s District and Planet NEST, which they are in partnership with.

Dickson stated, “It's because of movements such as these that I can assure you that in the coming years, Nigeria will be at the forefront of world technology innovation and smart entrepreneurship. Let me state here that we recently had our first flagship Entrepreneurship Intervention Training- Startup like a Pro (SLAP).

This version was in partnership with media house and life transformers academy. “The idea is to build a global mindset in startup entrepreneurs as they begin their version of this exciting and purposeful journey.

Anyone who wants to develop such a model for their startup can come to Internovent. We will work something out. As the initiator of this concept, I started out with my founding partner, Udegbue and we harmonised the human resources available to us.�

Putting value, people and purpose ďŹ rst is at the heart of everything we do...

You ought to get your value base right.

Adopt a system that runs on little money

L-R: President of Life Transformer's Academy, Michael Los with Shalom Dickson at the event

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

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FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ADMINISTRATION No.1 Kapital Road, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT This is to inform the general public that, the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammad Buhari will perform the

OFFICIAL

COMMISSIONING OF THE ABUJA LIGHT RAIL PROJECT th

on Thursday 12 July 2018 VENUE: Abuja Metro Station, off Constitution Avenue, behind World Trade Centre, Central Business District (CBD) Area, Abuja

TIME: 10.00am prompt

HIS EXCELLENCY,

MUHAMMADU BUHARI GCFR PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

INVITED GUESTS ARE TO BE SEATED BY 9:00 AM

ANNOUNCER Comrade Kayode Opeifa Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCTA

T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, 11 JULY 2018

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 7 7.75

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

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INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DAY QUARTER-TO-DAY YEAR-TO-DAY

EXCHANGE RATE 351.61 -0.10% -0.73% -0.73% 6.92%

N305.70/1US DOLLAR AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Adamawa Lauds Fidelity Bank

DISCUSSING OIL AND GAS

L-R: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Downstream, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Henry Obih; Founder, Nigeria Entrepreneurship Summit & Honors (NESH), Emeka Ugwu-Oju and COO, Refineries, NNPC, Anibor Kragha, at the 2018 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) International Conference held in Abuja... recently

Analysts Outline Equities Market Drivers in Second Half of 2018 Goddy Egene As the Nigerian equities market begins the second half of the year on bearish note, investment and economic analysts have listed five factors that will drive the market in the second half of the year. After the sterling performance of the local bourse in 2017, gaining 42.3 per cent, expectations were high that the rally would continue in 2018. But after a bullish performance in the first quarter of the year, the gains were pared as sustained profit taking pushed the market to

CAPITAL MARKET close the first half (H1) of the year with a marginal growth of 0.09 per cent.

And as the H2 begins, analysts at Afrinvest West Africa, a Lagos-based research and investment firm, said new listings, budget implementation, elections uncertainties, sustained liquidity in forex exchange (FX) and corporate earnings are factors that would determine the performance of the market in the second half of the year. In a report on the equities market review and

outlook obtained by THISDAY, the firm stated that a major and potential driver of market performance in H2 2018, will also be the planned listing of the MTN Nigeria shares on the Nigerian Stock exchange.

“MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of the South African company MTN Group, is the biggest telecommunications operator in Nigeria. Considering the size of the company, a significant jump is expected in the total market capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock exchange(NSE) and given the pedigree and international recognition of the

parent company, significant investor interest is expected to be generated by the stock following its listing.

“Consequently, we believe the listing will further deepen the market as well as turn the spotlight on the local bourse given the expected investor interest from both domestic and foreign investors.

Furthermore, we believe the listing of MTN Nigeria on the domestic bourse could potentially encourage other “big companies” in Nigeria Continued on page 24

Firms Express Confidence in Nigeria’s Economy Nume Ekeghe The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Business Expectations Survey (BES) for June 2018, has revealed that firms have expressed more optimism in the macroeconomy.

Also, respondents’ outlook on the volume of total order, business activity and financial conditions (working capital) remained positive during the review period. The report however showed that firms identified insufficient power supply, high interest rate, unfavourable economic climate, financial problems, unclear economic laws, insufficient demand and unfavourable political climate as the major factors constraining business activity in the current month.

Respondent firms expected that the naira would appreciate

ECONOMY this month as well as in the coming months; inflation rate to fall and borrowing rates to rise. The BES report which was published on the CBN’s website recently had a response rate of 87.5 per cent and services, industry, wholesale /retail trade and construction sectors.

It stated that: “At 34.7 index points, respondents’ overall confidence index (CI) on the macro economy in June 2018 improved when compared with the level of 28.9 index points recorded in May 2018.

The businesses outlook for July 2018 shows a greater confidence on the macro economy at 64.9 index points.

“The optimism on macro economy in the current month was driven by the opinion

of respondents from services (20.5 points), industrial (9.3 points) construction (2.6 points) and wholesale/retail trade sectors (2.3), while the drivers of the optimism for next month were services (37.8 points), industrial (19.5 points), wholesale/retail trade (3.9 points) and construction (3.7 points) sectors.”

Furthermore, the report showed a positive trend in the outlook by type of business in June 2018 which was driven by businesses that are neither import- nor export-oriented (22.6 points), import-oriented (6.0 points) both import- and export-oriented (5.8 points), and those that are exportrelated (0.5 points).

According to the report, respondents’ outlook on the volume of total order and business activity in June 2018 was

more optimistic, as the index stood at 16.4 and 16.1 points, respectively when compared to 15.1 and 16.1 points, respectivly recorded in the previous month. Similarly, respondents’ outlook on financial conditions (working capital) and average capacity utilisation improved, as the indices stood at 11.7 and 23.4 index points, respectively when compared with the 14.1 and 22.7 points, respectively recorded in May 2018. The improvement in the average capacity utilisation (CUI) index was attributed to the positive outlook on financial conditions.

Respondents were more optimistic on access to credit in the review month, with an index of 4.4 points.

It showed that the positive Continued on page 24

The Governor of Adamawa State, Mohammed Jibrila Bindow has commended Fidelity Bank Plc for supporting the development of education in the state and across the country through its sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The governor was quoted in a statement to have said this during the handover ceremony of the recently constructed block of classrooms to the management of Kwarhi B’ Primary at Mubi in Hong Local Government Area (LGA).

He noted that the project was significant as it would go a long way to provide an appropriate learning environment for children in the community.

Bindow, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mahmud Abubakar urged other financial institutions to emulate the bank, stating that the lender maintains high standards of integrity and professionalism in its relations with the State government and host community.

Also, the School Principal, Luka Usman thanked the bank for its intervention, adding that the project had brought to an end years of teaching and learning in an unconducive environment.

“The entire school was formerly built with mud and practically had dilapidated roofs. The pupils were made to learn under hard conditions by sitting on woods as school chairs, thereby making the environment unconducive for learning. This situation compelled Fidelity Bank to step in and gave the school a facelift”, Usman noted.

FBNInsurance Rewards Agents

FBNInsurance, recently rewarded its top retail agents at its annual retail awards held in Abia State.

The company said the reward was in line with its corporate strategy and a show of its commitment to growing the insurance retail market, At the event, a staff of Aba Sales Region, Ndubueze Onyekachi, won a car as the overall winner in the financial advisor category; while Ikenhi Wisdom, got an all-expense paid trip to Dubai as first runner-up.

Also, Iyogwoya Roseline, last year’s winner of same award won a 55” OLED TV as the second runner-up.

Speaking at the event, the Head, Retail Distribution, FBNInsurance, Odinakachi Umekwe, acknowledged the support of the board and management of the company while encouraging the winners not to relent in their sales drive.

“Winning is not the end of it, there is always more work to be done. Congratulations for winning this time, but remember, many others want to win too; so, work harder,” he said.

FBNInsurance which has its corporate headquarter in Marina, Lagos, is widely acknowledged as one of the fast growing insurance company in Nigeria and Africa as evidenced by its emergence as the Insurance Company of the Year at the recently held African Insurance Organisation /Africa-Re Insurance Awards.

Scib Insurance Marks 40th Anniversary

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of Scib Nigeria & Co Limited, Mr Shola Tinubu has said that the secret of the company’s success is anchored on a solid foundation laid on integrity, knowledge, professionalism and excellent service delivery.

Tinubu, who stated this at a press briefing organised by the company in Lagos as part of activities to mark its 40 years anniversary, said Scib had upheld these qualities till date.

These, he said has remained the reason for the company’s success.

He also said the above qualities were in line with the vision of the founding father of Scib, Olabode Ogunlana, who according to him through corporate virtues he bequeathed to the company enabled it to carve a niche for itself in the insurance broking profession, both locally and internationally.

Prompt settlement of outstanding contractor arrears as earlier promised by the federal government will significantly moderate asset quality pressures and further improve resilience of the financial system

CBN Deputy Governor, Aishah Ahmad

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T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, 11 JULY 2018

BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSTS OUTLINE EQUITIES MARKET DRIVERS IN SECOND HALF OF 2018 which are currently unlisted to approach the market with initial public offerings,” they said. According to the analysts, general elections uncertainties would make investors to adopt cautious trading in equities.

“In line with historical trend, investors tend to reduce exposure to risky assets in the year leading up to general elections and this is similar to the situation in Nigeria. The one thing investors detest is “uncertainty” and as such, As such, this downside risk is expected to worsen as 2019 general elections draw closer,” they said. Afrinvest added that whilst the delay in the passage of the 2018 budget could potentially have stalled some of the expected benefits associated with the budget implementation, “we believe sufficient implementation will have a feedback positive impact on companies’ earnings as well as consumer spending.

“The Industrial Goods sector is expected to benefit the most, given the proportion of the budget allocated to capital spending, however, we note that historically the actual capital expenditure has consistently lagged the budgeted figures hence the impact on the sector could be limited.”

FIRMS EXPRESS CONFIDENCE IN NIGERIA’S ECONOMY outlook in the volume of business activities (66.7 index points) and employment (27.0 index points) indicated a favourable outlook this month.

The employment outlook index by sector showed that the services sector (28.7 points) indicates the highest prospects for creating jobs, followed by industrial (26.4 points), wholesale/retail trade (25.0 points) and construction (16.7 points) sectors.

On exchange rate expectations, it stated: “Majority of the respondent firms expect the naira to appreciate in the current and next months as the confidence indices stood at 29.5 and 44.6 points, respectively.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Linda Eroke (Labour) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Cap Mkt)

NEWS

Nigeria’s Hotel Sector Projected to Sustain Expansion Nigeria’s hotel sector as well as hotel sector in some other African countries have the potential for further growth over the next five years.

An increase in the number of foreign and domestic travellers, as well as an expansion in a number of hotel chains on the continent reinforces the hotel sector’s untapped potential for business growth.

These were some of the highlights from a new report that was released by PwC on Africa’s hotel sector.

PwC’s eighth edition of the, ‘Hotels outlook: 2018-2022’ includes information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania. The report projected that hotel room revenue for the five markets as a group will increase at a 7.4 per cent compound annual rate to R50.5 billion in 2022 from R35.2 billion in 2017.

For Nigeria, it predicted that the country was expected to be the fastest-growing country over the next five years. Owing to this, a number of new hotels had been scheduled to be opened during this time.

Therefore, the report pointed out that continued improvement in the domestic economy will lead to faster growth in guest nights.

“The hotel markets in Nigeria and Mauritius continued to perform well in 2017 with both achieving double-digit growth whereas Kenya and Tanzania had decreases in room revenue.

“For the forecast period as a whole, the number of available rooms in Nigeria will rise from 9 700 in 2017 to 12 600 in 2022, a 5.4 per cent compound annual increase – still the largest expansion of any country in the report,” it stated.

Also, commenting on the report, Hospitality Industry Leader, PwC Southern Africa,

Pietro Calicchio said, “says: “Tourism to the African continent has proven to be resilient in the face of economic and political uncertainty, impacts of droughts and other regulatory changes.

“The opportunities are aplenty for this industry to enjoy further growth albeit at a more modest pace. However, as we continue to see there are also a number of challenges facing each country.

“This is an industry that is reactive to the smallest change in political, regulatory, safety and sustainability matters.”

South African hotel room revenue was expected to

expand to R21.8 billion in 2022, up 5.6 per cent, compounded annually, from R16.6 billion in 2017.

It stated that the growth in hotel rooms in South Africa, remained similar to that predicted in its 2017 report, with an additional 2 900 rooms to be added over the next five years. It also forecast occupancy rates in the country to continue to grow over the forecast period and to reach 62.5 per cent in 2022.

After jumping 38 per cent in 2016, visitors from China to South Africa fell 17 per cent in 2017, according to the report.

Travellers from India rose a

modest 2.7 per cent in 2017, well below the 21.7 per cent increase recorded in 2016.

Of African visitors, the largest number was from Zimbabwe at two million, followed by Lesotho at 1.8 million and Mozambique at 1.3 million.

According to PwC, Kenya, Tanzania and Mauritius should be the next fastest growing, with compound annual increases of 9.6 per cent, 9.1 per cent and 7.2 per cent respectively.

Hotel room revenue in Mauritius increased by 12.7 per cent in 2017 and the country continued to experience growth

in the number of foreign visitors. Hotel room revenue was projected to grow at a 7.2 per cent compound annual rate to 2022.

“Tourism remains an important part of each economy.

However, the smallest change or disruption can have a fundamental impact on the future growth of each market.

“It is therefore important that investors, hotel operators, tourism bodies and governments continue to work together to grow this important industry and ensure its sustainability so that all stakeholders derive the maximum benefit from it,” Calicchio added.

RECOGNITION

NL-R:Head HR, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Yemi Faseun; Managing Director, FBNQuest Asset Management, Ike Onyia; President, Lagos Business School (LBS) Alumni Association, Clare Omatseye and Head, Coverage and Corporate Banking, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Bimbola Wright, when FBNQuest recieved the LBS 2018 Alumni Presidents Award in Lagos... recently.

ACI Inspects Kaduna International Airport for Fake Drugs: House Directs Certification Agencies to Reactivate MAS John Shiklam in Kaduna A six-man Airport Council International (ACI) team has commenced the inspection of the Kaduna International airport to ascertain its safety and worthiness for full operation on international routes.

The inspection came ahead of the October deadline for the international safety certification of the airport for landing and take-off of aircrafts flying international routes.

The ACI team under the Airport Excellence (APEX) in Safety Programme was led

by Brahim Lakhifi, an aviation consultant from Morocco .

In an interview after inspecting facilities at the airport, Lakhifi, said the APEX programme aims at assisting airports around the world to improve their systems and safety.

He added: “So, we are here with a team from airports world wide to work hand in hand with our colleagues at Kaduna International Airport to see whether there is any

area of improvement to assist them identify if there is gaps regarding international requirements, recommendations and best practices and to assist them identify the best corrective action to implement and improve the existing system.”

He said the team would be split in three groups: focusing and system of documentation, among others.

“We will work with our colleagues to identify where we can improve existing system, including infrastructure and may be, to identify as well, if there is any training needs” he added.

He said the programme had been conducted in Port Harcourt and Enugu airports, adding that there were plans to take the programme to Abuja and Lagos airports.

Also in an interview, the Manager of the Kaduna International Airport, Mrs. Amina Ozi-Salami said the team was at the airport to identify and help address gaps and requirements to meet global safety standards.

“They are here to take us through the process of certification which is expected to happen around September or October this year.

“When certified it is safe for any kind of aircraft to operate in and out of the Kaduna airport. What it means is that the Kaduna airport would join other airports with global safety standards’’, she said.

Ozi-Salami said the airport runway would soon undergo upgrading before the October deadline for certification of facilities, adding that all necessary measures are being taken to meet global demand.

According to her, the runway had not been upgraded for over 30 years.

She however said the air landing facility would be upgraded before the set deadline.

Earlier, the team leader and the Airport manager had signed an ACI declaration of commitment and collaboration document on behalf of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

James Emejo in Abuja The House of Representatives has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to ensure that the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) is reactivated and applied to all drugs purchased in the country.

It further urged NAFDAC to as a matter of urgency, begin a nationwide publicity on MAS for the education and enlightenment of the public as well as mandated its Committee on Health Services to ensure compliance with the resolutions.

The decision of the House followed a motion sponsored

by Hon. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) on the need to carry out the directive to save lives.

Benson had expressed concern that drug counterfeiting remained a major cause of death of many citizens. Benson, while leading the debate said fake drugs undermined every aspect

of medical treatment and health care delivery and constitute the major cause of suffering and death of many Nigerians.

He said counterfeiting of drugs had contributed negatively to the well-being of Nigerians while the illicit trade has escalated within the country’s health care system in recent times. Benson hinted that in 2010, NAFDAC in its efforts to combat counterfeit drugs initiated the MAS by pharmaceuticals companies nationwide which allowed consumers to send by text message as authentication code to a designated number to confirm the genuineness of drugs. He said MAS, which has a unique PIN of 12 or 13 digit could be sent by a short code and elicits response indicating if the drug was genuine, fake or stolen. The lawmaker, however, expressed worries that in recent times, there had been a reduced campaign on the authentication process and most over the counter drugs and infant syrups do not have the unique 12 digit PIN.

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NEWS

IBTCPensionBossHighlightsMeritsofMultifund Structure Ebere Nwoji The Chief Executive Officer of IBTC Pension Managers, Mr. Eric Fajemisin has highlighted the merits of the newly introduced multi-fund structure of investment in the pension industry.

According to Fajemisin, the new scheme is better than the previous “one-size-fitsall” investment structure arrangement that puts all active contributors into one Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Fund for purposes of investment.

Fejemisin, stated this at a pre-retirement seminar organised by the company in Lagos recently He said the new pension fund investment structure which categorises contributors and their fund investment pattern according to their age would resolve the challenge of asset-liability risk management faced by the operators.

“By aligning the age and risk profile of RSA holders to match the four funds under the scheme, contributors would have a better chance to earn improved returns on

their investments in proportion to their risk appetites,” the Stanbic IBTC pension boss said.

According to him, the different categories of the multi-funds structure are Fund 1, Fund 2, Fund 3 and Fund 4.

He explained that Fund I is targeted at people of 49 years and below who in the quest for higher returns are willing to take more risks.

Also, Fund 2 is targeted at people who are aged 49 years and below and still working but are satisfied with moderate returns and levels of risks.

In addition, Fund 3 targets people 50 years and above but still working and have very low risk appetite, while Fund 4 is for retirees who have the lowest risk profile of all categories.

Fajemisin, said even though an individual may be retired, his/her money should continue to work for him.

Planning for retirement, he said, should commence from the first day an individual starts working. This, he noted may seem disheartening at the onset, but with the help of an

experienced pension professional, the process is made easy in that as retirement approaches, the individual will not encounter the usual apprehension associated with retirement from work “As people head towards retirement, a decision about the type of life they wish to live in retirement should not be made from the hip, but rather through a wellstructured financial planning process.”

The Stanbic IBTC helmsman outlined three crucial considerations which everyone must give a thought to for a secured future.

He said the first is “that since no one will care more about another individual’s retirement investments, the individual should educate himself about the process.

The second thought is that when making retirement investments, the assistance of a professional should be sought. The third thought is even when the individual may have stopped working for money; the money should never stop working hard for him.”

NEM Insurance Announces Dividend Payout Ebere Nwoji NEM Insurance Plc at its 48th annual general meeting(AGM) held in Ibadan ,Oyo State recently announced 10 kobo dividend per share to its shareholders for the financial year ended December 31st, 2017. The company’s board said this follows what it described as impressive performance recorded by the company during the period.

Addressing shareholders at the AGM , Chairman of NEM Insurance, Fidelis Ayebae, said the 10 kobo dividend payout this year represents 25 per cent increase from eight kobo dividend paid by the company in 2016 financial year.

Speaking on the other financial performance of the company, Ayebae said premium of N13.4 billion was

generated by the company for the period ,representing increase of 24.7 per cent over the N10.8 billion in the previous year.

He said net premium earned increased by 15.2 per cent , adding that the figures for 2017 and 2016 were N9.8 billion and N8.5 billion respectively “There was an increase of 48.1 per cent of investment income of N709.9 million in 2017 over that of 2016 of N479.5 million. Claims expenses incurred during the year was N1.78 billion which was an improvement of 33.2 per cent. The absolute figure for 2016 was N2.7 billion. The gross claims ratio for 2017 stood at 37.4 per cent, a slight improvement of one per cent over the preceding period which was 37.7 per cent. The net claims ratio was 18.2 per cent for the

year under review and 31.4 per cent for the preceding year, an improvement of 42 per cent.The improvement in the ratio was as a result of the good recovery made from our reinsurers,” Ayebae explained.

According to him, during the period under review, there were increases of 26.2 per cent and 28.2 per cent in management expenses for the group and parent company respectively, adding that in 2017, the figures for the group and parent company were N2.98 billion and N2.96 billion while in 2016 the figures were N2.36 billion and N2.31 billion respectively.

The NEM Insurance boss said profits before tax (PAT) for the period under review for the group and parent company stood at N3.09 billion and N3.08 billion with increases of 44.2 per cent and 41.0 per cent respectively.

PZ Introduces Scheme to Attract Youths Raheem Akingbolu PZ Cussons has announced the launch of its fashion design competition, tagged ‘Masters of Style’. The competition is set to kick off with the campus edition targeted at university undergraduates with talent in fashion designs.

According to the company, the ‘Masters of Style’ competition is aimed at discovering young and budding talents aspiring to become fashion designers in the industry.

The Head of Marketing, PZ Cussons, Charles Nnochiri, said the maiden edition of the competition would be open to only students of select universities across the country.

“As you may know our brands, Imperial Leather

and Canoe are big on luxury and style and have over the years supported many initiatives that have promoted the entrepreneurial spirit amongst Nigerian youths.

“We have only thought it necessary to set up a platform that will continue to give rise to fresh talents in fashion designing and give them the initial push and support they need to go on and achieve their dream of becoming top designers,” he added.

The competition, which is scheduled to run for three months, will see the brands tour the selected universities across major cities in the country, namely; University of Jos, Port Harcourt, Benin, Lagos, and Calabar.

According to the company,

students in these universities with talent and passion for fashion designing are encouraged to enter the competition by registering online.

The firm noted that only shortlisted participants will take part in the campus showcase at the various campuses, adding that participants would be required to upload photos of their designs on the website, which they will also have to present during the campus showcase.

The winner of ‘Masters of Style’ 2018 will walk away with a cash prize of N500,000, an internship program with a top Nigerian fashion designer and a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase his/her collection at one of Nigeria’s top fashion shows.

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Marie-Therese Phido

When You Should Rebrand Many companies in Nigeria are in dire need of rebranding. It gets so embarrassing that you begin to wonder at what the management of these organizations are thinking and why they can’t seem to see that not rebranding is strangling their business.

From observation, the only companies we seem to notice rebranding at various times in their growth trajectory are companies in the financial services industries. These companies realize that they are in a highly competitive industry and need to be at the cutting edge of innovation and customer experience. Rebranding and ensuring their refreshed brand is in consonance with their aspirations is an exercise they embark on to remain relevant to their customers and maintain their positioning in the industry.

The question is, why are companies in other industries not following this good example? Companies need to understand that the market is constantly changing and is very fickle. The ability to remain top of mind with consumers is key to the sustainability of their business. Companies need to realize one immutable truth that rebranding is essential in today’s business world to remain relevant.

ing is competitive differentiation. If your positioning doesn’t separate your brand from the competition, then your brand is failing you. Now, that doesn’t mean being different just for the sake of being different: Neon colors and brash messaging don’t help a corporate law firm compete for business. True differentiation is authentic and rooted in the promise only your brand can offer. You can get a better sense of your brand’s differentiation by performing a mini brand audit. Take a look at some of your brand’s collateral alongside that of your top competitors. Does it stand out or just get lost amongst the sameness?

Where are there opportunities for differentiation? These might include color, messaging or imagery.

• Your brand has become too complicated. Many companies come off as inauthentic brands: In order to survive, they had created new service offerings, lowered prices, expanded into new markets, or had gone after less-than-ideal customers. Essentially, they tried to be everything to everyone. These tactics may have got them through the short-term, but when it comes to long-term branding, increased complexity means decreased effectiveness.

Any opportunities to simplify, focus, or develop a unifying brand narrative will benefit your business for years to come.

• You’re undergoing (or have recently undergone) a merger or acquisition.

Acquisitions lead to serious misalignments in culture and values. Too often, executives don’t fully think about the repercussions of M&A activity until it’s too late, resulting in diminished performance for both the parent brand and the acquired brand. If you’re undergoing (or have recently undergone) a merger or acquisition, take a big-picture look at the implications for your brand architecture. It can be helpful to sketch out a diagram of the various brands and subbrands involved. Look for logical ways to configure your brand architecture so that each brand and sub-brand derives value from the others.

• You’re not attracting top talent. It’s simple: The best talent wants to work with the best brands. If you’re unable to recruit quality personnel for open positions, it might be because your brand seems mediocre to qualified candidates.

If you suspect your brand is preventing you from attracting top talent, brand research can provide the answer. As part of your research, consider crafting questions for surveys that elicit how likely the subject would be to work at your company, and why.

The answers to such inquiries might be surprising. In conclusion, note that the first sign you need a rebrand is the fact that the thought of a rebrand even crosses your mind at all in the first place. Once that happens know that it is time to hit the drawing board to start the process of rebranding your business. You will be glad with the results if properly executed.

The best talent wants to work with the best brands. If you’re unable to recruit quality personnel for open positions, it might be because your brand seems mediocre to qualified candidates. If you suspect your brand is preventing you from attracting top talent, brand research can provide the answer But how do you know if your company needs a rebrand? It’s a question all Chief Executives should ask themselves.

Sometimes the signs are obvious and many times they are not, if you’re wondering whether your brand needs a refresh, let’s take a look at Brian Lischer’s six signs.

He says each is a good indicator that the time is right to rebrand.

• You’re embarrassed to give people your card. This is one the most common sign he says. He says, “if reaching for your business card makes you cringe, or if you feel the need to explain why your website is outdated when you share your URL, it’s a good sign you’re ready for a rebrand.

You should be proud of your brand: When you’re not, it shows”. Take a moment to assess your business card, website and other marketing collateral. Do they inspire confidence in you as a brand ambassador, or do they make you cringe (even a little)?

• Your brand’s name no longer evokes its vision. What’s in a name? When it comes to branding, a lot. Sometimes what seemed like a great name 10 years ago is no longer aligned with what your brand is trying to accomplish. Other times a name takes on a whole new meaning due to cultural happenings outside of your control. More common still, a company expands (or flatout moves) its geographical reach. Does it bring to mind the positioning and personality you’d like your brand to embody?

• Your brand doesn’t stand out from the crowd. Among the primary goals of brand-

– Marie-Therese Phido is Sales & Market Strategist and Business Coach Email: mphido@elevato.com.ng tweeter handle @osat2012 TeL: 08090158156 (text only)

26

T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, 11 JULY 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

EQUITIES WATCH

Flour Mills of Nigeria Shows Resilience Despite recording poor performance in the fourth quarter of its financial year ended March 31, 2018, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc ended the full year with higher profitability, reports Goddy Egene

W

hen Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc posted earnings per share (EPS) of 456 kobo for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, shareholders had anticipated a high dividend payment for the full year ended March 31, 2018.

Their expectations were hinged on the fact that when the company posted EPS of 303 kobo the previous year, a dividend of 100 kobo per share was paid. Considering the fact that payout ratio was 33 per cent, they had expected that if the company maintained the rate of growth recorded in nine months in the last quarter and end the year with higher profitability, then the dividend would also be higher than the previous year’s.

However, last week when the company released its audited results for the year ended March 31, 2018, it announced a dividend of 100 kobo, same as what was paid the previous year. The reason for the same dividend payment may not be unconnected with the slower growth recorded in EPS in the fourth (Q4) quarter. While the company ended the nine months with a profit after tax (PAT) of N13.27 billion, the full year PAT was N13.6 billion, indicating that a mere N400 million was added in Q4.

Specifically, the company recorded a loss in Q4 and only got a boost from tax credit. Hence, it ended the full year with a PAT of N13.6 billion and an EPS of 483 kobo, up from 303 kobo in 2017. However, the board lowered the dividend payout ratio to 20 per cent instead of 33 per cent paid in 2017.

Full year results The flour milling firm recorded a marginal growth in top-line with revenue rising 3.5 per cent to N542.670 billion, compared with N524.64 billion in 2017. It cost of sales rose from N457.775 billion to N473.895 billion. Selling and distribution cost rose from N5.341 billion to N6.180 billion, while administrative expenses jumped from N18.499 billion to N20.115 billion.

It cost of finance recorded a marginal growth from N32.529 billion to N32.697 billion. The

financing cost is expected to fall lower this year due to injection of equity capital from a rights issue.

Also, the company reduced its borrowings from N141.7 billion to N103.9 billion in 2018.

Profit before tax improved from N10.473 billion to N16.546 billion, while profit after tax settled at N13.615 billion in 2018 compared with N8.836 billion in 2016.

Company explains performance Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director, Paul Gbededo of FMN said: “Our 2017, year end result, shows a remarkable growth in the group’s revenue of N542 billion, which represents an impressive 3.5 per cent year on year growth.

“This was achieved through a combination of resilience in the face of a challenging environment, volume growth and product mix from our food and agro-allied businesses. The results are a clear indication that our efforts to continually push for improved efficiency and synergy in the Group, are yielding the expected results.”

According to him, in the agricultural space,

We are critically looking into our investments in our backward integration initiatives and have confirmed our commitments towards future profitable growth by recapitalisingvarious subsidiaries

the company has continued to consolidate its position, with a firm commitment to lead in this space while aligning with the agricultural promotion policies in the federal and state level where it operates.

“We are critically looking into our investments in our backward integration initiatives and have confirmed our commitments towards future profitable growth by recapitalising various subsidiaries.

“We are also impairing at company level, part of our investment in Kaboji Farm, our first agricultural investment which has now become our center of excellence for seed and best agricultural practices in maize and soybean,” he said.

Also commenting, the Chief Financial Officer of FMN, Mr. Jacques Vauthier, said that the group had also decided to accelerate the depreciation period of some support services assets, resulting in a onetime expense of N1.2 billion. According to him, in spite of these one-time exceptional expenses, and initial losses in some of our early stage agro-allied businesses, the group still recorded a PBT of N16.4 billion, confirming its commitment towards cost controls and increasing our margins.

“In an effort to strengthen the company’s capital base, deleverage our balance sheet, and support our working capital needs, we embarked on, and have completed a rights issue program during the past months.

“With the successful completion of the rights issue programme, we have now positioned the company to exploit value-accretive opportunities, whilst giving greater operational and financial flexibility to ensure business growth and continuity,” he said.

“We have also taken various actions towards reducing our financial expenses, including a commercial paper program. Our focused, but limited investments in capital expenditure as well as tight control over our working capital has helped us to manage our financing costs with a view to a material reduction in the coming year,” he added.

Analysts’ assessment Assessing the fourth quarter (Q4) performance,

analysts Cordros Capital Limited (CCL) said it was below expectations.

According to them, although Q4 contributes the least to FMNL’s top-line, they were quite surprised by the much lower outcome this year - wherein sales came short of our estimate by seven per cent considering the strong trajectory over nine months and that prices were lowered in December 2017 to support sales in 2018.

“We note the surprise six per cent quarter/ quarter decline in food revenue (vs. our 20 per cent growth estimate), which bucked the quarterly growth trend of the last two years.

“Compared to Q3-18 also, agro-allied revenue was lower by 32 per cent, but better than we expected, considering the company had reported negative numbers on this line in the last two years,” they said.

CCL explained that in Q4-18, finance cost came in atN7.54 billion, two per cent ahead of their N7.4 billion estimate, and lower by 49 per cent year-on-year and 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter.

In their own assessment, analysts at FBN Quest said the Q4 results disappointed across all key headline items due to the weak performance of its foods and agro-allied businesses relative to the three preceding quarters.

According to them, sales for both businesses - foods and agro-allied - declined by -14 per cent and -41 per cent respectively compared with their average quarterly run-rates over the nine months period due to losses in its new sugar factory, Sunti Sugar Mills, and ROM Oil, its edible oil business.

“Although management did not provide specific guidance, it alluded to a stronger start to the year compared with the previous quarter.

Despite management’s optimism, we would like to see evidence of this going forward.

“As such, we have cut our EPS forecasts significantly over the 2019E-2020E period and our price target by –18 per cent to N39.6. Although the shares have shed -15.8 per cent over the last three months, our new price target still implies a potential upside of 28 per cent.

“On a relative basis, the shares are trading on a 2019E (end-Mar) P/E multiple of 9.4x for 36 per cent EPS growth in 2020E,” they said

T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, 11 JULY 2018

27

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Recovered Abacha Loot: Before the Sharing Begins The federal government should consider investing the funds recovered from the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in infrastructural development, as this will help in alleviating poverty among the masses. Obinna Chima writes The move by the federal government to distribute the $322 million repatriated from the accounts of former Head of State, late General Sani Abacha in Switzerland to those the government described as vulnerable Nigerians has remained a topic for debate.

The initiative by the government will not achieve the objective of poverty alleviation nor translate to development, some experts have argued, just as they advised the government to invest the fund in infrastructural development.

According to the experts, a recent revelation that Nigeria had overtaken India as the country with the largest number of extreme poor as of 2018, as revealed by a report by the Washington-based Brookings Institution, calls for greater investment in human capital development in the country.

It has been proven that infrastructure development is necessary for reducing poverty in developing countries by increasing economic growth, and thus should be prioritised by governments. Findings had shown that the physical stock of infrastructure would always have higher rates of economic growth and productivity returns. For instance, improvements in transport and communications infrastructure can result in higher levels of economic growth due to lower transportation costs. Lower transportation costs, on the other hand, increases labour productivity.

Indeed, while a lot of Nigerians hold the opinion that the move is for the ruling government to score some political points ahead of 2019 general elections, others have continued to question the modality for sharing the fund.

FG’s Motive The National Coordinator of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Nigeria and Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reforms, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, had explained that the funds would be paid directly into the accounts of the poorest Nigerians through their various accounts for two years and identification numbers to be made available on a website being developed by the National Social Investment office and the World Bank.

“The poorest members of the community will be registered online and before you make any payment, they must have an ID number so that every payment would be tracked.

No amount will be paid out without a joint signature between Nigeria and the World Bank and without identification of individuals,” she had said.

In May, President Muhammadu Buhari had said the recovered loot would be put into the conditional cash transfers (CCT) scheme targeted at the “poorest of Nigerians”.

Also, a representative of the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), Tukur Rumar, had said the federal government would begin the disbursement of the loot to over 300,000 poor households in 19 states this month.

He had listed 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 as the beneficiaries.

Not the Right Way to Go The Chief Executive of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane said:”What do you mean by liberating the poor by giving them money to eat? What we are saying is invest in infrastructure, produce capital formation so that people can get jobs.

You are giving anunemployed man money to buy a bag of rice for one week and then comes back to you again for money. That is not the solution.”

On his part, the Director General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Prof. Akpan Ekpo, wondered how the beneficiaries would be gotten,

saying, “It would be difficult to determine those they call poor Nigerians.”

According to Ekpo, the fund should be channeled to the government’s school feeding program me or to enhance healthcare services, especially primary healthcare in the country.

“We can invest this money in infrastructure, either hard or soft infrastructure and monitor the outcome. For example, target a major road project or power project and ensure that it is completed,” he added.

Moody’s Senior Analytical Advisor for Africa and the institution’s leading analyst for the region, Aurélien Mali, said alleviating poverty in Nigeria would be very difficult as long as the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains below its demographic trend.

“As long as Nigeria continues to grow below six per cent, the poverty level is not going to change, and the standard of living is not going to improve. So, you will continue to have income inequality that will continue to increase and overall it is going to be difficult to improve GDP per capita,” he added.

To Prof. Uche Uwaleke of the Nassarawa State University, the scheme as a poverty alleviation tool, poses a number of challenges.

“The first is the challenge of selecting the beneficiaries and the objectivity in the criteria employed. Why the choice of 19 states when we have 36 states in Nigeria? There will definitely be transparency and accountability issues. The second issue is the challenge of sustaining the scheme from volatile and irregular income streams. The poor need food, access to water and health care. Depending on age, education is also important,” he said.

Also, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) asked the federal government to reconsider its plan to share the Abacha loot.

The Director, SERAP, Timothy Adewale, described the plan as “mere tokenism”, adding that “it would neither have significant impact on poverty alleviation nor satisfy the twin objectives of justice and development.”

The organisation asked the president to rather create a central recovery account/trust funds, “with oversight mechanisms to ensure repatriated funds are transparently and accountably spent to invest in tangible projects.”

“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.

“Rather than spending the loot to fund the National Social Safety Net Programme (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 household 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 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 publish 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,” SERAP argued.

Furthermore, SERAP said it would be unfair to leave 17 states out of the loot because they do not have the appropriate platform to implement the National Social Safety Net Program (NAASP).

“In any case, distributing the returned loot to households in 19 states because the remaining 17 state governments have not yet put in place the appropriate platform through which to implement the NAASP is both unfair and discriminatory,” the group said.

“The planned distribution is also vulnerable to abuse and corruption by state governors,

who may push for the funds to be given to their supporters and thus used for parochial and political purposes.”

More Call to Prioritise Investment in Infrastructure The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had advised the federal government to give more priority to investment in infrastructure so as to address the high level of poverty in Nigeria.

The Director, African Department of the IMF, Abebe Aemro Selassie had pointed out that the economic situation in Nigeria remained difficult despite its tremendous resources. He, however, urged the government to look for ways to mitigate the weak economic situation on the poorest.

“For the government’s objective of addressing poverty, you need infrastructure investment to be able to do that, you need to build more schools and you need to invest more in health and education. All of these require resources,” he added. Also, the World Bank believes that there is need for accelerated investment in human capital in Nigeria in order to secure future economic growth.

World Bank President, Mr. Jim Yong Kim, who said this, noted that Nigeria currently spends less than one per cent of its annual budget on health.

Kim had stated: “The conversation we need to have with Nigeria, I think, is, investment in human capital. The percentage of GDP that Nigeria spends on healthcare is less than one percent.”

Citing a recent World Bank study, which shows that investment in human capital, especially in education and healthcare, enhances economic growth, Kim said the focus of the federal government should be on investing in what would help its economy to grow rapidly.

He said: “Nigeria has to think ahead and investing in its people, investing in the things that will allow Nigeria to be a thriving, rapidly growing economy in the future, is what the country has to focus on right now.”

The foregoing there shows that there is need for the federal government to rethink its strategy and focus on investing on infrastructure, which is is the backbone of any country that wants to improve the quality of life for the poor and boosting economic growth.

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

28

Emp wer Nigeria

A weekly publication of

Improving Nigeria’s Electricity Supply Industry Through Public Education

Vol. 2. Issue 1 July 11, 2018

Supported by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

0GZVKGT 2QYGT CP GNGEVTKEKV[ UGEVQT EQPUWNVKPI Ć’TO CKOU VQ WUG VJKU YGGMN[ RWDNKECVKQP VQ GFWECVG 0KIGTKCPU QP VJG KPVTKECEKGU QH VJG 0KIGTKC electricity supply industry. This intervention assumes that a more informed public would lead to increased advocacy for the right policies and RTQITCOOGU YJKEJ KP VWTP YQWNF NGCF VQ C TQDWUV OCTMGV VJCV FGNKXGTU VJG GNGEVTKEKV[ PGGFU QH 0KIGTKCPU 6JKU EQNWOP YKNN UVCTV YKVJ VJG DCUKEU QH the industry and then progress to more intricate policies and programmes.

From Genesis to Date Below is the history and evolution of the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) from its origin in the 19th century through its various transformations to its current structure. Some of the challenges have remained the same over the years and continue to demand a decision by both the government and the citizens.

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liquidity crisis, etc

(These issues will be explained in detail in subsequent issues).

T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, 11 JULY 2018

29

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Repositioning NNPC and Baru’s Knack for Openness Kingsley Ukah It will take a great deal of sustained and concerted reforms to ensure that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) runs effectively and efficiently in line with global best practices and for it to serve, without interruptions, the common good of Nigerians.

For decades, the oil corporation has consistently been in the bad books of Nigerians who see it as a behemoth that has been appropriated by successive administrations to service political interests and private ends.

However, the decision of the NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr. Mikanti Baru, to continually open up the corporation for public appraisal and promote transparent and accountable management is novel in the ecology of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption crusade.

Baru is committed to seeking strategic partnership where necessary in a deliberate bid to erase the negative perception that the NNPC cannot achieve the desired results or apply standard best practices in operations.

There is no doubt that leadership is key to every organisation that seeks to succeed. Since coming on board, the GMD has committed himself to doing things that will give the corporation a positive outlook.

But one must quickly admit that it is not always easy turning things around in a corporation where corruption had been entrenched and reforms frustrated for years. But what is going well for Baru is his willingness to take on challenges and search for solutions.

Apparently, that is why he is succeeding.

That Baru has chosen not to grandstand over the recurring question on the actual volume of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, being consumed in the country, says much about his ability to be above the fray.

He has not been imprudent in his disposition. He has not created any ballyhoo over the matter that has been understandably politicised. There is a sense in which the management of the nation’s oil sector has become a political decision under the watch of successive federal government.

But credit must be given to the exceptional leadership and sincerity of purpose that Baru has brought to bear in the management of the NNPC presently. For instance, as part of its expanding strategic partnership, it is a welcome development that corporation has agreed to work with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance to finally lay these decades of concern about the opacity in the public finance management of the subsector in which the corporation plays a very significant role to a rest.

It gladdened the heart when I heard the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Downstream, NNPC, Mr. Henry Obih, say that the decision of the corporation to abide by the directive of the National Executive Council (NEC) to work with the finance ministry and world bank to finally unravel this mystery.

That such efforts have been frustrated in the pas attests to the financial discipline that President Muhammadu Buhari has inculcated

Baru

into governance.

On this score, the leadership of Baru has demonstrated its support for the president’s philosophy of prudent financial management.

He has shown by his disposition that he has nothing to hide.

But one must quickly admit that it is not always easy turning things around in a corporation where corruption had been entrenched and reforms frustrated for years. But what is going well for Baru is his willingness to take on challenges and search for solutions.

Apparently, that is why he is succeeding

In a widely reported Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition held recently in Abuja, the NNPC COO, said that: We (the NNPC) are presently in a joint project with the Federal Ministry of Finance. We are doing a study around consumption to determine the actual consumption by the people.

He explained that “we have to put it on scale to see what we call the daily load or the evacuation, as against the actual consumption, that is, what people go to the pump every day to buy for their cars and generators at homes and for other uses.”

Obih said: “This is why the National Economic Council has mandated that we work with the Federal Ministry of Finance.

We also had meetings with the World Bank about six weeks ago, and we are trying to progress in a global study that would help us get around the actual numbers of what we consume in Nigeria.”

This is forward-looking. While awaiting the outcome of the tripartite investigation, it is equally good that the NNPC has chosen to set some records straight against the backdrop of the ongoing campaign of calumny sponsored largely by the mafia in the sector.

Different consumption figures had been put out there in the social media to deceive the unsuspecting public. This tripartite intervention should, in the interim, put to rest the associated concerns while the investigation will, expectedly, assuage the frayed of Nigerians.

Meantime, in terms of daily truck out from depots around the country and in terms of the records of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) the NNPC trucked out 48 million litres daily in 2016 and 50 million litres in 2017.

The problem of rising volume of fuel is

compounded by cross-border smuggling, because Nigeria remains the cheapest source of PMS in the West African sub-region.

Unfortunately, Nigeria has a network of oil mafia that cuts across the entire chains of oil businesses in the country.

The mafia group is very big and powerful and has been operating for decades. It is also feeding fat on segments of the country’s pipeline network. It will take consistent and persistent efforts to defeat the oil cartel. At every point, it is fighting back and this has made the work of the Baru-led NNPC a little bit more difficult.

Obih, confirmed the challenges facing the corporation.

Read him: “But again, one significant challenge is the fact that we have cross-border smuggling. Nigeria remains the cheapest source of PMS in the West African sub-region.

“All our neighbouring countries are selling at over 200 per cent high of the price that we pay at the pump. We have challenges in the pipelines that run through land, specifically, the System 2B, for instance; the one that runs around Lagos. It remains a big challenge, because there is a mafia that lives and feeds on those pipelines.”

But it is not entirely bad news about the NNPC. Good things are happening under Baru as revealed by the COO, especially in the area of Joint Venture cash call payments.

According to him, “What is heartening this year is that we can, at least, say that in a couple of the areas, we can see attempt to address them. For as long as I have been in this industry, we have been discussing cash calls as a never-ending issue. I think we were able to sit down together as an industry and government to try and tackle that issue and we should not underrate the importance of that.

“What is of significant today is that argument is off the table. For the first time, we finished a year without NNPC owing cash calls. That just essentially opens up the appetite. What that has done is that it opens up the appetite to have a conversation about investment.

Nigeria is competing for capital with every other country in the world and sometimes we forget that and think that we are world unto ourselves, but the reality is that each of these companies operates in 20, 30, 80 countries and people are competing for capital. The whole JV process, we all need to put our hands on the plough to ensure it does not derail. We cannot take it for granted that we have a funding structure that works and assume it will continue to work.”

It is incumbent on Nigerians, especially stakeholders who have been yearning, over the years, for the NNPC to truly deliver on its mandate, to support the ongoing process to reposition the corporation.

Baru can deliver with the right support and climate. However, the NNPC must now ensure that a strong technology-driven mechanism is put in place to ensure the real-time monitoring of the pattern of consumption in the country.

This is what should engage attention and not petty issues that distract.

Ukah wrote in from Lagos

FG Urged to Fix Dilapidated Roads to Boost Haulage Business Eromosele Abiodun The federal government has been advised to fix all the major dilapidated roads scattered across the country so as to boost the fortunes of the haulage sector.

General Manager, SIFAX Haulage & Logistics Limited, Adewale Adetayo made this call in a chat with newsmen in Lagos.

He said many potential investors in the business were scared away because of the

potential risks their investment will be exposed to as a result of the deplorable conditions of the major highways in the nation. Specifically, he said, “The haulage business has a very huge potential but not much attention is paid to it.

The sector currently accounts for over N200 billion turnover, with an estimated growth rate of about 10 per cent per annum.

“If you look at the assessment of the Logistics Performance Index, Nigeria ranks 90th out of 160 countries, which is very

poor. One of the major challenges confronting the sector is that of bad road.

“If you also consider the road landscape in Nigeria, the federal government has about 18 per cent of the road network, state government about 16 per cent and the local governments about 68 per cent.

“The sad thing is that more than 70 per cent of the traffic on the road is basically on the Federal roads which represent just 18 per cent of the country’s total landscape.”

Adetayo noted that the sector will experience a quantum leap in growth and investment if all the federal roads and other necessary infrastructure can be fixed.

He debunked the insinuation that there more than enough trucks on the roads, adding that the continuous expansion of the country’s economy necessitates frequent movement of goods from and into the country.

He noted that the proper implementation of the Ease of

Doing Business will encourage more investment, both local and foreign, in the sector.

He also demanded government’s stern action on regulation.

He said a good number of the trucks plying the country’s roads were rickety in nature, thereby putting the lives of other road users and the goods they convey at risk.

While commending government’s relevant agencies for their efforts in thisregards, he urged them to be more

stringent to rid Nigerian roads of all rickety and badlymaintained trucks.

Speaking further on the company’s recent acquisition of 20 new trucks, Adetayo said increase demand by the customers, as well as creation of more jobs opportunities account for the purchase that takes its fleet strength to 75. He said this has now positioned the company to undertake good delivery in any part of the country and beyond.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Culpability of Petrol Marketers in Tanker Accidents Petrol tankers will continue to explode and claim lives on the Nigerian highways as long as marketers of petroleum products continue to flout safety regulations and allow tankers that are in bad operating conditions to load the highly inflammable products in their depots, Ejiofor Alike reports

T

he flagrant abuse of safety regulations by fuel marketers, who are driven by profit motives, has led to many road accidents involving tankers that are no longer road-worthy.

In a bid to increase their market share, some marketers have thrown caution to the winds and allow all manner of tankers into their depots to load petroleum products.

Though these dilapidated tankers may successfully loaded products, as there has been no reported case of any tanker explosion that razed down any tank farm, some tankers laden products have developed mechanical faults on the highways, which resulted in explosions and fire incidents that consumed other motorists and their vehicles.

Indeed, on many occasions in Lagos State, emergency agencies, including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), Lagos Fire Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police, and the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, have averted loss of lives by successfully evacuating petrol from leaking tankers, which developed faults on highways in the state .

Some tankers in bad operating conditions have also spilled petrol on residential houses and shops that were consequently razed together with the occupants by the resulting inferno.

In December 2017, such incident occurred in Festac area of Lagos State when at least 21 vehicles and four commercial motorcycles were burnt when a tanker laden with petrol fell.

The tanker spilled its content on the Festac Link Bridge in Awuwo Odofin Local Government Area (LGA), which resulted in fire that raged for about an hour.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had reported that the tanker, which was coming from Apple Junction and going to FESTAC Town, was ascending the bridge, when it suddenly rolled back and fell.

The impact of the fall separated the tank from the truck’s body, resulting in an explosion, according to the report.

Expectedly, the fire spilled over to nearby vehicles and into a car shop on the foot of the bridge, burning some of the cars.

Petrol tanker explosions are not restricted to Lagos State because barely four hours after the Festac incident of last year, six persons, including three soldiers were burnt to death in Iwuru in Biase Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State when a tanker laden with petroleum products crashed and exploded along the Calabar – Ikom highway.

The incident was said to have occurred when the tanker developed break problem and the driver tried to maneuver it to a ditch to avoid collision with oncoming vehicles.

This led to an explosion and fire after the vehicle was said to have upturned.

Earlier in July 2017, at least 10 people were burnt to death while six others sustained serious injuries when a petrol tanker went up in flames in Felele area of Lokoja, Kogi State.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kogi State, Mr.Segun Martins, had reportedly said that most of the victims were passengers travelling in an 18-seater commercial bus.

Latest incident in Lagos The latest tanker explosion in Lagos, which for the first time, attracted the attention of the Presidency, apparently due to the upcoming 2019 elections, occurred at the Otedola Bridge area of Ojodu-Berger, and about 12 persons were reported to have died and burnt 54 vehicles, including a tricycle.

A similar explosion at the same area in

2010, had killed no fewer than 15 persons, including an infant and also inflicted 18 others with varying degree of injuries, with over 20 cars burnt.

The latest accident occurred after the tanker, which was fully laden with petrol, exploded and engulfed virtually all the vehicles around it as well as some of their occupants.

According to eyewitnesses’ account, the vehicle rolled backwards when it was climbing the bridge, which showed that it was in a bad operating condition and should not have been used to lift petroleum products and ply the highways.

Emergency agencies, including the RRS, the LASEMA, LASAMBUS, Lagos Fire Service, LASTMA and other secondary responders had a hectic time, trying to put out the inferno.

Like other similar incidents in Lagos and elsewhere, the tanker was in a poor operating condition.

The RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, confirmed that preliminary investigation revealed that the tanker had difficulty in

The lack of will on the part of the officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources at the depots to check the state of vehicles that lift products from the depots has worsened the situation

driving up the bridge.

Also, the General Manager of LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, said the tanker was exiting Lagos when the driver lost control and fell on the bridge.

Petrol marketers’ complicity Though some tanker accidents can be attributed to bad roads, most of the tanker explosions and fire are caused by the poor state of the vehicles, and of course, the recklessness of tanker drivers who, in some cases, hand over their vehicles to the ‘motor boy’ when they want to sleep. The Health, Safety and Health (HSE) regulations in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry require that the marketers and truck owners should train their drivers continuously and prohibit loading products with vehicles in bad working conditions.

But in their quest to outsmart competitors and record high turnover, some of the depot operators even allow leaking tankers into their depots. Before these vehicles get to their destinations, they will either explode and catch fire or develop mechanical problems that could lead to accidents that claim the lives of other road users.

The lack of will on the part of the officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) at the depots to check the state of vehicles that lift products from the depots has worsened the situation.

Urgent intervention There is an urgent need for collaborate efforts to stop these incidents on the roads. The practice of passing bucks by the DPR that it is not, police, VIO or FRSC that check the road-worthiness of vehicles, should stop.

The DPR is the apex regulator of the oil and gas industry that enforces HSE regulations in the industry.

DPR officials who are stationed on the depots should check the state of the vehicles loading petrol so as to avoid setting the depot or road users on fire.

The ill-fated tanker that roasted road users alive on Otedola Bridge was said to have changed ownership 13 times, which was an indication that the vehicle was no longer road

worthy.

Instead of turning back this type of tanker and preventing it from entering any depot, security agents that flooded Apapa to control traffic are only interested in extorting the drivers before allowing them into the depots.

The Lagos State Government has initiated a bold step by planning to prosecute the owner and driver of the ill-fated fuel tanker which exploded on the Otedola Bridge, according to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal.

The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem was said to have written to Edgal to advise him on the relevant provisions of the law that could guide the ongoing investigation, which would lead to possible prosecution.

“As regards investigation into the matter, it is in top gear. I have just received a letter from the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice which stated very clearly charges which we are going to prefer against the driver and the owner of that tanker.

“Henceforth, we are using this opportunity to call on all tanker drivers, all lorry drivers, all owners of such articulated vehicles to please submit those vehicles for Vehicle Inspection Office test; they must go through the entire hub and get the Ministry of Transportation Certificate of Road Worthiness. We will not allow such vehicles which obviously pose serious danger to other road users on our roads,” Edgal had said.

But the Nigerian Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps and LASTMA are also culpable because instead of checking these tankers that perpetrate mass murder on the highways, some of these unscrupulous security and traffic officials are busy extorting car owners and commercial bus drivers.

However, THISDAY gathered that these agencies ignore the atrocities of these tankers for fear of being victimised by their powerful owners.

However, the initiative by the Lagos State Government to prosecute the vehicle owner and the driver is a bold move that should be implemented to serve as a deterrent to others and stop the waste of human lives on the roads.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018

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EDUCATION VC: UNIOSUN Was Bankrupt When I Took Over

Following allegations of misappropriation and embezzlement of funds levelled against the ViceChancellor of the Osun State University, Professor Labode Popoola by members of the nonacademic staff unions, which led to the disruption of academic activities, closure and subsequent re-opening of the institution recently, Popoola has dismissed the allegations as lies, stressing that the university was bankrupt when he assumed office. Uchechukwu Nnaike reports The face-off between the non-academic staff unions of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Labode Popoola was hinged on the management’s non-payment of their earned allowances, despite inheriting about N3 billion from previous administration.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-academic Staff Union (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists also rejected the council-approved and published condition of service, which according to the members did not enjoy the input of the university community. They also alleged that some staff members had been removed from the university’s payroll and demanded immediate reinstatement of the affected members.

To press home their demands, the unions had on several occasions, disrupted academic and other activities, while calling for the removal of the vice-chancellor for misappropriation and embezzlement of funds.

However, reacting to the claims that he inherited N3 billion left by the past administration, Popoola said the university was “bankrupt� when he took it over. “I didn’t inherit N3 billion, what I had in the papers handed over to me when I came in was N1.8 million, including TETFund money, needs assessment money, grants owned by some researchers in this university. Those three categories of funds you can’t even touch them, they don’t even belong to the university, so the university was bankrupt when I took it over and we found out later that there were debt owed running into close to N1 billion, they are recorded, the council knows about it.�

Speaking to journalists in his office in Osogbo recently, the vice-chancellor stressed that he has never been corrupt, but he fights corruption “and so we have the situation of corruption fighting back. I always like to refer people to my profile, there are some international engagements you get involved in and if you are corrupt, your name will not even appear in such engagements. It is all allegations, lies, blatant ones because there is nothing like this.�

He however said he has made close to N2 billion since he became the vice-chancellor 18 months ago through blocking of leakages and insisting that school fees must be paid. “We operate a ‘no fee no exam’ regime since I came, that was not the case; so maybe they are also referring to the money that I made as being part of the money left behind from the past regime.

We have managed whatever resources we have prudently. “No university pays salaries ahead of me in this country; a state university that is not funded by the government, we barely receive about 25 per cent of our salary bill from government and yet for the 18 months that I have been here, we pay salaries by the 25th of every month and it is full salary. “So if you are talking of N3 billion, I

Popoola have done a simple arithmetic, I have been here for 18 months so if truly there was any N3 billion, divide it by N166 million, which is my wage bill, that will be that in 18 months I have stolen N166 million every month. If they say that N3 billion has been embezzled, it means that every month I have been stealing N166 million so how reasonable that is, is for you to decide. “The important thing is that I am not a corrupt person, I have never, I talk about it anywhere I go; I have never taken bribe and I have never given, but I have suffered for it. Go to the University of Ibadan (UI) it is the same problem that people have about me; that I am too rigid. So it is a lie.�

Explaining other ways the university has saved money since he assumed office, Popoola said: “When I came here, we had a retainership relationship with one of the networks and we were paying about N9 million per quarter and I thought it was too high and I invited them here and told them we were going to change, there are other options, there are so many networks we can partner with; so it came down to N6 million, it didn’t come into my pocket. So in a year, we are saving about N12 million, I don’t know why a university would prefer to pay higher than the market rate. “To conduct examination in this university before I came here, it cost the university an average of N10 million to N12 million per semester and I said I came from UI and as big as it is, I am not sure they spend up to that; and of course I scrutinised things with my principal officers particularly the DVC

academics, we are on the same page on this matter and we spent less than N5 million last rain semester exam. “This past Harmattan exam, we even spent much less. Also, I was handed a bill of N158 million for the accreditation of 19 programmes, again I said I am not sure we spent up to this at UI and we did the analysis, we called heads of departments to work together on it; we ended up spending N54 million and all the programmes were accredited.

There are so many of them and it is important that journalists are curious about the reasons for this.�

The vice-chancellor emphasised that workers are not fighting him because they don’t have any reason to; rather he said a group of people entrenched with interest, who are not even up to 20 are against him. “At UNIOSUN, we have a group of people entrenched with interest, very few and they operate under the guise of unionism, they are not even up to 20. They were in charge of administration before I came here and I think I am beyond that, I am responsible to council so it is not possible for a group of people under unionism to control me.

So it is just about vested interest; it is no longer business as usual, we have blocked leakages, we are entrenching discipline and you know people don’t like change, particularly when it affects their interest, that is what we are dealing with, it is not about workers. “We operate in the state where, added together, workers are being owed close to two years’ salaries and here is a sub-set of that state, an institution in

that state where full salaries are paid before the end of the month, so please why will workers be fighting such a person, this is just common-sensical. “So workers are not fighting me, some individuals are fighting me and they hide under unionism. If you have the business as usual approach to doing things; laws are not obeyed, there are disciplinary issues people want to sweep them under the carpet, if you are not the kind of administrator that will allow such, they will say you are highhanded, it is as simple as that.�

Popoola added: “One of the problems we have here is that many workers have mortgaged their salaries; there is a law in this country, for no reason should a worker take less than a third of his/her salary at the end of the month. So if you are taking a loan, fine, but you should not take a loan that will tie you down that will make life difficult for you. “Many of them were depending on some of these perks and for me, it doesn’t work, it doesn’t happen. Some of them were contractors, we have workers here who have people fronting for them; who have registered companies, we have busted them so I am not expecting that they will not resist this. It should interest you how we are able to pay salaries; we are not funded by the government and we pay salaries. “In the history of this university, there was a time when three to four month salaries were not paid and it was at the time that government was even funding the university; government at a time was funding this university very generously, but they were owing salaries.�

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EDUCATION

Lagos Splashes N10m on Schools Debate Finalists Funmi Ogundare It was celebration all the way recently, as winners of the Lagos State schools debate season IX in the primary, junior and secondary schools categories were rewarded with cash prizes of one million naira each, while the first and second runners up received N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.

Agbede Senior Secondary School, Ikorodu, emerged the winner of the debate beating Vetland Senior Grammar School Agege and Oregun High School to the second and third positions, respectively.

Community Junior High School, Alapere also won the junior secondary category beating

Lagos State Model Junior College, Igbonla and Alimosho Junior Grammar School, Alimosho to the first and second positions, respectively.

The star prize in the primary schools categories went to Ayetoro primary school while the second and third prizes went to Odo-Abore Primary School, Mushin and Onlikere Primary School, Ikeja, respectively.

The keenly contested debate saw the contestants speaking on topics like ‘In every nation, government are better economic managers’, ‘Poor background should not be an excuse for failure, ‘True United States should pay reparation for slavery’, among others.

All schools that emerged the

fourth positions got N250,000 each for their efforts.

Aside their cash rewards, all participants in the finals of the debate, as well as their schools got a cash prize of N50, 000 each, from the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

Speaking at the grand finale of the programme held at the Blue Roof, Ikeja, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule noted that the competition was introduced by the state government as part of well-structured plans to produce socially stable and self -reliant students who can easily integrate into the larger society.

She noted that there has been an improvement in the public speaking and confidence building of competing students

on yearly basis, adding that their use of English has developed tremendously.

According to her, “Topics are well researched into and the ease with which salient points are marshaled makes the quality of argument and presentation of points very impressing, convincing and highly interesting.�

She ascribed the brilliant performance of the pupils and students in quiz and debate competitions at the state and national levels as the result of the direct impact of the investment of the present administration in school’s infrastructure, capacity building and need specific recruitment of teachers.

Adebule said the government will continue to do everything

possible to improve service delivery in the schools, while commending the teachers for working tirelessly to prepare the children for leadership.

The deputy governor advised students to devote more time to their studies and shun all vices such as internet fraud, hooliganism, rape, examination malpractice, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye revealed that 3,015 schools comprising 1,688 public and 1,329 private schools registered to be part of this year’s competition as against 631 that participated last year.

She noted that the zonal

preliminaries for government primary, junior and senior schools took place at the 20 education zones and districts while those of the private schools were conducted by their associations to ensure that their best hands were fielded.

The preliminaries produced the group of 60, made up of 30 public and private schools (10 each) in the three categories Adekanye said all the participating students were taken through a grooming session where they were taught how to handle their topics of debate like marshaling their salient points, been conscious of their appearance, use of language, delivery projections and composure amongst others.

Army Seeks Old Students’ Support to Develop Command Schools Uchechukwu Nnaike The Nigerian Army has called on old students of Command Secondary Schools in the country to contribute towards the development of their alma maters.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, who made the appeal at the grand reunion of the Command Secondary School Jos Old Students’ Association (COJOSA), stated that the current security challenge in the country has affected other activities of the military, including human capital and infrastructural development.

Buratai, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Enebong Udoh said, “the past decade has confronted us with a myriad of security challenges. Combating these security challenges and attending to other pressing problems come with huge budgetary demands which cannot be satisfied owing to other equally important competing sectors of our nation’s economy.

“It is in the light of this that the Nigerian Army welcomes initiatives that could generate revenue to undertake some pressing financial obligations.�

While commending COJOSA for the initiatives put in place to better the school and the students, he said he stated some interventions in Command Secondary School Kaduna and Lagos and soon similar interventions would be undertaken in those of Jos and Ibadan.

Buratai also applauded the association’s decision to give a post-humus award to one of its own, late Lt. Col Abu Ali, who he described as a hero per excellence who paid the supreme price in 2016 while fighting for the country during the ongoing Counter Insurgency Operations in the north east.

In his remarks, the President of the association, Mr. Ademola Kasumu, stated that six months into his administration as president, he has made significant progress on all his three pronged pledge of “development of our alma mater; welfare of our members; and branding.�

Scout Association to Educate 500 IDPs in Benue Camps George Okoh in Makurdi The Scout Association of Nigeria has promised to create scout groups in all the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State to alleviate the deplorable condition of victims of recent herdsmen attack on Benue communities.

The scout, led by its Chief Scout, Very Reverend Fr Mathias Opara, chief commissioner, national officers and state commissioners across the country on a sympathy visit to Governor Samuel Ortom disclosed that 500 youths in the camps will be recruited and taught scouting skills of adventure, traffic control, internal security, first aid, camp cooking and handicrafts.

According to Opara, “irked by the plight of children and youths as caused by the herdsmen attacks, the association, a pro-children/ young people association was at the IDP camps to donate

relief materials and create scout groups in all the IDP camps so as to introduce the children into scouting skills of adventure, traffic control, internal security, first aid, camp cooking and handicrafts and so far, about 500 children have been recruited and training has since commenced.�

He said the association intends to kit all IDP scouts with modern scouting uniforms and kits free of charge and lauded the effort of Aisha Wakil, a pillar of scouts in Borno State for contributing to the development of the Scout Hospital in Maiduguri that is taking care of victims of Boko Haram insurgencies.

In her remark, Wakil, prominent for her role in the negotiations for the safe return of the Chibok and Dapchi girls between the federal government and the Boko Haram, expressed shock at the high rate of humanitarian crisis in the state.

L-R: The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye, Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Ž—”ƒÂ?–‹ †‡„—Ž‡ ƒÂ?† ™‹Â?Â?‡”• ‘ˆ –Š‡ ƒ‰‘• •…Š‘‘Ž• †‡„ƒ–‡ •‡ƒ•‘Â? †—”‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ‰”ƒÂ?† Ď?‹Â?ƒŽ‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ’”‘‰”ƒÂ?Â?‡ǥ Š‡Ž† recently.

APC Chieftain Rates Bauchi Gov Low in Education

Noble Heights Tasks Students on Time Mgt, Graduates 16

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Mr. Harsanu Guyaba has rated Governor Mohammed Abubakar’s performance in the education sector low.

Guyaba said in an interview in Bauchi that the governor has performed below the expectations of the people. “We were expecting a total overhaul of the education sector, considering the dilapidation of many schools across the state but the reverse is the case with the Abubakar-led administration, which has performed below expectation.�

Guyaba regretted that none of the existing 218 secondary schools in the state has received government’s attention, adding, “none has been renovated or upgraded since the governor assumed office.

We are indigenes and we know the state inside out. “Take a trip from Bauchi to Kirfi, Darazo, Misau Azare, Shira Zaki, Ningi, Warji and Toro, what you see are sorry sights of dilapidated school buildings. There is no teaching and learning material or welfare package to motivate the teachers and students. “The state of infrastructure is

nothing to write home about; most buildings are on the state of disrepair. The whole environment is unconducive for teaching and learning, especially as pupils sit under the trees to take lessons.

We expect that the people would be circumspect to vote for an education-friendly governorship candidate in 2019.�

Guyaba stressed that the state needs an administrator that would overhaul the education sector and introduce modern learning facilities, in addition to building a dedicated workforce.

He also faulted the governor’s pronouncement of some of his achievements on foreign media, saying, “the achievements mentioned are not realistic of what he said on education, Yankari Game Reserve and many others.�

But in a swift reaction, the governor’s Special Adviser on Education and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Sabo Mohammed said at inception, the administration declared a state of emergency in education with a view to overhauling the system. “The governor is determined to overhaul the sector and put education in the front burner.

He is also committed towards providing human and material resources to meet with the challenges of educating its citizenry.

Students of the Noble Heights Leadership Academy, a secondary school for only girls aged 11-16 in the Federal Capital Territory have been urged to take advantage of the digital era and improve on themselves intellectually, character-wise and most importantly, find the essence for why they were created.

The guest speaker, a reproductive and child healthcare expert, Dr. Mairo Mandara, who gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of 16 students of the school, emphasised that as they leave the confines of a secondary school environment for a much complex world, social justice, equity and integrity must be part of their lives in all they do.

She said although difficult, they must ensure that they spare some minutes for themselves on a daily basis and those moments should be used for reflection and assessment of how far they have fared, while stressing that when the realities of life come, how they have trained their minds will be forces that will stand and speak for them. “We must learn to create a

barrier and space where the human mind can think. You have to create time especially before going to bed to reflect on what you have done or achieved during the day. The only difference between humans and animals is that we think.

Once we stop that, we become as low as animals. It is not easy but it is important and needful. “Finding yourself is not rhetoric; finding yourself and essence is the reason for creation. You must know who you are and must find that for yourself and not walking in the image of your father. “You must realise that you have to work hard. You must not have money or children to be happy neither do you need marriage to find fulfilment and happiness. When the chips are down, you are who you are, devoid of family and all you love and have worked for which has eroded you. You must be conscious of your environment and social justice and equity for others should be your watch word,� she said.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of the CBN, Mrs. Aisha Ahmed, who promised to donate a new inspirational book to all students of the school.

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

FG Research Grant: 11 Tertiary Institutions Get N84m for Geo-sciences Kasim Sumaina in Abuja A total of 11 tertiary institutions in the country have benefitted from the federal government research grant of N84 million meant for research and development in the areas of geo-sciences.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa Bwari who presented letters of participation for research and development, recently to representatives of some of the universities on behalf of the government , said the move will go a long way in enhancing the fountain of knowledge of geo-science data available for investors, adding that such assistance to the institutions will not be the last. “We hope that it will impact the students and lecturers that will be involved in the fieldwork so that the quality of learning in our schools will be improved upon. We have seen so many

graduates of Geology and Mining who cannot identify basic mineral types.�

The minister, who lamented the of lack adequate bankable data in the country, said, “As you know, without geo-science data, there can be no mining and Nigeria suffers from lack of adequate data, especially the kind of bankable data that major mining companies need in order to invest in the sector. “Few months ago, we finally secured the electromagnetic data that had been in the hands of the contractor for about a decade.

This has further made the Nigerian mining jurisdiction more attractive for investors who requires as much information as they could get to make decisions. “This administration has therefore made data generation, retrieval and storage a priority and has continued to invest hugely in this area. As our source of funding improves, we

intend to continuously increase the amount of money we spend on this critical component of mining.�

Bwari said the universities won the grants based on the merits of their research proposals and potential value to the growth and development of the sector. “In order to ensure professional probity, five eminent professors, including the former President of Nigeria Mining and Geoscience Society, Professor Olugbenga Okunlola, evaluated the research methodology for the steering committee on research collaboration with Nigeria tertiary institutions.

While appealing to the recipients to stick to their terms of reference and ensure that they deliver within six months, the minister said, “with the signing of the 2018 budget, the second phase of this collaboration will commence soon.�

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry,

Abdulkadir Mu’azu, noted that one of the key impediments to the development of the sector is the issue of talents and human resources saying, “We are also aware of knowledge gaps and there is need to do research and invest in it, as well as seek knowledge so that the sector can grow using it as one of the vehicle to diversify our calling.�

Similarly, the President of the Committee on Research collaboration with Nigeria tertiary institutions, Professor Olugbenga Okunlola described mining as knowledge based sector. “We got applications from about 15 universities in an open advert that was allowed to run for three weeks and the steering committee of eminent professors looked at the proposals one after another without bias and we awarded marks to those that were relevant with the roadmap and agreeing with what we want to do in the sector, � he said

All Work and No ‘Play’ Dulls Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ?ËÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŒĂ“ĂœĂžĂ’ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă– ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ë› Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂĄĂ“Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă?Ă? ÞåÙ Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ ĂĄĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă‹ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë› Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ù××ÓÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂĄĂ? Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? ÞÙ Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ĂĄĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÞÒÓĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽË› Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ÞËÕĂ?Ă? Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ù××ÓÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă™Ăœ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁËœ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă—Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă“ĘľĂ—Ă˜Ă?Ăž ÞÙ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă?Þ˛ Ă’Ă? ĂŒĂ™ĘľĂ™Ă— Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă? ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? ËŠ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?ÞãÖĂ?ËŞ Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă˜ ÚÖËãĂ? Ă‹ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă–Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?âÚĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ë› Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă˜ ĂĄĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂšĂœĂ‹ĂŁ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ? Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ú˛ ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁËœ ĂšĂœĂ‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă—Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă‘Ă‹ĂœĂŒ Ă™Ă? ËŠ ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞÓ×Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂœĂ“Ă Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ËŞË› Ă‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ‹ĂŁĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ‹ĂœĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă™ĂŽËœ ÞËÕĂ? Ă?ÞÙĂ?Ă• Ă™Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?âĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŒĂ™ĂŽĂŁË› ĂœĂ‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă– ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?ÑËÞÓà ÓÞÓĂ?Ă? ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂšĂšĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Ùβ Ă’Ă™Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ‹ĂŁĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂœĂ?à ÓÞËÖÓäĂ?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ă™Ăœ ÞËĂ?Ă• Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽË› Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂšĂœĂ‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă?Ă˜ËŞĂž Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă– ĂžĂœĂ“Ă Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ë› Ă&#x;ĂœĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ—Ă™ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“Ăš ĂšĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă¤Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă?ĂœĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă“Ę¨Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁË› Ùå Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ ÞÓ×Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ™ ĂĄĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜Ă• ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂšËœ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ÒÓÚˣ Ă’Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ Ă‘ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“ĂžĂ&#x;ĂŽĂ? ĂžĂ™ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? Ă?Ù×Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă’Ă‹ĂšĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ëœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă? ÒËÚÚÓĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜Ă•Ă?Ă&#x;Ă– ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ‹ĂŒĂ–ĂŁ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë› Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă‹Ă– ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă?ËÖÞÒã Ă–Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă–Ă?Ă?Ăš ĂŽĂ?ĂšĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?ĘĽĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ™ĂŽĂŁ Ă?ÒÙåĂ? Ă‘ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁË› Ă’Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŒĂ? Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ăž ÞÓ×Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă‘Ă?Ăž Íľ ĚŽ Íś Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ăš Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁË› Ě‹ Mrs Kehinde Omoru writes from the UK

10 Delta Schools BeneďŹ t from Chevron-DLA Initiative Sylvester Idowu in Warri

L-R: The Chairman of Grande Oakbridge Montessori School, Lekki school, Mr. Yinka Obalade, Director, Mrs. Hannah Royeke Obalade, Director General, OďŹƒce of Quality Assurance OďŹƒce, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Ronke Shoyonbo and the Chairperson of the occasion, Dr. Morenike Okoh during the commissioning of Grande Oakbridge Montessori School permanent site in Lagos‌ recently

Grande Oakbridge School Launches Perm Site, Seeks Joint Effort on Education Funmi Ogundare The Grande Oakbridge Montessori School, Lekki, Lagos, recently inaugurated its permanent site with a charge on parents not to relegate the cost of running education to private school powders alone, but through collaborative efforts from them and organisations.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director, Mrs. Hannah Obalade said people most times have the mindset that private school owners are making money, saying that if one’s visions are not properly engineered, one may soon be out of business.

She recalled her vision of establishing the school 25 years ago saying, “the words of Nelson Mandela ‘education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’ was the initial motivating factor. I felt then that I must be a change agent. I have also been trained as an educator having obtained

certificates from Grade Two Teachers’ College and a college of education. I just needed to read more and bring the vision to fruition.�

According to her, after 10 years of preparation, the school wasofficially inaugurated on September 12, 2005 with a mission and vision to provide a platform where children will imbibe a culture of academic distinction, standing tall and making a positive mark on everyone they come in contact with; and provide a world-class education that is functional and effective, enabling each child to unleash his God-given potential.

She also recalled her experience in the first one year of the school, saying that it was tough and that the school had challenges with enrolment of pupils as it operated from a rented building with six three bedroom flats, but with less than 10 pupils. “Destiny and Blossom were the first childern to register in

the nursery. We had to employ different strategies to improve the enrolment. At a point in time, we visited and supported Arrow of God Motherless Babies Home in Ado Road, Badore.

Some of their children were offered full and some partial scholarships;worthy of note is one of them, Samuel Ogo who secured admission to Greensprings Secondary School here in Lekki onfull scholarship.

Our hearts rejoice that we were able to make indelible mark on their educational pursuit.�

Obalade stressed that morals should be an ingredient in educating a total child, adding over the years, the school monitors the academic performance of its pupils even as they move from one school to another. “Many of our children have gained admission into reputablesecondary schools and we have good reports of their excellent performance. Our education system especially the public schools have been chal-

lenged, so we came to build the bridge that will save children and their future.�

She commended the school’s board of directors for their support and for using their wealth of experience to administer the school while thanking parents for believing in the management.

The Chairman of the school, Mr. Yinka Obalade, who emphasised on ensuring the totality of the children, said the school has dedicated teachers that train them in ballet, music and sports, adding that they are also exposed to competitions outside the school that would make them compete favourably with their peers. “We offer holistic education to the children in terms of the training they get. We are also trying to build an entrepreneurial spirit in them by including entreprenaural courses in our curriculum. This is to give a first hand experience to pupils in preparing them to own their business in the nearest future.�

As part of Chevron’s social investment initiative for its host communities, 10 public schools in Delta State have benefited from the Chevron-Discovery Learning Alliance (DLA) Initiative, an interactive learning programme for public primary school pupils in the state.

The schools are Mowoe Primary School, Ojojo Primary School, Cavegina Primary School, Ekpan Primary School, Ogunu Primary School, Agbeje Primary School, Ewein Primary School, Evwereke Primary School, Egharegbem Primary School and Edjeba Primary School, selected from Warri South, Uvwie, Okpe and Warri South-west Local Government Areas.

Speaking during a ceremonial hand over of the learning centres to the schools, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn said 13,123 pupils and 789 teachers have benefitted from the initiative.

Brikinn, who was represented by the Senior Government Affairs Advisor, Mr. Happy Appai, said the company is committed to the development of education, health and the economy in its areas of operation and beyond.

He said the video in the classroom project is a demonstration of Chevron’s commitment to strategic partnership and programmes that improve the socio-economic situation of communities in the areas and countries where they are.

He lauded the support of the state government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, its implementation partners, DLA and other stakeholders for making the project, which started five years ago, a reality. “In keeping with our values, for this programme, Chevron has

partnered DLA to enhance the level of education in our schools.

Partnership is at the heart of our social investment initiatives.

Through our partnership, we leverage on our own and our partners’ expertise, skills, technical knowledge and financial resources to add value to the lives of the people in the communities around which we operate.�

Brikinn said the goal of the project, which started in Lagos, is to improve educational opportunities for children and communities through schoolbased learning centres; improve students’ learning and motivation; increase teachers’ effectiveness; and increase parent/community involvement in schools.

While noting that many community members have benefited indirectly from the initiative, he disclosed that an external evaluator’s report has showed significant improvement in state-administered schoolleaving exams, effectiveness of teachers in the classroom, student participation and performance in the classroom, rate of student attendance, parental and community participation and involvement in school activities, among others.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Chinedu Ebie, commended Chevron for the initiative and appealed to private and cooperate organisations to emulate the company and think of ways to partner the state government under its support-a-school programme and look at areas where they can develop education in the state.

He said the state government believes that training and mentoring programme in the effective use of videos in the classroom and the use of 21st century skills have offered teachers and students in the selected schools greater opportunity, higher proficiency in the teaching/learning process and future career.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ​ͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

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CITYSTRINGS

Giving Gbongan a Facelift

Vanessa Obioha writes that the ancient town of Gbongan in Osun State recently received a facelift

Y

ou can hardly miss it; the sprawling structure at the junction of the ancient town of Gbongan in Osun State. It is the first thing to the right of the road as you descend the newly constructed overhead bridge that leads to the town. The cream-coloured edifice is the latest handwork of Wale Babalakin, a man known for his penchant for building world-class facilities. It is a metier that the legal practitioner and philanthropist excels in peerlessly going by the number of similar projects credited to him, notably the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 in Lagos.

The new project – an auditorium – completed two months ago is no different.

Situated a few distance from his residence, the architectural beauty named after his father, Bola Babalakin, a retired Justice of Supreme Court of Nigeria, sits majestically on a large expanse of land.

On the ground floor is a 1200-capacity hall designed for meetings. Expansively built, this lower hall is dotted with 18 breakout session rooms and conveniences. A flight of stairs leads to a spacious auditorium that overwhelms a first time visitor.

Inside, Babalakin showcased his expertise with the intimidating design. The layout boasts of vast space with the way the seats are arranged, allowing ample room for manoeuvre. According to him, he deliberately allowed room for easy movement to eliminate the problem of participants bumping into each other when there is a need to leave the auditorium.

The walls painted in white exude elegance and blend easily with the rich rug on the floor. But the beauty of the hall lies in its serenity. Situated on the natural canal that separates it from the residential wing, the high windows provide a glimpse into the greenery of the countryside.

The facility was the preferred choice for the recent Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) annual policy meeting. In his inaugural speech, Babalakin revealed that he suffered sleepless nights from the very moment the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, visited the site.

“We were embarking on this project at our pace until I made the honest mistake of inviting Professor Oloyede to visit the site. He was pleasantly surprised by what he saw. From then on, I lost my peace and my sleep. He started bullying me to complete the project on time. All along, I did not know he was planning to hold the JAMB annual summit in our modest premises,” he told the motley audience of university vice-chancellors, polytechnic rectors and principals of colleges of education. Also present were the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu; Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola and the Olufi of Gbongan, as well as his aged father.

It may be limiting to view the Babalakin complex as just an auditorium.

For three days, that Babalakin, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of University of Lagos, played host to the executives of the education board, he lodged them at the comfortable suites of the residential wing of the complex. He said his plan is to build a hotel as well as other attractive features in the premises. In the evening, he hosted his guests to a dinner in his private abode. Like the new facility, his home is very tastefully furnished with spacious rooms and intriguing décor.

One may be forced to ask why the Osun-state born Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has a knack for building such looming structures. Is it related to his towering physique/personality? He put it this way:" Let's thank God for giving us such a capacity. We are only trying to make our own contribution. Societies that develop rapidly are those that are supported by entrepreneurs with vision.

It is very difficult to develop a vision, put it into a concept and then pursue it through actualisation. It is very easy to dream, but dreams are not visions. Visions are clearly thought about programmes and we have a vision for doing a lot of things in this country. We actually wish we are given the opportunity so to demonstrate it, but in our small sphere, we will continue to make efforts hoping that one day this great country will rise up and support those who are determined to improve it."

Indeed, BOB as he is fondly called is a man of vision. Through his company, Bi-Courtney Limited, he completed the building of the Lagos Domestic Airport, Muritala Mohammed Airport 2, after the structure was razed by fire. The structure has been described as the best airport in Nigeria today and, definitely, the first airport terminal to be built in Africa with private funds without any support from the government.

Babalakin, who also doubles as the Chairman of Stabilini Visinoni Limited,

I was motivated to put up this structure to create a centre that will be a base for discussion, for engaging in serious intellectual dialogues on how we can reposition Nigeria. Motivation for this edifice was to design a platform for contributions from all members of the society towards the enhancement of societal goals

Bola Babalakin Auditorium

a major construction company, had also won the bid for the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway until the concession was revoked under controversial circumstances by the Goodluck Jonathan government in 2012.

Babalakin was quick to point out that if the ill-advised move by the president hadn't happened, "The road would have been completed on or before 2014. It would have been an eight-lane highway with seven overhead bridges and thought out facilities at a cost not exceeding N112 billion."

Until recently when he was vindicated by the court of law, Babalakin's hospitality company, Resort International Limited, was embroiled in a messy case with Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over possession of former Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Describing the auditorium in the new Babalakin complex at Gbongan as a meeting ground for intellectuals in the country, he explained the drive behind the project.

"I was motivated to put up this structure to create a centre that will be a base for discussion, for engaging in serious intellectual dialogues on how we can reposition Nigeria. Motivation for this edifice was to design a platform for contributions from all members of the society towards the enhancement of societal goals."

To be sure, it is not the first philanthropic contribution he is making to the education sector.

"I have always been fascinated by education. I strongly believe that this nation will only develop appropriately when it has a very good education system.

We must ensure that the public service is populated by extremely educated, exposed and competent persons. When we achieve this then we will start getting great rewards for our efforts."

He modestly rolled out some of his achievements during his tenure as ProChancellor of University of Maiduguri.

According to him, "In UNIMAID, when we came in, we saw that there were infrastructural differences. So we decided to improve the infrastructure.

I have always said that the only way to develop infrastructure is to empower people who have vision. When you just spend money generally without using people who have vision, you are wasting money.

"In Maiduguri, we completed nothing less than 42 projects, including a new College of Medicine, pharmacy, education in four years. We even went as far as to build a 57- bedroom hostel on a land allocated to the university since 1978 which nobody was able to do anything.

And we did all of that just managing our very scarce resources. We did not borrow a dime.

"We also found an indigenous way of providing electricity to the campus for 20 hours a day. We will not reveal the tactics but we just intend to use it one day on the national platform. We don't want to leak it so that it won't be sabotaged. " If you speak to the vice chancellors of UNIMAID, they will tell you that we came and served. It is also on record that we did not collect any sitting, travel or personal allowance. We did not participate in whatsoever commercial activity. We simply went there to provide service. It was charity work."

The way forward for Nigeria's development according to the philanthropist is to create qualitative education.

He says, "All the countries that developed rapidly have taken their education very seriously. Two examples easily come to mind. England has Oxford and Cambridge universities. These universities have been there since 10th or 11th century, and they have kept the standard. They have not weakened the universities rather they have kept the-Oxford and Cambridge the standard; and encourage other universities to aspire to be like them and in the

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ​ͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

CITYSTRINGS

Photos: Onklei

process, some universities have emerged. " Today, an engineering qualification from Imperial College London is comparable to a degree in Oxford and Cambridge, but that was achieved by making Oxford and Cambridge the standard and encouraging everybody to meet the standard. What we have done in Nigeria is that we have five universities.

"Rather, than tell the other universities to emulate this standard, what we did was reduce the standard of the universities so that everybody could now claim to have a university when really they were not contributing anything useful to the educational system."

Interestingly, Osun State boasts quite a few private universities. There is the Kings University in Ode Omu owned by clergyman Matthew Ashimolowo and the Adeleke University as well.

The legal practitioner further emphasised that the new Bola Babalakin auditorium

Anybody that has visited this place wants us to turn it into a university but from where I am coming from, I know what it is like to run a university. I have a very fair idea and I believe universities are improperly run here. If we decide to make this a university it will be because we believe we can make it a university.

But for now, we are open to all options

Babalakin (far right) at the JAMB retreat

will not be used for fancy occasions.

He stated that the edifice is basically for intellectual pursuits and of award scholarships. He, however, hinted that there have been suggestions by some to turn the sprawling structure into a

university but Babalakin does not really buy into the idea.

"Anybody that has visited this place wants us to turn it into a university but from where I am coming from, I know what it is like to run a university. I have

a very fair idea and I believe universities are improperly run here. If we decide to make this a university it will be because we believe we can make it a university.

But for now, we are open to all options," he said

T H I S D AY ˞ ˜ JULY 11, 2018

38

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Court Order Required to Reveal Customers’ BVN, CBN Tells Banks, Others Nume Ekeghe The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released an amended regulatory framework for Bank Verification Number (BVN) operations and watch-lists for Nigerian financial system, saying a valid court order is a requirement to have access to a customer’s BVN. The central bank disclosed this in a circular posted on its website yesterday, that was addressed to all banks, switches, mobile money operators, payment solution

providers, microfinance banks and others. It stressed that any requests for BVN information must be accompanied with a court order.

The circular signed by the Director, Banking and Payments system department, Mr. Dipo Fatokun titled ‘Amendment to the Regulatory Framework for BVN Operations and Watchlist for the Nigerian Banking Industry,’ takes immediate effect.

On the amendment, it stated that, “Section 1.6 of the Framework, Eligibility for Access to

the BVN which states that, ‘The following entities may have access to BVN information, subject to the approval of the CBN,’ is hereby amended to read thus, ‘the following entities may have access to BVN information, after providing a valid Court Order, subject to the approval of the CBN’. “Consequently, the CBN by this circular hereby informs all stakeholders that the provision of a valid court order is one of the pre-requisites for the release of BVN information to applicants.�

FBN Holdings to Buy Back $300m Eurobond Debt Notes Goddy Egene First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc is to exercise its option to call the $300 million 8.25 per cent subordinated notes(Eurobond) raised from the international debt markets before the due date of August 2020.

In a filing to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) signed by the Company Secretary of FBN Holdings, Mr. Seye Kosoko, the bank said it would call and pre-pay holders of the note at the next callable date of August 7, 2018.

The bank said: “the liquidity management exercise demon-

strates the strength of the bank’s foreign currency liquidity and robust capital base while further enhancing the efficiency of the balance sheet.�

Going by the bank’s 2017 full year’s financial statement, the Eurobond (notes I) bear interest rates at 8.25 per cent per annum up until the bank’s call date of 7 August 2018. From the call date up to the maturity date, the notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.875 per cent per annum plus the prevailing two-year mid swap rate for the United States dollar swap transactions reported at 2.812 per cent. This implies higher interest rate on the bond for the bank post the callable date.

Commenting on the development, analysts at CSL Stockbrokers said calling back the bond two years before maturity points to the strength of the bank’s foreign currency liquidity position. “We also expect the redemption to lower the bank’s funding cost reported at 3.3 per cent as at first quarter (Q1) 2018. This should also reduce the bank’s foreign-currency lending reported at 49 per cent of total loans in Q1 2018. On the flip side however, it suggests there is little room for profitable opportunities for USD lending and may mean loss of the spread, however marginal, that may be gained if availed for lending,� they said.

FCMB Offers Training to SME Operators First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has organised another programme in a series of free training interventions for small and medium enterprise (SME) owners and operators. This, the bank explained, was in pursuit of its resolve to support and nurture SMEs to achieve growth and stability in their businesses.

According to a statement, the event which held in Lagos recently tagged, “Business Empowerment & Sustainability Training for SME Customers,� focused on budgeting, cost and budget management.

It revealed that facilitators took participants through the intricacies of raising capital for business and getting businesses ready for loans as well as preparing them for other investors’ invitation in partnership.

Addressing the participating SME customers of the bank, Divisional Head, Corporate Services, FCMB, Felicia Obozuwa, said the bank recognised the role of entrepreneurs in the society and their capacity in driving growth and sustaining the economy.

She added: “This is one of the ways we support the growth of our SME customers.

We are conscious of the fact that many small businesses could have the dedication to succeed but lack adequate training and experience to make the business thrive. This gap is capable of hindering operation and thereby limiting the achievement of targeted results. Business acumen and day to day operational skills are very essential for business owners particularly

when venturing into new or sustaining already existing businesses. “Our training programmes are specially packaged for the SMEs to establish solid foundations for growth, learn new skills, better serve their customers, and stay relevant to their niche,� she stated.

According to the statement, FCMB has a number of special offerings designed for its customers with a lot of benefits to SMEs. “Among them is the e-invoicing platform – a unique solution, designed to help businesses monitor and control their cash management, especially as it affects payments, receivables, reconciliation and other financial transactions, through the internet and other mobile channels among others.

MTN Empowers Police Officers’Wives MTN Nigeria recently empowered 100 women from the Police Officers Wives’ Association (POWA), Lagos State chapter. The women, who were elated with the gesture, were handed mobile stalls to sell products - airtime and data virtually through the use of digital gadgets.

A statement from the company explained that as part of the empowerment programme, MTN also beautified the POWA market corridor in Falomo, Ikoyi.

Representing the Commissioner of Environment, Lagos State at the tape-cutting ceremony was the General Manager of Lagos State Parks and Gardens,

Bilikiss Adebiyi- Abiola, who was quoted to have said: “We are glad that MTN is making conscious effort to give back to the community and also beautify lagos through the renovation of the POWA Shopping Complex Corridor here in Ikoyi and we are glad that Lagos State is gradually becoming a greener and healthier environment.�

Also speaking at the event was the Sales and Distribution Executive, MTN Nigeria, Adekunle Adebiyi, who said: “We are really excited to unveil the new POWA corridor as this project has been a long time coming. We’d like to thank

the Ministry of Environment for giving us the approval and opportunity to do this. We’re also excited to have impacted the lives of members of the POWA association.�

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of empowerment materials, which included, phones, PoS devices, chairs, tables, umbrellas and digital tablets, to the beneficiaries and the commissioning of the renovated POWA secretariat.

MTN described empowerment and renovation as part of its commitment to continually brighten the lives of its customers across Nigeria.

L-R: Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Mrs.Modupe Mujota; Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi; Head, Oando Foundation, Mrs. Adekanla Adegoke, and Executive Chairman, SUBEB, Kaduna State, Mr. Lawal Buhari, at the Oando Foundation/ Universal Basic Education Commission private sector dialogue in Lagos recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2018 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 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

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

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT MODAY JULY 9, 2018

The price of OPEC basket of ďŹ fteen crudes stood at $75.23 a barrel on Monday, compared with $74.50 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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MARKET NEWS

Seplat Petroleum CEO Assures Stakeholders of Improved Returns Goddy Egene The Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru yesterday assured stakeholders that the company has been positioned to deliver superior returns.

Seplat, which posted a loss in 2016 bounced back into profitability in 2017 and consolidated with an impressive performance for first quarter ended March

31, 2018.

Speaking at company’s facts behind the figures presentation at the NSE in Lagos, Avuru said the successful refinancing of its balance and resumption of exports via the Forcados terminal and more investment natural gas for domestic market would lead to better results going forward.

According to him, when the companies does well all stakeholders must feel the impact and benefit.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

“The communities must feel happy that we are operating in their area, the staff must feel happy that their contribution toward wealth generation, they have reward for it and our shareholders must have sufficient returns either in terms of dividends, capital appreciation or both. That is what we strive to achieve,� he said. According to him, the refinancing of its balance has significantly strengthened the

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

company’s liquidity position and allow for work programme to be scaled up and focus switch to delivery of growth strategy.

He said the company would leverage its unique position and strong track record to access new production and development assets in the Niger Delta.

Avuru had recently told shareholders that three themes would drive the company’s

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

growth going forward.

He said: “Firstly, Seplat has historically been one of the most active drillers onshore Nigeria and we have a large inventory of oil production drilling opportunities we will high grade and drill out to organically sustain and grow production. “Secondly, we will capitalise on our early mover advantage in the domestic gas sector and further grow upstream and

O F

midstream production and processing capacity to help meet Nigeria’s increasing demand and power deficit. “Finally, with our balance sheet refinanced, a free cash flow positive production business together with headroom in our capital structure we have the capacity and capability to selectively consider and execute value accretive acquisition opportunities whilst staying true to our price-disciplined approach.�

1 1 / 0 7 / 2 0 1 8 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

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MARKET NEWS

Capital Bancorp Boosts Investors’Experience with New Initiatives Goddy Egene Capital Bancorp Plc, one of the leading stockbroking firms, has unveiled five strategic initiatives to enhance investors’ seamless transaction in the Nigeria’s capital market and promote the financial inclusion programme.

Speaking on the initiatives in Lagos yesterday, the company’s Head, Stockbroking, Mrs. Ayoola Opeyemi explained that technology drives the entire global financial market and Capital

Barcop has leveraged its innovativeness to introduce five key initiatives in order to attract more investors into the capital market.

Presenting the initiatives, Miss Opeyemi Ojomu of Stockbroking Operations Department, listed them as Upgraded Bancorp E-Trade, Online Account Opening, Bancorp Mobile, Live Chart and Self Service Desk. Speaking on the Direct Market Access also known as be your own trader, Ojomu explained that it enables investors

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

to take advantage of price volatility to purchase some stocks instantly. “It is not uncommon that price volatility in the market makes investors unable to take advantage of some stocks instantly at their particular prices.

With our upgraded Bancorp E-Trade, we have been able to solve this challenge for our clients.

The Direct Market Access allows clients to trade themselves without the intervention of the broker.

They key in their mandates which go directly to the

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 09Jul-2018, unless otherwise stated.

floor of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and mandates are executed immediately stocks are trading at clients’ limit,� Ojomu said.

She explained that Bancorp Mobile is a secure trading application offering simple and hasslefree trading across NSE/ NASD equities at the click of a button. “Bancorp Mobile enables you to open an account, trade, track your stock position and view transactions anytime anywhere on a mobile friendly interface.

Our Live Chat provides opportunity for instant response while the Self Service Desk enables clients that walk in to service themselves,� she said.

Ojomu noted that the Self Service Desk had been created to enable customers open account, place orders, check account balance, view portfolio holdings and valuation and view real time prices on Market Watch.

Speaking on security of the portal, the company’s Head, Information

Technology, Mr. Stephen Akande said that the technology had been designed in compatibility with Google Play to hedge against cyber fraud.

Also speaking, the Chief Compliance Officer of the company, Oluwarinumi Olawale noted that the company had a robust Know Your Client (KYC) policy which covers simple and enhanced categories. According to her, the company tracks all transactions and watches out for suspicious ones to ensure investor protection.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 186.95 186.98 5.00% Nigeria International Debt Fund 252.88 252.91 9.25% 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 0.83 0.84 0.65% ACAP Income Funds 0.65 0.65 7.15% 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 12.95% 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 149.69 150.74 -1.32% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.35% 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 12.68% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.48% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.19 10.65% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.17 9.69% 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 1,167.56 1,168.31 8.00% FBN Heritage Fund 147.25 148.51 5.70% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.16% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $112.30 $112.81 2.72% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $112.11 $112.62 2.72% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 172.54 174.90 7.47% 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 1.37 1.40 5.24% Legacy Debt Fund 3.08 3.08 6.79% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.73% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 103.17 104.46 3.35% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.67% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.17 2.19 2.83% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 14.20% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 120.69 121.04 4.93%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.19 1.21 3.98% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,083.38 1,083.38 7.38% 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 13.46 13.58 2.55% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.36% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 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 8.09% 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 2,382.85 2,402.82 6.24% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 186.95 186.95 5.95% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.04 1.06 3.96% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 240.43 240.49 9.18% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 182.67 184.73 2.00% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.28% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,779.07 9,912.16 1.13% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.10 1.10 3.84% 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 13.04 13.25 4.21% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.71 13.87 4.27% Zenith Income Fund 20.50 20.50 8.36% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.21%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 136.57 103.70 51.39

1.01% 3.06%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

11.99 148.91 110.70

12.09 151.86 112.72

-1.08% 4.18% 1.31%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund Union Homes REIT

1.10%

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 GrifďŹ n 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

4.74 8.90 17.60 19.34 144.61

4.78 8.98 17.70 19.54 146.61

0.01% -6.99% 0.53% -1.66% 5.71%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

42

1

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INTERIOR NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS, SAUKA-ABUJA

PUBLIC NOTICE

INVITATION TO TENDER INTRODUCTION: 1.0.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in accordance With the Public Procurement Act, 2007, wishes to carry out some of its Capital Projects under 2018 Budget. To this end, interested and capable contractors with relevant experience are invited to submit tender documents for the following projects/ supplies.

LOT 21 LOT 22 LOT 23 LOT 24

DESCRIPTION OF WORK 1.1 The Projects description and scope are listed hereunder LOT 1 FENCING OF LAND FOR THE PROPOSED COMMAND COMPLEX AT BAUCHI BAUCHI STATE LOT 2 FENCING OF IMMIGRATION BARRACKS LAND AT SAPELE DELTA STATE LOT 3 FENCING OF LAND AT IDIIROKO BARRACKS, OGUN STATE LOT 4 FENCING OF NIS LAND AT USHONGO LGA BENUE STATE LOT 5 FENCING OF SPORTING ARENA AT SERVICE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA FCT LOT 6 FENCING OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX LAND AT LOKOJA KOGI STATE LOT 7 FENCING AND LANDSCAPPING COMMAND HEADQUARTERS YENAGOA BAYELSA STATE LOT 8 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISONAL OFFICE AT AFIKPO SOUTH LGA EBONYI STATE LOT 9 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT KALTUNGO LGA GOMBE STATE LOT 10 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT MAIHA LGA ADAMAWA STATE LOT 11 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT OWO LGA ONDO STATE LOT 12 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT BAUCHI LGA BAUCHI STATE LOT 13 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT EDE SOUTH LGA OSUN STATE LOT 14 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT GURARA LGA NIGER STATE LOT 15 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT ISE EKITI, ISE /ORUN LGA EKITI STATE LOT 16 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT KAZAURE LGA JIGAWA STATE LOT 17 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT ONUIMO LGA IMO STATE LOT 18 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT NASSARAWA-EGGON LGA NASSARAWA STATE LOT 19 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT NIS LAND AT HOTORO, QUARTERS KANO STATE LOT 20 CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT JERE, KAGARKO LGA KADUNA STATE

LOT 25 LOT 26 LOT 27 LOT 28 LOT 29 LOT 30 LOT 31

CONSTRUCTION OF DIVISIONAL OFFICE AT ORUMBA SOUTH LGA ANAMBRA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX AT GUSAU ZAMFARA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX AT KADUNA KADUNA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX AT YOLA ADAMAWA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX, UYO AKWA-IBOM STATE CONSTRUCTION OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX AT MINNA, NIGER STATE CONSTRUCTION OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX AT NIS LAND ALONG SANGO ROAD, ILORIN KWARA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF FUEL DUMP AT TUGA KEBBI STATE REHABILITATION OF KITCHEN AT ITSK KANO STATE REHABILITATION OF KITCHEN AT AHOADA RIVERS STATE CONSTRUCTION OF 2NOS 5ROOMS STAFF BARRACKS AT AHOADA RIVERS STATE

PUBLIC NOTICE LOT 32 CONSTRUCTION OF 2NOS 5ROOMS STAFF BARRACKS AT NITSOL IMO STATE LOT 33 RENOVATION OF JUNIOR STAFF QUARTERS AND PARADE INSTRUCTORS’ QUARTERS AT ITSK KANO STATE LOT 34 CONSTRUCTION OF AUDITORIUM AT ICSC, SOKOTO SOKOTO STATE LOT 35 RECONSTRUCTION OF PAVILLION AT ITSK KANO STATE LOT 36 CONSTRUCTION OF PAVILION AT NITSOL IMO STTE LOT 37 PROVISION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE AT 2BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED FLAT, DUTSE JIGAWA STATE LOT 38 PROVISION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE AT DOGON KARFE BARRACKS, JOS PLATEAU STATE LOT 39 PROVISION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE AT OLD COMMAND OFFICE, YENAGOA BAYELSA STATE LOT 40 PROVISION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE FOR ZONE ‘D’ HEADQUARTERS WITH REHABILITATION OF FACILITIES NIGER STATE LOT 41 PROVISION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE AT COMMAND BARRACKS, CALABAR CROSS-RIVERS STATE LOT 42 PROVISION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLES AT GURIN AND MICHIKA CONTROL POSTS ADAMAWA STATE LOT 43 PROVISION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLES AT IJOFIN AND ILARA BORDER POSTS OGUN STATE LOT 44 PROVISION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE AT KANGIWA CONTROL POST KEBBI STATE LOT 45 REHABILITATION OF ACG’S RESIDENCE, 4 BEDROOM FLAT AT ZARUMAI, IMMIGRATION BARRACKS AT BOSSO ROAD AND RENOVATION

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018

43

PUBLIC NOTICE

INVITATION TO TENDER OF CIS RESIDENCE AT DUTSEN KURA AND IMMIGRATION BARRACKS MINNA NIGER STATE RENOVATION OF IMMIGRATION BARRACKS, CALABAR CROSS RIVERS STATE RENOVATION AND FENCING OF KONGOLAM CONTROL POST KATSINA STATE RENOVATION OF CHIKANDA CONTROL POST KWARA STATE RENOVATION OF CIS FLAG HOUSE AT ENUGU ENUGU STATE RENOVATION OF ZONE ‘A’ ZONAL OFFICE, IKEJA AND RECONSTRUCTION OF LAGOS STATE COMMAND OFFICE BUILDING LAGOS STATE RENOVATION OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX AT TARABA TARABA STATE RENOVATION OF TRANSIT/SCREENING CENTRE AT ASABA DELTA STATE RENOVATION OF ZONAL OFFICE AND IMMIGRATION BARRACKS ALONG GOMBE ROAD, BAUCHI BAUCHI STATE RE-ROOFING AND REHABILITATION OF ONDO STATE COMMAND OFFICE, AKURE ONDO STATE REHABILITATION OF ACCESS ROAD SERVICE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA FCT-ABUJA PROVISION OF PARADE GROUND AND LANDCAPPING OF COMMAND OFFICE COMPLEX AT UMUAHIA ABIA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF BLOCKS OF 36 NOS 1ROOM SELF CONTAIN FOR JUNIOR OFFICERS AT SHQ FCT-ABUJA CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSIT CAMP AT GUEST HOUSE, IMMIGRATION VILLAGE FCT-ABUJA RE-CONSTRUCTION OF MAIN ENTRANCE GATE AT IMMIGRATION SERVICE HQ FCT-ABUJA CONSTRUCTION OF TOP MANAGEMENT QUARTERS, PHASE II, AT KADO DISTRICT, ABUJA FCT-ABUJA

LOT 73

PUBLIC NOTICE LOT 61 CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSIT CAMP AT COMMAND HQ EMENE ENUGU STATE LOT 62 CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSIT CAMP AT COMMAND HQ TARABA TARABA STATE LOT 63 CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSIT CAMPS AT HOTORO AND ITSK KANO STATE LOT 64 CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSIT CAMP AT JEKE JIGAWA STATE LOT 65 CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSIT CAMP AT DELTA STATE COMMAND HQ ASABA DELTA STATE LOT 66 CONSTRUCTION OF 1NO. 5ROOM BLOCK AT IDI-IROKO C/POST; IJOFIN C/POST; ILARA C/POST AND AGBARA AREA OFFICE OGUN STATE LOT 67 CONSTRUCTION OF 2NOS 5 ROOM TRANSIT CAMP AT PREMISES OF THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STATE COMMAND OFFICE, UMUAHIA ABIA STATE LOT 68 CONSTRUCTION OF 2NOS 5 ROOM BLOCK AT GEDERE CONTROL POST KEBBI STATE LOT 69 CONSTRUCTION OF 2NOS 5 ROOM BLOCK AT YARDAJI OUTPOST KATSINA STATE LOT 70 CONSTRUCTION OF 2NOS 5 ROOM BLOCK AND INTERNATIONAL BARRIER AT TANGAZA (RUWA-WURI) CONTROL POST SOKOTO STATE LOT 71 CONSTRUCTION OF 2NOS 5 ROOM BLOCK AT BELEL BORDER PATROL BASE AND 2NOS 5 ROOM BLOCK AT NIS LAND YOLA ADAMAWA STATE LOT 72 CONSTRUCTION OF 2NOS 5 ROOM BLOCK AT ISHEYIN PATROL BASE OYO STATE

LOT 90

LOT 46 LOT 47 LOT 48 LOT 49 LOT 50 LOT 51 LOT 52 LOT 53 LOT 54 LOT 55 LOT 56 LOT 57 LOT 58 LOT 59 LOT 60

2

LOT 74 LOT 75 LOT 76 LOT 77 LOT 78 LOT 79 LOT 80 LOT 81 LOT 82 LOT 83 LOT 84

LOT 85 LOT 86 LOT 87

LOT 88

LOT 89

LOT 91 LOT 92 LOT 93

CONSTRUCTION OF 2 NOS 5 ROOM BLOCK AT SHETTIMARAI YOBE STATE CONSTRUCTION OF 2 NOS 5 ROOM BLOCK TRANSIT CAMP AT COMMAND HQ ABAKILIKI EBONYI STATE CONSTRUCTION OF CENTRAL STORE ANNEX AT SHQ FCT-ABUJA CONSTRUCTION OF CIS FLAG HOUSE AT YENAGOA BAYELSA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF CIS FLAG HOUSE AT GIDAN KATAKO GOMBE STATE RE-CONSTRUCTION OF OFFICE BLOCK AT COMMAND OFFICE, IBADAN OYO STATE CONSTRUCTION OF CIS FLAG HOUSE AT GUSAU ZAMFARA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF CIS FLAG HOUSE AT KATSINA KATSINA STATE CONSTRUCTION OF CIS FLAG HOUSE AT OSOGBO OSUN STATE CONSTRUCTION OF FLAG HOUSE AT EGBEWA QUARTERS, ADO-EKITI EKITI STATE CONSTRUCTION OF CIS FLAG HOUSE AT SEME LAGOS STATE RECONSTRUCTION OF ACG’S RESIDENCE FENCE WITH LANDSCAPING AND CIS ZONE ‘’E’’ RESIDENCE AT WORKS LAYOUT OWERRI IMO STATE CONSTRUCTION OF MECHANICAL WORKSHOP AT SHQ FCT-ABUJA PROVISION OF LOGISTICS FOR FOUR (4) DIVISIONAL OFFICES UNDER ZONE ‘A’ LAGOS AND ZONE ‘F’ IBADAN LAGOS AND OYO STATES PROVISION OF LOGISTICS FOR FOUR (4) DIVISIONAL OFFICES UNDER ZONE ‘B’ KADUNA AND ZONE ‘D’ MINNA KADUNA AND NIGER STATES PROVISION OF LOGISTICS FOR FOUR (4) DIVISIONAL OFFICES UNDER ZONE ‘C’ BAUCHI AND ZONE ‘H’ (MAKURDI) BAUCHI AND BENUE STATES PROVISION OF LOGISTICS FOR FOUR (4) DIVISIONAL OFFICES UNDER ZONE ‘E’ OWERRI AND ZONE ‘G’ (BENIN CITY) IMO AND EDO STATES RE-CONSTRUCTION OF BAGGAGE AT ILARA/ALAGBE CONTROL POST OGUN STATE SUPPLY OF MOTORCYCLES FOR BORDER PATROL. FCT-ABUJA PROCUREMENT OF POWER INVERTERS. FCT-ABUJA SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY TRANSFORMERS TO SHQ. FCT-ABUJA

PUBLIC NOTICE 2.0 ELIGIBILITY: ,QWHUHVWHG FRQWUDFWRUV DUH UHTXLUHG WR VXEPLW WKHLU FRPSDQ\¶V SUR¿OH ZKLFK must include but not limited to the following: L &HUWL¿FDWH RI ,QFRUSRUDWLRQ RI WKH FRPSDQ\ ZLWK &RUSRUDWH $IIDLUV &RPPLVVLRQ (CAC); including Forms CAC2 and CAC7; LL LLL

LY Y

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&XUUHQW 7D[ &OHDUDQFH &HUWL¿FDWH IRU WKH SDVW 7KUHH \HDUV L H and 2017) valid till 31st December, 2018; &XUUHQW 3HQVLRQ 3(1&20 &RPSOLDQFH &OHDUDQFH &HUWL¿FDWH 9DOLG XS WR VW December, 2018; ,QGXVWULDO 7UDLQLQJ )XQG ,7) &HUWL¿FDWH RI FRPSOLDQFH YDOLG WLOO VW 'HFHPber, 2018; &XUUHQW 1DWLRQDO 6RFLDO ,QVXUDQFH 7UXVW )XQG 16,7) &RPSOLDQFH &HUWL¿FDWH valid up to 31st December, 2018; 9DOLG &HUWL¿FDWH RU ,QWHULP 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 5HSRUW ,55 LVVXHG E\ %XUHDX RI 3XEOLF Procurement (BPP) as evidence of registration on the National Data base of Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers;

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INTERIOR NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS, SAUKA-ABUJA

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

44

PUBLIC NOTICE

INVITATION TO TENDER vii.

Evidence of Financial Capability to execute the project and/or submission of from the Ministry/Nigeria Immigration Service and/or any of their partners by virtue Reference letter from a reputable commercial Bank indicating willingness to of such bidders having responded to this advertisement. The Ministry/ Nigeria Immiprovide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed; gration Service shall not incur any liability in an event that a particular procurement is cancelled. receivership and/or the subject of any form of insolvency of bankruptcy

viii.

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Audited Statement of Accounts of the Company for the past 3 years (2015, proceedings or the subject of any form of winding up petition or proceedings; DQG VKRZLQJ DQQXDO WXUQRYHU GXO\ HQGRUVHG E\ D ÂżUP RI &KDUWHUHG (c) a declaration that none of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Directors has been convicted in NigeAccountants; ria or any country of criminal offences relating to fraud; (d) 'HWDLOHG FRPSDQ\ SURÂżOH WR LQFOXGH OLVW RI WKH &RPSDQ\ÂśV 7HFKQLFDO 6WDII WKHLU &XUULFXOXP 9LWDH DQG &RSLHV RI &UHGHQWLDOV LQFOXGLQJ 4XDOLÂżFDWLRQV <HDUV RI xii. &RJQDWH ([SHULHQFH DQG &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 5HJLVWUDWLRQ ZLWK 5HOHYDQW 3URIHVVLRQDO Bodies; xiii.

9HULÂżDEOH GRFXPHQWDU\ HYLGHQFH RI DW OHDVW WKUHH VLPLODU MREV H[HFXWHG LQ WKH ODVW ÂżYH \HDUV LQFOXGLQJ OHWWHUV RI $ZDUGV DQG MRE FRPSOHWLRQ &HUWLÂżxiv. cates and Photographs; xv.

that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars; Evidence of payment of a non-refundable Tender Fee of N10,000.00 only in Bank Draft in favour of Nigeria Immigration Service; Preference will be accorded to local contractors and service providers in compliance of Executive Order 003 (EO3) and Executive Order 005 (E05); Any additional information or documents; All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter Head paper bearing amongst others,

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ZKHWKHU RU QRW DQ\ RIÂżFHU RI WKH UHOHYDQW FRPPLWWHHV RI 1LJHULD ,PPLJUDWLRQ Service or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder; a declaration that the company is not in

(CAC), Contact Address, Telephone number (preferably GSM No.) and e-mail

5.0 CLOSING DATE / BID OPENING / VENUE Submission of Tender shall close six (6) weeks from the date of this publication (20th August, 2018) by 10:00am prompt. The Technical Bid shall be publicly opened by 10:00am same day 20th August, 2018, at the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Sauka-Abuja.

PLEASE NOTE that the originals of the Documents may be requested for sighting when-

(b)

b.

the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission

(b). (c). (d).

H

Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authoUL]HG RIÂżFHU RI WKH ÂżUP

ever required 3.0 COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS Eligible bidders may obtain tender documents at the General Services or Procurement

Division upon presentation of evidence of payment of non-refundable tender Bidders or their representatives and interested members of the public, Civil Sofee of N10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Naira), per Lot. ciety Organisations (CSO) as well as relevant Non-Governmental Organisations %LGGHUV PD\ VHHN IRU FODULÂżFDWLRQ RU IXUWKHU ,QIRUPDWLRQ IURP 5RRP $ *URXQG )ORRU (NGOs) are invited to witness the opening of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technical Bidsâ&#x20AC;? as scheduled Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Sauka-Abuja.

DERYH +RZHYHU RQO\ SUHTXDOLÂżHG FRPSDQLHV ZLOO EH VXEVHTXHQWO\ LQYLWHG IRU the opening of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Financial Bidâ&#x20AC;? documents.

6.0 (a).

address. The letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the

4.0 i.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION All bidders are expected to sign Bid submission register on submission of bid

ly marked â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technical Bidâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Financial Bidâ&#x20AC;? respectively with appropriate

document; Improper, and/or late submission of bid documents will be rejected or returned unopened to the bidders; Prospective Bidders shall not bid for more than two (2) Lots, if discovered,

lopes and addressed to; The Secretary, Immigration Tenders Board, Room A69, Ground Floor, Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Sauka â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Abuja.

The Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, Address, Phone Number(s) and email address should

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Titleâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lot Numberâ&#x20AC;? written at the top right corner of the enve-

VXFK ELGGHU ZLOO EH RXW ULJKWO\ GLVTXDOLÂżHG LQ DOO WKH /RWV Contractors that had cases or record of contract abandonment, non-completion and poor projects execution with the Ministry or the Nigeria Immigration ii.

Service need not tender for any of these projects; $OO &HUWLÂżFDWHV PD\ EH UHIHUUHG IRU YHULÂżFDWLRQ IURP WKH UHOHYDQW LVVXLQJ $JHQcies/ Authorities.

also be written on the reverse side of the envelope. NOTE THAT ALL bids not so marked and appropriately dropped in the respective tender boxes would be

iii.

7.0

SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS Bids submission SHOULD BE MADE in two (2) separate sealed envelopes clear-

rejected.

The Tender documents should be deposited in the Tender Boxes in Room A67,

DISCLAIMER

Ground Floor, Shehu Shagari Complex, Nigeria Immigration Service Headquar-

This advertisement of invitation to tender shall neither be construed as a com-

ters, Sauka-Abuja.

mitment on the part of the Ministry of Interior/Nigeria Immigration Service nor shall it entitle potential bidders to make any claim(s) whatsoever and/or seek any indemnity Signed Secretary Tenders Board For: Comptroller-General Nigeria Immigration Service

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INTERIOR NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HEADQUARTERS, SAUKA-ABUJA

3

WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

45

FOREIGN/DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS

Editor: VINCENT OBIA vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com 0805 468 1757

12 Thai Boys, Coach Rescued, Safe, Says Navy SEAL Unit Thailand has inspired the world, says Atiku All 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped for more than two weeks deep inside a flood Thai cave have been rescued, a Thai navy SEAL unit said yesterday.

The rescue is a successful end to a perilous mission that has gripped the world.

“The 12 Wild Boars and coach have emerged from the cave and they are safe,” the Thai navy SEAL unit said on its official Facebook page.

The “Wild Boars” soccer team and their coach got trapped on June 23 while exploring the cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai after soccer practice and a rainy season downpour flooded the tunnels.

British divers found the 13, hungry and huddled in darkness on a muddy bank in a partly flooded chamber several kilometers inside the complex, on July 2.

After pondering for days how to get the 13 out, a rescue operation was launched on Sunday when four of the boys were brought out, tethered to rescue divers.

Another four were rescued on Monday and the last four boys and the coach were brought out yesterday.

Celebrations will be tinged

with sadness over the loss of a former Thai navy diver who died last Friday while on a re-supply mission inside the cave in support of the rescue.

Meanwhile, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has sent hearty congratulations to the government and people of Thailand now that all the 12 Thai teenage football players and their youthful coach have been saved.

“As I said while the saga was ongoing, the length to which the Thai authorities went to save the lives of these youths shows that Thailand is a nation that values human life,” Atiku said in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State yesterday in continuation of his nationwide consultations with PDP stakeholders.

According to Atiku, Thailand has, by this action, increased the worth of human life and inspired nations around the world to use their resources not just to further the interest of their governments and elite citizens, but to pursue the wellbeing of all citizens, rich or poor.

“Nigeria has a lot to learn from Thailand. We also have a youth in captivity. Just as Thailand did not

spare any expense to free these 13 youths, Nigeria must not spare any expense to ensure that Leah Sharibu, that young girl of admirable faith, is freed by her captors and returned

to her parents,” he said.

The Waziri Adamawa said that liberty and freedom is an inalienable human rights that should be obtainable in Nigeria

as it is in Thailand and in any part of the world adding “Leah Sharibu deserves it as much as the Thai youths”.

Atiku Abubakar stressed that the

primary role of any government is the peace, security and prosperity of its people and by this action, Thailand has raised the bar for the whole world.

FG Discusses Security of Nigerians in South Africa with Ramaphosa The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has said the issue of security of Nigerians living in South Africa will be part of discussion as its President, Cyril Ramaphosa, visits Nigeria on Wednesday.

Onyeama told journalists in Abuja yesterday that South African President, Ramaphosa, would arrive in Abuja for a working visit to Nigeria.

He said that the federal government was working hard to ensure that lives of Nigerians living in South Africa were secured.

Onyeama said that the Nigeria and South Africa were serious about the implementation of the early warning mechanism established to address the security issue in South Africa.

“On the issue of the early warning system, we hope to

have the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed soon. South African President is going to be here tomorrow,” he said.

Onyeama said he had met with South African Minister of Foreign Affairs and discussed extensively about the security of Nigerians in South Africa and what to be done to strengthening the security.

“I am discussing with South African Foreign Affairs Minister to put in place the mechanism that will go a long way in addressing the security of Nigerians in South Africa.

“The minister was very supportive and believed that Nigeria should not be targeted.

“She is ready to do everything possible, including having Nigeria being part of some of security apparatus being put in place to monitor and provide security in the country.”

Onyeama said that the federal government was working

hard, adding that the country would work with the parties involved including the South African government, Nigerian community and also the Nigerian representatives in the country.

According to him, the Nigeria High Commission and the Consulate General of Nigeria in South Africa will work with the authority to see what they can do to address the issue.

The Nigeria mission in South Africa had last Sunday confirmed the killing of another Nigerian, Mr. Ozumba Tochukwu-Lawrence by a gunman in South Africa The Consul-General of Nigeria in South Africa made this known by the Vice- Consul (Information and Culture), David Abraham.

“An eyewitness account has it that an unknown man made a way into the compound of Tochukwu-Lawrence and requested to see him on July 6.

“On being told about his guest,

he came out to meet him and the man opened fire on him and shot him six times, resulting in his death before he could reach the hospital.

“The reason behind the sad incident is yet to be established, but this is very unfortunate and condemnable,” Abraham said.

He said the Nigerian Consulate would, however, continue to advance the welfare and security of Nigerians in South Africa.

“We also call on our citizens to remain calm and eschew violence, as we seek to obtain justice for the deceased and members of his family.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had also expressed worry over the killing of Nigerians in South Africa.

Dabiri-Erewa stated that no fewer than 117 Nigerians were extra-judicially killed in South Africa between 2013 and 2018 for one flimsy reason or the other.

ToryVice-Chairs Quit over PM’s Brexit Plan Two vice-chairs of the Conservative Party are quitting their posts in protest at Theresa May’s Chequers Brexit compromise plan.

Maria Caulfield and Ben Bradley warned the prime minister that her plan would not capitalise on the opportunities of Brexit.

“This policy will be bad for our country and bad for the party,” Caulfield said.

Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, and Brexit Secretary, David Davis, have already quit over the proposals.

Mrs May says the proposed new relationship with the EU will “honour the result of the referendum” and allow the UK to “take back control of our borders, our law and our money”.

Speaking at a press conference alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the prime minister said her plan would allow for a “smooth and orderly Brexit”, protecting jobs and livelihoods.

It would see the UK agreeing

a “common rulebook” with the EU for trading in goods, in an attempt to minimise friction for trade at borders.

But some Tories are unhappy, saying it will leave the UK tied closely to EU rules and prevent it from striking its own trade deals in years to come. More details are expected on Thursday in a White Paper.

Ms Caulfield, who was vice chairwoman for women, supported Leave in the EU referendum. M Bradley - who backed Remain - had a brief trying to appeal to young voters.

The Conservatives have nine vice chairmen in total, appointed in January’s reshuffle.

In her resignation letter to Mrs May, Ms Caulfield - the MP for Lewes in Sussex - said the proposed new trading relationship with the EU did not “fully embrace the opportunities that Brexit can provide.”

Bradley, who posted a positive

message of support for Mrs May before Friday’s Chequers meeting, said he could not now “with any sincerity defend this course” to voters in his Leave-backing constituency of Mansfield.

He criticised the decision to adopt a “backstop” position on customs to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland, saying it was becoming “the barrier to the kind of wide-ranging free trade agreement with the EU that many in our party and the country would like to see.”

Amid continuing unrest on the Tory benches, Andrew Bridgen became the first Conservative MP to publicly confirm he had sent a letter calling for a vote of confidence in Mrs May. Under Conservative Party rules, it requires 15% of all Tory MPs - currently 48 - to write to the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee to trigger a vote of confidence in the leader.

South Sudan Rebels Reject Peace Plan South Sudanese rebels have rejected a peace plan whereby their leader, Riek Machar, would be reinstated as vice president. On Saturday, the South Sudanese and Sudanese governments said a power sharing deal had been

agreed. Machar’s spokesman said the idea of sharing power had come up as a verbal proposal, and no deal had been signed, BBC reported.

He said the proposal only focussed on politicians and ignored

the radical reforms needed to bring about fundamental change.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the five year conflict, and a third of the population displaced.

Ethiopia-Eritrea Daily Flights Resume Next Week The first passenger flight between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 20 years will take place in a week’s time on Tuesday July 17, thanks to Monday’s agreement by the country’s leaders to end their state of war, Ethiopian Airlines

has said.

The flights will be daily.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said in a statement, “With the opening of a new chapter of peace and friendship between

the two sisterly countries, we look forward to starting flights to Asmara with the B787, the most technologically advanced commercial aircraft, which gives customers unparalleled on-board comfort.

46

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͯË&#x153; ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018

47

48

WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Despite Aregbesola’s Plot, Tinubu Finally Settles for Ambode Osinbajo, Akiolu prevailed on ex-governor to support Ambode, says APC chieftain Gboyega Akinsanmi The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has endorsed the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for second term in office, despite the alleged plot by the Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, to thwart his return, THISDAY can report.

Tinubu was said to have settled for Ambode after the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, prevailed on the APC leader to support Ambode’s re-election plan.

An APC chieftain told THISDAY that Tinubu had already agreed “to Ambode’s re-election plan.”

“The APC leader will openly endorse Ambode for second term any moment from now,” he added.

Among others, the APC factional leader, Mr. Fouad Oki, had confirmed Aregbesola’s subtle plan to stop Ambode’s re-election, alleging that the Osun State governor had been meeting political groups to stop Ambode’s return.

The APC factional leader had in a chat with THISDAY confirmed that Aregbesola had been working with the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Lands, Hon. Bayo Oshinowo, to scuttle Ambode’s re-election plan.

Oki also claimed that Aregbesola had also approached him to discuss the plot “to stop Ambode from seeking re-election in 2019.” But I disagreed with him. He cannot be Osun State governor and dictate what happens in Lagos,” he added.

After series of allegations by

Oki and other APC chieftains, Aregbesola’s media assistant, Mr. Sola Fasure, debunked the allegation against his boss, accusing Oki of making effort “to cause crisis in Lagos APC.” Fasure claimed that the allegation “is totally ridiculous.”

“Oki and his followers have derailed. They are only planning to cause crisis where there is no reason for crisis. As a party faithful, we will not allow them to destroy the party,” he said.

At different times recently, however, some APC chieftains have confirmed that a number of political leaders and traditional rulers had prevailed on the APC national leader not “to listen to those inciting him against Ambode.”

Specifically, according to one of the chieftains, Osinbajo, Akiolu and Gbajabiamila intervened at different times before Tinubu eventually agreed to shelve an alternative plan some of his political associates had been presenting to him.

He explained the different reasons that informed Tinubu’s decision “to finally support Ambode’s re-election plan.

“First, it is essentially because Ambode is committed to Tinubu’s political ideology. Second, it is because Ambode never fought back despite all allegations and attacks against him.”

“Rather, he allowed reasons and truth to prevail. He presented his case to Tinubu. Unlike his immediate predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Ambode never allowed the plot to destroy his long time relationship with Asiwaju.”

He noted that despite all the attempts by Tinubu’s close political allies in and outside the government “to poison Asiwaju’s mind against Ambode, Tinubu eventually came to the conclusion that Ambode is

Address Proliferation of Arms, US Envoy Tasks FG Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. David Young, has tasked the Nigerian Government at all levels to address the problem of arms proliferation as a way of addressing incessant killings across the country.

According to him, the government must also look into the underlying problems that may lead to violence, such as population growth which leads to a greater pressure on the land.

Young, who was on a two-day visit to Plateau State, where he also visited the camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) in the state, commended the heroic actions of the two Imams that saved the lives of over 200 people in their homes during the recent attacks in the state.

Extending deep condolences and concerns of the United States to the people of the state over the killings, Young said: “The death of anyone, irrespective of who and where that person belongs; whether herdsmen or farmers, Christian or Muslim, is always a tragedy.”

“Every group of people have good and bad persons in their

midst, therefore, people should stop the hate speech and prejudice utterances.”

Young also urged the government, both at the state and federal levels, to show concerns and address the issue of violence adequately by putting more efforts towards ending the menace in the country, adding that more security personnel should be well trained, deployed, and paid well to respond to emergencies.

According to Young, government should create a future for the herdsmen and the farmers to avoid long-term issues of conflicts among the people.

He also stressed the need for the promotion of inter-faith and inter-ethnic dialogues to address the causes of violence as dialogue is very key in addressing any crisis.

“We need to work to stop reprisal violence that leads to horrific killings,” he added.

Young also challenged and encouraged the people to reach out to their various communities to ensure and affirm the need for peaceful co-existence among them and to also look at the importance of peace-building and peace-making, which should be recognised at all levels of the society.

100 per cent loyal to him.”

Unlike other Tinubu’s political sons, he said: “Ambode stood resolutely by him during the turbulent early days of the Buhari administration.”

“To date, his loyalty is unwavering. Despite all attacks against him, Ambode never fought back. Rather, he displayed maturity. He kept quiet all through and continued with governance.

Ambode has a high level of loyalty to the APC and its leadership.

He has been consistent. Even before he became the governor of Lagos State, Ambode has been loyal to Asiwaju.”

Another chieftain explained what Ambode went through when Tinubu’s close allies connived with former President Olusegun Obasanjo to implicate him at the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He added that those allies sought Ambode’s cooperation “to indict Tinubu.

“But Ambode never yielded to their plan. And Tinubu never forgot Ambode’s sacrifice for him, even when he never nursed governorship ambition. Ambode was incarcerated at the EFCC custody for days. Yet, Ambode

refused to implicate the APC leader.

Apart from his performance, he has never betrayed public trust; neither has he betrayed his political leaders in the state.

“This episode was another test for Ambode. In my opinion, Ambode has passed. Unlike Fashola, Ambode has been able to play the team man and has ridden the storm more successfully than his immediate predecessor.”

THIS IS OUR MAN...

L-R: National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu; President Muhammadu Buhari; the governorship candidate for Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and the National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, during APC’s closing campaign for next Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti...yesterday

Again, FAAC Meeting Inconclusive, Shifted to Thursday May, June allocations yet to be shared Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting yesterday ended inconclusively, the second time in three weeks.

The monthly meeting where stakeholders had gathered in Abuja on June 27, 2018 to share the allocation for the month of May ended in a stalemate.

The deadlock was occasioned by the rejection of the remittance into the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The state oil corporation was said to have remitted N127 billion instead of N147 billion, and the states in particular were insisting that it remits the N20 billion shortfall before sharing of the May allocations could commence.

Following the deadlock, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun met with President MuhammaduBuhsri;VicePresident,Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo as well as the governors to explain the reason for the deadlock.

Exactly on June 30, 2018, the Chairman of the Commissioners for Finance Forum, Mallam Mahmoud

Yinusa addressed journalists where he disclosed that the position of the 36 states of the federation was that sharing of the May allocation would not hold until the remittance of the N20 billion shortfall.

However, the meeting was reconvened yesterday, apparently to share the May and June allocations.

But while journalists were waiting at the Foyer of the Ministry of Finance for the plenary of the FAAC meeting holding in the main auditorium to end, some of those at meeting starting making their way out, wearing long faces. Efforts by

journalists to enter the auditorium that usually follow after FAAC plenaries were resisted by finance ministry officials.

At about 7.38pm, the chairman of the Commissioners for Finance Forum, Mahmoud Yunusa alongside others came out of the auditorium, and was accosted by journalists to explain what transpired at plenary.

However, he was not forthcoming, prompting the reporters and canerame to block him from accessing the escalator. Enraged, Yunusa barked at the journalist to give way, and quickly hopped into the lift.

Hijab Controversy: Amasa Firdaus, Others Called to Bar The Nigerian Law School yesterday said 1,550 students were successful after the April 2018, Bar final examinations while their success rate is put at 68.6 per cent.

The school also called to Bar 12 other graduates from the previous 2018 final examinations.

Among the 12 graduates is Firdausa Amasa, the law graduate who challenged the restriction on the use of hijab during call-to-bar ceremonies.

Amasa was in December denied entry into the hall for the ceremony which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, for refusing to remove her hijab.

The recent development has attracted commendations and jubilation from Islamic organisations, among which is the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit.

In a statement by its Amir (President), Saheed Ashafa, the MSSN Lagos said allowing Amasa to be called to the Bar would encourage Muslim females to be dedicated to their academics.

Ashafa, according to Premium Times, said: “This is a welcome development. We hope that as time goes on, we will get something better. The use of hijab is not only constitutional but also mandatory for all Muslim females.

“The law school has shown enough maturity in this matter by calling Amasa to Bar with her hijab.

Not allowing her would have been a breach of her right, an injustice, and would send a bad signal that the justice house is ill. It would also be counterproductive to the agenda of the federal government to encourage girl-child education. The victory of Amasa would encourage other females to pursue any course of their choice without being victimised.

“We urge other institutions having cases to determine relating to hijab to follow this step, it is practical enough.

The hijab is not a harmful outfit. It is mandatory for every female Muslim.

Denying it means the denial of the

Muslim females of their fundamental human right, which is against the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).”

He subsequently said Amasa deserved to be celebrated, adding that she demonstrated a heroic act by fighting for the freedom of other Muslims. The Director-General (DG) of the school, Isa Ciroma, said the performance of the graduands was justified.

The director-general said that the members of staff of the school had closely monitored the aspiring lawyer during their training and their records, perused by the screening committee and found them worthy to be called to the Bar.

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NEWSEXTRA

Don’t Allow Yourselves to Be Insulted by ‘Stomach Infrastructure,’ Buhari Tells Ekiti Voters Ngige unwittingly campaigns for Fayose Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Chiemele Ezeobi in Lagos and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Ekiti State voters to embrace the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Dr. Kayode Fayemi in the next Saturday’s election, and not allow themselves to be demeaned by the concept of stomach infrastructure.

This is coming as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described yesterday’s rally by the APC in Ekiti State as a charade in which non-performing governors were brought to campaign for the

party’s governorship candidate, Fayemi.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has stated that the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, was not fit to query his academic credentials, and urged the ruling party’s chairman to tell President Buhari to tender his credentials before raising issues about him.

However, there was a mild drama at the APC rally yesterday as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, unwittingly implored the Ekiti electorate to vote for Governor Ayodele Fayose of the PDP in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Tension in Kaduna as El-Zakzaky’s Trial Resumes Tomorrow John Shiklam in Kaduna There is palpable fear and anxiety among the residents of Kaduna metropolis, ahead of the trial of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky which comes up today (Wednesday), at the state High Court.

Messages of possible violence

by Zakzaky’s followers were being circulated yesterday on WhatsApp, advising residents to avoid some areas in the city, as the IMN members, also known as Shiite, were allegedly planning “a big attack” during the trial.

The message being circulated on WhatsApp platform reads: ‘Security alert, kindly avoid Magajin Garin (along Ahmadu Bello Way) and Kasuwa (Central Market) areas this Wednesday, July 11, the Zakzaky people are planning a big attack.

Pass it on’.

But the spokesman of the IMN, Ibrahim Musa dismissed the message, saying it was false.

Musa maintained that the message was being peddled by the detractors of the IMN, including the security agencies.

He also said the Shiite have no plans to stage a protest in Kaduna today, but in Abuja.

“It is a false flag message, which we believe is being peddled by our detractors, the security agents inclusive.

“We have never staged any attack on anybody throughout our 40 year history. Even at the last sitting, it was the security agents that attacked us and disturb public peace.

“We urge the public to disregard that devilish message and go about their businesses. We are peaceful as we have been for many years.

We have no plan for any protest in

Kaduna. But there will be one in Abuja tomorrow “ he said.

During Zakzaky’s court appearance on June 21, his followers allegedly killed a policeman during a clash. Eleven of them were arrested by the police in connection with the killings.

Zakzaky has been in detention, alongside his wife, for over two years following a clash between his followers and the Nigerian Army in Zaria, in December 2015.

He was charged with unlawful gathering, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, punishable with death.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has assured that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order during Zakzaky’s trial.

In a statement, the spokesman of the command, Aliyu Mukhtar reminded the members of the public to the ban on all forms of processions and demonstrations in the state.

He warned that the police would deal decisively with any person or group of persons, who deliberately attempt to violate the ban.

“In view of the court trial of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on July 11, 2018, the peace loving and law abiding people of Kaduna State is to note that adequate security has been put in place for hitch-free court appearance. Therefore, the public is advised to remain calm and not to be apprehensive where they observe unusual number of security personnel in town,” he said.

The statement added that as part of the strategy to ensure a smooth process of the court trial, “there will be traffic diversion in the following areas: Independence Way, Bida road, and all roads leading to Ibrahim Taiwo road in the metropolis”.

Third Mainland Bridge to Be Shut for Tests on July 26 Bennett Oghifo Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos will be shut to traffic at midnight on Thursday July 26 and reopened at midnight of Sunday July 29.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Adedamola Kuti, stated this yesterday, saying that the closure was to enable engineers conduct assessment tests on some sections of the bridge

He explained that if vehicles were allowed on the bridge during the tests, the movement would alter the readings expected from the tests.

Kuti said the results of the tests would enable them to determine how to embark on actual repair work, adding that details of alternative routes would be provided to members of the public tomorrow after a stakeholders’ meeting in the afternoon tomorrow.

Speaking at the rally held at the popular Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, the state capital city, Buhari also dispelled the insinuation by detractors that he had been protecting the killer herdsmen owing to his ethnic affinity with them, saying he has not shied away from his responsibility to provide security for every Nigerian, regardless of race and religion.

This was as the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Oshiomhole have urged Ekiti electorate to vote Fayemi to bail the state out of poverty being experienced under Fayose’s government.

Dignitaries at the event were: Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Rauf Aregbesola(Osun), Bindow Jbrilla (Adamawa), Kashim Shetima (Borno), Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Edo Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shuaib; Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abdulaziz Yari(Zamfara), and Yahaya Bello(Kogi).

Others were: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Ministers of Labour, Chief Chris Ngige; Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Abike Dabiri;former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Segun

Osoba, Segun Oni, and Chief Bisi Akande, among others.

Buhari, while speaking at the mega rally organised to drum support for Fayemi said he had initiated 13 federal road intervention projects in the state since assumption of office, contrary to the rumour that he had abandoned the state.

“I want you to align Ekiti State with the change agenda of our government. Since I came on board, I have initiated 13 federal road projects in Ekiti State. We have completed the failed portions of the Ifaki-Ikole –Omuo road, Ifaki-Ido road, Efon-Iwaraja road, while AdoIfaki road has been re-awarded.The APC government had also awarded the construction of a Federal Secretariat in Ekiti State. We have also extended the National Housing Scheme to Ekiti for the state not to be neglected in the scheme of things. Under my government, Ekiti has enjoyed unprecedented federal appointments while people have also benefited from N-Power and intervention funds like bailouts funds despite belonging to opposition,” he said.

“So, don’t allow yourselves to be insulted by stomach infrastructure; vote APC on Saturday so that you can grow your own better infrastructure,” he added.

On the killings across the country,

which have been traced to the herdsmen, Buhari said: “Some are displaying mischievous attitudes by linking me to killer herdsmen just because I am a Fulani man.

This is a cheap blackmail that was far from the truth,” he said.

Also speaking, Tinubu said the massive looting of the treasury brought about the recession that hit the economy under Buhari.

He urged the people not to be intimidated by the PDP, saying they should come out on the day of election and vote for APC. On his part, Oshiomhole accused Fayose of embezzling the N20 billion bail-out funds given to the state by President Buhari to pay workers.

He said Fayemi did excellently well as a governor of Ekiti State by bringing finesse to governance, saying time has come for him to reap the fruit of his labour.

But speaking on behalf of the ministers, Ngige unwittingly implored the Ekiti people to vote for Fayose.

In a video captured by Channels Television, Ngige in his passion to canvass for Fayemi, called on the crowd to vote Fayose, the incumbent governor of the state.

Speaking in Pidgin English,

a popular and widely accepted local parlance in the country, Ngige unknowingly said Fayose was the better choice.

“We thank the leaders of our party, especially those from the South-west for forgiving Ekiti people for the mistake they made in 2014,” he said.

“They won’t make that mistake again. If you marry two wives, you will know the better wife. Fayose (sic) is the better wife. Fayose cooks and gives her husband food.

She doesn’t give him trouble. So you must bring back Fayose on Saturday.”

With this repetition, the Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora to the President, Abike Dabiri, who had obviously had enough was seen frantically tapping his shoulders and whispering Fayemi’s name to him.

Meanwhile, Fayose, has stated that Oshiomhole, is not fit to query his academic credentials.

Addressing the mammoth crowd yesterday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Fayose, chided the federal government for drafting security men to block the gates of the government house.

Fayose also took a swipe at Oshiomhole for questioning the academic credentials of the PDP candidate.

COURTESY VISIT

R-L: The CEO, TVC Communications Limited, Mr. Andrew Hanlon; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan; Commercial Director, TVC Communications, Mr. Ronan Redmond and Director, Public Enlightenment, Mr. Toyin-Adeni Awosika, during the courtesy visit by the TVC team to the ministry... recently

Buhari’s Government Most Corrupt Since 1999, Says Atiku A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has described the President Muhammadu Buhariled federal government as the most corrupt since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999.

Atiku spoke in Abakaliki yesterday while addressing supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the state secretariat of the party.

He was in Ebonyi to continue his campaign to emerge PDP presidential candidate in 2019.

Atiku, according to Premium Times, said the only achievement the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government can boast of is fighting corruption; but argued

that fighting corruption is not the only responsibility of government.

“What is happening today in our country is in contravention with all our provisions of our constitution. In our federation, we are supposed to have an inclusive government but you know that this federal government is not inclusive.

“You know that this federal government is not united, you know that this federal government is incompetent, you know that this federal government is more corrupt than any government we have come through since 1999.

“So, let nobody come and deceive you on corruption. They are

more corrupt than any government that I know since 1999 and we shall be revealing their level of corruption. Fighting corruption alone is not the only responsibility of government.

“Our unemployment has accelerated high and there has never been a time we had more than 11million people, young people, young women thrown out of job. Today, we have more than 11 million unemployed people.

Today, we have witnessed much insecurity in this country. Today, we are witnessing high inflation the APC government has brought to us in this country,” he said.

Atiku told the mammoth crowd

that he was in the state to seek their support to defeat President Buhari in 2019.

He said the coalition formed by PDP and about 37 other parties was the first step in voting out the president in next year’s general election.

“Yesterday, 40 political parties came together to meet themselves to present one candidate for presidential election. The coalition is going to have one candidate for presidential election, one candidate for governor, one candidate for senator, one candidate for House of Representatives, one candidate for House of Assembly, one candidate for party chairman.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

COMMUNICATION TOWERS COLLOCATION CODE OF PRACTICE DOCUMENT 1. INTRODUCTION COMMUNICATION TOWERS (Nigeria) Limited (COMMUNICATION TOWERS), is a telecommunications infrastructure provider in Nigeria. COMMUNICATION TOWERS is regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

At COMMUNICATION TOWERS, we consider honesty and integrity to be the hallmarks of long-term success which ultimately contributes to the ethical wellbeing of us all. Our professional standards are therefore exceptionally high, and we have systems and processes in place to ensure compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws. Amongst the most fundamental operating principles are adherence with all laws and regulations applicable to our business.

9.2

The standard of fault repair as set out in the annexed Quality of Service regulations TIBMM BQQMZ UP UIF GBVMU SFQBJS TUBOEBSET FTUBCMJTIFE CZ UIF )PTU

$0..6/*$"5*0/ 508&34 TIBMM FOEFBWPVS UP HJWF BEFRVBUF OPUJGJDBUJPO PG any planned downtime including details of the disruption or outage, the services and service area affected and any corresponding compensation or other remedies if applicable

10. AVAILABILITY OF SERVICE 10.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall ensure that marketing presentation materials to potential tenants indicate any known geographical or technical limitations which may substantially affect the performance of the tenant services This Code of Practice is issued pursuant to the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 10.2 In addition to the above, marketing materials must indicate any limitations which 2007 The matters which the Code aims to address shall include but not limited to restrict a particular group of persons, geographical area, particular period of time UIF VOEFS MJTUFE NBUUFST t 3FBTPOBCMF NFFUJOH PG UFOBOU SFRVJSFNFOUT t )BOEMJOH or limited availability of infrastructure or other materials.

UFOBOU DPNQMBJOUT BOE EJTQVUFT t 5FOBOU DPNQFOTBUJPO JO DBTF PG CSFBDI t 1SPUFDUJPO PG JOGPSNBUJPO t #JMMJOH 11. ADVERTISING OF PACKAGED SERVICES 11.1 The consumer shall be entitled to the supply of all components of a serviced QBDLBHF XIFSF UIF )PTU IBT NBSLFUFE UIF QSPWJTJPO PG JUT TFSWJDF BT QBSU PG B 2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS 6OMFTT PUIFSXJTF EFGJOFE PS UIF DPOUFYU PUIFSXJTF SFRVJSFT FYQSFTTJPOT EFGJOFE JO UIF package General Consumer Code of Practice shall have the same meanings in this document 11.2 Appropriate information to potential tenants shall be included in marketing including recitals and schedules: materials by COMMUNICATION TOWERS where it may be unlikely to supply â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quality of Service Regulationâ&#x20AC;? means the Quality of Service Regulations 2013 any component of the service package 11.3 The marketing materials may contain information on the pricing of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hostâ&#x20AC;? means the Licensee/COMMUNICATION TOWERS component of a service package; where this is so, the marketing materials shall â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tenantâ&#x20AC;? means the collocating party/consumer also incorporate an estimate of the minimum total charge for the package and indicate any terms and conditions applicable to obtaining the component at the 3.

PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO CONSUMERS 3.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS TIBMM VQPO SFRVFTU QSPWJEF B DPQZ PG UIF stated price contract or agreement for the provision of services and such contracts shall be in clear language.

12. BILLING INFORMATION 3.2 Copies of duly approved individual Code shall be available to consumers on 12.1 The following information shall be contained in invoices issued to the tenant SFRVFTU consumer: t 5FOBOU OBNF BOE CJMMJOH BEESFTT t $0..6/*$"5*0/ 508&34 DVSSFOU CVTJOFTT OBNF BEESFTT BOE SFHJTUFSFE OVNCFS t 6OJRVF JEFOUJGJDBUJPO PS JOWPJDF 4.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES 4.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS manages all aspect relating to hosting and leasing OVNCFS t %BUF PG JOWPJDF BOE CJMMJOH QFSJPE t %FTDSJQUJPO PG UIF TFSWJDFT QSPWJEFE PG .BTUT 5PXFST BOE PUIFS BDUJWF UFMFDPNNVOJDBUJPO FRVJQNFOU GPS NPCJMF CZ $0..6/*$"5*0/ 508&34 GPS XIJDI DPOTVNFS JT DIBSHFE t )JTUPSJDBM network operators, internet service providers and other telecommunications summary of charges including total amount billed, applicable credits, advance operators licensed by the NCC: QBZNFOUT PS EJTDPVOUT OFU BNPVOU QBZBCMF CZ UFOBOU PS SFQBZBCMF CZ )PTU BT UIF case may be t 1BZNFOU SFGVOE EVF EBUF t .FUIPE PG QBZNFOU t .FUIPE PG DPOUBDU GPS DPNQMBJOUT 5.

PRICING INFORMATION 5.1 Contract shall not take effect until parties mutually agree on the pricing and BOE CJMMJOH JORVJSJFT composition thereof. Pricing components may include but not limited to BQQMJDBCMF SBUFT PS DIBSHFT DBMDVMBUJPO CBTJT PG FBDI DIBSHF FMFNFOU GSFRVFODZ 13. ITEMIZATION OF CHARGES or basis of the collection of the charge, information as to whether charges are 13.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall ensure that consumers have access to TVCKFDU UP DIBOHF BOE UIF GSFRVFODZ PG TVDI DIBOHFT BOE IPX JOGPSNBUJPO PO itemize details of all charges either on the bill or on a separate statement provided such matters shall be communicated to the tenant.

UP UIF UFOBOU VQPO SFRVFTU 6.

6.1

7.

7.1

7.2

8.

8.1

8.2

9.

9.1

CONTRACT TERMS AND TERMINATION Infrastructure sharing contracts with Tenants shall incorporate standard clauses relating to commencement date, minimum contract term (where applicable), NBOOFS BOE DPOTFRVFODFT PG QSFNBUVSF UFSNJOBUJPO BOE DBMDVMBUJPO CBTJT GPS payment of any penalty therefrom, situations where early termination may be permitted, renewal terms, installation, connection and decommission terms, and refund policies. Furthermore, all terms and conditions of a contract regarding the provision of any of our services shall be clearly stated in the contract or agreement PRODUCT WARRANTIES AND MAINTENANCE Where applicable, the COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall inform the consumer of any contractual warranty relating to any shared infrastructure. Such information, where applicable, shall include how to obtain such warranty services There shall be specific information to the consumers on the availability and QSPWJTJPO PG BOZ NBJOUFOBODF TFSWJDF CZ UIF )PTU QBSUZ

14. TIMING FOR ISSUANCE OF BILL 14.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall issue bills and include all charges incurred within the specified billing period within 30 days of the closure of each billing period.

14.2 Exceptions may occur whereby all charges are not included on the invoice as a result of separate agreement between parties, or any other reason.

15 RECEIPT AND CONSUMER PAYMENT ADVICE 15.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall make available appropriate and accessible methods of verification of bill payment by the tenant.

16 BILLING FREQUENCY 16.1 Consumer shall be provided with sufficient and advance written notification of any proposed changes to the billing period. The advance written notification shall be deemed sufficient by parties where it provides a minimum notification period of twice the usual billing period(s).

PROVISIONING OF SERVICES Provision of services by COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall be in accordance 17 with the service supply time targets set out in the NCC Quality of Service 17.1 regulations annexed to this Code. COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall however OPU CF MJBCMF GPS BOZ EFMBZT PS SFGVTBMT PG TFSWJDF SFRVFTUT MBDL PG TJUF BWBJMBCJMJUZ or infrastructure availability which is beyond its reasonable control.

Further to clause 8.1 above, COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall bear no 17.2 responsibility for RFI delays or refusals where such is attributable to the lack of credit worthiness of the tenant consumer.

18.

18.1 FAULT REPAIR AND SERVICE INTERRUPTION Relevant facilities and processes shall be implemented to ensure reporting of faults 24 hours a day by tenant

NON-PAYMENT OF BILLS In the event of non-payment of bills to COMMUNICATION TOWERS, COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall take necessary measures (which includes but not limited to referring the issue of non-payment by the consumer to the /$$ UP FGGFDU TVDI QBZNFOU PS EJTDPOOFDU UIF DPOTVNFS T FRVJQNFOU Necessary measures as referred to above shall be commensurate and not unduly discriminatory INFORMATION TO CONSUMERS COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall ensure that its complaints procedure is accessible in various media and formats or as directly specified by the NCC from time to time. Information on the complaints procedure shall include:

WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018 Ëž T H I S D AY

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PUBLIC NOTICE COMMUNICATION TOWERS COLLOCATION CODE OF PRACTICE DOCUMENT

t $POTVNFST SJHIU UP MPEHF DPNQMBJOU t .PEF PG MPEHJOH UIF DPNQMBJOU UP UIF )PTU t 3FRVJTJUF EPDVNFOUT SFRVJSFE UP MPEHF B WBMJE DPNQMBJOU t .FBOT UP FORVJSF PO TUBUVT PG DPNQMBJOU 18.2 The procedure must be expressed in clear language and the tenant must be able identify how to lodge a complaint either physically or via dedicated online platforms 18.3 Tenant complaints shall be duly recorded and processed in accordance with identified practices and procedures 19. SPECIAL NEEDS "EFRVBUF QSPWJTJPOT TIBMM CF NBEF CZ $0..6/*$"5*0/ 508&34 UP FOTVSF that people with special needs are able to access the complaint handling processes 19.2 COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall use its best endeavours to provide SFBTPOBCMF BTTJTUBODF UP UFOBOU DPOTVNFST XIP NBZ SFRVFTU BTTJTUBODF XJUI lodging complaints 20. COMPLAINT PROCESS 20.1 Complaints shall be acknowledged by the COMMUNICATION TOWERS WFSCBMMZ PS JO XSJUJOH CVU QSFGFSBCMZ JO UIF NPEF PS NBOOFS SFRVFTUFE CZ UIF tenant complainant. Consumer shall forward complaints to the registered BEESFTT PG UIF )PTU $0..6/*$"5*0/ 508&34 BT TUBUFE CFMPX No 14 Atbara Street, Off Cairo Street, Wuse 2 Abuja.

Telephone number: 09-2915040, 08055314203, website; info@ctnigeria.com, www.ctnigeria.com 20.2 Where possible, the tenant shall be provided with an expected outcome or estimated timeframe within which the complaint shall be investigated and resolved. Notwithstanding the forgoing, complaints including those which SFRVJSF GVSUIFS SFDPVSTF GPS MBDL PG BDDFQUBCMF SFTPMVUJPO TIBMM CF BDUFE VQPO within the set time frame as directed by the NCC from time to time or as provided in the annexed Quality of Service Regulations and this shall not exceed a period of three calendar months 20.3 An identified escalation process shall be accessible to the tenant where tenant is dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint resolution. Such escalation process TIBMM JOWPMWF GVSUIFS DPNQMBJOU FYBNJOBUJPO CZ B TVJUBCMZ RVBMJGJFE BVUIPSJ[FE SFQSFTFOUBUJWF PG UIF )PTU 20.4 Consumers shall be duly informed where resolution via the escalation process has been exhausted and there are no further escalation processes.

20.5 Oral or non-written complaints shall be deemed acknowledged by COMMUNICATION TOWERS at the time such was communicated to COMMUNICATION TOWERS 21. CHARGES 21.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS Complaint handling processes shall be QSPWJEFE GSFF PG DIBSHF )PXFWFS BOZ DPNQMBJO UIBU SFRVJSFT UIF SFUSJFWBM PG records more than Twelve (12) moths shall attract charges which the consumers must be informed and agreed to.

NEWSEXTRA

Imo Assembly Moves to Impeach Deputy Governor Allegations frivolous, says Madumere Police, DSS deployed to Benue Assembly over plot to impeach Speaker Amby Uneze in Owerri The Imo State House of Assembly yesterday commenced impeachment proceedings against the state Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, over allegations of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties.

But in a swift reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Uche Onwuchekwa ,has described the allegations as frivolous, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;an old ploy of calling a dog a bad name to hang itâ&#x20AC;?.

This is coming as over 100 security personnel were yesterday deployed to the road leading to the Benue State House of Assembly complex in Makurdi, the state capital.

In a petition submitted by the Deputy Speaker, Nnanna Ozuruigbo and signed by 13 out of the 27 members of the House, the Imo State deputy governor was accused of absconding from his office for more than three months, without permission and should be impeached.

Other allegations were the deputy governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refusal to carry out official duties assigned to him by the governor; refusal to attend State Executive Council meetings, refusal to hold meetings with the governor and commissioners and imprisonment for theft in the United States.

Madumere has been having a running battle with Governor Rochas Okorocha over his governorship ambition, which saw him aligning with other politicians against the governor.

22.2 COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall inform consumer after 60 days of nonresolution of the complaint to the satisfaction of consumer to proceed to refer the complaint to the NCC 23. ACTION ON DISPUTED CHARGES 23.1 Where a tenant consumer has initiated a complaint through the laid down process and investigation is ongoing, COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall be estopped from taking any action with regard to credit management action or EJTDPOOFDUJPO PG JOTUBMMFE FRVJQNFOU PS SFMBUFE BQQBSBUVT QFOEJOH UIF SFTPMVUJPO of the dispute.

24. INTERNAL DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS 24.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall ensure availability of appropriate recording system for complaints and outcomes which shall comply with the SFRVJSFNFOUT PG UIF $PNNJTTJPO T 2VBMJUZ PG 4FSWJDF 3FHVMBUJPOT TVDI UIBU recurring issues are easily tracked for effective processing 25. CHANGES TO COMPLAINT HANDLING PROCESS 25.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS shall ensure that tenant is properly updated with any information regarding the changes in the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complaint handling process, if any.

26. RETENTION OF RECORDS *OGPSNBUJPO DPMMBUFE BOE SFDPSEFE CZ )PTU JO SFTQFDU PG UIF DPNQMBJOU IBOEMJOH procedure initiated by the tenant shall be retained for at least twelve (12) months following resolution of tenant complain.

also one of the allegations that cannot stand any administrative procedure. There are laid down procedures through which a geputy governor or any member of the executive Council can be invited for executive council meeting. We hereby state that the deputy governor has never been invited for such meetings either through a memo or any official notices and thereby cannot stand against the deputy governor with the period in review,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

Meanwhile, over 100 security personnel have been deployed to the road leading to the Benue State House of Assembly complex in Makurdi.

The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who personally took charge of security arrangement at the Assembly complex, told journalists the move was just a pre-emptive measure to forestall break down of law and order.

It was gathered that the development followed the purported attempt to impeach the Speaker of the House, Hon. Terkimbir Ikyange, over the emergence of new political alignment in the state.

There were also unconfirmed reports of rift between Governor Samuel Ortom and the leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, Senator George Akume, over the 2019 governorship election in the state.

Some mobile policemen and Department of State Service (DSS) operatives were seen at strategic locations around the assembly complex.

Ekiti Elders Task Buhari on Governorship Poll Nseobong Okon-Ekong

22. FURTHER RECOURSE 22.1 In addition to the complaint process set up by COMMUNICATION TOWERS, the consumer reserves the right to escalate unsatisfactorily resolved or unresolved disputes to the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC)

Calling for presentation of the petition, the Speaker of the House, Acho Ihim, said the petition had met and surpassed the required one-third as provided in Section 188 (2) 11 of the 1999 Constitution.

The House has 27 members but four were earlier suspended for what the House described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;unparliamentary conduct.â&#x20AC;?

The House, thereafter set up a six-man committee headed

by Hon. Kennedy Ibe, member representing Obowo Local Government Area (LGA), to probe the allegations and report back to the lawmakers within seven days.

However, the chief press secretary to the state deputy governor has described Madumere as an astute administrator who does not joke with his duties, especially his constitutional responsibilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As such, he has never absconded from office the period so claimed. He is constitutionally saddled with the responsibilities of superintending Boundary Commission. By our records, the deputy governor of Imo State has never abdicated from such responsibility,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The deputy governor participated in one day retreat for Stakeholders in the management of Nigeria boundaries, which held in the Airforce Conference Centre, Abuja on May 7, 2018 in the company of the surveyor general of the state and the principal secretary to the deputy governor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Refusal to attend constitutional proceedings of the state executive council is

A group of distinguished elders from Ekiti State, Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE), have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the palpable fear that the Army may be used in the July 14 governorship election in the state, by ensuring that the armed forces are not involved in a constitutionally civil matter.

At a meeting with journalists in Lagos yesterday, the IUE, led by its President, Julius AdeluyiAdelusi, a former Minister of Health, commended the security agencies for their good work in 2014, stating that benchmark must be the least expected for the 2018 election.

The group tasked the police and other security agencies to be vigilant, fair and promote even-handedness throughout the election period.

Adeluyi-Adelusi said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The earlier we began to instil confidence in the ability and the capacity of the Nigerian Police Force together with other civil security agencies for the prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, protection of lives and properties, preservation of law and order and due enforcement of our laws and regulations including our electoral laws, regulations and guidelines, the better for our democracy.â&#x20AC;?

The group warned that there

will be grave consequences to any political party or individual that encourages violent disruption of the electoral process, noting that it had a duty to protect the safety and security of its people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The need for the safety and security of the people must be of paramount concern to the political players. There will be consequences for any politician that maybe involved in any act of violence before, during, and after the July 2018 election in the state. We believe we have the capacity not only to give this warning, but also to enforce it.â&#x20AC;?

Explaining the disciplinary measure that may be applied against errant politicians, a member of the IUE, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), hinted that the sponsors of delinquent behaviours may be excommunicated by the larger Ekiti public and the class of educated people.

The IUE statement read in part, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We vividly remember that our forebears sacrificed life and limb to protect the integrity and fundamental values which make up the hallmark of the Ekiti people. Our own generation is not about to abandon the pursuit and sustainability of the virtues of integrity and uncommon bonding, a heritage for which Ekiti people have been known for generations.â&#x20AC;?

Other distinguished members of the IUE at the conference

included, a former Group Managing Director of Odua Group of Companies, Sir. Remi Omotosho; former Managing Director of Triumph of Merchant Bank, Chief Esan Ogunleye; former Managing Director of UAC Plc, Mr.Ayo Ajayi; Professor Banji Akintoye, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN), Mr. Dare Babarinsa, a famous journalist, Chief Femi Ekundayo, Managing Director of Resort Group and Mrs. Regina Obasa, a former Permanent Secretary.

The eminent leaders claimed that it had no political affiliation.

Adeluyi-Adelusi said on their behalf that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our mission is to provide thought leadership and direction for our people on matters pertaining to the overall interest and development of Ekiti Stateâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We leverage on the robust intellectual endowment, the various and overwhelming experience of our members in the different disciplines, professions, vocations and businesses, as well as the unique homogeneity of our people in Ekiti State, to optimally harness the resources in the state, in order to achieve a politically stable, economically viable and peaceful environment for the betterment and progress of Ekiti people. There is also the issue of maintenance of law and order to ensure a free, fair and transparent process to guarantee that the will of the people prevails at the end of the election,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

nt nt e r y al al d s.

r s s g r ef s

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WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Mace Theft: House Recommends Suspension of Omo-Agege for 180 Days James Emejo in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday considered and adopted

the recommendations of the report of its Ad-hoc Committee set up to investigate the recent incident of the Senate Chamber invasion,

Yoruba Elders Laud Omoluabi Principles, Call for Rebirth Adedayo Adejobi Only a return to time tested Omoluabi principles of probity, honesty, temperance and commitment to community goals rather than that of self will make Nigeria great again.

This was the conclusion as prominent Southwestern leaders recently gathered at the first summit of Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, the Omoluabi group, held at the MITROS Events Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The event with the theme: ‘Omoluabi Principles: A Call To Return’, had in attendance many Yoruba leaders, including Emeritus Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, who opened the summit with a thought provoking perspective on the Omoluabi ethos, while Professor Banji Akintoye presented the lead paper. Other distinguished speakers included Senators Mojisoluwa Akinfemiwa and Femi Okunrounmu.

According to Okurounmu, “It is lack of Omoluabi values that has led to the current reign

of low integrity, dishonesty and bad governance being experienced generally across Nigeria.”

He stressed that today’s youths ought to become value driven at early age similar to the likes of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. He concluded by expressing his faith in groups like the Omoluabi.

According to him, “With initiatives and groups like this, Nigeria will no doubt reach her desired destination.”

On his part, Archbishop Ladigbolu admonished that “as parents and leaders, we must always think of the legacy we wish to bequeath on our children and country.”

Lead speaker, Professor Banji Akintoye, was full of praises for the host city Abeokuta and the legendary political juggernaut, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The professor, however, did not spare the present government in Nigeria.

He stressed that Nigeria stopped growing 54 years ago when the system of government changed from federalism to the unitary

which led to the theft of its mace and recommended the suspension of Senator Omo-Agege for 180 days.

The House also passed a motion seeking to set up an ad-hoc committee to determine the rising phenomena of insecurity in the country occasioned by killings and kidnapping across the federation, with a view to proffering solutions and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.

The report on the mace theft, which was laid before the House on July 5 by its Chairman, Hon. Betty Apiafi recommended the immediate suspension of OmoAgege for 180 Legislative Sitting days in line with Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.

It further sought the immediate prosecution of Omo-Agege and 16 other suspects for treasonable felony, assault occasioning harm, conspiracy to steal and actual theft of the mace, which is the symbol of authority of the parliament.

In April, unidentified thugs invaded the Senate Chambers and escaped with the mace.

The thugs entered the chambers, while plenary was already ongoing, with the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu presiding.

Omo-Agege was thereafter accused of sponsoring and leading the attack following his suspension from the chambers.

In solidarity, the lower chamber had set up an adhoc committee to work with the Senate counterpart to probe the incident.

However, the committee in its report also demanded that the embattled senator be prosecuted for incitement and breach of peace in the chamber of the senate and contempt ex-facie.

In the far-reaching recommendations, the lower House said the police’s preliminary investigation on the issue should be intensified with a view to bringing those found culpable into custody.

Among other things, the

lawmakers said the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges Act should be amended to clearly vest the power of maintaining peace and order within the chamber and precincts of legislative houses in the Sergeant-At-Arms of any legislative Houses.

Meanwhile, the House has also passed a motion seeking to set up an ad-hoc committee to determine the rising phenomena of insecurity in the country occasioned by killings and kidnapping across the federation.

It also invited the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command to brief the House on the way forward following the killings of nine policemen by unknown gunmen in Galadimawa area of Abuja.

The lower chamber, further resolved to revisit the constitutional amendment with regards to credible options for effective policing of communities.

The resolutions followed a

motion brought under matters of urgent public importance by Hon. Chris Azubogu (PDP, Anambra) on the deteriorating security situation occasioned by the killings He expressed worry that the attack came shortly after the Plateau killings and similar occurrences in the country.

He said the killings called to question the internal security management of securing the lives and property of the citizens by government as provided for in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He said:”There is need to reinvigorate the security apparatus of the country to better secure the lives and property of the people.”

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun (APC, Oyo) said:”The civilians are no longer safe. If Abuja can not be safe at this level, how will other states be?”

He further expressed worries on the neglect of Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in parts of Abuja.

Lagos to Sign Concession Agreement on Seme-Badagry Expressway Gboyega Akinsanmi The Lagos State Government yesterday disclosed that it would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of investors on the construction of the Seme-Badagry expressway.

Also, the state government directed that the completed portions of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway from Eric Moore to Okokomaiko be opened for public use following the completion of works by the contractor.

These are contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, noting that the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was touched by the discomfort being experienced by the motoring public on the LagosBadagry expressway.

On the Seme-Badagry road, the statement said the project “is a part of Lagos-Badagry expressway from Okokomaiko to Seme–Badagry. The section has been put up for privatepublic partnership (PPP) due to the magnitude of the infrastructure to be put in place.

“Aside, we have considered the PPP option due to huge amount

of financial resources running into hundreds of billions of naira which the state government could not muster presently due to other vital competing demands.”

On these grounds, the statement said discussions with investors are at advanced stage and the Memorandum of Understanding would be signed to herald the construction of the Seme-Badagry expressway.

On the completed portion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway, the statement noted that Ambode had directed Lagos State Public Works Corporation to intensify palliative works on the road from Okokomaiko to Badagry.

It added that the governor had pledged “to continue to intensify all necessary steps to ameliorate their sufferings. All security and traffic agencies have been directed to enforce the Lagos Road Traffic Law, 2012.”

Aside, according to the statement, the security officers have been directed to dislodge all road side traders and hawkers from the road, while also arresting law enforcement officers extorting money from motorists.”

Sikuade Passes on, at 92 One of the oldest Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Akin O. Sikuade, is dead. He died on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the age of 92.

A well known legal practitioner, Chief Sikuade, is listed as number 36 on the roll of SAN, and was called to the class of senior advocates in 1993 alongside Chief Philip Umeadi, Babatunde Benson, ABC. Iketuonye and Chief Abayomi Sogbesan - the last two having died much earlier.

He was the Principal Partner of Akin O. Sikuade and Company, a leading law firm which provides services to diverse clientele.

Among his children is Mrs Sally Olayinka Udoma, former General Counsel for Chevron Europe, Eurasia and Middle East and wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma.

GROUND BREAKING

L-R: Representative of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Chinyaka Oha; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse; President of African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr. Benedict Oramah, and the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, during the ground breaking ceremony of Afreximbank’s Abuja Office ...yesterday

FG Summons Striking Truck Drivers to Halt Economic Losses Eromosele Abiodun In a bid to end the industrial action by truckers in Apapa that has paralysed activities at the nation’s premier port in Lagos, the federal government has summoned the leadership of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) to Abuja.

President of AMATO, Remi Ogungbemi told THISDAY yesterday that he is in Abuja following the summon of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

According to him, “I cannot talk on the strike action embarked upon by my members at the ports for now because I am already in Abuja to see the SGF, on the issue.

Hopefully, the problem will be resolved with his intervention.”

THISDAY had yesterday reported that the industrial action had paralysed activities at Lagos ports resulting to over 6,600 containers being trapped at the ports since the action commenced last Friday.

THISDAY had also reported that shipping lines had planned

to impose an annual $150 million (N54 billion) congestion levy in the event that there is vessel cue arising from the massive congestion at the port.

THISDAY had visited the Ijora and Marine bridge yesterday to talk with some tanker drivers on what incited the attack, but met the bridge devoid of any as they were said to have fled over fears of a reprisal attack by the navy.

However, on moving further down the road that leads to Costain, some of the drivers parked

by the road waiting up guage the situation before they can ascend the bridge to Apapa.

The drivers alleged that the joint task force was set up merely to fleece them of their hard earned money.

With the bid to find lasting solution to the irascible actions of tanker/truck drivers, who had hitherto ground Apapa and environs to a halt, foiled, the navy today said they were forced to withdraw given the attack on its personnel by the irate tanker drivers on Monday afternoon.

Court Orders Immediate Release of UK Properties Belonging to Aiteo Boss, Benedict Peters The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the immediate release of two properties located in the United Kingdom belonging to businessman and CEO of the Aiteo Group, Benedict Peters.

The properties had been the subject of an interim forfeiture order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

without notice to Peters.

By this decision, the court has upheld his case that the properties wholly belonged to him and not connected to the former Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke.

The court said the properties were unjustifiably included in a list of assets the anti-graft agency tried to seize.

In suit no FHC/ABJ/ CS/228/2016, Benedict Peters and two of his companies, Rosewood Investment Limited and Colinwood Limited, filed applications before Justice Binta Nyako, seeking the discharge of the forfeiture order that she had made in April and June 2016 affecting their properties.

The summary of the case put

before the court was that he is the exclusive and beneficial owner of the following properties: Flat 5, Parkview, 83-86 Prince Albert Road, London; Flat 58 Harley House, Marylebone Road, London and 270-17 street, Unit #4204, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, that were wrongly included in a list of 19 properties in the order as allegedly belonging to the former minister.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018

53

There goes my

MENTOR and

FATHER FIGURE He was one of a few that I looked up to as mentors.

We had an amazing father-son relationship Early in my life, he offered me holiday jobs.

His ideals and values influenced me greatly.

He has now gone the way of every mortal.

My family and I will continually cherish the moments Providence allowed us to share with the good and great man.

May Allah grant him al-jannah firdaus. Amin.

Atiku Abubakar, GCON Waziri Adamawa Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 - 2007

MALLAM ADAMU CIROMA

1934-2018 GOVERNOR OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA 1975-1977

Ë&#x153; ͚͚Ë&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ëž T H I S D AY

54

WEDNESDAYSPORTS WORLD CUP 2018â&#x20AC;Ś

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

JUNE 14 TO JULY 15

Pinnick, Others Deny Any Wrong Doing, Waiting for EFCC Invitation NFF chair fails to stop Giwa as court adjourn case to Sept 25 The leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led

by Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has refuted claims of corruption leveled against it and insisted that it has no formal invitation to face any anti-corruption agency.

A former national football coach, James Peters, had last week petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the leadership of the NFF over its financial dealings.

Special Adviser on Media to the Sports Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, followed up with a statement that Pinnick, Shehu Dikko, Seyi Akinwunmi, Ahmed Fresh and Sanusi Mohammed, were being investigated by EFCC based on Petersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; petition.

But in a statement issued yesterday by the Chairman of the Media Committee of the federation, Suleiman YahayaKwande, it said that It is on record that the NFF under the leadership of Amaju Melvin Pinnick has been the most successful in Nigeria to date in terms accountability and probity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Till date, the leadership of the NFF has not been invited by any anti-corruption or indeed, any agency of government to explain the allegations contained in the said petition or even called upon to give an account of its stewardship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The NFF wishes to assure the public that, if eventually it is called upon, the leadership would cooperate fully with any agency concerned and give a robust explanation of its financial activities, as the NFF under Amaju Pinnick has entrenched transparency and international best practices as its mantra and has therefore not contravene Laws of the land,â&#x20AC;?

Yahaya-Kwande stressed further.

The NFF Media Committee chief noted that the Financial Derivatives Ltd (FDC) which was wrongly labeled by James Peters in his petition as the conduit which the NFF embezzles money, is one of the major and most credible financial services companies in Nigeria with records of high reputations and integrity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;FDC was not appointed as NFF Financial Advisers by Amaju Pinnick as alleged by the Petitioner but by the NFF Congress, the supreme legislative body of the NFF, pursuant to the provisions of the NFF Statutes, at its 70th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos on November 23rd, 2014.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to the FDC, two other companies were also appointed at the 70th AGM on November 23rd 2014- they are PricewaterHouseCoopers (PWC) as External Auditors and Bain and Co, as Management Consultants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These appointments were made on the recommendations of the Executive Committee and with the sole objective to bring in the world-class professionalism, transparency, integrity and international best practices especially in financial management of the NFF. FDC has been working for the NFF since 2014 with due audited accounts prepared annually as required

by Law, thus one wonders how FDC has suddenly become an

issue of petition in 2018.â&#x20AC;?

He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It must be put on record that funds from sponsors are not NFF revenues to be paid to revenue accounts but operational funds provided by sponsors for specific purposes such as payments for coaches, competitions, events and other developmental programmes as agreed with the sponsors in each case. The sponsors are fully in control and fully aware of how and when their funds are being applied and for what purpose. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition to the above process, the NFF leadership ensured that at any time it received funds from sponsors, FIFA or CAF, an information Memo is duly sent to the Hon. Minister of Sports to notify the Government of the receipts of the funds, where the funds is domiciled (TSA or Remittal or FDC) and how it is going to be applied, including payment due to any marketing agency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indeed the Minister has praised and or defended the NFF several times before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for this show of transparency as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first regime of the NFF to duly notify Government of all its sources of funding, receipts and application. There are several representations to the Government (Ministry of Finance and Accountant-Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office)

by NFF, duly supported by the Hon. Minister of Sports, and National Assembly to completely exempt the NFF from the TSA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is in recognition of this demand, that even the NFF Bill already passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly and awaiting transmittal to the President/ Commander-In-Chief for assent, duly made provisions to exempt the NFF from TSA. In any case, NFF still uses the TSA for its government subventions and funds from donor agencies like FIFA and CAF even though both FIFA and CAF, arising from the 2016 FIFA process review programme have written to demand separate account be opened for their funds in commercial banks so they can audit and track their funds early.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, Pinnick yesterday failed to stop Chris Giwa from operating in the Glass House as NFF President following the inability of his counsel to raise a motion challenging the Jos Federal High Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ex-parte order which installed Giwa in office.

The presiding judge, Justice Musa Kurya, the in the case between Yahaya Adama and Alhaji Aminu Maigari and three others had, on June 5, made an ex-parte order asking Pinnickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NFF leadership to vacate the Glass House for Giwa-led executive.

But Pinnick, through his counsel, Festus Keyamo (SAN) on July 5, stormed the court with two motions, demanding the vacation of the order pending the determination of an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

Unfortunately, the motions could not be heard, due to objection by counsel to Adama and others, Ardzard, which led to the adjournment of the case until yesterday.

When the case came up again, Keyamo announced his representation for Maigari and Ahmadu, the first and second defendants, as well as Pinnick.

In the course of the appearance, Keyamo was challenged by a new counsel, Mr Shangyula Samuel, who told the court that he was the representative of the defendants.

After much argument before the court over representation of the defendants, Keyamo withdraw his appearance and was left to represent only Pinnick.

R-L NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, Chairman, Technical Committee, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh and 2nd Vice President and Chairman LMC, Shehu Dikko at St Petersburg stadium in Russia. They insist allegation of corruption against them baseless

Croatia 90 Minutes Away from History against Hungry Lions Duro Ikhazuagbe in St Petersburg This evening at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Zlatko Dalic is unlikely to be surprised by Gareth Southgateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team selection as the second semi final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup between Croatia and England begins at 7pmNigerian time.

England has no reported injury concerns and Southgate is not expected to depart from the consistent starting XI he has maintained to this stage.

The Three Lions have shown they can adapt to the different styles of play they faced here at Russia 2018 and against a Croatia with a robust midfield, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll focus on containing and overcoming Luka Modric and his dangerous middlemen.

Croatia believes it can deal with Harry Kane after â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stopping Messiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the group stages. Dalic also undoubtedly believes in his team, but how much more energy do his players have left? The Vatreni have played 240 minutes in six days and exhausted players pose the biggest problem for the Croatia coach.

Also, Dalicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side has scored nine goals so far, with eight different goal scorers contributing.

That is great for Dalic, but the coach is undoubtedly looking for a greater contribution from his forwards for this team to surpass the feat of their 1998 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Golden Generation.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; England on the other hand

has been one of the surprise packages at the 2018 finals, earning their semis ticket with a 2-0 win over Sweden in Samara on Saturday. Goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as a couple of excellent saves from Jordan Pickford â&#x20AC;&#x201C; secured their place in the final four for the first time since 1990.

Southgateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Three Lionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; have shown tactical flexibility, athleticism, speed and a fine defensive discipline in their campaign, and they will fancy their chances of securing victory in the Russian capital city.

The England manager says his team has a chance to become heroes in the same vein as their legendary 1966 team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve talked, touched briefly, certainly, on the team which won,â&#x20AC;? said Southgate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still held and revered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(It was) at the beginning of working together with the lads and trying to sell them the vision of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible, what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to achieve in the long-term. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have had events on in camp when some of those guys have been in, when the road was named at St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

(Park) after Sir Alf. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve met quite a few of those players and we know exactly how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re held and perhaps, in the modern era, that would be even crazier.â&#x20AC;?

While Luka Modric will once again be key for Croatia in his ability to dictate the play, the Eastern Europeans will also need Dejan Lovren to be at his best against Harry Kane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the defender was famously pulled off while playing for Liverpool against Kaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tottenham in the previous season and will be eager to avoid a repeat.

L-R: Dele Alli, Luka Modric, Harry Kane and Ivan Rakitic set to rumble for the ďŹ nal ticket at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow this evening

55

T H I S D AY Ëž DAY, JULY 11, 2018

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

W O R L D C U P 2 0 1 8 â&#x20AC;Ś JUNE 14 TO JULY 15

WORLD CUP 2018â&#x20AC;Ś

CAA Asaba 2018: 42 Countries Attend DRM Programme

Kenya, Ethiopia ofďŹ cials set high targets

Umtiti celebrating after his glancing header that gave France the lone goal win last night

Umtiti Heads France into First Final in 20Years Samuel Umtiti fired France into her first World Cup final in 20 years last night when the FC Barcelona defender headed home the lone goal of the semi final clash with Belgium at the St Petersburg Stadium.

There was no doubt that the Belgians were the more attack conscious of the two teams but at the end of 90 minutes it was Les Blues that grabbed the first final ticket of Russia 2018.

France will now have to wait for the winner of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second semi final between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow to know who to play in the final scheduled for Sunday at same venue in the Russian capital city.

After being dominated in the first half, due to an awesome Eden Hazard brilliant display, France took responsibility and the control of the match after half-time.

After Raphael Varane performed heroics in the

quarter-finals against Uruguay, this time it was Umtitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 51st header that made the difference from an Antoine Griezmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corner at the near post. After out jumping Marouane Fellaini, Umtiti simply flicked the header beyond Thibaut Courtois in goal for Belgium. Belgium took early control of midfield with France content to sit deep and eliminate the threat of counter-attacks from Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne.

But it was by no means a purely negative approach as the French offered their own danger on the break, perfectly illustrated when Paul Pogbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delivery sent Kylian Mbappe racing towards goal and Belgium were thankful their keeper Courtois was alert to snuff out the danger.

The first real opening came in the 16th minute when De Bruyne hooked the ball into the path of Hazard whose shot was just wide of Huge Llorisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s far post.

Hazard was dangerous again moments later when he cut in from the left and unleashed a rasping drive which clipped off the back of Raphael Varane and just over the bar.

From a Belgium corner, Toby Alderweireld tested Lloris with a smart shot on the turn but as the half progressed France began to create more.

Olivier Giroud flashed a header just wide and Mbappe set up Benjamin Pavard whose

low shot was kept out by the outstretched leg of Courtois.

It was a fascinating first half and all that was missing was a goal but one came soon after the break.

Late into the second half Fellaini flashed a header just wide and Axel Witsel forced a good save out of Lloris as Belgium pushed forward for an equaliser and France hung on in six minutes of stoppage time to book their place in the final.

Two World Cup Reporters Robbed in Moscow Two foreign journalists covering Russia 2018 World Cup have had run-ins with crime in Moscow.

According to Russian publication, The Moscow Times, the journalists, one of them an American was reportedly stabbed and the other, a British reporter was drugged and then robbed.

Russia has stepped up its campaign to hold a safe and secure football championship this summer with strict security measures that

could remain in place after the football tournament wraps up this Sunday.

The unnamed American journalist was allegedly stabbed during an altercation at a bar in Moscow, an anonymous law enforcement source told the staterun news agency, TASS, on Monday.

A suspect was detained and the victim was treated for stab wounds, the news agency reported.

Meanwhile, a BBC journalist was

allegedly drugged and robbed late last week by assailants who were unlicensed taxi drivers, according to Russiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RBC business portal.

The journalist, a British citizen who came to Russia to cover the World Cup, reportedly lost consciousness inside a car after drinking a coffee offered to him by the driver and an accomplice.

When he awoke near the Dynamo metro station in north Moscow, his cell phone and bank

card were gone.

RBC reports that ÂŁ 550 pounds ($729) were withdrawn from his account. The two suspects accused of robbing the BBC journalist were detained by police, and will be held in custody on theft charges until September 7, RIA Novosti reported.

A BBC spokeswoman told the British tabloid Mirror that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the member of staff was OKâ&#x20AC;? and had resumed work.

Ronaldo Seals Four-year Deal with Juventus Italian giants Juventus have signed Cristiano Ronaldo, with the former Real Madrid star heading for his first spell in Italy, after nine years starring in Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s La Liga.

Having requested a transfer, the reigning The Best FIFA Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Player, fresh from reaching the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with Portugal, signed a four-year deal with the Turin side, who have won the Italian Serie A title for a record seven successive seasons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that the time has come to begin a new stage

in my life and that is why I have asked the club to accept my transfer request. I feel that way and I ask everyone, and especially our followers, to please understand,â&#x20AC;? Ronaldo said in an open letter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Real Madrid has conquered my heart, and that of my family, and that is why more than ever I want to say thank you. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m leaving but this shirt, this crest and the Santiago Bernabeu will continue to always feel as my own wherever I am.â&#x20AC;?

Ronaldo ends a glorious trophy-laden spell in the

Spanish capital, having picked up 16 titles including no less than three FIFA Club World Cups, four UEFA Champions Leagues - including the last three - and two league titles.

He was also named as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s player on six occasions while representing Los Blancos.

Additionally, the 33-year-old racked up an incredible scoring record with Real, setting in stone a tally of 451 goals in 438 games. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude to a player who has proved to

be the best in the world and who has marked one of the brightest times in the history of our club and world football,â&#x20AC;? the Spanish club said in an official statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond the conquered titles, the trophies achieved and the triumphs achieved in the playing fields during these nine years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been an example of dedication, work, responsibility, talent and improvement. For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of its great symbols and a unique reference for future generations.â&#x20AC;?

Forty-two African countries were present in Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday for the Delegates Registration Meeting (DRM) as the countdown to the Africa Senior Athletics Championships dubbed Asaba 2018 continues.

The elated African officials expressed delight having been served a glimpse of what to expect at the CAA Asaba 2018 which will take place from August 1-5 at the newly-completed Stephen Keshi Stadium in the heart of Delta State.

Apart from the Olympic Games, Asaba 2018 is one of the few places they are having a DRM and the officials across the continent praised the Local Organising Committee, LOC headed by Chief Solomon Ogba for raising the bar with the great idea.

Speaking to journalists after the DRM, the Kenya Team Leader, Abraham Mutai reiterated that they are taking the Asaba 2018 championships very seriously as they are plotting to emerge as the overall champion in the five-day event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For your information, World Champion Julius Yego is coming with us to Asaba so you know we as a nation is taking this championship very serious. In South Africa two years ago,

we were number two but this time we want the number one position and we hope our dream will comes true,â&#x20AC;? the Kenyan representative stated.

Mutai added that while Kenya would be looking to consolidate on their strengths which is in the long-distance races, they will be working towards conquering new grounds; especially in the field events and some short distant races including the 100m where he admitted that Nigeria remains a force to be reckoned with.

On his part, the scribe of the Ethiopia Athletics Federation, Bililign Mekoya, who is representing his country at the DRM in Asaba said he was very impressed with the superb facilities in place; adding that Ethiopia who are coming with the largest contingent would be gunning for as much medals as possible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have seen the facility and it is new; so we are happy, we are targeting many medals as possible especially in the long distant races. We are bringing some new athletes and the experienced ones also, we are looking forward to a nice championshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; he posited.

Over 52 African countries are expected at the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships.

GOtv Boxing Night Returns to Ibadan With Joe Boy, Fijabi, Others Reigning African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, Oto â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joe Boyâ&#x20AC;?

Joseph of Nigeria, will defend his title on 29 July at GOtv Boxing Night 15 scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo (formerly Liberty) Stadium, Ibadan. The event is making a return to the Oyo State capital, where it held in March 2017.

Joe Boy will face crack Ghanaian opponent, Nathaniel Nukpe in a 12-round contest, which is the biggest of the seven bouts on the night.

Another big fight scheduled is the international light middleweight challenge contest between Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Akeem â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dodoâ&#x20AC;? Sadiku and Franc Houanvoegbe of the Republic of Benin. Also billed to fight is the African Boxing Union welterweight champion and crowd favourite, Olaide â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fijabornâ&#x20AC;? Fijabi, who will

square up against Kazeem â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iberuâ&#x20AC;? Ariyo in a national challenge duel.

The cruiserweight division will feature Idowu â&#x20AC;&#x153;ID Cabasaâ&#x20AC;? Okusote against Michael â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lion Heartâ&#x20AC;?

Godwin, while Prince â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lionâ&#x20AC;?

Nwoye will take on Ridwan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scorpionâ&#x20AC;? Oyekola in a lightweight challenge duel. The light welterweight category will see Vincent â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dadaâ&#x20AC;? Essien test his mettle against Segun â&#x20AC;&#x153;Showboyâ&#x20AC;? Olalehin. There will also be a heavyweight clash between Daniel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Sharkâ&#x20AC;? Emeka and Sulaimon â&#x20AC;&#x153;Olagsâ&#x20AC;? Adeosun.

The event, sponsored by GOtv and Bet King, will be beamed live on SuperSport in 47 African countries. The best boxer at the event will go home with a cash prize of N1million attached to the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.

TR

Wednesday July 11, 2018

UT H

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MISSILE US to FG

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nigerian military continued to inappropriately detain, arrest, and interrogate female and child traďŹ&#x192;cking victims for alleged association with the insurgencies and did not provide traďŹ&#x192;cking victims protection. Therefore, Nigeria remained on the Tier 2 Watchlist for the second consecutive year.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The United States Government accusing the federal government of condoning human traďŹ&#x192;cking leveled against senior government oďŹ&#x192;cials and soldiers as revealed in the 2018 traďŹ&#x192;cking in persons report.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

A Memo on Post â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Truth Politics R

ecently, Reverend Father George Ehusani aptly captured the harm being done in the public sphere in his very deep Sunday Homily, Lux Terra. The catholic priest said inter alia: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smart phones in the hands of ignorant persons could be dangerous.â&#x20AC;?

This is not an anti-social media manifesto.

Neither is it an advocacy against free speech.

It is rather an admonition against the emerging culture of spreading lies, prejudice, distortions and hate using the new technology. Ehusani advised that before you â&#x20AC;&#x153;forwardâ&#x20AC;? to others a text or video that is laden with ethnic or religious prejudice you should pause to ponder on the social harm it could engender. Since any one equipped with a good handset could broadcast news in the social media with its unrestrained permissiveness, the danger that Ehusani points to should be obvious to all those having stakes in social harmony.

To be sure, coming to terms with the crude realities of what some thinkers have strangely dubbed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;post-truth ageâ&#x20AC;? is a global challenge. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk of truth when different sides in a dispute could create their own â&#x20AC;&#x153;alternative factsâ&#x20AC;? to advance their respective arguments. Hate speech is justified as free speech. Prejudice against others on the basis of ethnicity or religion seems legitimised. The climate of hate becomes the new reality. In a way, Trumpism seems to be giving the inspiration to this universal trend. President Donald Trump accuses the mainstream media in the United States of publishing and broadcasting, â&#x20AC;&#x153;fake news,â&#x20AC;? yet he briefs his countrymen and women with his own â&#x20AC;&#x153;alternative factsâ&#x20AC;? in his famous Twitter Account. r 8JUI FMFDUJPOT CBSFMZ FJHIU NPOUIT BXBZ amidst huge security problems, the danger of post-truth politics cannot be over-emphasised in Nigeria. The problem is even compounded because it has a definitional dimension.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, posttruth generally relates to â&#x20AC;&#x153;circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.â&#x20AC;? As a result, â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to cherry-pick data and come to whatever conclusion you desire.â&#x20AC;? r 4PNF QVCMJD JOUFMMFDUVBMT WJFX UIJT definition cynically. In their considered opinion, official campaigns against hate speech amounts to promotion of tyranny in a democracy. In fact, some have even argued that â&#x20AC;&#x153;fact-checkingâ&#x20AC;? and presentation of the truth might not serve as a sufficient antidote to the malaise of post-truth politics. r 4P UIF QPMMVUJPO PG UIF QVCMJD sphere continues with reckless abandon.

Unfortunately, unlike the pollution of the physical environment in which there is adequate awareness about the need for control, the control of the pollution circulated in the social media doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yield itself to FBTZ NBOBHFNFOU 8IFSFBT QIZTJDBM pollution of the environment is subject to being â&#x20AC;&#x153; dispersed, diluted, decomposed, recycled, or stored in some harmless form,â&#x20AC;? the pollution of the social space does not have such a mechanism because of the

APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole

sheer volume of the fake news and hate speech acting as pollutants.

In fact, the need for control of the sociopolitical pollution is resolutely disputed in the age described by some thinkers as that of â&#x20AC;&#x153;communicative abundance.â&#x20AC;?

Some experts have argued that to talk of control in this respect is to be against the revolution in communication.

Nevertheless, the rationalisation that â&#x20AC;&#x153;one manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hate speech is another manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free speechâ&#x20AC;? just does not hold water in the circumstance.

Doubtless, the issues are not purely those of philosophical disputations. The luxury of finding a theoretical justification for the lies and distortions in the social media is not just there anymore.

The consequences of post-truth politics are expressed in blood and tears in the streets. Perceptive members of the public are fully conscious of the unfolding tragedy fuelled by the merchants of hate. Even foreign observers are also making the point that fake news would exacerbate the crisis

If it is not easy to control the hate speech issuing from the handsets and laptops of the social media warriors, it should at least be possible to ensure the decency of the statements from party secretariats and campaign headquarters

of when the tenure of whoever is elected next year would expire. A few public intellectuals express opinions recklessly and arrogantly to defend their otherwise legitimate partisan interests as if they are writing the last chapter of Nigerian history.

The optical illusion is amazing. Perhaps unknown to them, some of their activities might not even merit being historical footnotes. This is simply because regardless of who wins the election it would not be the end of this nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

In the pursuit of their partisan interests, some public intellectuals have simply elected to pollute the public sphere. Public intellectuals are supposed to illuminate the public sphere with analyses and informed comments because they are equipped to do so; as the season of all-is-fair-in-war commentary beckons commentators should be wary of darkening the public sphere.

The wounds already inflicted on the land could fester if post-truth politics continues PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus to reign supreme.

BU IBOE JO /JHFSJB 8IFO GBMTFIPPE JT If it is not easy to control the hate speech circulated freely, bloody reactions could issuing from the handsets and laptops of be the outcome. the social media warriors, it should at least Just a few examples could serve to be possible to ensure the decency of the illustrate the damage of the post-truth statements from party secretariats and era. The other day as this reporter was campaign headquarters. on phone receiving an eyewitness report The Internet polluters act in a virtual of the petrol tanker accident at the Otedola world in which falsehood thrives. But #SJEHF JO -BHPT B 8IBUT"QQ NFTTBHF party publicists are bound to operate in was delivered simultaneously. The a physical world confronted with material message was that the same incident was issues bedevilling the political and socioâ&#x20AC;&#x153;a terrorist attack.â&#x20AC;? You could imagine economic landscape. the panic of those who received the The issues traverse the Sahel and the false message. In the same week that the creeks of the nation. They include insecurity, accident happened, a video of a lady in poverty, joblessness, collapsed public health hijab being allegedly trained recently and educational institutions. Poverty, in by her husband also got circulated. The particular, looms large menacingly on the lady was alleged to be a wife of one of national horizon. In such a socio-economic the killers in Nigeria. Fact-checking later climate, politicians should not be content revealed that the video in question was with raining abuses on one another. The recorded somewhere in Sudan long ago. A issues should eclipse the post-truth politics. credible online newspaper reported that a Politicians should be debating these issues group allegedly drew equivalence between manifesting themselves in the various the lives of human beings and those of departments of national life. Since the cows. The newspaper later professionally politicians are gearing up for 2019 the issues retracted the story and even announced should now be put squarely in focus in their the sack of the reporter who wrote the pronouncements. Yes, it could be conceded fake news. Yet otherwise informed persons that elsewhere politicians employ some insist on citing the said story in discussions. elements of theatre to lighten the rigour Columnists continue to make the story as in the discussion of issues. But peddling a peg as if they are oblivious of the fact falsehood is never a substitute for issues. that the source of the original story has The point at issue is that it is the duty of disowned it. Such fake news is legion. the political party to articulate and defend The trend may get worse as the electoral the programmes being executed by the season approaches unless there are conscious government that comes to power on the efforts by â&#x20AC;&#x153;stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;? to stem the platform of the party. The party structure negative tide. It may be necessary to ask should be so equipped to perform this the intellectual gladiators on all the sides of important task in the democratic process. the partisan divide to pause for a moment There are enough issues to occupy and ask themselves a simple question: what the attention of any party or politician would be the social consequences of the interested in discussing them with the aim role every partisan is playing today? Part of finding solutions to problems confronting of the tragedy of the moment is that not a the people. As an antidote to post-truth few of our public intellectuals abysmally politics, political parties should embrace lack a long view of history. Their mentality politics of ideas.

UP JTTVFT JT TRVBSFMZ IFSF BOE OPX 8IBU In this respect, political parties and other happens thereafter is none of their business. forces interested in the shape of things to They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even bother about impact of come in 2019 should take the caution of what happens today, much less how what Father Ehusani seriously. they do or say today would be viewed Politics of issues should be embraced in five years time. Here we are talking by all.

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