Inflation Maintains Downward Trend, Drops to 11.14% CBN intensifies enlightenment on bilateral currency swap Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja For the 18th unbroken month, inflation rate continued a downward trajectory, declining from 11.23 per cent in June to
11.14 per cent in July. This is coming as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intensified its public enlightenment drive on its currency swap policy,
explaining that a major objective of the recent Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement (BCSA) it sealed with the People's Bank of China (PBoC) was to ease the pressure on
Nigeria's foreign reserves. In its latest figures, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation stood at
11.14 per cent (year-on-year) in July 2018, representing a 0.09 percentage points drop over the rate recorded in June 2018 (11.23) per cent. The 18th consecutive
disinflation (fall in inflation) in headline inflation year-on-year also recorded increases in all Classification of Individual Continued on page 6
TCN Allays Fear of Blackout over Labour Protest‌ Page 6 Thursday 16 August, 2018 Vol 23. No 8520. Price: N250
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Despite APC’s Offensive, Saraki Considers Presidential Run Raheem Akingbolu with agency report
HERE COMES GLO OGA... L-R: Globacom Regional Head, Marketing Communications, Mr. Afolabi Otufowora; Brand Specialist, Ms. Adunola Agboola; Regional Chief Marketing OďŹƒcer, Mr. Ashok Israni; and Brand Specialist, Ms. Ireti Jonathan, during the launch of Glo Oga SIM, at Mike Adenuga Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday
Despite spirited moves by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to remove him from office, Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday dropped hint of his interest to run for the office of President in February next year election. The hint of interest came through an interview he granted a foreign media platform, Bloomberg, after months of speculations and torrent of third party endorsements. The Kwara State-born Continued on page 6
Presidency Clarifies Daura’s Status, Says He’s Being Debriefed, Not Detained Raises hope on Leah Sharibu's release Shehu: Buhari considering third Electoral Act Amendment Bill Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Presidency yesterday clarified the status of the former Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, who was dismissed last week, saying he was being debriefed contrary to reports that he was under detention.
Making this disclosure while appearing on ARISE NEWS television programme, Morning Show, anchored by former presidential spokesman, Mr. Reuben Abati, the president's media adviser,
Mr. Femi Adesina, explained that given the sensitive nature of Daura’s schedule, it was necessary for him to interact more with his replacement, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, in order to do proper handover of his
former office. Daura was fired last week by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, following the siege to the National Assembly by hooded and heavily armed operatives of the DSS,
reportedly on his orders. Osinbajo said the siege was an unauthorised assault on the rule of law that gravely embarrassed the federal government. He ordered an enquiry into
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the incidence, necessitating the interrogation of Daura by the police, which took him into custody. But Adesina told Abati on Arise TV that somebody of the status of Daura with a lot of security matters at his disposal has to be properly Continued on page 8
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TCN Allays Fear of Blackout over Labour Protest NERC denies compromising regulatory role Chineme Okafor in Abuja Nigeria is not about to experience a potential nationwide electricity blackout on account of recent disturbances on the operations of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Managing Director of TCN, Mr. Usman Mohammed, assured Nigerians yesterday. Mohammed gave this assurance in Abuja during an interaction with THISDAY on the recent protest by members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), as well as a momentary lockdown of TCN’s operation by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) for alleged welfare complaints and tax evasion respectively. He explained that both incidences would not affect the operations of the TCN, adding that the lockdown by the FIRS would have led to system collapse, if the company did not take it up immediately with the tax agency, which he claimed was wrong on its action. In a related development, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) denied being a stooge of the ministry
of power or in connivance with operators in the power sector to the detriment of Nigerians. Mohammed, explained the FIRS claimed the TCN was owing a tax debt of N30 billion to it, but that the agency was wrong because according to him, it calculated its taxes from revenues the TCN hadn’t earned from the sector as well as its legacy liabilities inherited from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). According to him, the FIRS didn’t meet with the TCN to reconcile the financial claims before locking down its premises even though the TCN wrote to it to inform that it had appointed a consultant to review the claims against it. He said, “Taxes are actually calculated on the basis of revenue, but the reality is that in this power sector it doesn’t make sense because what we get as revenue in TCN is less than 40 per cent of our invoice as the Discos don’t collect revenues. “One of the elements was the legacy liability and the second is the bogus calculation based on our revenue which is there but we cannot collect. This is the basis of their calculations “I hired a consultant to review the issue and wrote
to the FIRS on that. We wrote again to them to tell them we had hired a consultant to do a review. I don’t know what the FIRS want to achieve with this. The consultant has just started work but they decided to come and lock our office. We must, however, realise that the TCN is the least-paid in this industry,” said Mohammed. “It is only an illiterate that does not know there is a liquidity issue in the sector. For the miscreants, it is not a problem but for the locking up by the FIRS; it could have been a problem if I had not taken strategic steps. We are now talking and doing the reconciliation but we are angry honestly,” he said on what would have been the impact of the development to power supply in Nigeria. He also explained the FIRS could not calculate its taxes on the basis it did because the TCN was not getting its revenues from the sector and as such, taxes should be based on what it has earned not on assumed earnings. On the labour protest, which was staged by members of SSAEAC on Tuesday, Mohammed claimed the president of the union, Mr.
Chris Okonkwo, had been divisive and at war with the management of the TCN for refusing to yield to his demand to be appointed general manager in charge of Lagos office even though he came third in an interview for the post. He also alleged that the TCN branch of the union was against him for reported abuse of office, and as such severed relationships with him and his executives. He explained, “Lagos hosts and controls 30 per cent of our transformers assets and you don’t just take anybody there. We however assigned him to be General Manager, Material Control in Lagos and posted him there. But, he accused me falsely and the TCN branch of the association countered him, and he unilaterally suspended the branch, which wrote to complain about him and his reported abuse of his office. They said he misappropriates funds in their check-off dues and we decided to write the ministry of labour and as well suspended transfer of their check-off dues. “There are other official abuses he got involved in, like inviting the state security
against one of his colleagues and we queried him on that, which was why he organised a protest. None of them that protested is a staff of TCN; it was even the TCN staff that confronted them.” Meanwhile, the NERC has said it is independently doing its job in the sector without being partial to any party. NERC’s Chairman, Prof. James Momoh, spoke in an early morning television show on Channels TV, where he denied accusations mostly by electricity distribution companies and some Nigerians that it had lost its independence to the ministry of power and the federal government. The Discos made such claims following a recent order from the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to the NERC to begin enforcement actions against them for alleged poor performance. But Momoh said, “I am not here to discuss what they said NERC has not done. NERC has a mandate and that is to set rules and make sure they are enforced. It is also to make sure customers’ needs are taken care of and investors are encouraged to do business and make sure
they don’t do whatever you like. “We have rules that will sanction them, and enforce our rules but with human face. We bring all parties together and ask what can be done to resolve problems that are going on between customers and Discos. We have a process of carrying out our responsibilities.” He further stated, “Yes, the minister has spoken, he has given directives in terms of what we know we are to do, and we know what we have to do. We are actually carrying out what he mentioned but we are taking a step-by-step approach. “There is no compromise that I am aware of under my leadership. There is no compromise with Discos staff or management or investors. We are doing our job as a regulator but we also balance because that is our job. We don’t throw the baby and the water at the same time. “We do not compromise but we are given a task to facilitate energy delivery. The Discos have a lot of problems and we are facilitating for them to solve the problem and that does not mean compromise. We are on the side of the customer, and country, we are doing what is called the global good.”
personal transport equipment. The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 11.48 per cent for the twelve-month period ending July 2018. This is 0.17 per cent points lower than 11.65 per cent recorded in June.
said the enlightenment exercise was borne out of the realization that the CBN can only succeed in its activities by partnering with agencies and players in both the public and private sectors of the economy. He noted that the sensitisation of the business community on the BCSA under the auspices of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry was imperative. Okorafor recalled that the Nigerian economy was hit by what he described as a 'financial storm' in 2014, culminating in the plunge in oil prices and the continuing precipitous fall which impacted negatively on government revenue in 2015, 2016 and 2017, thereby creating heavy pressure on foreign reserves. He noted that the situation got to a point where receipts into the foreign reserves nosedived from $5 billion to $500 million. Okorafor noted that the pressure on the foreign reserves impacted rather negatively on the value of the local currency. Faced with the quest to find solutions to the mounting challenges occasioned by the fall in revenue and the pressure on the depleting reserves, he said the CBN came up with a
number of measures, including the 41-items list. The Importers and Exporters (I&E) window, among others, he said, were introduced to tackle the foreign exchange challenges. Okorafor stated that the BCSA between the CBN and the PBoC was another resolve to ease the pressure on the reserves by eliminating a third currency for businesses transacted between China and Nigeria. According to him, under the deal worth $2.5 billion, the CBN paid an equivalent N720 billion to the PBoC for 15 billion Chinese Renminbi. He urged businessmen, importers and exporters to embrace the swap deal for seamless transactions with China. Earlier, the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode had observed that BCSA was a good one for businesses in the country. According to him, the currency swap deal has the potential of engendering economic growth, if pursed, and urged business people to key in.
year. Saraki said Nigeria needs to be governed by a genuinely pro-business administration that will be able to tackle recurrent security issues. Reviewing investment under the current administration, Saraki stated that most of the inflows that have come in are merely hot money, adding that that is because the oil price has gone up. “Investment in the real sector is not seen. The private sector, in my view, has probably taken a position that the confidence is not there in the government. The country requires a government that is truly pro-business, and a president that sees himself
TOP GAINERS LINKAGE UNIONDAC FBNHOLDINGS MAYBAKER TOTAL TOP LOSERS UPDC BERGPAINTS LEARNAFRICA
INFLATION MAINTAINS DOWNWARD TREND, DROPS TO 11.14% Consumption by Purpose (COICOP). COICOP is used to classify both individual consumption expenditure and actual individual consumption. On month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 1.13 per cent in July 2018, down by 0.11 per cent points from the rate recorded in June 2018 (1.24 per cent). This represents the first-time month-on-month, headline inflation decline since February 2018. The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12 months period ending July 2018 over the average of the CPI for the previous 12 months period was 13.95 per cent, showing 0.42 per cent point from 14.37 per cent recorded in June 2018. The urban inflation rate eased by 11.66 per cent (year-on-year) in July 2018 from 11.68 per cent recorded in June 2018, while the rural inflation rate remained flat at 10.83 per cent in July 2018 from 10.83 per cent in June 2018. On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.23 per cent in July 2018, down by 0.01 from 1.24 per cent recorded in June, while the rural index also rose by 1.18 per cent in
July 2018, down by 0.05 per cent from the rate recorded in June 2018 (1.23) per cent. The corresponding twelvemonth year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index was 14.33 per cent in July 2018. This was less than the 14.71 per cent reported in June 2018, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in July 2018 was 13.64 per cent compared to 14.08 per cent recorded in June 2018. The composite food index rose by 12.85 per cent in July 2018 compared to 12.98 per cent in June 2018. This represents the tenth consecutive decline in yearon-year food inflation since September 2017. This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of potatoes, yam and other tubers, vegetables, Bread and cereals, fish, oils and fat and fruits. On month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 1.40 per cent in July 2018, down by 0.17 per cent points from 1.57 per cent recorded in June. This represents the first-time month on month food inflation has declined since February 2018.
The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the 12-month period ending July 2018 over the previous twelve-month average was 17.10 per cent, 0.65 per cent points from the average annual rate of change recorded in June (17.75) per cent. The ''All items less farm produce' or core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 10.2 per cent in July 2018, down by 0.2 per cent from the rate recorded in June 2018 (10.4) per cent. This represents the 16th consecutive decline in yearon-year core inflation since March 2017. On month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 0.81 per cent in July 2018. This was down by 0.22 per cent when compared with 1.03 per cent recorded in June 2018. The highest increases were recorded in prices of medical services, carpets and other floor coverings, vehicle spare parts, domestic services and household services. Others are pharmaceutical products, paramedical services, hairdressing saloons and personal grooming establishment, dental services, cars and fuels and lubricants for
CBN Intensifies Enlightenment on Bilateral Currency Swap Meanwhile, the CBN has explained that a major objective of the recent Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement (BCSA) it sealed with the People's Bank of China (PBoC) was to ease the pressure on Nigeria's foreign reserves. It also disclosed that physical cash would not be involved in transactions under the agreement, even as it dismissed fears of possible flooding of the Nigerian market with sub-standard Chinese products. The Acting Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, who made the remarks in Abuja, yesterday at a sensitisation exercise for the business community on the swap deal,
DESPITE APC’S OFFENSIVE, SARAKI CONSIDERS PRESIDENTIAL RUN politician, who spoke at his Abuja residence said he was consulting and actively considering running against President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates who might be interested in the position. “I am consulting and actively considering it. I believe I can make the change,” he said. Saraki, 56, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) also pointed out that if he decided to run, it would be under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party. Since 2015, when he emerged President of the Senate, against the wish of his erstwhile party leaders, his relationship with the president has not been cordial, considering the
frequent clashes between the executive and the legislative arms of government, a situation many pundits believe has slowed down the business of governance in the country. He was a former member of the PDP who despite joining the APC, often went against the party line. His defection last month back to the PDP came amid a wave of such departures from the APC, including dozens of senators and at least two state governors. After security operatives surrounded Saraki’s home last month for undisclosed reasons, the secret police temporarily blocked access to the National Assembly on August 7, in what Saraki said was an illegal attempt
to remove him from office. The head of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, was dismissed over the deployment. Reacting to the ugly development, Saraki simply said, “If a government can go and lock up an arm of government, and it’s never happened in our history, we should all be very concerned.” While preparing the minds of Nigerians for what the 2019 election would look like, Saraki said they should not be surprised that the ruling party would use security agencies for elections. He also stated that investors and citizens have lost confidence in the president. Meanwhile, Buhari’s election victory in 2015, which marked
the first time an opposition party won power at the ballot box and put an end to 16 years of PDP rule, came after he pledged to fix the economy, improve security and fight corruption. While Buhari’s administration has raised record amounts of money in oversubscribed Eurobond sales and increased revenue to boost investments in roads, rail, ports and power, poverty remains widespread in Nigeria and the nation is still dealing with deadly violence in several regions. To win the PDP ticket at the party’s primaries on October 5 and 6, Saraki would need to beat another presidential aspirant, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also defected from the APC last
Continued on page 8
NGN NGN 0.06 0.68 0.01 0.28 0.30 9.85 0.07 2.35 5.00 190.00 NGN 0.19 1.71 0.70 6.50 0.12 1.15 NEWRESTASL 0.45 4.50 OANDO 0.45 4.55 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦ 1,500.00 Volume: 209.541 million shares Value: N2.904 billion Deals: 4,044 As at yesterday 15/08/18 See details on Page 41
% 9.6 3.7 3.1 3.0 2.7 % 10.0 9.7 9.4 9.0 9.0
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US Embassy Suspends Consular Services in Abuja Alex Enumah in Abuja In a curious twist, the United States Embassy yesterday announced the temporary suspension of its consular services in the nation's capital, Abuja. The announcement, which was contained in a statement
from the information section of the embassy in Abuja, cited "reasons beyond our control" for the suspension of the services. While the statement quickly added that other offices within the embassy in Abuja remains functional, it noted that consular services would, however,
continue at its Lagos office. According to the statement, "Due to reasons beyond our control, we are temporarily unable to provide regular services for visa and American Citizen Services in Abuja, but other offices within the Embassy remain open.
"Please note that consular functions at the US Consulate Lagos are not affected and will continue. Until further notice, applicants are encouraged to contact the Consular Office in Lagos for immediate emergency travel." The statement also advised
the public to monitor the Facebook and Webpage of the US Embassy for updates on consular operations, adding that scheduled visa and ACS applicants for Abuja will be contacted for rescheduling. "American citizens in northern Nigeria with emergency services
needs should continue to contact the after-hours emergency number for Abuja at 094614000 and press “0” to go to the operator to request assistance. "We regret the inconvenience this has caused to our applicants and hope to resume operations soon," the embassy stated.
Clauses 3,5,8,11(2), 13(b), 14 (4), 15(3), 18,21,23,24,28,32 and 38 of the Bill as passed, and recommit same to Committee of the whole for reconsideration and passage.” Furthermore, Shehu said the reviewed bill was passed same July 24 and the Senate adjourned plenary on the same day to September 25. He said consequently the reviewed bill was transmitted to the president on August 2, a day before he proceeded on vacation in London, explaining that he has 30 days within which the bill must be signed and hence, it is still under consideration. The presidential spokesman added that against this background, the report that the president withheld his assent to the bill in expression of his objection to the use of PVCs and card readers was baseless. Instead, he described the president as a staunch advocate of the use of both PVCs and card readers. He added, "The re-considered Bill was passed by the Senate on July 24, 2018 the same day that plenary was adjourned to September 25, 2018. "The revised Version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018, with corrections by the National Assembly, and dated the 2nd of August, 2018, was received by the Presidency on the 3rd of August, 2018. "The President has 30 days from the date of receipt, to assent to or decline the Bill. The Bill is therefore still under consideration by the Presidency. "The allegations that the President declined assent to the Bill because of objections to the use of card readers are wild and baseless. President Buhari did not and has never raised any objections to the use of Card Readers for elections in Nigeria. "On the contrary, he has
always been a passionate advocate for the use of PVCs and Card Readers in elections in Nigeria, mindful of the role that Card Readers and PVCs played in the election that brought him into office. And he has repeatedly made this clear, and praised these technologies." To buttress his position, he recalled the recent words of the president, hailing the advent of card readers and PVCs into the nation's electoral system. He quoted him as saying, “I tried [running for President] three times, and ended up in court three times. The fourth time, I eventually made it, thanks to God and thanks to technology. "These Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and Card Readers, they’re fantastic. Those who went to their polling booths in their constituencies, and put in their votes, their votes counted. "Before, votes were disregarded, [results] were just written, and there was nothing you could do before the [Judiciary] to prove your case. But now with technology, it has been made easy. "That is why I keep on appealing to the Governors, to please do voter education. Tell the people that their Voters Card is their national card, so to speak. "Let them vote anybody they want across ethnicity and religion. I’m begging the Governors to please continue to do voter education, so that people will take their Permanent Voters Cards seriously, and make sure they don’t lose them.” Shehu added that none of the clauses reviewed and revised by the National Assembly in the bill relates to the issue of electronic voting or the use of card readers.
PRESIDENCY CLARIFIES DAURA’S STATUS, SAYS HE’S BEING DEBRIEFED, NOT DETAINED debriefed before he can be totally freed, revealing, for instance, that before Daura's sack, the government was already inching towards a breakthrough on the release of Leah Sharibu. He also disagreed with Abati that Daura is intentionally being detained instead of being charged to court if found culpable in any act, saying denying him freedom for now is rather a necessary move not only to debrief him but also to ensure that he properly hands over to his successor. He disclosed that the level of progress made so far by the sacked DG on Leah Sharibu's case, for instance, needs to be handed over to his successor, adding that Daura recorded some levels of progress before his ill-fated exit. Leah was one of the 110 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapped earlier in the year by Boko Haram. She was held back by the terrorist group when her peers were freed, following her refusal to renounce her Christian faith. But Adesina said, "I wouldn't call that detention really. You know that a person of that caliber (Daura) needed to be debriefed and he needs to hand over properly. This is security. On security at that level, you don't ask the man to go. No. There must be proper debriefing and handing over. Whether we like it or not, there were some milestone achievements under Daura - the Chibok girls' kidnap, which happened under the government you (Abati) served, on which there was no headway (the release of some of them happened under Daura). "There is this problem that it is not everything that the hunter sees in the forest that he talks about. But at the risk of revealing something, l know that a breakthrough was about being achieved about Leah Sharibu before what happened to the DG, DSS happened. "Then, do you think he should walk away without handing over to whoever is succeeding him? That is why there has to be that interface between him and his former subordinates who are now running the show for awhile." Asked to reveal the untold story behind the ill-fated take-over of the National Assembly on August 7, by the DSS, Adesina who said the story was not a secret, added that the DSS move on that day had the tendency to harm democracy, portray the government in bad light and consequently, Daura was fired. He affirmed that the presidency was not consulted before that decision was taken, pointing out that even if consultation had been made on the matter, the presidency might still not have approved it. He added, "People always want to hear what they think is the story. The story has been told that there was a blockade at the National Assembly, which was not authorised and it had the tendency of hurting democracy. It had the tendency of making government look bad and the person, who was behind that blockade, faced the music. If there was consultation,
the presidency might not have authorised it."
Jonathan Secretly Got Release of Some Chibok Girls During the interview, Abati revealed for the first time that the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, in which he served, successfully secured the release of some of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped on April 14, 2014. According to Abati, unlike the current administration of Buhari, which he said celebrated the release of some of the girls with fanfare, the then National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), advised the government of Jonathan not to make the release public with a view to safeguarding the identities of the freed girls. In his drive to authenticate his disclosure, Abati asked Adesina to cross-check the information with the DSS and National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Abati said, "There was headway. We rescued many of the girls but the advice from the National Security Adviser at the time was that we should not publicise it because of the identities of those girls. I witnessed it on many occasions. Those girls were brought to the president. "He met with them. In fact, some of them were sent to schools in the United States and United Kingdom. There were strict instructions not to publicise it because government thought that the identities of those girls should not be exposed. But l saw you guys making a dance out of the ones you rescued. In our time, we rescued some girls but we were under strict instruction not to publicise it. Check the records. The DSS, the intelligence agency, you should ask them. They will have the records." But in a swift reaction, Adesina said if some of the girls were rescued by Jonathan's administration, that implied that the number of the girls reportedly kidnapped in view of those released so far and the ones said to be outstanding was inaccurate. "That will mean that the number of the girls that is outstanding now is not correct because under this government, 106 [he later confirmed in a telephone conversation with THISDAY that it was 110 that secured freedom under this government and not 106] of them have returned and it was publicised, and that 106 (110), if subtracted from 276 (bearing in mind that 52 escaped), what is on record is that about 114 of them are outstanding. If some of them were recovered under the Jonathan presidency and the public did not know, then it means that the figure outstanding is not 114," Adesina insisted. He also used the platform to clarify the comment earlier ascribed to him that it was better for people to surrender their land or get killed, saying those who circulated the story only chose a small part of the video to justify their intentions.
According to him, giving out land for ranching is not a compulsion, explaining that he only drew that comment from a statement made earlier by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that it was better to farm on the soil than to be under the soil. Against that background, Adesina who said he stood by his comment, explained further that he only meant that it was better to be alive on one's land than to die while holding on to it. He explained, "Twist and slams. You know you can take a small part of a video to also justify what you want to achieve. You won't take the totality of what the speaker said. There is the totality of what l said which l stand by and that was, 'anybody that has land, talking of states not even individuals - any state that has land and offers it, the federal government will take it and build tranches.' "It is a coalition of willing people but anybody that says 'we don't have land,' as Benue had said, some other states also said 'we don't have land,' it is not by compulsion. It is not by force. But then, l now recalled what Obasanjo said when he came out of jail. He said 'it's better to be a farmer on the soil than under the soil' and l then said, 'okay, those who said we don't have land, is it not better to be alive on your land than to be dead because you chose to hold on to land?' So, that is the totality of what l said and l stand by it today, tomorrow and any day.' Told that many Nigerians were unhappy with that comment, Adesina said that was so "because some people took the latter part of what l said and began to share it out of malice and ill will." On why the government opts to be silent on the alleged certificate scandal involving the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Adesina disagreed, saying, "When you said the government has done nothing, that is not quite right because nothing means nothing. "Something had been done, which the Minister of Information told the country. NYSC is looking into it. NYSC is the relevant agency to look into it and when it has concluded its investigations, it will come out and tell us its findings." On the freezing of Benue and Akwa Ibom States' accounts, the media adviser said, "That one, l won't be able to speak on it. The EFCC purportedly did it. EFCC spokesman is the one that can speak on that, and when it happened, the president has not been around."
Buhari Returns Weekend Adesina also said Buhari would certainly return to the country this weekend from his current 10-day working vacation in London. Probing him further if Buhari would not return to London soon after arriving Nigeria this weekend, Abati told Adesina that some Nigerians were already insinuating that the
president would yet return there because he is believed to like London. But responding, Adesina said: "Some Nigerians can say anything." The president's spokesman, who also said he could freely communicate with the president despite being far away, added that he could speak with Buhari two to three times a day if necessary. The president had embarked on a vacation to London on August 3 after transmitting power to his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Shehu: Buhari Considering Third Electoral Act Amendment Bill Meanwhile, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, last night in Abuja denied media reports that Buhari vetoed the 2018 Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill because he was opposed to the use of permanent voter cards and card readers, explaining that a third amendment bill on the same subject was being considered by the president. Shehu said in a statement that the reports were incorrect. According to him, the bill was sent to the president on June 28 by the National Assembly after which he said Buhari discovered a range of errors and inconsistencies in the bill and consequently contacted the National Assembly over the errors. He said the president's observations on the bill prompted the National Assembly's decision to review it on July 24. He said, "Our attention has been drawn to incorrect and misleading reporting in several newspapers regarding the status of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018. "The Presidency would like to set out the true status of the bill. The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was sent by the National Assembly to the presidency at the end of June 2018, for assent. "Following extensive consideration, the Presidency engaged with the National Assembly to raise concerns regarding errors and inconsistencies found in the submitted version. Following this, the National Assembly, on July 24, 2018, met to review and correct the bill. "The bill was given, on July 24, 2018, a 'clause by clause consideration' by the Senate. "The Votes and Proceedings from the Senate on July 24, 2018, attest to this. The Senate resolved to rescind its decision on a number of clauses included in the version they had earlier sent for consideration by the president, and to reconsider these clauses. "According to the Senate Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday July 24, 2018: 'The Senate: … notes that in the course of final cleaning of the Bill as passed, some provisions were found to negate the essence of the amendment; [and] Resolves to: Rescind its decision on
DESPITE APC’S OFFENSIVE, SARAKI CONSIDERS PRESIDENTIAL RUN as a chief marketing officer,” he said. On the involvement of security forces in political matters, the Senate president stated that there has been a persistent disregard for due process and a lack of neutrality for some of these issues. He added that for Nigerians to have credible elections there must be safe elections. According to him, “The fundamentals of whatever we are going to develop are going to be based on sound democracy, credible elections, freedom of choice of Nigerians. If we don’t have that as a foundation, then everything else cannot happen.” On gasoline subsidies, he said, “If we are going to have a subsidy, we should have a budget for it. Because once we have a budget for it, the private sector can also play a role in the importation of petroleum products. And if the private sector plays a role, definitely the cost of the subsidy will go down and there will be more efficiency in the delivery of products. But in the environment we are in today, where it’s only the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp.
that’s doing that, it’s going to be inefficient, it’s not going to be transparent.” Coming down to his new home, PDP, Saraki said the party had learnt its lesson from the loss in 2015, stating categorically that APC did not learn from its victory. He said, “While negotiating with the PDP, we listed a number of issues. We talked about how to sustain and improve the fight against corruption; the issue of providing more powers to the states; inclusion and having a more nationalistic approach on things we do; to continue to improve the environment that will ensure investments. We listed a number of items during the discussions with the PDP, and there is a written agreement to that. We trust that we can hold them to that. “We would ensure that the party is strong on security. The APC too have not done well on the issue of security. We have the opportunity with the right kind of presidential candidate and president to provide the leadership for the party. The party has a good opportunity to lead the country in the right direction.”
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ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ejiofor Alike Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268
N’Assembly Committees Begin Consideration of INEC Budget To conclude report by Friday Deji Elumoye Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ James Emejo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The National Assembly Committees on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday began consideration of the electoral body’s budget for the 2019 general election, promising to conclude their report by Friday for the consideration of the leadership of the federal legislature. Both committees of the Senate committee and the House of Representatives met separately with the management of the electoral body led by its National Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, and queried the discrepancies between the figures presented by President Muhammadu Buhari and those of INEC. While President Buhari had in a letter to the National Assembly on July 17 asked the legislature to approve the virement of N143 billion for the immediate need of INEC while another N46 billion would be provided for in the 2019 budget proposals, the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmud Yakubu, yesterday requested for the approval of N189.207 billion being the total budget for the 2019 polls. The INEC also voted N31.49 billion for the printing of ballot papers and N6 billion for the feeding of policemen during next year’s general elections. The INEC chairman, who appeared before the Senate Committee on INEC headed by Senator Suleiman Nazif (Bauchi North) in an answer to an observation on the disparity in the
amount needed for the elections by Senator Mohammed Hassan (Yobe South), emphasised that N189.207 billion was the amount National Assembly should approve for INEC this year for the 2019 polls. Senators Sola Adeyeye (Osun Central) and Atai Aidoko (Kogi East) also spoke in the same vein and wondered why the proposal of President Buhari on the funding of 2019 elections is at variance with that of INEC. At this point, the committee chairman intervened and said there was the need to harmonise the position of the president with that of INEC. Senator Nazif, therefore, announced that both INEC team and the Senate committee would meet today and harmonise their positions and come up with a clear amount to be approved by National Assembly for the general election. He added that his committee would sit till Friday to conclude its report on the INEC budget proposal for presentation to National Assembly leadership. Earlier, while summarising a 25-page 2019 general election budget of INEC, Yakubu gave a breakdown of the expenditure to include N134.427 billion for election operation cost; N27.503 billion for election technology cost; N22.660 billion for election administrative cost while N4.614 billion, which is a quarter of the total cost of the election was voted for miscellaneous expenses. Further breakdown include N28.549 billion as honoraria for one million Ad-hoc staff; N4.689 billion for feeding of security and
Kaduna Assembly’s Speaker Declares Seats of Defected Members Vacant John Shiklam Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹
all constitutional means to stop it. In a telephone interview The Speaker of the Kaduna with THISDAY, Kwaturu, who State House of Assembly, Hon. resigned his position as the Aminu Shagalinku, yesterday Deputy Speaker last Tuesday, declared vacant the seats of said he arrived at the assembly the former Deputy Speaker when the sitting was over as he of the assembly, Hon. John was preparing to handover the Audu Kwaturu, and another official car of the deputy speaker lawmaker, Junaid Yakubu, who and other things in his possession. defected from the All Progressives “I defected from the APC on Congress (APC) to the Peoples Friday and I tendered my Democratic Party (PDP). resignation as the Deputy Kwaturu and Yakubu who Speaker on Tuesday. I arrived represent Kachia and Kudan state at the assembly late because I constituencies respectively, had was preparing the official car and defected from the ruling party other property of the office of the last Friday giving various reasons Deputy Speaker in my possession for their action. to hand over them since I had Declaring their seats vacant on resigned from the position. the floor of the assembly, “My defection is in accordance Shagalinku maintained that the with the provisions of the defection of the lawmakers was constitution because the APC illegal and unconstitutional as is factionalised. We have this there is no any faction or crisis one called Reformed APC. in the APC at the state and Many people have defected national levels. from the APC as a result of the The Speaker said the faction in the party, especially in declaration of their seats vacant Kaduna State. was in line with the provisions “In Kaduna State, we of the Constitution of the Federal have three factions of the Republic of Nigeria. party, we have APC Akida, But in a reaction, Kwaturu Restoration Group and described the action of the Government House faction speaker as undemocratic and and that is the reason for unconstitutional, vowing to use my defecting.�
election personnel; N5.124 billion for nationwide continuous voter registration exercise; N6.125 billion for procurement of non sensitive materials and N4.361 billion for the printing of result sheets. Earlier yesterday, the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters had identified cracks in the election budget. The committee had met with the management of the commission, led by Mahmud to consider its proposed expenditure for next year’s elections. The committee, chaired by Hon.
Aisha Dukku, particularly queried the duplication of line items in its proposals as well as several other oversights in the document. Mahmoud had told the committee that the N189,207,544,893.13 billionestimate was to cover voters registration, election production cost, administrative cost, printing of electoral materials, security, logistics and payment of staff salaries and those of other ad-hoc staff for the election. He said there are presently 91 registered political parties
which would be participating in the general elections including 21,000000 registered voters. He ruled out any possibility of postponement of the 2019 polls, insisting that the date remained February 16, 2019 for the presidential, national and state assemblies, gubernatorial, local government elections and FCT municipal area council elections.But the committee chairman had during her opening remarks maintained that the foundation of a government that promises change to its people
ought to be evident in the way it plans elections and electoral processes. Dukku noted that the budget ought to reflect the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, stressing that the Buhari-led administration’s proclamation of zero tolerance for corruption and breach of due process ought to be taken seriously in all ramifications. She argued that previous INEC budgets had not been productive owing to lack of effective planning.
FEC MEETING
R –L: Acting President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Governemnt of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, and Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, at the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa , Abuja ‌yesterday
MTN Secures N200bn Loan from 12 Nigerian Banks Emma Okonji First Bank of Nigeria Limited yesterday led 12 local banks to sign a N200 billion loan facility for MTN Nigeria. The other banks involved in the deal are Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Citibank, Diamond Bank Plc, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank,FSDH Merchant Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank and the United Bank of Africa Plc (UBA). The facility is to enable the telecommunications company to deepen and broaden the provision of its ICT services in Nigeria. The medium-term loan facility, which is structured with a two-year moratorium and a repayment plan of five years, was signed by the representatives of all the 12 banks and the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ferdi Moolman. The agreement was formerly signed at the law offices of Aluko & Oyebode in Lagos, in the presence of key partners,
stakeholders and the media, and was supervised by the law firms. FBN Quest acted as the facility agent. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Moolman expressed enthusiasm at the completion of the agreement, saying it shows MTN’s commitment and confidence in Nigeria as well as the strength of the strategic collaboration between MTN Nigeria and local financial institutions. He stressed that the facility would help deepen and broaden the provision of information and communication technology (ICT) services in Nigeria. According to him, the loan facility would be used to support MTN’s capital expenditure and to expand its network to more rural areas, including internet expansion. The General Manager, Corporate Treasury Finance at MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ishmael Nwokocha, said the facility would also help MTN Nigeria to further expand its data network, especially its 4G network expansion, which it pioneered in 2016.
Executive Director, Corporate Banking at First Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Remi Oni,who represented the bank at the ceremony, said the bank believed so much in the credibility of MTN, hence it decided to support the telecoms company. “We congratulate MTN for this feat and we thank other banks which also believe in MTN Nigeria to be part of the 12 lending banks,� Oni said. On his part, the Executive Director, Union Bank, Mr. Emeka Okonkwo, who represented his bank, said the partnership with MTN Nigeria was more than rendering financial services. We want MTN Nigeria to use our banking platforms to achieve its goals and objectives, Okonkwo said. According to Moolman, “The signing of the loan facility is a major landmark in our expansion programme in which we are making significant investments. The facility will enable us evolve the network to deliver convergent and superior quality, drive voice capacity expansion and data service
penetration; maintain optimal capital structure and funding level that support growth and expansion. “The partnership will make it possible for people to connect to one another and the world; find and share information and ideas; create and access new digital services and reimagine old services. This partnership will also put in place infrastructure that empowers commerce, industry and the provision of public services.� He commended the 12 participating financial institutions for staying committed to MTN, adding that the loan syndication showcases the strength of the Nigerian financial institutions and their confidence in MTN’s vision as well as both parties’ joint ability to stimulate significant economic growth. This bold step, Moolman said, would assist MTN Nigeria to continue to provide optimum services and products for its over 55 million and ever growing customer base.
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APC Alerts INEC, Security Agencies on PDP’s Threat against Osun Election Main opposition party insists on dismantling ruling party’s ‘rigging machinery’ Says Buhari, APC wrecking Nigeria’s economy with N22tn debt
Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË The All Progressives Congress (APC) has drawn the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to an alleged open threat by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, and urged its members to ensure that the opposition party does not rig the election. However, the PDP has reiterated that no amount of threats or smear campaign would make it buckle on its resolve to contend with the APC and dismantle its rigging machine in all future elections, including the Osun State gubernatorial election. The main opposition party has also blamed President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC for poor economic management which led to the accumulation of a whooping N22 trillion national debt. In a statement issued yesterday by the acting National Publicity Secretary of APC, Yekini Nabene, the ruling party alleged that the PDP had last Tuesday vowed to deploy all ‘means, schemes, shenanigans in all ramification and magnitude’ to rig all coming elections, starting from the Osun State governorship election. The ruling party said the PDP also ‘directed all its presidential aspirants to move all their political machinery into Osun State within this period.
“The PDP public rigging plan is a red flag that requires urgent probe by INEC and relevant security agencies. We also call on well-meaning Nigerians and civil society organisations to speak out and resist the PDP retrogressive plan, which threatens our democracy,” the party said. APC said it was shocked to learn of the threat by the PDP, adding that “we initially doubted its veracity and dismissed it as one of the fake news in circulation, until further checks backed by media reports confirmed the statement was indeed issued by the PDP national spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan. The ruling party added: “The PDP statement last Tuesday is particularly worrisome because it coincided with the situation field report we received of the PDP cloning Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for use in the Osun State governorship election. “Perhaps the PDP needs to be reminded that our democracy is maturing and its crude election rigging methods such as ballot box snatching (recently displayed during last weekend by-election in Kogi State), announcement of concocted election results and other anomalies are no longer acceptable in our elections. “We are confident that the good people of Osun State will resist the PDP deployment to take over Osun State by force. The people’s will and vote are supreme. It must be respected and defended. That is democratic, progressive and the right thing.”
But in a swift response, the main opposition party has vowed that no amount of threats or smear campaign would make it buckle on its resolve to contend with the APC and dismantle its rigging machinery in all future elections. The PDP added that it remains law- abiding and would never engage in rigging, but will “with all efficiency, dismantle the APC rigging machine and ensure a free and fair election using all means available to members as free citizens of Nigeria.” It said the APC had already admitted in its statement yesterday that it had been engaged in rigging of elections, sponsoring of violence, ballot snatching and announcing of fake result.
In a statement issued by Ologbondiyan, the party said: “It is a settled fact that though truth can be suppressed for a season, it will always have a way of showing itself to the light. “The APC, in its own statement, has owned up to electoral contrivances and openly admitted that it blatantly rigged last Saturday’s National Assembly bye-election where results were altered in its favour, ballot boxes were snatched, Nigerians were harassed, intimidated and even killed. “The APC in its own words alluded to ‘crude election rigging methods such as ballot snatching and announcement of concocted election results’ which it confirmed
as ‘recently displayed during last weekend bye-election in Kogi state’, where it was illegally declared winner,” it said. The PDP said apart from admitting their guilt of electoral malfeasance, APC has demanded a probe into the opposition party’s move to dismantle their rigging machine. “We welcome this demand and further request that the probe should be done in the open so that we can expose APC rigging machine for the world to see. “Such probe will also provide the PDP our long awaited opportunity to expose the compromised INEC officials, security agents and agencies as well as fake observers used by
the APC to rig elections. The PDP will show evidence of how the APC deployed thugs to unleash violence; used security forces to intimidate, arrest and detain PDP supporters; the cancellation and alteration of results where PDP won; allocation of fake results for the APC and outright declaration of concocted results to suit the whims of APC. “The PDP has all the facts and will never allow them to play out again. On the issue of the Osun State governorship election, the PDP maintained that it will not allow the APC to freely use its Ekiti and Edo States’ rigging templates to manipulate the process to its favour.
You Are too Old to Govern Nigeria, Tambuwal Tells Buhari Says he is under pressure to run Mohammed Aminu ÓØ Sokoto Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday stated that President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of integrity and impeccable character, but too old to steer the affairs of Nigeria. Addressing the various associations, students and youths, who paid him solidarity visit in Sokoto, the state capital, the governor admitted that pressure is being mounted on him to declare for presidency. He, however, debunked reports that he is one of the enemies of President Buhari. “We love President Buhari and that was why we supported him in 2015 unconditionally, and while doing that, we are too sure that he will seek re-election after his first term, but when things are wrong we have to tell him. “We still believe in his integrity, patriotism and courage but these are not enough for a leader. “We all know that there is a vacuum in the government
occasioned by his disposition probably because of his old age or health condition. That is why Nigerians are yearning for younger ones to lead this country,” he said. The governor alleged that some cabals have hijacked the government and are now discharging the functions and responsibilities of the president. According to him, the country needs somebody who will respect the rule of law and would not be selective in fighting corruption. The governor admitted that pressure is being mounted on him to declare for presidency in 2019. “I have been receiving support and encouragement from our leaders and people across the country, and even from abroad to contest for president, and this pressure is there. “It is not my making but there’s quantum of pressure from everywhere because of leadership gap in the country. In the next few days, I will make my position public on the matter,” he added.
CONSULTATIVE VISIT TO GODFATHER
A presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa (left), and former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), during Bafarawa’s visit to the former ruler in Minna... yesterday
Envoy: India’s Investment in Nigeria Hits $10bn Says Nigeria remains strategic partner Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Nagabushana Reddy, has disclosed that the investment of Indian companies in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy has reached about $10 billion, noting that over 135 Indian companies currently operate in the country. Reddy, who also described Nigeria as a major strategic partner of his country both in Africa and globally, said Indian plans to take its relationship with Nigeria to a higher level, hence the shift from trading to investment and capacity building of Nigerians in various fields of human endeavors. He spoke yesterday in Abuja at the flag-hoisting ceremony held to mark the 71st anniversary of India’s Independence. The envoy also used the occasion to highlight the 10
guiding Principles of India’s Engagement with Africa, recently unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said: “We want to bring about a transformation in our engagement. Nigeria is the fourth largest supplier of crude oil to India and the second largest in gas supply last year. This alone cannot define our relationship, so we are looking at many Indian companies coming into Nigeria and look at not only the buyers and sellers arrangement but to do more in investment. “I am happy to tell you that as at today, Indian companies have invested about $10 billion and there are about 135 Indian companies spread all over Nigeria.” He disclosed that most of the companies initially started business in buying and selling but they are now investing in Nigeria.
He said his country would continue to bring Indian investors to Nigeria because of their firm belief in Nigeria, adding that Nigeria has a strong economy to withstand and come out of difficult times just as it has come out of her recent recession period. According to Reddy, India, over the years, has achieved a lot and wants to use her experience to support African countries to develop also. The High Commissioner stressed that India, through the launch of her 10 Guiding Principles for Engagement with Africa, would continue to support friendly African countries through investment, technology and capacity building. “The whole emphasis on this is how India can work with the friendly African countries ,which means looking to a commitment to bringing more investment and
technologies, and at the same time being guided by the aspirations and the needs of the African countries rather than anything else, and will also be without any strings attached to the whole process,” he said. As said part of his country’s contribution towards the building of capacity of Africans is the yearly training of 8,000 Africans on various areas of human development and technology, adding that 500 Nigerians benefitted from this training last year in India. He said the training offered is in line with Nigeria’s developmental needs and with a view to also help create employment. Apart from the training, India has been offering concessional loans to many African countries amounting to $11 billion, “and there is a renewed commitment to offer another $10 billion”, he said.
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COMMENT
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
NOT TOOYOUNG TO THINK OLD
Grooming the youth for top leadership has not received sustained attention in Africa, argues Okello Oculi
A
n incident which received very little attention in the African media was the tonne of fury and scandal heaped on a secondary school teacher who started doing ‘’Lesson Assignments’’ or “Home Work” for one of the sons of Princess Diana/Prince Charles. She was contravening a convention for subjecting future rulers of Britain to rigorous training in independent intellectual intake and production. The distinguished historian, A.J.P. Taylor, recalls reading over 1,500 books: including classical works in English Literature and History, to prepare for an entrance examination into Oxford University. It is brutally fraudulent to claim that African youth leaders emerging from cultures of gruesome varieties of ‘’Examination Fraud’’ (from elementary schools to tertiary institutions), are worthy age-mates of these British breeds. A study published in 1974 on methods used for recruiting top leaders of ‘’Western democracies’’ – notably: West Germany, France, Britain, and the United States of America – emphasized that specific tertiary institutions were dominant as sources of those recruited. These institutions provided high quality scholarly courses provided by top quality academic and administrative staff; extracurricular experiences which imparted character traits and social capacities considered relevant for meeting challenges of leadership. The British, for example, celebrate the game of ‘’Cricket’’ for teaching quick decision-making when attacked by diverse ‘’ballers’’; mounting counter-attacks by hitting those balls as well as beating attentive ‘’fielders’’ hungry for ‘’catches’’. Courage, good judgment, physical strength and agility do combine with team work. Players with excellence in these attributes have led her territorial, genetic and cultural empire with distinction. In the 1960s, Bachelor’s degrees in Economics from a leading German university would last for a maximum of eleven years. This was due to a requirement that each academic year was followed by a year of working in a job which enabled students to interrogate theories learnt in lectures and text books. Consequently, the ritual ended in a thesis produced in the last year that was of keen interest to heads of business corporations searching for creative insights. Japanese companies also reward professors for supervising top quality students who work on new inventions for them. The matter of inventing specific and creative tools for grooming top leadership has not received intensive, let alone sustained, attention in post-colonial Africa. In 2018 Nigeria enacted a ‘’Not Too Young To Run’’ law which opens gates for youths to contest for political leadership posts. The first generation of inheritors of public administration from colonial rulers were often flattered rather than rigorously subjected to high standards of learning. In 1966, V.S. Naipaul, a Trinidadian-British ‘’Writer-in-Residence’’, angrily mocked a group of writers at Makerere University College
IT IS NOT CLEAR THE NEW NIGERIAN LAW HAS DEVISED MEASURES TO PRODUCE GRADUATES SEVERELY CRIPPLED BY MASSIVE MIGRATION OF HIGH QUALITY STAFF FROM UNIVERSITIES AND SCHOOLS AT ALL LEVELS
for meekly accepting patronising praises by British teachers who were passing their shoddy and illiterate scribbling as good ‘’poetry’’ or ‘’novels’’. They were too young to be old and neo-illiterate intellectuals. He died as a Nobel Prize winner. It is not clear the new Nigerian law has devised measures to produce graduates severely crippled by massive migration of high quality staff from universities and schools at all levels. These victims have to lock brains with those highly trained from other governments. Graduates recruited into Africa’s civil services were slow to notice and diffuse time-bombs planted by departing colonial officials, including those which triggered military coups; and civil wars. Their Indian peers benefited from Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrine of building social and political power by adding together the resistance by each Indian to British colonial rule. Gandhi humiliated British officials by mobilising millions of Indians to march to the sea and collect salt for cooking in each household instead of buying salt imported from Britain. Indians also bought locally woven cloth and assembled to burn personal clothes made in Britain. Gandhi taught thinking beyond old horizons. The intellectual poverty by Africa’s administrators resulted in accepting political parties as contracts among ‘’big men’’ or ‘’ethnic godfathers’’ who avoid the rigour of walking across villages to build party membership. Often bags of rice, salt, textiles or air tickets for travel on religious pilgrimage are exchanged for votes during elections. During 2018 elections in Edo and Ekiti States of Nigeria, youths participated in incidences of financial reward offered for photographic evidence of having voted for a candidate-on-trade. Intellectual visioning of the power in the individual as a resource for development has increasingly been blurred, debased and eroded. A tragic consequence for national policy of this intellectual poverty is reflected in governments generating over 600 million unemployed youths in Africa. Mr Tope Fasua has highlighted an achievement by India in building pit-latrines in 300 million villages. Each project gave jobs to masons, carpenters, diggers and electricians; thereby, giving them income for purchasing goods from the internal market. Chairman Mao had previously eradicated Bilharzials by getting 14 million Chinese peasants and Communist Party members to enter rivers and dig out snails that host eggs of its carriers before they hatch and enter feet of human beings. In Cuba, Fidel Castro mobilised millions of school children to teach one adult each in how to read and write. A policy of targeting the power in numbers of impoverished masses for constructing roads would give them income; end their poverty; block corruption and conflict. It would direct to 87 million poor Nigerians billions of Naira gulped by elites and deported out of the economy by foreign contractors.
ODILI FINDS NEW LOVE AT 70 James Ume pays tribute to Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State, at age 70
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or Peter Otunuya Odili, it is remarkable that the day he was born, August 15, was the same day the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ was assumed into Heaven, body and soul. As an ardent Catholic, for whom that day is a holy day of obligation, just like a Sunday, the significance of the coincidental event is not lost on him as it actually reinforces his faith which was given a shine at two Catholic schoaols- Sacred Heart School, Odoakpu, Onitsha and later at the famous Christ the King College, (CKC) Onitsha both in the present day Anambra State. It was at CKC that his leadership qualities manifested early in life. He was the senior prefect and college captain of the school. In his own words, Odili said, “From cradle, through primary school, and admission into one of the best secondary schools of our time, I can say without any shred of doubt that the foundational impact of secondary school education is the fulcrum of anyone’s life later. That’s what CKC did for me. I won’t be who I am if I did not pass through the walls of CKC.” It is in recognition of his religious piety that the Pope recognised and honoured him with the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Order of St Sylvester which made him a member of the Front Row in the Order of Catholic Knights. For those who know, that was a rare and hugely sought after recognition by the Vatican. Like most adventurous and ambitious young men of his age, he was about to move on to a tertiary institution in search of the proverbial fleece when the civil war broke out and temporarily truncated that ambition. He
was, first, a refugee as the war progressed with its tendency to dislocate and disjoint life and living. That brought its difficulties and challenges which compelled him to submit to being recruited as a soldier. Here, again, his brilliance shone through. As in CKC where leadership position was on merit, his performance in the army course during which he took top position, guaranteed for the young man assignment that put him in a place where characters are moulded and minds trained. The young Peter was deployed as an instructor in the school of infantry instead of being sent to the warfront. The life of discipline that military training imbues smoothened the diamond in the rough that he was seen to be by his mentors and set him on an upward leadership trajectory that he sustained till date. The war over, his academic zeal was reignited and he began schoolwork as an indigent medical student at the country’s foremost tertiary institution, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He later embarked on the holiday trade of travelling abroad to earn some money which immediately turned him into a campus big boy. On graduation from the Medical School of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he pursued a post-graduate work in Tropical Medicine at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. Like one with the fabled Midas’ touch, Peter Odili has proved to be a quintessential family man who has tenaciously clung to his first love and charming campus ‘bus’, Mary Ukaego, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with whom he has sired children and grandchildren. As a titled chief, it is an abomination to count the products of his fertile and productive loins. In appreciation for the role Mary had played
and is still playing in his life, he is, till date, still paying her bride price to her people of Mbaise clan in Imo State. He said so himself. Mary is his first love. I stand to be corrected. And Medicine follows in that order. He put into practice his training as a medical doctor and won his spurs in that field. Regardless, he is determined to leave a more enduring legacy for posterity. He may have scaled down his practice, still he has found new love and is striving to give something back to that profession that made him what he is as well as to society for its benevolence. The establishment of PAMO University of Medical Sciences in Port Harcourt, the first privately-owned university of Medical Sciences, not only in Nigeria but in West Africa as a whole, is part of a heartfelt desire in that direction. It is an institution designed strictly for the training of professionals in the field of medicine. It is a place he set up to mentor the younger generation who will raise the banner further aloft when he must have played his part and moved on. The university is starting with five faculties - Allied and Health Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical sciences. The university will strive to achieve global excellence in terms of teaching, research and community services. It is set to produce graduates in different fields of medicine who are not only competent in their profession but also entrepreneurial, ICT- driven and that are worthy in character and learning. He has vowed to leave it as an enduring testimony to the humanity in appreciation for the benefits he derived from serving mankind and a worthy one at that. It is not possible to discuss the nation’s democratic resurgence after years of military in-
terregnum without reserving a place of honour for the man Peter Odili. For him, participation in politics was more of a call to service as he can be rightly said to be an accomplished man while functioning as a medical doctor in the state of his birth. He was elected and sworn in as the third Governor of Rivers State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 29, 1999. He served two terms which terminated on May 29, 2007. Years after, his developmental strides have remained a measuring rod for those who took over the mantle of leadership from him in that state that is, to all intents, Nigeria’s treasure trove. A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, late Ambassador Mathew Mbu, in his autobiography published posthumously, said of Odili, “he was a more prepared and preferred candidate for the office of either the President or Vice -President but was betrayed by the party hierarchy”. Such is how far the cruelty of fate can go. However, following that setback, he decided on maintaining a studied silence preferring to watch matters that affect the nation unfold from his vantage position as an elder statesman. In that self-imposed political hibernation, Odili has remained consistent and steadfast in his political relations and persuasion, a predisposition that has distinguished him as a reputable leader who, by his conduct, is worthy of emulation. Odili has packed much action into his life in 70 years to actually influence the course of history. My family, therefore, join his family in wishing him a resounding happy birthday and many more years of fruitful and enduring service to Nigeria in particular and mankind in general. Ume wrote from Abuja
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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018
EDITORIAL FALLEN SOLDIERS AND SECRET BURIALS Soldiers who die fighting so that we may live deserve decent burials
W
hile the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group recently accused the military of secretly burying soldiers killed by Boko Haram insurgents on the battlefield, the response from the military authorities has, to say the least, been disappointing. For many years, Nigerian soldiers who died in peacekeeping operations abroad were usually brought back home under the cover of darkness and buried secretly like paupers, sometimes without the knowledge of their kith and kin. The practice started with the Liberian civil war when the military regime in power was scared of any controversy arising from possible protests against the arrival of body bags from the West African country where Nigerian troops formed the bulk of THE MEN AND WOMEN the ECOMOG, the WHO ANSWER THE peacekeeping force CALL FOR NATIONAL in Liberia. ASSIGNMENT IN THE FORM In fact, a former OF PEACEKEEPING SHOULD ECOMOG ComBE TREATED AS THE HEROES mander, the late General Victor THEY TRULY ARE Malu, once admitted that he ordered the secret burial of some 800 dead Nigerian soldiers killed in Liberia, saying he did so “in order to avoid national uproar and panic.” There was no further statement as to whether the families of the dead soldiers ever got to know of how and when their loved ones died. This was a gross disservice to the memories of those who put their lives on the line in the service of their country. Seven years ago, former Senate President David Mark condemned the practice of secret burials for Nigerian soldiers. Speaking after he was decorated with the 2011 emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja, Mark, himself a retired military officer, declared: “If not for anything else, they (the fallen soldiers) deserve national honours,” adding that “Those who die in wars or peacekeeping missions are heroes that must be celebrated.”
Letters to the Editor
As we have had course to point out in the past, no country has more soldiers dying in wars or peace missions in foreign countries than the United States of America. From the First and Second World Wars to the Korean and Vietnam Wars, up to the contemporary battles in Iraq and Afghanistan, there had been no instance where America’s dead soldiers were buried secretly without their families’ knowledge. All the dead bodies were usually accounted for, and taken home to the United States draped in the national flag, for interment or in certain cases buried in American military cemeteries 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.
IGP IDRIS AND DEMOCRACY
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brahim Idris, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), should have been given the boot the next day after he assumed office. That he has stayed this long in that office means he is stroking the right fingers. He is a telling example of why public offices should not be outsourced on the basis of loyalty. Idris’ tenure has been one of vile controversy. He is, perhaps, one of the few police officers, who have attracted opprobrium to the office of the inspectorgeneral. Under him, the World Internal Security and Police International Index ranked the Nigeria police as the worst in the world. The IGP and his team only rustled up fictive excuses to defend this damning report. The police continue to go up the human rights violation chart. When news of herdsmen killings in Benue broke, the IGP without carrying out any investigation said it was a “communal clash”. He later apologised for the gaffe, but the action had shown the undertow of his underbelly. And when the President asked him to relocate to Benue State to stop the killings, this IGP visited the state and returned to Abuja a few days later to celebrate his 59th birthday. He stayed in the Federal Capital Territory afterwards. Idris had two journalists – Daniel and Tim Elombah - arrested and handcuffed because of a critical report published on their blog. The IGP’s one in many
owever, in all cases, families of the dead soldiers are informed about the fate of their loved ones. Those who wish to have a private burial for their dead family member are usually considered under certain conditions. Even up till today, the Quartermaster General of the United States Armed Forces still receives and responds to enquiries from families regarding their sons and daughters who could not be accounted for or were listed as missing in action (MIAs). Only recently, the North Korean authorities returned the remains of some American soldiers who died during the 1950 Korean War for heroic burials. The implication here is that America accords maximum respect to the men and women who wear the uniform of its armed forces. This explains why every American soldier is ever willing and proud to die in defence of the national flag. It is the same with most countries where premium is placed on the lives of those who not only serve but are also willing to stake their lives in promotion of the ideals for which their nation stood. There is therefore no reason why this should not be the same here in Nigeria. The men and women who answer the call for national assignment in the form of peacekeeping should be treated as the heroes they truly are. They deserve decent burial. We therefore urge the authorities to ensure that all Nigerian dead soldiers buried secretly without their families’ knowledge be exhumed and reburied accordingly and with honours. They deserve nothing less.
attempts to intimidate the media. Today, it is Samuel Ogundipe of PremiumTimes who is being harassed. Sometimes, I read Nigerians criticising journalists for the seemingly “dearth” of investigative reports. I wish they knew what some journalists face in this media hovel - the threats, intimidation and assaults. Just a few years ago, the army threatened to declare TheCable a “subversive element” - that is, abetters of terrorism, for exposing the rot in the handling of wounded soldiers in the north-east. There have been lots of other attempts to muffle the media since then. On Tuesday, that unsightly unit of the police, SARS, arrested Ogundipe, a PremiumTimes reporter, for reporting IGP Idris’ farcical report on the DSS siege to the National Assembly. He has been in detention, and the police have resolved to keep him in the bog until he names the source of his report. It is shocking that the police are ignorant of the principles of the media. And it is disappointing that the Nigeria police is still trapped in the Stalinist era. This is another brazen assault on the media, which has become an “orphaned estate of the realm” under President Buhari. It is also an attack on our democracy. And our democracy is not only under threat when senators are assaulted; it is under threat when any citizen is a victim of state assault. IGP Idris is a potent threat to this democracy. Fredrick Nwabufo, fredricknwabufo@yahoo.com
A CALL TO PROTECT ELEPHANTS
“Are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant, except in a picture book?” - David Attenborough. f the five big games, it is not so easy to come by an Elephant in Nigeria today - both in the wild and in captive areas; except you find yourself in the Yankari National Park, believed to have the largest and most important elephant herd of merely 100-150 or Omu – Shasha Forest, Ogun State. The other place you can readily come by an elephant is at the Jos Wildlife Park where an eight-foot, one-tusked, African Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana) has been stranded in an isolated block for 38 years. A report by the United Nations in 2015 asserts that up to 100 elephants – both Savannah and Forest species - are being slaughtered daily in Africa by poachers, primarily for their tusk which the Chinese market constantly demands. As organisations and conservationists intensify efforts to halt illegal ivory trade and wildlife trafficking, recent research posits that the whole of Africa has an estimate of 352,271 Savanna elephants left, a far cry from between three-five million censored by World Wildlife Foundation in the 20th century. Some 25 years after a ban was placed on ivory trade, emerging markets still make it difficult to address this menace. In 2015, the Chinese government in a bid to
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reduce the demand for African tusks and protect wild elephants made conscious efforts to curb ivory imports. However, reoccurring reports and pictures stress that a lot more elephants are being poached in southern and northern Nigeria and their tusks exported to Asian countries, most recently from Bauchi, Ogun, Osun and Idanre area of Ondo State. Thus as World Elephant Day is celebrated, one wonders what will become of the few elephants left in Nigeria; hence, the call for pragmatic, pro-wildlife actions to turn the tide and save the remaining elephants in Nigeria. The efforts of Nigeria-based organisations like Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative through her various wildlife education programmes and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation through her Forest Elephant Alive Campaign, among others, should not only be commended, they should be better funded to help them explore effective, science-based conservation strategies. If we want future generations to live in a world where elephants thrive, the Wildlife Conservation Society has outlined and advocated the need to increase aerial surveillance in strongholds; train and deploy more rangers in the protected areas; supply new rangers with equipment; assist the authorities in tracking and shutting down trafficking networks and growing our community development programmes to support local communities to co-exist with wildlife. ‘Seyifunmi Adebote, Abuja
T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
16
ALEX OTTI IS A POLITICALLY BARREN & WISHFUL THINKER
T
By Chinyemike Torti
he scourge of the Nigerian political space, has been the unbridled intrusion and emergence of uncongenial aspirants, who pretend to be endowed with the breast plate of political righteousness to ‘save’ the Republic or state. They huff and puff about some imaginary pie in the sky or dubious low hanging fruits, they would harvest for citizens if elected to public office. Dr. Alex Otti recent castigation, of Abia state government fits into this mold. As a retired banker and economist, one had expected him to provoke a debate or dialogue on the policy direction and economic blueprint of the government of his vision. In a desperate effort at besmirching the PDP and Abia State Executive Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, the erstwhile money changer at Diamond Bank that carved a niche for himself in the heroic book of gubernatorial failures, did not make any pretense at enlightened commentary but oozed out a rancid and wishy washy hoopla, fuming with street language, intellectual thuggery, and conversational terrorism. He betrayed a pathetic narrative, likened to the grumblings of an abandoned, marginally attractive spinster bereft of a spouse. The critical mass of the civil society, turned up their noses ,because he reeked with false hood, ignorance, reckless, dumb and illogical appraisals. The centerpiece of his conversation since his 2015 misadventure is to dwell on theatrics, rooted in demagoguery, distortion of history and barefaced misrepresentation which has been his nemesis and will always be. In his recent outing, he oozed out his trademark tissue of lies about ‘tacky’ Abia infrastructure, civil servants unpaid salaries, healthcare, Enyinmba City and a litany of salacious beer parlor gossip.
construction to guarantee a minimum of 30 years life span for concerned roads. Most of the roads under review were beneficiaries of this technology, with double drains to boot. It is on record that Ikpeazu’s administration commenced the construction of the first ever Abia interchange (flyover) since the creation of the state, at Osisioma Aba. The hot air regarding ‘collapsing health infrastructure’ is another parody of constructive criticism. A simple fact check reveals that upon assumption of office, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, released funds for the total rehabilitation, reconstruction and upgrading of all the Schools of Nursing in Abia State. Consequently, the School of Midwifery Abiriba and the Schools of Nursing at Aba, Umuahia and Amachara were upgraded leading to their re-accreditation by the Midwifery and Nursing Council of Nigeria. Admission into these institutions have since resumed. Okezie’s administration went into partnership with the MTN Foundation to fund the reduction of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in the state. Under this arrangement, the maternal wards of 4 General Hospitals were equipped and upgraded. They are Abia State Specialist and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, General Hospital Okpuala Ngwa and Cottage Hospital, Owaza. The infrastructural upgrade at the Abia State University. The icing on the cake is the Abia State Tele Health Support Centre commissioned by Vice President. Prof Yemi Osinbanjo. The state-of-art, geriatric medical outreaches established by His Excellency, Dr Ikpeazu is a free, service run in situ that caters for elderly and senior citizens who are treated, in their homes.The Abia state Emergency health service is linked to a dedicated call centre and ambulances.
In trying to denigrate Abia, he made a heavy weather of Aba roads, as deficient, with an epithet of infrastructural decay He lied, that we have the worst road networks in the federation. We state without any fear of contradiction that for the first time in the history of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu set in motion and pioneered THE CATERPILLAR revolution- an audacious, vigorous engagement to endow Ndi Abia with top of the range, well paved roads.
Talking of industries, the mealy mouthed, defrocked banker raised posers on the quantum of foreign direct investments attracted by the present administration. We got good news for him. Turkey and China are here on ground with groundbreaking multinationals.-a product of Dr Okezie’s tireless investment drives. And as we speak Enyimba Economic City , a global business hub in the southeast region of Nigeria which is a brainchild of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration has landed.
What Dr Okezie promised at the electioneering campaign platform, has matched the lived life in the communities. For instance he was sworn-in on May 29, 2015 which was a Friday. By the next working day, Monday, June 1, 2015, he flagged off seven roads within the Aba metropolis. By the next day, Tuesday, June 2, 2015, he reverted to Umuahia where 3 roads, were flagged off.
It is an audacious and ambitious project conceived with the intention of connecting South-East states and four out of the six states in the south south of Nigeria.The beauty of it all is it has been designated as a Special Economic Zone by the Federal Government and will have Free Trade Zone status. Abia state under Ikpeazu is the new economic frontier of Nigeria.
As we speak more than 134 road projects are either completed or ongoing. The list of of completed road projects are herewith stated. Kaduna Street, Umuahia,Kamalu Road,Umuwaya Road, Umuahia,Road II, Federal Lowcost Housing Estate, Umuahia ,Niger Road, Umuahia Ukaegbu Road, Aba Umuola Road, Aba, Umuocham Road,Aba, Umule Road, Ommene Drive, Aba Jubilee Road, Aba Ehi Road, Aba, Hospital Road, Aba,Ube Street, Aba.Adazi Street, Aba Okon-Aku Main Bridge, Ohafia LGA,George’s Street, Aba South . Echefu Road,. Enuc Road, Osisioma LGA St. Michael’s Road, Aba Azikiwe Road, Aba Pound Road,
The motive force is to leverage Abia into the global matrix of trade, finance and production ipso facto south east. In brass tacks the mission is to create a nerve centre to the nine southeast and south south, states linked with high grade access roads, rails, airport and seaports that will transform the region into a manufacturing and industrial powerhouse, with ancillary drivers of commerce, logistics, entertainment, education, health and lifestyle living.
The inventory continues with: Aba-Uwalaka Street Link Road to Factory Road, Umuahia ,Ubakala Street, Warri By Club Road, Bende Road, Army Checkpoint, Bank Road, Abia Tower Round About, Umuahia,. Owerrinta Road, Aba. Week’s Road, Aba Park Road, Aba,School Road, Aba East Road, Aba, Okwunauka Road, Aba, Cameroun Road, Aba Queens Road, Aba. Ehere Road, Obingwa , Umuojima Road, Imo Ndikpa Bridge, Umunneochi, Umuojima-Owerrinta Road with Spur from Owerrinta to Umuocheala, Isiala Ngwa South/Obingwa . Bata-Railway Crossing-Brass Junction, Ibadan Road, Aharandu Road, Aba South . Onyebuchi Road, Umuehigbu Road, Road 2 in low cost Housing Estate Umuahia Road 8 in Low Cost Housing Estate Umuahia. Ugwuezi road Abiriba (ring road phase Ohafia ,Asphalt Overlay of 1.3km dualized Aba Owerri Road (2.6km single lane and channelization of Aba Phase I), AbOkobo bridge along Abam-Ndi Oji/ Ndi Okereke-Arochukwu road Erosion Control Works at (6) Spots Along Uzuakoli-Akara-Ohafia Road (10km), Bende LGA including Imenyi. Ovom road, Ogbor Hill Aba, Mosque Street Aba, Umuatako road Aba Asa Umuka-Ugwunagbo Obohia Junction road, Ugwunagbo. Owerri road off Okigwe road Aba.Chima Nwafor road Aba.Abam Street, Unuahia North. Awolowo road, Umuahia North. Nbawsi-Umuala road, Isiala Ngwa North. Herewith are awarded and on-going road projects viz: Expansion/Rehabilitation of Ururuka Road from Obikabia Junction to Umuobiakwa, Obingwa, Construction of Old Express Road, Construction of 3 No Roads Government Station Layout (ICC, ASUBEB Building Road and JAC Building) Umuahia North LGA. Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Nbawsi Road from King Mortuary to Umuala Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa,Construction of Agbama Housing Estate Ring Road, Umuahia, Construction of 3 No Roads in Federal Lowcost Housing Estate, Umuahia Construction of Eke-Eziama Obuzu Ngodo Road, Umunneochi,Construction of Abiriba Ring Road phase 2 with Spur to Amaukwu, Ohafia,Construction of Eluama Amilo Acha and Amino Otamkpa, Isuikwuato, Construction of Umuovom-Okwueze House of Assembly Road, Umuahia North, Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Abia Nkwo Ahiaba Umueze-Udeagbala PH Express Express Junction with Spur to Umuimo Junction on Aba-Owerri Road, Construction of Ebenma/Egege Road, Construction of Osisioma Interchange (Flyover) Aba Rehabilitation of Umuaro-Umuokoro-Mgbokonaya-Umuokegwu-OmobaUmuerie-Umuekia Road, Obingwa/Isiala Ngwa , Construction of Ariam-Usaka Ring Road, Ikwuano LGA,Construction of Umuagu-Ossa Ukwuowo Obikabia-Ohuru Ring Road, Obingwa LGA Construction of Unueze-Agbor-Ubani Ibeku Modern Market Road, Umuahia ,Construction of Ozuabam-Ndi Okereke-Arochukwu Road, Arochukwu LGA, Construction of Amuihe-Umuokehi-Umunkaru Afugiri Road, Umuahia North LGA, Construction of 3 No. Roads in Umuahia (Umuana 1st Gate, Unuana-Ahiaeke Road and IBB GRA Dual Carriage Way), Umuahia North LGA Construction of Bende-Idima Aba Road, Arochukwu LGA. Construction of Ebem Layout Road Ohafia, Expansion of Aba-Obikabia Road, Isiala Ngwa North. Reconstruction of Uratta-Umuekechi-Obekwe-Ogwe Road, Ukwa Construction of Umuobiakwa-Itukpa Crescent, Obingwa . Construction of Umuojima-Owerrinta Road with Spur to Owerrinta Umudigha Road, Isiala Ngwa South Construction of Abiriba Junction to Etitiama Nkporo, Ohafia ,Construction of Umuobiakwa-Owo Onicha Ngwa Road, Obingwa LGA,Construction of Amaoba-Nnono Ndoro-Oboro Road with Spur to Ikputu, Ikwuano LGA. Construction of Amuda Isuochi Community Road, Umunneochi LGA. Construction of Lohum-Nkpa Dto Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway, Bende/Umuahia ,Dualization/Expansion of Umuahia-Aba Road , Ururuka (Phase II), Umuahia North/South/Isiala Ngwa North/South/Obingwa , reconstruction of Umuahia Railway crossing to Eastern Comfort Hotels, Umuahia , construction of Ariam Usaka Ring Road, Ikwuano, Reconstruction of Emelogu Road, Aba. Reconstruction of Ohazu-Ozumba Streets, Aba. Reconstruction of Faulks Road, Rehabilitation and Expansion of Ifeobara Pond with 6.5km underground drainage to waterside Aba. Rehabilitation of Trinity College-Afara Technical Secondary School Road, Umuahia North Construction of Umuocheala/Abayi-Ihie Road, Isiala Ngwa South Construction of Abayi-Ariaria Umuojima-Umuakpara Road Spur to Umuidiagha , Construction of Nbawsi-Eziala-Osusu-Okpuala Ngwa Road, Reconstruction of MCC road Aba Reconstruction/Construction of Udeagbala Road, Aba. Reconstruction/Construction of Kent street with Spur to Aba Shopping Mall, Aba, Reconstruction of Aba Area Command Access Road, Aba Construction of Ibere Road by Ngwa Road, Aba. Rehabilitation of failed sections of Roads in Aba Municipality (Total Area 19.914km), AbaReconstruction of 3 Roads within World Bank Housing Estate , Umuahia North LGA,Construction of Obinwa- Omauzor Abattoir Road, Uratta Aba,Construction of Agbozu Cocoa Plantation Road, Uratta Aba,Construction of Nbawsi Urban Roads, Isiala Ngwa,Construction of Umuaro-Nenu-Obot Akara Road, Obingwa LGA,Construction of Road in Uratta Integrated Market, Aba, Osokwa-Aro Umuehie-Omoba Road , Isiahia-Umuode Road ,Obehie (Foundation Hope) Umukalu-UmuturuObaha-Obohia-Ohandu-Umuibe Road . Amaise-Umuobiakwa-Ohanze Road , Owoo-Ahiafor-Agburuike-Ohanze Road ,Reconstruction Umuaro-Umuanunu-Ekwereazu-Nto Border Road Ovom/Umuogele Junction-Ukuenyi-Abala-Ika Akwa Ibom Border,. Eziala-Nvosi-Eketa Road .Mgbokonta-Amachi-Umunkpeyi Road , Umunkpeyi-Amaiyi-OkpokiriUmuehim-Umuru Road . Amachi-Nenu Road . Construction/Rehabilitation of 10km length of Rural Road(s) in each of the 17 LGAs of Abia State. Reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road Aba, Aba North LGA, to 6-lane road with BRT lane. Construction/Dualization of Layout Roads in New Government House Area, Umuahia North LGA. Construction of People’s Road-Akpu Road. Reconstruction of Ngwa Road Aba South Reconstruction of Immaculate Avenue Umungasi Aba with spur to Kamalu road. Rehabilitation of 10 No. Roads in Umuahia- Agbazuere Road, Orpet Filling Station to Nwokwa Street, Nneokwa Street, Enugu Ukwu Street, Ndoki Road, Health Centre Road, Emma Nwabuko to Upstairs Line Road, Mazi Akuma Okoro Road, Unuafai Junction to Kolping ( Upstairs Line) Road and Mao Ohuabunwa Road, Umuahia . Construction of Ukoma Road, Umuahia North Umuda Isingwu erosion control, Umuahia North,Construction of St Paul’s Street Umungasi Aba Reconstruction of Osusu road Aba., Reconstruction of Omuma road Aba,Reconstruction of Uratta road Aba., Construction of Ovim-Acha road in Isuikwuato LGA. Construction of Ogboro-Amibo-Acha road in Isuikwuato. His Excellency, Dr Ikpeazu’s administration introduced the use of Rigid Pavement (Cement) Technology in road
The beauty of it is it will be developed through a public-private-partnership (PPP) company of private sector investors, Abia State Government, and Federal Government of Nigeria but will be solely managed by the private sector. And the Chairman of the advisory board is Dr Paschal Dozie, erstwhile boss of Alex Otti at Diamond Bank. Other members of the board include: Mr. C. Darl Uzu Vice Chairman/CEO, Prof Barth Nnaji, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo , Elder Emmanuel Adaelu Senator Adolphus Wabara , Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu , Prof. Anya O. Anya , Chief Sam Nwaogu Dr. Paul Ananaba, SAN, Ambassador Empire Kanu, Amb. Tom Aguiyi Ironsi , Mr. Ugochukwu Okoroafor, Mr. Austin Ufomba , Mr. Chibuzor Ekwekwuo. Enyimba Economic City will be developed over an area of approximately 9,803ha, spanning three local government areas of Ukwa West, Ukwa East and Ugwunagbo in Abia State. Because of the foresight of Governor Ikpeazu in attracting attention to Aba, the city is receiving special attention for the provision of uninterrupted power. The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, through the Rural Electrification Agency, has commissioned the construction of a 5 Megawatt Power Plant to provide over 37, 000 shops at the Ariaria International Market with uninterrupted power supply. This was after a pilot test-run with 1,000 shops over an uninterrupted period of 6 months. Upon completion in 2019, Ariaria Market traders, shoemakers, fabricators and inventors will have uninterrupted power supply. One can only imagine the opportunities that will be unlocked for creativity and inventions.The imminence of uninterrupted has leveraged Geometric Power, the pace setting private licensee of a Power Project in Nigeria with a new lease of life. Some few months ago, in Beijing, China, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ruyi Group of China for equity investment in Geometric Power which will enable it reinforce its energy grid trajectory. In the same breath is the signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a multi billion dollars investment by the Ruyi Group in the Economic City. The Ruyi Group is the World’s largest producer of garments and allied products and they are set to invest at the Enyimba Economic City. Present at the signing were the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Adeola Dipeolu, Chairman of the Board of Geometric/Enyimba Economic City, Dr. Pascal Dozie, CEO of Geometrics, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Management of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) The Ruyi Group already has Power Plants in China, Pakistan and Ethiopia and are looking to become the dominant players in the world in the energy sector. This investment in Geometrics will lead to the activation of not just the already completed power plant at Osisioma, but also ensure speedy work at new plants at Ugwunagbo and Ukwa West. Dr Okezie Ikpeazu is diversifying the economy through agriculture and diversifying vide technology. Sampler: mushroom production and training programs are already yielding great results: a venture which young Abians have keyed to. Ditto for rice farmers, who have boosted production with the target of producing enough to feed all Abians in 2019. His administration has established a massive palm plantation with over 4,000,000 tenera specie seedlings grown and sold across the state. The target is 7.5m seedlings at the end of 2019. It is expected that by 2022 Abia State will no longer depend on FAAC as cash crops and other programs are expected to diversify the economy of the state. Grants and soft loans are available to farmers who have the facilities of mechanized farming equipment across the state through leasing at affordable rates; less than 50% of the previous lease cost.Commercial production of cocoa and cashew have been boosted through deliberate investment by the government. The objective is to ultimately establish processing plants for the primary products to further enhance benefits within the value chain for the cash crops.The administration is directly providing fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates alongside other free extension services. The administration embarked on enhanced poultry and fish production with phase 1 of 100 poultry pens of 2000 birds executed. By the same token it constructed a 165,000 birds capacity poultry processing plant at Umuosu Nsulu in Abia central senatorial zone. Additional two units for Abia North and South are currently under construction. Following the provision of counterpart funding for FADAMA III projects, 300 young Abia farmers benefitted from N2.5m per person grant as part of the Farmpreneur project of the world bank (FADAMA).Also in partnership with the world bank, Abia commenced reactivation of the long moribund Igu Dam to ensure all year round rice production in the state.Abia State is currently in partnership with Bank of Agriculture and the federal government in the enhanced eggs production project. As part of the administration’s capacity building agenda, the state launched the Education for Employment (E4E) scheme that has already produced 472 graduates with relevant skills in ICT, at Phase 1. Phase 2 of the program which is aimed at training 36,000 unemployed Abians in different skills has commenced at the Multi Skill acquisition facility at Umuobiakwa in Obingwa LGA. For the first time in Abia state, a database of unemployed Abians has been compiled and the government is taking verifiable actions to provide them with jobs, using the recently launched Abia state job portal.In partnership with Dangote group, a modern job center is under construction at Isiala Ngwa. To further enhance the capacity and productivity of Abia teachers, the administration is partnering with Australian education solution providers to retrain them and enhance teaching efficiency. More than 800 teachers have benefited from this program. A new teachers training facility has been opened at Umuahia to ensure continuous training of primary and secondary school teachers. Under Ikpeazu’s watch, Abia State has maintained 1st position in WAEC and NECO examinations for consecutive 3 years
T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018
ALEX OTTI IS A POLITICALLY BARREN & WISHFUL THINKER as a result of increased monitoring and enhancement of private and public sector educational resources. To motivate our teachers for better performance in our schools, Governor Ikpeazu donated cars to best performing teachers from the 3 zones and also built staff quarters at Umuahia.In consideration of the current socio-economic situation in the country, the government reduced tuition fees at ABSU, Abiapoly and College of Education Arochukwu to support Abia parents and guardians. Abia’s homegrown free school feeding program was launched in 2015 and currently ongoing across the state. Abia State, under Ikpeazu, is the only state in the federation providing food for primary one to six school pupils. Also Ikpeazu’s administration partnered with the private sector to provide free Made in Aba school sandals to over 2000 school children in the state. More will benefit from this program which also supports Governor Ikpeazu’s Made in Aba promotion agenda. In order to boost ICT education and stimulate interest in that area in our children from early age, Abia State launched Free ICT and Coding training for primary and secondary schools in the state using the e-library at Umuahia as hub. For the first time in Abia state, the ministry of education launched and deployed a unified education platform for all schools in the state. Results and activities of all Abia school children can be monitored from one platform for private and public schools. In fulfillment of the Governor’s electoral promise, Abia State is constructing 4 model schools (Abayi Aba, Obingwa, Umuahia and Ohafia) with nursery, primary and secondary schools in one location alongside sports facilities and teachers quarters. This we are able to execute because we paid our UBE counterpart fund of N2.8b.359 new school classroom blocks are currently under construction in the state with more than 100 completed and ready for Commissioning. In addition, the state ministry of education renovated/constructed 67 classroom blocks across the 3 Senatorial zones of the state, sank 9 Boreholes and reticulated water supply to 43 school toilets. To support regular monitoring of schools in rural and urban areas of the state Governor Ikpeazu launched a new statewide education inspectors scheme and provided 42 motorcycles to enhance efficiency. The administration has reconstituted the state scholarship board and awarded tertiary education scholarships to best performing WASCE students in all the LGAs for 2 years. A new education hub is emerging around the Owerrinta area with the government providing necessary infrastructure support to ensure the development of the biggest education cluster in Africa. The state is set to establish the first ever kidney transplant center in Umuahia, in collaboration with a Diaspora medical team that recently performed the first ever kidney transplant in the state.Abia implemented WHO/FMOH model of one primary health care (PHC) per political ward. Abia State now has 292 WHO recognized Primary Health Care centers (PHCs) across the state alongside Primary Healthcare under one roof (PHCUOR) which is in keeping with international best practice.Governor Ikpeazu’s deliberate actions and policies attracted the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) beneficiary pilot state status attracting N1.5bn (July 2017), from The World Bank following the successful hosting by Abia State in January 2017 of The 59th National Council on Health. These funds are to be applied at the 292 PHCs for qualitative services at that level of care. Ikpeazu’s administration also provided the N100 million counterpart funding for BHCPF, the first in the history of Abia state, and attracted the $1.5million grant for the Saving One Million Lives program for results now being implemented in Abia since June 2017 At the risk of repetition,Abia State’s Tele-Health Initiative (ASTHI) concluded the 6 months of pilot tests in 15 PHCs and was launched in March 2018. The service has been rolled out across the whole 292 PHCs in the state to help bring life saving care to all Abia communities. It is a first of its kind in Africa. On Ikpeazu’s watch, the Canadian Government partnered with the state for the Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM) of the 3 childhood killer diseases of malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia being anchored by Society for family Health(on behalf of WHO/Canadian Govt). This project is now in its transition phase to full management by the state Government.The organized private sector in Nigeria is lending support to Ikpeazu’s focused healthcare improvement effort with MTN Foundation funding 2 PHCs in their new program “what we can do together campaign” in Ikwuano and Arochukwu LGAs.They also helped to build 4 brand new and world class maternal and child wards at Okpuala Ngwa, Owaza, ABSUTH and Abia Specialist Hospital in Amachara Umuahia. Nestle Plc is collaborating with Ikpeazu’s administration in the areas of infant nutrition and maternal care services. Already, an MOU with Nestle Nutrition Institute in Africa has been signed. The first phase of capacity building training/ development for our medical personnel have been concluded. It is expected to continue with the aim of further improving our health indices.Ikpeazu’s administration commissioned a General Hospital in Obingwa, complete with accommodation facilities for medical personnel. Remaining 3 new general hospitals located at Arochukwu, Ikwuano & Okeikpe are at 95% completion. The long abandoned Aba General Hospital has been reactivated by Governor Ikpeazu and already providing healthcare services to Abians. Within this period, Governor Ikpeazi also re-furbished maternal and Children’s building at ABSUTH Aba as well as executed a PPP arrangement to procure cutting-edge medical equipment at the tertiary healthcare institution. Furthermore, the state obtained Re-Accreditation of Undergraduate medical training for new doctors at ABSUTH and currently working on the re-accreditation of post-graduate training schools in obstetrics & gynaecology, surgery and pediatric medicine. Abia state recorded improved Health Indicators, compared with other states and national averages, as can be verified from data available with World Health Organization (WHO). To further improve healthcare services and curtail medical tourism, the administration is collaborating with The Hospital Group in the USA for the establishment of Obuaku Medical City and The East Coast Medical Group in the USA for a specialised organ transplant centre in the old Aba General Hospital while Capital Health Surgical Group is upgrading the Specialist Hospital Amachara to an Urgent Care Centre. In general, referral medical facilities are at a level never witnessed in the past because of the focused interventions of the Governor.Abia State also launched the first of its kind free home care services for senior citizens with vehicles provided and personnel trained to reach senior citizens in all the Senatorial zones of the state to offer care and contribute to the government’s healthcare objective of improving life expectancy above the national average.A new Mother and Child Specialist Hospital is set to open at Umuahia. Sports and Youth Development-a new paradigm in youth empowerment. In sports, Abia is the only state in Nigeria maintaining 3 top performing premier league status football teams: Enyimba FC, Abia Warriors and Abia Angels. Enyimba FC of Aba is currently playing in the continent and representing Nigeria very well.Enyimba international stadium at Aba is undergoing remodeling with Astro-turf and new stands almost completed. For the first time, toilet facilities are being constructed within the stadium for the comfort of Sports loving people of Abia State.Governor Ikpeazu is aggressively re-introducing school sports to develop new talents.We can go on and on to showcase Ikpeazu’s records for posterity, which is on display live and direct in Abia. But as they say, he who comes to equity, must do so with very clean hands. It is relevant at this juncture to interrogate Dr Alex Otti: what developmental narrative is he endowed with? The Abia civil society are wont to ask, what was he doing in Lagos before he started his career in the bank? His trade mark signature in the money market, replete with false pretences will transmute to a fund recovery mission in Abia. Why should a failed banker, who under his watch, wrecked the fortunes of Diamond Bank in the rank order of Nigeria’s money market architecture be trusted? He told lies about some bogus loans from IFC he secured for Abia. This turned to be a lie. Under his watch, at Diamond Bank, modern ceramics Umuahia,sort a life line of N250million which leap frogged to a cumulative debt of N1.6billion, which Abia State Government is seeking to unbundle now. Alex Otti has always left a trail of sorrow and tears, along his path, unfortunately for him,Abians will ask about his pedigree and track records. The 2019 elections, will be about what you have achieved and not only castles politicians build in the air. Chinyemike Torti, is a management consultant and public policy analyst.
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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018
POLITICS
Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY
PERSONALITY INTERVIEW
‘Nigerians Should Not Allow Buhari Rig the 2019 Elections’ Col. Tony Nyiam (retd.), one of the protagonists of the failed coup of April 21, 1990, recently fielded questions from Segun James and Shola Oyeyipo on topical issues relating to governance style of President Muhammadu Buhari
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and that those people are very vicious. He is the first Nigerian President who is a Bororo Fulani. Nobody has been brought to book for the killings. The same president who must have been briefed by his DG of the DSS is saying these people are from Libya. Another day he would say something else. Doesn’t that show you complicity because he is in a position to know? He has done nothing about it and the killings are still going on.
hat do you think about all these crises between the executive and other arms of government; like the judiciary and the legislature? These recurring ‘orders from above,’ can be seen as dictated coup d’etat attempts under President Muhammadu Buhari’s watch. The good thing is that becuase Buhari is not throwing money about, he has forced the National Assembly to be much more effective than it has ever been. I will focus on what I call the Police, SSS or EFCC coup attempts. The coup attempt against any branch of government as it happened in Benue state, is as treasonable as a coup by the military against an elected president. The buck stops at the president’s table. So, the repeated coup d’etats by the police and the DSS, without anyone being brought to book, is an area of concern. I’ve got circumstantial evidences of Buhari’s complicity in the acts.
Why do you think these things are happening? President Buhari and I were trained by the military to attain our strategic objective. President Buhari is ready to meet the immediate needs of the South-west, South-south, South-east and North-central politicians in order that the long term objectives of Fulani cattle herders are achieved. This is similar to a dog being lured into a trap with a bone thrown its way. Many of the politicians waving the bad omen logo of the APC in support of Buhari’s second term ambition will end in the ‘gulag’ when he scores the goal.
Can you direct your comment on the recent attempt to take over the National Assembly and the subsequent sacking of the DirectorGeneral of DSS? Nigerians have endured enough insult from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The IGP’s rushed interim report is a partial and lacking in transparency. The Nigerian Police itself is guilty of similar incidents. Does the IGP even know that his spokesman is becoming a laughing stock? The Acting President and other credible members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not allow themselves to be smeared because of the exigencies of partisan politics and the implications of the fake directive that the former DG of the DSS did not act in compliance with order from above. The action was planned. One does not need to be fooled. The coup attempts were so incompetently carried out and they failed woefully. Why do you call it coup attempts? Any affront by any security agency against any arm of government is a coup. The first attempt was the night raid on the houses of some judges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Indirectly, it was trying to tackle one arm of government. The second one was the snatching of the mace in the Senate and up till today, none of the security operatives who were supposed to protect the National Assembly has been disciplined openly. The president has done nothing. That is why I call it a coup. The third one is the siege on the homes of the Senate President and the Deputy Senate President the same day. That was after the Senate President had been dragged to the party offices and he refused. Of course, there was a coup in Benue state where the DSS and police took over the state House of Assembly, barricaded it and allowed eight out 30 members to enter the house to impeach the governor. You alleged complicity of the President. Why? First, there was a rush to blame Lawal Daura, who I call the fall guy. Buhari cannot be exonerated from the excesses of the Nigeria Police and the EFCC. It is most shallow for anyone to blame only the former DG of the DSS for the two versions of reports on Magu, because the bulk of those security reports stops at The Presidency where all national security agencies report. If nothing was done to anybody, then who takes responsibility? It is either that the President is incompetent or he has conflict of interest. The continued detention of Sambo Dasuki and Shiite leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky are being blamed on Daura. How ridiculous. As if Daura is working on his own. Who is his principal? President Buhari must be the one he is working
Former President Obasanjo and other leaders, including General T.Y. Danjuma have been very critical of President Buhari, what does the future hold for Nigeria? Gen. T.Y. Danjuma doesn’t talk much. For him to come out and warn Nigerians that some military personnel are part of the killings is telling. From what I gathered, he even has his own facts. One of the facts he has is that some of these Fulani militia that were caught by his people, had the phone numbers of people in the army
Nyiam
with. I have no doubt that Buhari’s Gestapo like approach to governance has gone on for too long. If Buhari can fault these accusations from these circumstantial evidences, let him fault them. I also pray that he swears by the
Any affront by any security agency against any arm of government is a coup. The first attempt was the night raid on the houses of some judges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Indirectly, it was trying to tackle one arm of government
Quran that he doesn’t know anything. But you earlier pointed out that the President’s non-interference is actually his predicament. Let us put it in context. The non-interference is in the APC management. I am talking about is the existential threat to Nigerian laws. The same DG of the DSS, in a conference I attended, representing South-south alongside Ohaneze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and the Tor Tiv was there, Prof. Ango Abdulahi was there and the service chiefs were there; (it was organised between February 12 and 18 by the Senate), disclosed that the military and police arms found with the Fulani herdsmen come from military and police armories. If you know the protocol of security, the first person that he goes to is the President. If he was briefing the Senate, he must have briefed the President. Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief E.K Clark have raised the matter of this disclosure by the DG of the DSS in public. Up till date, there has been no military or police board of enquiry let alone a court marshal of those involved in arming the Fulani herdsmen to kill people in Taraba, Benue and other parts of Nigeria. That is a direct indictment. What are your suspicions? Some people are saying the killings are a sort of ethnic cleansing. President Buhari is the Patron of the Myetti Allah. He has not denied that. While the Sultan of Sokoto does not agree with him and that is why a lot of the elites in the North don’t agree with him. In fact, Dr. Junaid Mohammed told us that Buhari is exploiting the distrust we have in the South. He said that Buhari comes from a dialect of a minority Fulani from Niger
You seem to be suggesting that a second term for President Buhari will spell doom for Nigeria? I am afraid that if Buhari gets a second term, there will be more killings. If these killings can happen when Buhari knows he needs a second term, what will happen when he gets a second term? The logo of APC which is a broom facing up is the same symbol in the coven of witches and wizards. I know a politician who is trying to say the broom was mentioned in the Bible and Quran but that is the broom facing downward to do what it is supposed to do, not the broom standing up. It is very indicative of broom alleged in mythology that witches use to fly at night. Can Nigerians vote out this President in 2019? I doubt if there will be free and fair elections in 2019. Most of us are very gullible and superficial. Nigerians must realise that the software designer who programmed the technology for the elections can switch it to favour a particular party. Are we ready to test the software before they are used? Former Ogun state governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba was very optimistic about the proposed amendments to the electoral act particularly as regards suggestions on electronic voting system, but your view contradicts his optimism. In programming, it is garbage in, garbage out. The programmer can switch. Some of us prefer outsiders to conduct our elections, but people will say it is interference. What is the way forward? Nigerians should not allow Buhari rig the 2019 elections. From all indications, he would not win a free and fair election. People in the North-west are divided. Are you telling me the Igbo man will vote for Buhari? Are you telling me Yorubas will vote for Buhari? Are you also telling me that the man in the Middle Belt, the man is Southern Borno, that is, Chibok area; the man in Adamawa, Taraba, Benue and all that will vote for a President whose victory could mean more killings of their people?
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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018
POLITICS
‘Nigeria Stands a Better Chance with Buhari’ As the tempo of political activities increase in Rivers State ahead of the 2019 general elections, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and leader of Rivers Unity House, an advocacy group within the APC, Kingsley Wenenda Wali told Ernest Chinwo too much bloodletting and reliance on grassroots politicians may be the bane of politics in the state
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hat is the motive behind your group, Rivers Unity House, moving round the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to sensitise the youths against
violence? If you have been in Rivers State for more than five years, you will agree with me that the language of political conversation has become very venomous. We felt that it was not doing our state any good, because children and the younger ones are beginning to feel that it was good for them to hold conversations based on insolence. You cannot discuss with somebody rationally. All they do is insult people. For example, you are in a group conversation on the social media, especially Facebook, you will see a 21 year-old telling an elderly person to shut up, calling the person an idiot. It was becoming the norm. Abnormal has become the normal in Rivers state in every way. You can hardly have any conversation devoid of threat or actual violence. Discussions should be devoid of threats of violence and real violence. Rivers state is about the only state in Nigeria now that runs politics from May 29 to May 29, four years after. If we continue to allow this type of conversation, when are we going to have a conversation that is development based? We felt we should remind people that governance should not just be about battles, but providing
Wali
services. Not just sitting back and blaming government. In Rivers state, you will go to a political meeting at 9am and the venue is filled with young men. That is not normal. That is not popularity. It is a statement of fact that the
state is failing, because if it is a society where people are working or going to school, you will not have people between the vibrant years of 19 and 35 attending political meetings by 9am on a Monday morning. My generation has messed up our country and especially Rivers state. Before now, people could make all the noise in this world, threatening they will do this or that, but elections would come and houses would not be burnt, nobody would be injured and nobody would die. Nowadays, people are killed over contentious issues in town union or Community Development Committee. It has become too politicised, too volatile to have any kind of conversation on a rational basis. Beyond holding political power, people who access power must be people who have the capacity to communicate to the people in a way that they can return the communication and everybody is on the same page. Beyond campaigning for votes for my party, the All Progressives Congress, we equally owe the society a duty to sensitise the people on the need to vote on a rational basis. It is a bad thing to find a young man who has just left school and he says he is a member of the APC when you ask him about his profession. Membership of a political party is not employment. Politics should not be a profession. When some people describe themselves as professional politicians, that’s another way of saying they are jobless. We are not talking about Political Science as a discipline, but membership of a
political party. What if there is no APC tomorrow, are you going to have a CV that says APC and you will be employed? Politicians can live with this because the right discussions are not taking place. Members of the Rivers Unity House are trying to educate the people. We can be described as the National Orientation Agency arm of the APC. We are starting small in Rivers state, because we have been the biggest victims of negative politics. Is the group a formal structure within the APC? We sat back and we felt that we had to educate Rivers people. Fortunately, nobody had told us to stop. We are encouraged by the fact that we are having the right conversations. It is resonating with the people. Our primary target is the youths of Rivers state. Are you encouraged with the feedback? I was holding a conversation with somebody and he asked how we were able to record the noteworthy achievements, presuming that we must have spent so much money, since we are also advocating that Tonye Cole should run for Rivers governorship in 2019 and that Tonye Cole must have given us so much money, but I told him that Tonye has never not bought a NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
‘Igbos Should Have One Political Family’ Amby Uneze recently interacted with the former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, who has formally declared his intention to contest for governorship on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance
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hy are you running again to govern Imo State after you held office between 2007 and 2011?
I am running in order to help Imo State function according to democratic, social, economic and cultural norms. As things stand today, the state is a bizarre entity devoid of any form of decorum. Imo state, which used to be the citadel of republicanism, has been reduced to a mere fiefdom. There is fear that it may be transformed to a monarchy. The democratic rights of the people have been completely eroded. Economically, the state is run like a private company. There is no demarcation between state funds and that of the governor, his cronies and family members. Culturally and traditionally, the state has been turned into an enclave of abomination. We have a situation where traditional rulers are made to do match past and salute the governor or his wife at public functions. Administratively, the state civil service has been completely destroyed. I believe that my experience as governor for four years is what the state requires to return to sanity. This is not the time to send an inexperienced fellow to Government House. I am the only former governor with experience that can still be elected into that office. I’m the only person that knows what was where by May 29, 2011 when I handed over. In spite of all the abuses by a few disgruntled elements, I decided to answer the call by majority of our people to once more offer myself in the service of the state. Imo is like a vehicle whose engine is damaged. It has to be repaired by an experienced mechanic. An apprentice cannot repair it. There is no room for learners. A patient in an intensive care unit requires an experienced surgeon not a house doctor.
Ohakim
Some politicians have alleged that you merely wanted to do a second term as constitutionally allowed? The first signs that Governor Rochas Okorocha will mess up the state came quite early. Within the first six months of his administration, the state was already bleeding financially. Politically, he came up with concepts that were unheard off and not within the democratic tenets of the country; things like Community Government, abolishing town unions, dissolving democratically elected local government councils, dissolving tenured boards, dismissing 10,000 graduates from the civil service with another 800,000 people losing their means of livelihood. By 2014, it was clear to every Imolite that there was need to stop Okorocha. Things have gone completely awry now. The Imo electorate was really determined to throw Okorocha out in 2015. It was not for nothing that the election went into a second balloting and it was at that
stage that the people’s efforts were sabotaged by some politicians in the state in order to feather their personal political nests. Okorocha was almost gone. I am not pretending about my desire for another term. My second term will heal the psychological wound inflicted on Imolites when the mandate they gave me on April 26, 2011 was rubbished. Besides, it would also enable the innocent and hapless people of the state to heave a sigh of relief that, at last, they have been able to correct the mistake they made by allowing politicians to deceive them with lies about me. Today, one thing has become very clear to the good people of Imo state; which is that I won the 2011 governorship election on April 26, 2011 in spite of all the lies; but that the powers that be in Abuja collaborated with internal enemies of the people to rubbish that mandate. I am not ashamed to say that I am entitled to another term because it is in the overall interest of the state. Look at the issue of equity. Whether anybody likes it or not, I hold the key to that. If our people did not succumb to lies and I was allowed to exercise the mandate I was given in 2011, by now nobody will be talking about equity. Today, we will not be talking about another fellow from Orlu zone coming in as governor in 2019 to do an entire fresh eight years after the zone had done sixteen years already, out of twenty years of democratic rule. Fortunately, the leaders of Orlu zone have joined forces with other progressive elements in the state, together with the political intelligentsia to ensure that the matter of equity is resolved by insisting that no Orlu fellow would emerge as governor in 2019. You say you have the joker to the issue of equity. Don’t you think Owerri zone people can collect it directly in 2019?
I am not saying that Owerri Zone cannot get the governorship in 2019. Of course, Owerri zone has everything it takes to achieve that. The aspirants from the zone across the political parties are among the best. Having said that, I want to state, without any fear of contradiction, that the equity matter will continue to be a destabilizing factor in the politics of the state if my zone, Okigwe, is not allowed to complete eight years under the current dispensation and I am saying that I offer the best bargain for Owerri Zone because I am the only aspirant from Okigwe Zone that must compulsorily do only one term and then hand over to Owerri Zone. There is nothing sacrosanct about that arrangement but at the same time, it does not require rocket science for us to solve the problem once and for all. Our people are still very much desirous of equity. They are still very conscious of the need to restore it, contrary to what the likes of Okorocha say. I can tell you that the main reason why Imolites on the whole are resisting the imposition of Okorocha’s son-in-law is because it would further compound the equity issue. The aspect of being a close family relative is secondary. Imo people want equity restored in the state and I insist that my going back to do a second term is strategic to that. I can enter a formal greement that I will hand over to an Owerri Zone fellow. You must have heard of the affidavit I swore on what I will do for the people of the state if I am re-elected as governor in part one of the affidavit. In part two, I dwelt on the matter of equity very elaborately and that power will naturally go to Owerri zone after my tenure. My aspiration offers the state the brightest opportunity to resolve the matter of equity once and for all. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
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FEATURES
Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430
Raising Globally-competitive Students Peace Obi writes on the effort by Bridge House College to nurture students that can hold their own anywhere in the world through the 'sixth form college' model
A cross section of the graduands
"T
hink local, act global” is a promotional mantra for the local content law in Nigeria. But it is also a catchphrase that can be applied to Bridge House College (BHC), Ikoyi, Lagos. BHC is an institution born of the desire to bridge the gap in the quality of education, which often cause Nigerian parents to send their children abroad, to the Ivy League colleges, in their quest for the best educational qualifications. BHC higher education or sixth form education was born to curtail capital flight, and reduce brain drain.
BHC as Service Provider
It was in response to the need for global standards anchored on the sixth form college system that a number of schools and other educational service providers in the country, including BHC, rose to the occasion. The school has thus far helped parents narrow the gap in making a choice as regards to the quality and standard of sixth form education for their kids. At the school’s 14th annual lecture and prize giving ceremony held recently, there was a general expression of satisfaction by parents and guardians regarding the quality of education received by their kids and wards. The college in its 2018 prize giving ceremony sent forth 170 flag bearers into a new phase of life and responsibility. Realising the appreciable transformation that has taken place in the lives of the youths which left them academically, physically and psychologically ready to take on the future, the parents could not but show their appreciation. For the fresh graduates, their experiences and the overall outcome of their stay at BHC can be likened to that of a beautiful design by an experienced potter. To many, their blurry academic path got lightened up, leading to the discovery of who they are and what they should become.
to encourage and support the institution, adding that it is globally competitive. He said, "I am very impressed and I am proud of this college. That is why my children are in this school. We must patronise our own. Before I brought my son to this school, I checked all over and I found out that it is a good school known for its quality anywhere in the world. We (Nigerians) must do more to encourage them because what we have in BHC is comparable if not better than what you may find outside the country. More importantly, the school is located here in Nigeria. You have the opportunity to see your child maybe every weekend or every month. You know what is involved when they are outside the country, more importantly, they are getting a quality education that truly prepares them for the future.” In his advice to the graduating students, the BUA CEO urged them to desist from all forms of social vices. He warned the youths to shun the enticing but destructive path of drugs. According to him, millions of destinies have been destroyed by illicit drug consumption. He called on the youths to be good ambassadors of their families, school, and country. He counselled, "Wherever you find yourselves, you must continue to be an excellent ambassador of your family, your school and more importantly, be a good ambassador of our great country, Nigeria."
College Ambassador
In the words of the college ambassador, Abubakar Gobir, "I was the most unlikely candidate for the position of college ambassador. I came to Bridge House College in 2016, a confused boy with average grades. Now, I leave as a young adult with an acute sense of direction and purpose to achieve my future potential. For me and for many of us, our time here has equipped us for a tough life ahead and
Wise Counsel
Chairman/CEO, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, CON, who chaired the occasion, noted that the 2018 graduation ceremony was a celebration of true success. Rabiu, whose son was among the 2018 graduating class, congratulated the graduates and commended them for their academic prowess that has earned them laurels, scholarships, and admission into different universities and other institutions of higher learning in and around the world. The business mogul also commended the BHC management for a sustainable tradition of churning out world-class leaders annually. He stated that the college is a suitable representative of Nigeria's local content in education. In a chat with THISDAY, the BUA Group CEO disclosed that his attraction to BHC was its standard and quality of education. He noted that his discovery while searching for a good sixth form college within and outside the country proved that Nigeria is truly blessed in BHC. Rabiu called on Nigerians
Growing up, the highest paying jobs were such professions like medicine, law and engineering, but today, the highest paying jobs are in web development, artificial intelligence and the Internet space. They are in the space of virtual reality
has provided the experience required for us to be able to conquer any challenge we may encounter in the future. Bridge House provides a representation of the diversity and dynamism of any world-class educational institution around the world."
Generational Flag Bearers
The guest speaker, Founder/CEO of Rise Network, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, delivering a lecture titled, "Be a Flag Bearer for your Generation," told the graduates that they must be different, despite coming from a society that believes so much in stereotypes. She noted that the world is earnestly waiting for the manifestation of a people with the needed capacity to drive development and proffer sustainable solutions for the world's diverse needs. According to the social entrepreneur, the graduates must realise that their own generation depends on them for the new discoveries, inventions, and creations needed to run the changing world. Adding that they must set aside rules that currently exist in the world to be truly flag bearers of their generation, she said it is important the youths know that there is no box anymore anywhere in the world and that they can't afford to fit into any box. Encouraging them to appreciate the changing nature of life, time and seasons, she said, "Growing up, the highest paying jobs were with such professions like medicine, law and engineering, but today, the highest paying jobs are in web development, artificial intelligence and Internet. They are in the space of virtual reality. So, the reality of your generation is interestingly different from my own reality and that of your parents. So, you cannot follow the rules that currently exist in today's world, because you have got to break and amend them if you must stand out in life." Speaking specifically to the girls, Akerele-Ogunsiji urged them to aim high and never allow themselves to be trapped in activities and affairs that will undermine the huge potentials inherent in them. "To the young girls, there is no reward for being a slay queen because men marry wives while guys date chicks and slay queen,” she stated.
Pathway to Relevance
One of the speakers, Ronke Onodeko, in her speech, encouraged the graduates to remain to remain focused in life. She told the graduates that they will achieve enviable heights in life if they have a positive attitude to life, be willing to learn, solve problems, avoid procrastination, build and nurture relationships. Onodeko said, "They are places where you are going to find peace and money. Let me also let you know that money comes from the identification of a problem and finding an ingenious sustainable solution to that challenge. People who are making a lot of money from movies, music, and entertainment generally found or stumbled upon the space when Nigeria was lacking in entertainment. So, what is that you are going to be known uniquely for? What is
that problem you can identify and find a sustainable solution to? That is the beginning of your wealth, riches, your uniqueness and your future."
Nuggets of Wisdom
The guest of honour, the wife of former governor of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, counselled the graduates to embrace their new phase of life with every sense of responsibility, duty and commitment required of them to excel. Warning them to carefully select their friends, Fashola said they should endeavour to make a checklist that will guide their vision in life. She said, “Make a checklist and every day you go through it. Remember those things you post on the Internet is part of it; they don't just disappear. Now, that you are going into the world, remember those values that have been inculcated in you from home, school, and religious places. Remember the child of whom you are. Remember also that every enemy was once a friend. Those things you cannot freely tell anybody, don't do it. Please share your problem by finding somebody you can always talk to."
Scholarship
Delighted with the 2018 graduating class outstanding records, the Executive Director of BHC, Mrs. Foluke Abdul-Rasaq said that the college was happy to celebrate the 170 young, determined, energetic, very brilliant and resourceful young adults who have successfully completed their courses of study. She hinted that most of the graduates had already secured admission to some of the best universities in the world, adding that the college had no doubt on their ability to maintain impressive academic records wherever they go. "They have been well equipped here to face the academic and co-curricular challenges ahead. We are confident that they will all make positive impressions on their professors and colleagues wherever they go. They have imbibed the Bridge House spirit of academic excellence, enterprise, and discipline. We are particularly proud of our six students who recently received scholarship offers from 13 universities and still counting. Indeed, one student has garnered more than eight US university scholarship offers, each worth $58,000 a year. It is noteworthy that comparatively, Bridge House Students have consistently received more scholarship offers than other peer-institutions", she enthused. The college administrator, Carmen Latty, in her advice to the graduates, said, "We have fully equipped you to succeed in university and identify career; you must go and claim the highest laurels whilst making a positive change to the destiny and direction of this country and indeed, the world. I pray that very soon you will walk into any award ceremony, anywhere in the world and receive an award of excellence, or a standing ovation, not because you are the most eloquent speaker but because of hard work, discipline and determination and ambition, you excelled in your chosen profession to universal acclaim."
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PERSPECTIVE
Technical and Vocational Education as Imperative for Youth Empowerment
I
t is indeed a great pleasure to return to this great institution, an intellectual haven that molded me in the very best traditions of research, leadership, administration, the arts, understanding of the values of life and the centrality of human progress as the measure of labour. I would like to thank the National President of our Alumni Association, Dr. Kemi Emina for the invitation to deliver this lecture today. I acknowledge the outstanding leadership that our Alumni Association has provided to Nigeria and the contributions that it continues to make to the growth and development of the University of Ibadan – Nigeria’s premier university. Before I make my comments on the importance of technical and vocational education, please permit me to make some preliminary comments: Firstly, the notion of youth empowerment implies a deliberate commitment of government to involve the youth in the socio-economic and political development of the Nation. Unfortunately, despite the continuous “youth agenda� propaganda, not much has been achieved since independence even under civilian rule. Most of the hundreds of skills acquisition programmes in the country are disconnected from the evolution of the labour market demand as well as the societal evolution of the country. Few states have realized this and are taking steps to develop robust technical and vocational programs. The fundamental reasons for this rather low level of youth involvement include policy inconsistency and the lack of a disciplined planning process. Today, we have an army of unemployed, underemployed and unemployable youths that threaten both national stability and security. We are now faced with the reality of what to do with them and for them. Secondly, a response to the youth challenge requires credible leadership. Leadership must, through policy, programmes and politics, critically insert itself into the realities of our young people with an understanding of their needs, peculiarities, expectations and aspirations. Such leadership, in collaboration with the private sector should be tasked with the development and implementation of a sustainable roadmap which transcends personalities and regimes. This establishes a firm basis for sustainability, innovation, mass participation, and development of relevant programs. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, we have neglected technical and vocational education for far too long. The discrimination that polytechnic graduates still suffer after graduation is a clear illustration of this situation. Many technical schools have been converted to regular schools to produce all sorts of “certificates�. Others are simply glorified institutions with nothing technical about them; certainly not in the curriculum, not in technology nor in the faculties, facility and general infrastructure. In this way, we have gradually lost the vision and mission of producing a cadre of skilled young Nigerians to perform technical responsibilities in government, industry and general services. It is no wonder therefore, that many foreign investors bring their own staff using legal and underhand tactics to comply with or evade the quota system for expatriate labour. In other cases, Nigeria-based businesses are forced to spend huge sums of money recruiting and re-training graduates. We may all be familiar with the fact that if you require the services of good tailors today you go the Republic of Benin or Ghana. When you want to build a gazebo in your compound, roof a house or lay tiles, the recommendations we receive are for skilled artisans from neighbouring countries. In similar vein, many of us have patronized hotels, restaurants, shops, carpenters, welders, and mechanics in contemporary Nigeria. In many cases, the service you receive must have brought you close to tears and at great cost. This is because, many of these artisans received peripheral apprenticeship with a so-called master and “graduate� with no proper certifications or experience. This is a further illustration of the predicament we have found ourselves in Nigeria today. The manifestation of the institutional failure to provide jobs for our teeming youths has become a critical push factor in the current phenomenon of human trafficking and irregular migration. As you might be aware, Edo State was almost becoming synonymous with human trafficking. Today, the story is different. We have admitted that it is our challenge. From our investigations we now have a better understanding of the root causes, the push and pull factors, etcetera. Our analysis and research from the data that we have gathered have assisted us tremendously in understanding the size, scope, demographics, travel routes and the communities most prone to trafficking. In other words, we now have a better understanding of how complex the problem is.
Obaseki
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, amongst other findings, it became obvious that the absence of a robust, well-modeled and adequately monitored technical and vocational system to offer opportunities for youths to get decent work and jobs is a key factor responsible for the massive movement of young people abroad in search of greener pastures. In recent times, over 50,000 young men and women have left Edo State for Europe making the perilous journey through war-torn Libya, the Mediterranean Sea and on to Europe. We estimate that over 15% of them may have died in the course of the journey. Of the over 3,500 that have returned so far, many remain traumatized with tales of woe and frustration. While it is true that there are other pressure points that tend to push our young people to other lands, the fact remains that as a nation, we have failed to provide hope for a better future for our young people who constitute the majority of our population.
Edo State: Technical and Vocational Education as Priority
Around the world, countries have been able to enjoy comparative advantage in productivity and economic growth as a result of the strength of their Education systems. The Nigeria solution to technical and vocational education has been articulated in various documents such as the National Policy on Education, the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) and Vision 20:2020. The strategy expands the role of education as an investment tool for economic, social and political development to include education as: 1) An aggregate tool of empowerment of the poor, and the socially marginalized groups; 2) An effective means of developing the full capacities and potential of human resource, and 3) The development of a competent work force through the acquisition of practical life skills relevant to the world of work as a veritable means of developing sound intelligent learning societies, fit and relevant to the 21st century. To achieve this, the transformative nature of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) became apparent. Consequently, the mission and vision of TVET was defined to cover: i. Technical Colleges ii. Vocational Enterprise Institutions (VEIS) iii. National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF) If properly implemented, TVET was expected to offer compatibility between labor demand and labor supply because Technical Education that emphasizes acquisition of skills as well as vocational knowledge would offer our youths empowerment for self-reliance, self-determination, economic and financial independence and economic development of the society. Unfortunately the aspiration of TVET has been thwarted over the years by: r-BDL PG GVOEJOH r1PPS CBTJD FEVDBUJPO r-BDL PG GBDJMJUJFT JOTUSVDUJPOBM NBUFSJBMT FRVJQment, tools for teaching r /PODIBMBOU BUUJUVEF r7BOEBMJTN PG FRVJQNFOU UPPMT CZ CPUI UIF beneficiaries and community inhabitants.
Edo State Strategy:
The State Government has designed a development strategy based on widespread consultation with stakeholders. The 6 thematic pillars in that
strategy are r*OTUJUVUJPOBM 3FGPSN m FNQIBTJ[JOH USBOTQBSency, accountability and building human capacity, systems and processes r&DPOPNJD 3FWPMVUJPO VUJMJ[JOH PVS SJDI endowments and comparative advantages to drive economic growth in areas like agriculture, services and manufacturing r*OGSBTUSVDUVSF %FWFMPQNFOU m UP FOIBODF NPCJMJUZ of goods and people and improve economic and social efficiencies r4PDJP XFMGBSF &OIBODFNFOU m UP NBLF RVBOUVN leaps in education, health and other services to ensure inclusive growth and support the weak. r&OWJSPONFOUBM 4VTUBJOBCJMJUZ m UP QSPUFDU PVS environment particularly our forest endowment r$VMUVSF BOE 5PVSJTN m VTF PVS SJDI DVMUVSF and history to Place Edo as Nigeria’s foremost tourism destination To fulfill these pillars, we have, as a government, undertaken several ground-breaking action and initiatives over the last 20 months since I took over the governance of Edo State. Amongst the multitude of actions, policies and programs, those that have multiplier effects in stimulating the economy and attracting private investments include, the design and the development of a 996 hectares Industrial Park and development of the Benin River port. We have also successfully launched a new industrial program including revision of incentives to investors, introduced technology in revenue collection, established a Public Private Partnership “PPP� office and an Edo Investment Promotion Bureau, initiating an Ease of Doing Business campaign. During my electioneering campaign, I promised the people of Edo State that I would invest heavily in Education and to create a minimum of 200,000 jobs by 2020. In order to fulfil my election campaign, we need to reverse the trend of unemployment of our youths and must equip them with skills to fulfill investors’ demand. Our plan is to utilize the potential of TVET for youth empowerment, therefore the Edo State government has ensured that we accord high priority to technical education in our reform agenda. This was expressed clearly to stakeholders when in my first day in office as the Governor of Edo State, I paid a visit to the Government Science and Technical College in Benin City. To overcome the challenges with TVET I have highlighted above, we have undertaken a wellarticulated approach to the challenge. In February 2017, we held a major workshop with stakeholders from within and beyond the state. We discussed the critical issues on how to reposition technical and vocational education in the state. Next, we conducted a state-wide assessment of vocational schools. We found out that many of such centers claiming to be offering catering, hairdressing and related courses were just camps for human trafficking. We are closing down such institutions and have already begun repurposing them (converting their programs using self-sustaining models in partnership with the private sector). Critically, we have proceeded to close and redesign the Government Science and Technical College in Benin, and we are currently rebuilding it to reflect contemporary requirements for a full-fledged technical college. The World Bank being impressed by these strides has contributed 1.2 Million Dollars (400 Million Naira) to this project and is set to invest an additional 2.7 Million Dollars (1 Billion Naira) in the coming year. We are also carrying out surgical restructurings of the tertiary institutions that provide such educational opportunities. We shut down the state-owned College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, paid-off the staff and sent the students on Internships with large corporations such as Presco, Okomu, and Leventis. The Government pays them N20,000 monthly while on the Internship. In the meantime, we are restructuring the curriculum, rebuilding the institution and upgrading the facilities, and will be recruiting truly qualified faculty for the new three campuses of the College of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi (Edo South), Uromi (Edo Central) and Agenebode (Edo North). Incidentally, we are involving the private sector in the design and management of the programmes of the Colleges. Similarly, the Edo State Polytechnic in Usen (formerly Institute of Management and Technology) is being repositioned to teach relevant courses that will enhance the employability status of each graduate. We have put in place a new management and we are in the process of redesigning the entire institution to serve the needs of the state and the private sector. These are just some of the steps that we have adopted to privilege technical and vocational education training in Edo State. We realize that if the foundation on which the educational system is weak, we cannot produce
students who are technically strong. Therefore we are transforming Basic education in Edo State through EDO – BEST (Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation). In Edo BEST we are overhauling our entire basic education by retraining our teachers, improving the governance of our schools and utilizing technology to improve both pedagogy and learning. In order to further create stronger linkages between industry and job seekers. One of the first initiatives of my government was to create “EdoJobs�, an initiative that has now evolved into a Skills Development Centre. The objective was first, to obtain data on the numbers, qualifications, location, and interests of Edo youths. Second, was to provide training and employability support, and the third was to match the trained youths with private sector employers through the new synergy we have established. So far, over 45,000 jobs have been created through self-employment or placements with the private sector. We are also liaising with the private sector in Edo to build a direct linkage between the schools and their skills requirement. We are inviting the private sector to be part of the development of a new program for instruction and training; support technological innovation; and create opportunities for internship and eventually recruitment. Edo State is emphasizing practical, skills-based certifications. We are not only going to ensure that the schools have accreditation, but we are also planning to ensure that the students write the international examinations to acquire global certifications. This way, those that wish to travel abroad can do so legally and be sure that they can find gainful employment abroad. In this way, we check human trafficking and irregular migration. These are just some of the steps that we have adopted to privilege technical and vocational education training in Edo State. I have said it severally that if I have N100 to spend on Education, I will allocate N40 to technical and vocational education, N20 to basic education, and N40 to tertiary education. The point is not that we do not appreciate the importance of other levels, rather, it is to underscore the critical position of TVET to my government. Over the years, TVET simply slipped off the education map and coupled with poor public perception in the country, it became neglected. In Edo State, we are changing the narrative and in couple of years, the results will become obvious. Edo State has signed an MOU with the Nigerian Institute of Welding to support our technical colleges and help re-train most of the artisans with no certifications. This will be extended to other sectors where we plan to provide opportunity for skills update for artisans and give them the needed certifications to enhance their businesses.
Conclusion
For us in Edo State, we are determined to bridge the skills-gap in our market. We recognize that to solve the unemployment challenge, we need to encourage people to look more at technical and vocational training to empower themselves. We also recognize that we need to do a lot of work to change public perception about TVET. One way of doing this is to give it full public support, redesign the institutions and programs and put them under qualified management. In addition, we have deliberately set out to work in partnership with the private sector so that our demand-driven strategy will promote higher options of employment for our products. Through our economic programs, we hope to expand our economic activities to also absorb those that opt for self-employment. We are working to ensure that such graduates are provided with starter-packs and soft loans to enable them to establish their businesses. Lean resources cannot be the excuse for not prioritizing and investing in technical and vocational education training. Leaders must take it upon themselves to change the wrong public perception. There are no more government jobs available to absorb the thousands of graduations that our higher institutions produce every year. If we truly want to work for peace, stability, growth and development in the interest of our people and nation, this is the time to wake up and reposition TVET in Nigeria. For us in Edo State, we have recognized the challenges and we are confronting them frontally. If we succeed in Edo State, it may inspire similar transformations elsewhere. We are open to new ideas and I urge you all to think of innovative ways to assist us to meet our goals to serve our country. I thank you for listening. -Being a Lecture delivered by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the 2018 National Alumni Lecture of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, in Trenchard Hall, Ibadan, on Friday, August 3, 2018.
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IMAGES
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Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×
L-R: Jury, 5th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Joett from Kenya; President/CEO, Mike Dada and Head of Culture, Africa Union (AU), Angela Martins, during a world press conference to announce the nominees for 2018 All Africa Music Awards, in Lagos...recently
L-R: Director, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),Eze Obasi; Director General, Mamman Ahmadu and Director, procurement Power Sector, Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Ahmed Abdu, during a workshop on Public Procurement Process for designated procurement officers in Directorate Cadre and Head of Procurement in Federal Government Agencies and Parastatals for the Implementation of 2018 Budget, in Abuja…recently
L-R; Head of Technical, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jean Robert Thouanel; Head of Legal/Corporate Communications, Mr. Andrew Enahoro; and DG of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr. Babatunde Irukera when the Council paid an unscheduled visit to Promasidor at its headquarters in Isolo, Lagos…recently
R-L; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun;Celebrant, Mr Akintola William; ICAN President, Alhaji Razak Jaiyeola; Chief Bode Emmanuel and Otunba Subomi Balogun at the 99th Birthday of Mr Akintola William, Doyen of Accountancy in Africa in Lagos...recently
L-R: Administrator National Judicial Institute, Justice Roseline Bozimo; Deputy Director Finance and Account NJI, Mr. Laminu Ashemi; and Deputy Director Audit NJI, Mr.Hudsaid Yunus; during the national workshop for director of finance and internal auditors in Abuja...recently Photo: Kingsley Adeboyey
L-R: Founder/CEO, Call To Love Initiative, Wunmi Benson-Ajila; Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Abdulrasheed Onibudo and Executive Director, Call To Love Initiative, Sesan Sulaiman, flanked by some beneficiaries of the “Making A Difference with Education” Summer Camp, organised by Call To Love Initiative, in Lagos…recently
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L R ; Chairman Oyo State Education Trust Fund,Dr.Mrs Onikepo Akande; Principal, Government Technical College Ogbomoso,Mr.Adetunji Adebiyi; Executive Secretary, Trust Fund,Mrs Yetunde Fatoki and Zonal Inspector of Oyo State Education Trust Fund,Mr.Samuel Oloko during the Inspection of Renovations Works going on at the Government Technical College, Ogbomoso by the Oyo State Education Trust Fund...recently PHOTO: FELIX ADEMOLA
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BUSINESSWORLD
Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078, 08091152219
ÍŻ ÍŽ Ëœ Ëœ Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ Íś MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT
REPO 9.25 % 8.42 %
CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH
7.17% 10.24 % 11%
S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE
355.72% -0.03% 0.18%
S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE
0.43% 7.96%
EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎ʹ˚ͯ ̊ ̊
Quick Takes LSETF Renews Commitment to Training
PROMOTING MASS TRANSIT
L-R: Managing Director, Kedari Capital Limited, Abolaji Nurudeen; Manager, Customer Service, Hewlett-Packard, Jennifer Odia; Director, HIS Plc, Olusegun Akeini; Managing Director, Purpledot Media Services, Atuche Patrick; Managing Director, Somtoc Together Limited, Ugockwu Tochukwu and Managing Director, Hedgestone Capital Partners, Akinwale Rotimi, during an MoU signing ceremony to provide affordable mass transit for commuters, with Heritage Bank Plc as the banker, at an event that took place in Lagos‌recently
FG Urged to Develop Informal Sector Obinna Chima The federal government has been advised to tilt towards an informal driven economy to create more employment and significantly reduce poverty. Lagos-based Financial Derivatives Company Limited gave the advice in its latest economic bulletin. The formal sector of the economy, which represents the aggregate output, grew by 0.8 per cent in 2017. It involves economic activities undertaken by individuals and organizations, which are not subject to full government regulations. Such activities include photography, catering, hairdressing, motorcycle services, tailoring, fashion designing, carpentry, painting, etc. This part of the economy is particularly large in Nigeria, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimating it to constitute about 60 per cent of the entire Nigerian economy. Therefore, the report stressed the need for a new approach to developing the sector to spur
ECONOMY job creation. Nigeria is now the country with the highest number of extreme poor persons with 87 million Nigerians in abject poverty. “This is disheartening, but true. The country officially overtook India which has 73 million of its population living in poverty. “It is noteworthy that India’s poverty numbers appear more benign than Nigeria’s due to its high population. With an estimated population of 1.3 billion, 5.26 per cent of Indians live in extreme poverty. By comparison, 45 per cent of Nigerians live in extreme poverty,� it explained. It stressed that the poverty situation in Nigeria was unarguably worrisome and demands urgent policies that boost employment and aggregate income. “Meanwhile, the weak growth in the formal economy suggests that employment in this space
will be relatively inadequate to reduce poverty. The sector grew by 0.8 per cent in 2017. “In fact, employment in Nigeria’s formal sector does not guarantee a break from extreme poverty. The sector currently offers a minimum wage of N18,000 ($50), which translates to an average daily income of $1.67, still below the poverty threshold of $1.9 per day. “The informal economy by contrast has grown faster in size at an annual average rate of about 8.5 per cent between 2015 and 2017. Growing Nigeria’s informal economy would require skills development, cheaper credit accessibility and improved power supply,� it added. But, it noted that working in the informal sector remains attractive due to the ease attached to operations as a result of the absence of a bureaucratic regulatory framework, and little or no formal educational requirements. “At times, even Nigerians with high formal education
find employment in the informal economy when well- paid formal sector jobs are unavailable. “The big size of this economy, the inevitable demand for their goods and services and the ease attached to working therein, could be a strategic consideration for Nigeria to raise employment. “This growth in the informal sector and an increase in employment would imply higher household income and lower poverty in Nigeria. “Nigerian government policies are typically lopsided in favor of the formal economy. The most notable of the current administration’s policies corroborate this. “In the quest for economic diversification from oil, the government has given priority to solid minerals and agricultural sectors,� it added. It stressed the need to consider the development of informal skills amongst Nigeria’s workingage population. With this, according to the report, the government could creContinued on page 24
NCC May Revoke InfraCos’ Licence over Rollout Breach Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has warned that it would not hesitate to revoke the operational licences of Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) that fail to roll out services beyond the stipulated timeframe of service rollout. The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta who gave the warning recently, said the InfraCos had timeframe for rollout and can never be held for ever, without any attempt to begin the rollout plans.
ICT “Any operator who do not deploy after one year, risk the chances of getting its licence revoked. Although he recognised the fact that most InfraCos were faced with some challenges, which could negatively affect rollout plan, he however said they were yet to take full advantage of the subsidy initiative of the NCC, which allows them to benefit from the money that NCC set aside as subsidy for rollout.
“We have subsidy in the budget that has been approved by the National Assembly to the tune of N3 billion for the InfraCos to access, and so far, no InfraCos has accessed it. The subsidy is well captured in the budget, stipulating what the money is budgeted for, but the InfraCos are yet to access the subsidy. “We even reached an agreement on interest to be paid by the NCC if it fails to honour subsidy payment, which is a seven per cent interest, yet no InfraCos has accessed the subsidy,� Danbatta said.
According to hm, in order to address some of the challenges hindering broadband infrastructure rollout, the NCC addressed State Governors at the Governor’s Forum some time ago, and introduced to all the governors, InfraCos licenced to cover their zones. “After the introduction, we prevailed on the governors not to allow any licensee to deploy in the zones they were not licensed to operate. Since the engagement with the governors, I have not heard any complain from InfraCos Continued on page 24
The changing nature of work in the 21st century is one of the most important concerns of the day, especially with the rising cost of living and population in a rapidly urbanising megacity like Lagos. In this vein, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),recently introduced the Employability Support Project, to improve the pool of skilled and employable manpower in Lagos and alleviatetheacuteshortageofemployablelabourintheconstruction, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality entertainment and garment makingsectors.Thefreevocationaltraining,accordingtoastatement from the fund, provides free four to eight weeks vocational training to Lagos residents who are either unemployed or underemployed and also works towards placing successful trainees in jobs after training. “Already, a good number of trainees have been placed in jobs and large organisations have indicated interest in hiring trained and certiďŹ ed candidates from the programme.
Nokia Releases New Smartphones
HMD Global, makers of Nokia phones has announced the launch of Nokia 5.1 and Nokia 2.1, which are available to buy from accredited dealers in Nigeria for N67, 000 and N32, 000 respectively from 20th August, 2018 Oering access to the latest Google services, such as the Google Assistant, the duo of smartphones continues to deliver a pure, secure and up-to-date Android experience with Android One and Android Go, combined with the premium craftsmanship and design expected from a Nokia smartphone and the performance to match. GeneralManager,HMDGlobalWest,EastandCentralAfrica,Joseph Umunakwe, said, “We are encouraged by the response that we are getting to our products. Our consumers tell us they love their Nokia smartphones on Android. “It is our constant endeavour to enhance the experience to better suit the everyday needs of our fans. Every single detail on a Nokia smartphone has been designed with consumers in mind, which is why we are delighted to introduce these reďŹ ned smartphones that deliver a dramatic step up on performance, continue to drive the most premium design elements to price points accessible to everyone and deliver the class-leading quality that you expect from us.
MTN Ghana to Pay Ponzi Victims
MTNGhanahasannouncedthatithasďŹ nalisedmodalitiestodisburse ¢12.288 million to victims of Savannah Brokerage Investment (SBI) limited. A statement by the telecoms giant stated that the decision was taken after management met with the representatives of victims of the Ponzi scheme, the Ghana Police and the Bank of Ghana. MTN uncovered the suspected Ponzi scheme a few months ago and took steps to safeguard the interest of its customers by reporting the case to the regulator and the Police. MTN was then authorised to freeze the wallet for investigations to be conducted. AccordingtoMTN,thepolicehavesinceinitiatedaprocesstosecure a court order to unfreeze the wallets to facilitate the disbursement. Out of the money to be disbursed, ¢12.096 million remains the actual amount frozen by the Mobile Money limited with ¢192,297 million being the interest generated over the period. MTN after the meeting with the stakeholders also set up a guide on how to disburse the funds. This includes those who invested and have not received any payments.
Luno DemystiďŹ es Cryptocurrencies
Luno, one of the leading global cryptocurrency company with presence in Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to make the business of cryptocurrencies a lot easier and safe, just as the company announced its two millionth customers, part of which are from Nigeria. Luno makes it safe and easy to buy, store and learn about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The company is committed to demystifying cryptocurrencies by educating their customers on the risks and beneďŹ ts associated with this exciting new technology.
“The journey to digital economy is tough but the best way to go about it is to detach self from analogue to become digital and imbibe the digital culture that would make the county develop. Governments at all levels must equip schools with the right technology in today’s digital world Chairman, Zinox Group
Leo-Stan Ekeh
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FG URGED TO DEVELOP INFORMAL SECTOR ate and sponsor well-equipped platforms that bring individuals who intend to learn skills and corresponding experts together. “In addition to skill acquisition, workers in Nigeria’s informal economy have raised concerns over credit accessibility. New graduates from the would-be government skills development institutions are expected to be faced with the same challenge. “These workers mostly require funds to acquire tools and equipment that are either fundamental to their operations and/or necessary for them to carry out their activities more easily. “Addressing power infrastructure challenges demands huge capital requirements and takes a long time to materialise. However, a short-term focus on maximising gas availability would be a good start. “Maximising gas availability could result in significant benefits, not just for the informal economy, but Nigeria as a whole. “In the meantime, the government could focus on securing an adequate supply of gas to power stations. This could draw actual power output closer to its potential pending the time the country sees other significant investments that could raise capacity,� it stated. NCC MAY REVOKE INFRACOS’ LICENCE OVER ROLLOUT BREACH on their challenges. I am aware there could be some challenges by they have not official complained to the NCC about their challenges. “When challenges are brought to us, we will be able to listen to the operators and address them accordingly, Danbatta added. The broadband implementation committee is aware of the window of opportunity given to the operators to access broadband subsidy, but the operators are also aware that NCC would not just give subsidy without seeing substantial level of work done by the InfraCos. They must show evidence of ongoing rollout plan before they can benefit from the subsidy, Danbatta said.
Group Business Editor
Obinna Chima
Capital Market Editor
ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă? AgriBusiness/Industry Editor
Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ äĂ? Comms/e-Business Editor
Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Senior Correspondent
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Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ ĂœĂ™Ă•Ă? (Labour) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Cap Mkt) ÔÓÙĂ?Ă™Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? (Energy) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÔÙ (Nation’s Capital) Reporters
Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (Maritime)
Report Highlights How Women Can Boost Nigeria’s Economy Stories by Emma Okonji “We know that when women reporting the use of such Facebook’s research also stage of their life –with women Women who want to start showed that among those likely over 55 being less likely to start do better, economies do better, tools was put at 83 per cent their own businesses have to start a business, not sure a business followed by those and with the right support, compared to 74 per cent for the potential to boost the of how to get started was 32 between 35-44, the report said. tools and trainings in place, males. The report said a slightly Analysing the report, Nigerian women entrepreneurs Nigerian economy by N19.7 per cent, not feeling prepared billion, according to research or ready was 30 per cent and Facebook SMB Sales Manager can, and will be able to compete higher proportion of female business managers that reported lack of access to premises or EMEA, Abi Williams, said, on a global level.â€? released by Facebook. In terms of the use of online the use of online tools to enable The study, conducted by equipment is 26 per cent, “Facebook recognises how Development Economists explaining that they are the important women are in tools to facilitate the sale of customers to pay for products on behalf of Facebook, also key reasons holding them back building stable economies, and products or services to potential or services was 39 per cent the potential impact of this in customers, the proportion of for females compared to 37 revealed that if the number of from taking this step. This impact women at every Nigeria is encouraging to see. female managers in Nigeria per cent for males. women who said they were ‘very likely’ to start a business did so, which is put at 44 per cent, this would create over seven million new businesses within four years and over 8.9 million jobs within five years. Compared to men, women are more likely to be interested in setting up businesses in Food & Drink, which is put at 30 per cent, Tourism & Leisure, 13 per cent, Lifestyle 10 per cent and Business Services 10 per cent. The motivations for women wanting to set-up a business also varies, with financial gains among the highest at 56 per cent, followed by wanting to create job opportunities for family or other people at 45 per cent, those wanting to work around family commitments, 40 per cent and those wanting to be their own boss, 39 per cent. According to the report, lack of access to finance, which ranked 36 per cent, was cited Financial Manager, theTrust Hospital, Ghana, Mr. Wise Letsa; Member of Faculty, Lagos Business School (LBS), Dr. Obinna Mugboh, Professor as the main barrier to women of Strategy, LBS, Prof Chris Ogbechie; Teaching Assistant, Management Development Institute (MDI), Mr. Oscar Vetsi and President, setting up independently. Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Mrs. Claire Omatseye, at the opening of the LBS and MDI programme that took place in Lagos‌recently
DISCUSSING HEALTHCARE
‘Nigeria Needs Harmonised Charges on RoW to Deepen Broadband Penetration’ Excited that Nigeria has currently attained 22 per cent broadband penetration, up from the 10 per cent in 2012, the Chief Executive Officer of Phase3 Telecom, Mr. Stanley Jegede has said the country can still meet up with its 30 per cent broadband penetration target as contained in the National Broadband Policy, if only the governments of all states of the federation, adhere to the recent N145/metre length charge on Right of Way (RoW). Jegede, who was responding to a recent interview granted THISDAY by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, commended the NCC for its role in ensuring ubiqui-
tous broadband penetration in the country at affordable rate, but insisted that the NCC must prevail on state governments to adhere to the agreed N145/ metre length charge on RoW, if the country must attain the planned 30 per cent broadband penetration by the end of the year. “What Nigeria needs is harmonisation of Right of Way to deepen broadband penetration in the country. The NCC has been able to reach agreement with the state governments on a fee of N145/mitre length for RoW, which is a good development. States must therefore adhere to this harmonised fee and stop their indiscriminate charges on RoW, which oftentimes, affect
the bottom-line of telecoms operations. “The fees and levies are so outrageous that they impede faster broadband deployment, and unless the harmonised fee is strictly adhered to by all state governments, the country will continue to suffer slower broadband penetration. “We see telecoms operators struggling to ensure they achieve faster broadband rollout, but they are always faced by the challenge of arbitrary charges in RoW and multiple taxation from state governments and their agencies,� Jegede said. Nigerians wants connectivity that is affordable and the only way to achieve it is
through harmonised billing system, he added. Head, Corporate Communications at Phase3 Telecom, Morayo Nwabufo said, “Our dream is to turn smaller communities into ICT hubs and make our cities to become smart cities that are fully connected, and this can only be achieved if we have harmonised billing system for RoW. “If this is not achieved, arbitrary charges on RoW would continue to increase cost of operation and cost of broadband deployment, which of course will affect broadband penetration across the country.� Listing the operational cost of deploying broadband, Nwabufo said, “We are faced with cost of importation of fibre equipment,
since they are not produced in Nigeria, cost of transmitting capacity from one location to another, cost of deployment and logistics, and all these costs add to the overall cost of broadband deployment.� Should Nigeria maintains harmonised RoW charges, it will help telecoms operators like Phase3 Telecom to roll out its fibre optic broadband infrastructure to more areas in the county, thus giving more access to connectivity to a majority of people and business, Nwabufo said, adding that ubiquitous access to broadband, will help in providing additional solutions that will help organisations succeed in their business, especially in rural communities.
CPN to Facilitate Accreditation of Computer Science Dept at OOU The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), an arm of government responsible for the registration and practice of computer professionals in Nigeria, is worried about the continued existence of computer science programmes at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OAU), under the Department of Mathematical Sciences, instead of standing alone as a full fledged department. The lecturers and students of the mathematical science department, especially those who are computer science
majors, are equally worried about the situation, and have reached out to CPN to address the situation, which they described as abnormal, compared to what is obtainable in other universities across the country that offer computer science programmes. According to some of the students that spoke with THISDAY, the fusion of computer science with mathematics and statistics under the department of Mathematical Sciences, was a misfit for Computer Science majors.
The students had in the past, expressed their dissatisfaction over the continued merger of computer science students with those of Mathematics and Statistics, and had called for a separation and possible accreditation, but nothing was done about it. THISDAY gathered that such request that was made by the students some years ago could not sail through because there was no lecturer from the computer science section of the Mathematical Department that qualified to become the
Head of Department (HOD) of Mathematical Sciences, a position that had always been occupied by either a professor from Mathematics or Statistics. Nobody to fight and push the case of computer science major, even though they had always had the largest number of students in the entire department. The computer science section of the department has not produced a professor in computer science since the inception of the school, hence it has no powerful force to fight for separation of
the sector and make it a full fledged department, THISDAY further gathered. In order to address the situation and probably make it a full-fledged department that will be ready for accreditation by the National University Commission (NUC), CPN recently visited the university, where it seek audience with the Mathematical Sciences Department and with the university authority. The CPN team that visited the university was led by the CPN President, Prof. Charles Uwadia.
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Making Nigerian Teens Global Citizens through Internet Emma Okonji writes that parents can help their children and wards become global citizens through the use of the internet without any form of abuse if properly guided The internet no doubt has made the world to become a global village, connecting people to different businesses relationships and giving access to global information at the click of the keypad. That is the beauty of the internet, even though it comes with its own challenges that could mislead people, especially teenagers, if not properly guided by their parents and teachers.
Innovation with internet Two years ago, Nigerian brothers Osine and Anesi developed an Android web browser. Inspired by Google Chrome, they named their browser Crocodile Browser Lite. The web browser was described as a functional, fast browser for feature and low end phones. The two teenage brothers were featured on BBC for the great feat and they plan to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) sometime in future. Like Osine and Anesi, Tomisin Ogunnubi, a 12-year-old graduate of Vivian Fowler Memorial College in Lagos, developed an android mobile tracking application named: ‘My Locator.’ The security app includes an alert system integrated to the Lagos State Emergency Service Number. The stories of Osine, Anesi and Tomisin is a testament to many positives of internet usage in the lives of Nigerian teens and children. In a clime where we amplify negative tales, their stories shone bright and widely reported across the media. Today, Osine, Anesi and Tomisin represent just a tiny fraction of the many shining stars – teens and children – who today are doing great things through the internet.
Power of the internet The emergence of the internet in Nigeria has been a blessing, especially to the huge young population, that has started their leadership journey from today. There is no gainsaying that the internet has been very beneficial in diverse ways. The expansive amount of information on the internet has been useful for children and teenagers in their academic pursuits. It keeps them connected with the outside world and helps them stay informed about everything that is happening around the world. Educational websites and software like Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Britannica have advanced in popularity over the past few years with tweens and teens forming a greater part of their users. Those needing help on a topic for their coursework, or who are just generally interested in reading up on a particular subject can readily find it online. There is no doubt that children especially teenagers of this age hold a strong advantage over
the past generation in the wealth of knowledge available to them through the internet and the awareness and advancement that comes with it. The internet has also helped kids with respect to greater connectivity and globalisation. Today, students from different parts of the world can connect with their counterparts through video conferencing without leaving the classroom. For instance, sites like Glovico are used to help students learn foreign languages online by pairing a group of students with a teacher from another country.
Internet as alternative The internet has become alternative source to self education and empowerment. Instead of playing educational board games, students can learn the basics of spelling, counting and other early educational lessons through computer games that make learning fun. These computer games help children develop critical thinking skills. Moreover, not every parent has the resources and budget to send their kid on field trips. As a result, the child’s education may suffer. However, with a stable internet connection, students can use the internet to virtually attend web seminars online and learn. In a world that is becoming increasingly competitive, access to the internet for children cannot be over emphasised. The internet also helps these young lads with
credible personal issues too. Growing up can be a tough process for children and teenagers. Sometimes, they can feel alone in certain situations, such as relationships or challenges from home. By using the internet, these kids can find help and advice on problems they feel too embarrassed to talk about with their family or peers. This, in turn, minimises worries of teenagers, ensuring that they perform better in school and social life. The internet offers kids more opportunities to develop and become successful in life, than a lack of it. If we must do anything about internet access for children and teens, it should be to make it even more accessible to them.
Challenges of the internet The internet has been proven to be one of the most innovative inventions, exposing people to great exploits, just as the saying goes: “To whom much is given, much is expected.� But unfortunately, the internet has not been without its disadvantages. It has also birthed new challenges for the society and most menacing is its impact on youngsters as they are very vulnerable. Addiction to the internet is now rampant across the world as it leads to a lot of ills like easy access to pornography, vulnerability to cybercrime and reduced physical activity. In the absence of physical activity, children are
prone to developing lifestyle related issues like failure to develop interpersonal skills and obesity. Apart from these factors, constant exposure to a screen can seriously damage the eyes, and put a strain on body parts like the neck, back and shoulders and, these can create terminal problems for teens and tweens in their developing years. The online space has also become the new hub of bullying; and in some instances, cyberbullying has been responsible for tragic death.
Parental control Despite the challenges, the importance of the internet cannot be over-emphasised, but parents have to ensure they monitor their children’s use of the internet. Locations, devices and censorship are key in monitoring a child’s usage of the internet. Building and solidifying great relationships with the children are also equally important to ensure they don’t turn to their friends and the Internet on things parents can provide the best answers to. This will help to encourage accountable behaviour and build their digital resilience. The internet is, perhaps, the most wonderful invention of the 21st Century with lots of benefits. However, its offerings can be dangerous to tweens and teens without appropriate checks, hence the importance of parental control.
Group Urges FG to Engage Professionals Stories by Hammed Shittu in Ilorin An entrepreneur and chairman, Kwara State Coalition of Business and Professional Associations (KWACOBPA), Chief Hezekiah Adediji yesterday called on the federal government to tap from skills of professionals abounds in the various sectors of the economy so as to ensure
positive implementation of its policies for economic prosperity of the masses. This, he said would also go a long way to rejuvenate the nation’s economy, thereby reducing the hardship being experienced in the country. Adediji made the call in Ilorin, the state capital while speaking with journalists on the sideline of the third annual general meeting
of the associations. According to him, “it is disturbing to note that, the government has continued to make use of ministry officials in the implementation of its economic policies at the expense of professionals that specialises on various sectors of the economy.� He said such ugly development had manifested on what
the people of the country have been passing through. Adediji stated that, “I want to tell you that, the economy is very harsh on the masses because most of the things we are facing now in the country are not bargained for, be it social or economic programmes. “Banks are too harsh to various business investors, the economy is not growing now,
there is no any cash flow in the political and virtually business is down and not moving for investors. “But, what we have been clamouring to the federal government to ensure the involvement of all and sundry especially the professionals in various sectors of the economy and economy should not lie solely on ministry officials and until this is changed
the people of the country would continue to feel the harsh of the economy.� Adediji, stated further that, the association was formed to promote socio-economic development in the state. He noted that, this is done by supporting business friendly activities and programmes that would bring economic prosperity to the people of the state.
Kwara Revenue Agency Injects N13.5bn into Infracture Fund The Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), Dr. Muritala Awodun yesterday said the agency had injected about N13. 5 billion to the state’s special infrastructure development fund (IF-K) since the fund was inaugurated in September 2016. Awodun disclosed this to journalists in Ilorin yesterday, while highlighting the agency’s
performance in the second quarter of 2018 of the agency. He said the evolution of IF-K had significantly assisted the state in executing capital projects. He stated that the agency now remits the sum of N530 million to the fund on monthly basis, up from the initial N500 monthly remittance. According to him, “In 2015,
there were over 60 projects abandoned across the state and there was no money but with the coming on board of the fund all the projects were completed and by 2016 given the available scenario government would not have been able to start any new project. “However, with the IF-K government was able to start several new projects and most
of them are still ongoing across the state. “ Given a breakdown of the performance of the agency in the second quarter of this year, Awodun said that, “the service collected the sum of N1.3 billion in April, N1. 2 billion in May and N1. 3 billion in June to make a total of N3. 8 billion. “When added to the N6. 44 billion collected I’m the first
quarter, the agency has collected a total of N10. 32 billion into the state’s coffers in the first six months of this year�. Although he acknowledged the influence of the political environment on operations of the service, Awodun said his team has put in place strategies to ensure the continued success of the service in coming years. Explaining this, he said, “in
the second quarter we started a process of engaging to be taken through the process of international certification; the ISO in two major areas; quality management system and business continuity management and we are going to be the first revenue agency in Nigeria to do this and we expect that by the end of this quarter we would have been certified.
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Celebrating Telecoms Heroes Emma Okonji reviews the recent celebration of telecoms heroes in information communication technology
Since the inception of GSM in the Nigerian telecoms space in 2001, the sector has contributed so much to gross domestic product (GDP) and foreign direct investment (FDI), which has led to thousands of direct and indirect jobs created in the sector. Today the country can boast of five telecoms companies. MTN, Globacom, Airtel, 9mobile and ntel, with several Internet Service Providers (ISPs), coupled with several technology companies that have direct business dealings with the telecoms companies and ISPs. Each of these companies have employed millions of Nigerians and also interfaced indirectly with smaller groups for several business transactions, thus boosting the country’s employment level. According to industry statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as at the second quarter in 2017, ICT sector contributed over $32 billion in FDI, and telecoms sector alone contributed N1.549 trillion, which is 10 per cent contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These contributions to GDP and the attraction of FDI to Nigeria, were made possible by single individuals and organisations that have worked tirelessly in taking Nigeria to the global map, where she is globally recognised as the fasted growing telecoms market in Africa and the rest of the world, having surpassed 162 million active subscribers in 17 years as at June 2018. It was for these reasons that the Association of Telecoms Company of Nigeria (ATCON) decided to chronicle the 100 icons of ICT in its book launch.
The recognition Specifically, ATCON unveiled 100 leading telecom and ICT personalities in Nigeria, a publication that chronicled the contributions of 100 outstanding individuals and their companies to the growth and development of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The ceremony to unveil the 365-page book took place in Lagos and those that attended were the Minister of Communications Technology, Chief Adebayo Shittu, and the man who piloted the affairs of the industry when the telecom revolution took off, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe.
The first set of heroes of Nigeria’s telecom sector to be recognised in the book were Globacom and its founder, Mike Adenuga Jr. According to the publication, Globacom, since inception has pioneered a long list of innovations, which have helped to shape the high-flying telecommunications sector of the Nigerian economy. Other telecoms operators and individuals were also recognised in the book.
ATCON’s position ATCON said its chronicle of developments through key industry players featured in the new book would help to propel the industry to the next level of growth. This is particularly so because the book, which was launched as part of activities marking the 25th Anniversary of the association, featured some major challenges besetting the sector and their solutions as suggested by industry players. ATCON President, Mr. Olusola Teniola, said the objective of the revolutionary book was to highlight the development that had taken place since the sector was fully deregulated. He said the book would give the incoming generation an opportunity to learn from veterans in the industry. Teniola said the book acknowledged those whose creativity had attracted both local and international attention to the country’s telecom and ICT industry. “We are happy as an association that the entire ecosystem of telecom and ICT in Nigeria has grown over the years. ATCON has been in the forefront protecting exiting investments in the telecom and ICT sector, attracting further investment into the sector and advocating for an enabling environment in the Nigerian telecom and ICT ecosystem,� Teniola said.
Minister’s view Shittu encouraged all the personalities whose contributions have taken telecom to its present position, to do more to motivate and attract more people. “ICT sector has contributed over $32 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in a decade; no industry has done that for the country. In no distant time, we will have forgotten about oil and focus more on ICT to further develop the country,� Shittu said.
Considering how fast the industry is evolving, another book may be necessary in another few years to document the efforts of new catalysts of growth and development. Until then, Globacom, Airtel and the rest of the heroes celebrated in the current book can bask in well deserved glory for jobs well done, he added.
Celebrating the icons The 100 icons celebrated by ATCON were drawn from across key industry stakeholders and organisations that have helped to build the sector. Aside recorded successes, their individual and collective challenges were also highlighted in the book. Notable among the recognised icons and organisations were Globacom, Airtel, MTN among other telecoms operators, including information technology (IT) organisations and experts. Some of the contributions of Globacom to the telecom sector were highlighted. These include its now famous introduction of per second billing of customers into Nigeria’s telecom lexicon. That singular act alone was credited with rapid stimulation of competition in the sector, with the concomitant explosion of highly competitive telecom service offerings from the operators who were eager to outdo each other in pleasing consumers. That feat attracted accolades at the time because efforts of telecom consumers to get pre-existing operators to introduce per second billing (PSB) were abortive as the operators said it was not feasible at the time. PSB introduction made it much easier for Nigerians to get value for money by paying only for the exact time spent on calls, the book stated. The book further documented the fact that Globacom crashed the cost of GSM SIM and tariff from N20,000 and N50 per minute respectively to as low as N200 and 5 kobo per second, thus helping to aggressively boost telephone penetration in the country. Other early revolutionary products pioneered by Globacom in Nigeria included Blackberry, vehicle tracking, mobile internet, mobile banking, multimedia messaging service (MMS), in-flight roaming services, voice SMS, Magic Plus and Text2email, among others.
The book also documented Globacom as the first and the only operator so far with a wholly-owned submarine cable, Glo-1, linking Europe and America to West Africa to ensure the availability of bandwidth to enterprise customers in West Africa. It was the first to launch 4G-LTE network in 33 cities in Nigeria in 2016. The operator provides a range of data connectivity solutions ranging from simple mobile broadband products to complex managed networking IT solutions. The company delivers the connectivity needs of large wholesale carriers and medium to large businesses in Nigeria and West Africa. The book also featured Airtel and recognised it as one of the earliest telecom operators that first rolled out telecoms services in the country, followed by MTN two days later, and Globacom, two years later. Various other players whose activities have helped to shape the telecom industry, were also recognised.
The review The 365 pages book with the title: ‘100 Leading Telecom and ICT Personalities in Nigeria,’ was published by ATCON and reviewed by corporate communications professional, researcher and writer, Mr. Elvis Eromosele. According to him, the first thing that strikes one about the book is the attractive cover design and slick neat finishing. “One thing that all the celebrated icons acknowledge is that there are challenges in the industry. They are quick to point out the fact that these challenges are also opportunities. And the best part, they offered viable solutions to tackle or else resolve the more pressing issues,� Eromosele said. According to him, some of the challenges include difficulty in accessing long term funds for the industry, just as they called on the government to establish an ICT Bank in the mould of the Agricultural Bank. “Others were on Right of Way, as they urged states to install road ducts on a build-and-lease basis. They emphasised the need to set agreed realistic billing scheduled for usage. The issue of multiple taxation was not left out as they called for the harmonisation of taxes and levies to make it uniform across every state and locality,� Eromosele said.
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Report: Digital Tech Will Address Organisational Objectives Stories by Emma Okonji EY (formerly Ernst & Young), a global professional services firm, stated in a report that digital technology will address four major objectives of companies. According to the report, organisations across the globe are in the process of defining or executing a digital transformation in response to what has been tagged ‘fifth industrial revolution’. The industrial revolution is expected to significantly change the way we live, work and interact with one another. This technology driven revolu-
tion is projected to be faster, more scalable and adopted by more people than perhaps all industrial revolutions prior. According to the EY report, organisations therefore, must ensure that all digital transformation initiatives embarked upon meet at least two of the following objectives; improve customer experience, empower employees, increase revenues and optimise operating costs. A significant number of organisations, according to the report, are struggling to achieve the return on investments from their transformation. Resistance to change is cited as one of the most prevalent reasons
for failure. Digital introduces new ways of working, different from what most experienced employees are used to. “This typically leads to resistance and low adoption of the new operating model. To win the adoption battle, the report said organisations must carefully consider the impact of transformation initiatives on people in the areas of skills, roles and key performance indicators (KPIs). Existing employees need to be upskilled and empowered to function in the digital age, the introduction of external skills may be required for specialised. Most importantly, management
needs to clearly communicate how digital initiatives will assist employees perform their roles more effectively,� the report said. Analysing the report, a director at EY, Akinsope Roberts, who is in charge of EY Digital Solutions Architect for West Africa, said: “Customers expect a significantly improved experience on digital channels. Traditional organizations are more often than not compared to disruptors such as Facebook, Amazon, Uber, Jumia, Air BnB, Wakanow etc., who have harnessed the power of emerging technologies to deliver intuitive customer-oriented business solutions. Emerging
technologies such as block chain, artificial intelligence and IoT amongst others are undoubtedly important enablers for digital, but organisations must keep in mind that these are simply a means to the end which remains robust customer experience; simple, personalized, interactive and secure.� Prioritising the right change levers is key to the success of any transformation, but how the transformation journey is managed and measured also plays a big role in digital transformation. In a recent survey commissioned by EY, it was found that digital transformation leaders
embrace systemic change, especially in the realms of organisational structures, cultures and human talent. “These dimensions are frequently overlooked or undervalued by less mature firms and those just commencing their transformation journeys. Leaders are also notably more focused on customer needs and new business models. Lastly, they measure success more holistically and in ways that go beyond purely financial metrics. The right strategies, structures and cultures are closely correlated with the most digitally advanced companies,� the report said.
Consumer Site Launched to Review Products in Nigeria A comprehensive consumer opinion site known as Feedbackhall has been launched recently in Lagos, to allow Nigerians review and rate products, ask questions, share opinions and real-life experiences with products and services offered in Nigerian markets The Chief Executive Officer, Feedbackhall.com, Dr. Chiugo Kalu, who gave insight about the consumer site during the launch, said over 60 categories of products and services can be reviewed on feedbackhall including mobile network, banking, transport (airlines and road transporters), pension, restaurants, cable TV, retail (online and physical shops), malls, cinemas, hotels, smart phones, drinks, groceries, personal care, beauty products, baby/child products and many more. According to her, sharing product experiences and providing feedback on goods and services consumed is a right. Beyond rights, it is an important responsibility. Quoting Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria, Kalu said: “In line with international consumer rights law, consumers have a right to be informed, educated
and satisfied with basic needs and they have responsibility to be aware, and to speak out to inform producers of their expectations and also inform businesses and other consumers about their experiences.� She, however, stated that many Nigerian consumers were ignorant of their rights and responsibilities and some indigenous and international companies have taken advantage of their ignorance for many years. “Feedbackhall provides a platform where the satisfied and unsatisfied share their experiences with consumers and producers anywhere. The building of Feedbackhall is based on a strong belief that sharing product and service experiences provides great insights for the audience and helps them make better decisions,� she said. “It initiates and strengthens conversations between consumers and producers. It goes on to close the gap between what producers and service providers offer and what consumers like. Ultimately, it increases consumer satisfaction and helps businesses become even more successful,� she added.
Konga’s AMVCA Awards Raises Consumers’ Hope Konga, an e-Commerce firm, was the centre of attention at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2018 Nominees/Sponsors’ Party held in Lagos. Hosted by Multichoice, pay-television service provider/operators of DSTV and GOTV, the event attracted operators in Nollywood, Nigeria’s burgeoning movie industry including a starstudded cast of nominees, celebrities and other elite guests. Title sponsors Konga, put on a memorable display for the distinguished audience in attendance at the cocktail party, with a Wheel of Fortune which afforded nominees a chance to win loads of exciting freebies including shopping vouchers of varying amounts up to N100,000, goodie-bags, refrigerators and the grand prize of a 55’ Smart TV.
Konga which recently relaunched Pay-On-Delivery in August for shoppers in Lagos, also seized the opportunity to reiterate its decision to extend the payment option nationwide very soon. Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer (Offline), Konga, Nnamdi Ekeh, disclosed the company’s determination to continue to set new standards and raise the bar in service delivery in the Nigerian/African e-Commerce sector by offering shoppers an efficient, seamless shopping experience. “With Konga, you experience an omni-channel, online and offline, which offers you a wide range of genuine products at the best prices and with a multiplicity of payment and delivery options which guarantees you ease and convenience in shopping, thereby giving you peace of mind.
CERTIFIED
L-R: Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Phase3 Telecom, Mr. Adebayo Azeez; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stanley Jegede and Managing Director, Sir Feliy Telecoms, Mr. Patrick Okoh, during a certificate presentation to Phase3 Telecom in Abuja...recently
CWG Set to Launch Entersekt Product Line in Nigeria Emma Okonji CWG Plc, a pan-African provider of information and communications technology (ICT) solution, has announced a strategic partnership with Entersekt, a globally recognised innovator in mobile-first fintech solutions, to promote Entersekt products in Nigeria. In line with its commitment to continuously offer cuttingedge technology solutions, CWG will provide Entersekt’s full suite of mobile-centred security and payments enablement products to banks and other enterprises in Nigeria and beyond, either as a hosted solution or on-premises implementation Executive Director and Vice President in charge of Sales and Marketing at CWG, Adewale Adeyipo said, “This is a major step towards ensuring that our customers can operate in conformity to relevant global practices and regulations by rolling out market-leading online and mobile experiences at competitive prices, without exposing their users to fraud.� CWG’s rollout of Entersekt technology begins with Transakt, a sophisticated app-based mobile identity and authentication product. Available as a software development kit or stand-alone mobile app, Transakt is used by tens of millions of smart phone users around the world to safely log
into their online and mobile banking, verify payments and other sensitive transactions, and communicate privately with their service providers. Users approve or reject in-app authentication prompts with one tap. About 90 per cent of Nigeria’s 162 million strong mobile subscriber base use feature phones, which do not support apps, so user-initiated USSD banking and payments are extremely popular in the country. To help banks secure this channel, CWG will offer Interakt, which counters man-in-the-middle and other fraudulent attacks through real-time SIM-swap checking and multi-factor transaction authentication. CWG will work in tandem with local mobile VAS aggregators to enable Interakt at mobile networks in the region. Mobile payments are exploding but responding quickly to technological developments and unpredictable changes in consumer preferences can be risky – and expensive. Entersekt’sproduct Connekt helps financial services providers launch new payment services within their existing banking apps quickly and seamlessly. Depending on the country, it can enable all major QR-code–based mobile payment services; card issuer wallets for Mastercard, Visa, and American Express
Nigeria to Represent Africa at Global Cyberlympics Two Nigerian teams of cyber security professionals from a group called the “NaijaSecForce� have emerged the African Champions in Global Cyberlympics – the Olympics for cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers around the world. Two distinct Nigerian teams, NaijaSecForce and Ekopwn3rs came first and second respectively and they are to represent Nigeria and Africa at the global stage. Both teams also made it to the top 12 position in the world in the online qualifying round of the competition having solved all the challenges from the prequalifying round. Global Cyberlympics is a hands-on cyber security team competition that brings together the best ethical hackers from around the world to compete in a series of challenges such as Forensics, Penetration testing, Cryptography, Malware analysis - Capture the Flag Challenges. This year’s competition has been full of intrigues as the participants were given hardened systems to break into and other complex tasks to complete within a 12-hour period. They defeated teams from other nations and the African region such as Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Sudan, Ghana etc., to cling the top spot in Africa. Judging was based on the speed at which systems
were hacked, the number of vulnerabilities found, challenges solved or flags found and the techniques used to uncover and exploit them. NaijaSecForce team is made up of Rotimi Akinyele (Team Captain), Oluwaeseun Oyelude (PwC Nigeria), Funmipe Olofinlade (eSentry Systems Ltd), Eyitemi Egbejule (Python Software Foundation Fellow), Shuaib Oladigbolu (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology) and Rajesh TV (ENCODE). Ek0pwn3rs has in its team: Abimbola Jaiyeola (Team Captain), Chinedu Onwukike (IBM, Canada), Chidi Obum (Cyberinfocts), Olalekan Ismail (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology), Oladipupo Oyediji (PhynxLabs) and Adetutu Ogunsowo (Digital Jewels Ltd). Both teams have been selected to represent the African Continent at the finals, holding on September 13, 2018 in Atlanta GA, USA. They will be competing with the winners from other continents and the top cybersecurity professionals across the globe. Speaking on the development, a member of the team, Rotimi Akinyele, who currently works with a UAE Government Authority, said despite competing against the best-of-the-best in the whole world, the team was very confident of winning and returning as champions.
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Ekine: Govt Should Give More Recognition to PR Lead Strategist, Absolute PR, Akonte Ekine, speaks to Raheem Akingbolu on the need for government at various levels to redefine their communication strategies in addressing the diversity in the land Considering the way public relations (PR) has evolved over the years, what has digital revolution done for the industry? If you look at history, professions will always evolve. In the last ten years, digital technology has taken a greater toll on professions -PR is not exempted. I like to always tell people that yes, it’s all about additional tool and media channels. What you look at in PR is that the barrier of gate keeping has been eroded to a large extent. Though you have a UK law - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - that has to do with people not just sending mail but have to have data approval. But PR in the last ten years has gone through series of transition and has impacted on everybody. Today, we talk about citizen journalism and influencers. We used to have influencers, but power of the influencer today is that he has the digital tool to create his platform and push his content. What a PR person now does is reverse his thinking to address the present situation to say now, I have more channels to do narrow casting instead of broadcasting. Between strategy and tactics for PR person is to look at what we have on ground and tap into it. Generally speaking, how can you rate Nigerian PR industry? Firstly, let’s classify the industry. In the UK, there’s a rating agency which exist for photography, cinematography and so on. In that regard, you don’t just come out and say you are a photographer. Even in medicine, people rate you. In our industry, do we have a rating agency? We don’t even have a rating institution in Nigeria. As a person, if I’m going to rate anybody, I will say these are the parameters. Here, what we do is say because we are able to work for certain clients, these are the first-class agencies. For us in Absolute PR, we’ve been privileged to work for clients in the oil and gas sector, FMCG, NGO and as I speak to you today, we have a client that takes us far and wide the globe. What I’m saying is that here, the industry is not rated. Government itself is not giving PR its right position. You can’t be among top government functionaries and beat your chest as a PR person because you don’t get the recognition you deserve. Had that been done, it would enable us to have primary training in the field of public relations. It’s wrong for me to see a trained journalist to function as a PR person without primary training. It is only in Nigeria that government relations person will be required, and we will settle for a journalist and expect the person to function. It is sad that the country itself doesn’t appreciate communication as a profession. And until we start to understand the impact of communication, we will not make certain progress because the communication you need for the Fulani man is different from what you need for the Yoruba man. Yes, he’s human but his psychographic analysis is different. You need an influencer for him to make him feel as part of the big picture of Nigeria. That aspect has been lacking in communication in this country. PRCAN was established to carve a niche for professionals in the PR industry, will you say the professional body has achieved its objectives? The profession is so big that you can work in any sector and be a member of NIPR, but there is a bye-law for NIPR which set up Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN). It is for public relation consultant in this environment to be a member of that association. And if you are a member of PRCAN which is a sub body of NIPR, it confers on you, certain status of competence in handling the job of public relations. I like what NIPR has been doing in recent time. We now have a voice trying to pass our positions and make it know to the government on how it can build the Nigerian story. One of those things we lack is how to
Ekine
tell our story. We allow our story to be told by foreigners. Nobody goes out to celebrate you if you don’t celebrate yourself. So, you share the view that Nigerian government would have gotten things done better if they employ the services of professionals? Absolutely! Even when you don’t have that knowledge base as a nation, you structure your laws to favour your people. That’s what’s happening in China and the British experience when Margaret Thatcher was in power during privatisation; they didn’t have everything. But you don’t take a job of British government without having a business entity that is of Britain heritage. Even in China, you can’t be a lawyer from US and because you want to start a conglomerate you are bringing only
Until we start to understand the impact of communication, we will not make certain progress because the communication you need for the Fulani man is different from what you need for the Yoruba man.Yes, he’s human but his psychographic analysis is different.You need an inuencer for him to make him feel as part of the big picture of Nigeria. That aspect has been lacking in communication in this country
the US companies. A local company must be there. That’s what they call the local content. The dynamic in which the whites talk to blacks is different. We have our culture and it affects our thinking and disposition. The way I’m going to tell the story about Nigeria to the woman in the village is not the same way I would talk to the woman in Lagos. In my village in Rivers, what they see, feel and touch is different from what the man in Lagos see, feel and touch. In recent times, some government agencies, especially at the state level, have embraced the need to have strategic communication in place. What do you think is responsible for this? Yes, but some states are deliberately cutting the process of engaging professionals. Now in those few states where we see change, a lot of the people doing that were involved in private practice before going to that side. There’s an understanding of the values they are going to get from that process. It’s one thing to say I’m a professional; it’s another to have been engaged and imbibed in the process of being a professional. We can all carry certificates. It’s not the certificate that makes the man, it’s man that gives value to the certificate. Hopefully, as we turn the century over a period of time, maybe we will move up the ladder. If you talk about PR, when they list countries and agencies, Nigeria is not even on the radar. And that’s not limited to PR. The only thing we are selling to the world today is our number. But over a period of time, your numbers won’t count. What make your number count is the capacity in its head and the power in its pocket. Our president talks down on his population whereas he’s supposed to be the first PR manager of the country. Beyond what PRCAN and others are doing, what other measures can we take to make PR appreciative? Public Relations is a knowledge business. It’s a glamour business to some people though, but it’s absolutely a knowledge driven business. It is what you know that you sell. If you want to sell to the presidency and you carry
superior knowledge to them, they will buy. The most important is that we should realise we are a learning nation. The unfortunate thing is we don’t learn well. Look at what’s happening in Oil and gas. How can a country that produces the largest crude oil in Africa not have a functioning refinery? Despite all technicians that have come out of this country and the number of whites that have come to train people. Relate that back to public relations in this country you will know how backward we are mentally. I don’t like to look at Public relations in isolation, I like to look holistically. Doctors are leaving because we don’t have the right environment. If we have the right environment, production will grow very fast. Coming to your practice and your agency, can you share your activities in the recent time with us? Recently, we have the opportunity to have relationship with a network called Network One - a global network of hundred independent agencies coming together to form an alliance in the course of running business. The other good thing is that our business is growing despite the challenges and we are looking forward to doing greater things in the industry. If you look at the Nigerian landscape, the industry is evolving. Engineering as business is evolving, medicine as business is evolving and so on. It’s evolving no doubt, but recession also set negative impact on businesses. How did you weather the storm? First is to face reality. You evaluate yourself and look at the situation on ground. It’s either you scale down or right. What we did was to scale right. We looked at our clientele; we look at those who are active and ready to expand, and those affected by challenges or recession. We did analysis and realised that the best way to stay afloat is scale down in certain areas and keep ourselves at the forefront of activities to arrive at where we are today. We ended up signing a relationship with Network One, an independent agency group based in London. And it’s looking beautiful now for us.
T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018
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Cosgrove: Bridging Gap in Pan-African Housing Deficit Iyobosa Uwugiaren writes that Cosgrove Investment Limited is fast changing the narrative of modern real estate development in Nigeria
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Cosgrove Investment Limited, a real estate development and general construction company, is fast changing the narrative and bridging the gap in the pan-African housing deficit. The firm is also unlocking value for all for stakeholders. And in the next five years it hopes to be a dominant player in the Nigerian and West African real estate market. The Head of Sales & Allocations at Cosgrove, Sakana Dikko Philip, said the company is focused on developing opportunities both in Nigeria’s and West Africa’s real estate markets – across construction, management and investing. “We leverage years of hand on experience to provide: real estate development; infrastructure and general construction; investment, management and advisory services and structural restoration services. ‘’Our core target consists of fist-time home buyers, ROI seeking investors, cooperative societies, government organizations as well as indigenous and multinational corporations seeking tailored housing and investment. ‘’Cosgrove focuses on creating sustainable family friendly communities with stunning ambience of luxury. These are typically in high demand and have demonstrated high Return on Investment (ROI) for both investors and home.’’ A real estate development and general construction company with the headquarters in the nation’s capital, Abuja that is focusing on offering top quality housing solutions for specific markets in Nigeria and West Africa, its services suggest that the company is delivering on tailored services with a level of ‘’professionalism and reliability’’ equal to the best international developments. From the mission statement to the core values of the organisation, at the heart of Cosgrove is a bottomless guarantee to delivering on a unbroken and forthright experience for each and every of its customer, believing that this is essential to positioning the Cosgrove brand as a true leader and innovator in its market segment. ‘’The companies that own the future are those that look forward, anticipating market needs, trends and technology; using them
to create the best products and services’’, the company stated. ‘’Cosgrove is committed to building homes that are sustainably ready for tomorrow’s technology – from simple automation and energy efficiency, to full on smart home capabilities – yet are also aesthetically pleasing and practical in today’s world.’’ The company added its unique set of ‘’technical and business expertise’’ allows its team to design, develop and deliver homes, offices and entire gated communities that come ready with the infrastructure needed to enable ‘’smart living’’, while individual buyers then have the option of simply connecting or upgrading their pre-wired (smart) homes when they are ready. With features like metered gas to every home; integrated high-speed broadband fibber-optic internet connectivity in its built houses, they ensure that residing in a Cosgrove community gives a taste of life as it should be lived. ‘’At Cosgrove, we believe buildings have the capacity to make a major contribution to a more sustainable future for our planet. This is why in the design, construction and management of our buildings, we strive for maximum economic efficiency’’, the company stated. ‘’Cosgrove seamlessly integrates, manages and implements projects right from creation to completion and at every stage in-between. We are deeply invested in understanding our customers’ goals and in developing the most appropriate and rewarding ways to realize them. Another core offering from Cosgrove is the provision of world-class, high-quality scalable infrastructure for both private and public projects.’’ In addition to its real estate business, Cosgrove also undertakes general construction work; leveraging a strong network of suppliers, vendors and hands on experience in construction in various parts of the country, and providing turnaround services for private firms, institutions and corporate bodies, while also focusing on transforming dormant or non-performing assets into viable sources of revenue; for
instance, hotels, let-table spaces or housing solutions. It boasted that its unique service enables the company’s partners to harness untapped revenue streams and increases its overall Return On Investment (ROI), while carefully analysing the potential of any property – built or otherwise - and armed with insight into emerging trends across Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, which enables it perform turnaround services that transform ‘’even dogs into cash cow.’’ From its many services, Cosgrove also offers specialised investment vehicles and advisory services to select clients, while the experience and skills of its team give the management access to major deals and opportunities in the real estate sector. Cosgrove’s Head of Sales and Allocation added, ‘’Our team of experts also offer informed advice to institutions, cooperatives and multinationals seeking viable opportunities and solid Return on Investment. “At Cosgrove we bring a unique set of skills, along with intimate knowledge of local market conditions to bear on identifying opportunities: minimizing risk and maximizing the upside when it comes to investing in real estate. This is what we offer our partners and clients.’’ The Cosgrove core team consists of highly respected individuals with years of experience and solid reputation built on professionalism, integrity and commitment to delivering value for all stakeholders. The Cosgrove Founder, Umar Abdullahi, comes with over 15 years varied experience in Real Estate Development, Investment and Financial Services. Also doubled as the CEO of the company, Umar served as the pioneer Managing Director of Brains & Hammers Ltd for eight years. He is reputed to have directed the foundations for the company’s success, and spearheaded the conceptualisation, development, construction and management of a myriad of housing estates and gated communities. Umar is particularly adept at managing complex projects and diverse teams. For instance, most recently, under his leadership, the Kano Economic City -- a N167 billion joint venture project between Brains & Hammers and the Kano State Government, was said to have been consummated. He also brings extensive experience from his corporate banking background, as well as expertise in negotiations with a commitment to compliance with corporate governance and fiscal discipline. Described as an “astute leader, whose vision is achieving Cosgrove’s strategic business goals,’’ his multi-coloured international executive leadership training programs, is said to have equipped him for his role in steering Cosgrove to achieve its long-term vision. A graduate of Bayero University, Kano, and an alumnus of Cranfild University, UK; Umar attends the Harvard Business
Abdullahi
School Executive Programs. Another human capital asset of Cosgrove is Elizabeth Taylor, the Chief Operating Officer of the company. An Arch Bishop Tutu Fellow of the African Leadership Institute, she is seen as a business strategist with proven strength tactically executing strategy and delivering on organizational goals. Said to be believed in the combined of role people driven tactics and systems in delivering excellence to all stakeholders, after a multidisciplinary role spanning nearly 16 years, she is reputed to know what truly drives business process, customer engagement and strategy. From her profile, Taylor strengths include knowledge management, business management, people management, customer relationship management and more. An accomplished people developer and trainer with a unique method for creating high performing teams, she is an alumnus of the Said Business School Leadership program -- with African Leadership Institute and Wharton Business School Real Estate program on Housing Finance & Securitization. In addition to her extensive multidisciplinary experience, Taylor is also a certified customer service strategist and coach; she is also a published author. She is a Business Administration graduate of University of Abuja, with an MSc in Knowledge Management from the Aberdeen Business School. Engr. Baba Kalli heads the technical department of Cosgrove as the Chief Technical Officer. A graduate of Civil and Water Resources Engineering from the University of Maiduguri, Kalli brings over 20 years of experience in the Real Estate & Construction Industry - Designing, Constructing and Managing both Public and Private projects across Nigeria. He has served as Director Technical Operations of BCals Resources Ltd. He led the design and construction of various projects including the Oando Nig. Plc. Maitama; BBC Media Office Abuja; Yakubu Gowon Centre in Kumasi Crescent, National Diary Development Commission Headquarters, Abuja; First Shopping Plaza for Jabire Nig. Ltd., Abuja, among many other highly regarded projects. Preceding to this he also served as a Principal Engineer and later Consultant to Futune Niger Limited leading the construction of several Turnkey projects including the NIPC building Maitama, Abuja; NSITF office at Wuse 2, Abuja; BUA Estate Asokoro, Abuja; and the British Preparatory School Wuse 2, Abuja. A registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Kalli is also a seasoned infrastructure and real estate consultant with a vast network of contacts across virtually every aspect of the real estate industry. With a dedicated Project Management Team, Cosgrove’s delivery starts from identifying suitable high value parcels of land, hands-on environmentally conscious and future-ready design, construction and development; culminating in proactive facility management.
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Foundation Empowers Youths Call to Love Initiative, a Foundation focused on social development recently demonstrated its commitment towards capacity building and empowerment of young ones by organising the second edition of its free Summer Camp for children, which took place in Lagos. The training session was tagged, “Making A Difference With Education.� According to a statement, it provided a platform for pupils from low cost primary schools in Makoko, a suburb in Lagos, to learn various life impacting activities. The 112 beneficiaries underwent practical trainings in coding and robotics, vocational skills (such as sewing, bead-making, painting), entrepreneurship, leadership skills, etiquette, public speaking, team orientation and organisation skills facilitated by experts. This is aimed at effectively engaging and nurturing the young ones with requisite skills to enable them grow successfully through education. Speaking on this year’s Summer Camp, the Founder and Chief Executive of Call
To Love Initiative, Mrs. Wunmi Benson-Ajia, explained that it provided a veritable platform and unique opportunity for stakeholders, such as mentors, teachers, technical and vocational education specialists to come together and create a learning environment which reforms the beneficiaries, and ensures a more wholesome education. According to her, “the ultimate goal of the Skills Summer Camp is to cultivate a pipeline of high-performing beneficiaries who will be provided with various mentorship and scholarship opportunities through the course of their education. It is worthy of note that prior to this year’s Summer Camp over 70% of the children have never used a computer nor learned any vocational skills.� She assured that the Foundation would continue to champion and execute programmes that would promote the well-being of young ones by equipping them with the necessary skills they need to make great successes out of their lives. “Upon conclusion of the Summer Camp, exceptional
participants were granted scholarships and mentorship opportunities which would last for a three-month period at the minimum. The participants were also granted the opportunity to sell the products they created during the Summer Camp. “Call to Love Initiative was founded in 2010 with a mission to enrich lives through social development. It supports underprivileged children by enhancing their access to impactful growth and balanced development and employing a targeted approach of interaction and delivery of projects that drive lasting solutions and contribute positively to transforming the development of beneficiaries. “Over the past eight years of operation through various projects, the Foundation has positively impacted the educational, social and intellectual development of over 650 beneficiaries in various locations in South-West Nigeria through financial contributions, academic support, mentorship, capacity development programmes, and social change projects,� the statement added.
‘S’East LGAs Pay N28bn Annually on Estimated Power Bills’ Chineme Okafor in Abuja A civil society organisation (CSO) – the Association for Public Policy Analysis – has alleged that about 95 local government areas in the five south eastern states of Anambra; Enugu; Ebonyi; Abia; and Imo expend up to N28 billion annually on estimated bills for electricity supplied to them by their distribution network. The CSO said this in a statement sent to THISDAY in Abuja. It also backed the recent directive of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to enforce the service level agreements the electricity distribution companies (Discos) signed with the government when they bought
and took over their respective networks in 2013. Signed by its President, Princewill Okorie, the group stated that Fashola’s latest directive to the NERC was in the interest of electricity consumers in the country. He alleged the Discos were unhappy with the development because they were gaming in on consumers through estimated bills. “Discos have always argued that tariff paid by consumers are not adequate to enable them cover cost, but they fail to disclose how much money they generate through estimated billing in rural areas under local government councils they have refused to supply meters. “Research conducted in the South-east zone of the country that has 95 local government
areas shows that Discos generate about 28,000,000,000.00 annually from consumers in the zone through estimated billing,� said Okorie. He further explained, “Each autonomous community in the LGAs of the zone in Imo state for example is given estimated bill of N750, 000 per month and they do not enjoy the electricity for up to fifteen days in a month. “In fact, it is suspected that Discos collect over two trillion naira annually from electricity consumers in communities under the 774 local government councils in Nigeria through estimated billing, but still claim that tariff is inadequate without putting mechanism in place to transparently show evidence of revenues they generate from consumers through estimated billing.�
Bosch Unveils Solution for Infrastructural Development Raheem Akingbolu As part of its strategies to sustain its ‘zero distance to the user’ vision, Bosch Power Tools, one of the leading manufacturers of power tools for construction, woodworking and metalworking industry in Nigeria, has inaugurated the Bosch Solution Box, a one stop shop for all users in the construction industry requiring heavy duty applications. According to the company, Bosch Solution Box, sited at the Lekki Free Trade Zone Gate, was conceived to attend to the needs of construction companies, involved in various construction works going on in the area. Speaking at the launch, the Country Business Director Bosch Power Tools Nigeria, Frank Diermann, said the concept was put together to be one stop
shop for construction companies working in the area. He said, “The Bosch Solution Box Showroom being inaugurated today is the first in Nigeria and it is equipped with practical demonstration facility. It is also prepared to serve as a point of contact for servicing and addressing warranty claims. “We understand and appreciate the strategic importance of the Lekki Free Trade Zone to infrastructural development of our dear nation and we think it is also strategic important to come out with something that will give construction companies and individuals working in the area unbridled access to tools.� He also stated that the solution box would also provide onsite trained and qualified sales Managers that would be in charge of the training centre for upskilling customers in
various applications. Also speaking, the Key User Manager, Robert Bosch Power Tools Nigeria, Olalekan Oyebode, said the Solution Box supplies professional power tools, measuring tools, accessories and after sales services to the Nigerian customers. He reiterated the fact that the Bosch Power Tools Nigeria developed the concept with the vision of zero distance to the user considering the wide application range of a typical construction worker, distant locations and high expectations of deliverables. “We consider the Solution Box a valuable tool to meet the needs of construction users in far locations by providing them with all the required tools and accessories. We will also provide our users with service and trainings�, Oyebode said
FROM THE FARM
Dimieari Von Kemedi
Competitiveness Key to Farmer Prosperity and Lower Food Prices Take the same farmer with the same size land, growing the same rice crop. One feeds his family comfortably, the other is in perpetual struggle. What’s the difference? It’s a riddle that goes to the heart of our agriculture challenge. The first farmer, in Asia, produces an average of 6.7 tons of rice per hectare for every harvest. The second, in sub Saharan Africa, produces just 2.1 tons, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. But the cruel distinction doesn’t end there. While the Asian rice producer will enjoy a second and even a third season depending on weather conditions, at least 95 per cent of the African farmer’s meager earnings will come from a single harvest. What this means is that the Asian farmer is typically between six and twelve times more productive than the African farmer given the better yield and higher frequency of production. When adding in factors such as the cost of funds, operational efficiency and the knowledge gap, the African farmer’s disadvantage becomes devastatingly wide. The consequence of this dichotomy is that the price of food in Africa must be inflated to sustain local production. Big importers keep their prices just below the locally produced food to maximise their profits from our high-cost market. Because our farmers are not competitive, governments are forced to adopt stringent measures to protect local production. These include tariffs, outright import bans and forex restrictions, which contribute to even higher food prices. Meanwhile, in some cases lucrative smuggling networks manage to deliver packaged rice cheaper than our own unprocessed paddy. Most Nigerians end up spending a disproportionate percentage of paltry pay on food, leaving very little for healthcare, education, housing, and other primary needs. As a result, we are less healthy and therefore less productive as a population. Lower life expectancy strikes us down just as we have acquired the necessary experience, contacts and resource base to jump the next hurdle. Furthermore our relative under-investment of family income in education produces a sub par work force. As for holidays, investments and other luxury items, these remain but a dream, which causes another cog to fail in the wheel of our economy: diversification is hobbled by the low spending power of the domestic market. The direct and indirect cost of our poor competiveness is too high. We must fix it urgently. The first step is to understand how we are capping our farmers’ earnings. From my own experience of supporting smallholder programs, the farmer is lucky to make an income of 100,000 naira per season or – based on a single season per year in production 8,611 naira a month. That equates to $23 per month – less than a dollar per day. Clearly, rice production based on one hectare per farmer cannot lift anyone out of poverty. And if they are not earning enough, farmers can’t make much progress for the country. Even so, most sub Saharan African smallholder support programs – both local and international – prescribe an average of one hectare per farmer. In Nigeria, all the key financing institutions champion this clichÊ - the origin of which no one remembers. If we are trying to deploy agriculture as a means of lifting everyone out of poverty, it will not work – the most agriculturally productive countries in the world have the lowest proportion of their populations in direct farming. And if we fear the farmer will not be able to manage more than one hectare, it’s because we assume the operations will be manual
rather than mechanised. Smallholders will remain poor as long as they are restricted to one hectare of land to cultivate. What we are doing in effect is using intervention funds to subsidise poverty. These programs even require the poor to make a strictly monetary equity contribution. This serves no purpose other than reduce the number of farmers able to join the effort to increase local production. Most financing institutions would have noticed that every year they fall short of their targets- if they are wondering why this is the chief reason. Higher productivity by fewer farmers will create a cadre of economically empowered rural dwellers who will consume goods and services that employ people in the rural and urban areas. Our first step towards global competitiveness is to come up with a plan that moves the farmer to the middle-income category. Improving competiveness can only happen as a result of high-level strategic macro planning and effective micro level execution. The most logical first move is to redefine smallholder farming as five to ten hectares per farmer and allow the one-hectare farmer to become known as a micro-holder. Such plots might be suited to those taking up farming for a hobby or side business, or for those who are taking the first desperate step out of absolute poverty. Without doing anything else, simply reassigning smallholders to between five and ten hectares will immediately increase their incomes four- to eightfold while reducing food prices by ten to twenty per cent and creating jobs and revenues in mechanization and other farm services. Nigeria does not lack for arable land, so what is constraining our farmers from expanding the area under cultivation? Adding irrigation to achieve twice-a-year planting further enhances production, providing for substantially more income and cheaper food domestically, from which importers will take their cue. Still there will be more room for improvements- deploying technology to optimise yield, adopting climate smart approaches, and obtaining insurance will all further enhance competitiveness. All of these can be done relatively quickly to move from the incremental progress we are already making to the quantum leap that our situation demands. Dimieari Von Kemedi (kemedi@alluvialtrade.com) works with smallholder farmers as the co-Founder of Alluvial Agriculture.
In Nigeria, all the key ďŹ nancing institutions champion this clichĂŠ the origin of which no one remembers. If we are trying to deploy agriculture as a means of lifting everyone out of poverty, it will not work – the most agriculturally productive countries in the world have the lowest proportion of their populations in direct farming
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Ariyomo: Ondo Working on Improving Rural Electricity Special Adviser to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Public Utilities, Tunji Light Ariyomo in this interview with Kayode Fasua expresses relief that Ondo State has met the needed conditions to secure a $US57 million foreign aid, aimed at realising its ambitious water projects. Excerpts:
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capital. We are currently in the process of consummating necessary agreements for the kick-off of the major projects across the markets.
an you offer some insights into the state of public utilities in Ondo State, since Governor Rotimi Akeredolu came on board? As at February 2017 when Akeredolu was sworn in, public water supply in all parts of Ondo State was zero and the state had been agitating to secure external funding for its water projects for almost a decade. The major issue with water supply is to be able to have the required finance to support water provision. So, when money is lacking, it becomes difficult, especially where water is considered as a social service. Upon my appointment, one of the first directives that came from the governor was that my team must ensure that every single issue that hitherto made it difficult to access funds be resolved. As at today, through our teamwork under the leadership of Akeredolu, we can confidently boast of successfully clearing all the hurdles that had made it difficult for our state to meet all critical conditions hindering us from attracting major funds. We have just secured the final ‘no-objection’ of the France Development Agency (AFD) for the financing of major water projects across Ondo State, worth $57 million. There is the thinking that borehole drilling has taken over as the de-facto intervention in the water sector. Is this intervention meant for boreholes across the state? Borehole drilling has its own significance in the quest to provide potable water for the people. There are remote communities that may not be easily accessible through conventional network of water pipes that convey water from major treatment plants and reservoirs, as we have in the cities. For such isolated communities, a borehole or some batteries of boreholes which can also be reticulated to homes can be appropriate. But boreholes are daily sunk in cities and big towns these days? Yes, I was coming to that. The past failures of our major water projects led to borehole as a workaround in towns and cities. For instance, the Awara Water in Ikare has the capacity to supply over 6,000 metric cube of water every day. But the scheme was abandoned several years ago; it simply means that the people of Ikare would have to resort to self-help through hand-dug wells or boreholes. The same thing applies to River Oluwa Regional Water Supply Project in Ondo South, which can serve 65 percent of the population of Okitipupa, Ilutitun, Igbotako, Iju Odo, Ode Aye, Ikoya, Igbobini and Ode Irele, up to Ore town. Unfortunately, the last work done on River Oluwa was under the late former governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu. Even the government had resort to drilling batteries of boreholes in Okitipupa to get water to the people. So, the objective of the Akeredolu administration is to revamp these major water schemes. We are liaising with serious development partners such as the AFD and the AfDB. We now have concrete results in our engagement with AFD and we are positive that we shall have good news for our people on other engagements soon. This is in relation to Water, how about Power? I believe we are making immense progress on power. Our people understand that power investments take a bit longer time for the results to manifest or become apparent. Although in our case, we are focusing on a strategy that can yield exponential impacts as against the national incremental strategy. This is the philosophy behind our fractionated productive clusters’ approach in Ondo State, rather than fixation on the national grid. Our mini-grids in those communities that have been completely put off the national grid
Ariyomo
will become the primary grids in exercise of the powers conferred upon states in the constitution. So, what we have done is to invoke, despite its limitations, the provision in Section 14(b), Part II of the Second Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution on areas outside the national grid. This is what we are doing and our people in Ondo State are aware of the unprecedented nature of these initiatives. By that, the national grid is to us now a secondary or tertiary grid. So far, our activities in the power sector have been well guided. We now have guiding policies for our electricity engagement strategies. Governor has approved a unique policy framework that is aimed at organising our communities into legal entities for the purpose of serving as reliable customers or off-takers of electricity products. We are the first in the entire federation, for instance, to evolve a clear innovative policy framework that organically ties cluster off-takers to their BVNs and by extension, their biometric details, such that regardless of a tenant’s subsequent address or abode in Nigeria, his electricity bills and debts in Ondo State will remain continuously and perpetually linked to him and to his incomes. That way, no one can escape payment obligations. Won’t Ondo State need to tinker with its local laws for all these to have a good effect? Absolutely! That is given. A team is currently reviewing our electricity laws for upgrade. A lot has happened since the days an edict was created for the state’s Electricity Board. The laws must surely be strengthened to protect the sector. The Akeredolu’s administration has also established a state-owned Power
Company-Ondo State Power Company Limited, to primarily anchor all commercial operations in that sector, that involve the state in joint ventures with others. Specific laws that take into consideration our local peculiarities would have to be put in place as well. Last month, we finally engaged the first set of private power providers to set up mini-grids in critical communities across the state. Those investments would require legal and legislative protections. Can we know some of the communities that are under consideration for mini-grids? With the mini-grids, we shall be providing private power for places like Igbokoda, Igbekebo, Ode Omi, Iju Odo, Ilutitun, Kiribo, Igbootu, Ala Elefosan, Ugbonla, Aboto, Oda, Aponmu, Auga Oke Igbagbo, Ese by Ogbagi Akoko, Bamikemo in Ile Oluji and several other places with the communities themselves owning as much as five percent of the equity in the power plants. The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has also informed us at our last formal engagement that it is interested in deploying mini-grid captive power for additional communities in the state, while we have also formally approached some federal agencies, such as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company for intervention on mini-grid for additional communities in Ondo State. We are also working with the Rural Electrification Agency and other serious developers for mini-grid interventions in our major markets across the state. The Vice President recently flagged off the pilot in Isinkan market in Akure, the state
There is this observation in many states that some cabals in the local distribution companies can frustrate any attempt to fix the power sector. We even observe that they are currently fighting the Minister for Power. Won’t they be a hindrance in Ondo State? Well, I don’t know about any cabal. Everybody I have met or interacted with even among senior officials of the distribution company accept and admit unreservedly that we must do something drastic, measured and impactful, if we, as black people, do not want to perpetually look like lower primates that are incapable of sophisticated organisation. In all our considerations, we factored in important roles for the local distribution company. For example, following the governor’s directive that we must complete the abandoned state-owned 30MW power plant at Oluwa Village near Ore, our first decision was to approach the local Disco to off-take the power. Gladly, we have now obtained a firm assurance of their readiness to off-take. That is collaboration. It is a win-win scenario. We are currently working with them to provide additional power source in Ondo North and they are ready to off-take that as well. So, while I concede that it may be a major problem in some states, I do not envisage similar experience in Ondo State. Our case is particularly unique in the sense that, most of what even constitute distribution infrastructure across the state are, in fact, either built by the state government through the Ondo State Electricity Board or built by individual house owners. So, collaboration is the best in this circumstance. The federal government appears to be in control of the power sector; isn’t this part of the problem with that sector? The power sector requires sophisticated, strategic and highly technical interventions. You need many good heads to be able to achieve results in such a circumstance. That is the advantage inherent in allowing states and local governments across the country to be frontally involved in fixing the sector and our constitution envisages this, hence, the provision for “areas not covered by the national grid”, as indicated in that Section 14(b). Today, if you want investment protection for a mini-grid as small as 101kW in a faraway community such as Pepe or Obenla on the high sea in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State, you would need to consummate that by obtaining a mini-grid permit from some federal agency hundreds of kilometres away in Abuja! Likewise, if you intend powering your farm in Ala Elefosan with a production requirement above 1MW or 2MW, you go through the same process. That is sure recipe for underdevelopment and overregulation of a sector in need of exponential expansion. Our unitary approach or monolithic engagement strategy has not worked. An inflexible monolithic engagement strategy through a unitary federal government’s ubiquitous control of the power sector across the 36 states and the FCT over a land space in excess of 900,000 Square kilometre is an advertisement of our aversion towards knowledge and an intifada against common-sense. The billions of dollars federal expenditure on power between 1999 and today with only darkness as evidence are the ignoble testimonies of the failure of that strategy. This is why the recent disposition of the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Power under Fashola which encourages states of the federation to step forward and take the bull by the horn is very commendable.
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FG Partners Chinese Firm on Smart Classrooms, Digital Education Ugo Aliogo The Federal Government has commenced a process for the implementation of a partnership strategy that will help establish digital education institutes and provision of smart learning classrooms across the country. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, disclosed this in a statement released by her media assistant, Desmond Utomwen, in Abuja recently. According to the presidential aide, the Smart Classrooms and Digital Education initiative, which will be implemented in partnership with a Chinese Digital Technology giant, NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited, is in line with the commitment of the government to continue to provide quality education to Nigerian children as stipulated in Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is also designed to facilitate investment in the ICT industry by building IT Incubators, Digital Studios and Software Outsourcing and Training Hubs, towards to the creation of new jobs in the area of Technology and Innovation. Orelope-Adefulire noted that in the pilot phase of the project, her office was collaborating with NetDragon to provide a smart classroom to the Pilot Science Nursery/ Primary School in the Federal Capital Territory. The project, which was officially launched last Tuesday by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) will serve as a model technologybased classroom. “The Initiative of Digital Education in Africa, otherwise known as IDEA, was initiated by the Nigerian Government and NetDragon, through the Public Private Partnership and direct Foreign Investment that will facilitate the setting up of the National Education Resource Public Service
Platform, National Education Community Network Platform, National Digital Talent Training Platform, and National Future Education Experience Centre,� OrelepeAdefulire stated. The SSAP-SDGs added that with the initiative, the government aimed to provide high-quality digital education resources and a new teaching and collaboration model for basic education in Nigeria, thereby promoting education
equity and improving teaching quality. In terms of lifelong education, the Talent Training Platform will carry out lifelong skills training and intelligent management of talents in Nigeria to help Nigeria achieve talent upgrading and optimal allocation of social resources. “With the initiative, our aim is to use technology to drive the realisation of the SDGs 4, 8 and 9 regarding
Quality Education, Economic Growth as well as Industry & Innovation, thereby creating jobs through the E-Learning Platforms, Educational Software and Apps as well as other innovations. By 2030, we want to ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development,� Orelope-Adefulire stated. The initiative, according to the SSAP-SDGs, will also facilitate and promote
investment in the ICT industry by building IT Incubators, Digital Studios and Software Outsourcing and Training Hubs, towards to the creation of new jobs in the area of Technology and Innovation. It is also expected that as part of the former launch, an Agreement of Cooperation (AoC) will be signed between the Federal Government and NetDragon, represented by its chairman, Dejian LIU.
IFAD to Support Hurricanedamaged Areas in Haiti The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the government of Haiti have signed a financing agreement that will help restore agricultural productivity in areas of the country most-affected by Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. The agreement included a US$10.8 million investment in the Agricultural and Agroforestry Technological Innovation Programme (PITAG). The project is already underway with support from the Inter-American Development Banks (IDB) and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). IFAD funding will allow PITAG to expand its outreach into eight additional “communes� (municipalities) in the South Department, an area badly damaged by Hurricane Matthew, and will help spread the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies. “Haiti’s rural population suffers from a vicious circle of low agricultural productivity, high environmental degradation and poor nutrition,� said Lars Anwandter, manager of IFAD’s programme in Haiti. “The project aims to break this cycle and help small farm families improve their productivity, food security and income levels.� In total, PITAG will invest $76.8 million in improving the lives of Haitian small farmers. Particularly disadvantaged groups such as women and youth will be targeted, and more than 65,000 households are
expected to benefit. According to Anwandter, PITAG will allow small farmers to produce more and better while taking care of the environment - something desperately needed in one of the world’s poorest countries which is greatly impacted by climate change. Over the last few decades, the Caribbean island has seen its soils, water reservoirs and woods severely degraded. World Bank data show poverty is rampant across the country (59 percent of the total population) and even more acute in rural areas (75 percent). To face these challenges, PITAG will make available to Haitian small holders agricultural technologies and practices that are wellsuited to local conditions. For example, cultivation of combinations of fruit trees and vegetables will make it possible to achieve larger harvests and feed more people. Today, Haiti produces only 45 percent of the food that Haitians need. PITAG takes a peoplecentred approach, with a strong focus on community involvement. The new technologies and practices will be put in place through farmer field schools, a method of learning which involves peer-to-peer teaching programmes. After the training, small farmers will get inputs and support to put into practice the innovations they have learned about. “We at IFAD don’t just provide funds to people,� said Anwandter. “We help people take charge of their own development.�
Photos from Dankwo Fishing Festival in Lokoja
SOURCE:NAIRALAND.COM
Obaseki Advocates Indigenes’ Integration in Devt Plans Edo Govt charges traders to pay waste levies to LGAs Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged world leaders and other development actors to fully involve indigenous people in socio-economic development plans to put to rest the agitations for land and other resources by indigenous people. Obaseki, who gave the charge in commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, celebrated by the United Nations and its partners, on August 9, each year, maintained that several cases of such agitations that have impacted on development activities abound across the world. “In Edo State, we recognise the rights and aspirations of everyone and have initiated ward development committees to identify, collate the developmental needs of their people in the various wards of the state and transmit same to the state government for action. “The participation of the people at the grassroots in governance, gives them a sense of belonging to the government they voted into power, which in itself, is a form of reward. They would naturally protect developmental projects that are
executed in their domains and make the best of it. “That strategy for us, will check clashes, tension and redress the feeling of neglect and marginalisation that often times gives rise to agitations at the grassroots,� the governor explained. He also said, “The ongoing reform in the state’s land administration and management system is restoring sanity in the sector and has put behind us the needless killings and clashes over land ownership by many communities across the state. If it can work in Edo State, we are confident that our land reform will work elsewhere.� He added that efforts have been intensified to promote the teaching of Edo Language in schools across the state, as a means of preserving indigenous languages. On this year’s theme, “Indigenous peoples’ migration and movement�, the Edo State governor commended the United Nations for drawing global attention to one of the factors driving migration. He assured stakeholders that the unprecedented fight against illegal migration and human trafficking by his administration has come to stay and would be intensified until people embrace the option of travelling legally,
armed with highly-sought-after skills, to any country they wish to travel to. According to the United Nations, “There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world, living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world’s population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.� The global body described them as “inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, indigenous peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples.� The UN explained that “Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years, yet throughout history their rights have always been violated. “Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognises that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.� Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has urged traders in markets across Benin City, the state capital, to pay levies for waste collection and disposal through market associations to the local councils. The state government said the move is part of efforts aimed at ensuring clean and healthy environment through prompt collection and evacuation of refuse in markets. A statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omua Oni-Okpaku Alonge, said, “The general public should be aware that payment for refuse collection/evacuation in the various markets across the metropolis is to be made through the various Market Association Committees duly constituted under the leadership of the various local government areas.� “All traders in the Markets are hereby advised to take note and comply in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment,� she added.
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35
T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
BUSINESSWORLD
DEVELOPMENT
Nigeria’s Out-Of-School-Children Malaise Lingers The issue of out of school children has remained one of the problems bedevilling the growth of the education sector in the country, writes Ugo Aliogo Education of children, particularly girls, is a fundamental human right. According to a 2014 report on Girls Education in Nigeria by the British Council, educated women are less likely to die in childbirth and more likely to have healthy and well-nourished children than their non-educated counterparts. A child born to a literate mother is 50 percent more likely to survive past the age of five, the report stated. In Nigeria, 66 percent of mothers with secondary education gives birth in a health facility, compared to 11 percent’s, with no education. A United Nation Children Education Fund (UNICEF) report stated that primary school enrolment in Nigeria has increased in recent years, but that net attendance is only about 70 per cent. The UNICEF, however, demurred, saying Nigeria still has 10.5 million out-ofschool children - the world’s highest number, and that 60 per cent of those children are in the northern region. It explained that about 60 per cent of those in the out of school children (OOSC) category are girls, and that many of those who enrolled often drop out early. It stated further that there are low perceptions of the value of education for girls and that early marriages are among the reasons. The report added, “Some northern states have laws requiring education of girls and prohibiting their withdrawal from school. Girls’ primary school attendance has been improving, but this has not been the case for girls from the poorest households. “Increased enrolment rates have created challenges in ensuring quality education, as resources are spread more thinly. It is not rare to see cases where there are 100 pupils for one teacher, or where students learn under trees because of a lack of classrooms. “In north-eastern Nigeria, conflict has deprived many children of access to education. Teachers have been killed and schools burned down or closed for security reasons.” According to the United Nations Africa Renewal magazine report, Africa’s current primary school enrolment rate is above 80 per cent on the average, with the continent recording some of the biggest increases in elementary school enrolment globally in the last few decades. It was inferred in the report that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which is tasked with coordinating international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication, noted that more children in Africa are going to school than ever before. The report explained that the Africa Union (AU) keeping in mind that the continent’s population would double in the next 25 years, is seeking through its Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016–2025) to expand access not just to quality education, but also to education that is relevant to the needs of the continent. However, the administration of President Buhari recently claimed that it had made significant efforts to reduce the number of OOSC from 10.5 to 8.6 million in the last three years. The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, described the drop to the efforts made by the Federal Government in implementing the enrolment drive policy and school feeding programme. A representative of the United Nations Population Fund, Nigeria (UNPA) stated that Nigeria’s OOSC population is the largest in the world and that it is next to Pakistan, adding, “Of the 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria today, over 5.5 million are girls.” The representative explained that girls from the poorest families in rural areas of the North-West and North-East regions were among those most at risk of never attending school, adding that owing to the security challenges in those parts of the country, numerous children currently have no access to schools, particularly the northeast. She further stated that schools have been closed for security reasons, and where schools in the affected areas still function, children and teachers are often afraid to attend. She added that in comparatively safe areas in the northeast, schools are often overcrowded,
Some of Nigeria’s 10.5 million out-of-school children
understaffed and have insufficient teaching materials, “due to the violence, many parents are unwilling to enroll their daughters or are withdrawing those already in school.” According to her, “40 percent women and 28 percent men have never attended school (Nigeria Population Commission 2009). Nearly two-thirds of women in the Northwest and Northeast regions have no education, compared to less than 15 percent in the South-south. “The net enrolment rate at primary school level is 56 percent for girls and 61 percent for boys (UNESCO, 2014). Drop-out rates are highest at the sixth grade of primary school and higher among girls than boys. (NPC 2009). “There is commitment on the part of government to address this issue as interventions have been put in place. It is obvious that there are good local policies and collaborative and sustained interventions but there is still much to be done especially in northern Nigeria which accounts for high numbers with the insurgency. “The uneducated girl in Nigeria experience poverty, gross violations of rights and genderbased violence, at risk of teenage pregnancy and forced early marriage, face major impediments to accessing information, youth friendly and social services and employment opportunities. “A situation analysis needs to be done to assess the current status of OOSG in Nigeria. It is from the situation analysis report that stakeholders can come up with a policy and its implementation frame work which will address facilitators of OOSG and priority areas with evidence based interventions.” One of the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) which have been playing pivotal roles in the issue of OOSG in the country is Action Health Incorporated (AHI). Speaking on the issue, the Executive Director, AHI, Mrs. Adenike Essiet, said the enormity of the problem far outweighed the efforts that were being made by AHI and other CSOs to resolve it. She explained that a variety of factors are responsible for the continuing high numbers of OOSC in the country, adding that the most nagging of these factors remain poverty, gender inequality and negative socio cultural norms “and these impacts not just access and enrolment, but also retention, completion and transitioning of pupils.” She added that addressing these issues required concerted multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder
SOURCE: AUTHORITY NEWSPAPER
actions, beyond the current state of affairs. Essiet further stated that the United Nations and allied agencies in the country have continued work to facilitate the translation of global education-related policy initiatives and support host governments in their programme implementation efforts to test innovative, promising and best practices in line with the respective government’s policy aspirations. According to Essiet, “the UN agencies cannot be a replacement to our governments ‘efforts in ensuring that investments are made for every child to have access to education. At the national and state levels, the current social investment programmes of government especially, the Home Grown School Feeding Programme is one of the very laudable efforts aimed at improving school enrolment and retention in the public education sector. “A state such as Lagos also has the Child’s Rights Law (CRL) which sets out the right of every child to be in school, free from physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment, including sexual abuse and provides a robust framework for child protection in the state. “A good number of CSOs are also engaged in efforts to improve education indices in Nigeria. Action Health Incorporated for instance, has worked in the education, health and youth development sector since 1989, but we became involved in the raising public consciousness and catalysing government action on the issues affecting marginalised and out-of-school adolescent girls in 2010, following a study conducted in poorly resourced slum communities in Lagos State. “Since then, we have partnered with the Lagos State Government to articulate and enhance its 10-year ‘Plan of Action to Empower Marginalized Adolescent Girls for 2016-2025’. This policy document presents a roadmap to guide programmes of cooperation with development partners and stakeholders on practical actions to improve the wellbeing of this segment of the population. “AHI has also mobilised resources from various donor agencies to implement initiatives to empower over 8,000 out-of-school girls from various communities within Lagos and Ogun State. However, in relation to the magnitude of the problem of out-of-school children, current government and CSO efforts are in urgent need
of scaling-up.” Addressing the Challenge Essiet, noted that in addressing the challenge, there is need for increased awareness creation about the importance of education, particularly girl-child education, stating that a higher proportion of children out-of-school children in the country are females. She explained that within states and communities where child marriage is prevalent, policies and programmes should exist to ensure that girls are retained in school till they complete secondary education, “urgent and resolute actions need to be taken to end child marriage in our country.” She added: “Beyond making basic education tuition-free, strategies need to be in place to address the ‘hidden costs’ of schooling. It is common knowledge that even in the Nigerian free education policy context, many children and their families still have to contend with a range of schooling-related costs. “Some of these include the cost of transportation to school, text books, uniforms and in-school meal, and examination fees, after-school coaching and ‘voluntary’ parentteacher association dues. Meanwhile, research literature clearly indicates that these hidden costs negatively impact school enrolment, attendance, performance and completion “Other measures that have been recommended by UNESCO, UNICEF, UNFPA and allied agencies interested in improving children and young people’s access to education include: providing conditional cash transfers, stipends or scholarships; targeting boys and men to be a part of discussions about cultural and societal practices that negatively impact girls; ensuring gendersensitive curricula; addressing violence against girls and women, and; building safe and inclusive learning environments for girls and young women. “Federal and state governments must provide stronger leadership backed by resource allocation in the broad-based, multi-stakeholder partnerships involving community stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the private/ corporate business sector, that is required to better tackle the current problem of children out-of-school in the country.”
36
˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018
HEALTH&LIFESTYLE Snatched from the Jaws of Death Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430
Martins Ifijeh writes on 16-year-old Great Ebhodaghe, who almost lost his life to Subdural Empyema, more popularly known as abscess or collection of pus between the frontal region of the skull and the brain, due to late presentation and lack of money, but was saved from death by a philanthropic initiative
Great and his parents are full of smiles
A
ll it took was one bad fall, and life turned sour for 16-year-old Great Ebhodaghe. He had slipped while playing and hit his forehead on the ground. The immediate result was an intense pain that he wished away. He had dismissed the pain with the misconception that he would be fine in a few hours. How wrong his personal diagnosis turned out to be. The pain only intensified as the days went by and soon got worse. It all began with a severe headache in his right eye accompanied by bouts of fever. Its persistent reoccurrence made his parents to take him to a nurse for evaluation. But like a number of Nigerian healthcare personnel, the nurse diagnosed the problem as typhoid and malaria; an ailment they treated, until the dosages were exhausted without improvement.
PHOTOS: MARTINS IFIJEH
brightest student in his class, stopped attending school. Writing his promotional examination was the last thing on the menu for the young Ebhodaghe. His life was daily growing dim. There was no guarantee he would make it alive, not to mention completing his examinations. It was a case of life and death.
Journey to Lagoon Hospital But as a family determined to make lemonades from the lemons they were been served by life, the family was asked to go to Lagoon Hospital since they have the specialists and facilities to tackle issues like this there. According to Ebhodaghe, “The next day, I and my wife rushed Great to Lagoon Hospital,
Initial Misdiagnosis His parents, Godwin and Margaret Ebhodaghe, then took him to one of the hospitals in Okoko area of Lagos, for what they had thought would be for a ‘proper treatment’, but again, they were wrong. The teenager was admitted for five days and treated for same malaria and typhoid. At that point his health began to deteriorate. His father said: “It was at this point we realised he was developing a swelling on his forehead with increased running of the nose, moments of unconsciousness, high fever and other severe illnesses. We were advised by friends to take him to Badagry General Hospital but the hospital and other government healthcare facilities in Lagos State were on strike at the time. “We then took him to a laboratory where a Computer Tomography (CT) scan showed the issue was beyond just typhoid and malaria. They immediately asked us to go to one of the military hospitals here in Lagos, and there, they told us the case was beyond them.” At this point, Great, who was the second
I based the successful outcome on a 50/50 probability since it is a surgery requiring fixing parts of the skull. But days passed after the surgery, I noticed my son was beginning to recover...now, he can do everything he couldn’t do before
Apapa. At this point we didn’t know what was actually going wrong with him, all we knew was that this was beyond typhoid and malaria, and he had lost all the elements of his former self. All what we were carrying about was a caricature of my son. “Immediately we got to Lagoon, they examined him, checked the CT scan result we brought and then they concluded it was an emergency case that required urgent attention.” Moments after examining him, the hospital told his parents their son was suffering from bi-frontal subdural empyema, which means there was a collection of pus between the frontal region of his skull and the brain. “At first I and my wife were happy that finally the problem with my son has been diagnosed, which means the solution will be a walk over,” Ebhodaghe said. But that was the beginning of another major issue. The surgical intervention was going to cost millions of naira, an amount Ebhodaghe said he has never held in his entire life. The initial deposit for the surgery would cost about N3.5 million, but all Ebhodaghe had on him was N14,000. He recalled: “At that point my wife burst into tears. We thought there was no way our son would come out of this crisis alive. I knew there was no way I would be able to raise that kind of money.” Little did they know favour had singled them out.
Succour However, succour came from an unexpected source; Lagoon Hospital. The hospital, despite the huge cost, decided to foot the bill of the entire surgery, even though they were seeing the Ebhodaghe’s for the very first time. According to the patriarch of the family, “My wife was still on the floor in the hospital crying when a senior member of the management team of the healthcare facility was passing through. He called us and enquired what happened. He then went to the emergency room to see our
son. It was at that point he concluded that if nothing drastic was done, our son may not survive the condition. At that point, I just told myself we would take Great home, continue the drugs he was taking at the moment, until God eventually takes his life. “Recall that was the very first day we were setting our feet into Lagoon Hospital. To my surprise, they wheeled Great into the theatre, and by the next morning, the surgery was conducted on his skull and brain area. It was a miracle to us. I have never seen such act of gesture in my life.”
Process of Healing Ebhodaghe, who is an unemployed father of four, also noted that because of the complexity of the surgery, and considering they came very late for the operation, he still wasn’t sure Great was going to make it out alive from the theatre, because he had heard how delicate such surgeries were. “I based the successful outcome on a 50/50 probability since it is a surgery requiring fixing parts of the skull. But days passed after the surgery and I noticed my son was beginning to recover”, he said, adding that to their utmost joy, albeit pleasant surprise, by the time they were discharged on the third week after surgery, their son was full of life. He stated, “He can now do everything he couldn’t do before. He has even added weight, can walk on his own, play around and is now living a very normal. My son has been rescued from death and given a second chance to live.” He added that if he had sought for treatment in time, it wouldn’t have gotten to the point of surgery, as drugs are available for early treatment after diagnosis.
About Subdural Empyema Consultant Neurosurgeon, Lagoon Hospital Group, Dr. Chiazor Onyia, who headed the surgical team that operated on Great, said the CT scan showed the teenager had a hypodense
37
˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018
HEALTH SNATCHED FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH
A normal catarrh would usually go within days or weeks, but in this case, it becomes recurrent. Overtime this leads to pus in the space between the skull and the brain collection in the front region of the space between the skull and the brain with a collection of gas above it. This is called subdural empyema. He said based on the clinical features and radiologic findings, the diagnosis showed both sides of the heads front skull/brain had the issue, adding that during the surgery, a collection of foul smell pus was evacuated from both sides of the frontal part of the head. “With the presentations, we looked at the different treatment options available. One requires making a borehole on his skull to drain the pus, but we felt opening the skull would be more effective because the pus had gone beyond just what just drainage could do. So we went to work, along with my team, and operated on him. We subsequently placed him on antibiotics after the surgery, and we are glad he has recovered fully well,” Onyia said.
Misconception Onyia also cleared some misconceptions. He said even though the Ebhodaghes believe the health condition was caused by the bad fall, medical books suggest it was caused by viral
L-R: Medical Director, Lagoon Hospital, Apapa, Dr. Mowa Falase; Godwin Ebhodaghe and his son, Great; and Neurosurgeon who led the surgical team, Dr. Chiazor Onyia
infection, which resulted in recurrent catarrh. “A normal catarrh would usually go within days or weeks, but in this case, it becomes recurrent. Overtime this leads to pus in the space between the skull and the brain,” he said. He noted that the condition could have been easily tackled if Great had been treated on time. He added that the sickness it is common in children because their bones are still soft, adding that it comes with a number of signs and symptoms, which parents especially, must watch out for. He listed the symptoms as “recurrent headache-which tends to occur in young people, recurrent sinusitis, fever, cold, catarrh, smelly and thick mucus from the nose, among
others. If all symptoms are ignored at this stage the patient may start to experience recurrent seizures, impaired level of consciousness (from abnormal speech to being confused to deep coma). It may even lead to functional deficit of the brain, and of course death.”
Dearth of Neurosurgeons Medical Director, Lagoon Hospital Apapa, Dr. Mowa Falase, who was visibly happy that the teenager is now full of life, courtesy the free treatment paid for by all staff of the hospital group, said the family was lucky that Lagoon has state-of-the-art facilities to tackle the condition, and a neurosurgeon despite the scarcity of the specialty in Nigeria.
“For over 180 million Nigerians, we have only about 100,000 medical doctors in the country, and out of which only 81 are neurosurgeons. This shows the country is in dire need of this specialty. On the average we know it takes about 15 years to become a specialist, but our young doctors need to focus on this area as well because of its vital importance to the society. Many neurosurgeons work in teaching hospitals, we are lucky to have Onyia with us,” she said. She said to prevent the condition parents should take special interest in the health of their children, adding that any child that has cold beyond two weeks or recurrent catarrh should be taken to their family physician.
Dasilva-Ibru: Survivors of Sexual Abuse Should Speak up and Seek Help Dr. Kemi Dasilva-Ibru is the Founder, Women at Risk International Foundation. In this interview with Martins Ifijeh, she stressed on the need to re-orient teenage males on rape and sexual abuse by turning them to protectors instead of predators. She also spoke on the recent grant from USAID to address the menace in Nigeria and why victims should speak up and seek help. Excerpts: WARIF just launched the Boys’ Conversation Cafe. What has the impact being so far? The Cafe is an initiative launched in the second quarter in 2018 designed to target cohort groups of boys in secondary schools between the ages of 13 and 16 across Lagos. The project aims to change the attitude and existing mindset of adolescent school aged boys towards rape and sexual abuse. Baseline surveys conducted on these cohort groups confirmed that one in five boys will choose to walk away rather than intervene and assist when a girl is being sexually harassed and 81 per cent of teenage boys believe that a rape survivor is responsible for the abuse because of her mode of dressing. The initiative serves to change this discriminatory mindset by educating boys who will act as protectors rather than poor bystanders or perpetrators. The impact of the cafe to date has been tremendous, especially with an increased awareness and knowledge base of the adolescent boys from the sessions. Some findings revealed that 85 per cent following these sessions, strongly agree that consent from a girl is important and should be respected and 98 per cent of the young boys now understand the position of the law with respect to rape in Nigeria. Currently in Nigeria, there is no curriculum available on the prevention of sexual violence designed exclusively for boys; with the data collated from these sessions and with the use of best practices, the long term impact of the initiative is a boys oriented curriculum that will be designed by the foundation and made available in all secondary schools across the country. You are a recipient of USAID recent grant. How would that help in curbing rape and related assault? Truly, WARIF was one of the recipients of a grant by the United States Agency for International Developments (USAID) to promote improved medical services, psychosocial counseling and other associated
DaSilva-Ibru
assistance such as referrals for survivors of sexual assault- all carried out at the WARIF Centre. The grant will also be used to increase awareness and prevent sexual assault in adolescent aged secondary school girls through the WARIF Educational School Program (WESP) where 400 selected secondary school girls will participate in the programme from the school district IV in Lagos State. A gender sensitisation training programme will also be organised with key officials of the Lagos State law enforcement agencies. The training programme will enhance the knowledge base with gender-based violence, increase awareness and encourage best and appropriate practices when dealing with sexual assault cases. How were you selected for this grant? We were selected based on the strict criteria that
was met, which includes a well structured Sexual Assault Referral Centre; an insightful needs assessment carried out by the foundation that identified and had a good understanding of the needs to be met and had available, the right strategy best suited to reduce the prevalence of sexual violence; and a successful execution and implementation of the strategy by qualified staff was assured and effective stakeholder management practice was put in place.
and prevent the prevalence of sexual violence with secondary and tertiary students through specific target oriented initiatives and with implemented community service initiatives and strong awareness advocacy campaigns on the prevention of sexual violence, carried out in urban and rural communities. All of which have a positive impact on reducing the prevalence of the gender based violence across the country. We intend to reach even more young girls and women.
How do you intend to measure the impact of this funding? We have, as part of our initiatives set in place, monitoring and evaluation protocols for the collation, evaluation and analysis of all data collected. This includes baseline surveys which are always administered first, as was the case here, to establish the measured need and determined the measured outcome of the initiative. Our post project measurement methodology then involves an assessment of beneficiaries three to six months after project completion to determine the impact of the implemented initiative. The duration of the grant is from May, 2018 to October, 2018.
Before now how have you been funding programmes against gender based violence? We are a nonprofit organisation that relies solely on sponsorships by corporate bodies such as Diamond Bank Plc, grants from organisation like the ACT Foundation and donations from generous individuals who donate funds as well as pledged charity events such as an upcoming Mount Kilimanjaro climb later this month organised by some friends of WARIF. We are grateful to all who support and see the importance of the work we carry out but there is yet still so much to be done. Our collaboration with USAID through Pathfinder International is currently based on the present cycle of ongoing projects but we are excited at the prospect and opportunity for a continued and long-lasting relationship with the organisation beyond this.
Who are the direct benefactors of the grant? The direct benefactors of this grant are the survivors of rape and sexual assault seen at the WARIF Centre for care and services offered, senior secondary school girls between the ages of 13 – 16 years and key officials from the Lagos State Nigerian Police Force. How do you intend to curb the prevalence of sexual violence in Nigeria? It is important to note that all WARIF initiatives under the three main pillars Treatment/Intervention; Education and Community Service are designed to curb the prevalence of sexual violence across Nigeria. Through the treatment and services offered, women have a safe haven where free services and social welfare are readily available; Educational initiatives empowers
What advice do you have for the society on issues of rape, sexual abuse and violence? The survivors of rape and sexual violence should understand that they are not alone; they should speak up and seek help! There is no shame or guilt, as this is an act committed against them and it is never their fault regardless of how the incident occurred. To the general public; our call to action is for us all to be good by-standers; to take on the collective role of being protectors of the more vulnerable members of our society and to join in the fight against rape and sexual violence.
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˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018
NEWS
World Bank to Nigeria: Decentralise Funds to Healthcare Facilities
Martins Ifijeh
The World Bank Group has called on the Nigerian government to decentralise and disburse basic healthcare funds down to facilities where they are needed, while operating budgets should be given to the people actually doing the work. At the third THISDAY Healthcare Policy Dialogue held in Abuja recently, the Chief of Health, Nutrition and Population, World Bank Group, Washington DC, Benjamin Loevinsohn, who made this disclosure said for Nigeria to beat the poor healthcare indices
presently experienced, it should decentralise facility financing and act through Performance Based Financing (PBF). In his presentation on ‘Achieving UHC in Nigeria – How to Support States’, he said, “Nigeria should implement extensively the Basic Health Care Provisions Fund (BHCPF), and ensure mechanisms are put in place to track fund usage and the successes coming out of the disbursement. This way we can achieve better result.” He said in addition to decentralising facility financing, the government can address primary healthcare issues through
the reward system put in place for states that have improved in the coverage of healthcare services and quality of care. He said: “The Saving One Million Lives Performance for Reward (SOMLPforR) is a tool to addressing many of the basic healthcare issues
in the country. With states rewarded for improvement from their own baseline, they would strive to get better than their former performances.” He explained that the performance is measured independently using the SMART Survey done by the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and NBS, adding that the performance is referred to as the sum of immunisation, vitamin A, long lasting insecticide treated net use by children under five years, skilled birth attendance, HIV testing during antenatal
care, among others. While nothing that states should have considerable autonomy in how they use the basic healthcare funds, he said the philosophy behind the SOMLPforR would prevent distractions and keep them focused on achieving the key indicators.
Kwara Assembly Calls for Aggressive Mobilisation for Community Health Insurance Scheme Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara State House of Assembly has called for aggressive mobilisation of residents of the state for the enrolment into the community health insurance scheme, in order for them to have access to quality healthcare delivery, with payment of token as annual premium. This was part of the resolutions of the house based on the issue of matter of general public importance, raised by the Chairman, House Committee on Health and Environment, and member representing Kaiama/ Kemanji/Wajebe Constituency, Hon. Ahmad Ibn Mohammed, on the need for Kwarans to enroll for the recently launched State Health Insurance Scheme. Mohammed, had while raising the matter, enumerated the categories of package under the scheme, which according to him, were indigenous, formal and informal packages. The lawmaker disclosed that although the registration exercise was free, enrollees are only required to pay token as premium annually, to enable them have unfettered access to treatment of every day aliments.
Most of the members who spoke on the matter on the floor of the house eulogised the foresight of the state government in initiating the scheme and called for close monitoring, to ensure the success of the scheme. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Matthew Okedare, who presided over sitting of the house, said the call for aggressive mobilisation of the residents was based on the need to ensure massive registration into the scheme. The lawmaker said the development also became expedient so as to enable all and sundry, have access to affordable and qualitative healthcare delivery in the state. He added that the house has directed the state Ministry of Information and Communication to embark on aggressive mobilisation and sensitisation of people on the significance of the exercise and why they should enroll for the scheme. He also enjoined tradition rulers, opinion and community leaders in the state to embark on aggressive mobilisation of their people, to enroll for the scheme, whose registration would soon kick off across the state.
Boska Gifts Gbaggi Consumers with Relief Materials Major Pain killer Company, Dexa Medica, makers of Boska, recently, launched its Pain Free Day initiative in Gbaggi market, Ibadan, as part of plans to help consumers stay fit. According to the Brand Executive Officer, Dexa Medica, Kafayat Moradeyo, the initiative was aimed at improving consumer’s health. She said, “This edition is specially designed to keep consumers fit given the rainy season. I am confident that Dexa Medica will continue to improve the delivery of quality health care for consumers in the months ahead. “The Pain Free Day programme provided the opportunity for consumers of various classes to see health
experts who gave out full range of health advice and support. This included rendering advice about entire body system care: eyes, ears, nose and throat care and prescribing drugs to treat eye, ear and nose defects,” she added. According to her, beside rendering free health services, the team leveraged on the opportunity to educate consumers on how to live stress-free while at their various duties. “We’re committed to improving consumer’s health because health is an important part of one’s life and should be taken seriously. The high level of consumer response today shows that this sort of programme is most beneficial to our consumers,” she added.
L-R: CEO, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; Minister of state for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; CEO, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu; and Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, at the launch of Alliance for Epidemic Preparedness and Response (A4EPR) in Lagos...recently Photo : NCDC
UMD, PEPFAR, CDC Launch NCDC Partners PHN to End Data Centre for HIV/AIDS Epidemics in Nigeria Martins Ifijeh and communications as well Monitoring Paul Obi in Abuja The University of Maryland, United States, US Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have launched a data centre for monitoring and tracking of HIV/ AIDS programmes and activities in Nigeria. The data centre code named ECHO Project is geared towards tracking policies on prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS related programmes across Nigeria. The centre will also streamline and boost the collation of specific data and other critical information on prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other diseases in the country. The launch of the centre is seen as another strategic milestone, coming after the US government injected additional $95 million to combat HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, explained that the data centre will be a critical component of Nigeria’s effort in ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Adewole argued that Nigeria’s inability to put in place a discreet HIV/AIDS elimination plan was as a result of lack of reliable data resources. The minister stated that “data is quite critical to whatever we are doing, without data we will not be able to really determine how much progress we have made, we will not be able to allocate resources, we will not be able to
fine-tune our HIVAIDS plan.” He added that the centre will be strategic given that it will “integrate other diseases into the project, which is excellent, in monitoring fallout, default, making it a critical component in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” Speaking, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Sani Aliyu, harped on the imperatives of the centre to NACA’s efforts in monitoring and tracking HIV/ AIDS programmes on prevention and treatment. According to Aliyu, the centre will assist NACA tremendously in providing dependable data and up to date information on progress and shortcomings relating to the virus. Professor of Epidemiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, US, Man Charurat explained that the centre showcases importance of data in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. Charurat stated that the data centre will “help improve the quality in care of managing HIV patients in Nigeria, this two initiatives will take it to next level by making sure that we have improved care and also accountability in HIV service delivery.” He added that the new centre “provides ability now to have every patient’s information that we could look at for number of support to our funder, that there is exact number of patients, secondly, improving on healthcare generally.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHN) have launched a new initiative - the Alliance for Epidemic Preparedness and Response (A4EPR), aimed at developing a formal structure for the private sector to support the Nigerian government in the prevention, preparedness, detection, response and control of outbreaks in the country. Stating this during the launch of A4EPR in Lagos recently, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole emphasised that the Federal Ministry of Health was very proud of the initiative, thus will back the alliance with the necessary commitment. He cited three key lessons from the 2014 Ebola outbreak response in Nigeria which showcased the strong partnership and effective teamwork between the state and federal government, as well as the public-private sector. The A4EPR is designed to address priority areas in health security, focusing on building capacity to protect the health of Nigerians. These priority areas include – purchase of equipment for outbreak preparedness and response; support to states during outbreaks; advocacy
as capacity development. In describing the efforts to develop an initiative as A4EPR, the CEO of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu and his counterpart at PHN, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, expressed optimism that it would serve as a secure and sustainable platform for public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s health sector. “In the next year, A4EPR will work towards securing commitments from the private sector to achieve its objectives,” Chikwe said. The recent outbreaks of Lassa fever, Monkeypox, yellow fever, cholera and meningitis have caused significant strain to the nation’s public health sector. In addition to this, these outbreaks affect the country’s economy through loss of labour, reduced productivity and inefficiency of businesses. The event had the minister of state for health, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health and over fifty representatives from private sector organisations in Nigeria. The roundtable was also an opportunity for government officials and the private sector to discuss public-private partnerships in building resilient health systems to advance the country’s emergency preparedness and response to disease threats.
˾ THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018
39
HEALTH NEWS
Experts Advocate Use of Contraceptives as Panacea for Maternal Deaths Rebecca Ejifoma Medical experts and population analyst have said that if the use of contraceptives is increased in Nigeria, the alarming maternal death rate of 576 per 100,000 live births will reduce by 50 per cent. They made this discloure at a media roundtable on the role of family planning in reducing Nigeria’s maternal deaths and its link with population explosion. University of Lagos Resident Doctor, Dr. Olufunke Olamigoke, who defined Contraceptives Prevalent Rate (CPR) as the percentage of sexually active women of reproductive age between 25 and 49 years old using contraceptives, said currently, Nigeria’s CPR is at 14.6 per cent. “At 14.6, the CPR is low. If it can be increased to 36 per cent, then the death rate of women dying of pregnancy related causes will reduce by 50 per cent in Nigeria,” she said.
According to research, Nigeria is number one leader of maternal deaths worldwide with 576 deaths from every 100,000 live births. On how to remove Nigeria from such position globally, she said women must ensure their bodies have sufficient time to recover before another pregnancy, as well as increase antenatal care coverage. “Others are increased proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel, maintainance of healthy status and improvement of economic well-being of the family. The health of the mother will affect the rest of the family,” she said. Suggesting a way forward, she added: “Female education is key. It makes her better informed. There should be targeted and sustained public health awareness campaigns, increased availability of family planning services and increase in training for healthcare providers.” The health expert further listed some preventive measures
against maternal deaths which includes encouraging women to attend and attempt to deliver at hospitals. She said, “Only one third go for delivery after antenatal, which is skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth, emergency obstetric care and immediate post natal care”. Studies have revealed some of
the benefits of using contraceptives as a measure that reduces the incidence of unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and reduces vulnerability to abortion risk, which accounts for 60 per cent of maternal mortality. “Abstinence is good. We preach it. But those who can not abstain should use contraceptives. It reduces the hazard of frailty
from high parity pregnancies. So, increase CPR and the mortality will reduce,” she added. According to her, causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria are: obstetrics, hemorrhage, out-ofwomb delivery (ectopic), hypertensive disorder, unsafe abortion (adolescents procure abortion to avoid shame), obstructed labour, postpartum infection, anaemia
(poor, inadequate nutrition), malaria and others (HIV, Diabetes among others). Olamigoke said: “Family planning reduces maternal deaths directly giving that Sustainable Development Goal aims to reduce such deaths to 70 per 100, 000 live births. We can achieve this goal by use of contraceptives.”
FG Strategizes to Improve Adolescents,Young People’s Health Martins Ifijeh The federal government has put in place strategies to improve the health of adolescents and young people in Nigeria. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole made this known in Abuja recently, while declaring open a five day stakeholders’meeting on Health and Development of Adolescents and Young People in Nigeria, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health in partnership with World Health Organizations (WHO). The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Abdulaziz M. Abdullahi said the meeting was a reflection of the ministry’s commitment to ensure significant improvement of health and wellbeing of adolescents and young people Nigeria. Adewole said Adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and Adulthood (aged 10-24). There are about 47 million adolescents and young people in Nigeria. “Available evidence indicates that adolescents and young people in Nigeria face challenges which include mental health problems resulting from drugs and substances abuse, sexual and reproductive health problems as well as endemic and chronic diseases. As part of the strategies, the ministry recently, banned production
and distribution of Codeine drug and other substances that cause harm to adolescents and young people,” he said. The minister explained that National Strategic Health Development Plan II, approved during the National Council on Health in Kano, would provide support to adolescents and young people in Nigeria. He further said that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which was being gradually adopted by states had great impact on adolescents and young people adding that the Saving One Million Lives Programme, the health intervention funds to states, was beneficial to adolescents and young people. “I implore the group of experts here to come up with innovative ideas and feasible interventions that would enhance adolescents and youth friendly health services and programmes across the country particularly as we work together towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” the Minister said. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director, Department of Family Health, FMOH, Dr. Adebimbe Adebiyi said that investing on adolescents and young people was a national priority considering the growing population and the increasing need of their health care services.
ENCOURAGING ORGAN DONATION
L-R: President, Transplant Association of Nigeria/Consultant Nephrologist, St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Ebum Bamgboye; Director, Eye Bank for Restoration of Sight, Dr. Mosun Omotosho; WHO Representative, Dr. Samuel Oyegbule; and Executive Director, Kidney Foundation for Africa, Dr. Clinton Peters, during the commemoration of International Day for Organ Donation in Lagos recently PHOTO: Martins Ifijeh
Elbe Pharma Unveilels Amatem Forte Softgel Adedayo Adejobi Elbe Pharma Nigeria Limited, a leading drugs manufacturing company in Nigeria recently unveiled Amatem Forte Softgel- an innovative product derived from the normal Artemether Lumefantrine tablets. The unveiling of the product was well attended by medical experts at the MRC Hall of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). According to a lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, Lagos State University, Dr. Omoniyi Yemitan, “It is expected that most of the drugs we take get to the blood stream, which is what we call bioavailability. “From the research on bioavailability, it was discovered that Amatem Softgel is more present in the bloodstream than the tablets. The implication is that can quickly attack malaria parasite in the bloodstream, than tablets.” Speaking on the findings of a comparative study conducted on the bioavailability, efficacy and toxicity of Amatem Forte Softgel and another known brand of Artemeter –Lumefantrine tablet formulation, by a group of researchers from LASUTH, Yemitan alleged that Amatem Softgel was found to be more present in the blood stream than other brands of malaria tablets. He however stated that the toxicity study of Amatem Softgel did not reveal any side effects of the drug on patients. He thus urged the pharmaceutical company to do an
extension of the toxicity study in the future. “The study was focused on how much of the product is found in the blood stream and its effectiveness in treating malaria, and these showed significant positive results”, he added. The Managing Director, Elbe Pharma Nigeria Ltd., Sir Uchenna Obiakor stated that in a bid to reduce the prevalence of malaria in the country, the efficacy of the drug with the level of demand for the product the company gets daily is a positive progress. He said: “People have started testifying about the efficacy of the product.” Obiakor, on the affordability of the product to the
Nigerian populace, said they have tried so much to ensure that everyone can afford the product, not minding the high technology used in producing it. “Yes we have done tremendous work on this to ensure that the masses can easily afford the product. The technology is quite different from that of the tablet, and going by this technology, it may be difficult for a lot of people to afford it, but we tried as much as we can to reduce the price, to ensure that every Tom, Dick and Harry can afford it. It is easily affordable, compared to the therapeutic benefits derived from the formulation.”
Also, the Brand Manager, Elbe Pharma, Mr Augustine Aisabokhale, stated that “Amatem Softgel is an innovative product, with lot of benefits for patients that are not derivable from normal Artemether- Lumefantrine tablets. “Amatem Softgel does not have any report regarding side effects. It is also affordable, though it is more capital intensive to produce, regarding the technology behind the production. “However, it is not bitter, and easy to swallow. We have tried as much as possible to reduce the price to the barest minimum for the affordability of the masses”, he stated.
OOU Student Urgently Needs N5m to Treat Leukemia A 400-level student of Philosophy at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Lynda Aigbodega, is in urgent need of N5 million to treat leukemia, which is fast taking a toll on her health. Her ailment was recently compounded by swollen gums, respiratory track issues and weakened blood quality. The Edo State-born, according to her brother, Jesusegun Alagbe, was a very lively lady until about two years ago when she began to experience repeated bouts of headache. The development, he said, grew worse until she was diagnosed with leukemia. Since then, she has received treatment at three hospitals, including the General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, and Divine Touch Herbal Clinic,
Before
Now
Benin City. According to a medical doctor with Divine Touch, Dr. Solomon Anokhaoya, for Aigbodega to get back on her feet, she requires at least N5 million for a medical trip to India where she will undergo surgery. The patient’s family said they
have exhausted all they had on her treatment so far and could not afford the much needed fee, thus necessitating their solicitation to all and sundry to support the much they can. Her account details are: Access Bank; account name: Aigbodega Oyogbo Lynda and account number: 0031025100.
T H I S D AY Ëž AUGUST 16, 2018
40
BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE
Micro-enterprises Receive FG’s Interest-free Loans Oluchi Chibuzor The federal government, through the Bank of Industry (BoI), has successfully disbursed MarketMoni loans to 31,594 microenterprises in Lagos State. MarketMoni loans are zero-interest loans available under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), one of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) of the Federal Government of Nigeria. According to a statement, a section of MarketMoni beneficiaries in Lagos State and key stakeholders in charge of the scheme were recently at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, for the Lagos State Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME) Clinic, also organised by the federal government to support MSMEs. At the MSME Clinic, the
Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, was was represented by the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Mrs Aisha Abubakar and the Special Adviser to the Vice President on MSMEs, Mr Tola Johnson. The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, who inspected the exhibition stands and interacted with some GEEP MarketMoni beneficiaries, expressed delight at the progress of micro businesses in Lagos State. Apart from providing financial support in terms of interest-free loans, she revealed that the government was prepared to ease all the policy regulations and bottlenecks that are currently confronting MSMEs in Nigeria. The beneficiaries in the state also talked about the impact of the scheme on their businesses. For instance, Iyabo Lamidi, who sells gift items said, “When the Iponri Market Elders told us
about the loans I didn’t believe at first until market women started testifying. Now I can proudly say MarketMoni is real. I got 100,000 to boost my gift items business and the returns have been great.� Another, Margaret Jakpovi got a MarketMoni loan to support her cleaning business. “MarketMoni helped me to employ more people. Now I can complete more jobs and earn more money, “ she said. The GEEP scheme includes loans in different categories called TraderMoni, MarketMoni, and FarmerMoni. In December 2016, disbursement commenced across the country, and as at today, there are over 350,000 beneficiaries across all 36 states of the nation including the FCT. GEEP MarketMoni loans are repayable in six months with two weeks grace period.
‌NACCIMA Hails FG’s Support for SMEs Oluchi Chibuzor The Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has commended the federal government’s five per cent credit facility for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. This, according to the association would supporting government’s efforts to stimulate the economy. This was revealed in a statement issued by the or-
ganisation, a copy of which was made available to THISDAY. According to the National President, NACCIMA, Iyalode Alaba, the organisation was in full support of the scheme, as it would stimulate the productive sectors of the economy, create jobs and provide new opportunities for the theirmembers. Alaba explained, “The singledigit credit facility is what the association has been asking the government for, and which will boost the activities of the MSME sector. “In the process of its
implementation, we call on the federal government to ensure that the organised private sector and other stakeholders play active role in the actualisation of the new directives and we are ready to partner with the federal government in ensuring access and the proper utilisation of the loan facility,� Alabama said NACCIMA is the apex body of all Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria with membership cutting across all sectors of the economy and membership presence in all states of the federation.
As a way of showing appreciation for commitment and contribution to the success of the organisation, Greenwich Trust Limited recently organised a family celebration for its staff. The programme tagged: ‘Family and Fun Fair,’ held in Lagos, availed the management and members of staff of the organisation to meet each other, network and socialise. Speaking at the event, Group Managing Director of the company, Mr. Kayode Falowo, said the programme would add great value to the staff, noting that it showed the management’s concern about work-life balance, and the company’s interest in their staff welfare. He added, “The family fun fair is an occasion, first to appreci-
ate our families: our spouses, children, those who we’re with when we’re at work and those who miss us a lot when we are out there working for a big company. “So, we thought today will be a good day to appreciate them. Secondly, is to appreciate them, get to know each other better. “Today, I personally met some of their wives, husbands and children, who probably I would pass them on the road without knowing they’re part of the Greenwich family. Obviously, the third reason is to have fun, walk out, unwind and seize the opportunity to network and socialise. “It shows that we’re concerned with work-life balance, it shows that the management is interested in their welfare, and we’re trying to create a family-friendly organisation where our children
know each other, our wives know each other, our husbands know each other. And that enlarges the relationship scope of each one of us - as workers and as our spouses. He said further, “That’s one of the value propositions. The second value it brings is that it helps them to know that the company appreciates them as family people and try as much as possible to ensure that they are carried along in whatever we’re doing. “It will certainly enhance their productivity because a happy staff is a productive staff.� However, Falowo stated that the company had recorded significant growth since they began operation over two decades ago, saying, “we’ve done much more than we thought we could do, from a mono line business of about 50 to 60 people.
Emefiele, Elumelu, Others for FMDA Conference The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Country Chief, Mr. Amine Mati are among the dignitaries who have confirmed their attendance at the 2018 Financial Markets Conference of the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA). The event scheduled to hold in Lagos on Friday, September 21, 2018, would focus on the theme, “The
Nigerian Financial Market - A Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth.� In a statement, the Acting Executive Secretary, FMDA, Mrs. Mary Gbegbaje noted that the opening remarks at the event would be delivered by the FMDA President, Mr. Samuel Ocheho, while Mr. Peter Bamkole, Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, would moderate one of the sessions. Gbegbaje said the programme would be an opportunity for the financial
MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS
market participants, regulators, investors, corporates and other stakeholders to discuss ways of using the market to facilitate economic development through entrepreneurship and job creation. She said Emefiele would be the keynote speaker while other moderators and panelists would also contribute. The FMDA is an association of licenced banks operating within the Nigeria financial market, emphasising on regulatory policy engagement/ advocacy and professional ethics in the financial markets.
(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)
Greenwich Fetes Staff Peter Uzoho
L-R: Co-Founder/Chief Marketing Officer, Lagos Digital Academy, Kunle Shitu; Business Development Manager, Marie Chidi Okorie; Founder/Managing Director, Dotun Babatunde; and Co-Founder/Chief Strategy Officer, Tola Bademosi, during the launch of the Lagos digital academy in Lagos‌ recently Ç€Ç?ÇŠÇ‹ Ç?džÇ?Ç?Ç?
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 MONDAY AUGUST 13, 2018
The price of OPEC basket of ďŹ fteen crudes stood at $70.97 a barrel on Monday, compared with $70.60 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
41
T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
MARKET NEWS
All-Share Index’s Decline Hits New Low on Continuing Bearish Trading Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The year-to-date (YtD) decline of the Nigerian equities market hit a new low at 8.28 per cent as the market recorded its eight consecutive fall yesterday. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) declined 0.60 per cent to close at 35,074.82, while market capitalisation depreciated by N77.9 billion to be at N12.8 trillion.
The depreciation recorded in the share prices of some highly capitalised companies such as United Bank for Africa Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and GTBank Plc were mainly responsible for the loss recorded. In all, 29 stocks shed value compared with 12 stocks that appreciated. UACN Property Development Company Plc led the price losers with 10 per
P R I C E S MAIN BOARD
F O R DEALS
cent, trailed by Berger Paints Nigeria Plc with 9.7 per cent. Learn Africa Plc and Newrest ASL Nigeria Plc and Oando Plc went down by 9.4 per cent, 9.1 per cent and 9.0 per cent respectively. Other top price losers included: Livestock Feeds Plc (8.7 per cent); Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc (8.5 per cent); Cornerstone Insurance Plc (8.0 per cent); Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc
S E C U R I T I E S
MARKET PRICE
QUANTITY TRADED
VALUE TRADED ( N )
(7.5 per cent); NSL Technology Plc (7.4 per cent); Jaiz Bank Plc (5.0 per cent) and Dangote Flour Mills Plc (5.0 per cent). On the other hand, the 12 price gainers were led by Linkage Assurance Plc with 9.6 per cent, followed by Union Diagnostic and Clinical Services Plc that appreciated by 3.7 per cent. FBN Holdings Plc, May & Baker Nigeria Plc and Total Nigeria Plc garnered 3.1 per cent, 3.0 per cent and 2.7 per
T R A D E D MAIN BOARD
A S
cent in that order. Other top price gainers were: Unity Bank Plc (2.2 per cent); NPF Microfinance Bank Plc (1.8 per cent); Skye Bank Plc (1.7 per cent); African Prudential Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc (1.2 per cent). Meanwhile, activity level improved as volume and value traded rose 27.4 per cent and 80.1 per cent to 209.5 million shares and N2.9 billion respectively. The top traded stocks by volume were UBA (28.3 million
O F
shares), Zenith Bank (22.4 million shares) and FCMB (21.0 million shares) while GTBank (N785.4 million), Zenith Bank (N518.4 million) and UBA (N255.0 million) were the top traded stocks by value. Commenting on the market performance, analysts at Meristem Securities Limited said: “Investor appetite weakened further today as the YTD return pared to a new year low of -8.28 per cent.
1 5 / 0 8 / 2 0 1 8 DEALS
MARKET PRICE
QUANTITY TRADED
VALUE TRADED ( N)
˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018
42
Nigeria Daily Stock Market Report:
Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index loses 89bps Yesterday, Wednesday, 15th August 2018, the dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ƐŚĞĚ ϴϵďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϰϱϵ͘ϲϯ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ĨĞůů ƚŽ –ϱ͘ϰй͘ The ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ůŽƐĞƐ ŝŶ GUARANTY (-1.4%), ZENITH (-2.1%) and NESTLE (-ϯ͘ϴйͿ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ 41.7% of the index.
EĞŐĂƟǀĞ ůŽƐĞ ^ƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ for the ŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ^ĞƐƐŝŽŶ͙ ASI down 60bps
7th
dŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ϳƚŚ ĐŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ /ŶĚĞdž ; ^/Ϳ ĨĞůů ϲϬďƉƐ ƚŽ ϯϱ͕Ϭϳϰ͘ϴϮ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚĞĚ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ƚŽ -ϴ͘ϯй͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝnjĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ by N77.9bn to N12.8tn. Yesterday͛Ɛ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ŝŶ NESTLE (-3.9%), GUARANTY (-1.4%) and ZENITH (-Ϯ͘ϭйͿ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŇŝƉ ƐŝĚĞ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ Ϯϳ͘ϰй ĂŶĚ ϴϬ͘ϭй ƚŽ ϮϬϵ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ EϮ͘ϵďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ UBA ;Ϯϴ͘ϯŵͿ͕ ZENITH ;ϮϮ͘ϰŵͿ ĂŶĚ & D ;Ϯϭ͘ϬŵͿ ǁŚŝůĞ GUARANTY ;Eϳϴϱ͘ϰŵͿ͕ ZENITH ;Eϱϭϴ͘ϰŵͿ ĂŶĚ UBA ;EϮϱϱ͘ϬŵͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘
ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ĞƋƵĂůůLJ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŽĨ ϱ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ǁĞ ƚƌĂĐŬ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƐŽƵƚŚǁĂƌĚƐ͘ dŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͛ ĐŚĂƌƚ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘ϱй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů-ŽīƐ ŝŶ NESTLE (-3.9%) and DANGFLOUR (-ϱ͘ϬйͿ͘ dŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ͕ ƐŚĞĚĚŝŶŐ ϭ͘Ϭй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϴй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ GUARANTY (-1.4%), ZENITH (-2.1%), FORTE (-1.9%) and ETERNA (-3.9%). ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ ĂůďĞŝƚ ŇĂƫƐŚ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϯďƉƐ͘ dŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌ͕ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂůůLJ ďLJ ϰďƉƐ ĂƐ h^dK / E ;нϬ͘ϮйͿ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŐĂŝŶƐ͘
/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚĂLJƐ tĞĂŬ
THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index
Afrinvest Securities Limited (RC 603 315) (A Dealing Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange)
Current Price
Ticker
THISDAY AFRINVEST 40
Price Price Previous Current Change Change Price Weightin YTD Index to g Change Date
ROE
ROA
P/E
P/BV
Divinden Earnings d Yield Yield
1,459.63
-0.89%
-5.4%
46.0%
19.3%
6.8%
6.2x
0.8x
5.9%
11.7%
1
Guaranty Trust Bank PLC
38.05
-1.4%
21.1%
-6.6%
-6.2%
35.8%
5.4%
5.8x
2.3x
7.1%
16.9%
2
Zenith Bank PLC
23.00
-2.1%
12.4%
-10.3%
-11.3%
25.6%
3.6%
3.9x
1.0x
11.8%
25.0%
3
Nigerian Brew eries PLC
103.00
0.0%
7.3%
-23.6%
-23.7%
15.9%
n
29.6x
4.8x
4.0%
3.4%
4
Nestle Nigeria PLC
1,500.00
-3.8%
8.2%
-3.6%
-3.6%
92.0%
23.0%
30.8x
26.7x
2.8%
3.1%
5
Dangote Cement PLC
214.00
0.0%
6.1%
-7.0%
-7.0%
21.7%
9.9%
21.8x
5.1x
5.0%
4.6%
6
FBN Holdings Plc
9.85
3.1%
6.5%
11.9%
12.1%
7.4%
0.9%
6.5x
0.5x
2.6%
16.0%
7
Access Bank PLC
9.65
0.5%
4.4%
-7.7%
-9.0%
12.7%
1.5%
4.8x
0.6x
6.7%
21.2%
8
United Bank for Africa PLC
8.90
-2.2%
4.0%
-13.6%
-14.5%
15.9%
1.9%
3.9x
0.6x
9.6%
24.9%
9
Ecobank Transnational Inc
10
SEPLAT Petroleum Development C
21.00
0.0%
4.3%
23.5%
29.1%
12.2%
1.0%
6.8x
0.9x
650.00
0.0%
3.4%
3.8%
3.8%
25.0%
14.6%
3.0x
0.7x
2.8%
33.2%
0.0%
3.7%
20.5%
22.2%
30.8%
4.1%
9.5x
2.6x
1.0%
10.6%
14.6%
11
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC
50.00
12
Unilever Nigeria PLC
53.00
0.0%
3.5%
29.3%
31.8%
20.4%
8.7%
29.3x
3.9x
0.9%
3.4%
13
Guinness Nigeria PLC
90.05
0.1%
2.3%
-4.2%
-4.2%
15.4%
6.1%
17.1x
2.3x
0.7%
5.8%
14
Lafarge Africa PLC
28.00
0.0%
1.1%
-37.6%
-37.6%
-54.0%
-10.1%
1.7x
5.4%
-32.2%
15
Fidelity Bank PLC
1.68
1.2%
0.9%
-31.7%
-34.9%
10.4%
1.4%
1.3x
0.3x
6.4%
16
Oando PLC
4.55
-9.0%
1.1%
-24.0%
-24.0%
10.3%
1.5%
4.0x
0.3x
17
Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC
15.10
-0.7%
0.9%
-24.5%
-25.8%
41.5%
18.1%
5.1x
1.8x
8.3%
19.4%
18
Okomu Oil Palm PLC
73.10
0.0%
1.2%
8.0%
8.0%
35.8%
26.6%
7.9x
2.5x
4.1%
12.7%
19
International Brew eries PLC
35.20
0.0%
0.5%
-35.4%
-36.0%
24.6%
7.4%
36.9x
8.4x
20
Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC
22.00
1.4%
0.5%
-24.1%
-24.1%
9.8%
2.9%
5.4x
0.6x
4.5%
18.7% 17.5%
76.6% 22.7%
2.7%
21
Transnational Corp of Nigeria
1.11
0.0%
0.5%
-24.0%
-25.0%
12.9%
2.8%
5.7x
0.7x
1.8%
22
UAC of Nigeria PLC
12.60
-0.4%
0.5%
-25.4%
-25.4%
1.5%
0.6%
22.4x
0.5x
5.0%
23
Diamond Bank PLC
1.10
-4.3%
0.4%
-26.7%
-29.9%
-7.2%
-0.9%
-17.4%
-17.4%
33.1%
6.9%
7.1x
2.2x
8.9%
14.5%
16.5%
5.8%
0.9%
3.0x
0.2x
5.4%
33.0%
6.2x
2.2x
4.4%
24
Total Nigeria PLC
25
FCMB Group Plc
26
11 PLC
27
Forte Oil PLC
190.00
2.7%
0.5%
1.84
0.0%
0.6%
180.00
0.0%
0.5%
-7.5%
-7.5%
40.2%
16.0%
23.15
-1.9%
0.3%
-46.8%
-44.9%
17.6%
1.6%
0.1x
4.4% -75.2%
2.0x
16.2% -11.2%
28
PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC
14.05
0.0%
0.3%
-31.8%
-33.6%
10.7%
5.0%
13.3x
1.4x
3.6%
7.5%
29
Cadbury Nigeria PLC
10.00
-1.0%
0.3%
-36.2%
-35.9%
2.0%
0.8%
36.6x
1.6x
1.6%
2.7%
30
Presco PLC
60.00
0.0%
0.4%
-12.4%
-12.4%
35.8%
24.8%
2.5x
0.8x
3.3%
39.7%
31
NASCON Allied Industries PLC
20.30
-1.0%
0.4%
9.7%
5.6%
62.4%
20.6%
9.6x
5.5x
7.4%
10.3%
0.8x
8.4%
32
UPDC Real Estate Investment Tr
9.00
0.0%
0.3%
-10.0%
-10.0%
33
Union Bank of Nigeria PLC
5.60
-2.6%
0.3%
-28.2%
-25.4%
5.3%
1.1%
8.5x
0.6x
34
Julius Berger Nigeria PLC
24.00
-4.0%
0.3%
-14.3%
-14.3%
17.3%
1.8%
6.6x
1.1x
3.5x
35
Sterling Bank PLC
1.35
-1.5%
0.3%
25.0%
19.5%
10.7%
1.0%
36
Dangote Flour Mills Plc
7.60
-5.0%
0.2%
-37.4%
-37.4%
0.0%
0.0%
37
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Niger
15.30
0.0%
0.2%
-29.2%
-29.2%
4.4%
2.8%
38
Chemical and Allied Products P
30.90
9.0%
0.2%
-9.1%
-13.4%
66.2%
30.2%
39
Beta Glass PLC
78.00
0.0%
0.2%
52.0%
52.0%
17.7%
11.5%
9.5x
40
Transcorp Hotels Plc
6.75
0.0%
0.1%
-6.4%
-6.4%
5.3%
2.9%
18.8x
T o p 10 G a i n e r s T ic k er
T o p 10
P ric e
P ric e C hg %
0.68
9.7%
T ra de s
T ic k er
LIN KA SSUR E UN ION D A C
0.28
3.7%
FB NH
9.85
3.1%
M A YB A KER
2.35
3.1%
190.00
2.7%
0.90
2.3%
T OT A L
/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚĂLJĞĚ ǁĞĂŬ Ăƚ Ϭ͘ϰdž ĂƐ ϭϮ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ Ϯϵ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ǁĞƌĞ LINKASSURE (+9.7%), hE/KE (+3.7%) and FBNH ;нϯ͘ϭйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ h WZKW (-10.0%), BERGER (-9.7%) and > ZE &Z (-ϵ͘ϰйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ͘ /Ŷ ƐƵďƐĞƋƵĞŶƚ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ͕ ǁĞ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ Ă ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂů ƌĞďŽƵŶĚ ĂƐ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŝŶ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĂƩƌĂĐƟǀĞ ĞŶƚƌLJ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ͘
Thursday, August 16, 2018
UN IT YB N K
11.5% 4.2%
14.4% 27.9%
0.4x
1.5%
1.0x
2.6%
22.0x
1.0x
49.0%
4.5%
14.4x
9.6x
6.6%
7.5%
1.6x
1.4%
10.6%
0.9x
1.8%
5.3%
by V o lum e
Vo lum e
P ric e C hg %
UB A
28.3
-2.2%
Z EN IT H B A N K
22.4
-2.1 %
FCM B
21 .0
0.0%
GUA R A N T Y
20.6
-0.5%
T R A N SC OR P
1 4.7
0.0%
A C C ESS
1 1 .3
0.5%
NP FM CRFB K
1.65
1.9%
FB NH
8.1
3.1 %
SKYEB A N K
0.57
1.8%
F ID ELIT YB K
6.9
1 .2%
A F R IP R UD
4.05
1.3%
SOVR EN IN S
5.8
0.0%
F ID ELIT YB K
1.68
1.2%
UN IT YB N K
4.3
2.3%
T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er UA C -P R OP B ER GER LEA R N A F R C A
P ric e
T o p 10
T ra de s
by V a lue
P ric e C hg %
1.71
-10.0%
6.50
-9.7%
1.15
-9.4%
T ic k er
Value
P ric e C hg %
GUA R A N T Y
785.4
-0.5%
Z EN IT H B A N K
51 8.4
-2.1 %
UB A
255.0
-2.2%
A IR SER VIC E
4.50
-9.1%
OA N D O
4.55
-9.0%
LIVEST OC K
0.63
-8.7%
P R ESC O
1 66.2
0.0%
H M A R KIN S
0.32
-8.6%
N EST LE
1 22.3
-3.8%
C OR N ER ST
0.23
-8.0%
A C C ESS
1 07.3
0.5%
N EIM ET H
0.73
-7.6%
FB NH
78.7
3.1 %
N SLT EC H
0.25
-7.4%
WA P C O
52.1
0.0%
NB
1 87.5
0.0%
GUIN N ESS
1 69.7
0.0%
Investment Research
Brokerage Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com
Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com
Bolaji Fajenyo | bfajenyo@afrinvest.com
Eronmosele Aziba | eaziba@afrinvest.com
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MARKET NEWS
Wapic Insurance Records N1.33bn Underwriting Profit in Six Months Ebere Nwoji Wapic Insurance Plc grew its underwriting profit by 113 per cent from N622 million in the first half (HI) ended June 30, 2017 to N1.33 billion in 2018. According to the results, Wapic Insurance grew its gross written premium by 18 per cent from N5.897billion in 2017 to N6.97 billion in 2018. The company’s profit before tax for the period,
however, declined by 54 per cent to close at N241 million, from N519 million of the 2017. The decline, according to the company, was as a result of negative impact of declines in investment and other income, and the slight growth in operating expenses for the period. The company also said within the period, it paid N1.65 billion claims representing eight per cent increase compared to the figure in the same period
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
in 2017. Commenting on the results, the Managing Director of Wapic Insurance Plc, Yinka Adekoya said gross claims ratio decreased to 24 per cent in 2018 compared with 26 per cent in 2017 driven by improved risk selection year-on-year and top line performance. According to her, the Wapic Insurance subsidiaries recorded impressive performance for the period under review as Wapic Life
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 1408-2018, unless otherwise stated.
Assurance Ltd, recorded 11 per cent growth in gross written premium from N1.12 billion in first half 2017 to N1.25 billion in the same period. 2018. She, however, noted that investment income reduced by 25 per cent to N279 million against N375 million recorded in the same period 2017. She said profit before tax closed at N16.8m for the period. Similarly, Wapic Insurance Limited, Ghana, recorded 130
per cent rise in underwriting profit from N119 million of 2017 half year to N275 million, in the same period 2018. Adekoya said: “Our half-year performance is a reflection of the company’s continued focus on its business strategies and to deliver on all growth targets in a sustainable manner. As a group, we recorded an underwriting profit of N1.33 billion, a commendable growth of
113 per cent from the prior year position of N622 million. This performance was driven largely by the growth in gross written premiums of N4.5 billion for the period as well as enhanced efficiencies in our risk selection processes. We remain committed to the focused execution of all our growth strategies especially with respect to our priority products and the delivery of an enjoyable experience across board for all our customers.”
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 177.19 177.59 -0.38% Nigeria International Debt Fund 263.36 263.77 13.78% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.83 0.84 1.04% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 4.51% 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 12.35% 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 142.10 143.10 -6.32% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.89% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.57% Paramount Equity Fund 11.84 12.14 6.77% Women's Investment Fund 103.60 106.25 2.95% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,183.05 1,183.78 9.34% FBN Heritage Fund 143.44 144.45 2.10% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.04% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $113.15 $113.56 2.67% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $112.94 $113.35 2.58% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 161.78 164.12 1.17% 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 1.28 1.30 -1.40% Legacy Debt Fund 3.11 3.11 7.89% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,060.06 3,091.44 2.50% Coral Income Fund 2,682.00 2,682.00 9.57% 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 12.04% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 102.89 104.40 3.18% 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 12.20% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.14 2.16 1.46% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 14.23% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 120.38 120.65 4.62%
LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.18 1.20 2.80% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,068.04 1,068.04 8.29% 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 12.07 12.18 -7.31% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.96% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.35 1.37 12.98% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.88 11.95 7.66% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.37% 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 127.61 128.24 -1.54% 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 1.62 1.62 9.42% 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 2,304.67 2,323.00 2.73% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 185.30 185.30 5.02% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.98 1.00 -1.98% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 237.74 237.79 7.95% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 168.68 170.66 -5.79% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.61% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,102.52 9,225.39 -5.87% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.08 1.08 2.07% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.15 1.16 -2.85% United Capital Bond Fund 1.54 1.54 7.85% United Capital Equity Fund 0.74 0.75 -3.12% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.52% United Capital Eurobond Fund 104.80 104.80 4.76% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 2.16% 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 12.40 12.60 -0.47% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.93 13.06 -1.30% Zenith Income Fund 20.72 20.72 9.48% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.60%
REITS NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
11.41 137.49 51.52
1.01 3.80% 1.36%
Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
11.60 131.80 100.63
11.80 134.60 102.53
-3.91% -7.72% -7.88%
Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund
VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund
SPECIALIST FUNDS*
funds@vetiva.com Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
4.45 8.43 16.49 16.85
4.49 8.51 16.59 17.05
-6.09% -11.86% -5.73% -14.26%
144.42
146.42
7.25%
NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
105.44
17.63%
FOR HNI & PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS ONLY
Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund
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.
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FOREIGN/DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS
Editor: VINCENT OBIA vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com 0805 468 1757
In Brief U.S. Embassy Supports Training of 44 Nigerian Medical Oncologists
Congolese women march to government oďŹƒces in the Bunia, Eastern DRC to mark International Women’s Day. PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHEN MORRISON/EPA
Women Activists in the DRC Show How Effective Alliances Can Be Forged Maria Martin de Almagro
T
he Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been called the worst place in the world to be a woman. Sexual violence and rape are considered defining features of the civil war in the eastern part of the country. This narrative has been reinforced by documentaries like The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo, and The Man Who Mends Women. And more recently, news reports have shown that women cannot even trust the people who came to the rescue as mothers have started to speak up about abuse at the hands of foreign aid workers. These accusations have not been made in isolation. In February, similar revelations were made about Oxfam aid workers in Haiti who paid survivors of an earthquake for sex. Combined, these revelations have enabled human rights advocates to place gender violence, and the abuse of power by humanitarian workers, on the agenda. This, in turn, has led to two unintended consequences for women in the DRC. First, the narrative now being spun portrays them as victims without political agency. And second, there’s been a tendency to cast the entire international humanitarian community as an immoral collective of workers who shouldn’t receive taxpayers’ money by way of foreign aid. To counter these two narratives, I argue in my article –‘Hybrid Clubs: a feminist approach to peace-building in the Democratic Republic of Congo’ – that although women in the DRC have been victims of tremendous abuse and violence, they are both creative agents, and innovative activists. They have participated in peace negotiations and have managed to secure constitutional change. I also argue that the work of the entire humanitarian community shouldn’t be put in jeopardy just because abuses have been uncovered. Rather, human right abuses must be assessed on a case-bycase basis.
I came to these two conclusions by studying the development of a women’s movement in the DRC from its inception in 2015. What started as a small initiative launched by two international NGOs and their local partners has become a national movement to increase the number of women candidates for the upcoming elections and improve women’s participation in electoral processes. The movement, aptly titled “Nothing Without the Women�, – Rien sans les Femmes – kicked off in March 2015 as a hybrid initiative of international NGOs and local women’s groups in eastern Congo. It has now become one of the only movements that has managed to bring together female activists from North and South Kivu in the East, and Kinshasa in the West. “Nothing without the Women� was created with two aims. The first was to advocate for the enactment of the Parity Act. This law was drafted to formalise female participation in all domains of society and public life, but it’s just a declaration of principles, as it doesn’t propose specific measures on how to achieve this aim. The second was to petition for the revision of the DRC’s electoral laws so that women candidates are included on all electoral lists, and that lists that don’t include women cannot be registered. The movement collected more than 200,000 signatures from across the country in the months before the act was passed in May 2015. The signatures were submitted to the President of the National Assembly. At the same time, marches were organised in Bukavu in Eastern Congo, Uvira in South Kivu, and Goma in North Kivu to popularise the petition. More than 6000 people joined the march in Bukavu. Thanks to this concerted push, the Parity Law was passed in August 2015. Since then, the movement has grown. It now incorporates more than 160 women’s rights organisations from around the country. It has become one of the most visible counters to the victim narrative, or the idea that women in the DRC can’t exercise their agency to effect change.
One of the movement’s strongest attributes has been the ability of local and international humanitarian organisations to work together. This has allowed them to build networks both nationally and internationally. One of the key findings from my research in the DRC was that partnerships between local and international actors are common. These partnerships have been formed into what I call “hybrid clubs�. One of the features of these clubs is that they forge a sense of group identity. This is done by operating on specific codes of conduct, wearing distinguishing clothing, and occupying specific geographical locations. The clubs are keen to overcome simplistic assessments of international humanitarians – the sense of “us and them�. For example, in a meeting with international funders at the Swedish embassy in Kinshasa in May 2017, local and international members of the movement dressed the same. But this visual element – uniform dressing – that was used to identify “sameness� between the local women and those from foreign countries on one day, was used to signal “difference� on another. At a meeting with members of the Congolese parliament, only local women were represented. They dressed in “Nothing without the Women� clothing. Their allies from the international NGOs didn’t, and sat at the back of the room without speaking. The tactic was an attempt to prove to parliamentarians that this was not a foreign initiative but a truly Congolese one. Contrary to current media narratives about the DRC, my research shows that Congolese female activists are resourceful, independent citizens who know how to run effective campaigns. It also shows that local and international humanitarians are varied and multiple. If meaningful change is to be achieved, they must work together. r "MNBHSP JT 1PTUEPDUPSBM 3FTFBSDIFS BOE "TTJTUBOU 1SPGFTTPS 6OJWFSTJUZ PG $BNCSJEHF
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja, in partnership with Project PINK BLUE, kicked off medical training for 44 Nigerian clinical oncologists from August 13-25 at the African University of Science & Technology in Abuja, the embassy said on Wednesday. It said considering that in Nigeria, cancer was increasingly recognised as a critical health problem with rising mortality rates, despite many forms of cancer being preventable or treatable, “The training is part of the Upgrade Oncology initiative focused on strengthening oncology education, curricula, and especially cancer treatment in Nigeria. Two American medical oncologists are leading the training, Dr. Tracey O’Connor MD, associate professor at Rosswell Park Cancer Institute, and Dr. Mike Martin MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Tennessee. The project is led by Dr. M.O. Nwaneri MD, a medical oncologist and associate professor at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.� PINK BLUE executive director Runcie C.W. Chidebe, said at the opening ceremony, “At the launch of Nigeria’s cancer plan 2018-2022, Minister of Health Professor Isaac F. Adewole passionately appealed to all Nigerians to support the government’s effort in cancer control. Upgrade Oncology is a response to this appeal.�
UK Medical Team Train in Oman for Exercise Saif Sareea 3 The Joint Medical Group has deployed to Oman ahead of Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (SS3), a joint exercise between the armed forces of the UK and Oman, the British High Commission Abuja published on its website Wednesday. SS3 will take place across Oman in October and November. It is the UK armed forces’ lead exercise this year and the largest in 17 years. It is also the third UK-Oman joint exercise, with the previous two taking place in 1986 and 2001. SS3 will showcase the UK and Oman’s ability to operate together in austere conditions through the deployment of a Coalition Joint Task Force. Joint Forces Command’s (JFC) unique role in the exercise is in planning and enabling, demonstrating its worldleading ability to deploy internationally in challenging environments and run the vital functions of a successful exercise, such as logistics, command and control, and medical. The Joint Medical Group will play a fundamental role in the safe delivery of the exercise.
Man Arrested After Suspected UK Parliament Attack Named A man detained on suspicion of carrying out a terrorist attack outside Britain’s parliament is Salih Khater, a British citizen of Sudanese origin, a European security source told Reuters on Wednesday. Police believe a car was deliberately driven into pedestrians and cyclists, injuring three people, before ramming a security barrier outside parliament on Tuesday morning. The 29-year-old driver was arrested by armed officers at the scene moments later. He is currently being questioned on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism and on Wednesday was further arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, although police have said he is not co-operating with detectives. On Wednesday police said that they had obtained a warrant to detain him for longer before deciding whether to charge him. The security source told Reuters that Khater was from Birmingham, central England, and was not known to security services before Tuesday. Nassar Mahmood, a trustee at Birmingham Central Mosque, said that he had spoken to members of the local Sudanese community, and understood that Khater had gone to London for visa reasons and had paperwork with him.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16,2018˾ T H I S D AY
51
NEWSXTRA
FG to Disburse $124m CVFF to Nigerian Ship Owners in 2019 N50bn floating dockyard to save FG $1billion $195m maritime security contract not cancelled Eromosele Abiodun Following relentless agitation by the Nigerian ship owners that the federal government disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) in line with set down regulations, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, yesterday said the agency would commence the disbursement in 2019. Peterside who stated this in a chat with journalists in Lagos State, said the fund, which has increased to $124 million (N44.64 billion) and domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would be disbursed as soon as the Ministry of Transportation concludes the review of the guidelines for disbursement. Also, he said NIMASA has taken delivery of the N50 billion modular floating dockyard considered to be the fifth largest on the African continent. He said the Dockyard would save the federal government of Nigeria $100 million annually, amounting to $1billion in 10 years. According to him, this will be direct savings from the dry
docking of vessels operating in Nigeria, which are mostly done outside the country. Similarly, he debunked reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled the $195 million maritime security contract awarded to an Israeli firm in 2017. The NIMASA boss said the Israeli firm was not contracted to take over Nigerian maritime security but to train Nigerian security personnel, acquire three helicopters, three aircrafts, three big battle-ready ships, 12 vessels and 20 amphibious cars to combat the menace of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Highlighting some of the agency’s achievements in the last two years, he said NIMASA has been able to establish a satellite surveillance control and command centre that has a coverage of up to 312 nautical miles from coast line (approximately 100 nautical miles off our EEZ). According to him, “the system can detect vessels with AIS transponders switched off as a synthetic aperture raider (SAR images which can be interrogated) immediately by near – point of sight patrol / enforcement boats. The Agency secured the reactivation of the
maritime domain awareness capability. “This has enabled effective enforcement of regulations. Our surveillance system enables us to ensure the preservation of Cabotage Trade for indigenous operators by identifying and differentiating Ship-To-Ship (STS) operations that take place at the secured anchorage and offshore locations from Cabotage Trade to avoid foreign domination in Cabotage trade under the guise of STS.” He added that “in the last six months, a total of 1,685 tanker
operations were captured by the Satellite Surveillance System. Of these operations, 284 were carried out at the anchorage area through lightering. Effectively, through surveillance guided enforcement operations, the 284 tankers that were lightened at the anchorage were hindered from participating in Cabotage Operations. “This has impacted positively on Cabotage trade creating room for more local participation. This was not the case in 2017 when we could not separate between anchorage operations
and Cabotage trade with high likelihood of 532 international vessels proceeding on Cabotage trade after lightering operations at the anchorage. “ Furthermore, he said the Nigerian Maritime Industry Forecast for 2018 and 2019 which is the first of its kind in the sector is intended to serve as a compass for local and international stakeholders willing to do business in the Nigeria maritime domain. “It is part of the initiatives of the current Management of NIMASA aimed at realizing
a robust and virile maritime industry in Nigeria. The forecast period 2018-2019 covers a time of continuous recovery from recession, to the 2019 general elections and finally culminates in the postelection era. Also, the forecast intends to review developments in the Nigerian maritime Industry in 2017, expected international and local developments in policy and regulatory environment for the maritime sector in 2018 and 2019 and also emerging opportunities and challenges with implications for the Maritime Industry, “he said.
Lagos Partners MultiChoice for 2018 AMVCAs Emmanuella Igwe The Lagos State Government, through the state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has announced its partnership with MultiChoice on the 6th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs). The awards ceremony, which is the biggest celebration of film and television talents will hold on September 1 in Victoria Island, Lagos. Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said the company is delighted to have on board the state government as plans shift into top gear for the most anticipated movie awards on the continent. “We are pleased to once again have the state government play host and partner with us on the 2018 AMVCAs as we celebrate excellence in the African film industry. This partnership further establishes Lagos State as a hub for the promotion of the arts in the country and by extension Africa. “We are particularly pleased about the involvement of the state government in this edition of the awards as we celebrate our 25th anniversary as MultiChoice Nigeria. The AMVCAs is one of our significant investments in igniting Africa’s creative industries, helping them grow into vibrant, economic powerhouses,” Ugbe said.
He also said the company has partnered with the state government on numerous projects, including the annual One Lagos Fiesta. In acknowledgement of the partnership, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said: “We are delighted that AMVCAs is back again in Lagos State this year and as a government with keen interest in promoting the Arts, we are very pleased to be associated with this major awards initiative that creates a unique platform for both the creators of content for motion pictures to be celebrated and for the viewers to be heard. “As the birthplace of a film industry that has become a pacesetter in Africa and a pride to the entire black race, Lagos will always welcome the type of opportunities that AMVCAs and indeed MultiChoice provide in celebrating those who do not just bring joy to millions of homes through their talent and creativity but who also market the potential of our state as the undeniable heartbeat of a continent where the creative beat never stops,” the governor added. The 2018 AMVCAs will hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island,Lagos on Saturday, September 1, 2018. The awards will be aired live on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv.
CSR AWARDS
L-R: Former Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih; former Governor, Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; CEO, AS+A Communications Limited, Adenike Shobajo;Chief Client Engagement Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, Moronfolu Fasinro, and former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, at the 2018 public relations forum and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) awards in Lagos...yesterday
Oil Price Slumps to $70 Per Barrel as US Crude Inventories Jump Unexpectedly NNPC, Chinese consortium to finalise funding terms for 614km gas line Chineme Okafor ÓØ ÌßÔË ËØÎ Ejiofor Alike ÓØ ËÑÙÝ áÓÞÒ ËÑÏØÍã ÜÏÚÙÜÞÝ Crude oil prices dropped by more than $2 per barrel yesterday after data showed United States crude stockpiles jumped last week, compounding worries about a weaker global economic growth outlook. This is coming as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a Chinese consortium have reportedly met in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, as part of the ongoing efforts to finalise the funding terms for the 614 kilometres Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project. The global benchmark Brent crude futures were down to $1.96 a barrel at $70.50 per barrel after the contract had earlier touched $70.40 a barrel. The United States West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $2.22 to $64.82 per barrel. US crude inventories rose
unexpectedly last week , climbing 6.8 million barrels in spite of refinery crude oil runs hitting a record high, the Energy Information Administration’s data showed. Crude oil stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub for US crude futures rose to 1.6 million barrels. Investors are concerned about the world economy as trade disputes between the United States and its major trading partners escalate. World trade volume growth peaked in January, and since then has nearly halved to less than three per cent by May, according to the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis. The US and China have been locked in a trade battle for months, a dispute that threatens to curb economic activity in both countries. Reuters reported that Chinese oil importers now appear to be shying away from buying US crude oil as they fear Beijing may decide to add the commodity to its tariff list.
According to agency reports, not a single tanker has loaded crude oil from the US bound for China since the start of August. Meanwhile, the NNPC and a Chinese consortium have met in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, to work towards finalising the term sheet for financing the 614 kilometres Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project. A statement by the NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, stated that the corporation Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, met with the consortium comprising the Bank of China and Sinosure. Ughamadu explained that Baru had to cut short his holy pilgrimage trip to Saudi Arabia to attend the Dubai meeting with the Chinese consortium. According to Ughamadu, Baru reiterated the need for both parties to ensure speedy conclusion on the details of the agreement towards its full execution which would happen
when President Muhammadu Buhari visits China next month. He said Buhari is scheduled to attend the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit taking place between September 1 and 4 in the Chinese capital, Beijing, and that the AKK project would be top on his agenda for discussion with the Chinese. The NNPC had earlier clarified that the execution of the AKK gas pipeline project has largely progressed under the original concept of 100 per cent contractor financing model. It noted that this was contrary to some media report of a possible resort to proceed of gas tariffs as new means of funding because of purported collapse of negotiation with Chinese lenders. The corporation also noted that the successful conclusion of the contractor financing terms would pave way for a groundbreaking ceremony for the project which would take place after the conclusion of the front-end activities.
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Deji of Akure: Why I am Celebrating Ulefunta Festival The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi,Odundun 11, has explained why the Akure Kingdom is celebrating the Ulefunta Festival. He made this known yesterday while being received by the board of editors of the Tribune newspapers at its
Imalefalafia, Oke-Ado office in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Deji, who was represented by the Chairman of the Ulefunta festival, Prince Adebisi Adeniyi, said the Fesitval, which will take place between October 3 and 7, 2018, is the traditional annual leave period of the monarch which
Okowa Urged to Halt GirlChild TrafďŹ cking in Delta Ugo Aliogo The President of Warri Boys Association, Lagos branch, Chief Godwin Okene, has called on the Delta State Government to immediately halt the spate of girl-child trafficking in the state. Okene made this call after rising from the association’s meeting in Lagos, saying the association had been receiving incessant complaints from indigenes of the state bordering on the activities of girl-child trafficking cartels who have invaded the state with the sole aim of luring innocent under-aged girls to Lagos and foreign countries under the guise of providing jobs only for the girls to be used for prostitution Okene, in company of High Chief Vincent Ogheneochuko Ahwi, (OSU IV), the Osu Urhobo of Lagos State and Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Council of Chiefs in Lagos, who was also on a courtesy visit to the organisation, said the association attention is currently been drawn to a case of some under-aged girls who were lured from Aladja village, in Udu Local Government, Delta State to Lagos by one of the cartels without the parents consent for prostitution in Lagos. According to him, the girls who are between the ages of 14 to 16 years were intercepted by the President, Urhobo Progressive Union
(UPU), Youth Wing, Lagos, Austin Ojameruaye. The matter was immediately reported to Layeni Police Station in Ajegunle and was subsequently transferred to the state police command for thorough investigation. Â The Warri Boys president therefore called on Okowa to do everything possible to nip the nefarious activities of these human trafficking cartels in the bud to save the future of theyoung girls. He said it was clear that these cartel have moved from other states of the federation to Delta State, adding that their activities must be brought to a halt before greater damage is done to the state. Â Okene also said the association is ready to partner the state government to attract foreign aid to fast track infrastructural development in the state as it is being done in some other states of the federation He thanked the Urhobo Progressive Union in Lagos for their good work and appealed that Deltans should close rank in their bid to eliminate these cartels from the state. Â The Warri Boys Association is an advocacy and a social group working towards the economic growth and peaceful development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
FEC Approves N15.73bn for Enugu Road Project Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC), yesterday in Abuja approved N15.73 billion for the construction of section two of Umana Ndiagu-Agba-EbenebeAmansii-Awka-Umumba road in Enugu State. Briefing journalists at the end of the weekly FEC meeting presided over by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in the Presidential Villa, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said the project which was initially awarded in 2012 at the cost of N10.3 billion would serve six different communities. According to him, the project was not executed as proposed because of lack of funding, explaining that the upward review of the project from N10.3 billion to N105.7 billion was necessary, to accommodate erosion control. He said; “The memorandum that was approved today
has been in observance from ancient time. He explained that the Ulefunta was a period when the Deji goes into a seven-day traditional seclusion and when in all Akure Kingdom, there is no celebration or beating of drums of any kind. “The Ulefunta Festival has a historical and cultural significance. The first is that, there is, from ages past, there will be no noise or drum or any ceremony whatsoever. Markets are closed within this period of seven days throughout the kingdom and there is no observance of
any activities. When the Deji comes out of seclusion after seven days, there is then a celebration by the whole of the town. Masquerades and all the sons and daughters of Akure are expected to come and pay the Deji his traditional Ulefunta homage after he emerges from seclusion,� said the chairman of the festival. According to Prince Adeniyi, before now, Akure Kingdom celebrated the annual Oyemekun Festival but from this year, Oba Aladelusi and his chiefs wish to have the festival transform into a celebration of one of the most consequential
cultural periods in the life of the ancient monarchy which the Ulefunta is. Breaking the event into segments, Prince Adeniyi said that on October 3, 2018 which is the day the Deji would come out of his seven-day seclusion, there would be a homagepaying exercise to him by all the masquerades in the Akure Kingdom which will take place at the palace’s ancient courtyard called Ua Lila. He said on the second and third days respectively, there would be both a youth carnival at the Akure City Hall and a football march called the Deji’s
Cup, as well as a public lecture to be delivered by the renowned Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah. Saturday, the October 6, according to him, will be the D-day of the event, which is the Ulefunta Day, to be held at the MKO Abiola Democracy Arcade, while a grand finale church thanksgiving service is billed for Sunday, October 7. While soliciting the support of the Tribune in making the event one to remember, Prince Adeniyi extended the well wishes of the Deji to the management of the newspaper which he said has “a noble pedigree.â€? Â
BREAKFAST MEETING
L-R: Director, Western Zone, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Olayemi Abbass; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; Director,Strategic Reform, Mr. Sanni Muhammed and Dirctor, Corporate Communication, Mr. lsichei Osamgbi, during the breakfast meeting with the media executives in Lagos... yesterday
Odili Drums Support for Wike’s Re-election Abe congratulates ex-gov at 70 Davidson Iriekpen
Former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, has called on the people of the state, was for the augmentation irrespective of political of an existing road contract. affiliations, to totally support That road is a series of road Governor Nyesom Ezenwo captured as Umana Ndiagu Wike in his second term bid -Agba - Ebenebe - Amansii to consolidate on the good -Awka and spurs to Umumba works he is doing in the state. road in section two in Enugu This is coming as the state State.  governorship aspirant on the “The contract was awarded platform of the All Progressives in 2012 and they were spurs Congress (APC) in 2019, off the Enugu-Onitsha highway Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, to six different communities, has congratulated Odili on Ebenebe, Umana, Ndiagu, Nkpodu, Ekeagu and Ugwuoba.  his 70th birthday. Also, the Chaplain of Our “Because of lack of Lady of Holy Chaplaincy of appropriate budgeting and Catholic Institute of West Africa funding, all of these projects (CIWA), Rev. Monsignor Pius could not be completed. Kii, has stated that the lowest There were also failures in point in the 70 years of Odili the implementation as we was when his political godson, inherited it.  Rotimi Amaechi attempted “There was also the need to destroy his political life to provide for erosion control through a kangaroo Truth and measures and drains. That Reconciliation Commission. has led to the revision of Odili and Kii spoke at the the existing contract awarded Special Thanksgiving Mass for in 2012 from N10.3 billion to the 70th birthday celebration of N15.734 billion. Odili organised by the Rivers “So, that revision is to State Government at Our enable the contract to be Lady of the Holy Rosary completed that was presented Chaplaincy, Catholic Institute and approved by council of West Africa (CIWA), Port today.â€?Â
Harcourt yesterday. The former Rivers State governor, declared: “Let me use this opportunity to request our people, all Rivers men and women, our chiefs and the entire political class, everybody that is proud to be identified and called a Rivers man or woman, to give your total support to this governor. “I am not saying it from a political position. I am talking from the position of an elder statesman. This is because, with his leadership, we can achieve total cohesion and unity of our people. Once that is achieved, the sky is the take off point for the New Rivers State that he is building.� Odili described Wike as a loyal politician who is outstanding in his commitment to the development of the state. “I have been governor, I have worked under governors and I have seen governors after me. This man is unique. “Just to tell you that of all the people we have worked politically with, from way back in the 1980s - Nobody in the political terrain can compete with this governor,� Odili said. He thanked Wike for initiating the celebration of
his 70th birthday, noting that the family had planned for a private low-key celebration. In his homily, the Chaplain of Our Lady of Holy Chaplaincy of Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Rev Monsignor Pius Kii, said despite betrayals by the likes of Amaechi, Governor Wike stood by Odili. Kii said: “One of Odili’s lowest moments was when he was dragged by one of his erstwhile sons to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up by the Rotimi Amaechi administration aimed at damaging his reputation and preventing him from holding political offices. “Despite these betrayals, we are grateful to God that some remain loyal sons, particularly Wike and countless others in the state and in the country. “Having the love of one like Wike is having the love of many. For one with Wike is majority. For in him, God put 10 men in one man. Odili, be rest assured that those who are for you and with you are more than those who have abandoned you�, Kii said. The cleric declared that Odili spiritualised political language,
noting that he invoked God at all times. He added that Odili never used his investments and appearances in churches for political opportunities. Kii said Wike has taken over from Odili, developing the Christian faith and embarking on massive developmental projects. Meanwhile, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has also congratulated Odili on his 70th birthday. Abe in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Parry Saroh Benson in Port Harcourt, described Odili as a living legend whose exemplary lifestyle has impacted positively on many. “On behalf of my wife, Bariyaah, we join your family, friends, well-wishers and indeed millions of Nigerians to celebrate with you on this auspicious occasion of your 70th birthday. “Your invaluable contributions to the development of Rivers State and the nation speak volume. As you continue in your selfless service to God and man, we pray that the Almighty God will grant you many more years of robust health and personal fulfillment.�
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Group to Protest against Arrest of Premium Times Journalist
NUJ, Amnesty International, IPC write Osinbajo MRA seeks his release
Paul Obi Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The OurMumuDonDo Movement yesterday said it would protest against the arbitrary arrest of Premium Times journalist, Samuel Ogundipe, today if the Nigerian Police fail to release him from their custody. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), international rights group, Amnesty International (AI), the International Press Centre
(IPC) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) yesterday demanded the immediate release of Ogundipe. Ogundipe was arrested by the Police after he declined to disclose the source and identity of person(s) purported to have leaked the report by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, to acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the invasion of the National Assembly by personnel of the Department of State Service (DSS) spearheaded by the sacked Director General,
Niger Lawmaker Quits APC Laleye Dipo Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ A member of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Danladi Iyah, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) fueling speculations that the gale of defection from the ruling party will soon hit the state assembly. However, Iyah did not disclose what other political party he was joining. He conveyed his resignation to the state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Jibrin Imam, in which he gave the reason for leaving the APC to “humiliation and hostilities I suffered while I was in the APC.â€? Iyah was elected on the platform of the APC from Tafa state constituency. The assembly had before the resignation of Iyah, 26 APC members and one Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a swift reaction to Iyah’s letter, the APC wrote to the assembly asking that the legislator’s seat be declared vacant. “I want the House of Assembly to effect the provisions
of section 109 sub section 1(g) of the Nigerian constitution and declare the seat of the member representing Tafa state constituency vacant. His reasons are not justifiable,� Imam said in the letter. According to the chairman’s letter, the reason given by the legislator was not tenable as it was personal and not constitutional. When the APC chairman’s letter was read at plenary yesterday, member representing Borgu state constituency, Alhaji Bala Ahmed Abba, threw his weight behind the letter, saying the resignation of his colleague was unconstitutional. Abba said: “Declaring his (Iyah) seat vacant is the right thing to do.� , Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, seconded the motion. When the motion was put for voting, the members unanimously agreed that the legislator’s seat should be declared vacant. The Speaker, Alhaji Ahmed Marafa Guni, directed the clerk of the assembly to convey the decision to the relevant agencies.
Aero Begins Payment of Redundant Staff Chinedu Eze Nigeria’s oldest carrier, Aero Contractors, has started the payment of over 30 workers it declared redundant in 2017 during its reorganisation process.  This was confirmed by the Managing Director of the airline, Captain Ado Sanusi, who stated that henceforth, the staff would be paid every month. He said this was possible because the company which was moribund early last year is making a turnaround, as about N70 million has already been expended on the payment of redundant personnel. Also, the airline, which expanded its maintenance facility last year, has conducted C-check on its second aircraft, which would be ready soon. This would increase the number of aircraft in its fleet to four fixed wing, as another aircraft is due to return from
checks overseas this week and three helicopters. The airline would deliver the third helicopter from Malaysia next Friday in order to boost its oil and gas service operations. THISDAY learnt that the B737500 aircraft, which was taken out for C—check maintenance in France by previous management could not return as planned due to paucity of funds. But, the current management led by Sanusi, took it upon itself to ensure the return of the aircraft. Commenting on the payment of severance packages and outstanding salaries to the staff declared redundant, Sanusi said the aim of the management was to disburse about N50million monthly to the affected staff and assured them that some would be recalled as its fleet of aircraft increases.
Lawal Daura. Concerned Nigerians have mount pressure on the Police to release Ogundipe, arguing that under the Nigerian law, journalists are not obligated to divulge their journalistic source except in exceptional cases based on circumstantial grounds and supported by law. But in a statement signed by Charles Oputa, OurMumuDonDo Movement; Adeyanju Adedeji Concerned Nigerians; Ariyo-Dare Atoye, Coalition in Defense of Nigerian Democracy and Moses Paul of Mad Connectt, the groups maintained that the arrest of Ogundipe, to say the least, amounts to abuse of Nigeria’s constitution with regards to freedom of speech and freedom of the press. They said the group “wishes to express its outright disapproval of the current onslaught on
press freedom in Nigeria by the Nigerian Police Force. “We are extremely concerned that the IG, Ibrahim Idris, would openly flout the law of the land by unlawfully detaining Mr. Samuel Ogundipe of Premium Times Newspaper for refusing to disclose the source of his story. “This arrest is an open affront on chapter IV, S. 39 (1) of CFRN 1999 as amended, which guarantees the freedom of expression of Nigerian citizens and the freedom of the press in Nigeria. “We must emphasize that this arrest by the Nigerian Police is an unacceptable attempt to intimidate, muzzle, and devitalise our press. The press is a crucial institution of our democracy, and fearless journalists like Ogundipe should be encouraged and not intimidated with coercion.� “On a final note, we would like
to state categorically that we will not hesitate to mobilise Nigerians of conscience to the headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force in Abuja on August 16, 2018, if by the end of August 15, Ogundipe of Premium Times is not released unconditionally.� In separate petitions to the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and Inspector-General of Police, the other groups also demanded that Ogundipe’s personal bank account be unfrozen by the police. In a statement issued by its Programme Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, MRA said: “We are dismayed by this increasing resort by the Buhari Administration to tactics of intimidation and harassment of media practitioners in breach of the provisions of the Constitution and other laws. We are seriously concerned that
such acts appear to be on the upswing as the 2019 elections draw nearer and urge the Government to retrace its steps in order not to permanently damage public confidence in democratic governance.� The NUJ’s August 15 letter signed by its National President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile, accused the IG of hounding the press and urged the Acting President to call him to order. “The journalist is being held to disclose his source of information, a demand that is against the ethical precepts of our profession.� The NUJ recalled the abduction and detention of two journalists who are brothers, Daniel and Izuchukwu Elomba as well as the abduction of the National Assembly correspondent of Daily Trust, Abdulahi Krishi, by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
ACCESSING FUNDING
L-R: Executive Director/Chief Finance Officer, FCMB, Yemisi Edun; Executive Director, Corporate Banking, First Bank Plc., Mr. Remi Oni; representative of MTN Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode; MTN’s Chief Executive Officer, Ferd Moolam, and Executive Director, Union Bank Plc, Mr. Emeka Okonkwo, at the MTN Nigeria Medium Term Loan Signing Ceremony, held in Lagos, yesterday‌
El-Rufai Presents 2019 Budget The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, has presented the proposed 2019 budget to the state house of assembly. The Cable reported that the N155.86 billion budget is broken into N62.3 billion recurrent and 93.5billion capital expenditure. The education and health sectors are the most favoured with 27.5 per cent and 15.02 per cent respectively.
Though the budget is 28 per cent reduction from N216.65 billion budgeted last year, el-Rufai pledged that his administration would complete all the projects it started and pay up all its contractual obligations before the end of the year. “The proposed 2019 budget size is N155,865,339,539.77 with recurrent expenditure of N62,339,040,309.19 and capital
expenditure of N93,526,299,230.58 representing 40 per cent as recurrent expenditure and 60 per cent as capital expenditure,� he said. The 2019 budget keeps faith with our commitment to human capital development through investments in the social sector, which takes 42.8 per cent of the budget. Social sector spending is mainly on education which is allocated 27.15 per cent and health on which we propose
to spend 15.02 per cent.� According to the Governor, the key targets of the budget from fiscal perspective are, “ensuring the actualization of the development priorities of the government as articulated in the state development plan and respective Sector Implementation Plans (SIPs) and maintaining a favourable proportion of capital to recurrent expenditure.�
Lagos CP Sacks Eight OfďŹ cers for Criminal Offences The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, yesterday said eight officers were dismissed over “very serious criminal offences,â€? while six others were demoted in ranks. The police commissioner also said 108 officers were disciplined for various offences from January to July, 2018. He made the disclosure at a Stakeholders’ Forum on “Police Accountability and Presentation
of Advocacy Materials at the command’s headquarters, Ikeja, the state capital. According to him, 58 other officers recorded major entries, six officers reprimanded, 28 officers got warning motors, four officers had extra fatigue, while five others were discharged for lack of evidences against them. “The days of police officers receiving slaps on the wrist for offences are gone. When you
performed excellently well, you will receive a CP’s Commendation Letter. “I am not happy punishing any officer, but that does not mean we should overlook unprofessional conducts. When I resumed as CP Lagos, I discovered that the public had lost confidence in the police. “I set up a Citizen Complaint Hot Centre with 10 mobile phone lines through which people can complain about the wrongs of
our men. I have received many complaints. “However, there is no way I would know all that my men are doing if nobody complained,� he said. Edgal called on people in Lagos to continue to assist the police with information and other assistance, stressing that the 28,000 officers and men in Lagos were inadequate to police the state.
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PDP Keeps Vigil in N’Assembly to Abort Saraki’s Impeachment Plot, Says Nasarawa Senator Emmanuel Ukumba ÓØ ËʨË The National Assembly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are keeping vigil at the premises of the assembly complex to forestall any impeachment process against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. This was disclosed yesterday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital by the Senator representing Nasarawa North senatorial zone, Philip Aruwa Gyunka, when he presented his letter of intent to contest the governorship seat of the state to the officials of the state PDP. “I woke up this morning from my night shift and I will still be going back to my night shift. That is to say we
are keeping vigil.We are rotating the shift among ourselves. “As regards to what they are saying about impeachment, it is not possible because the international community is aware of their plot. “Don’t be discouraged. They will intimidate you as they do to us. Like myself, I don’t know how many times they have been calling me. We didn’t know they have come to truncate democracy. But the Senate president, being a product of PDP, has come to the rescue of the situation,” he said. The senator told the PDP supporters that he would bring to the office of the governor of the state “the heart of a servant who had known hard times, tasted poverty and acquired
requisite discipline to govern. “I shall bring the benefits of my vast experience as an economist, banker, and a legislator at both state and federal levels to reform and transform the state. I will bring a new vision and new direction to governance that will be truly democratic, representative and professional to deliver and redeem the state from its downward descent,” Gyunka said. In his response, the state PDP chairman, Hon. Francis Orogu, said the state chapter of party was proud of its representatives at the National Assembly and consequently encouraged them to maintain the tempo of their loyalty to the PDP.
Obaseki Lauds EU, Benin Monarch for Fighting Human Trafficking The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday saluted the roles of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II and the European Union in the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration in the state, in the last one year. Obaseki gave the commendation while taking stock of the activities of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, during its one-year anniversary, at the Weekly State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, in Benin City, the state capital. The governor, one year ago, initiated a multi-pronged fight against human trafficking, few months into assumption of office, deploying a mix of approaches to curb the ugly trend. “We believe that if we tackle the issue of poverty by making people more comfortable, they will not want to travel illegally. For us as a government, we have encapsulated the challenge of migration as one that is driven by under-development. “We thank the Benin Monarch,
Oba Ewuare II for his support and responsiveness, which have been praised by the World. This has shown that trafficking and prostitution are not in our culture,” the governor said. He expressed his gratitude to the European Union, Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim leaders for their support in ensuring that the menace of human trafficking is tamed. Earlier, Chairman of the taskforce, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, during her presentation, said that they have received 3, 883 returnees, who have benefited from the state government’s reintegration package. Prof. Omorogbe explained that the taskforce’s data showed that 80.17 percent were independent migrants between 18 and 25 years of age, which is alarming, as they are members of the active population. In a report released to mark its one-year anniversary, the taskforce said the state government received 3883 persons from Libya, noting that the holistic approach includes
receive the victims; provision of medical diagnosis and assistance; contact and reunion with family; security screening, investigation and protection, vocational training and empowerment and payment of stipends. The taskforce added that it has intensified advocacy in areas where human trafficking is endemic, as “it has fought the scourge through various strategies including vigorous investigation and prosecution of traffickers and their accomplices; the eventual passage of a state law against trafficking in humans; various measures to aid understanding of the nature and causes of this menace. “We have engaged communities where trafficking is prevalent, to proactively discourage the practice through knowledge exchanges, and appropriate training packages ranging from basic education to assistance with establishing business. The entire programme is anchored on efficient data collection, analysis and research,” Omorogbe said.
Deaf Group Endorses Ambode for Second Term Oluchi Chibuzor The members of the Ambode Deaf Solidarity Movement have endorsed the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for a second term in office. Speaking during a recent road walk in Lagos, the state Chairman, Lagos APC Deaf Group, Onifade Fatai, said the administration of Ambode has endeared him to all, especially the vulnerable and the lessprivileged. He also noted that the group had received assistance from Ambode’s administration, ranging from empowerment tools and equipment, adding that financial grants were also given to them. Fatai added that the state governor has also created social welfare regime that impacted the lives of people with disabilities by offsetting
in part or total sum of the medical bills. “It is on record that Ambode instituted Disability Entrepreneurship Trust Funds (DETF) to empower Lagos disability community, while other governors were looting the treasury. But Ambode is helping the needy in the state. He is doing his best to improve the lives of those at the bottom of ladder, hence the public declaration of our acceptance of his performance and to categorically endorse him for the second term reelection as the Governor of Lagos state, in the forthcoming 2019 general election,” he said On his part, the Secretary of the group, Adewale Adeyanju, assured the governor that they have their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVCs) to exercise their franchise during the general election. In another development,
the Deaf Clusters Group of the People with Disability (PWDs) has appealed to the state government for the implementation of the policy framework that cater for person hearing disabilities, noting that they have a quota to contribute in the task of nation building. The guest speaker and state Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Waheed Ishola, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that it provides mobile accreditation for PWDs in the forthcoming election to avoid the issue of vote buying is minimised and provide coverings during vote casting. He also tasked the PWDs to get their PVCs, stating that nobody would be allowed to vote and issuance of the card would end days to the election.
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THURSDAYSPORTS
Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY
Presidency Wades into NFF Crisis as Osinbajo Meets Dalung, Pinnick Duro Ikhazuagbe With FIFA’s August 20 deadline to Nigeria to resolve the crisis in the administration of the country’s football just some days away, the Federal Government, it appears, has waded into the matter to prevent the ban from world football ruling body from happening. Yesterday in Abuja, the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, met with Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, who has been at the centre of the protracted crisis, behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa.
Presidency sources told THISDAY that the meeting which took place inside Osinbajo’s office shortly after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, was meant to strategise on how to resolve the NFF crisis between Chris Giwa and the Amaju Melvin Pinnick-led NFF board whose tenure will end next month. Although details of their discussions were not revealed to reporters covering the Villa, THISDAY learnt the kernel of the discourse was how to end this almost four-year old crisis without incurring FIFA’s wrath.
It was also learnt that the Acting President had earlier before the FEC meeting held private discussions with NFF President, Pinnick, and some members of his board. Those who were with Pinnick at the meeting with Osinbajo include; the two vice presidents of the NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko; and the only female member of the board, Aisha Falode. Interestingly, after the NFF’s meeting at the Villa, THISDAY also learnt that another meeting was called by the Reconciliation Committee
headed by former Chairman of NFA, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (rtd) to find a way out of the log-jam. Other members of the NFF Board that include Chairman of Chairmen, Ibrahim Gusau; Technical Committee Chairman, Ahmed Fresh and Mohammed Alkali joined the four who were at the Villa in the meeting with the Aminu Committee. It was understood that a meeting of Pinnick and Giwa is being proposed for today even as there are speculations that the vacation judge in
the Pinnick and Giwa case may have moved hearing to tomorrow, August 17 in Jos. Tuesday’s final warning to Nigeria was the fourth time since 2006 that FIFA would be directly involved in postWorld Cup tournament crisis. In the media release from Zurich, FIFA seems to have ran out of patience over the festering crisis between Giwa and Pinnick and announced the decisions of its Bureau of FIFA Council in relation to undue influence in the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation.
The statement read: “In line with art. 16 par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes, the Bureau of the FIFA Council decided that if by Monday, August 20, 2018, at 12:00 (CET), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) offices are not handed back to the legitimate NFF executive committee under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who was duly elected on 30 September 2014, the NFF will be suspended with immediate effect for contravening art. 14 par. 1 i) and art. 19, as well as art. 14 par. 1 a) of the FIFA Statutes.
Victor Moses ‘Retires’ from Super Eagles at 27 Omeruo joins La Liga side, Leganes on loan Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Super Eagles winger, Victor Moses, has announced his retirement from international football for Nigeria at the age of 27 years. The Chelsea star played 37 times for Nigeria, scoring 12 times since making his debut in 2012. He had previously represented England up to Under-21 level, while coming through the ranks at Crystal palace. “I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories with me that will last a lifetime,” he said. “However, I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on my club career and young family, as well as to allow the next generation the opportunity to step up and to flourish. “Thank you for the memories and good luck to the team for the future.” Moses won the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013,
and represented the nation at two World Cups, in 2014 and 2018. Super Eagles were knocked out at the group stage in Russia this summer, having beaten Iceland but suffered defeats by Croatia and Argentina. Moses’ Super Eagles and Chelsea teammate, Kenneth Omeruo, has been sent on loan for a seventh time by English Premier League club Chelsea since he joined them in 2012. This time, the Nigerian defender will spend the season with Spanish La Liga side Leganes. The 24-year-old started for Super Eagles against Iceland and Argentina at this summer’s World Cup in Russia. Omeruo, who is yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea, spent a second spell at Turkish side Kasımpasa last season. He has also been loaned to Dutch side ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough in England for two seasons and another Turkish side Alanyaspor. Chelsea extended his deal with them until 2020 at the
U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Falconets Set to Battle Spain for S’final Berth Nigeria’s Under-20 girls, the Falconets, are set to tackle their counterparts from Spain this afternoon for a place in the semi finals of the ongoing FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup finals. Both teams are no strangers to each other with Falconets still having the sweet memories of how they edged the Spaniards in a group phase game in Papua New Guinea two years ago. Nigeria won that match 2-1, and the two-time silver medallists have confidence they can pull off another victory against La Rojita in Concarneau, to earn a berth in this France 2018 last four. Five members of the Class of 2018 were part of that squad that defeated Spain in Papua New Guinea two years ago. They
include; Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, who has scored both of the Nigerian team’s goals in the ongoing tournament. Four of the girls that played for Spain in Papua New Guinea are in the squad in France. Nigeria’s tally of four points was the lowest for a team that reached the quarter finals of this edition but that would count for nothing when the Falconets file out against La Rojita this evening, starting from 3pm Nigeria time. To reach this stage, the Falconets defeated Haiti 1-0 and drew 1-1 with China, after an opening –day 0-1 loss to perennial foes Germany in Saint Malo. On their part, the Spaniards hammered Paraguay 4-1 and pipped Japan 1-0 before drawing 2-2 with USA.
Omeruo (left) has joined Leganes on Loan while Moses calls time on his international duty for Nigeria beginning of last season before loaning him to Kasimpasa. Omeruo can play at centre-
back or right-back and is described on the Leganes website as a “versatile defender
with a powerful physique that means he is strong in the air”. His 40 caps for the Super
Eagles also include appearances at the Confederations Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Super Cup: Extra-time Goals Half of Eagles’ ‘Oyinbo Wall’, Give Atletico Victory over Real Ekong, Joins Udinese Real Madrid began life without Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane with defeat in the first ever UEFA Super Cup derby last night as Atletico Madrid scored twice in extra time. Two excellent late goals from Koke and Saul sealed victory for Atletico after the game ended 2-2 in normal time. It was Real’s first match since Ronaldo signed for Juventus for £99m in the summer and Zidane was replaced as manager by former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui. Koke’s smart finish and Saul’s sensational 16-yard volley in extra time helped Europa League holders Atletico win their third Super Cup in as many appearances. Diego Costa also scored twice in normal time,
thumping in the opener after 49 seconds and tapping in another after the interval. Gareth Bale had set up Karim Benzema with a header at the back post for Real’s first and captain Sergio Ramos slotted home a penalty for a 2-1 lead after Juanfran was penalised for handball. Full-back Marcelo squandered an excellent chance to score the winner for Real with an overhead kick in the final seconds of normal time as back-to-back Champions League winners Real were looking to become the first side to win three Super Cups in successive seasons. It was the fourth time in the past five years that the Super Cup was contested by two Spanish sides - but the first with both teams from the same city.
Super Eagles central defender, William Troost-Ekong, has completed moves to switch to Italian Serie A club, Udinese. Bursaspor announced Ekong’s departure from Turkey with a farewell message on the club’s official Twitter handle yesterday. The defender played 33 times and scored three goals for the Turkish club. “Thank you @WTroostEkong
,” a tweet from Bursaspor’s official Twitter handle reads. Udinese was reported to have offered a €3.3million bid for the defender who turns 25 years old next month. The 24 year old centre-half who was heavily linked with a move to Stade Rennais in France joined Bursaspor from Gent in 2017 and made 32 appearances and scored two goals.
Utaka Foundation Team Wins 2018 SATUC World Cup Nigeria’s representatives in the 2018 SATUC Five-a-Side World Cup, John Utaka Foundation Football Team of Minna, Niger State yesterday walloped Liberia 4-0 in the final to emerge world champion. The Nigerian Under-16 football team who has been ruthless in the competition,
scored 26 goals in five matches played and conceded only three throughout this edition. Nigeria’s red-hot striker, Arafat Hussain, scored a brace against Liberia to increase his overall goals to nine and was crowned the Most Valuable cum Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
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MISSILE Tinubu to Obasanjo “Obasanjo that is talking, if he had laid a strong foundation in Abuja, the country would not have scattered; things would not have been going the way they are going. And you (Obasanjo) want to sit in Ota; face your chicken and egg business” – The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, stating that former President Olusegun Obasanjo failed as a leader during his tenure and lacked the credibility to speak for Nigerians on who to vote for in the 2019 general election.
OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT
olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com
The Subversion of NYSC Scheme W
hen South Korea crashed out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia at the first round in June this year, the sight of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club of England star striker, Heung-Min Son in tears told a pitiful story. But many informed football followers knew why the young man was crying. By South Korean law enacted in 1957, a two-year military service is compulsory for all male citizens by the time they are 27. But the law also has a caveat: Sportsmen who win any medals in the Olympic Games or Gold medals at the Asian Games are to be handed exemptions from military service, though they still have to do four weeks of basic training. Son’s tears were therefore about a promising football career that could be abruptly ended because, were he to take two years away from the game, it would be difficult to come back the same player. Fortunately, the Asian Games holding this month in Jakarta, Indonesia provides a way of escape for the player Spurs bought for US$30 million from Bayer Leverkusen of Germany three years ago. While such tournaments ordinarily don’t draw top footballers and is for the Under-23 team, Son (who turned 26 last month) has been allowed by Spurs to join the South Korean squad (as one of the three over-age players) in the hope that the country would win the gold medal so that the club would not have to lose him for two years. For Son, even a silver medal in Indonesia will not be good enough so his only chance of not being drafted for two-year military service is for South Korea to win the Gold medal at the Asian Games starting on Saturday. What the foregoing says very clearly is the importance placed on national service and nearly every country in the world has one variant or another of such mandatory conscriptions which could be for six months, a year or two. In Nigeria, it is the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) which is for one year. Established in May 1973 by the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon with the aim of using it as a tool for reconciling, reconstructing and rebuilding the nation after the civil war, the scheme was initially for graduates of universities before it was extended to graduates of Polytechnics. By the NYSC Act, which is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, all Nigerians, whether home or abroad, are expected to be enlisted for the scheme once they graduate before the age of 30 otherwise they cannot work in either the public or private sector. While, as you would expect in a country like ours, some graduates (aided by their connected parents) pick where they serve, NYSC has nonetheless managed to survive with many positive stories. The 1989/90 service year in Niger State, for instance, remains one of the most memorable years of my life and there are thousands of Nigerians who have similar stories. About six weeks ago, Premium Times published a well-investigated report that the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Sulaiman Kazaure not only failed to undertake the NYSC upon return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom (where she was born and graduated at age 22), she used a forged certificate of exemption to secure her ministerial appointment and perhaps before then, her commissionership position in Ogun State. This is a serious allegation that borders on criminality on two fronts: dodging service which is a constitutional infraction and forgery. Of course there is a third component in the story that the Senate knew about the problem before her confirmation hearing but left it as a weapon of blackmail, an allegation that is also yet to be refuted. While Adeosun has maintained an undignified silence on the matter, other officials who were compelled to speak have relied on the default line of the Buhari administration whenever it wants to cover up internal misdeeds: the matter is under ‘investigation’! As it would happen, even that line is no longer tenable. The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Chairman, Prof Itse Sagay, SAN, said last week that “the PDP (in Nigeria today, anybody who as much as demand accountability of the current government is deemed to be a PDP member) can weep from now until there is no tear in their body; she (Adeosun) is going to be there. We cannot afford to lose that woman”. According to Sagay, “a lot of the good things happening now – the welfare that Nigerians are enjoying and are going to enjoy, because it takes time, and the way our economy is booming, how we got out of recession – are due to her (Adeosun’s) expertise, her commitment, her sacrifice.” Asked if it was not an offence to skip NYSC, Sagay replied: “Who cares about youth service? I don’t bloody care whether she did youth service or not. It’s irrelevant as far as I am concerned.” And to further confirm the hypocrisy of the so-called anti-corruption agenda of the current administration and its selective approach to morality, Sagay still had the temerity to demand the immediate
resignation of Senate President Bukola Saraki on “moral grounds”. The learned Professor could not even see the irony of his own statement. The most poignant message the Adeosun saga sends is that for the Buhari administration you can break the law and commit any crime so long as you are on their side. Yet, no society can advance when the philosophical underpinning of a government is to pick and choose on matters of integrity, due process and rule of law with punishment for bad behavior reserved only for those in opposition. But perhaps more worrisome is the complicity of the NYSC. The position of the management may have been informed by the fact that the scheme has been so corrupted that discharge certificates have actually been given to some children of fat cats who schooled abroad and never really served the country. So, the “mistake” may be that someone forged an exemption certificate when the person could easily have procured a discharge certificate. When Sagay therefore says, “Who cares about youth service? I don’t bloody care whether she did youth service or not”, he is passing a verdict on a scheme whose ideals have been subverted. But it is still nonetheless disturbing that it doesn’t matter to a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a foremost teacher of law in our country, that our Minister of Finance failed to serve her fatherland as stipulated in the Constitution and on top of that, went on to forge the certificate of exemption. As someone with tremendous respect for Prof Sagay, some of what he says these days worries me. The Adeosun saga also tells another compelling story about Nigerian politicians and personal interests. Despite the fact that many of our distinguished senators are at daggers-drawn with the presidency, not a single one of them (whether APC or r-APC or PDP) has disputed the story that they knew about Adeosun’s NYSC certificate problem from the outset and had been using it as a weapon of blackmail. Meanwhile, even before Sagay told us that nothing will happen to Adeosun, Nigerians were already aware of that; after all, this is a government that treats court orders with contempt and has a penchant for blackmailing anybody that raises questions about propriety with the banal refrain, ‘corruption is fighting back’. It is sad that nobody around President Buhari can appreciate the fact that having
a person with a grave charge of forgery as finance minister undermines the integrity of the administration and puts a question mark on his signature promise. In an earlier piece I did on this issue, I affirmed that nobody is querying the competence of Mrs Adeosun, but rather that when a government allows its friends and allies to make justifications for their wrong doings, bend rules to suit predetermined ends and excuse egregious unethical behaviour from those who ordinarily should be held to the highest standards, any claim to fighting corruption is but a big joke. I then concluded: “On the whole, the Adeosun NYSC saga raises many important issues. The first is the tardiness in pre-appointment screening by relevant security agencies, despite all the drama that usually attended the exercise. The second is the question of fit and proper persons to occupy public offices as a matter of deliberate state policy. The third is the place of individual integrity in the anti-corruption scheme of the current administration, given the number of senior officials alleged to be parading dodgy credentials. The fourth is the question as to whether political loyalty should override transparency in the assessment and tenure of senior public officials. “On the matter at hand, Mrs Adeosun is not qualified for NYSC exemption certificate so there is a problem if she indeed got the one displayed by Premium Times. If she got it in error, her position still remains untenable. A good test for her: If this happened in the United Kingdom, where she was born and grew up, would she still be on her seat as Finance Minister? Finally, at the level of individual morality, public decency should dictate that when otherwise good people are found wanting, the only path of honour is to take responsibility and spare the system of needless stress.” All said, whichever way one looks at it, what the Adeosun scandal has done is to damage the credibility of the NYSC scheme. Henceforth, it will be difficult to compel anybody to serve their country under such a compromised institution. While this may not be bad in itself since there are many who already argue that the NYSC has outlived its usefulness, Nigerians will remember in future under whose administration the scheme was effectively killed in a bid to shield one of their own from the law!
Teens Conference 2018 is Here! The online registration portal for the 2018 edition of the Abuja RCCG TEAP Teens Conference which holds this coming Saturday has closed. We are expecting about 800 participants who have been registered and will receive confirmation SMS and email detailing their conference number and other information latest by tomorrow. The event will also be streamed live. Further enquiries should be directed by mail to info@rccgteapteens.org or to the numbers on the leaflet.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Richard Young has agreed to join the Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija; House of Representatives Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara and Chief Strategist of Media Reach, Mr Japheth Omojuwa at the conference with the theme, “IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!” We look forward to seeing the participants on Saturday.
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