WEDNESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2018

DMO: FG to Auction N115bn Bonds on Wednesday Says market activity declined in 2017 Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal government is set to auction by way of subscription, N115 billion worth of bonds on November

21, the Debt Management Office (DMO) revealed yesterday.

The revelation was contained in a circular on its website, which indicated

that the five-year bond of N35 billion with April 2023 maturity was being offered at 12.75 per cent.

Similarly, the seven-yearbond configured in N35 billion

coupons, is to mature in March 2025 and would be auctioned at 13.53 per cent.

According to the circular, the 10-year bonds (N45 billion), which would be due

in February 2028, would be auctioned at 13.98 per cent.

The Unit of sale, the DMO stated, is N1,000 per unit, subject to a minimum subscription of N50 million

and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter.

The bonds, the DMO stated, are backed by the full faith Continued on page 10

Communications Experts Kick as PDP, APC Patronise Foreign Firms… Page 10 Wednesday 14 November, 2018 Vol 23. No 8610. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

TODAY'S WEATHER

ABUJA 25°C-33°C

MAIDUGURI 31°C-31°C

UT H

& RE A S O

ENUGU 25°C-28°C

N

KANO 27°C-33°C

LAGOS 24C-27°C

PORT HARCOURT 20°C-30°C

Oshiomhole: Amosun, Okorocha Are Loyal Party Men, Will Support APC Candidates Says poor Communication, cause of negative perception of Buhari’s govt Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday tried to quench the raging fire in the ruling party, using kind words to describe its estranged governors, who had been up in arms against him, since the party’s recent primaries.

Four governors, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun

State), Chief Rochas Okorocha (Imo State), Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo State) and Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara State), had been engaged in a public spat with Oshiomhole, accusing him of scuttling the chances of their preferred candidates in the recently concluded primaries.

But speaking on Arise TV, a sister broadcast station of Continued on page 10

Dasuki Protests, Refuses to Attend Trial Asks FG to obey court orders

Alex Enumah in Abuja A former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has written to a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, saying he would no longer appear in court for his trial until the federal government obeys court orders releasing him on bail.

The federal government had slammed charges against Dasuki over his alleged illegal possession of firearms.

He is also standing trial

for alleged breach of public trust, diversion of public funds meant for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram insurgency, among others.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was released on bail after perfecting the conditions.

However, the federal government through the Department of State Service (DSS) has continued to hold him in custody, forcing him to Continued on page 48

Crude Oil Price Slumps to One-year Low... Page 49

CONGRATULATIONS...

Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye (left), congratulates Channel VAS founder and CEO, Mr. Bassim Haidar, for the company’s growth and achievements, during AfricaCom in Cape Town, South Africa… recently

2

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

3

4

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

5

6

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

7

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

0RQH\ 7UDQVIHU

PDGH HDVLHU ZLWK )LUVW%DQN

6HQG DQG UHFHLYH PRQH\ LQ PLQXWHV IURP DQ\ZKHUH LQ WKH ZRUOG DQG VWUDLJKW LQWR \RXU DFFRXQW RU DV FDVK SLFN XS XVLQJ :HVWHUQ 8QLRQ 0RQH\*UDP 5,$ 7UDQVIDVW DQG :RUOG5HPLW &DVK SLFN XS $FFRXQW FUHGLW EUDQFKHV QDWLRQZLGH VHUYLFHV 7HUPV DQG &RQGLWLRQV DSSO\

8

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

9

10

WEDNESDAY, ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž T H I S D AY

PAGE TEN

Communications Experts Kick as PDP, APC Patronise Foreign Firms Raheem Akingbolu Stakeholders in Nigerian marketing communications have expressed disappointment that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has contracted the services of Brian Balland, a top US lobbyist for $90,000 (N31.5 million) per month, as communications consultants, ahead of the upcoming 2019 elections.

They have also raised concern that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is said to be considering two options in that direction, re-engagement of AKPD Message and Media, a United States-based public relations and public affairs consultancy firm, or hire a fresh agency from South Africa.

AKPD, which is co-founded by Mr. David Axelrod, ex-President Barack Obama’s campaign strategist and a former White House Advisor, handled the APC public relations brief during the build-up to the 2015 elections, to the displeasure of Nigerian firms.

With APC considering foreign firms, the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), the umbrella body of public relations consultancy firms in Nigeria, has kicked against the move.

The body urged the two political parties to lead by example by respecting the provisions of the laws guiding the Nigerian

marketing communication practice, which prescribes the protection and patronage of Nigerian businesses.

The President of PRCAN, Mr. John Ehiguese, argued that Nigeria has enough capacity in the form of well-trained and experienced consultants, to handle the political campaigns of Nigeria’s political parties.

He stressed that Nigerian PR consultants and agencies understand the terrain better and are, therefore, better positioned to craft and project the right strategies and messages.

Ehiguese said, “The best PR is local, and political communication is country-specific.

Local issues will invariably drive the campaigns, and certified local professionals, who live and do business in the country, are in the best position to understand the issues, as well as the local nuances and peculiarities of our media.�

He pointed out that the propensity of politicians to rush overseas to look for PR consultants smacks of inferiority complex and constitutes a stumbling block to the development of the Nigerian marketing communications industry.

In addition, he argued that it was also clearly against the spirit and letters of the government’s much-touted local content policy. “Even where the right level of competences and capacity may

appear unavailable or insufficient locally, several Nigerian PR consultants have foreign partnerships and affiliations whose resources they can tap into, to successfully deliver,�

Ehiguese added.

On her part, the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Tope Jemerigbe, while urging top Nigerian political gladiators to look within, said if the leaders have genuine interest to develop the Nigerian economy, they will patronise local practitioners.

She said, “Who best to sell us than us? We understand the terrain and we understand its dynamics. If it is the truth well-told, then local practitioners fit in perfectly. The question now is, why must they go abroad for services that could be harnessed locally? If indeed such step has been taken by any of the parties, then they are not patriotic enough.�

When approached on the issue, the Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, could not confirm if the party plans to engage a foreign firm but said he was not aware that the Buhari Campaign Organisation had approached any foreign agency.

He, however, pointed out that the party was different from the campaign organisation of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Also speaking on the same

issue, the National Secretary of the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (NCBSG), Mr. Biodun Ajiboye, said the APC was yet to take such a step as the campaign council has not been set up. “Though I’m not the appropriate person to speak on this but as far as I’m concerned, nobody is in-charge of the campaign organisation yet.

Yes, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, is the Director-General, but there hasn’t been a well-structured presidential campaign council put in place. To this end, I don’t think the DG and the Secretary alone could take such a decision.

Until a full composition of the campaign council, a strategic move like that cannot be taken,�

Ajiboye said.

Efforts made to get the PDP to react to the issue did not yield result as at the time of filling in this story. The party’s spokesperson, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, however, promised to send the party’s reaction through electronic means.

An industry expert and Chief Executive Officer of Media Edge, a public relations firm, Mr. John Ajayi, said the only way local advertising and PR consultants can benefit from the forthcoming electioneering is to position themselves very well and ready to give proactive services and engagements for candidates

aspiring for elections.

According to Ajayi, “Nigerian marketing communication experts have what it takes to develop good strategy for various parties and candidates to win election if only we respect our own. To me, a local agency that is sure of its onions will not be shy from providing relevant tools for positioning of local clients based on its understanding of the market and global trends.

Having said this, I think it will only result to capital flight if at this age we still go to abroad to look for foreign communications experts. “It is sad that Nigerians, especially the political elites are more fixated about hiring of foreign agencies without meeting the relevant statutory laws of the country.�

Also speaking on the issue, a foremost advertising practitioner and Chairman Troyka Holdings, Biodun Shobanjo, condemned the practice by some politicians and their parties to go to abroad to hire communication experts, saying those promoting such adventure have given themselves away as a set of people who have zero confidence in the Nigerian system. “It is sad if at this age and time, some individuals and their political parties still prefer a foreign agency to the ones we have in the country. “It simply means they don’t

have confidence in the country and efficient professionals Nigeria has thrown up over the years. “Come to think of it, why don’t they bring in foreign lawyers for their election petitions and other legal matters, why not foreign doctors as private physicians? “Let’s go back to history, the great Zik of Africa didn’t require foreign advertising or PR firms before he became a hero in the continent, Awolowo remained a political colossus till he breathed his last and there was no foreign publicist on his pay roll, the Sadauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahamdu Bello and his Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) were firmly politically in charged till the end of his political life and no record of his romance with any foreign advertising company. “Now, let’s us answer this question: can these foreigners hire Nigerians to handle their communication in their own countries? “To me, our leaders are simply telling us with this practice that they have zero confidence in Nigeria and it is bad.�

This is not the first time the issue will attract controversy.

In 2015, when APC took the same approach, PRCAN, the umbrella body of certified Public Relations firms in Nigeria, faulted the move on the grounds of extant Nigerian laws, respect for Nigerian professionals and job creation.

OSHIOMHOLE: AMOSUN, OKOROCHA ARE LOYAL PARTY MEN, WILL SUPPORT APC CANDIDATES THISDAY, Oshiomhole held out an olive branch, seeking peace by describing the governors as good party men, who would support the party and its candidates in their respective states despite their grievances. “They are angry now,� he told his hosts on the ‘Morning Show’ programme of the station, adding, “I believe in a short while they will turn around and support the party.�

Specifically, he ruled out the possibility of any of them working against the party in spite of their rage.

Oshiomhole said, “I believe Governor Amosun is my friend and I believe people are entitled to feel disappointed if things don’t work out the way they want. I think usually like any leader, he will recognise the greater interest of the party, I know he is a loyal party man; I can’t see him voting with his feet. As a statesman, who has contributed to the growth and development of Ogun State, he will want to ensure that his party continues to govern the state and play the role of a statesman; I have no fear at all because this thing called choice is a relative question.

“Whatever we have as internal issues in APC they do not in fact undermine that Amosun, has more things to show as governor of that state and for which I am very proud of as chairman of the party. I hope he can overcome his anger so that we can work to reconcile our various interests in Ogun State.

He also spoke about Okorocha, "As for my friend Rochas Okorocha, who talked about nepotism, well as the head of the family, I do not want to continue to bring family matters to the market. At the end of the day it makes sense to keep it in the family, that is what maturity and responsibility imposes on me. “So I won't join issues with him, but the truth is that while I was in government, there was no other Oshiomhole in government. This is not something to hide, as a journalist you can go to Edo State and ask how many Oshiomholes were in government while I was at Osadebe House. “Well, Okorocha is a great guy. He is one of those who left APGA to join APC. It is on record as having contributed his quota to the formation of the APC.

“We also have to accept that a tree cannot make a forest and we have to encourage those who think otherwise to recognise that this is a fact. “In Imo State we have big names but it is not about big names, it is about big numbers.

And the big numbers in Imo State are with us and I think governor Okorocha appreciates this fact. “Now as for whether people will decamp or not I am not so sure. Even if they do, they will not make history, after all, in recent past, sitting governors decamped for one reason or the other because they want to be president. Having decamped they found that there are so many aspirants, they have since reconciled themselves with the reality that though they decamped from the APC believing that they are going to be presidential candidate of the PDP, they got there and found an over-crowded house. “I think some of them have quietly taken the governorship ticket and some have even taken the senatorial ticket and they are living with the new reality. I think that is the way it is. “In a democracy it is a game

of numbers and in Imo State we have the numbers and I am sure that Okorocha, when he overcomes his disappointment with regard to whom he would have preferred to succeed him, he will recognise that as a democrat that is the way these things work sometimes. Outcomes can be predicted sometimes but it could be shocking some other time.

I think Nigeria's democracy is evolving but we are not running traditional rulership.�

He expressed the confidence that in spite of the current misgivings in the party in the affected states, the party’s candidates would still win since the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had its fair share of crisis.

He said, "The truth is that in Ogun State we will win because PDP has its own pocket of crisis as well. As we speak we don’t know who is the actual governorship candidate in Ogun State because the national secretariat of PDP parades a certain candidate and a running mate and a certain group run

by Buruji Kashamu with due respect to him also parade a governorship candidate and a running mate.

“So while they are sorting out their own issues we will be sorting out our own issues.

He said the negative public perception of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, was due to poor communication of its policies and programmes by its information management machinery.

He, however, said despite this shortcoming, the president’s integrity would give him the edge in the forthcoming general elections slated for the first quarter of 2019.

Oshiomhole, who spoke on Arise TV, a sister broadcast station of THISDAY, also backed organised labour’s demand for the immediate implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage recommended by the National Minimum Wage Committee, which submitted its report to the president last week.

He told his hosts on the "Morning Show" programme of the station that the negative perception the APC-led government is grappling with was caused by poor communication of its achievements and the positive intentions behind its policies.

He said, "In different parts

million Eurobond), under the $4.5 billion Global Medium-Term Note Programme. “These two Sovereign Eurobonds became the first foreign currency denominated Bonds to be listed at The Nigerian Stock Exchange and the FMDQ OTC Plc. “In November 2017, $3 billion Eurobonds were also issued: 10-year $1.5 billion and 30-year $1.5 billion. The issuance of the 30-year Note was a landmark achievement as the tenor represents the first by a sub-Saharan African country other than South Africa, and importantly establishes the bases for long-term infrastructure

financing, which is the priority of the present government.�

The report added that the same year, the federal government also issued its maiden $300 million Diaspora Bond in the International Capital Market to part-finance the 2017 budget.

The Diaspora Bond provided Nigerians resident abroad the opportunity to partner the government in its efforts to stimulate economic growth.

The bonds, the DMO said, became the first issued by an African country, after South Africa, which was registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

DMO: FG TO AUCTION N115BN BONDS ON WEDNESDAY and credit of the Nigerian government, with interest payable semi-annually to bondholders, while bullet repayment will be made on maturity date.

The country issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit.

Meanwhile, the corporate bond market recorded a decline in activity in 2017 relative to 2016, as corporates raised only N21.5 billion in three issues in 2017, representing 75 per cent decline from N86.1 billion in 2016, the DMO said in its justreleased 2017 annual report.

The report said, “The FGN Bond issuances dominated primary bond market activities as the government continued to issue bonds to finance its budget deficit and refinance maturing obligations among others. “The federal government introduced three new products into the domestic debt market; namely: FGN Savings Bond, Sovereign Sukuk Bond and Green Bond. “In the corporate bond market, there was a decline in activity relative to 2016, as corporates raised only N21.5 billion in three issues in 2017, representing 75 per cent decline from N86.1billion in 2016.

“In 2017, the FGN shifted its focus by borrowing mainly from the external sources, thereby reducing its participation in the domestic debt market so as to create ample space for the private sector to access credits, and also as part of its debt strategy to reduce its borrowing cost and reduce pressure on investable funds in the domestic market with the aim of depressing borrowing cost. “Between February and April 2017, the DMO successfully issued Eurobonds for a total of $1.5 billion for a tenor of 15 years in two tranches ($1 billion Eurobond and an additional $500

of the country, huge progress is being made in the area of infrastructure. What you can really and correctly accuse the government of, is that we don’t seem to be communicating effectively all the things that are going on around the country and there are quite a bit that are going on but the people that are living in that area know what is going on in those areas."

Speaking on the negative predictions made by some international organisations and analysts over the chances of the president’s reelection bid, the APC national chairman said those permutations were done by outsiders, who know little about what is happening in the country and how Nigerians feel about the Buhari- led administration.

He said that the chances of the president are very bright and that Nigerians will always support his reelection on the ground of his Continued on page 48

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % UNITYBANK 0.07 0.78 9.8 GSK 1.05 12.05 9.5 MEYER 0.05 0.60 9.0 MUTUALBENEFITS 0.02 0.25 8.7 LAFARGE 1.30 16.30 8.6 TOP LOSERS NGN % C & I LEASING 0.28 2.52 10.0 LASACO 0.03 0.27 10.0 JBERGER 2.35 21.35 9.9 IKEJAHOTEL 0.22 2.05 9.6 DIAMOND 0.11 1.05 9.4 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,450.00 Volume: 399.757 million shares Value: N2.243 billion Deals: 2,880 As at yesterday 13 /11/18 See details on Page 39

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

11

12

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

13

14

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

COMMENT

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

A RETURN TO MY ALMA MATER Sonnie Ekwowusi remembers the good old days at college

L

ast Saturday, for me, was a memorable day. I attended the annual national convention of the Immaculate Conception College (ICC) Benin-City, my alma mater, held at the Nigeria Air Force Officers’ Mess, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The convention was put together by the Old Boys Association of the college. Finding myself in the company of several old classmates and school compatriots most whom I had not seen for dozens of years I was lost in deep thoughts and reminiscences on the path we had trodden in the past. Some philosophers identify life simply as mere activity. Yes, life brings with it an activity but life cannot be reduced to mere activity. To be alive means to exist in a concrete way. And if we must exist in a concrete way we cannot be continuously moving forward and forward unsure of where we are going.

Some day we must return. Those who do not manage to return are lost forever in the abyss. Last Saturday I found myself returning. I was returning to the college where I was weaned.

Founded in 1944 by Patrick Joseph Kelly, an Irish missionary who was also the first Catholic Bishop of Benin (Kelly also founded the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, Maria Goretti College, Benin-City), ICC is simply the college to attend. At ICC there is keen competition in every activity.

Studying in the late night after the school light out was called ‘awoko’. Christopher Salami was a ‘bookworm’. He was an awoko specialist. Prior to any Physics exam, for instance, Salami must have read the Nelkon Physics textbook from cover to cover. There was a keen competition in cleanliness. The four Houses at ICC namely: St. Martin de Porres House, College House, St. Kizito House and St. Mulumba House competed for neatness every week. I was in Porres House, the Blue House. Our school principal was Dr. Joseph Itotoh, a no-nonsense man, a wordsmith, an orator, a consummate wag and a disciplinarian. After the Saturday cleaning-up Itotoh would swagger round the houses with his walking stick to conduct what was known as the Saturday Inspection. Itotoh inspected everything: the students’ beds, the way the students dressed, the walls, the grounds, the ceilings, student lockers and so forth in search for dirt. Penmanship featured in my time at ICC. Students enrolled for penmanship competition. The winners got various prizes. Godwin, one of our classmates, was the best in penmanship.

His handwriting was splendid. He wrote as if he was a printer.

Our teachers, some of whom were foreigners, were dedicated. They knew our names by heart. I remember Mr. & Mrs. John, an Indian couple who taught Biology. I remember Mrs. Nweze, who doubled as both our English teacher and Literature in English teacher. She was a soft-spoken and angelic-looking lady. Unlike some of the useless novels recommended for Nigerian students to study today, at ICC we studied Macbeth, Things Fall Apart, Mine Boy, Jane Eyre, Zambia Shall Be Free, Treasure Island and other intellectuallyengaging literature books. Something happened the day we read the portion of Things Fall Apart where Okonkwo killed Ikemefuna, the boy who called him father. Throughout that day all our classmates were in mourning mood. While some maintained ominous silence,

AT THE HEART OF ICC PHILOSOPHY IS ALLROUND FORMATION OF THE HUMAN PERSON, WHICH IS WHY SO MUCH EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON THE ACADEMIC, CULTURAL, SPIRITUAL, HUMAN, MORAL, SCIENTIFIC FORMATION OF THE STUDENTS

others simply refused to eat anything. “How can Okonkwo kill Ikemefuna, the boy who calls him father?�, many queried Speaking of Pidgin English or in vernacular or the native tongue was forbidden at ICC. The punishment for speaking pidgin or native tongue was the uprooting of a big tree at the school orchard. One Bini boy called Agho was not fluent in English Language. He could hardly utter one English word without multiple Bini words in between. As a result he was always uprooting one big tree or the other. Poor boy! All in all, at the heart of ICC philosophy is all-round formation of the human person, which is why so much emphasis is placed by the college on the academic, cultural, spiritual, human, moral, scientific formation of the students. Special emphasis was so placed on moral instruction at that time that an ICC student who failed the moral instruction exam was not promoted to the next class even if he excelled in, say, Mathematics, Physics, History and other core school subjects. At ICC you are not asked whether you are intelligent for that is already taken for granted. Rather, you are asked whether you are excelling along the line of the Motto of the College, Semper Et Ubique Fidelis (Always and everywhere faithful) in practising the core values of service, humility, responsibility, prudence, kindness, integrity, courage.

Talking about courage, ICC is built upon the Benin Moat.

The Benin Moat, known traditionally as Iya, was built around 1280-1295. It is said that the Benin Moat is the largest man-made earthworks in the world. It remains consists of deep gullies dug with crude implements by the Bini natives to protect the Benin Empire from the European imperial invaders who were hunting for native slaves. Sighting the remains of the moat from ICC compound was dreadful. But casting fear aside, the Boys Scout Movement of ICC applied to cross the Benin Moat with bare ropes. Our principal granted them the permission. Surprisingly one Saturday morning the members of the Boys Scout Club Movement, fully attired in their uniform and led by Scout Masters Joseph Musa and Ikpefan were seen marching towards the Benin Moat and intoning; “Baden Powell, he was a leader, he used to wear khaki; Paden Powell, he was a leader who used to wear khaki!, khaki !! Khaki !!!� All the students gathered and cheered the courageous boys as they crossed the Benin Moat with ropes.

ICC has been long known for excellence in sports. In fact, sporting activities complement academic studies at ICC. The four Houses competed favourably in the various sports such as athletics, pole vault, football, badminton, volleyball, javelin, shot put during the college inter-house sports. Our Vice-Principal Epelle Ebedi was always seen in his white sports attire jogging in the field every evening. You were not a complete student of ICC if you were not a sports student. Oladipo Okpeseyi SAN, for instance, who delivered a key-note at the convention last Saturday excelled in the various sports at ICC. It is impossible to say goodbye to ICC. Once a student of ICC always a student of ICC. ICC is not just the name of a college, it is a way of being. It is an ideal that is lived every day. Semper Et Ubique Fidelis.

THE OTHER ABACHA LOOT

It is apparent that there are more looted funds outside the country, argues Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku

I

n June 2018, the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria announced that with the repatriation of the sum of $322.5million, the Swiss government had concluded the return of about $1billion stolen and hidden in Switzerland by Sani Abacha. The ambassador said that prior to this, Switzerland had returned close to $800million as part of the monies which Sani Abacha stole and hid in his country.

Because there was a clause within the MoU signed by and between Switzerland and Nigeria concerning the utilisation of the loot for the Nigerian people, the Nigerian government decided to embed the returned loot within an already existing programme - the National Cash Transfer. Even though pundits are divided in their opinions regarding the use of the returned loot, our organisation ANEEJ is more interested in the transparent and accountable distribution of the $322.5million. With support from the Department for International Development (DfID) ANEEJ is monitoring the returned assets to Nigeria through transparency & accountability, the MANTRA project, and to tackle the social norms which support magomago and jibiti at all levels of our lives. Therefore, whatever it is that the government decides to do is its prerogative as long as the monies are not re-looted, but utilised for the benefit of Nigeria’s ‘poorest of the poor’.

And all and well for the poor. This is because Nigeria was recently designated world capital of poverty. A Guardian Newspaper report of Thursday, November 1, 2018 (page 4) https://guardian.ng/ news/nigeria-slips-in-ease-of-doing-business-ranking/, also said that Nigeria houses 88million extreme poor and this is in spite of the fact that OPEC

figures say that Nigeria is Africa’s largest crude oil exporter, with 400,000 bpd, valued at USD$10billion annually. Projections from credible sources indicate that Nigeria has a population of about 185 million people with many living on less than a dollar daily.

Nigeria has the highest gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) among key African nations – Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Tanzania, Angola, Sudan, and Ethiopia – ‘poverty remains significant at 33.1%’..

From the above we begin to realise that even though the merits behind the proper utilization of the Abacha loot far outweigh the demerits in using the returned monies for the poorest of the poor, there is a ticking time bomb which more repatriated monies can help defuse. That time bomb is the problem of youth unemployment and the building of their capacity to meet the huge challenge of living in a dotcom millennium. Half of Nigeria’s population is under 30 years of age. Most of them are graduates of Nigerian universities, colleges of education and polytechnics spread right across the 36 states of the federation and are perceived as largely unemployable or underemployed.

But there appears to be more unrecovered monies from the Abacha and other thefts that Nigeria can put to the use of this teeming young population. In July 2014, the government of Nigeria entered into an agreement with the Abacha family concerning the return of all monies which Abacha stole and hid abroad.That agreement, with about 10 articles and three schedules one of which has an unsigned letter by former president Goodluck Jonathan, authorised Mr. Mohammed Adoke SAN, ‘to contract‌in relation to repatriation agreement between Nigeria and the Abacha family. Under article five of that

agreement, it was expressly stated that there were two lawyers responsible for brokering that agreement. They are Enrico Monfrini of Crettol Associates, Switzerland, standing for Nigeria and Nicola Boulton of Bryne and Partners in the UK. For his services, Enrico Monfrini got an initial four per cent of ‘any recovered sums recovered and to be repatriated to, or transferred to Nigeria’. Under that agreement, the federal government of Nigeria was also to pay a certain Christian Luscher of CMS Von Erlach Poncet Ltd, 2.8 per cent (USD$28million) cash of sums recovered and to be repatriated to, or transferred to Nigeria for the ‘benefit of, the FRN or its people’.

While what the lawyer representing the Abachas got is not very clear as at this time, certain issues jump at us immediately. One is what is contained in Article 2(3) which stated that ‘no Party will bring any new proceedings nor pursue further any existing proceedings in relation to the Resolved Matters save as necessary to enforce this agreement. But the most important clause in that agreement between the Goodluck Jonathan government and the Abachas is in Article 4 (f) & (g). Signed by Minister of Justice in the Jonathan governments and Mohammed Sani Abacha and Abba Abacha on their own behalf and on behalf of the ‘affiliates’, the aforesaid clauses read: (f) The FGN (ie Nigeria) will end, without any finding of liability or guilt, any and all proceedings of whatever kind including criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings contemplated or pending in any court in Nigeria (including in relation to forfeiture and or restraint) relating to or arising out of any investigations into the Resolved Matters (sic), including in particular the security votes allegations (g) The FRN will provide to any government, authority or organisation, where necessary informa-

tion, clearance or such other documentation or support as may be required by any or all of the settling parties to ensure and guarantee unrestricted movement in and out of Nigeria or in any other state or country.

Gobbledygook as this may sound to the simple, what the above implies is that there is apparently other Abacha loot somewhere else apart from Switzerland. And the agreement seems to suggest to Nigeria that to get all or any of the monies listed on Schedule one of that agreement (there were assets in England, Jersey, France, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein), Nigeria must write off any other undiscovered assets after the repatriation of the USD$322.5million from Switzerland. If that is true then it is indeed unfortunate. In the last 30 months, reports indicate that Nigeria has borrowed close to N10trillion-a tiny fraction of what that agreement between the Goodluck Jonathan administration and the Abachas seek to hide from Nigerians. And that is why it is important for President Buhari to repudiate that agreement and resume the search once again for Nigerian monies hidden in countries where we sometimes go and borrow.While seeking to extend the dragnet against corruption in Nigeria, President Buhari signed nine bilateral agreements with the UAE in August 2017. He has also signed two Executive Orders, apparently to demonstrate his strong commitment to ridding Nigeria of corruption and entrenching transparency and accountability, fiscal responsibility and to build our economy. If he repudiates that odious 2014 agreement and seeks out other Abacha and other loot by the living and the dead still dotting the nooks and crannies, Nigeria may just be better off for it.

Etemiku is ANEEJ communications manager

15

T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018

EDITORIAL INEC And Uncollected PVCS There is need to step up the awareness campaign for prospective voters to pick up their PVCs

A

t the end of the voter registration exercise on 31st August this year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed that the number of registered voters had risen to 84,271,832 from the 67.422 million that registered before the 2015 polls. But with barely three months to the next general election, information emanating from the commission is that almost 10 million registered voters are yet to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs). This is highly disturbing.

Registering and failing to collect PVC only amounts to a waste of effort, energy and time. Yet, in virtually all the states of the federation, the story is almost the same as there are millions of PVCs that have not been collected by prospective voters.

The PVC is the only power the electorate has to effect change and promote good governance.

But a situation where quite a number of citizens are technically disenfranchised bodes ill for our democracy.

This is all the INEC HAS A DUTY TO more worrisome DECENTRALISE THE against the backPROCESS BY MOVING ground that more THE PVCS COLLECTION than half of the total number of NigeriCENTRES CLOSER TO ans who register do THE PEOPLE not often turn up for voting during elections. Going by the available reports, of the 67.422 million voters who registered prior to the 2015 election, only 31.746 million turned up for accreditation on election days while the total number of votes cast at the end of day was 29.432 million. In other words, even if the entire 84 million voters who had registered are in possession of their PVCs, less than half of them may vote in the end. Indeed, if less than half of those who registered in 2015 voted, the situation will only get worse in 2019 with as many as 10 million voters yet

to collect their PVCs. Meanwhile, the reasons usually given for low turnout at elections include: a mind-set that the election would be rigged and that voting amounts to a waste of time, loss of faith in the system as a result of persistent experience in leadership failure and outright ignorance. But holding on to such excuses for shirking civic responsibility is not the way to go. That is why we encourage all and sundry who are yet to pick up their PVCs to please do so.

I T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

t is however gratifying that the commission has embarked on media campaigns to intimate Nigerians with information that hundreds of thousands of PVCs are still lying fallow in various INEC offices across the country. But the commission can still do more on the sensitisation campaigns so that people can know where to go.

There is also the need to step up the awareness campaign for those who have not been able, for one reason or the other, pick up their PVCs. According to reports, Lagos has in excess of 1.4 million voter cards yet to be collected, most apparently due to the uncertainties and the logistics of travelling to the local government headquarters without success. INEC therefore has a duty to decentralise the process by moving the PVCs collection centres closer to the people – to make the exercise less cumbersome.

It is apparent that the task is an uneasy one for INEC, particularly in times of paucity of funds. But these are things that must be accomplished before February 2019 so as to create a level playing field for all candidates, all political parties and to conduct the general election in accordance with global professional standards. While we commend the civil society organisations that have joined INEC in the efforts to sensitise the people on the need to pick up their PVCs, we expect these campaigns to yield effective results and simultaneously motivate Nigerians to take their destiny in their own hands as the 2019 polls draw nearer.

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

Letters to the Editor

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

THE SEARCH ON ATIKU’S JET

TAKEAWAYS FROM BABATUNDE FASHOLA

I

t is entertaining to engage the drunk but futile to engage the proud…Ena E. Orugbo After the fall of Saddam Hussein, an interview with his spokesman, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf went viral. When asked about the origin of his spurious information during the war, Comical Ali as he was nicknamed replied, “authentic sources”. In a bid to tame fake news and the opposition, the All Progressive Congress led government unleashed her poster boy, Babatunde Fashola. The takeaway exponent and Senior Advocate of Nigeria went straight to work. “Those who complain we borrow too much should tell us where else to find funds”. This is comical and explains why Nigerians have resorted to wailing as last resort.

Vote Wisely. Election seasons in Nigeria are times of juicy offers. Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party has promised the women and youths 40% cabinet position. Nigerians are yet to understand the meaning of youth in the Peoples Democratic Party lexicon. Curiously, 55-year-old Kingsley Moghalu is the presidential aspirant of the Young Progressive Party. In 2015, the APC made bogus promises, $1 will exchange for N1. Fashola is unveiling fresh promises with an admonition. “A vote for Buhari in 2019, means a return of power to the South West in 2023. I am sure you will vote wisely”.

Jonathan’s Mind Reader. After the 2011 election, it is reported that Nigeria lost 800 souls to post election violence.

On the contrary, President Goodluck Jonathan has continued to receive local and international commendation for accepting the outcome of the 2015 presidential election in a timely manner. President Muhammadu Buhari recently said, “I will continue to hold former President Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act”. Nigeria’s top-notch mind reader, Fashola, thinks otherwise and disagrees with his principal. “Jonathan only accepted the result of the 2015 presidential election because he knew Nigeria will slide into recession”. Wow. A Cry for Help. At the peak of the fuel crisis in 2016, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu fumed, I am not a magician. Nigerians have cried for decent jobs, constant electricity, security and resilient infrastructure for decades. Under the military, Fellow Nigerians was the byword but under change politicians it is Wailing Wailers. Why are Fellow Nigerians wailing?

The burden of government has been heaped on them.

They provide their own power through generators, their own security as vigilantes and their own anti-corruption as whistleblowers. Fashola is tasking Nigerians further, to provide a solution to Nigeria’s unscientific borrowing.

Conclusion. A professional casualty of Jonathan’s government, Rueben Abati summed his memoirs in five words: The phone no longer rings. The fireworks from Fashola’s recent media circus depicts that he is not a good student of history.

Dr. Enameguolo Orugbo, jetageNG@gmail.com

I

t really seems agents of the present administration are deliberately harassing the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, who from all intents, is poised to give the incumbent president a good run for his money in 2019.

The administration in their myopic thinking thought that the presidential candidate of the PDP brought in foreign currencies in his bid for the number one seat. The security agencies thought that Atiku brought foreign currencies, an erroneous impression created by his political adversaries that he used foreign currencies particularly the American dollars to win the presidential candidacy in Port Harcourt during the PDP’s convention.

It is very important to stress the point that what the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is doing is just to intimidate Atiku Abubakar. But this cannot dampen Atiku’s spirit in charting a new course for the corporate existence of this great country. Atiku Abubakar is a shrewd politician who fully knows his onions especially in a quagmire such as

now. No matter what anyone would say, Atiku has reached a certain level that whether you like it or not, he cannot be easily cowed.

The Minister of State (Aviation) Hadi Sirika’s defence about the humiliation of the PDP’s candidate when he landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Dubai is not tenable. What was done was craftily planned and executed by the top notchers of the Buhari administration in order to intimidate and if possible humiliate the presidential candidate of the PDP and nothing more than that. For the benefit of those who may not know, Atiku Abubakar is a stickler of the rule of law and as such cannot be found wanting. So it was a big slap for the administration for searching the PDP’s candidate jet on his arrival from Dubai.

From what was done to the candidate of the main opposition party in the race for 2019, there is the likelihood that it is not going to be smooth sailing for the presidential candidate of the PDP because those in power are not well-disposed to providing a level playing field.

Usman Santuraki, Jambutu, Jimeta

16

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

OFFSHORE AND SHALLOW WATER OIL & GAS PRODUCTION VESSELS & FACILITIES

FOR SALE/LEASE READY FOR DEPLOYMENT

FLOATING PRODUCTION STORAGE AND OFFLOADING SYSTEM (FPSO)- MID SIZED. 15,000 – 30,000 BPD, 100,000- 250,000 BBLS STORAGE CAPACITY.

MOBILE OFFSHORE PRODUCTION UNIT 20,000 – 30,000 BPD PROCESSING CAPACITY INTEGRATED 10-12 SLOT WELLHEAD FACILITIES 10 MMSCFD GAS COMPRESSION FACILITIES GAS FIRED POWER GENERATORS 250FT WATER OPERATIONS 4 CRANES, PRODUCED WATER SYSTEMS .

FLOATING, STORAGE AND OFFLOADING SYSTEM (FSO)MID SIZED. 80,000- 350,000 BBLS STORAGE CAPACITY.

INTEGRATED EXTENDED WELL TEST UNITS Test Separator, Choke Manifold, Line Heater, Production Separator, Gas Scrubber, Flare, Flow meters, Tank, INTEGRAL 50,000-90,000 BBLS STORAGE FOR OFFSHORE/SWAMP/SHALLOW WATER OPERATIONS.

140 FT x 40Ft, CRANE, ACCOMMODATION MAINTENANCE CABIN, STORAGE CABIN, GAS FIRED GENERATORS, 40FT SPUDS, UTILITIES

CONTACT HOTLINES IGHO – 08023888157 LOVELLA – 08037362038

ZZZ HSFPHQJLQHHUV FRP LQIR#HSFPHQJLQHHUV FRP

INLAND/SHALLOW WATER SPUD BARGE

CO-116 Complex, #4 Tabuko Gere close, Bakare Estate, Agungi, Lagos.

Email production-solutions@epcmengineers.com prodsolutions.epcm@gmail.com

17

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

&2'( 2) 35$&7,&( )25 ,17(51$7,21$/ '$7$ $&&(66 ,'$ &211(&7,9,7< 6(59,&(6 &21680(5 &2'( 2) 35$&7,&(

ƜơƧƥƢƗƨƖƧƜƢơ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ Ʒǁ ƯƼ ƜƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƯƼƲ ƖƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƷƽƼǁ ƧƳƱƶƼƽƺƽƵLJ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳǀ ƷƼ ơƷƵƳǀƷƯ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ Ʒǁ ǀƳƵǃƺƯǂƳƲ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ơƷƵƳǀƷƯƼ ƖƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƷƽƼǁ ƖƽƻƻƷǁǁƷƽƼ ơƖƖ Ɣǂ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƪƳ ƯǀƳ ƱƽƻƻƷǂǂƳƲ ǂƽ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƷƼƵ LJƽǃ DžƷǂƶ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƼƳƳƲƳƲ ǂƽ ƻƳƳǂ LJƽǃǀ ƽưƺƷƵƯǂƷƽƼǁ ƷƼ Ư ǀƳǁƾƽƼǁƷDŽƳ ƯƼƲ ƾǀƽƴƳǁǁƷƽƼƯƺ ƻƯƼƼƳǀ ƘdžƱƳƺƺƳƼǂ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ Ʒǁ ƯƼ ƳƼǂǀƳƼƱƶƳƲ ƱǃƺǂǃǀƳ DžƷǂƶƷƼ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ ƧƶƳǀƳƴƽǀƳ DžƳ ƶƯDŽƳ Ư ǁƳǂ ƽƴ ƱƽǀƳ DŽƯƺǃƳǁ ǂƶƯǂ ǃƼƲƳǀƾƷƼ ƽǃǀ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƳǂƶƷƱǁ DžƶƷƱƶ ƯǀƳ ƥƳǁƾƽƼǁƷDŽƳƼƳǁǁ - DžƳ ǀƳǁƾƽƼƲ ƾǀƽƻƾǂƺLJ ǂƽ ƾƶƽƼƳ ƳƼƿǃƷǀƷƳǁ ƳƻƯƷƺǁ ƯƼƲ ƻƯƷƺ ƱƽǀǀƳǁƾƽƼƲƳƼƱƳ ƯƼƲ DžƶƳǀƳ DžƳ ƯǀƳ ǃƼƯưƺƳ ǂƽ ǀƳǁƽƺDŽƳ ǂƶƳ ƿǃƳǀLJ ǂƶƳ ƴƷǀǁǂ ǂƷƻƳ DžƳ ƱƺƳƯǀƺLJ ƺƳǂ LJƽǃ ƹƼƽDž DžƶƳƼ ǂƽ ƳdžƾƳƱǂ ǃƾƲƯǂƳǁ ƔƱƱƽǃƼǂƯưƷƺƷǂLJ - ƪƳ ƻƳƯǁǃǀƳ ƽǃǀ ƾƳǀƴƽǀƻƯƼƱƳ ƯƵƯƷƼǁǂ ƽǃǀ ƱƽƻƻƷǂƻƳƼǂǁ ǂƶǀƽǃƵƶ ǀƳƵǃƺƯǀ ƷƼƲƳƾƳƼƲƳƼǂ ƯǁǁƳǁǁƻƳƼǂǁ ƯƼƲ ǂƶƳǀƳƴƽǀƳ DžƷƺƺ Ƽƽǂ ƻƯƹƳ ƾǀƽƻƷǁƳǁ DžƳ ƱƯƼƼƽǂ ƹƳƳƾ DžƶƳǀƳ DžƳ ƱƯƼƼƽǂ ƻƳƳǂ ƳdžƾƳƱǂƯǂƷƽƼǁ DžƳ DžƷƺƺ ƳdžƾƺƯƷƼ ƽǃǀ ƺƷƻƷǂƯǂƷƽƼǁ ƯƼƲ DžƷƺƺ Džƽǀƹ DžƷǂƶ LJƽǃ ǂƽ ǁƳƳƹ ǁǃƷǂƯưƺƳ ƯƺǂƳǀƼƯǂƷDŽƳǁ ƖƽƼǁǃƺǂƯǂƷDŽƳ - ƪƳ ƯƾƾǀƳƱƷƯǂƳ ǂƶƯǂ LJƽǃǀ ƾƽƷƼǂ ƽƴ DŽƷƳDž Ʒǁ ƷƻƾƽǀǂƯƼǂ ǁƽ DžƳ DžƷƺƺ ƳƼǁǃǀƳ DžƳ ƺƷǁǂƳƼ ƯƼƲ ƷƼǂƳǀƯƱǂ DžƷǂƶ LJƽǃ ƳdžǂƳƼǁƷDŽƳƺLJ ƳǁƾƳƱƷƯƺƺLJ DžƶƳƼ ƲƳǁƷƵƼƷƼƵ ƼƳDž ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƽǀ ƻƯƹƷƼƵ ƷƻƾǀƽDŽƳƻƳƼǂ ǂƽ ƳdžƷǁǂƷƼƵ ƽƼƳǁ ƖƽƼǂƷƼǃƽǃǁ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƷƻƾǀƽDŽƳƻƳƼǂ - ƪƳ ƯǀƳ ƷƼƼƽDŽƯǂƷDŽƳ ƷƼ ƲƳǁƷƵƼƷƼƵ ƼƳDž ƯƼƲ ƾǀƽƵǀƳǁǁƷDŽƳ ƻƳƯƼǁ ƽƴ ƳdžƱƳƺƺƳƼǂ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƲƳƺƷDŽƳǀLJ ƯƼƲ ǁǃƾƾƽǀǂ ƖƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ - ƪƳ DžƷƺƺ ƹƳƳƾ LJƽǃ ǃƾ ǂƽ ƲƯǂƳ DžƷǂƶ ƼƳƱƳǁǁƯǀLJ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƯƼƲ DžƷƺƺ ƱƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƳ DŽƷƯ DŽƯǀƷƽǃǁ ƻƳƲƷǃƻǁ ƽǃǀ DžƳưǁƷǂƳ ƖƯƺƺǁ ƦƠƦ ƯƼƲ ƟƷDŽƳ ƖƶƯǂ Ƣǃǀ ǁǂƯƴƴ Ƣǃǀ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ Ʒǁ ƲƳƺƷDŽƳǀƳƲ ưLJ ǁƹƷƺƺƳƲ ƻƽǂƷDŽƯǂƳƲ ƾǀƽƴƳǁǁƷƽƼƯƺ ƯƼƲ ƱƽǃǀǂƳƽǃǁ ǁǂƯƴƴ ǂǀƯƷƼƳƲ ǂƽ ƲƳƺƷDŽƳǀ ƿǃƯƺƷǂLJ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƧƶƷǁ ƖƽƲƳ ƽƴ ƣǀƯƱǂƷƱƳ Ʒǁ ƷǁǁǃƳƲ ƾǃǀǁǃƯƼǂ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƖƽƲƳ ƽƴ ƣǀƯƱǂƷƱƳ ƥƳƵǃƺƯǂƷƽƼǁ ƧƶƳ ƻƯǂǂƳǀǁ DžƶƷƱƶ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƲƳ ƯƷƻǁ ǂƽ ƯƲƲǀƳǁǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƳ ưǃǂ Ƽƽǂ ƺƷƻƷǂƳƲ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ǃƼƲƳǀ ƺƷǁǂƳƲ ƻƯǂǂƳǀǁ ƥƳƯǁƽƼƯưƺƳ ƻƳƳǂƷƼƵ ƽƴ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳƻƳƼǂǁ ƛƯƼƲƺƷƼƵ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƯƼƲ ƲƷǁƾǃǂƳǁ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƱƽƻƾƳƼǁƯǂƷƽƼ ƷƼ ƱƯǁƳ ƽƴ ưǀƳƯƱƶ ƣǀƽǂƳƱǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƕƷƺƺƷƼƵ ƗƘƙƜơƜƧƜƢơƦ ƔơƗ ƜơƧƘƥƣƥƘƧƔƧƜƢơƦ ƨƼƺƳǁǁ ƽǂƶƳǀDžƷǁƳ ƲƳƴƷƼƳƲ ƽǀ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǂƳdžǂ ƽǂƶƳǀDžƷǁƳ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳǁ ƳdžƾǀƳǁǁƷƽƼǁ ƲƳƴƷƼƳƲ ƷƼ ǂƶƳ ƚƳƼƳǀƯƺ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƖƽƲƳ ƽƴ ƣǀƯƱǂƷƱƳ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƶƯDŽƳ ǂƶƳ ǁƯƻƳ ƻƳƯƼƷƼƵǁ ƷƼ ǂƶƷǁ ƲƽƱǃƻƳƼǂ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ǀƳƱƷǂƯƺǁ ƯƼƲ ǁƱƶƳƲǃƺƳǁ ǘƤǃƯƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƥƳƵǃƺƯǂƷƽƼǙ ƻƳƯƼǁ ǂƶƳ ƤǃƯƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƥƳƵǃƺƯǂƷƽƼǁ ǘƛƽǁǂǙ ƻƳƯƼǁ ǂƶƳ ƟƷƱƳƼǁƳƳ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǘƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ Ǚ ƻƳƯƼǁ ǂƶƳ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀ ƣƥƢƩƜƦƜƢơ Ƣƙ ƜơƙƢƥƠƔƧƜƢơ ƧƢ ƖƢơƦƨƠƘƥƦ ƜƼ ƱƽƻƾƺƷƯƼƱƳ DžƷǂƶ ƽǃǀ ƜƼǂƳǀƼƯǂƷƽƼƯƺ ƢǀƵƯƼƷǁƯǂƷƽƼ ƴƽǀ ƦǂƯƼƲƯǀƲƷǁƯǂƷƽƼ ƜƦƢ ƖƳǀǂƷƴƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ƴƽǀ ƜƼǂƳǀƼƯǂƷƽƼƯƺ ƜƧ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƠƯƼƯƵƳƻƳƼǂ ƦǂƯƼƲƯǀƲ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳǁ Ưƺƺ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀǁ DžƷǂƶ Ư ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƟƳDŽƳƺ ƔƵǀƳƳƻƳƼǂ ƽǀ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƖƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ƧƶƳ ƖƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ Ʒǁ ƷƼ ƱƺƳƯǀ ƺƯƼƵǃƯƵƳ ƯƼƲ ƱƽDŽƳǀǁ ǂƶƳ ƴƽƺƺƽDžƷƼƵ Ʒ ƗƳƴƷƼƳ ƲƽƱǃƻƳƼǂ ƯƵǀƳƳ ƻƽƼƷǂƽǀ ƻƳƯǁǃǀƳ ǀƳƾƽǀǂ ƯƼƲ ǀƳDŽƷƳDž ǂƶƳ ƺƳDŽƳƺ ƽƴ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳƲ ƯƼƲ ƷƼǁǂƷƵƯǂƳ ƱƽǀǀƳƱǂƷDŽƳ ƻƳƯǁǃǀƳǁ DžƶƳƼƳDŽƳǀ ƯƾƾǀƽƾǀƷƯǂƳ ƷƷ ƜƻƾǀƽDŽƳ ǂƶƳ ǀƳƺƯǂƷƽƼǁƶƷƾ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ DžƷǂƶ ǂƶƳ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƣǀƽDŽƷƲƳǀ ƯƼƲ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀǁ ƷƼ Ư ƻƯƼƼƳǀ ƯƱƱƳƾǂƯưƺƳ ǂƽ ưƽǂƶ ƾƯǀǂƷƳǁ ƷƷƷ ƘƼǁǃǀƳ ǂƶƯǂ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƣǀƽDŽƷƲƳǀ ƲƳDŽƳƺƽƾǁ ǁƾƳƱƷƴƷƱ ƯƼƲ ƻƳƯǁǃǀƯưƺƳ ǂƯǀƵƳǂǁ ƴƽǀ Ưƺƺ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƷDŽ ƣǀƽDŽƷƲƳ Ư ưƯǁƷǁ ƴƽǀ ǂƶƳ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƣǀƽDŽƷƲƳǀ ǂƽ ƻƽƼƷǂƽǀ ƯƼƲ ƷƻƾǀƽDŽƳ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀ ǁƯǂƷǁƴƯƱǂƷƽƼ DžƷǂƶ ǂƶƳ ƿǃƯƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƲƳƺƷDŽƳǀƳƲ DŽ ƘƼǁǃǀƳ ǂƶƯǂ ǂƶƳ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƣǀƽDŽƷƲƳǀ ƯƼƲ ǂƶƳ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀǁ ƶƯDŽƳ Ư ƱƺƳƯǀ ƯƼƲ ǃƼƯƻưƷƵǃƽǃǁ ƳdžƾƳƱǂƯǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƺƳDŽƳƺ ƽƴ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ǂƽ ưƳ ƲƳƺƷDŽƳǀƳƲ DŽƷ ƘƼǁǃǀƳ ǂƶƯǂ ƳDŽƳƼ DžƶƳƼ Ưƺƺ ƯƵǀƳƳƲ ǂƯǀƵƳǂǁ ƯǀƳ ƻƳǂ ǂƶƳ ƺƳDŽƳƺǁ ƽƴ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƲƳƺƷDŽƳǀƳƲ ƯǀƳ ǁǃưƸƳƱǂ ǂƽ ƾǀƽƯƱǂƷDŽƳ Ʊƽǁǂ ƳƴƴƳƱǂƷDŽƳ ƱƽƼǂƷƼǃƯƺ ƷƻƾǀƽDŽƳƻƳƼǂ ƖƽƾƷƳǁ ƽƴ ƲǃƺLJ ƯƾƾǀƽDŽƳƲ ƷƼƲƷDŽƷƲǃƯƺ ƖƽƲƳ ƯƼƲ ƽǂƶƳǀ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ƲƽƱǃƻƳƼǂƯǂƷƽƼ Ʒǁ ƯDŽƯƷƺƯưƺƳ ƯƼƲ DžƶƳǀƳ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ DžƷƺƺ ưƳ ƲǃƺLJ ǁƷƵƼƳƲ ưLJ ưƽǂƶ ƾƯǀǂƷƳǁ ƗƘƦƖƥƜƣƧƜƢơ Ƣƙ ƦƘƥƩƜƖƘƦ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƻƯƼƯƵƳǁ Ưƺƺ ƯǁƾƳƱǂǁ ǀƳƺƯǂƷƼƵ ǂƽ ƜƼǂƳǀƼƯǂƷƽƼƯƺ ƗƯǂƯ ƔƱƱƳǁǁ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ Ưǁ ƯƼ ƜƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƯƼƲ ƖƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ƧƳƱƶƼƽƺƽƵLJ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳǀ ǂƽ ƚƽDŽƳǀƼƻƳƼǂ ƠƷƼƷǁǂǀƷƳǁ ƗƳƾƯǀǂƻƳƼǂǁ ƯƼƲ ƔƵƳƼƱƷƳǁ ƯƼƲ ƘƼǂƳǀƾǀƷǁƳ ƯƼƲ ƱƽǀƾƽǀƯǂƳ ưƽƲƷƳǁ ƣƥƜƖƜơƚ ƜơƙƢƥƠƔƧƜƢơ ƣǀƷƱƷƼƵ ƴƽǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƽƴƴƳǀƳƲ ưLJ ƚƕƕ ƯǀƳ ƲƳǂƳǀƻƷƼƳƲ ưLJ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƾƺƯƼ ǁƳƺƳƱǂƷƽƼǁ ưƯǁƳƲ ƽƼ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳƻƳƼǂǁ ƯƼƲ ƽǂƶƳǀ ǁƾƳƱƷƴƷƱƯǂƷƽƼǁ ǁǃƱƶ Ưǁ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀ ǁƷǂƳ ǀƳƯƲƷƼƳǁǁ ƯƼƲ ƯDŽƯƷƺƯưƷƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƷƼƴǀƯǁǂǀǃƱǂǃǀƳ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳƲ ǂƽ ǁǃƾƾƽǀǂ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƪƶƳǀƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƯǀƳ ƾƯƱƹƯƵƳƲ DžƷǂƶ ƽƼƳ ƽǀ ƻƽǀƳ ƽǂƶƳǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƽǀ ƾǀƽƲǃƱǂǁ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳǁ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƷƼ ǀƳƺƯǂƷƽƼ ǂƽ ƳƯƱƶ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƽǀ ƾǀƽƲǃƱǂ

Ư Ư ƲƳǁƱǀƷƾǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ƳƯƱƶ ƱƽƻƾƽƼƳƼǂ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƽǀ ƾǀƽƲǃƱǂ ƯƼƲ DžƶƳǀƳ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ ǁƳƺƺǁ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƽǀ ƾǀƽƲǃƱǂ ƱƽƻƾƽƼƳƼǂ ǁƳƾƯǀƯǂƳƺLJ ǂƶƳ ƾǀƷƱƳ ǂƶƯǂ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ DžƽǃƺƲ ƱƶƯǀƵƳ ƴƽǀ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƽƼƳƼǂ ƽƼ Ư ǁǂƯƼƲ ƯƺƽƼƳ ưƯǁƷǁ ƯƼƲ

ư ƴƽǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ǂƶƯǂ ƯǀƳ ưǃƼƲƺƳƲ DžƷǂƶ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƴǀƽƻ ǂƶƷǀƲ ƾƯǀǂƷƳǁ ƪƳ DžƷƺƺ ưƳ ƴǃƺƺLJ ǀƳǁƾƽƼǁƷưƺƳ ƴƽǀ ǂƶƳ ƳƴƴƳƱǂƷDŽƳ ƾƳǀƴƽǀƻƯƼƱƳ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƳƼǂƷǀƳ ƾƯƱƹƯƵƳ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ǁǃƾƾƽǀǂ ƻƯƷƼǂƳƼƯƼƱƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƶƯƼƲƺƷƼƵ ƲƷǁƾǃǂƳ ǀƳǁƽƺǃǂƷƽƼ ƯƼƲ ƽǂƶƳǀ ƯƲƻƷƼƷǁǂǀƯǂƷDŽƳ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳƻƳƼǂǁ ƪƶƳǀƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƯǀƳ ǁǃưƸƳƱǂ ǂƽ ǃƾƵǀƯƲƳ ƽǀ ƻƷƵǀƯǂƷƽƼ ƽƾǂƷƽƼǁ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ DžƷƺƺ ưƳ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳƲ DžƷǂƶ ƱƺƳƯǀ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƻƾƺƳǂƳ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ǀƳƵƯǀƲƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ǃƾƵǀƯƲƳ ƽǀ ƻƷƵǀƯǂƷƽƼ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ƯƼLJ ƱƶƯƼƵƳǁ ƷƼ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƾƳǀƴƽǀƻƯƼƱƳ ƯƼƲ ƯƼLJ ƲǃƺLJ ƯƾƾǀƽDŽƳƲ ƴƳƳǁ ƽǀ ƱƶƯǀƵƳǁ ǀƳǁǃƺǂƷƼƵ ƴǀƽƻ ǂƶƳ ǃƾƵǀƯƲƳ ƽǀ ƻƷƵǀƯǂƷƽƼ ƖƢơƧƥƔƖƧ ƧƘƥƠƦ ƔơƗ ƧƘƥƠƜơƔƧƜƢơ Ɣƺƺ ƚƕƕ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀǁ ƯǀƳ ƷǁǁǃƳƲ Ư ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ƱƽDŽƳǀƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƽƴ ǂƶƳƷǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƧƶƳ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ƷǂǁƳƺƴ ƱƽƼǂƯƷƼǁ ǂƶƳ ƴƽƺƺƽDžƷƼƵ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ǀƳƵƯǀƲƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƼƲƷǂƷƽƼǁ ǃƼƲƳǀ DžƶƷƱƶ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ Ʒǁ ƲƳƺƷDŽƳǀƳƲ

Ư ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƻƳƼƱƳƻƳƼǂ ƲƯǂƳ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ

ư DžƶƯǂ ǂƶƳ ƻƷƼƷƻǃƻ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ǂƳǀƻ Ʒǁ Ʒƴ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ

Ʊ DžƶƳǀƳ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ ǂƶƳ ƻƷƼƷƻǃƻ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ƾƳǀƷƽƲ ƯƼƲ ǂƶƳ ƻƯƼƼƳǀ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƼǁƳƿǃƳƼƱƳǁ ƽƴ ǂƳǀƻƷƼƯǂƷƽƼ

Ʋ ǂƶƳ ǁƷǂǃƯǂƷƽƼǁ DžƶƳǀƳ ƳƯǀƺLJ ǂƳǀƻƷƼƯǂƷƽƼ Ʒǁ ƾƽǁǁƷưƺƳ

Ƴ ǂƶƳ ƯƻƽǃƼǂ ƽǀ ƻƳǂƶƽƲ ƽƴ ƱƯƺƱǃƺƯǂƷƼƵ ƯƼLJ ƱƶƯǀƵƳǁ ƾƯLJƯưƺƳ ǃƾƽƼ ƳƯǀƺLJ ǂƳǀƻƷƼƯǂƷƽƼ

Ǹ ƦƹLJƾƳ - ƚưưƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳƗƳǁƹ Ưƻ ǂƽ ƾƻ ƠƽƼƲƯLJǁ ǂƽ ƙǀƷƲƯLJǁ ƽƼƺLJ ƳdžƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ƾǃưƺƷƱ ƶƽƺƷƲƯLJǁ ƧƶƳ ǁǂƯƼƲƯǀƲ ƽƴ ƴƯǃƺǂ ǀƳƾƯƷǀ Ưǁ ǁƳǂ ƽǃǂ ƷƼ ǂƶƳ ƯƼƼƳdžƳƲ ƤǃƯƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ǀƳƵǃƺƯǂƷƽƼǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƯƾƾƺLJ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƴƯǃƺǂ ǀƳƾƯƷǀ ǁǂƯƼƲƯǀƲǁ ƳǁǂƯưƺƷǁƶƳƲ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ƛƽǁǂ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƳƼƲƳƯDŽƽǃǀ ǂƽ ƵƷDŽƳ ƯƲƳƿǃƯǂƳ ƼƽǂƷƴƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ƯƼLJ ƾƺƯƼƼƳƲ ƲƽDžƼǂƷƻƳ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ƲƳǂƯƷƺǁ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƲƷǁǀǃƾǂƷƽƼ ƽǀ ƽǃǂƯƵƳ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƯƼƲ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƯǀƳƯ ƯƴƴƳƱǂƳƲ ƯƼƲ ƯƼLJ ƱƽǀǀƳǁƾƽƼƲƷƼƵ ƱƽƻƾƳƼǁƯǂƷƽƼ ƽǀ ƽǂƶƳǀ ǀƳƻƳƲƷƳǁ Ʒƴ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ ƔƩƔƜƟƔƕƜƟƜƧƬ Ƣƙ ƦƘƥƩƜƖƘ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƳƼǁǃǀƳ ǂƶƯǂ ƻƯǀƹƳǂƷƼƵ ƾǀƳǁƳƼǂƯǂƷƽƼ ƻƯǂƳǀƷƯƺǁ ǂƽ ƾƽǂƳƼǂƷƯƺ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁ ƷƼƲƷƱƯǂƳ ƯƼLJ ƹƼƽDžƼ ƵƳƽƵǀƯƾƶƷƱƯƺ ƽǀ ǂƳƱƶƼƷƱƯƺ ƺƷƻƷǂƯǂƷƽƼǁ DžƶƷƱƶ ƻƯLJ ǁǃưǁǂƯƼǂƷƯƺƺLJ ƯƴƴƳƱǂ ǂƶƳ ƾƳǀƴƽǀƻƯƼƱƳ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƜƼ ƯƲƲƷǂƷƽƼ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƯưƽDŽƳ ƻƯǀƹƳǂƷƼƵ ƻƯǂƳǀƷƯƺǁ ƻǃǁǂ ƷƼƲƷƱƯǂƳ ƯƼLJ ƺƷƻƷǂƯǂƷƽƼǁ DžƶƷƱƶ ǀƳǁǂǀƷƱǂ Ư ƾƯǀǂƷƱǃƺƯǀ Ƶǀƽǃƾ ƽƴ ƾƳǀǁƽƼǁ ƵƳƽƵǀƯƾƶƷƱƯƺ ƯǀƳƯ ƾƯǀǂƷƱǃƺƯǀ ƾƳǀƷƽƲ ƽƴ ǂƷƻƳ ƽǀ ƺƷƻƷǂƳƲ ƯDŽƯƷƺƯưƷƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƷƼƴǀƯǁǂǀǃƱǂǃǀƳ ƽǀ ƽǂƶƳǀ ƻƯǂƳǀƷƯƺǁ ƔƗƩƘƥƧƜƦƜơƚ Ƣƙ ƣƔƖƞƔƚƘƗ ƦƘƥƩƜƖƘƦ ƧƶƳ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƳƼǂƷǂƺƳƲ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ǁǃƾƾƺLJ ƽƴ Ưƺƺ ƱƽƻƾƽƼƳƼǂǁ ƽƴ Ư ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳƲ ƾƯƱƹƯƵƳ DžƶƳǀƳ ǂƶƳ ƛƽǁǂ ƶƯǁ ƻƯǀƹƳǂƳƲ ǂƶƳ ƾǀƽDŽƷǁƷƽƼ ƽƴ Ʒǂǁ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ Ưǁ ƾƯǀǂ ƽƴ Ư ƾƯƱƹƯƵƳ ƔƾƾǀƽƾǀƷƯǂƳ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ǂƽ ƾƽǂƳƼǂƷƯƺ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƳƲ ƷƼ ƻƯǀƹƳǂƷƼƵ ƻƯǂƳǀƷƯƺǁ ưLJ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ DžƶƳǀƳ Ʒǂ ƻƯLJ ưƳ ǃƼƺƷƹƳƺLJ ǂƽ ǁǃƾƾƺLJ ƯƼLJ ƱƽƻƾƽƼƳƼǂ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƾƯƱƹƯƵƳ ƧƶƳ ƻƯǀƹƳǂƷƼƵ ƻƯǂƳǀƷƯƺǁ ƻƯLJ ƱƽƼǂƯƷƼ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ ƾǀƷƱƷƼƵ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƽƼƳƼǂ ƽƴ Ư ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƾƯƱƹƯƵƳ DžƶƳǀƳ ǂƶƷǁ Ʒǁ ǁƽ ǂƶƳ ƻƯǀƹƳǂƷƼƵ ƻƯǂƳǀƷƯƺǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ Ưƺǁƽ ƷƼƱƽǀƾƽǀƯǂƳ ƯƼ ƳǁǂƷƻƯǂƳ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƻƷƼƷƻǃƻ ǂƽǂƯƺ ƱƶƯǀƵƳ ƴƽǀ ǂƶƳ ƾƯƱƹƯƵƳ ƯƼƲ ƷƼƲƷƱƯǂƳ ƯƼLJ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƼƲƷǂƷƽƼǁ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ ǂƽ ƽưǂƯƷƼƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƽƼƳƼǂ Ưǂ ǂƶƳ ǁǂƯǂƳƲ ƾǀƷƱƳ ƕƜƟƟƜơƚ ƜơƙƢƥƠƔƧƜƢơ ƧƶƳ ƴƽƺƺƽDžƷƼƵ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƱƽƼǂƯƷƼƳƲ ƷƼ ƷƼDŽƽƷƱƳǁ ƷǁǁǃƳƲ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƼƯƻƳ ƯƼƲ ưƷƺƺƷƼƵ ƯƲƲǀƳǁǁ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƱǃǀǀƳƼǂ ưǃǁƷƼƳǁǁ ƼƯƻƳ ƯƲƲǀƳǁǁ ƯƼƲ ǀƳƵƷǁǂƳǀƳƲ ƼǃƻưƳǀ ƨƼƷƿǃƳ ƷƲƳƼǂƷƴƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ƽǀ ƷƼDŽƽƷƱƳ ƼǃƻưƳǀ ƗƯǂƳ ƽƴ ƷƼDŽƽƷƱƳ ƯƼƲ ưƷƺƺƷƼƵ ƾƳǀƷƽƲ ƗƳǁƱǀƷƾǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳƲ ưLJ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƴƽǀ DžƶƷƱƶ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ Ʒǁ ƱƶƯǀƵƳƲ ƛƷǁǂƽǀƷƱƯƺ ǁǃƻƻƯǀLJ ƽƴ ƱƶƯǀƵƳǁ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ǂƽǂƯƺ ƯƻƽǃƼǂ ưƷƺƺƳƲ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ ƱǀƳƲƷǂǁ ƯƲDŽƯƼƱƳ ƾƯLJƻƳƼǂǁ ƽǀ ƲƷǁƱƽǃƼǂǁ ƼƳǂ ƯƻƽǃƼǂ ƾƯLJƯưƺƳ ưLJ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƽǀ ǀƳƾƯLJƯưƺƳ ưLJ ƛƽǁǂ Ưǁ ǂƶƳ ƱƯǁƳ ƻƯLJ ưƳ ƣƯLJƻƳƼǂ ǀƳƴǃƼƲ ƲǃƳ ƲƯǂƳ ƠƳǂƶƽƲ ƽƴ ƾƯLJƻƳƼǂ ƠƳǂƶƽƲ ƽƴ ƱƽƼǂƯƱǂ ƴƽǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƯƼƲ ưƷƺƺƷƼƵ ƷƼƿǃƷǀƷƳǁ ƜƧƘƠƜƭƔƧƜƢơ Ƣƙ ƖƛƔƥƚƘƦ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƳƼǁǃǀƳ ǂƶƯǂ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ ƶƯDŽƳ ƯƱƱƳǁǁ ǂƽ ƷǂƳƻƷLjƳ ƲƳǂƯƷƺǁ ƽƴ Ưƺƺ ƱƶƯǀƵƳǁ ƳƷǂƶƳǀ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ ưƷƺƺ ƽǀ ƽƼ Ư ǁƳƾƯǀƯǂƳ ǁǂƯǂƳƻƳƼǂ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳƲ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǃƾƽƼ ǀƳƿǃƳǁǂ ƧƜƠƜơƚ ƙƢƥ ƜƦƦƨƔơƖƘ Ƣƙ ƕƜƟƟ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƷǁǁǃƳ ưƷƺƺǁ ƯƼƲ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƳ Ưƺƺ ƱƶƯǀƵƳǁ ƷƼƱǃǀǀƳƲ DžƷǂƶƷƼ ǂƶƳ ǁƾƳƱƷƴƷƳƲ ưƷƺƺƷƼƵ ƾƳǀƷƽƲ DžƷǂƶƷƼ ƲƯLJǁ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƱƺƽǁǃǀƳ ƽƴ ƳƯƱƶ ưƷƺƺƷƼƵ ƾƳǀƷƽƲ ƘdžƱƳƾǂƷƽƼǁ ƻƯLJ ƽƱƱǃǀ DžƶƳǀƳưLJ Ưƺƺ ƱƶƯǀƵƳǁ ƯǀƳ Ƽƽǂ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƳƲ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ ƷƼDŽƽƷƱƳ Ưǁ Ư ǀƳǁǃƺǂ ƽƴ ǁƳƾƯǀƯǂƳ ƯƵǀƳƳƻƳƼǂ ưƳǂDžƳƳƼ ƾƯǀǂƷƳǁ ƽǀ ƯƼLJ ƽǂƶƳǀ ǀƳƯǁƽƼ ƥƘƖƘƜƣƧ ƔơƗ ƖƢơƦƨƠƘƥ ƣƔƬƠƘơƧ ƔƗƩƜƖƘ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƻƯƹƳ ƯDŽƯƷƺƯưƺƳ ƯƾƾǀƽƾǀƷƯǂƳ ƯƼƲ ƯƱƱƳǁǁƷưƺƳ ƻƳǂƶƽƲǁ ƽƴ DŽƳǀƷƴƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ưƷƺƺ ƾƯLJƻƳƼǂ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƕƜƟƟƜơƚ ƙƥƘƤƨƘơƖƬ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳƲ DžƷǂƶ ǁǃƴƴƷƱƷƳƼǂ ƯƼƲ ƯƲDŽƯƼƱƳ DžǀƷǂǂƳƼ ƼƽǂƷƴƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ƯƼLJ ƾǀƽƾƽǁƳƲ ƱƶƯƼƵƳǁ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ưƷƺƺƷƼƵ ƾƳǀƷƽƲ ƧƶƳ ƯƲDŽƯƼƱƳ DžǀƷǂǂƳƼ ƼƽǂƷƴƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƲƳƳƻƳƲ ǁǃƴƴƷƱƷƳƼǂ ưLJ ƾƯǀǂƷƳǁ DžƶƳǀƳ Ʒǂ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳǁ Ư ƻƷƼƷƻǃƻ ƼƽǂƷƴƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ƾƳǀƷƽƲ ƽƴ ǂDžƷƱƳ ǂƶƳ ǃǁǃƯƺ ưƷƺƺƷƼƵ ƾƳǀƷƽƲ ǁ ơƢơ ƣƔƬƠƘơƧ Ƣƙ ƕƜƟƟƦ ƜƼ ǂƶƳ ƳDŽƳƼǂ ƽƴ ƼƽƼ ƾƯLJƻƳƼǂ ƽƴ ưƷƺƺǁ ǂƽ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ǂƯƹƳ ƼƳƱƳǁǁƯǀLJ ƻƳƯǁǃǀƳǁ DžƶƷƱƶ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƳǁ ưǃǂ Ƽƽǂ ƺƷƻƷǂƳƲ ǂƽ ǀƳƴƳǀǀƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ƷǁǁǃƳ ƽƴ ƼƽƼ ƾƯLJƻƳƼǂ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ơƖƖ ǂƽ ƳƴƴƳƱǂ ǁǃƱƶ ƾƯLJƻƳƼǂ ƽǀ ƲƷǁƱƽƼƼƳƱǂ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁ ƳƿǃƷƾƻƳƼǂ ơƳƱƳǁǁƯǀLJ ƻƳƯǁǃǀƳǁ Ưǁ ǀƳƴƳǀǀƳƲ ǂƽ ƯưƽDŽƳ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƱƽƻƻƳƼǁǃǀƯǂƳ ƯƼƲ Ƽƽǂ ǃƼƲǃƺLJ ƲƷǁƱǀƷƻƷƼƯǂƽǀLJ ƜơƙƢƥƠƔƧƜƢơ ƧƢ ƖƢơƦƨƠƘƥƦ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƳƼǁǃǀƳ ǂƶƯǂ Ʒǂǁ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƾǀƽƱƳƲǃǀƳ Ʒǁ ƯƱƱƳǁǁƷưƺƳ ƷƼ DŽƯǀƷƽǃǁ ƻƳƲƷƯ ƯƼƲ ƴƽǀƻƯǂǁ ƽǀ Ưǁ ƲƷǀƳƱǂƺLJ ǁƾƳƱƷƴƷƳƲ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ơƖƖ ƴǀƽƻ ǂƷƻƳ ǂƽ ǂƷƻƳ ƜƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƾǀƽƱƳƲǃǀƳ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ ǀƷƵƶǂ ǂƽ ƺƽƲƵƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƠƽƲƳ ƽƴ ƺƽƲƵƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƛƽǁǂ ƥƳƿǃƷǁƷǂƳ ƲƽƱǃƻƳƼǂǁ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳƲ ǂƽ ƺƽƲƵƳ Ư DŽƯƺƷƲ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƠƳƯƼǁ ǂƽ ƳƼƿǃƷǀƳ ƽƼ ǁǂƯǂǃǁ ƽƴ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƧƶƳ ƾǀƽƱƳƲǃǀƳ ƻǃǁǂ ưƳ ƳdžƾǀƳǁǁƳƲ ƷƼ ƱƺƳƯǀ ƺƯƼƵǃƯƵƳ ƯƼƲ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƻǃǁǂ ưƳ ƯưƺƳ ƷƲƳƼǂƷƴLJ ƶƽDž ǂƽ ƺƽƲƵƳ Ư ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƳƷǂƶƳǀ ƾƶLJǁƷƱƯƺƺLJ ƽǀ DŽƷƯ ƲƳƲƷƱƯǂƳƲ ƽƼƺƷƼƳ ƾƺƯǂƴƽǀƻǁ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƲǃƺLJ ǀƳƱƽǀƲƳƲ ƯƼƲ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁƳƲ ƷƼ ƯƱƱƽǀƲƯƼƱƳ DžƷǂƶ ƷƲƳƼǂƷƴƷƳƲ ƾǀƯƱǂƷƱƳǁ ƯƼƲ ƾǀƽƱƳƲǃǀƳǁ ƦƣƘƖƜƔƟ ơƘƘƗƦ ƔƲƳƿǃƯǂƳ ƾǀƽDŽƷǁƷƽƼǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƻƯƲƳ ưLJ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǂƽ ƳƼǁǃǀƳ ǂƶƯǂ ƾƳƽƾƺƳ DžƷǂƶ ǁƾƳƱƷƯƺ ƼƳƳƲǁ ƯǀƳ ƯưƺƳ ǂƽ ƯƱƱƳǁǁ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƶƯƼƲƺƷƼƵ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁƳǁ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ǃǁƳ Ʒǂǁ ưƳǁǂ ƳƼƲƳƯDŽƽǃǀǁ ǂƽ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳ ǀƳƯǁƽƼƯưƺƳ ƯǁǁƷǁǂƯƼƱƳ ǂƽ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ Džƶƽ ƻƯLJ ǀƳƿǃƳǁǂ ƯǁǁƷǁǂƯƼƱƳ DžƷǂƶ ƺƽƲƵƷƼƵ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƖƢƠƣƟƔƜơƧ ƣƥƢƖƘƦƦ ƪƶƳǀƳ ƲƷǁƾǃǂƳǁ ƯǀƷǁƳ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ƳǁƾƳƱƷƯƺƺLJ ƴǃƺƴƷƺƻƳƼǂ ƽƴ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƺƳDŽƳƺ ǂƯǀƵƳǂǁ ƯƼƲ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ DžƷǁƶƳǁ ǂƽ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳǁ ƾǃưƺƷǁƶƳǁ Ư ƱƺƳƯǀ ƳǁƱƯƺƯǂƷƽƼ ƾƯǂƶ DžƷǂƶ ƼƯƻƳǁ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƼǂƯƱǂ ƲƳǂƯƷƺǁ ƽƴ ƽƴƴƷƱƳǀǁ ǀƳǁƾƽƼǁƷưƺƳ ƴƽǀ ǀƳǁƽƺDŽƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ Ưǂ ƳƯƱƶ ƾƽƷƼǂ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƾƯǂƶ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ ƟǂƲ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳǁ ƳƯǁƷƺLJ ǃƼƲƳǀǁǂƽƽƲ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ Ưưƽǃǂ ǂƶƳƷǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁƳǁ ƷƼ DŽƯǀƷƽǃǁ ƻƳƲƷƯ ƯƼƲ ƴƽǀƻƯǂǁ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ Ưǁ ǁƾƳƱƷƴƷƱƯƺƺLJ ƲƷǀƳƱǂƳƲ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƻƻƷǁǁƷƽƼ ƴǀƽƻ ǂƷƻƳ ǂƽ ǂƷƻƳ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ ƟǂƲ ƳƼǁǃǀƳǁ ǂƶƯǂ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ ƱƯƼ ƳƯǁƷƺLJ ƷƲƳƼǂƷƴLJ ƶƽDž Ư ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƻƯLJ ưƳ ƺƽƲƵƳƲ ƳƷǂƶƳǀ Ưǂ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ ƟǂƲ ƾǀƳƻƷǁƳǁ ƽǀ ǃǁƷƼƵ ƷƲƳƼǂƷƴƷƳƲ ƴƽǀƻǁ ƽƴ ǂƳƺƳƱƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƷƽƼǁ ƜƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƶƯƼƲƺƷƼƵ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁƳǁ ƱƽƼǂƯƷƼǁ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ.

Ư ǂƽ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ Ưưƽǃǂ ǂƶƳƷǀ ǀƷƵƶǂ ǂƽ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼ

ư ƢƼ ƶƽDž ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ ƟǂƲ ƱƯƼ ưƳ ƱƽƼǂƯƱǂƳƲ ƷƼ ƽǀƲƳǀ ǂƽ ƻƯƹƳ Ư ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƯƼƲ

Ʊ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ ǂLJƾƳǁ ƽƴ ǁǃƾƾƽǀǂƷƼƵ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ƲƽƱǃƻƳƼǂǁ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼƯƼǂ ƼƳƳƲǁ ǂƽ ƴǃǀƼƷǁƶ DžƶƳƼ ƻƯƹƷƼƵ Ư ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƖƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƱƯƼƳ ưƳ ƳƷǂƶƳǀ DžǀƷǂǂƳƼ ƽǀ DŽƳǀưƯƺ ƪǀƷǂǂƳƼ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƱƯƼ ưƳ ƻƯƲƳ ưLJ ƳƻƯƷƺ ǂƽ ƽǃǀ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƗƳǁƹ ƽǀ ƽƼ ƽǃǀ DžƳưǁƷǂƳ Ɣƺƺ ƱǃǁǂƽƻƳǀǁ ƯǀƳ ƯƲDŽƷǁƳƲ ƽƴ ƽǃǀ ƳǁƱƯƺƯǂƷƽƼ ƾƯǂƶ ƯƼƲ ƻƯLJ ƱƶƽƽǁƳ ǂƽ ƳǁƱƯƺƯǂƳ ǂƶƳƷǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƶƷƳǀƯǀƱƶƷƱƯƺƺLJ ǁƶƽǃƺƲ ǂƶƳLJ ưƳ ǃƼǁƯǂƷǁƴƷƳƲ DžƷǂƶ ǂƶƳ ƽƴƴƷƱƳǀ ƽǀ ƽƴƴƷƱƳ ƶƯƼƲƺƷƼƵ ǂƶƳƷǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƴƽǀDžƯǀƲ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ǀƳƵƷǁǂƳǀƳƲ ƯƲƲǀƳǁǁ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƛƽǁǂ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ Ưǁ ǁǂƯǂƳƲ ưƳƺƽDž ơƽ ƔƲƳǂƽƹǃƼưƽƔƲƳƻƽƺƯ ƖǀƳǁƱƳƼǂ ƪǃǁƳ LjƽƼƳ ƔưǃƸƯ ƙƖƧ ƧƳƺƳƾƶƽƼƳ ƼǃƻưƳǀ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƗƳǁƹ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳƲƳǁƹ"ƵƯƺƯdžLJưƯƱƹưƽƼƳ Ʊƽƻ ƼƵ DžƳưǁƷǂƳ DžDžDž ƵƯƺƯdžLJưƯƱƹưƽƼƳ Ʊƽƻ ƼƵ ƪƶƳǀƳ ƾƽǁǁƷưƺƳ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳƲ DžƷǂƶ ƯƼ ƳdžƾƳƱǂƳƲ ƽǃǂƱƽƻƳ ƽǀ ƳǁǂƷƻƯǂƳƲ ǂƷƻƳƴǀƯƻƳ DžƷǂƶƷƼ DžƶƷƱƶ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƷƼDŽƳǁǂƷƵƯǂƳƲ ƯƼƲ ǀƳǁƽƺDŽƳƲ ơƽǂDžƷǂƶǁǂƯƼƲƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ƴƽǀƵƽƷƼƵ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ǂƶƽǁƳ DžƶƷƱƶ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳ ƴǃǀǂƶƳǀ ǀƳƱƽǃǀǁƳ ƴƽǀ ƺƯƱƹ ƽƴ ƯƱƱƳƾǂƯưƺƳ ǀƳǁƽƺǃǂƷƽƼ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƯƱǂƳƲ ǃƾƽƼ DžƷǂƶƷƼ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǂ ǂƷƻƳ ƴǀƯƻƳ Ưǁ ƲƷǀƳƱǂƳƲ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ơƖƖ ƴǀƽƻ ǂƷƻƳ ǂƽ ǂƷƻƳ ƽǀ Ưǁ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳƲ ƷƼ ǂƶƳ ƯƼƼƳdžƳƲ ƤǃƯƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƥƳƵǃƺƯǂƷƽƼǁ ƯƼƲ ǂƶƷǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ Ƽƽǂ ƳdžƱƳƳƲ Ư ƾƳǀƷƽƲ ƽƴ ǂƶǀƳƳ ƱƯƺƳƼƲƯǀ ƻƽƼǂƶǁ ƔƼ ƷƲƳƼǂƷƴƷƳƲ ƳǁƱƯƺƯǂƷƽƼ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƯƱƱƳǁǁƷưƺƳ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ DžƶƳǀƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ Ʒǁ ƲƷǁǁƯǂƷǁƴƷƳƲ DžƷǂƶ ǂƶƳ ƽǃǂƱƽƻƳ ƽƴ Ư ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ǀƳǁƽƺǃǂƷƽƼ ƦǃƱƶ ƳǁƱƯƺƯǂƷƽƼ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƷƼDŽƽƺDŽƳ ƴǃǀǂƶƳǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƳdžƯƻƷƼƯǂƷƽƼ ưLJ Ư ǁǃƷǂƯưƺLJ ƿǃƯƺƷƴƷƳƲ ƯǃǂƶƽǀƷLjƳƲ ǀƳƾǀƳǁƳƼǂƯǂƷDŽƳ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƛƽǁǂ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƲǃƺLJ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƳƲ DžƶƳǀƳ ǀƳǁƽƺǃǂƷƽƼ DŽƷƯ ǂƶƳ ƳǁƱƯƺƯǂƷƽƼ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁ ƶƯǁ ưƳƳƼ ƳdžƶƯǃǁǂƳƲ ƯƼƲ ǂƶƳǀƳ ƯǀƳ Ƽƽ ƴǃǀǂƶƳǀ ƳǁƱƯƺƯǂƷƽƼ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁƳǁ ƢǀƯƺ ƽǀ ƼƽƼ DžǀƷǂǂƳƼ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƲƳƳƻƳƲ ƯƱƹƼƽDžƺƳƲƵƳƲ ưLJ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ Ưǂ ǂƶƳ ǂƷƻƳ ǁǃƱƶ DžƯǁ ƱƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƳƲ ǂƽ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƖƛƔƥƚƘƦ

ƴ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼƲƷǂƷƽƼǁ ƯƼƲ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƽƴ ǀƳƼƳDžƯƺ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ Ʒƴ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ

ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƖƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƶƯƼƲƺƷƼƵ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁƳǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƾǀƽDŽƷƲƳƲ ƴǀƳƳ ƽƴ ƱƶƯǀƵƳ ƛƽDžƳDŽƳǀ ƯƼLJ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼ ǂƶƯǂ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳǁ

Ƶ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼƲƷǂƷƽƼǁ ƯƼƲ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƽƴ ƲƷǁƱƽƼƼƳƱǂƷƽƼ ƯƼƲ ǀƳƱƽƼƼƳƱǂƷƽƼ ƯƼƲ ƴƳƳǁ ǂƶƯǂ ƻƯLJ ưƳ ƱƶƯǀƵƳƲ ƴƽǀ ƲƷǁƱƽƼƼƳƱǂƷƽƼ ƽǀ

ǂƶƳ ǀƳǂǀƷƳDŽƯƺ ƽƴ ǀƳƱƽǀƲǁ ƻƽǀƳ ǂƶƯƼ ƧDžƳƺDŽƳ ƻƽǂƶǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƯǂǂǀƯƱǂ ƱƶƯǀƵƳǁ DžƶƷƱƶ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ ƻǃǁǂ ưƳ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƳƲ ƯƼƲ ƯƵǀƳƳƲ ǂƽ

ǀƳƱƽƼƼƳƱǂƷƽƼ

ƙƨƥƧƛƘƥ ƥƘƖƢƨƥƦƘ

ƶ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƼƲƷǂƷƽƼǁ ǂƶƯǂ ƻƯLJ ƯƾƾƺLJ ǂƽ ǀƳƴǃƼƲ ƽƴ ƯƼLJ ƲƳƾƽǁƷǂ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ǂƷƻƷƼƵ ƯƼƲ ƯƼLJ ƲƳƲǃƱǂƷƽƼǁ ƽǀ ƱƶƯǀƵƳǁ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ ƙǃǀǂƶƳǀƻƽǀƳ Ưƺƺ ǂƳǀƻǁ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƼƲƷǂƷƽƼǁ ƽƴ Ư ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ǀƳƵƯǀƲƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ƾǀƽDŽƷǁƷƽƼ ƽƴ ƯƼLJ ƽƴ ƽǃǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƱƺƳƯǀƺLJ ǁǂƯǂƳƲ ƷƼ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ƽǀ

ƜƼ ƯƲƲƷǂƷƽƼ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁ ǁƳǂ ǃƾ ưLJ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǀƳǁƳǀDŽƳǁ ǂƶƳ ǀƷƵƶǂ ǂƽ ƳǁƱƯƺƯǂƳ ǃƼǁƯǂƷǁƴƯƱǂƽǀƷƺLJ ǀƳǁƽƺDŽƳƲ ƽǀ ǃƼǀƳǁƽƺDŽƳƲ ƲƷǁƾǃǂƳǁ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ơƷƵƳǀƷƯƼ ƖƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƷƽƼ ƖƽƻƻƷǁǁƷƽƼ ơƖƖ

ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƟƳDŽƳƺ ƔƵǀƳƳƻƳƼǂ ƷƼ ƱƺƳƯǀ ƯƼƲ ƾƺƯƷƼ ƺƯƼƵǃƯƵƳ

ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƷƼƴƽǀƻ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƯƴǂƳǀ ƲƯLJǁ ƽƴ ƼƽƼ ǀƳǁƽƺǃǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ǁƯǂƷǁƴƯƱǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ

ƣƥƢƗƨƖƧ ƪƔƥƥƔơƧƜƘƦ ƔơƗ ƠƔƜơƧƘơƔơƖƘ

ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǂƽ ƾǀƽƱƳƳƲ ǂƽ ǀƳƴƳǀ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ơƖƖ

ƪƶƳǀƳ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƷƼƴƽǀƻ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƽƴ ƯƼLJ ƱƽƼǂǀƯƱǂǃƯƺ DžƯǀǀƯƼǂLJ ǀƳƺƯǂƷƼƵ ǂƽ ƯƼLJ ǁƶƯǀƳƲ

ƔƖƧƜƢơ Ƣơ ƗƜƦƣƨƧƘƗ ƖƛƔƥƚƘƦ

ƷƼƴǀƯǁǂǀǃƱǂǃǀƳ ƦǃƱƶ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ DžƶƳǀƳ ƯƾƾƺƷƱƯưƺƳ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƷƼƱƺǃƲƳ ƶƽDž ǂƽ ƽưǂƯƷƼ ǁǃƱƶ DžƯǀǀƯƼǂLJ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ

ƪƶƳǀƳ Ư ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƶƯǁ ƷƼƷǂƷƯǂƳƲ Ư ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ǂƶǀƽǃƵƶ ǂƶƳ ƺƯƷƲ ƲƽDžƼ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁ ƯƼƲ ƷƼDŽƳǁǂƷƵƯǂƷƽƼ Ʒǁ ƽƼƵƽƷƼƵ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ

ƧƶƳǀƳ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ǁƾƳƱƷƴƷƱ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ ƯDŽƯƷƺƯưƷƺƷǂLJ ƯƼƲ ƾǀƽDŽƷǁƷƽƼ ƽƴ ƯƼLJ ƻƯƷƼǂƳƼƯƼƱƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ƛƽǁǂ ƾƯǀǂLJ

ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ǁǂƽƾƾƳƲ ƴǀƽƻ ǂƯƹƷƼƵ ƯƼLJ ƯƱǂƷƽƼ DžƷǂƶ ǀƳƵƯǀƲ ǂƽ ƱǀƳƲƷǂ ƻƯƼƯƵƳƻƳƼǂ ƯƱǂƷƽƼ ƽǀ ƲƷǁƱƽƼƼƳƱǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ƷƼǁǂƯƺƺƳƲ ƳƿǃƷƾƻƳƼǂ ƽǀ

ƣƥƢƩƜƦƜƢơƜơƚ Ƣƙ ƦƘƥƩƜƖƘƦ

ǀƳƺƯǂƳƲ ƯƾƾƯǀƯǂǃǁ ƾƳƼƲƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ǀƳǁƽƺǃǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƲƷǁƾǃǂƳ

ƣǀƽDŽƷǁƷƽƼ ƽƴ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳǁ ưLJ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ƷƼ ƯƱƱƽǀƲƯƼƱƳ DžƷǂƶ ǂƶƳ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ǁǃƾƾƺLJ ǂƷƻƳ ǂƯǀƵƳǂǁ ǁƳǂ ƽǃǂ ƷƼ ǂƶƳ ơƖƖ

ƜơƧƘƥơƔƟ ƗƔƧƔ ƖƢƟƟƘƖƧƜƢơ ƔơƗ ƔơƔƟƬƦƜƦ

ƤǃƯƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ǀƳƵǃƺƯǂƷƽƼǁ ƯƼƼƳdžƳƲ ǂƽ ǂƶƷǁ ƖƽƲƳ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƶƽDžƳDŽƳǀ Ƽƽǂ ưƳ ƺƷƯưƺƳ ƴƽǀ ƯƼLJ ƲƳƺƯLJǁ ƽǀ

ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ƳƼǁǃǀƳǁ ƯDŽƯƷƺƯưƷƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƯƾƾǀƽƾǀƷƯǂƳ ǀƳƱƽǀƲƷƼƵ ǁLJǁǂƳƻ ƴƽǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂǁ ƯƼƲ ƽǃǂƱƽƻƳǁ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƻƾƺƷƳǁ DžƷǂƶ

ǀƳƴǃǁƯƺǁ ƽƴ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ǀƳƿǃƳǁǂǁ ƺƯƱƹ ƽƴ ǁƷǂƳ ƯDŽƯƷƺƯưƷƺƷǂLJ ƽǀ ƷƼƴǀƯǁǂǀǃƱǂǃǀƳ ƯDŽƯƷƺƯưƷƺƷǂLJ DžƶƷƱƶ Ʒǁ ưƳLJƽƼƲ Ʒǂǁ ǀƳƯǁƽƼƯưƺƳ ƱƽƼǂǀƽƺ

ǂƶƳ ǀƳƿǃƷǀƳƻƳƼǂǁ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƻƻƷǁǁƷƽƼ ǁ ƤǃƯƺƷǂLJ ƽƴ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƥƳƵǃƺƯǂƷƽƼǁ ǁǃƱƶ ǂƶƯǂ ǀƳƱǃǀǀƷƼƵ ƷǁǁǃƳǁ ƯǀƳ ƳƯǁƷƺLJ ǂǀƯƱƹƳƲ ƴƽǀ ƳƴƴƳƱǂƷDŽƳ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁƷƼƵ

ƙǃǀǂƶƳǀ ǂƽ ƱƺƯǃǁƳ ƯưƽDŽƳ ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳƯǀ Ƽƽ ǀƳǁƾƽƼǁƷưƷƺƷǂLJ ƴƽǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƽǀ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƯƱƱƳǁǁ ƲƳƺƯLJǁ ƽǀ

ƖƛƔơƚƘƦ ƧƢ ƖƢƠƣƟƔƜơƧ ƛƔơƗƟƜơƚ ƣƥƢƖƘƦƦ

ǀƳƴǃǁƯƺǁ DžƶƳǀƳ ǁǃƱƶ Ʒǁ ƯǂǂǀƷưǃǂƯưƺƳ ǂƽ ǂƶƳ ƺƯƱƹ ƽƴ ƱǀƳƲƷǂ DžƽǀǂƶƷƼƳǁǁ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƙƔƨƟƧ ƥƘƣƔƜƥ ƔơƗ ƦƘƥƩƜƖƘ ƜơƧƘƥƥƨƣƧƜƢơ ƚƯƺƯdžLJ ƕƯƱƹưƽƼƳ DžƷƺƺ ƷƻƾƺƳƻƳƼǂ ǂƶƳ ƴƯƱƷƺƷǂƷƳǁ ƯƼƲ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁƳǁ ƼƳƳƲƳƲ ǂƽ ƾƳǀƻƷǂ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ ǂƽ ǀƳƾƽǀǂ ƴƯǃƺǂǁ ƶƽǃǀǁ Ư ƲƯLJ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƻƻƷǂǁ ǂƽ ǀƳǁƾƽƼƲƷƼƵ ǂƽ ǂƶƳǁƳ ƴƯǃƺǂǁ ƯƱƱƽǀƲƷƼƵ ǂƽ ƯƵǀƳƳƲ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ǀƳǁƾƽƼǁƳ ƯƼƲ ǀƳƾƯƷǀ ǂƷƻƳƺƷƼƳǁ Ɣƺƺ ƚƕƕ ƱƽƼǁǃƻƳǀǁ ƯǀƳ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƳƲ ƽƴ ƶƽDž ǂƽ ǀƳƯƱƶ ǂƶƳ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƗƳǁƹ DžƶƳǀƳ ƷǁǁǃƳǁ ƷƼƱƷƲƳƼǂǁ ƯƼƲ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ǀƳƿǃƳǁǂǁ ƱƯƼ ưƳ ƺƽƵƵƳƲ ƶƽǃǀǁ ƧƶƳ ƲƷƴƴƳǀƳƼǂ ƱƯǂƳƵƽǀƷƳǁ ƽƴ ƷƼƱƷƲƳƼǂǁ ƯƼƲ ƱƽƻƻƷǂǂƳƲ ƠƳƯƼ ƧƷƻƳ Ƨƽ ƥƳƾƯƷǀ ƥƳǁƾƽƼƲ ƠƧƧƥ ƯǀƳ Ưƺǁƽ ƱƺƳƯǀƺLJ ƱƽƻƻǃƼƷƱƯǂƳƲ ƷƼ ǂƶƳ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƟƳDŽƳƺ ƔƵǀƳƳƻƳƼǂ ƽǀ ƖƽƼǂǀƯƱǂ ƧƶƳ ƻƳƯƼǁ ǂƽ ƱƽƼǂƯƱǂ ƚƕƕ ƯǀƳ Ưƺǁƽ ƯƲDŽƳǀǂƷǁƳƲ ƽƼ ǂƶƳ DžƳưǁƷǂƳ Ưǁ ǁǂƯǂƳƲ ưƳƺƽDž

ƚƔƟƔƫƬ ƕƔƖƞƕƢơƘ ƟƜƠƜƧƘƗ ǁƶƯƺƺ ƳƼǁǃǀƳ ǂƶƯǂ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ Ʒǁ ƾǀƽƾƳǀƺLJ ǃƾƲƯǂƳƲ DžƷǂƶ ƯƼLJ ƷƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ǀƳƵƯǀƲƷƼƵ ǂƶƳ ƱƶƯƼƵƳǁ ƷƼ ǂƶƳ

Ǹ

ƘƻƯƷƺ - ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳƲƳǁƹ"ƵƯƺƯdžLJưƯƱƹưƽƼƳ Ʊƽƻ ƼƵ ƶƽǃǀǁ Ư ƲƯLJ ƲƯLJǁ Ư DžƳƳƹ

Ǹ

ƦƠƦ ƯƼƲ ƪƶƯǂǁƔƾƾ - ƶƽǃǀǁ Ư ƲƯLJ ƲƯLJǁ Ư DžƳƳƹ

Ǹ

ƣƶƽƼƳ ƱƯƺƺ - Ưƻ ǂƽ ƾƻ ƠƽƼƲƯLJǁ ǂƽ ƙǀƷƲƯLJǁ ƽƼƺLJ ƳdžƱƺǃƲƷƼƵ ƾǃưƺƷƱ ƶƽƺƷƲƯLJǁ

ƖƽƻƾƯƼLJ ǁ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƶƯƼƲƺƷƼƵ ƾǀƽƱƳǁǁ Ʒƴ ƯƼLJ ƥƘƧƘơƧƜƢơ Ƣƙ ƥƘƖƢƥƗƦ ƜƼƴƽǀƻƯǂƷƽƼ ƱƽƺƺƯǂƳƲ ƯƼƲ ǀƳƱƽǀƲƳƲ ưLJ ƛƽǁǂ ƷƼ ǀƳǁƾƳƱǂ ƽƴ ǂƶƳ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼǂ ƶƯƼƲƺƷƼƵ ƾǀƽƱƳƲǃǀƳ ƷƼƷǂƷƯǂƳƲ ưLJ ǂƶƳ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ǁƶƯƺƺ ưƳ ǀƳǂƯƷƼƳƲ ƴƽǀ Ưǂ ƺƳƯǁǂ ǂDžƳƺDŽƳ ƻƽƼǂƶǁ ƴƽƺƺƽDžƷƼƵ ǀƳǁƽƺǃǂƷƽƼ ƽƴ ƖƽƼǁǃƻƳǀ ƱƽƻƾƺƯƷƼ ƦƜƚơƘƗ ƠƔơƔƚƘƠƘơƧ ơƽ ƔƲƳǂƽƹǃƼưƽƔƲƳƻƽƺƯ ƖǀƳǁƱƳƼǂ ƪǃǁƳ LjƽƼƳ ƔưǃƸƯ ƙƖƧ ƧƳƺƳƾƶƽƼƳ ƼǃƻưƳǀ ƦƳǀDŽƷƱƳ ƗƳǁƹ ǁƳǀDŽƷƱƳƲƳǁƹ"ƵƯƺƯdžLJưƯƱƹưƽƼƳ Ʊƽƻ ƼƵ DžƳưǁƷǂƳ DžDžDž ƵƯƺƯdžLJưƯƱƹưƽƼƳ Ʊƽƻ ƼƵ

18

T H I S D AY ËžWEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

THE NEWSMAKER

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time for the Man with One Wrist Watch Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that the vice presidential candidate of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Democratic Party, Mr. Peter Obi is not the typical Nigerian big man. He loves to pinch his pennies and spend as little money as possible

F

ormer governor of Anambra State and vice presidential candidate of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi is eager to burst some prevailing myths about his persona. It was widely believed that Obi claimed he had one wrist watch.

But while fielding questions on ARISE News last Monday, he said the story actually emanated from his wife, who told a team of investigators searching his house that her husband does not have much; that he owned one wrist watch and the timepiece was always where it should be: on his wrist.

This time, he did not dwell on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one wrist watchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mantra with which he attempted to show Nigerians that a man of immense wealth like himself can, as well, live like a Spartan. What he did on ARISE News was to upturn his widely quoted speech at the Covenant Christian Centre organised discourse, The Platform on May 1, 2017. Apparently, Obi now wishes to downplay or close the One Wrist Watch chapter, since myth busters went back in time to dig up photos of Obi wearing wrist watches other than the one he claimed was plastered to his skin in the past 17 years. Actually, Obi did not think anyone would take the trouble to investigate his claim, talk less of proving that he told a lie.

To be sure he was seen in the right light, he told the team of interviewers that he was not one of those who gained affluence from governing their state. For emphasis, he reminded them that he came to Government House in Awka, from overseeing two banks and being on the board of different successful companies. Despite these accomplishments, he likes to call himself a trader. Is anyone wondering why he is one of the few governors credited with leaving billions of cash and assets when he left office.

Anyone who was in doubt of Obiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth had all such insinuations put to rest, as the former governor said on television that he was not a poor man, even by global standard. He was already a bank director when he married his wife. And to demonstrate his fidelity, they have slept on the same bed, as man and wife, for 30 years. If his soon-to-be-principal, Atiku Abubakar prefers to keep a harem, what does it matter? After all, Abubakar and his nation of women and children have never been in want.

Obi is not just the typical Nigerian big

Obi

man, given to laulau spending. He is what the Igbos call, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;aka gumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, meaning he loves to pinch his pennies. It is just the way he is. A man who owned five houses in London; flies business class when he is going abroad, but travels economy around Nigeria and prefers to get â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;liftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from friends who own private jets (though he is richer than many of them). Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say Obi loves to spend as little money as possible. So, for instance, he would rather travel through Dubai to London, in order to save money. How such a man will fit into the manifest extravagance of an Atiku Abubakar-led administration will be interesting. Not a few have noted his stance and will remind him later that he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be part of a government where you are wasting time.â&#x20AC;?

If he was not much sought after by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to lend his famed business acumen and financial pragmatism to his government (if he wins the 2019 presidential race), perhaps, nobody will be talking about Obi. Definitely, he will

not be the subject of supposed hate speech from Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, who called Obi out, saying he sent Northerners fleeing from Onitsha when he governed the state and looked the other way when his movement was restricted under his watch. Many darts are being fired in the direction of Obi, even from his supposed kith and kin, claiming they were not consulted before Abubakar made him the most important Igbo man on his team.

But Obi has always swam against the tide successfully. As Governor of Anambra, he was impeached after six months by a state assembly populated by an opposition party. He bounced back to reckoning through a court judgment that restored him to office. Through an eloquent presentation of his intentions for the state, he got the buy-in from his erstwhile opponents. It was not long before, in his own words, they became best of friends. He was able to make the opposing legislators see that the bigger picture of ensuring development for the state was more urgent than bickering

and utterances. How does the circumstance he referred to relate to bigotry to warrant such a label? All I do for people like El-Rufai is to pray for them and encourage them to concentrate on doing those things that will better the lots of Nigerians rather than engage in hate speeches that will divide and destroy the country Obi addressing the assertion that he is a religious bigot

Obi reacting to the search on Atiku Abubakarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private plane by security agents

over selfish issues.

One thing that the current presidential campaign has done is to bring out the politician in Obi. In Anambra, the scope of his influence was entirely different.

Even when he called the shot in banks, his range of experience was restricted.

Aspiring to become the Number Two man in Nigeria comes with peculiar responsibilities.

The Peter Obi promise as vice president pre-supposes that he will be allowed to influence policies and the direction of governance, like former president Olusegun Obasanjo did for Atiku Abubakar in his first tenure. If he is consigned to a small office to read newspapers only like the late President Umaru Yarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Adua did to Goodluck Jonathan or if he is allowed momentary heroism like President Muhammadu Buhari is doing to Professor Yemi Osinbajo, then Nigerians will not benefit from Obiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touted impressive academic profile, youthfulness and intelligence. As Obi has frequently said that no nation can survive without saving, will he be allowed to save for Nigeria and therefore, save Nigeria?

OFF THE CUFF: r"MM UIF HPPE CSBJOT BSF JO "1$ CVU UIF country is not working. The good brains are in APC, yet the country is collapsing.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all I can say. When APC came, this country was growing at six per cent, since they came, look at where we are! Everything has headed south, not one item is positive Obi mocking the claim that there are no good brains in his party, the PDP r8IBU )JT &YDFMMFODZ (PW /BTJS "INBE El Rufai said about me has been brought to my attention. I believe that as we grow older and are saddled with more responsibilities, we are expected to become circumspect in our thinking and avoid recklessness in our speeches

r* WF CFFO QSJWJMFHFE UP IBWF USBWFMMFE with a number of high-profile people in the past in a private jet where they gave me a lift. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve not experienced what Atiku experienced

r-FU NF UFMM ZPV XIBU JT XPSSJTPNF well we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know, they are still dealing with who owns the money or who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t own the money, but that will one day be clarified. Let me tell you where I am even worried. Why would anybody put it in such a circumstance, what if it caught fire? If that money was put in our banking system, whoever kept it would have earned eight percent per annum, so he would have earned about $7 million by now. $7 million is about N2.8 billion today. That is the amount I spent for all secondary schools in Anambra in a

year. If he decided to be generous and give it to graduates, they would have shared it to 2,800 graduates, out of which 2,000 would have been successful Obi sharing his thoughts on the money found in an Ikoyi-Lagos residence *I live there, but having been governor of Anambra for eight years, I cannot live outside Anambra. The only place I have a house officially built is Onitsha, if you see any house in Lagos, Abuja or anywhere else belonging to Peter Obi, confiscate it. I lease that place for my wife and children.

Obi claiming he has only one house in Nigeria

19

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

POLITICS

Honouring His People in Abuja Adedayo Akinwale writes that Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State recently spent quality time in Abuja to interact with indigenes of the state, drawn from 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory Over 3,000 indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, converged on Abuja, on Tuesday, November 6. They were drawn from the 19 northern states and Abuja. However, what was initially planned to be a town hall meeting, turned out to be an endorsement feast for the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel.

The governor who arrived at the venue of the event at about 1.15pm, headed straight to the podium. Rich cultural display of the various ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State, entertained guests.

Also, members of the state cabinet, Speaker of the State House of Assembly and members, as well as, members of the National Assembly, were fully on ground, at the main auditorium of Women Development Centre, Abuja where the event took place.

According to the organisers of the event, Emmanuel is the first sitting governor to honour their invitation. Unlike other familiar events, the governor allowed questions from the people. He spent close to two hours to explanations until everyone was satisfied.

The governor as expected reeled out what his government has been able to achieve since it came to power in 2015.

His first punch came when he declared that only God can give power.

He insisted that there was no need to unleash war on the state before, during and after the elections, as some people were insinuating since leadership and power belongs to “God and He gives it to who He desires.”

Emmanuel The governor said his visit to indigenes of the state in the 19 northern states was the first time a sitting governor would hold such an interactive session with people in Abuja.

Udom said: “This is the first time in the history of our dear state that we are hearing how ‘Warsaw will see war and war will see Warsaw’. Satan shame

unto you because all power belongs to God. God alone decides the leader He gives to the people He loves.”

The governor said the state was in the last lap of the development of a deep sea port that would help to jump start economic activities in the state.

Udom promised that given a second term, more than 80 percent of the food

consumed by the people would be produced in the state. He also listed hospitals, schools, road infrastructure and industrialisation of the state as part of his achievements.

He noted that with an airport of international standard and a deep sea port, the state would be ready to fly. He said that the state would commission one of the best plywood processing plants in the country in December.

The governor also promised to work out modalities on how to ensure that indigenes of the state resident in Abuja are not cheated whenever job opportunities come up in the Federal Civil Service.

The high point of the event was when the crowd overwhelmingly endorsed Governor Emmanuel for a second term in office. They displayed their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and promised to deliver 11,000 votes to Governor Emmanuel in 2019.

Also, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader in the state, Hon. Nduese Essien who also graced the gathering said that the governor was fully on ground after some initial setback.

He said huge debts the governor had to settle and court cases instituted by those who lost to him in 2015 were part of the draw backs Udom had to contend with.

It appears the governor was not done yet. Before he ended the day’s event, he promised to return to Abuja before the election, where he was expected to meet with top federal civil servants from Akwa Ibom State.

How Ezekwesili Plans to Defeat Seven Monstrous Challenges Facing Nigeria Udora Orizu Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili, the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, has identified and proffered solutions to seven “monstrous challenges” facing Nigeria.

Ezekwesili, who was Nigeria’s former Minister of Education as well as Solid Minerals, also reiterated her call on Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019.

She said, “There are seven monstrous challenges that I see holding us down.

To solve each of them would need bold, visionary leadership and hard work from an intelligent government: “Too little productivity and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy: For a nation of our size and our potentials, our low real Gross Domestic Product of $375.77bb after 58 years of independence is terribly underwhelming.

Unlike China which grew in double digits over almost three decades to become a $14tn GDP economy, Nigeria’s growth has been trapped in cycles of boom and bust in the classic evidence of oil price volatility and effects of Dutch disease. We need a bold economic vision to define a pathway of double digit inclusive economic growth over the next decade. That is exactly what an ACPN administration will ensure.

“Too much poverty and inequality: Extreme poverty in Nigeria is increasing by nearly six people every minute. In the time it will take me to deliver my speech today, about 250 Nigerians would have become extremely poor. Think about that for a second. But that is not even the worst part. According to the World Poverty Clock, if the current trends continue - or to put it another way, if we continue to elect this poverty-bringing APC / PDP leadership, the number of people living in extreme poverty in Nigeria would increase from about 88 million today to 120 million in 2030. That means that in the next 12 years, over 30 million more Nigerians will join the infamous number of extremely poor people who live on less than N700 per day.

When a country has a Gini coefficient above

Ezekwesili 35 percent, it means the income inequality in that country is very high. Nigeria’s Gini coefficient is between 46 and 60 percent.

Such levels of extreme inequality has all sorts of destabilizing implications for the country. Tackling the inequality and lifting 80 million Nigerians out of poverty will be the mission of my presidency. We need to start the deliberate hard work of pulling ourselves, our friends and our families and our communities from this destructive poverty tsunami sweeping through our nation. Time is not on our side.

“Too much insecurity and conflicts: Nigeria is now the 14th most fragile nation in the world on the Fragile States Index, and the 16th most dangerous country to live in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. The country faces at least 14 major security threats across different regions, from terrorism to herders-farmers clashes, from kidnappings to organized crime and

trafficking. Our young girls go to school in the morning to pursue dreams of a better life, but end up at night in terrorists’ dens, raped and traumatised. Entire communities and even local government areas in this country have been driven into hunger and poverty, as their sources of livelihoods are completely wiped out due to insecurity. The value of a Nigerian life has been devalued and cheapened.

“Too much illiteracy: 13.5 million children and counting are out-of-school. That is more than the entire population of Benin Republic. Even those who have the ‘privilege’ of attending our schools these days receive an education that is unfit for purpose and unfit for the competitive and productive country we intend to build.

Education will be the number one priority of my government. As Bill Gates, the founder of one of the most innovative companies in the world, said, “Education is like a

master switch that opens up all sorts of opportunities for individuals and societies.” I intend to fully turn up that switch if elected your president.

“Too much health and wellbeing challenges: The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks the Nigerian healthcare system as 187th out of 190 healthcare systems in the world. Just last month, the World Bank released its first ever Human Capital Index, and Nigeria was in the bottom six out of 157 countries ranked. My position on health is that it is a fundamental human right. Nigeria loses too much when its human capital do not live healthy lives. Health is central to lifting our people out of poverty; it is central to ensuring that we have a competitive and productive economy. And in my government, it will occupy a central place.

“Too much infrastructural deficit: Our country has become notorious for its horrible infrastructure - roads that are simply death traps, epileptic electricity supply, insufficient broadband connectivity, underwhelming rail and ports development. There is little physical links and connectivity for development due to infrastructure deficit in both urban and rural centres. We must heed the Chinese lesson from their well-known mantra that “if you want to improve the lives of your people, connect them to markets by giving them roads.”

“Too much structural faults: Our current federal structure simply does not work. The structure of a federation is its skeleton. A functional structure gives shape, support, and aids the movement of the federation.

No wonder Nigeria is handicapped under this dysfunctional structure. There was a time when the APC agreed on the need to restructure the federation and devolve more powers to the regions and states. The party campaigned in 2015 on a manifesto that propagated the doctrine of restructuring.

President Buhari went along with it every step of the way because it is all about getting into power for him. He won and then began to renege on his promises, including on restructuring. He suddenly remembered all the reasons why “structure is not the problem” with Nigeria.”

20

T H I S D AY Ëž ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08152252325

The Agricultural Revolution in Kano, Jigawa and Gombe Ibrahim Shuaibu who recently participated in the 2018 media field tour organised by Sasakawa Global 2000 writes that an agricultural revolution is taking place across communities in Kano, Jigawa and Gombe States

Some female rice farmers at work

L

ed by its Country Director, Professor Sani Miko, Sasakawa Global 2000 (SG2000), an international agricultural development NGO, recently met with local farmers and other beneficiaries of its various intervention programmes in three states- Kano, Jigawa and Gombe. The tour was necessary so as to give the organisation the opportunity to feel the pulse of its various intervention programmes.

The team from SG2000 were in various communities of Kano, Jigawa and Gombe to witness the achievements recorded during the post-harvest exercise. The team gave the media representatives the access to have a free day with beneficiaries and get the testimonials they derived from the Sasakawa initiatives.

Miko, who was ably supported by Regional Admin Manager of Sasakawa, Mrs. Shushan Negussie, and head of communication for Sasakawa Mr. Abel Haliu, participated actively during the four-day exercise.

Focus The organisation has focused its attention on the hidden potentials to be gained from the food production experience of Southeast Asia and elsewhere given that small-holder farms dominate African agriculture, and most of them continue to employ traditional cultivation techniques.

Their approach to the problem of food security is by looking at the full length of the value chain. That means supporting producers by improving productivity and processing, and increasing market access as a means of enhancing added value and fostering farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; income.

Given that the Sasakawa Global program is tasked with realizing these goals, it's strategic approach is broken down into five different themes, allowing agricultural specialists to focus on coming up with solutions to diverse problems.

Expansion in Kano In the agrarian local government areas of Kura, Bunkure and other bordering villages in Kano State, the coming of SG2000 has broadened their awareness and involvement in the expansion of profitable agricultural development, which is the modern means of agri-business activities generally recognised worldwide.

The boost to agriculture in the state by the company was necessitated by it's effort to ensure the commercialisation of agricultural production, processing and marketing outputs among small and media-scale commercial farmers and agro-processors.

The Bubbugawa Rice Farmers Association had this year cultivated over 300 hectares of rice with an expected output of about ďŹ ve tonnes.

We will produce between 4.5 tonnes and ďŹ ve tonnes of the commodity after harvest

At Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, Rice farmers in the area have commended SG2000 for its various intervention programmes meant to improve rice production in the area. Bunkure is one of the rice producing local government areas in Kano State.

The Chairman of Bubbugawa Rice Farmers Association in the area, Aliyu Mohammed told the Sasakawa team at Rice Milling plant in Bunkure during the media field day programme to meet with small holder farmers and assess the various intervention programmes of the organisation, that following the establishment of the rice milling plant, many people who were hitherto not interested in rice farming, had embraced the business.

According to him, the association had this year cultivated over 300 hectares of rice with an expected output of about five tonnes, adding that, "we will produce between 4.5 tonnes and five tonnes of the commodity after harvest".

The association also disclosed that the organisation deserves commendation for training its members on proper method of applying fertiliser.

However, one of the women rice farmers in the area, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, called on the Hadeja-Jamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) to ensure adequate water supply to irrigation farms in the area as the dry season farming draws nearer.

Collaboration in Jigawa to Ameliorate Flooding Disaster In Jigawa State, the government told the SG 2000 team that this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flood disaster has ravaged 120,000 hectares of farmlands while a number of villages were also submerged by water. The State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Kabiru Ali said 140, 000 farmers in Jigawa state were affected.

He said: "A lot of villages were submerged, schools were closed and in some areas you see classrooms half full with water. Most of the crops along the river banks including rice, sorghum, cowpea, groundnut and millet were destroyed by the flood."

The commissioner also explained that the state government had already procured improved seeds worth N500 million for immediate distribution to farmers to enable them plant them during the dry season farming.

Ali said the seeds are expected to produce early maturing crops to cushion the effect of the flood disaster suffered by the farmers in the state. He called on the SG2000 to come to the aid of farmers in the state, especially in the area of granting credit facility to farmers, as well as capacity building for extension workers to enhance their performance.

According to him, most of the local farmers are poor and they need support to enable them remain in the farming business.

In response, Miko expressed the readiness of the organisation to expand the area of collaboration between it and Jigawa government to boost agricultural production in the state.

He said the organisation would introduce â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;climate smart agricultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to overcome some of the challenges being faced by the state in view of the fact that the state is prone to desertification.

Stating that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we will intervene through the introduction of early maturing crops to cushion the effect of the flood disaster suffered by the farmers in the stateâ&#x20AC;?, he also commended the Jigawa government for its continuous support to the organisation within the last 28 years of collaboration.

However, when he visited Auyo local government area of Jigawa state, he said by venturing into farming, the youths would generate income that would lift their socioeconomic status, instead of sitting idle and relying on government. He stressed that it was important for unemployed youths

21

T H I S D AY Ëž ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

FEATURES to extricate themselves from 'dependency syndrome' so as to contribute meaningfully to their communities and national economic growth.

Miko, who stated that youth engagement in agriculture would boost food production and ensure food security in the country, urged those who benefited from the intervention programmes of the agency to ensure that they distribute the improved seeds to other farmers around them to ensure massive production.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Auyo Apex Rice Farmers Association, Malam Garba Muhammad, said the association has over 500 members who benefited from the SG2000 intervention. He also decried the destruction of rice farms by Quelea birds, which is seriously affecting the farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inputs and called on international donor agencies to come to the aid of farmers over the invasion of farms by the birds.

The rice farmers called on the state government to also take urgent action to check the menace of a rice pest popularly known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;blastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, destroying rice farms in the area. He disclosed that the pest and Quelea birds coming from Baturiya wetland in Guri had destroyed a number of rice farms in the area. He stressed the need for both the state and federal governments to address the problem in view of their devastating effect on rice production.

He said: "We are calling on the government to do something urgently in addressing the problem before the commencement of dry season farming activities. This year has been a challenging one to farmers especially rice growers in the area due to the devastation caused by flood, blast and quela birds. The pest destroys rice seed by making the pod to shrink thereby preventing it from growing fully."

In his remarks, an official of the SG2000, Malam Idris Garko, advised the farmers to stop buying seeds from unregistered seed dealers and companies, and to use variety of seeds every year to avoid possible infection by the pest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you find out that the seed is infected with the disease, change seed next year and destroy the stock to prevent the spread of the pest,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Also speaking, Miko advised the farmers to embrace new farming technologies to boost their agricultural production. THISDAY learnt that the team also visited Kafin Gana Women Roce Processors Association in Birnin Kudu Local Government of Jigawa.

One of the farmers at Pobawure in Billiri Local Government in Gombe

Gombe's Support The team also proceeded to Gombe State and the government told the team its readiness to recruit 750 extension workers as part of effort to boost the capacity of farmers in the state. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Alhaji Dahiru Buba-Biri said: "We have plans to recruit a total of 750 extension workers in the next five years, as our plan is to recruit 150 extension workers every year. The state government found it necessary to recruit more extension workers as the existing number of 200 extension staff was grossly inadequate to cater for the number of farmers in the state."

The commissioner said the extension workers when recruited would be given the necessary training to enable them discharge their duties effectively, said the state government had already paid 200,000 dollars as support to the SG2000 in appreciation of the tremendous works it is doing in the state.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gombe Government will continue to support Sasakawa because it has changed the face of farming in the state especially the new farming technologies that improved the capacity of farmers."

He called on farmers in the state to fully embrace the new farming technologies introduced by the organisation to enhance their productivity. He also advised farmers in the state to form cooperative societies to enable them access loan facility from government and other financial institutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farmers who operate under cooperative societies stand a better chance of getting loan facility. So it is better for farmers to form such cooperatives, â&#x20AC;&#x153;he said.

On fertiliser, the commissioner commended the Federal Government for its intervention programmes and the Presidential Initiative on Fertilisers.

At Kaltungo Local Government, SG2000 promised to provide milling and threshing machines to women farmers in Pokwangli II

A woman farmer at Bunkure Local Government supported by Sasakawa Global 2000 Initiative

village. This promise was made by Miko when he visited the Pokwangli II Multi-purpose Cooperative Society.

Miko who was reacting to a request made by women farmers, said the organisation

Gombe Government will continue to support Sasakawa because it has changed the face of farming in the state especially the new farming technologies that improved the capacity of farmers

would provide them with the two machines to enable them improve their generate income to improve their social and economic status. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With good arrangement, we will provide you with the two machines. But the machines will not be provided at a time but one after the other, â&#x20AC;&#x153;he said.

He commended the women farmers in the area for their commitment for self-reliance as well as to be economically independent Earlier, one of the women farmers, Mrs Hauwa Laumai, called on the SG2000 Country Director to support the group with the milling and threshing machines to enable them go into processing business. According to her, the people in the area have to travel to Kaltungo, the local government headquarters before they could thresh or mill their maize or any other commodity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We produce maize, rice, soya beans and other commodities but our major challenge is lack of threshing and milling machines. If Sasakawa Global 2000 can support us with the two machines, we will be very happy as they will be of great assistance to us,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Also speaking, Mr Audu Burga in charge of Public Private Partnership (Market Access), advised the women farmers in the area to form cooperative groups for easy access to bank facilities.

Assessment of Tour However, in a roundup of the tour in Kano

with a press conference and dinner, Miko said Nigeria is the only country in Africa where they got financial support to run their businesses, noting that about N280 million has been donated to the company between the state and federal government in Nigeria.

Miko who said four states which redeemed their pledge of support to the firm, were able to provide financial grant to the tune of N173million.

He said there was agreement between Sasakawa and eight states of the federation to donate money to the firm, but only four of them, Jigawa, Kano, Adamawa and Gombe States have fulfilled their pledges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Other four states, Kaduna, Zamfara, Bauchi and Plateau failed to fulfill their promises. That is why the services of Sasakawa were not seen there. We are calling on the government to continue to do that because whatever came to us is judiciously utilised and you can go out and see the value for such money.

"The rule is also there, anytime we see a donor agencies with resources to carryout activities anywhere in Nigeria, Sasakawa has the technical competency to write the proposal to attract those donor funds, for instance, we are now in Niger and Kaduna States courtesy of Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa. They provided us with money to run this program and none of Sasakawa money spent on this project. We have capacity to attract any donor agencies," he said.

22

IMAGES

President Buhari welcomming HRM Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo and Dr Stanley Uzochukwu member of the group from South East Nigeria to State House in Abuja....recently

Cross River State Governor, professor Ben Ayade interacting with site engineers from Sydney Construction Company, during an unscheduled visit to the Ogoja-Okuku section of the 147KM northern Cross River Road dualization project... recently

T H I S D AY Ëž ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Photo Editor Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039; Email Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x203A;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;ĚśĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ë&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;

L-R: Emeritus Professor of Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Prof. Okechukwu Obiora Mbonu; Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, Representing the Minister of Health Dr. Jaf Momoh and Consultant Urologist, Kelina Hospital, Dr. Celsus Indie, during the Launching of Kelina Hospital Laser Surgical Equipment, in Abujaâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

L-R: Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon Abubakar Bawa Bwari; Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi during a meeting at the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, in Abuja... recently

PDP Vice Presidential candidate,Peter Obi (middle); Prince of Wales, Prince Charles[right] and British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright[left] after a meeting with Prince Charles in Abuja....recently

L-R: Stratigist, Justice Oputa Annual Conference (JOAC), Mr Bassey Essien; CEO, Justice Oputa Foundation, Mr George Oputa, and Member Board of Trustees, Justice Oputa Foundation, Mr Charles Oputa at a Press brieďŹ ng for the Maiden edition of the Justice Oputa Annual Conference in Abuja...recently PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

L-R: President, CFA Society Nigeria, Banji Fehintola; Team Lead, Obafemi Awolowo University, Akintunde Agunbiade and Group Executive, Treasury and Financial Institutions, First Bank Nigeria Limited, Ini Ebong presenting the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trophy to Faculty Adviser of the OAU Presentation Team, Lawal Quadri for winning the Final of the 2018 Ethics Challenge organised by CFA Society Nigeria and sponsored by FirstBank Nigeria Limited in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

23

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078, 08152447875

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

REPO 5 % 4.25%

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

5% 8.88 % ͡Ë&#x203A;͎͜Ϲ

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

347.03% 0.00% -0.25%

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

-0.08% 5.33%

EXCHANGE RATE N306.65/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes Firm Gets â&#x201A;Ź30m Afreximbankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facility

SENSITISATION EXERCISE

L-R: MD/CEO, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Umaru Ibrahim, in a chat with the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Abdul A. Kafarati, at the 2018 NDIC sensitisation seminar for Federal High Court Judges in Abujaâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

Wâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bank: Nigeria, Others to Face Challenges if Inflation Rises Obinna Chima Further upward acceleration of global inflation from record low levels may impair efforts in emerging and developing economies such as Nigeria, to sustain the low inflation environment achieved over the past several decades, the World Bank has said.

The Bank disclosed this in its ground-breaking examination of inflation in the emerging and developing world released recently.

Inflation in Nigeria rose to 11.28 per cent in September.

Continuing, the World Bank noted that the adverse effects of high inflation could fall disproportionately on the poor, who hold most of their assets in cash and rely heavily on wage income, welfare benefits, and pensions.

It pointed out that high inflation has historically also been associated with slower economic growth, making efforts to maintain low and stable inflation crucial for reducing poverty and inequality.

Recent research into inflation, its causes and characteristics has largely ignored its impact on emerging and developing

ECONOMY economies. This work fills that gap,â&#x20AC;? said Acting World Bank Chief Economist and Senior Director for Development Economics Shanta Devarajan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The new study will be extremely valuable in designing policies that will protect the most vulnerable people and economies from the regressive effects of high inflation.â&#x20AC;?

To investigate the impact of inflation on emerging and developing economies, the World Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prospects Group produced the first wide-ranging analysis of inflation and its implications for these economies in a long time.

The new study also included a global inflation dataset that covers more than 175 countries over 1970-2017.

The study documented the confluence of structural and policy factors that have fostered low global inflation over the past five decades.

Foremost among these had been unprecedented international trade and financial market integration.

The adoption of more resilient monetary, exchange rate and

fiscal policy frameworks among some emerging and developing economies has facilitated better control of inflation.

However, external factors that have held inflation at bay over the past decades may lose momentum or be rolled back. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many emerging and developing economies have recorded an extraordinary decline in inflation over the past five decades. This is a monumental achievement,â&#x20AC;? said World Bank Development Economics Prospects Group Director Ayhan Kose, a co-editor of the volume. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, in a highly integrated global economy, maintaining low inflation can be as great a challenge as achieving low inflation.

These economies need to be ready for sudden changes in global inflation by strengthening monetary, fiscal and financial policy frameworks.â&#x20AC;?

With a focus on the emerging and developing world, the study looked into the evolution of inflation and the global and domestic factors that drive it; how inflation expectations affect price stability; and how exchange rate fluctuations can pass through to cause inflation.

FAMSAGA to Hold Conference The study further looked specifically at how monetary policy and food price movements affect inflation in low-income countries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A nuanced policy approach is necessary to mitigate the impact of global food price shocks on poverty without adverse side-effects,â&#x20AC;? said World Bank Development Economics Prospects Group Manager Franziska Ohnsorge, a co-editor of the volume. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The use of certain trade policies to insulate domestic markets from food price shocks may compound the volatility of global prices and may ultimately be counterproductive in protecting the most vulnerable people.

Instead, storage policies and targeted safety net interventions can mitigate the negative impact of these shocks while avoiding the broader distortionary impacts of other policies.â&#x20AC;?

The researchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key findings included that global inflation cycle appeared to have emerged over the 2000s.

It pointed out that since 2001, movements in global inflation accounted for a substantial share of inflation variation in advanced and emerging market Continued on page 24

Equities InvestorsTold to Moderate Post-election Expectations Goddy Egene Market operators and analysts have advised equities investors to moderate their post-election expectations, saying the market usually rise immediately after elections and decline shortly after.

Recent historical performance data showed that general elections are followed by bullish trend.

Hence, many stakeholders are optimistic that the market might follow same pattern next year.

But analysts at Cordros Capital Limited, an investment banking firm, said some

ECONOMY external events and domestic macro fundamental issues will remain the key drivers of market movement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is therefore noteworthy that investors reassess the impression that local equities have been held down largely by election risk, thus implying imminent recovery post polls next year,â&#x20AC;? they said.

According to them, activities in the Nigeria equities market since the January bull run have been largely bumpy, as the dual impact of domestic worries, and

the reverberating effect of global concerns continue to weigh on the market.

They explained that without any meaningful positive trigger, investors may see the lukewarm market performance persist even after the general election, come next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Notably, marginally tightened global liquidity conditions, together with the rhetoric of trade protectionism, and the economic crises in Argentina and Turkey drove negative sentiments across emerging and frontier markets.

The domestic market was not spared in the sell-offs

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Cairo has signed anagreement,grantingaâ&#x201A;Ź30millionrevolvingtradeďŹ nancingfacility to Caisse des DĂŠpĂ´ts et Consignations du Gabon (CDC Gabon) to supporttheoperationsofthetenantsoftheGabonSpecialEconomic Zone and to provide them with the capacity to export their products.

Under the terms of the agreement, the facility would be used to ďŹ nance the working capital needs of eligible companies in the Gabon Special Economic Zone to help them process timber and make it ready for export. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, said that the facility would indirectly support the Special Economic Zone to succeed as the ďŹ rst and largest industrial park in Gabon.

The facility aligned with Afreximbankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mandate by supporting intra-African trade, and export development and industrialization, he said, noting that most of the processed exports coming out of the Special Economic Zone were directed at neighboring African countries, ultimately strengthening regional economic integration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This collaboration opens the potential for our two institutions to strengthenourrelationshipandmutualcooperationinordertomake signiďŹ cant contributions towards unlocking the full potentials of industrial parks and export processing zones and delivering the much-neededdevelopmentalimpactonourcontinent,â&#x20AC;? Oramahadded.

which was largely induced by external factors. Furthermore, disappointing growth data, together with unimpressive corporate earnings further weakened appetite for naira risk assets. Oil prices may have remained firm, but it would appear that external concerns weigh stronger on sentiments.

Even as the unflinching sell-offs made valuations somewhat compelling, investors remain unconvinced,â&#x20AC;? they said.

The analysts noted that election period is imminent and the polity is gradually heating Continued on page 24

From the 18th -24th November 2018, The Federation of African Medical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Associations General Assembly (FAMSAGA) will hold its ďŹ rst health conference where participants would deliberate on sustainable development in the health sector.

The General Assembly serves as the annual meeting of African Medical students under the umbrella of the Federation of African Medical Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Associations, an association with the vision of improving the health of the African people.

In line with their vision, the week-long conference was themed: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Repositioning Healthcare in Africa for Sustainable Development.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Of the 17 interwoven global Sustainable Dev upelopment Goals, SDG 3 is speciďŹ c to health. The FAMSA General Assembly is a proposed solution that would bring together young vibrant minds as well as professionals and relevant stakeholders in both the public and private sectors from across Africa and beyond to discuss ideas andinitiatestepstowardsthegoal.Thestrategiceventwouldinvolve key-stakeholders in the healthcare industry in Africa and the world, to interact with healthcare students and youths to reďŹ&#x201A;ect, debate, discuss and proďŹ&#x20AC;er novel recommendations towards a healthier future.

Ecobank Partners IFRC

Ecobank and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red CrescentSocieties(IFRC)havesignedanagreementtoworkclosely toempowerlocalcommunitiestocopewithdisastersmoreeďŹ&#x192;ciently. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many innocent lives continue to be lost in Africa simply as a result of insuďŹ&#x192;cient investment in disaster preparedness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of the natural hazards that take place do not need to become major disasters when a population is prepared and able to respond adequately. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to address the underlying causes of this vulnerability, including lack of funding to equip communities with required systems and skills,â&#x20AC;? IFRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Director for Africa, Dr FatoumataNafo-TraorĂŠ.Astatementfromthebankpointedoutthat the growing gap between funds needed by humanitarian groups and fundsavailabletothemwasamajorcauseofcommunitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;vulnerability to disasters. It stated that it was on this account that Ecobank was partnering with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Africa to secure resources for their local ďŹ rst aid volunteers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ecobank will leverage its innovative technology to fundraise across Africa in an eďŹ&#x20AC;ort to mobilise capital to help narrow the funding gap. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ThroughourEcobankMobileApp,wewillbeabletosupporttheRed Cross and Red Crescentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s domestic fundraising eďŹ&#x20AC;orts,â&#x20AC;? Regional Executive,Central,EasternandSouthernAfrica(CESA)andEcobank Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Managing Director, Sam Adjei added.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This partnership with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council to actualise this ground breaking capital market literacy programme, is part of the SECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort at vigorously pursuing the implementation of one of the essential initiatives of the 10-year Nigerian Capital Market Master Planâ&#x20AC;?

Acting DG, SEC,

SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk

24

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Wâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;BANK: NIGERIA, OTHERS TO FACE CHALLENGES IF INFLATION RISES and developing economies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The influence of this global inflation cycle has been most prominent in countries that are more developed and more integrated into the global economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The global inflation cycle has fluctuated with movements in global demand and abrupt swings in oil prices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inflation expectations in emerging market and developing economies are more sensitive to global and domestic developments than inflation expectations in advanced economies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Emerging market and developing economies with lower public debt and greater trade openness tend to experience better-anchored inflation expectations,â&#x20AC;? it stated.

The report added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exchange rate movements can amplify the impact of global forces on national inflation in emerging markets and developing economies.

EQUITIES INVESTORS TOLD TO MODERATE POST-ELECTION EXPECTATIONS up, adding that, they are yet to strongly impact market sentiments thus far this year and would remain so over November and December.

Cordros Capital said undeniably, election-related risk-off sentiments will be stronger from January 2019.

The analysts explained that the performance of the local market in the last two election years showed sharp post-election gains, albeit short-lived. According to them, in 2015, the market was thrilled by the news of the victory of the opposition, with the index gaining 14 per cent between April and May , before crashing in subsequent months.

In the same vein, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equities market warmly welcomed the election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 as NSE ASI returned five per cent between April and May of that year, and went south thereafter.

Group Business Editor

Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039; Capital Market Editor

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

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

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

Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x201C; Senior Correspondent

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

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

Ă&#x;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă? (Money Market) Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă? (Maritime)

NIRSAL Launches Empowerment Initiative in Osun, Supports 500,000 Farmers James Emejo in Abuja The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) has formally launched a unique farming model to simultaneously empower smallholder farmers and boost agricultural production on a structured and sustainable basis at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Managing Director of NIRSAL, Mr. Aliyu Abdulhameed, described the intervention as a new paradigm in agricultural primary production in the country.

The concept and philosophy behind the model was to provide a structured production system that is almost entirely driven by technology end to end, making it attractive to service and input providers as well as rewarding smallholder farmers.

NIRSALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on smallholder farmers was central to the mission of the corporation as they make up the overwhelming proportion of farmers in the country.

The MD said NIRSAL had so far trained over 700,000 farmers on good agronomic practices and financial education and provided high quality agricultural inputs and affordable finance to more than 500,000 smallholder farmers under the three farming seasons from 2017 to 2018.

According to him, the FAM-SMART is an acronym for Farm Aggregation Model for Smallholder Agriculture based on Technology. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a rules-based, market-led

and technology-driven system of primary production agriculture designed by NIRSAL for smallholder farmers anchored on three principles of aggregation; structured group dynamic and proportionate cost and profit sharing in order to achieve economies of scale, maximum output and maximum profit.â&#x20AC;?

NIRSAL Geo-cooperatives established in different parts of the country will serve as the operational hubs for FAMSMART. In the immediate to medium term, the corporation plans to set up 16,000 hubs.

Though NIRSAL has rolled out several FAM-SMART Projects in a number of locations across the country, the Ife project was the first to be launched publicly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; proof of the great value NIRSAL places on its partnership with the respected institution.

The initiative was based on a projection that between 80 and 90 per cent of a typical per hectare cost of any production is made up of input and services that can be institutionally supplied in a structured business model enabled by NIRSAL Credit Risk Guarantees and other strategic

institutional support, making FAM-SMART an attractive investment opportunity for banks and the entire financial services sector.

Abdulhameed, said a conservative estimate of 1000 geo-cooperatives producing a gross output of 1,250,000 metric tonnes of grain will generate a gross revenue of N125 billion and underscored the immense potential profitability of the FAM-SMART concept.

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede,

expressed gratitude to NIRSAL for initiating the project in the university.

Highlighting the central role played by the institution in achieving the agricultural successes of the old Western Region, he said OAU was qualified and prepared to maximise the opportunity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This opportunity with NIRSAL has provided the opportunity to train our students in the Faculty of Agriculture to acquire practical experience in mechanized agriculture and agribusiness,â&#x20AC;? he said.

BUSINESS EXPANSION

L-R: Chief Marketing Officer, Renmoney, Apekhade Idogho; Founder, Zinox Computers, Leo Stan Ekeh; Founder, Renmoney, Stephen Jennings; CEO, Oluwatobi Boshoro and Executive Chairman, Kieran Donnelly, at the official commissioning of the new Renmoneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate head office in Ikoyi, Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecentlyâ&#x20AC;Ś SUNDAYADIGUN

StandardsVital for Global Competitiveness, Profitability, Says Aboloma Jonathan Eze The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has charged the business community to adhere strictly to global best practices, saying that this is the only way to be competitive globally.

The Director General, SON, Osita Aboloma, explained that complying to standards would also make business operators smile to the bank while also boosting consumer confidence on locally produced goods.

Aboloma, who made the call at the just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair, however assured local and foreign investors of the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrelenting support to protect their brands

from fakers and counterfeiters.

He also urged small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) to adhere to standards, pointing out that the agency would continue to create the enabling environment for SMEs to thrive.

The SON boss enumerated transparent service delivery through placement of information on website for easy access; electronic services for key activities such as the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for locally manufactured products; the off-shore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for imported products and Management Systemsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Certification as some of the key achievements of SON in the ease of doing business

programme.

He added that others include reduction of service charges for purchase of standards, testing and training for MSMEs, reduction in the processing time for products certification to 60 days and electronic laboratory results.

Represented by a Director in DGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office (Lagos), Kabir Yusuf, stated that the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities are aimed at the protection of lives and property, promoting access to local and foreign markets for made-in-Nigeria products through improved consumer confidence as well as value addition to business in general.

The standards body recently restated its commitment to as-

sisting prospective investors in Nigeria through standards and quality assurance services.

According to him, the organisation was fully committed to the Ease of Doing Business initiative in Nigeria which promotes transparency, openness, information dissemination and fast turnaround time in service delivery. The SON helmsman said the agency has in place, requisite standards, processes and procedures, including human and institutional capacity development, product and management systems certification, testing and metrology services as well as fast tracking of import procedures among others to assist prospective Investors in

Nigeria. He assured the business community of the organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued fight against the circulation of substandard and life endangering products in Nigeria to protect genuine investments, compliant businesses as well as consumers in the country.

Aboloma stated that SON had provided attractive exemptions for the importation of raw materials and machinery for production under the offshore certification scheme for imports into Nigeria (SONCAP).

Conversely, the organisation undertakes a mandatory certification of all locally manufactured products for local consumption as well as export, to provide a level playing field for all.

XLR8 Wins International Breweries Public Relations Account Raheem Akingbolu International Breweries Plc, the Nigerian subsidiary of AB InBev, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest brewer has appointed leading communications consultancy, XLR8 to manage its public relations. The appointment which was sequel to a competitive bid, would see XLR8 taking responsibility for all of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate as well as brand-related communications.

International Breweries is home to celebrated global brands

like Budweiser, Castle, Castle Lite and a host of rave-making Nigerian brands like Hero, Trophy, Beta Malt, Grand Malt and many more. Last August, it formally commissioned its fourth brewery in Nigeria, the $250million Gateway Brewery Sagamu, which holds the record as the biggest brewery in Nigeria and across West Africa. Its other breweries are located in Ilesa, Onitsha and Port Harcourt.

According to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Michael Daramola, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We

are building an organisation to last â&#x20AC;&#x201C; brewing quality beers that consumers love and building brands that will continue to bring people together for the next 100 years and beyond.â&#x20AC;?

He added that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;evidently, we need excellent partners on this journey. On the basis of its robust pedigree and compelling presentations, we are very confident that XLR8 possesses the wherewithal to add real value to our quest to continue to bring people together for a better world.â&#x20AC;?

The Chief Executive Officer

of XLR8, Calixthus Okoruwa, enthused that â&#x20AC;&#x153;XLR8 is honoured and humbled by this opportunity to be of service to an organisation whose iconic brands have become subjects of awe-inspiring case-studies in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best business schools.â&#x20AC;?

XLR8, he said, shares the AB InBev dream of bringing people together for a better world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will consistently strive to justify the trust and confidence which International Breweries has reposed in XLR8.â&#x20AC;?

Founded in 2004, XLR8 has

rapidly grown to become one of the leading and most respected communication consultancies across the West African subregion. Its clientele over the years has cut across diverse industry sectors including technology and telecommunications, fast moving consumer goods, banking and financial services, broadcasting and entertainment as well as the public sector. XLR8 continues to provide communications management services for some of the best known brands in the world.

25

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Firm Rewards Employees Chinedu Eze One of the leading fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) providers, Godrej Products, has rewarded its employees by supporting them to actualise their dreams in life.

Few months ago, the company introduced its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;live out your dreamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; initiative for its employees in Nigeria, in order to help them fulfil their dreams.

As a result of that, under the initiative, Godrej recently rewarded five of its employees with N500, 000.

More than 190 employees of the company applied for the coveted prize.

A statement explained that at the end of the exercise, 25 applicants were shortlisted by the jury and out of that, 10 applicants were selected for the final round.

The top 10 employees were presented to the business leader, West Africa, Chitwan Singh who is also the CEO of Godrej Nigeria Limited.

The jury team also included the human capital development consultant, Titilayo Eko and founder LSF|PR, Bidemi Zakariyau.

Finally, the jury comprising internal and external judges selected the top five employees that were rewarded by the company.

The final winners requested for construction of a borehole drill for his community; becoming an industrialist in domestic cosmetics; to become a global fashion designer, own and run pastry and mixology restaurant and to become a certified Microsoft Technician on Dynamics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that passionate, rounded individuals with diverse interests make for better Godrejites. We understand that our team members play multi-faceted roles, this is why we encourage them, not just to explore their whole selves, but also create an enabling space for them to do so,â&#x20AC;?

Singh said.

Established in 1897, the

Godrej Group has its roots in Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence and Swadeshi movement.

The founder, Ardeshir Godrej, lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur failed with a few ventures, before he struck gold with the business.

Today, the business enjoys the patronage of 1.1 billion consumers globally across consumer goods, real estate, appliances, agriculture and many other businesses.

Approximately 23 per cent of the promoter holding in the Godrej Group is held in trusts that invest in the environment, health and education.

The company operates in Nigeria through its subsidiary companies Godrej Nigeria Limited and Lorna Nigeria Limited.

Some of its brands in Nigeria are Darling and Amigos hair extensions, Tura range of soaps, wet hair product range with Mega growth and TCB brands, home insecticide range with Good Night brand, amongst others.

Olowola Appointed GRI Board Member Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading sustainability impact measurement and reporting standards body based in Amsterdam, has appointed the founder and Chief Executive of Nigerian-based CSR-in-Action, Bekeme Olowola, as a member of its board of directors.

Olowola, who is the first West African member on the Board of Directors, would be commencing her 3-year appointment on 1 January, 2019.

She was appointed alongside Mr. Jack Ehnes, Chief Executive Officer, The California State Teachers Employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Retirement System (CalSTRS), USA and Dr. Jianzhong Lu, China President of Weir Group, China.

Current board members of the organisation include Tim Mohin, Chief Executive, GRI; Prof. Alexandra Watson, ViceChairman, GRI Board; Girish Ramachandran, President,

Tata Consultancy Services Asia Pacific, Singapore; Mr. Peter H. Y. Wong, Chairman of General Fiduciary Company Limited, Hong Kong SAR; Dr. Roberto F. de Ocampo, OBE, Founding Partner of Centennial Group International, Philippines and Sandra Guerra, Managing Director, Better Governance, Brazil. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are joining at an exciting time, as GRI navigates towards the consolidation of its strategy and uncovers new opportunities for growth,â&#x20AC;? the Chairman, GRI Board, a former Partner at Deloitte, who led their global sustainability reporting and assurance practice, Eric Hespenheide said.

Also, a statement from the organisation explained that the latest â&#x20AC;&#x153;appointments reflect GRIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multi-stakeholder nature and commitment gender, regional and background diversity.â&#x20AC;?

Commenting on the appoint-

ment, Olowola expressed her delight, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am humbled by this appointment. It tells me that the GRI is committed to engaging its most crucial stakeholders honourably and to pursuing an African agenda. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remain convinced that Africa is ripe for advancing and embedding sustainability practices and that the GRI is a valid partner to work with to drive the sustainability agenda even more than ever.â&#x20AC;?

Under Olowola, the CSRin-Action has promoted sustainable measurement and reporting using the GRI framework, specifically, since 2011, and has catalysed the growth of sustainability adoption and transparency through corporationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; production of annual report.

CSR-in-Action produces the pioneer sustainability investment report in Nigeria.

Avant-Garde to Hold Green Economy Conference Nume Ekeghe Avant-Garde Limited, an innovative frontier for advocacy on environmental protection and sustainable development in Nigeria, has announced that the 2018 edition of its Sustainability Table Series will take place on November 15, in Lagos.

The event would bring together policy makers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, leading corporate organisations and various subject matter experts as well as the general public to discuss the impacts of climate change in Nigeria and the economic, social and environmental benefits of a green economy.

Speaking on the event, Principal consultant of AvantGarde; and convener of the event, Kayode Olaniyan, stated that the theme for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition is: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Economy: A Panacea for the Future of Sustainable Development in

Nigeria â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Opportunities for Growth.â&#x20AC;?

According to him, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition recognises that recalibration and paradigm shift to a green economy requires knowledge sharing, capacity building and partnerships between the private and public sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going beyond rhetoric.

Our discussants and speakers are subject matter experts and builders of the green economy and will share successful examples of how they have contributed to job creation, poverty eradication and environmental protection and sustainability,â&#x20AC;? Olaniyan added He continued: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a nation faced with several environmentalgenerated issues, we realised that we need a platform to review the steps taken to combat the growing threat of climate change. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the green economy representing an under-utilised opportunity for economic development and environmental

protection, the Sustainability Table Series is taking the lead in discussing what it takes to safeguard current and future generations.â&#x20AC;?

While stressing that the Sustainability Series leverages on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;train-the-trainerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; approach, Olaniyan further said the collective efforts of stakeholders in the mitigation of the effects of climate change as well as in stimulating sustainability would be most beneficial for the environment.

Some of the speakers expected at the event include Mr Ola Oresanya of Lagos Waste Management Agency; Dr. Lawrence Chidi Anukam, Director General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Agency; Akintunde Oyebode, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund; Mrs. Kofo Adeleke, Climate Change expert; Temitayo Ade-Peters Head, CSR the Nigerian Stock Exchange; among others.

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Marie-Therese Phido

Boosting Your Sales inTodayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Difficult Economy A client of mine suffering from the travails most businesses are going through in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trying times, called me to discuss how to boost his business in view of dwindling revenues. We had a good yearn first dissecting how difficult it is to do business in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trying times - not sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever been this bad. The political situation makes it worse.

In fact on my way to work this morning, I listened to a guy on Facebook who had been thoroughly harassed by the system. He sounded so frustrated by the challenges he was going through.

Many people who commented, agreed with him and all feel that very soon people will snap because of the hardship.

This situation is particularly tough on businesses, hence my friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request, that I come in to talk about improving his sales profile.

While nobody is a magician, however, there are some proven strategies to helping your business prosper even in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult economy. Indicated below are some sales strategies we can adopt according to Megan Sullivan and Bubba Mills.

Upsell and Cross sell to Your Current Customers Your current customers are one of your best resources for increased revenue. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much easier to upsell and cross sell to a client who already is familiar with your work, the quality of your product and services, and has already incorporated aspects of your services into their business.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve built a relationship with your clients, and they consider you a trusted partner, then they are likely willing to share current challenges they are facing.

By listening, you can easily analyze how you might be able to help them address these challenges by offering new or alternative products. This approach allows you to continue to be a good partner while also increasing your revenue.

Bundle Your Products and Services Many businesses have found success by selling bundled products and services as a package rather than individual offerings.

Customers equate a bundle of services with savings, even if the savings are nominal, making it a much easier sell for you. If possible, try to keep your bundles somewhat flexible; a potential customer may reject a bundle because he or she feels that only three of the six services apply to his or her business. If you can stay flexible enough to swap out different products or services to align with multiple needs, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find success.

Ask for Referrals Your current customers are also a great asset in providing you with client referrals.

If you know that a client is satisfied and happy with your products, ask him or her for the names and contact information of other small business owners who might also benefit from working with you.

You can also ask satisfied customers for testimonials and then use those on your website and in sales emails or newsletters.

Build surprise and delight Sure, people complain when things go wrong. But they also talk when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re surprised or delighted. To build positive word-of-mouth, go above and beyond with your service. Take your service one or even two steps beyond what others are doing. When you surprise and delight, you build positive emotions.

And youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be surprised and delighted

at how much it will help your business.

Build familiarity The more familiar you are in the eyes of prospects, the better. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why marketing and advertising exist in the first place â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one of their primary purposes is to build familiarity. Consumers almost always go with the familiar over the strange and unfamiliar.

Consider adding a healthy dose of social media to your marketing efforts by posting helpful, useful information that paints you as an expert. In short, be human and relatable. Remember, you want to build positive emotions.

Build trust Social psychologists often use the phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;social proof.â&#x20AC;? Basically, this tells us that consumers look for cues from other sources (typically other people such as family and friends, but these days, the web, too) that prove someone is trustworthy and competent. This is one reason I highly recommend using testimonials whenever and wherever possible. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just want to show prospects youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a good business â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you want to prove it.

After youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve served a client who seems particularly happy, simply ask them if they would share a sentence or two about what they specifically liked about working with you. In other words, strike while the iron is hot and your service is fresh in their mind. Be sure to let them know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be using their feedback in your marketing materials and get their permission.

Another tip: Give all of your marketing materials and efforts a consistent look and feel. It may not seem important, but it all goes to building trust.

Build your likability Think of someone you like â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I mean really like a lot. What words come to mind when you ask yourself why you like them?

Now work to develop or enhance those qualities in yourself. We all tend to buy from people we like â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and people who are like us. Practice a few habits to be viewed as a more likable person in any interaction.

Use Social Media to Your Advantage If you have even a small following on Twitter or Facebook, using social media to promote and tout your product offerings is a great way to raise customer awareness and quite possibly get the phone to ring. Customer testimonials, as mentioned above, are perfect for posting to social media feeds, and can spark interest in your offerings.

Additionally, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just view social media as a sales tool, but as an open line of communication. Use it to disseminate interesting industry information, retweet or repost articles of particular significance or further illustrate how your business works, perhaps with behind-the-scenes photos or videos. Social media is first and foremost social; use it as a personal touch point to your audience.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult economy all of these sales strategies will work on a business with a tight budget. Review your business and determine which of the strategies apply to you and you can achieve and use them to boost your business. Good luck!

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

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

26

Task Before Unity Bank After recording a loss N14 billion in 2017 due to the cleaning up of its books, Unity Bank Plc needs to work hard in order deliver value to shareholders, writes Goddy Egene taken a number of strategic initiatives among which include; a revised market focus that has, and will continue to increase agriculture and agro-allied financing, youth and digital banking and women financing; enhanced retain banking drive; cost containment, among others.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bank (Unity Bank Plc) is negotiating with potential investors for investment in its equity to address the negative capitalisation. Management is optimistic that negotiations shall be successful. Consequently, management is of the opinion that the application of the going concern assumption is appropriate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore, management will continue to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.â&#x20AC;?

The above were the words of the auditors of Unity Bank Plc, Ahmed Zakari & Co (Chartered Accounts), regarding the financial statements of the bank for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The audited results of the financial institution for 2017, had shown a loss and negative capitalisation.

According to the bank, the loss resulted from the decision to totally de-risk its balance sheet in order to create improved shareholder value.

Financial performance Unity Bank recorded net interest income of N51.177 billion in 2017, up from N49.476 billion in 2016, while net fee income stood at N1.684 billion compared with N1.642 billion in 2017. Total operating income fell to N54.473 billion, compared with N64.111 billion the previous year.

Impairment loss rose from N35.949 billion to N44.251 billion. Although the bank reduced personnel and other expenses from N11.634 billion and N12.794 billion to N10.864 billion and N11.801 billion respectively, the huge impairment charges made the financial institution to close the year a loss of N14.242 billion as against a profit after tax (PAT) of N1.816 billion in 2016.

A further analysis of the results indicated that total loans and advances declined from N277l2 billion to N8.958 billion while customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deposits stood at N253 billion compared with N264 billion the previous year.

But given the nine months results of the bank, it has returned to profitability, though showing a decline compared with the corresponding period of 2017.

The nine months performance indicated gross earnings of N26.125 billion in 2018, down from N65 billion in 2017. Net interest income fell from N38.51 billion, just as net fee income reduced to N9.926 billion as against N1.181 billion. Consequently, net operating income declined to N21 billion to N16 billion. Profit stood at N644 million as against N2.72 billion.

Bank Explains Performance The bank attributed the negative performance in 2017 to a total de-risking of its balance sheet, ridding the bank of toxic legacy assets and paving the way for significantly improved return on shareholder value in the coming years.

According to the bank, it successfully write off a total of N16 billion, being Goodwill that arose from legacy merger issues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This one-off de-risking strategy that has cleaned up the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books impacted the bottom-line leading to a net loss of N14.2 billion,â&#x20AC;? it said.

Unity Bank explained that the ratio of non-performing loans standing at zero per cent, a clear indication of the managementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent risk assessment for the period. The performance indicated a marginal loan-to-deposit ratio of 3.6 per cent, pointing towards a significant room for growth and the attendant income boost.

The bank said although financial performance declined in 2017, as the bank took the bold action to tackle the lingering effects of legacy problems, the new board and management of the bank took firm and strategic action in a bid to eliminate the drag on it in the form of huge legacy nonperforming loans, an inefficient operating structure which manifested in excessive costs, poor branch spread and inadequate

Somefun application of technology amongst others.

These strategic initiatives, amongst others, the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s said, are geared towards its complete transformation and setting it on the path of strong and sustainable growth and profitability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The courageous action taken by the bank

All I can assure you is that this time around, it is very clear and it is not Milost. All I can say is that one of the parties is the second largest infrastructure ďŹ nance institution in Asia

towards cleaning up the observed issues thus resulted in a negative capital base but also gave birth to a leaner, smarter and dynamic Bank with a healthy Balance Sheet,â&#x20AC;? the bank said.

To sustain the new momentum and return the bank to one of the best performing in the Nigerian market, the bank said it has been making significant progress in its ongoing capital raising exercise. The bank it is firmly on course to achieve sustainable growth and sound performance.

Unity Bank said it is optimistic that its liquidity and working capital would be significantly enhanced with the anticipated successful capital raising exercise, a development that will make the bank one of the most liquid in the Nigerian market.

It also said that with a zero nonperforming loans portfolio and the now enhanced credit management process, Unity Bank has solved its debilitating legacy problems and will move more sure-footedly towards sustained revenue and profits growth, while capital adequacy is expected to rise above the regulatory minimum after the capital raising exercise.

In addition to this, the bank said it has

The Recapitalisation Effort The bank recently disclosed that it is on the verge of finalising a capital injection agreement with some foreign investors.

Managing Director/CEO, Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, who disclosed this in Lagos, said the bank would soon finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would lead to the anticipated capital injection in the commercial bank. But, she declined to disclose the identity of the parties as well as the anticipated sum.

Somefun said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;All I can assure you is that this time around, it is very clear and it is not Milost. All I can say is that one of the parties is the second largest infrastructure finance institution in Asia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though we have closed the process, some of the parties we had engaged before are saying they want to invest, because the bank is now looking good. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two years ago, we were the one chasing these investors. But we have told them to wait until we close this deal and any other party that wants to join, we can talk under different arrangement.â&#x20AC;?

According to the Unity Bank boss, due diligence had been done on the prospective investors.

She pointed out that â&#x20AC;&#x153;what is still left is procedural or finalising that engagement.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;And because the Central Bank of Nigeria has seen what we are doing and they appreciate the efforts we are making and we have been carrying them along. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, I would call the incidence with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week an unfortunate one because we had intimated the NSE about what we were doing and we explained to them that the strategy was to finalise our MoU with prospective investors,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Somefun disclosed that the bank sold off bad loans of about N400 billion last year in order to clean up its books and return to profitability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why did we make huge loss last year?

We sold off the remaining of our bad loans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, the business of this bank almost became debt recovery. We found out that we were spending so much time on debt recovery, so we decided to sell the legacy NPLs in 2017. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also wrote the goodwill that were in the books as at the time of the merger. All of that put us in negative of N14 billion loss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, we were delaying, expecting to conclude the MOU before we release the results. Also, because of the sale of the NPLs, the CBN wanted to be sure that those accounts were not performing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, the NSE decided to take that action on November 1 and immediately we complied, we were reinstated â&#x20AC;&#x153;I make bold to say Unity Bank has not recorded the kind of recognition, public acceptance and diverse patronage it has enjoyed in the last three years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, you will not see a reflection of that in the revenues because of the challenges of huge NPLs we had to contend with,â&#x20AC;? she said.

After the bank secured the mandate of its shareholders to recapitalise, it had engaged in series of discussions and engagements with prospective investors.

One of such investors Milost Global Inc, a United States based firm.

The firm had planned to invest a $1 billion in the bank. But in March this year, the company said it would no longer go on with its planned investment in the bank as earlier announced by its chief executive officer, Kim Freeman.

But Unity Bank denied signing any agreement with Milost.

27

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

Take a leap at this offer to study in one of the top Universities in Canada!

Education Advisory Service We are calling out to parents and secondary school leavers to attend this education seminar and get admitted into the University of Alberta, Canada.

HIGHLIGHTS Meet with John Gregory Director, Intl. Recruitment and Transnational Programs, Univ. of Alberta, Canada.

Stand a chance to get admitted at the venue Friday, November 16, 2018

10 am

John Gregory Director, Intl. Recruitment & Transnational Programs, Univ. of Alberta, Canada.

This event is strictly by invitation.

To pre-register, visit: https://www.fcmb.com/study-abroad or email: Educationadvisoryservices@fcmb.com Registration ends on the 14th of November 2018 Kindly bring the original and photocopies of all of your wardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credentials and certiďŹ cate to the venue.

28

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Alli: Not Signing AfCFTA Signals Nigeria Not Open for Business Former President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, who is currently a Non-Executive Director at the CDC Group Plc, Mr. Andrew Alli, in this interview speaks on how Nigeria can be competitive in attracting foreign investments, as well as on other economic issues. Nume Ekeghe presents the excerpts: What are your thoughts about the theme on this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CFA Investment Conference?

The theme today is really around ethics and corporate governance and I think there is very clear evidence that companies that operate under good corporate governance are actually valued more highly in the market.

And that valuation premium can range from 10 per cent up to almost 40 per cent depending on the country. So that shows that corporate governance isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just something that should be done because it is a nice thing, but actually because it adds value to companies. There are many implications of this and many issues around this, but given this is a CFA conference, I would focus on the fact that it is very important that the CFA society in their exams and in their training really emphasises this right from the beginning. Because you can learn all the technical techniques, but if you are not using them properly in an ethical manner, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a good end result.

For Nigeria to be competitive and to be able to attract investments, what should the country put in place?

I think one of the problems is that we always look for short cuts and we always try and treat symptoms rather than going back to look at the fundamentals. If your government is borrowing so much and they are paying 13 per cent or almost 15 per cent to borrow money for one year, how do you expect anybody else to borrow more cheaply in the long run on a more sustainable basis?

It is not possible. So we need to start looking at how we manage our macro-economy. It may sound very boring, but how are we spending our money? How are we earning our money and is there a proper balance between the two? What is our inflation rate and again if the inflation rate is between 11 to 12 per cent, how can anyone expect to borrow at less than that in the long-run because no one is going to lend and then see the value of their money in purchasing terms erode? So what are we doing to fight inflation and what are we doing to become a more open economy? How do we expect investors who want to come to this economy if we are not demonstrating to them that we really want to be an open economy and we really welcome investors? I am thinking of some of the recent events with a certain telecoms company for example, and also things like us not signing the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) send signals that maybe we are not quite as open for business as we would like to think. The point Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m making is that while we like people to come in and bring money, whether foreign or local investors are driven by the same thing the foreign investors are driven by. So we sort of focus on what it is we are going to do to get people to bring in money. But we are not looking at the wider contest to what are they bringing money into and what are they investing in and we want people to come and invest in this country for 10 years, but what can you predict is going to happen in 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time? That is, are we going to be having same polices and are we going to have similar taxes and what is the exchange rate likely to be. So if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t predict with a reasonable degree of certainty whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to happen in 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time, then how can you be expected to invest in something like a power station where you are looking at 10 to 15 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; investment?

So Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go back to say that if you want to develop the country as a long-term sustainable destination for investments, for both foreign and domestic investments, we need to go back to the basics and really work on those fundamentals.

Alli What are your thoughts on Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debt profile and the rate at which the country is raising debts?

I think we need to be very careful about what we are doing in terms of our borrowing. There are all kinds of arguments but to me, I think the fundamental thing is that we are spending a large proportion of government revenue just servicing debts.

And certainly, by the time you add what we are spending on servicing debts and what we are paying as salaries, that is more than the revenue we are earning as a country today. Borrowing itself and this is some of the arguments people are using, is not a bad thing as long as you are borrowing in a sustainable way that you can payback in

I think we need to be very careful about what we are doing in terms of our borrowing.

There are all kinds of arguments but to me, I think the fundamental thing is that we are spending a large proportion of government revenue just servicing debts

the long-term. One of the ways of ensuring your borrowing is more sustainable is by making sure that when you borrow, what you use that money for is increasing the revenue base which is why I guess some people are saying that you should tie it specific projects. My own view is that right now, it seems to me that we are not in a situation of debt distress, but it seems to me that when we are borrowing to pay salaries then we have potentially some trouble brewing and we need to take a look at that situation and figure out a way to reverse it. One way is that and by no means the only way, is that if you look at what the government earns as revenues, it is really quite low compared with other countries. Government revenue as a share of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is about seven per cent in Nigeria and in many countries in Africa, it is closer to 20 per cent and in western countries, it is closer to 40 or 50 per cent. So our government is essentially not taxing us enough.

Now they need to be creative in terms of how to raise more revenue because given the large informal economy that we have, just trying to tax better using the current way of taxing which involves companies submitting accounts and so on is not going to capture a trader who may be very rich, but who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a formal business for example. So we need to think of more creative ways of taxing and we also need to think about what government is spending.

So if you look at it on a high level basis, our spending perhaps isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too high. That is, government spending on a proportion to GDP is actually not that high, but are we sure that the quality of what we are

spending that money on is really good?

I think many people would say no. Our spending could be a lot more efficient and that we are probably spending a lot on salaries and those salaries could not be leading to much productivity. So I think we also need to look at that and how can we improve the productivity of the funds we are spending.

Lastly, is the current debt management strategy in Nigeria the right approach?

It is hard to say something is in black or white. Essentially, one of the strategies that it seems that we have been following is to borrow in dollars rather than to borrow in naira. And the reason for that is the nominal interest rate. So we pay about six to seven per cent when we borrow in dollars and it is lower than the nominal interest rate of about 13 per cent when we borrow in naira. So as long as the exchange rate remains constant, then it would be cheaper to borrow in dollars. The problem is of course that the exchange rate remains constant over the long term and typically we would devalue. So if the exchange rate devalues, then obviously, it is better to be in naira than to be in dollars at that point whichever way you look at it. Because if you look at it in dollar terms, the naira debt has come to a smaller number and if you look at it in dollar terms, the dollar debt would go up at that point. So, I think in the long run, if we control inflation and if we control spending, then rates in naira would come down and we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to run this foreign currency exposure by borrowing abroad to reduce our nominal borrowing rates.

29

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

NAICOM to Release New Insurance Distribution Guidelines Stories by Ebere Nwoji The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has said it will in January 2019, release a new insurance distribution channel guidelines known as the State Insurance Producers(SIP).

The commission, said this is in furtherance of its policy to diversify insurance distribution in Nigeria.

Disclosing this at the 2018 education seminar organised by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria(CIIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari, said the SIP, would serve as an alternative channel for insurance distribution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The SIP will be an agency of a state government licenced by NAICOM to provide intermediary services as defined by the guideline issued by the commission and also remunerated as by the provisions of the operational guideline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The operational guideline has already been concluded and shall come into effect on January 01, 2019,â&#x20AC;? he stated.

Kari, listed the key responsibilities of the SIP as facilitating the sale of the compulsory classes of insurance within the state jurisdiction and all classes for its principalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insurances (state government); He said additional insurance services and product would be considered in the future, depending on the success of the initial approach.

He also said it will help in exercising on defaulters, the powers to penalise them according to the laws of the states, maintaining proper records of individuals and organisations bound by the requirements of the compulsory classes of insurance and monitoring the compliance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once licenced to operate by the commission, the SIP shall enter into a memorandum of understanding as may be sanctioned by NAICOM, with approved insurance companies in its jurisdiction for purposes of placement and management of insurance business within the state.â&#x20AC;?

He said the SIP shall only transact insurance business with

approved Insurers, noting that only insurance companies with branch offices in the respective states would be eligible to transact business with the SIPs. Kari, said to complement the SIP policy, the commission would open 20 new branch offices in states across the country, for strict management of the policy and the enhancement of insurance penetration. He said the commission, believes this would also go a long way in meeting government expectations with regards the economic recovery and growth Plan (ERGP) in the areas of job creation, poverty prevention and confidence in the face of risk.

He said it would also answer to the saturation in the corporate segment, provide opportunity

to improve the image of the insurance industry, create brand building for individual insurance institutions as insurance plays a pivotal role in financial inclusion because it reduces the poverty line. Kari, further said the SIP, would help people to manage their risk and protect them from any negative adverse effect of any unforeseeable circumstances as well as increase access to other financial services.

He said in order to deepen insurance penetration, the commission has two main objectives which are: Focused insurance awareness campaign for the financially excluded, promoting the development of products and business models that meet the needs of the financially excluded group. He said this was why

the commission has been supporting a number of awareness drives, which included the much publicised Insurance Industry Rebranding campaign, an initiative of the Insurersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; committee.

The commission has also thrown its weight behind the organisers of the first Insurance Industry and Consumer Nite; a platform that provides an opportunity for the sector to interface with the entertainment industry. This, it believes would enhance the awareness level of insurance and its acceptability to another strata of the society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The youth in this case. The desire to promote the development of products that meets the needs of the financially excluded prompted the commission into introducing micro-insurance;

a business line for the low income segment and Takaful Insurance - an alternative Risk Management Mechanisms that is Sharia compliant into the market to further boost insurance penetration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The introduction of Bancassurance in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), leveraging the wide spread of banks in Nigeria is also an initiative aimed at increasing access to insurance products and enhancing penetration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is being extended to cover the microfinance banks and their consumers. The commission would continue expanding the distribution channel to ensure the excluded becomes the includedâ&#x20AC;?, he stated.

Old Mutual Unveils New Insurance Policy Old Mutual Nigeria Life Assurance Company, an affiliate of Old Mutual Limited, said it has pushed into Nigerian insurance market a critical illness insurance policy plan that will give Nigerians access to quality health care when hit by any of the critical or terminal illnesses without financial stress.

The company, said the critical illness policy plan, when purchased by Nigerians would address shocking reports of people who are confronted with critical illnesses without access to the required medical attention and the fearsome outlook for critical illness in Nigeria - in terms of severe financial exposures These according to the company can be proactively mitigated through the financial protection which the insurance policy provides.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Keith Alford, who disclosed this in a statement, opined that adoption of the Critical Illness Cover remains the best weapon to be deployed against illnesses in Nigeria, adding that early access to the right treatment is known to significantly improve the chances of survival for the patients â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indeed, Critical Illness Plan, which can also be referred to as Critical Illness Cover, is an insurance product in which the insurer (the insurance company) is contracted to typically make a lump sum cash payment if the policyholder is diagnosed with one of the specific illnesses on a predetermined list as part of an insurance policy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The implication is that if one is to be diagnosed with or undergoes a medical procedure for any of the specified critical illnesses that the insurer covers during the length of the policy, lump sum cash will be paid to

take care of the medical billsâ&#x20AC;?.

Alford, said for the Old Mutual Critical Illness Plan, the minimum entry age for the policy is 18 years while the maximum entry age is 67 years.

He also said the maximum age is 70 years and that the policy term spans from 3-15 years.

He noted that the cover amount ranges from a minimum of N500,000 to a maximum of N30,000,000.

According to him, access to quality healthcare is one of the most important factors for living a life of quality and one of the most critical human needs in the world today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After all, health they say, is wealth and only a person in good health can create a successful enterprise.â&#x20AC;?

Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), saying that access to healthcare is often times the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa where residents have to pay out of their pocket for medical expenses, Alford said in Nigeria, the average spending on health per person is valued at $216 (about N78,000), â&#x20AC;&#x153;yet, the story is not getting any better, especially as todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic downturn and the resultant reduction in purchasing power have combined to make access to adequate health care a distant dream for Nigerians.â&#x20AC;?

He identified critical illnesses as ailments that can have fatal or terminal effect on the human life , listing such to include stroke, cancer, heart attack, coronary artery disease, hepatitis, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, paralysis / paraplegia muscular dystrophy, alzheimer disease, parkinson disease, and brain tumour.

CONTRACT RENEWAL

L-R: Executive Director, Cargo Services and Operations, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, (SAHCO), Mrs Boma Ukwunna; Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Mr Olaniyi Adigun; MD/CEO, Mr Basil Agboarumi; Managing Director, Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu; Chief Finance Officer, Mr Ayodeji Ilesanmi, Vice President, Customer Service, Mr Murat Ozkan, at the signing of a three-year renewal handling contract with the airline in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

GNI Denies Insider Trading The Great Nigeria Insurance Plc (GNI) said it never received any warning, query or sanctions regarding allegations of insider trading from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). The insurance underwriting firm, said contrary to allegations by the House of Representatives sub-committee on Capital Market and Institutions following a recent public hearing, it never received any warning letter from the regulators.

The Managing Director/CEO of the underwriting firm, Mrs.

Cecilia Osipitan, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Lagos.

Osipitan, said the board of directors and management of the GNI were notified that the lawmakers had threatened to authorise SEC to take over the management of the company.

She assured the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shareholders and general public that the organisation was compliant with all the rules and guidelines of the various regulatory agencies that oversee its operations, saying allegations of insider dealings, failure to pay

shareholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dividends, tax evasion and failure to comply with corporate governance regulations were inaccurate.

She said the company has also been meticulous about making tax remittances to both the state and federal government and has up-to-date receipts to corroborate this fact. While allaying the fears of all stakeholders, she said the company would ensure that the misconception regarding its operations are resolved with the committee.

She explained that the inability of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representa-

tive to attend the committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting was unavoidable and same was duly communicated to the committee. She further stated that the company has forwarded to the committee written detailed responses to all questions raised to set straight earlier communicated misrepresentations and would be willing to answer further questions that may arise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great Nigeria Insurance is a compliant corporate entity and is not in any way associated with any of the allegations raised in the publication,â&#x20AC;? Osipitan stated.

Firm Grows RSA to 22,000 in One Year Radix Pension Managers, one of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) in the country, said it has grown its Retirement Savings Account (RSA) from 4,000 to 22,000 in barely one year of operations under a new board and management.

This represented a 450 per cent growth in the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RSA holders.

Managing Director of the PFA, Kunle Adeboye, in a statement, said the company, formerly trading as IGI Pension Fund Managers Limited and launched in October 2017, plans to close this year with a better outlook.

He said the company was focused on providing good returns on investment and ensuring maximum safety of the fund under its management, in line with regulations of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

He stated that the company has been able to manage and invest both its RSA and Retiree Funds properly, such that its unit price has been growing steadily on a monthly basis.

He stressed that the unit price of the company has been on the top table of unit prices of PFAs out of the 21 existing PFAs since

they commenced business a year ago.

He noted that they have hovered mostly between first and second and few times up to seventh position.

He further stated that the company is working to be one of the top players in the pension space.â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the industry, there are two things that are important to all stakeholders: the safety of pension assets and the return on investment. For us at Radix, we are assuring our customers and potential clients of good return on investment and safety of funds alongside best-in-class customer

services - dynamic and efficient administration of pension fund under management, prompt pension payments and excellent pension advisory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are doing a lot of things differently because we are a young and dynamic PFA. In one year of our operation, we have been able to grow our RSAs significantly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is because we have people that have the experience and passion for the job. They have an understanding of why we are here, the kind of services we are rendering and the relevance of the service.

30

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

TRUSTFUND PENSIONS LIMITED NSITF SCHEME PENSIONERS' REVALIDATION EXERCISE A nationwide revalidation exercise of pensioners under the NSITF Scheme will commence from 14 November, 2018 to 12 December, 2018 from 9am to 5pm daily.

Pensioners are expected to present themselves in person at the following verification centres: S/NO. CENTRE

CENTRE ADDRESS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

ABUJA/LAFIA JOS/MAKURDI MINNA LOKOJA PORT HARCOURT UYO/CALABAR BENIN/AKURE ASABA KANO/KATSINA SOKOTO/GUSAU KADUNA/ZARIA

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

BAUCHI/GOMBE MAIDUGURI/YOLA ENUGU AWKA ABA OWERRI IBADAN/ILORIN/OSHOGBO ABEOKUTA/IJEBU-ODE ONIPANU /OTA V/ISLAND/IKOYI/ BROAD STREET AMUWO ODOFIN / OJO

23 24

WARRI IKORODU

PLOT 820/821, LABOUR HOUSE, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, ABUJA NO. 1 LUGARD RD. JOS No. A61, JUSTICE MUAZU WAY, BABA IYAKA PLAZA, OPPOSITE OLD SECRETARIAT, MINNA YUMKHA SHOPPING PLAZA OPPOSITE ‘A’ DIVISION POLICE STATION ALONG GRA ROAD, LOKOJA. 77, LIBERATION STADIUM RD, OFF ABA RD. P/HARCOURT 162 ORON RD. OPPOSITE ROMACO FILLING STATION, UYO NO 63 SAPELE RD (OPPOSITE EDO STATE LIBRARY COMPLEX) BENIN SAMOUND HOUSE, NO 4, OKPANAM RD. BESIDE SOUTH GATE HOTEL, ASABA NO. 11C MURTALA MOHAMMED WAY OPPOSITE GOLF COURSE KANO NO 4 KANO ROAD, 1ST FLOOR, BLOCK 3 OPPOSITE CBN SOKOTO. BB 24, IBRAHIM TAIWO RD. (EAST AHMADU BELLO WAY) BEFORE GABASAWA POLICE STATION, KADUNA NEAR REEM EE CLINIC, RIMI ROAD, OLD GRA, BAUCHI NO. 14 SHEHU LAMINU WAY, NSITF BUILDING, MAIDUGURI NO 2 RIDGEWAY ROAD, OFF OKPARA AVENUE, GRA, ENUGU. NO 90 ZIK AVENUE, AWKA NO 132 MARKET RD. ABA SUIT 6 (GROUND FLOOR) AWIBE PLAZA IMCC/URATTA RD. OWERRI PLOT 116/117 MOSHOOD ABIOLA WAY, IYANA ADEOYO, RING ROAD, IBADAN GNI BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, BESIDE UNION BANK, ONIKOLOBO ROAD, PANSEKE ABEOKUTA. 129 IKORODU ROAD, BESIDE UBA, ONIPANU- LAGOS 19 BISHOP KALE STREET, OPPOSITE STARCOMMS, OFF SAKA TINUBU STREET,VICTORIA ISLAND- LAGOS SAVIOUR’S HOUSE, PLOT 7 BLOCK 18D, AMUWO RESIDENTIAL SCHEME BY APPLE JUNCTION/FESTAC LINK ROAD, AMUWO ODOFIN VALUATION HOUSE, NO 87A AIRPORT ROAD BY UGBOROKE JUNCTION, WARRI 77 BEACH ROAD, EBUTE, IKORODU.

Pensioners are required to come along with the following documents: 1. NSITF Pensioners ID card 2. Letter of retirement or disengagement issued by the last employer 3. Bank Account confirmation letter (to include bank verification number) 4. Previous copies of revalidation slips 5. Any other documents related to membership of NSITF Those who did not participate in the previous exercise should provide documentary evidence to justify their non-participation.

All Pensioners are required to attend the verification exercise. Any pensioner who fails to appear for verification will have his or her pension stopped immediately.

The verification exercise will be monitored by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

For further information, please call the following telephone lines: 09-4628400 & 08069778760

Signed: MANAGEMENT Labour House, Plot 820/821 Central Business District, P.M.B. 254, Garki, Abuja Email:info@trustfundpensions.com website: www.trustfundpensions.com

TRUSTFUND PENSIONS LIMITED Pension Is All About Trust!

31

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Eatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Go Berth in Port Harcourt Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Eatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Go, one of the leading food franchises in the country, has opened its outlet in Port Harcourt, unveiling its brands - Dominoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery and Pinkberry Gourmet Frozen Yoghurt in the Garden City.

Inaugurating the store at Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Port Harcourt, the Chief Operating Officer of Eatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Go, Antoine Zammarieh, said the outfit had come to let the people have a new experience in eateries.

He said since its inception in 2012, and with over 70 outlets in the country, Eatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Go has been at the forefront of delivering high standard fast food services, as it combines the mouth-watering tastes of pizza, ice cream and frozen yoghurt to give customers an invaluable experience.

Spotlighting the three unique brands, he said Dominoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza offers world-class service in pizza delivery; Cold Stone Creamery, opens a world of rich and creamery variants of premium ice cream; and Pinkberry Gourmet

Frozen Yoghurt, creates light, refreshing and cravable tasty frozen yogurt and variety of toppings for its customers. Overall, the company is on a mission to provide mouthwatering products to food lovers in Nigeria. He also disclosed that the company has created 150 direct employment in Rivers State and hundreds of indirect jobs like security personnel, vendors and others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We rely on the people to grow our company and that was our secret

of survival during the period of recession as the people never left us,â&#x20AC;? Zammarieh said.

According to Joseph Ekpo, Head of Business Development Eatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Go, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The long wait is over!

People in the Garden City can now brighten their days with a quick trip to the outlet. They do not have to travel to other cities or feel left out of the incredible fun and rich flavors we have been offering to Nigerians for years.

As we continue in our quest to

spread deliciousness across the country, Port Harcourt City was a natural next step. We believe it is the perfect place to lay our brand and we could not be more excited to take over a vibrant community that appreciates the pleasures of tasty food and snacks.

The new Eatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Go outlet has an indoor seating that incorporates the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open design vision which highlights an authentic atmosphere and encompasses its unique identity for comfort and

satisfaction. The design emphasises Eatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to quality and confidence in providing a behind-the-scene view of how products are made.

To celebrate the launch, Eatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Go hosted a private event for press, friends and family, where Mr 2kay took the stage with an electrifying performance.

The exciting festivity included music, entertainment, lots of delicious pizza, ice cream and yoghurt.

Heritage Bank Calls for Increased Govt, Banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Support in Agriculture Sector Nume Ekeghe Heritage Bank Plc has called on government at all levels and deposit money banks to increase supports in agriculture, as it is the most resilient and important sector of Nigerian economy, despite underwhelming investment in the sector.

The Executive Director of the bank, Jude Monye stated this while delivering a paper, titled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bank Experience in Lending to the Real Sector (Agric) of the Economy,â&#x20AC;? at the Nigeria IncentiveBased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) 2018 Chief Risk Officers Forum Retreat, in Lagos, yesterday.

He disclosed that increased focus on the agriculture sector would contribute to the Job creation objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), as its labour intensive process across the value chain has the potential of creating multiple jobs, create wealth, and increase the sector â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to GDP and foreign exchange earnings Meanwhile, Monye stressed that the under-performance of the sector is closely tied; amongst other factors; to poor credit access from banks.

On the part of government, he decried that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agricultural research institutes that are established to drive the sector â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business were underfunded compared to Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 2018 budget allocates N54bn and N149bn (US$490m) to the agriculture and rural development ministry for recurrent and capital spending respectively. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agricultural research institutes have received an average of N28bn (US$90m) annually over the past five years. The comparable figure for India, with six times the population, is closer to US$2bn,â&#x20AC;? he stated.

He further noted that the economic recovery and growth plan of the government is heavy on Agriculture and MSMEs as key drivers of the economic diversification plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Successful implementation of the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recovery Plan provides significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and financiers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; particularly in the Agro-allied Sector,â&#x20AC;? Monye affirmed.

The Executive Director added that investments in infrastructure (energy and transportation) are supportive of the Agric-led growth.

He explained that to explore options for de-risking and unlocking bank lending to the Agric sector so as to develop and position the sector for increased contribution to the Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP and revenues, there is need to Continue regulatory driven intervention funds to increase access to credit at single digit rates and long L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema, presenting a replica of the closing gong to the Managing Director, SFS tenors, Improve knowledge Capital Nigeria Limited, Patrick Ilodianya, during a Closing Gong Ceremony at the NSE in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecently of Banks and Bankers on Agric finance and Agricultural Risk Management through focused capacity building and many others.

Speaking at retreat with Banking on WhatsApp is another to our services; a convenient financial needs. theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Achieving Economic â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have optimised our significant milestone in our way to make payment and an Ugo Aliogo Diversification for Nigeria digital banking offerings to mission to provide convenient easy-to-use banking application. via the De-Risking of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banking with FirstBank on As part of its commitment to ensure ease of banking and and fast payment solutions to Lending to the Nigerian continue to drive innovative convenience; our FirstMobile our customers. It is one of the WhatsApp is secure, accessible Non-oil Sectors, the MD/ banking, First Bank of Nigeria app, Firstonline, FirstMonie and ways FirstBank puts You First and convenient. You can now CEO of NIRSAL, Aliyu (FBN) has launched its Chat USSD banking are some of the and enables you stay connected carry out basic banking transAbduhameed, explained that Banking on WhatsApp, which is channels we have put in place with your contacts, loved ones, actions such as inter and intra the value chain financing is friends and finances all on the bank funds transfer, pay bills, another 24/7 available banking to make this happen. one of the major problem â&#x20AC;&#x153;FirstBank Chat Banking on GO whilst you chat with them buy airtime, buy data and check channel. facing Nigerian agricultural Speaking at the product launch Whatsapp is our latest addition. because at FirstBank we are your account balance on your sector. in Lagos, the Chief Executive We have gone Live with this driven to bolster relationships on WhatsApp. But, he pointed out â&#x20AC;&#x153;You will be able to generate a Officer, First Bank of Nigeria product and I am pleased to all fronts anywhere and anytime. that NIRSAL does this by Limited and Subsidiaries, Dr. formally introduce this product â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is one of the ways FirstBank WhatsApp banking PIN and all â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;de-riskingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the agricultural puts You First and enables you your transaction authentications Adesola Adeduntan, stated that to our media partners today.â&#x20AC;? financing value chain, building as a leading banking services Adeduntan explained that stay connected with your contacts, will be done using a safe link, long-term capabilities and provider and customer-friendly FirstBank Chat Banking on loved ones, friends and finances thereby ensuring the security of institutionalizing agricultural bank, the bank was keen at of- WhatsApp is another significant all on the GO whilst you chat your banking details. lending through risk sharing fering excellent financial services milestone in the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission with them because at FirstBank â&#x20AC;&#x153;We remain committed to with banks, technical capacity to provide convenient and fast we are driven to bolster relation- leveraging evolving technology to their esteemed customers. building as well as the proviHe also stated the bank was payment solutions to their ships on all fronts anywhere and in delivering easy and convenient sion of incentives to encourage banking services and products anytime. devising new ways of effectively customers. bank lending. According to â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a new channel for access to our esteemed customers.â&#x20AC;?

He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;FirstBank Chat and efficiently meeting customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; him, Nigeria is endowed with all the natural resources to thrive in agriculture, but the sector lacks the capital with which to maximally meet the opportunities. interactionâ&#x20AC;?, he added.

The Lagos State Employ- union councils, youth organisa- Fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programmes.

He stated that NIRSAL aims ment Trust Fund (LSETF) has tions, local government officials, A Lagos State government Speaking on the planned to increase deposit money embarked on a comprehensive market women and the small engagement, Oyebode, said initiative, the LSETF was crebanksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lending and other community engagement across business operators within the residents should take advantage ated as part of its commitment private investment. of the grassroots engagement to boost the Lagos economy select locations.

Lagos State.

Abduhameed disclosed that Oyebode was expected to to learn more about the Fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s through job creation, leverage The aim is to enable the LSETF proposal has been put before share its impact and update on give a comprehensive update programmes. and access to finance for MSMEs the Central Bank of Nigeria its various programmes, with on how the team has actualised â&#x20AC;&#x153;The LSETF team prides and SMEs operating in the state. for NIRSAL to be recognised residents and small business the fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mandate of provid- itself in being a people-oriented The fund is targeted at as collateral instrument as owners in the state. ing access to funding for small institution. We were set up to registered Lagos residents, well as flow instrument, as The agency explained in a businesses to create wealth and provide entrepreneurship and irrespective of their political this would fast track the de- statement that the grassroots employment; equip young people employment opportunities for leaning, religion, gender or risking of the value chain engagement which is scheduled with relevant skills to make them Lagos residents. We understand tribal affiliations. financing.

The LSETF was established to take place within the IBILE globally competitive and well that there is no better way to Group ED/Agribusiness (Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos positioned to secure sustainable test the effectiveness of our by The Lagos State Employment TGI Group, Farouk Gumel, as Island and Epe) divisions, was employment and providing sup- programme than to initiate Trust Fund Law 2016, to inspire one of the panellists, stressed hinged on its core values of port and funding to innovators an intimate engagement with the creative and innovative the need to shed more light transparency, integrity account- and businesses in the vibrant the communities for us to share energies of all Lagos residents on banking agriculture rather ability and inclusiveness. technology ecosystem in Lagos. the successes and challenges, by providing access to financial than de-risking. He also Conversely, the LSETF team whilst getting feedback from and institutional supports to The events would be led canvassed for more invest- by members of the Board of would use the platforms to get the beneficiaries. enterprises and by building ments in infrastructure and Trustees, the Executive Secretary, first-hand account and feedback â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoin residents and small capacity for unemployed youths addressing eco-climate system Akintunde Oyebode and hosted from the residents on their businesses within the IBILE divi- for wealth and employment in the country. by community leaders, trade experience in accessing the sion to join us in this exemplary creation.

CLOSING GONG CEREMONY

First Bank Launches Chat Banking on WhatsApp

LSETF Commences Engagement Programmes

32

T H I S D AY Ëž ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EDUCATION A Varsityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Act of Kindness In a show of kindness, the management of Delta State University, Abraka recently donated N2 million to a student of History and International Relations at the Osun State University, Miss Karimat Lawal to complete her education and for prosthesis to replace her foot which got damaged through an accident. Jonathan Eze and Ugo Aliogo report

â&#x20AC;&#x153;S

o after five months at the hospital, I was discharged even though I could no longer walk.

I could only crawl and had to be placed on somebodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back if there was need for me to be taken to the hospital. All the children ran away from me and would call me different horrible names. As young as I was then, it was a period I really wished I had the power to just disappear from the world.â&#x20AC;?

These were the words of Miss Karimat Lawal, 21, a student of History and International Relations, Osun State University, who is from a less privileged background after receiving two cheques of N1,800,000 for her to purchase prosthesis, and N250,000 from the management of Delta State University, Abraka.

Her upbringing in Ketu and the tragedy she faced at infancy gave her little hope that she would someday realise her dreams.

Armed with the ambition of becoming a medical doctor so that she could save lives across the country and beyond, Lawal began her education at Littlewoods Nursery and Primary School, Ketu, Lagos, quite certain of where her life was headed.

As a result of the responsibilities on his shoulders, her father could not provide the type of support needed to keep her dreams alive at the time, but her mother, a petty trader ensured that she got a chance to go to school like most of her peers.

Everything was looking up despite the visible deprivation she contended with. But one afternoon in 2001, everything changed. The steam from that day is yet to simmer 16 years after.

According to her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish that terrible day never came. Each time I looked back at the tragic incident of that day, sometimes I wish I could take my life. The pain and emotional trauma I have been through these past 16 years is enough to drive anyone insane.â&#x20AC;?

A few weeks after her fifth birthday, Lawal had resumed happily at school one fateful morning, looking forward to a fulfilling time of learning and having fun in her school.

By midday, a teacher dispatched her and other pupils in her class to go in search of crown corks, which they could use to aid their ability in counting figures. It was an exercise they had engaged in before, so going on such search wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anything strange.

At the end of the activity, the Ogun State native had gathered enough of the items and was proudly returning to school with her classmates when tragedy struck. She has had to live with the terrifying pain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of a sudden, from nowhere, a commercial motorcyclist rammed into me after losing control of the machine,â&#x20AC;? Lawal recalled, her voice lying with the fear. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I landed on the ground with a bang, hitting my ribs and hip heavily on the hard surface. As I attempted to stand up out of fear, my right foot went into the motorcycleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spoke and got hooked there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The next thing I noticed was that a terrible pain engulfed me, I never even realised that the machine had cut off the foot. I started hearing people shouting that I should be rushed to the hospital and not be allowed to die. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the people were still struggling to get me up from the ground and take me to a hospital, a dog came from nowhere to pick up the severed foot and ran away with it. Perhaps it saw it as meat and made away with it. It was as if there was an unseen hand controlling the dog. Even though I was very young then, I thought the world had ended,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The days that followed that tragic incident not only changed the course of Lawalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey in life but she had to deal with emotional and psychological problems. First, she was bed ridden for at least five agonising months, not knowing if she would survive or lose the ability to walk for several months more.

The troubles that came with the accident were huge for the young lady to handle. Nearly two decades after the incident, the scars simply refused to heal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mother had just given birth to my

L-R: The wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Delta State University, Dr. Otaroghene Peretomode; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Rose Aziza; the beneficiary, Miss Karimat Lawal and her mother during the cheque presentationâ&#x20AC;Ś recently younger sister when the accident occurred; she tried a lot to save my life even though she was nursing a baby and had just lost a sister at the time.

It was a very terrible period for the entire family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Later, through the mercies of God, the severed foot was found but the cells had died already. It was of no use. By the time I was rushed to the National Orthopaedic Hospital at Igbobi, Lagos, the doctors were on strike. That compounded my problem.

Following months of running around for a solution to her predicament by her mother and a few family members, the 21-year-old was finally able to walk again, but not without limping in a manner that caused discomfort. While some in the process of consoling the young lady said the tragedy was a mere coincidence, others suggested to her that it could be as a result of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spiritual attackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is perhaps some kind of evidence to believe that what happened to me was not ordinary, maybe spiritual in fact. My father actually confirmed that it was a spiritual attack. According to him, somebody said that if they took away my ability to walk, there would be no way for me to make use of the glory God had placed upon my life. Otherwise how can one explain that a dog ran away with my foot immediately after the accident? It is very strange,â&#x20AC;? she added.

Now in her third year at the university, Lawal had to pass through several struggles to get to where she is today like denying herself certain needs just to keep her education going and enduring ill treatment from even persons close to her. Though the situation sometimes threatens her concentration in school, she has developed a thick skin just to survive and meet her target of becoming something big in life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without the support of God and my mother, maybe I would have dropped out of school today.

As a matter of fact, I have had to deny myself of a lot of things that many times I felt very bad and blamed God for allowing this to happen to me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To help sponsor my education, I worked as a ticket officer with LAGBUS whenever I am on holiday in Lagos. I make sure I save as much as I can from the N15,000 I was paid so that I can take care of my needs in school. Also, I had to keep low cut most of the time just to save extra money that would have gone into hair making for my education. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are days I go without food in school and I had to survive through the kindness of friends. I cannot count how many times ladies have suggested that I sell my body for money and I refused. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, I had to withdraw from a number of activities due to my leg. Most times I am forced to

wear cover shoes or even snicker just to conceal my disability and avoid undue attention. This affects not just my academics but also my normal daily life. Most of my colleagues in school donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know my condition because of how I conceal it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first and only boyfriend I had left me because of my disability. He was in school and came home only during holidays, so he had no idea about my condition. By the time he eventually found out, he stayed away from me. Since then, I have not found anyone willing to accept me the way I am,â&#x20AC;? she added.

Desperate to overcome the humiliation that she had been subjected to over the years, Lawal took the bull by the horns in 2016 when she went in search of a solution to her plight. While the severed foot is lost forever, the acquisition of prosthesis, she reasoned would make walking easier for her and boost her confidence.

She searched different places for answers and eventually found herself at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Igbobi again. But instead of finding a solution, her misery was made worse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I visited Igbobi in 2016 shortly after gaining admission to the university to see if they could give me prosthesis to wear on my foot to make life easier for me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On getting there, we were shown one for N40,000 even though it was not exactly what I was looking for. The doctors also told us that there was a better one for $2,000 from India but because we could not afford that, I went for the one of N40,000. At the end, it turned out to be a big disappointment.

I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use it for a day and tried to return it but it was rejected. I have since dumped it at home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really wish I could get help to acquire a good foot prosthesis that has just been released to the market by a company from Canada named Niagara Prosthetics and Orthotics Corporation which costs $5,000 at the moment (N1,800,000 at the rate of N360 per dollar), with that I will be able to walk around normally and live life like I should. I have lived with this pain for 16 years; I want to have my confidence back and contribute to the development of my society like I have always dreamt of doing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been through a very tough road in life, now I just want to succeed and take care of my mother, the one person who has been there for me through these years. Though I am still trying to find my balance in life, I am very optimistic that God has bigger and better things in stock for me,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Support from Delta State University The Delta State University, Abaraka in a magnanimous gesture decided to extend a helping hand to

Prof. Peretomode

Lawal with the presentation of two draft cheques.

The first cheque was N1,800,000 for her to purchase prosthesis, while the other cheque was N250,000 to help her complete university education.

Speaking at the cheque presentation in Lagos recently, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor, Victor Peretomode said the story of Lawal was presented to the senate of the university at the 156th regular meeting in April 30.

Peretomode, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Roseline Aziza, said the institution dispatched its Public Relations Unit on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the veracity of the story. This was followed by the setting up of a seven-man committee.

According to Peretomode, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This event is the culmination of 21-year- old Lawalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story as recounted in the April 28, edition of the Punch Newspaper about her predicament. In a nutshell, the story revolves around an accident she had at the age of five during which part of her foot was not only cut off, but a dog ran away with it.â&#x20AC;?

Other members of the entourage from DELSU included Professor Florence Ngozi Ugoji, University Orator, Professor Sunny Awefeada, Public Relations Officer, Mr. Freeborn Aganbi and Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Associate Professor, Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri and the Director of Health Services, Dr. Ngozi Nwabuoku.

33

T H I S D AY Ëž ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EDUCATION

200 Indigent Children BeneďŹ t from NGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scholarship Scheme Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Over 200 children have benefitted from a scholarship programme instituted by a non-governmental organisation, Shining Light Kids Outreach.

The outreach, started in 2010, has enabled indigent and out of school children to acquire education so as to contribute their quota to the society.

Speaking at a recent workshop titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Building the Nigerian of our Dreamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Abuja, the Senior Pastor, Shining Light Kingdom Builders Ministry, Tunde Dada, said the beneficiaries come from extremely rough and underprivileged communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These children are from communities where most men are alcoholics and women are prostitutes. We would love to have a boarding house where we could board some of our children so we can see the transformation we desire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is difficult for us to get the transformation we desire with them living in that environment. Over the years four of our senior secondary students have gotten pregnant and had to drop out of school.

Right now one of our high performing kids that was once head girl is pregnant. Her grandmother has driven her out of the house. She wants to stay on in school so we are working with her to make that happen.â&#x20AC;?

According to Dada: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In

Okebukola Regrets Spate of Academic Corruption in Nigerian Institutions Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

2010 while on an outreach to a community of displaced people comprising mainly ex-soldiers and members of their families that had come to Abuja for their pensions but had gotten stranded, my late wife and I discovered a 13-year-old boy called Segun Adeyemi who had not started primary one. We located his mother who explained that his ex-soldier father was dead and she could not afford to send him to school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were moved enough to find a primary school close by. We found out that for N15,000, we could put him in school, so we went ahead and put him in school. Very soon we discovered that there were many others in the same situation. They were of school age but were not in school because their parents could really not afford to send them to school. With the help of friends we were able to put 40 of them in school. Since then we have had over 200 children benefit from our scholarship programme.â&#x20AC;?

He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We take care of them fully; we buy their textbooks, pay for their uniforms, shoes and school bags.

Initially they were not doing so well in school so we did two things that really worked. We started supplying them lunch in school every day. We have done this for eight years and it made a huge difference in their performance.

A former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola has regretted the reported cases of high level of academic corruption in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tertiary institutions, saying that such perceived attitude portends bad image for the country.

Okebukola, who stated this in Ilorin, during the first Kwara State University (KWASU) Education Lecture with the theme â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Declaration of State of Emergency in Education in Nigeria -The Day Afterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, stated that over 60 per cent of Nigerian undergraduatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; project reports are plagiarised. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rate of plagiarism as a form of academic corruption at the masters level is between 15 and 20 per cent and eight per cent at the PhD level in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tertiary institutions.

It is academic corruption when lecturers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show up in classes as required or teach only 10 subjects out of about 20 in a semester, and when students negotiate with lecturers for marks.â&#x20AC;?

Speaking on the topic of the lecture, Okebukola said solving the problems in the education sector might be challenging, but not impossible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Government must place high premium on education by providing adequate financial resources for the sector. Our institutions of learning must also look for innovative ways to raise funds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The teaching profession must be considered as one of the most important jobs and accorded due regard.

The minister of education must appeal to state governors to give special emphasis to addressing the problem of low quality of basic education. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, there is need for

an enabling environment to be created for teachers and students through improved condition of service, provision of basic infrastructures for the delivery of quality education. It is not in doubt that in the next six months or so, attention will turn more to the election process and less on the emergency that has been declared on education. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The closing prayer of this lecture is that when the hurly burly of elections are over in May 2019, the priority for government should be in implementing the road map on rescuing the education sector from the emergency situation,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Okebukola, who is also the President, Global University Network for Innovation, said Nigerian universities are grossly under-resourced in human and physical resources and called for adequate funding of public

institutions. He added that weakly-served funding has led to unacceptable level of decay in the sector.

He frowned at the activities of some state governments that were quick to establish universities, but very slow in funding them, adding that inadequate funding of state universities led to non-accreditation of courses and low standard.

He zcharged state governments to stop asking management of state universities to fend for themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yet, these state universities admit incredible number of students above infrastructure put in place.

What they are doing is literally selling certificates to gullible graduates and bleeding Nigerian education system.â&#x20AC;?

Okebukola also appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embrace dialogue in resolving the ongoing strike.

Holy Child College â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;79 Class Inaugurates Digital Maths Lab in Alma Mater Funmi Ogundare Holy Child College Old Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association (HCCOGA), class of 79 recently inaugurated a Mathematics Laboratory for students of the college, designed to enhance their study and success in the subject.

The second Vice-President of the association, Mrs. Titi Akinsanya said the essence was to give back to the college that shaped them, adding that there was a need in the school, which the association decided to key into. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a need in the school so we decided to key into that need by donating the digital Maths lab. It will go a long way in upskilling the school. Not too many schools have Maths digital lab, it is all about continuous improvement for the college.â&#x20AC;?

She said the apps and demos would be interactive and interesting especially for children that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the subject. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish we had this in my days, I am not ashamed to say I got a pass in Maths in my WASSCE, but this digital Maths lab will make the subject more interesting. I believe that with the initiative, more geniuses will come out from it. The sets have done various things for the college and will continue to do more. It is a way of giving back.â&#x20AC;?

The Administrator of the school, Sister Antoinette Opara

said it will also enhance studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desire to study Maths, excel in it and get careers related to it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes students feel Maths is difficult, but with the project which is digital, students like the screen, they are really excited using it and it is helping them to learn. Topics we have never taught before, they are now checking it out, playing the games and excelling in Maths.â&#x20AC;?

She added that several sets have over the years been coming to donate books and renovate the library, as well as painting the entire college, but that the digital Maths lab stands out among the many projects.

The Dean of Studies, Mr. Goodluck Ohakwe said over the years, mathematics has always been taught as an abstract subject and as a result, students developed a phobia for it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the new concept and methods, the fear for maths has been changing. Students want to relate with something they can feel and touch.â&#x20AC;?

He thanked the 79 set for the gesture and the school management for the implementation process saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the project has come to stay, it will improve studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to understand maths and help them retain what they were taught in the classroom. It is a step to the yearnings of solving maths and enhancing studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; studies in general.â&#x20AC;?

The management and staďŹ&#x20AC; of Holy Child College, Lagos with members of the Holy Child College Old Girls Association (HCCOGA) class of 79, during the inauguration of the digital Maths lab at the collegeâ&#x20AC;Ś recently

Ayade Kicks off Construction Quizac Now Available for of Advanced Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Download, Promises Improved Training College Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Performance The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade has flagged off construction work on the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West Africa Advanced Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Continuous Training College.

Fielding questions from journalists at the construction site located in Biase Local Government Area, Ayade, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu and some members of the state executive council, said the intent was to improve the performance and skills of teachers while addressing WASSCE performance in the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will be the first of its kind in the entire West Africa, it will be awarding degrees in collaboration with the British Canadian team, share affiliation with other universities across the world, particularly Canada and Britain,â&#x20AC;? Ayade stated.

He said the project will be completed within six months, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the college will have international teachers, particularly from Pakistan and India to handle physics and chemistry.

The government will take a lot of teachers from the Philippines to teach in specialised areas focusing on improving WASSCE performance in the state.â&#x20AC;?

He said another reason for establishing the college was to move the state to the first position in terms of performance in WAEC and NECO examinations, even as plans are underway to change the state Ministry of Education to Ministry of Quality Education.

The governor, who disclosed that the choice of the project site was in honour of Esu, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just thought to myself that one day when we are out of office, they will ask what did you do for Biase people when you were a deputy governor?â&#x20AC;?

He said in doing this, â&#x20AC;&#x153;you will have a very big project to show as a former vice-chancellor, former dean, a university professor and now a deputy governor, so, there is nothing that will please you more than adding value to education in the state.â&#x20AC;?

A Nigerian-made educational quiz app, Quizac is now available for download worldwide on Google Play store, following series of demands from students and the general audience. The concept for the app was first revealed by the developers earlier this year and it received a considerable amount of attention with many commending the constructive learning pattern it offers.

The app utilizes a gaming approach for users to enhance retention for subjects learned when played. Students can pick from an array of subjects and interact by initiating a game.

The developers have described Quizacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal as to improve academic performance in students by helping them review any subject and provide sufficient knowledge as they play the games.

Commenting on the idea behind the creation and the sole purpose of the app, founder; Tade Samson said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Time after time, people find themselves unable to recollect most of what have been studied prior to examinations or

tests and this constantly results in poor academic performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The goal to dwindle this factor, led to the creation of Quizac as the problem is never with our IQ but rather the lack of a constructive learning pattern- something Quizac heavily utilizes to enable retention, long after reviewing the subjects on the app. One of the most imperative goals of Quizac is to increase academic performance significantly in students by creating an avenue for them to review any topic of their choice faster than ever. With Quizac, students can finally play, learn and remember.â&#x20AC;?

According to Samson, Quizac also collates the performances of players after each game; presenting them with analysis on areas of improvement in various subjects reviewed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Another remarkable feature the app utilises to ensure increased academic performance is the concept of learning by spaced repetition - a concept that enhances longer retention by constantly bringing back questions missed by players during the course of playing.â&#x20AC;?

34

T H I S D AY Ëž ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

Ikpeazu Restates Commitment to Girl-child Education, Welcomes Australian Academy Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has promised that his administration would not waver in its efforts to promote girl child education, saying that no nation can fully attain its potential without giving adequate education to its female population.

He made this known while interacting with the children media club of the Australian Academy at the Government Lodge, Aba where he fielded questions from the pupils on the policy direction of his government on issues affecting children.

The governor stated that the era when cultural practices were used to discourage the education of the gild child is over, adding that his administration is

â&#x20AC;&#x153;doing a lot of thingsâ&#x20AC;? to promote girl child education, including setting up special school for girls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The girl child is as important as the boy child,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding that the high premium placed on the education of the girl child in the state has affected school population in favour of girls with a ratio of 51:49 in primary school enrolment.

According to him, education of girls, who are the mothers of tomorrow, has greater impact on the nation as it helps to build strong families, healthy children and good economy of families.

Ikpeazu also told the pupils that the state government has outlawed hawking by children in order to encourage the education

of children, especially girls, who are mostly the victims of hawking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a crime in our state for parents to send an underaged child to hawk goods in the streets thereby exposing the child to dangers such accidents, sexual abuse, abduction, among other crimes.â&#x20AC;?

Speaking with journalists, the Proprietress of the Australian Academy, Mrs. Vivian Peters, said the school started in Abuja and has now berthed in Aba, the commercial city of Abia.

She said the governor facilitated the opening of the academy in Abia through his policy of encouraging the indigenes to come home and invest, adding that the school would be a shining light for quality education in the state.

Peters disclosed that her ultimate goal is to spread the academy across the country so that every state would benefit from the high academic standard which the school is noted for.

Peters, who also runs the Precious Kids Education Empowerment, a nongovernmental organisation, which promotes qualitative teaching and learning, said the partnership with Abia State government has yielded good dividends in the training of teachers in the state.

She said the collaboration has resulted in the establishment of the Abia Continuing Teacher Training Centre, which ensures the sustainable training and updating of teachers in the state to improve teaching and learning.

L-R: The Managing Director, PZ Cussons Nigeria, Alex Goma; the winner of PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge, 2018, Tadese Fatai of Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School, Agege, Lagos; Group Brand Development and Activation Manager, Personal Care PZ Cussons Nigeria, Charity Ilevbare-Adeniyi, and the second runner-up, Iwuala Chibuzor of the same school, during the courtesy visit and factory tour of PZ Cussons in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Ś recently

Greensprings School Hosts Prospective Parents, Stakeholders Uchechukwu Nnaike Greensprings School, Lekki, Lagos recently opened its doors to prospective parents, students, as well as parents of current students and other stakeholders for its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Get to Know Usâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; event.

As part of the event, the guests were taken on a tour of the school, observed ongoing lessons in the classrooms, as well as feedback sessions.

On the rationale for the event, the Director of Education, Helen Brocklesby, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we are opening our doors to let people who want to come and find out exactly who we are and what we do; we want them to them to understand how special Greensprings is and how we are offering a unique and quality education in Nigeria to all our students.

She stressed that education is going through

huge change globally and it is important for the school to ensure that it is replicating and leading in those changes; â&#x20AC;&#x153;whether it is to do with curriculum which is interactive and joined up, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t experience the world in isolation, we experience it in a thematic way and that is how we teach.

Whether it has to do with technology, or the resources we offer or thinking skills. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thinking is incredibly important; being able to problem-solve, being able to analyse, and we teach the children to be able to do that. So it is an education experience that is world class which has proven result. We have top in country and top in the world students and we are very proud of what they have achieved.â&#x20AC;?

On the relationship between parents and the school, Brocklesby

said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We operate an open door policy; what that means is that parents are able to come in and talk to us about what is going on with their children, good things, bad things, challenges the children are having and we work together with the parents to tailor the support and help we give the children to make sure they achieve what they can achieve. It is a working relationship.â&#x20AC;?

The Head of Admission, Mrs. Oluranti Bankole said it is a programme that shows that the school has nothing to hide and there is no secret to its success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It takes diligence, passion for what you do and when you are doing everything in love and the child is the centre of all the decisions you make, definitely you are going to have a good school and turn out good students at the end of the day.â&#x20AC;?

She described the event as a day of absolute visibility â&#x20AC;&#x153;and we let them go into the classrooms, they speak to our teachers and there is a panel where they engage the head of school, students and they just ask any question they want about anything and there are people around to answer.â&#x20AC;?

A parent, Mrs. Bunmi Olabode, who has three children in the school, said the school is not only concerned about academics, but also about raising grounded children that can think for themselves, who are life-long learners so that they can be useful to themselves and the society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very impressed with what they give my children and the children in the community; and the environment is very clean; it is very safe and very child-friendly and it just keeps getting better.â&#x20AC;?

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALSO A SHOE THING Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x17D;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; ÍŻÍ°Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;ĂĄË&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă?âĂ&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ËŞĂ&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ë Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;ʨĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;ĂŁË&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;äĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ë&#x17E; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ë&#x153; ĘŽĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17E;ĂŁĂ&#x2013;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă?âĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ě&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039; Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;ĘĽĂ?Ă&#x153;Ě&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;ĂŁĂ&#x161;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;ʨĂ? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË&#x203A; Ă?ËŞĂ Ă? Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ë? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă?â Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;ËŁ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ë&#x203A; Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2122;ĘĽĂ?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;ËŁ Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;ËŁ Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;ĘĽ ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x203A;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;ĂĄĂ&#x2039;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;ËŁ Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D;Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2122;ĘĽ Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x161; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x203A; ĂŁĂ&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2019;ĂŁĂ&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x;ĘŠĂ?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2122;Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2122;Ă? ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x152;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x17D; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ę°Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?ĂŁËŞĂ Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2022; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?ĂŁ Ă?âĂ?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2122;ĘĽ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;ĂŁ Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x203A;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x161; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Mrs Kehinde Omoru writes from the UK

COSFAN President Pledges Commitment to Education Advancement The newly elected President of the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria (COSFAN), Abiola Ruth Adimula, has stated the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s readiness to continue to advance education, promotion of scholarships by institutions to deserving Nigerians and to act as a think-tank in different need-based development issues in the country and other Commonwealth countries.

She said her team recently visited the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu to seek collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, adding that in an effort to impact the Nigerian society, the association is determined to provide voluntary services, improve the education and other relevant sectors through knowledge sharing and professionalism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nigerian and British governments have invested in our career to give us the professional skills we now possess, making COSFAN members to be experts in different fields of study. Hence, we can support the government in planning, designing and implementation of various

capacity building programmes for the ministry and its agencies.

If the ministry is happy for us to assist in this way, we can work together to identify where such support is needed and how the skills transfer programme can be effectively organised.â&#x20AC;?

Adimula who is also the President of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, said some of its members have played critical roles in many of the international donor projects, including DFIDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education Data Research and Evaluation in Nigeria (EDOREN), which the ministry can leverage on to advance its works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;COSFAN can give technical and personnel support to the Federal Ministry of Education on organising educational competitions which can enhance the education sector in the country.

COSFAN is also available to extend to the ministry the Commonwealth Scholarship â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Project Campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scheme for selected candidates, on providing one-onone mentoring at pre-departure briefings, reintegration workshops and events in collaboration and on behalf of the ministry.â&#x20AC;?

T H I S D AY Ëž ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

35

Corruption: Foundation Tasks Govt on State of Education, Infrastructure

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nigeria Should Deploy Human Capacity/Tech for Devtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Funmi Ogundare

Ugo Aliogo

The Executive Director, Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF), Mr. Akin Fadeyi has called on the Nigerian government to as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency in the education sector, upgrade infrastructure, modernize learning environment and re-orientate students to have a sense of dignity and self-respect.

He said if this is not done, the Nigerian youths who constitute more than 60 per cent of the population would be mentally and psychologically dehumanised and turn around to endanger the society making it ungovernable.

Fadeyi, who is also the initiator of Corruption not in My Country (CNIMC) project, made this known recently at the launch of the season two of the CNIMC television skits and drama series, in Lagos.

He argued that if the children

and youths are not properly socialised, they may end up imbibing destructive social vices which would eat deep into the philosophy and moral foundation upon which a good society should ideally be built.

The executive director recalled that the foundation discovered some sharp practices online in June this year, when students indulged in examination malpractices for JAMB, WAEC and other related examinations, saying that it drew the attention of the minister of education to it, but so far nothing has been done to stop the ugly trend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an act of abominable corruption if parents allow their children and wards to cut corners so that they can be the best. Such parents are not raising best children, rather they are raising future robbers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not a surprise then that out academic institutions are producing ill-equipped graduates, while our colleges

are also so morally bankrupt and infrastructurally deficient to the extent that they cannot compete globally. These sad developments are tragic byeproducts of corruption.â&#x20AC;?

Fadeyi said the foundation is making moves to expose corrupt practices right from the small community even up to the political class.

The Director of MacArthur Foundation, Africa Office, Dr. Kole Shetimma regretted the level of inequality in the country, saying that one of the problem Nigeria is having is using its resources to enhance the lives of the people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigeria is not a poor country, yet there is inequality in the society, that is why you see youths carry arms against the people.

We should always demand for accountability from our leaders so that we can achieve a significant impact. That is why the foundation decided to focus on accountability.â&#x20AC;?

The Chief Executive Officer of the Cable Online News, Mr. Simon Kolawole said more often than not, attention seems to be focused on the political class as being corrupt, while neglecting such act at the lower level.

He expressed delight about the programme, saying that the message on corruption is something that must be taken all over the country to change the narratives.

The Advisor, MacArthur Entertainment Agency, Mrs. Gloria Esiaba said people should be taught the need to be faithful in small things, adding that parents should train their children properly so that when they grow up, there will be a better Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What divides us in this country is class and those who have enough money to influence things. We get scared because of who we are. We all have a role to play to make Nigeria better.â&#x20AC;?

The Rector, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Mr. Femi Omokungbe has stressed the need for the country to deploy its human capacity and technology in an effort to address developmental challenges in the country.

Omokungbe made this known recently while briefing journalists on activities to mark its 32nd convocation ceremonies for the class of 2016/2017, which will commence on November 16, with a Jumat service.

He said the convocation lecture titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sustainability of Technological Advancement- a Key to Industrial Growthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will be delivered by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola on November 19.

According to him, since the trend globally is towards achieving development without depleting the natural resources, it is imperative to meet the needs of the country without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is our responsibility as a technology-based institution to create the platform for an academic discourse to address the challenges arising from our national quest for development.

We must be able to tackle our challenges using skills and technology.â&#x20AC;?

Since its inception, Omokungbe said the college

has produced graduates that are in enviable positions in the public and private sectors and are contributing to the industrial and technological development of the country, adding that staff were also sponsored for higher degrees.

On the employability of its graduates, the rector said the college has designed programmes that would enable them to be self-employed, adding that plans are also underway to employ its HND graduates as technologists.

On infrastructure, he said efforts are being made to ensure that the road leading into the college is fixed, adding that power has also improved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Work is going on to have our work station. On the female hostel, that got burnt two years ago, we have done a structural test on it which failed, and we felt that renovating it will be dangerous. Already we are working with structural engineers to have a new design, and talking to the private sector to build hostels to tackle the challenge of accommodation.â&#x20AC;?

A total of 7,170 students will be awarded National and Higher National Diploma, comprising full and part-time graduands at the programme which will be witnessed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu as guest of honour. The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is expected as the chief host.

Totalprenure, AWACIO Empower 44 Youths with Vocational Skills Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

L-R: A member, Board of Trustees, Olashore International School, Iloko Ijesha, Osun State, Prince Taiwo Olashore; Principal of the school, Mr. Derek Smith; the Chairman Board of Trustees, Prince Bimbo Olashore; and another member of the BoT, Prince Kehinde Olashore, at the unveiling of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 25th anniversary logo in Lagos...recently

Lafarge Africa Director Inspires Female UNILAG Students Funmi Ogundare As part of efforts to inspire female undergraduates to be the best in their various fields of endeavour and achieve the needed impact, the Director of Communication, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs. Fola-Ambrose Medebem recently held the maiden edition of Women Inspiring Impact Network (WIIN) to mentor them to greatness.

At the programme in Lagos, Medebem shared her story and the essence of charting a successful career path to further inspire the students. She told THISDAY that the essence of the mentorship programme is for the students to be more self-aware about themselves and getting them to understand that their success lies in their hands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Part of what WIIN stands for is to inspire the best in

them, they need to be more conscious about themselves and be passionate, so it is by inspiring the best in them and enabling them to speak up a lot more by encouraging, motivating and getting them to understand that to be a success or not is in their hands.â&#x20AC;?

Asked if she achieved her goals of mentoring them, she said â&#x20AC;&#x153;after sharing my story and career with them and the obstacles they may come across, they asked me a number of questions and it was very insightful. It is not just about what you say, but about what you see and what I can see is that they were inspired, motivated and some of them are already asking that I should come and speak at their schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programme, some of them are already speaking up and demanding. I am already seeing instant impact.â&#x20AC;?

Alumni Sensitise Students on Mental Health Concerned about the rising menace of suicide and drug abuse by teenagers in the society, the 1991-1996 set of alumni of AnsarUd-Deen College, Isolo, Lagos recently organised a seminar tagged â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Promoting a Mentally Healthy Generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for students of the school.

The health talk focused on the promotion of self-esteem and building self-confidence while shunning vices like gambling, drug misuse and abuse and seeking help when feeling depressed.

A psychologist, Dr. Olushola Olibamoyo, who spoke at the event, said students must endeavour to interact with friends of value while shunning bad company always. He also highlighted some of the ways teenagers are introduced to actions detrimental to their wellbeing and how to identify anti-social behaviour and

avoid them.

Another resource person, Mr. Ambali Gold engaged the students with an interactive session of true life stories, songs and thought-provoking quizzes on drug misuse, abuse and mental health, with students winning books and various academic materials.

The Principal of the school, Mr. Adebambo, expressed delight and thanked the alumni for the programme and appealed to them to sustain it as an annual event with a view to building the mental health of students.

The Chairman of the 91/96 alumni set, Mr. Shafe Wasiu explained that the seminar was one of the many activities initiated by the set to give back to the school, as well as impact positively on the minds of young students who are under pressure by the high expectations of the society.

Totalprenure, a subsidiary of Total Group of Companies and Aids for Women, Adolescents and Children International Organisation (AWACIO), a non-governmental organisation have empowered 44 youths in Niger State after a six week intensive training.

The youths who were representatives of all the local government areas of the state were trained in different skills which include the making of shoes and bags, soap and room fresheners, perfumes, as well as tailoring, phone repairs and hair dressing.

In his remarks, the Executive General Manager, Cooperate Social Responsibility of Total, Mr. Vincent Nnadi, said government cannot fight unemployment alone, hence the need to fill in the gap.

Nnadi, who was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of AWACIO, Dr. Claudia Okeke, said there is need to reduce poverty and this is made possible through youth empowerment programmes which are one of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the organisation.

Okeke called on the Niger State government to key into the programme and take ownership by training as many youths as possible in entrepreneurial skills towards empowering themselves and others.

She revealed that the criteria used in the selection of the beneficiaries who all got starter kit were punctuality, commitment and merit among other qualities as many people had indicated interest to be part of the training. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All doors are open for interested donor agencies. We call on the Niger State government to take ownership of the programme which will serve as a stepping stone for other programmes. Trainees have been given starter packs and we are hoping that one day, they will become self-reliant and become employers of labour.â&#x20AC;?

One of the trainers, a nurse and midwife by profession, Ms. Lois Adamu, who loves to be an entrepreneur, said there is nothing to be compared to being oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own boss.

While commending the federal government for the inclusion of entrepreneurial studies in the basic school curriculum, she said more needs to be done especially in differentiating between skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, as the former must come before the latter and they should be seen as two separate entities.

Adamu, who had trained five trainees on perfumery, said the making and use of perfumes, as well as the pleasant scents are divine and are not affected by economy as individuals in the trade are at liberty to determine the price of their products.

36

T H I S D AY Ëž ͯͲË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

CITYSTRINGS

Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ë? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă? äĂ?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ë&#x203A;Ă?äĂ?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;ĚśĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ë&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x153; Í&#x2018;Í&#x2122;Í&#x2019;Í&#x2013;Í&#x201C;Í&#x201C;Í&#x2013;Í&#x201C;Í&#x201D;Í&#x201C;Í&#x2013;

Anglican Priests' Day of Rage against Obiano The ongoing controversy surrounding the ownership of Bishop Crowther Primary School, Onitsha, in Anambra State, recently took another turn when priests of the Anglican Communion took war to Governor Willie Obiano's doorstep. David-Chyddy Eleke reports

A cross section of the Anglican priests blocking the gate of Anambra State Government House

The Anglican priests with their placards

T

wo weeks back, persons suspected to be thugs loyal to the Anambra State Government invaded Bishop Crowther Primary School, in Onitsha, which also serves as a worship centre for Anglicans in the area, and chased away worshippers.

The reason for their action was because the land had been in contention with their Catholic counterparts also laying claim to the land, thereby forcing the state government to seal off the land. But insisting on being the genuine owners of the land, the Anglicans had moved in to conduct their worship without regards for the seal, before the thugs arrived.

The Siege at Government House Deciding to take the war to the chief security officer of the state, Governof Willie Obiano, over 300 priests of the Diocese of the Niger, last week, all fully dressed in their priestly robes stormed the Anambra State Government House. They seemed prepared for what fate may thrust at them as each carried a collapsible chair in one hand and a hymn book in the other.

The priests carried placards of various inscriptions to give an inkling of their grievances.

Some of the placards read: 'Gov. Obiano stop disrupting our church services and activities', 'Bishop Crowder Memorial Primary School is not government property', among others.

As they assembled in front of the gate of the government house, which only the state governor has the right to use (every other visitor uses a side gate), they arranged their seats in a row that depicted a place of worship and immediately resorted to singing their hymn.

From their look and demeanour, they were not in a hurry to leave, even though the sun was at its scorching best. It was only by a stroke of luck that the governor had just moments ago driven past the gate to his office to resume work, because if he was there late, or had any reason to leave office urgently, he would have been confronted by the priests, who obviously were prepared for a showdown.

Grievances The leader of the protesting priests, and Archdeacon of Onitsha South Archdeaconry, Venerable Josiah Chukwukadibia Ofoegbu, said

they were in front of the government house to register their grievances over marginalisation and politics of denomination being played by the Anambra State Government under Obiano.

They also claimed that so many Anglicans in the state were denied All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket under the very supervision of Obiano for various elective positions in the just concluded party primaries, describing such as a threat to peaceful coexistence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are embittered in what is happening in our dear state. This present administration is turning Anambra to a denominational state. It is unfortunate that this is happening 28 years after Bishop Ajayi Crowder who built the school in question for which we are protesting, left Nigeria. The school was handed over to the Anglican Church. Both Anglicans and Catholics know about that. When government seized school, it was seized from us and during hand over to schools, it was again handed over to us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it was quite unfortunate that Obiano sent thugs few weeks ago to send us out of the place.

We will leave for today, but the governor must know that the next time we come here, our protest will not be a holy one. We will not even come in our priestly robe, so the governor must note this

They disgraced us on our own property. They dispersed the worshippers and even threatened to kill us. This injustice must end. We want to let him know that we will worship there on Sunday, he should prepare for war. We are ready to die on that land. Obiano should stop that discrimination. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some Anglicans were denied APGA ticket in this state because they are not Catholics.

When people like Jim Nwobodo and Nnamdi Azikiwe were leaders, they never discriminated against anybody. We are here to also tell the governor that we will worship at the place on Sunday and if he fails to open the place, we will open it by force. Nigeria and the world will hear what will happen on Sunday," he said.

Protracted Battle Between Anglicans and Catholics THISDAY gathered that the genesis of the problem was not the seizure of the property by government, but a protracted battle between the Catholic Church and their Anglican counterpart, who have for long been enmeshed in a supremacy battle. The state government however decided to take over the land, a development that irked the Anglican faithfuls, who refused to believe that the government actually took over the land.

A source from the Anglican Communion who begged to remain anonymous said: "Government did not take over the school, what we think they simply did was to take the land which if we did not raise alarm, they would have simply handed over to the Catholic Church.

Obiano is aiding the seizure of our property by the Catholic Church, because he is a Catholic.

That is our major unhappiness."

DeďŹ ance Meanwhile, the protesting priests defied attempts by aides of the governor to address them. A mild drama played out during the protest. An Archdeacon of the Anglican Communion and Governor Willie Obianoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aide, Ven. Barr. Amaechi Okwosa, sent by the governor to address the protesters was resisted by the aggrieved priests.

Okwosa, who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, while addressing journalists said the governor has set

up a committee to look into the matter with a view to finding a lasting solution, even as he regretted that governor was not informed about their visit.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To the best of my knowledge, there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an official information regarding the visit by the priests. They are laying down their grievances, and from what they are saying, they have a misgiving regarding a school at Onitsha which they want the governor to intervene and do the needful."

Obiano however stuck to his gun, over the request of the priests to be briefed by him. Even though he was in the office, the governor snubbed the over 300 priests. Instead, the governor was said to have sent for the Bishop of the diocese, Rt Rev Owen Nwokolo, who before leaving to meet the governor in his office ordered an end to the protest, causing the priests to vacate the gate of the government house at mid noon.

Before leaving, one of the priests who spoke to journalists stated that; "we will leave for today, but the governor must know that the next time we come here, our protest will not be a holy one. We will not even come in our priestly robe, so the governor must note this."

The Governor's Stance Obiano has however responded to the protests of the priests, insisting that the bishop of the diocese and his wife were merely orchestrating trouble, even though they are aware that the land in question does not belong to their church.

Obiano who responded through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. James Eze, said if the bishop had approached government, seeking for allocation of land for building of extra parishes, like other bishops have done, "we would have obliged him. But government would not fold its hands and watch its property being taken away by any individual or group".

Though the result of the meeting between the governor and the bishop of the diocese has not been made public, the threats by the priests to break into the sealed off property and worship there, and also the promise of a repeat protest, which may not be as peaceful as the first, are all dependent on the outcome of the meeting between the governor and the prelate.

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͲË&#x153; ͰͮͯͶ

CRIME&SECURITY CRIME SITUATION REPORTS

SECURITY TIPS (PART 26) r &YBNJOF BMM WJTJUPST UP ZPVS IPNF &OTVSF UP BMXBZT DIFDL BOE WFU FYUFSOBM CPEJFT UIBU WJTJU ZPVS IPNFT 4PNF BSF IPPEMVNT XIP BDU PO VOJGPSN BT /1' PS 1)$/ 4UBGG "MXBZT TDSVUJOJTF TVDI JOEJWJEVBMT BOE WJTJUPST BOE LFFQ UIFN BU B EJTUBODF r-JWF B TJNQMF BOE SFTQPOTJCMF MJGFTUZMF $POEVDUJOH BDUJWJUJFT NPEFSBUFMZ BOE BWPJEJOH HMJU[ BOE HMBNPVS IFMQ UP NBLF POF MFTT PG B UISFBU QFSTPOBMJUZ r #F BMFSU PCTFSWBOU BOE QFSDFQUJWF 5IJT XJMM FOBCMF ZPV TFOTF EBOHFS BOE SFQPSU BOZ VOXIPMFTPNF VOVTVBM CFIBWJPVS JNNFEJBUFMZ UP UIF BQQSPQSJBUF BVUIPSJUJFT r /FWFS HJWF PVU JOGPSNBUJPO DBSFMFTTMZ "MXBZT FOTVSF DPHFOU JOGPSNBUJPO BCPVU ZPV PS NFNCFST PG ZPVS GBNJMZ BSF TIBSFE BNPOHTU UIPTF USVTUXPSUIZ /FWFS HJWF WJUBM JOGPSNBUJPO UP QFSTPOT VOGBNJMJBS UP ZPV r ,FFQ TFDVSJUZ HBEHFUT DMPTF BU OJHIU 4VDI HBEHFUT JODMVEF SBEJPT QIPOFT MPBEFE XJUI BJSUJNF BOE FWFO UIF UPSDIMJHI r "WPJE PS DVSUBJM JODFTTBOU MBUF OJHIU PVUJOHT r "HBJO JUhT JNQPSUBOU UP SFJUFSBUF UIBU POF NVTU CF TFDVSJUZ DPOTDJPVT BMM UIF UJNF SOURCE: Ynaija

EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND

Some of the arrested suspected cultists

Police Clampdown on 58 Suspected Cultists in Lagos Stories by Emmanuel Udom

5IF -BHPT 4UBUF 1PMJDF $PNNBOE XFFLFOE DMBNQFE EPXO PO TVTQFDUFE DVMUJTUT BOE QBSBEFE UIFN CFGPSF OFXTNFO BU UIF DPNNBOE IFBERVBSUFST JO *LFKB "DDPSEJOH UP UIF $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF &EHBM *NPIJNJ UIF TVTQFDUT XFSF QJDLFE VQ BSPVOE "HFHF BOE "HCPXB BSFBT PG UIF TUBUF 8IJMF VSHJOH UIF ZPVUIT UP TIVO DSJNF BOE TFFL MFHJUJNBUF KPCT PS CVTJOFTTFT

JO PSEFS UP FBSO B EFTDFOU MJWJOH IF TBJE UIF DPNNBOE XPVME OPU UPMFSBUF BOZ DSJNJOBM BDUJWJUJFT 8IJMF TVTQFDUFE NFNCFST PG UIF OPUPSJPVT "XBXB DVMU HSPVQT XFSF BSSFTUFE JO WBSJPVT QBSUT PG "HFHF GPMMPXJOH TFSJFT PG EJTUSFTT DBMMT BOE DPNQMBJOUT SFDFJWFE CZ UIF DPNNBOE JO UIF MBTU UXP XFFLT PUIFST XFSF BSSFTUFE BSPVOE "HCPXB BSFB PG -BHPT 4PNF PG UIF TVTQFDUT QSFTFOUMZ JO QPMJDF OFU BS-

SFTUFE GSPN UIF "HFHF BYJT XFSF 0MBSFOXBKV 4IBLJSV "TIBNV "MPZF (PEXJO *CSBIJN :BLVCV *TNBJMB *TIB 0UPCPOH 4UVSEBZ 3JMXBO "EFCBZP 4IBSBGB "KBOJ 5PQF "EFCBZP 5POZ %BWJE $IJPNB "OBFMF BOE "ZVCB %BOLPMF 5IPTF QJDLFE VQ BSPVOE "HCPXB BOE FOWJSPOT JODMVEF )JMBSZ *UVOB 4VOEBZ 0MVNVZJXB #BCBUVOEF 4IPLFGVO "OUIPOZ *EPNF *TBI "[FF[ BOE /VSVEFFO 3BIJNJ

Lagos State Security Trust Fund Trains RRS Personnel 5IF -BHPT 4UBUF 4FDVSJUZ 5SVTU 'VOE -445' XFFLFOE PSHBOJTFE USBJOJOH GPS PGGJDFST PG UIF 3BQJE 3FTQPOTF 4RVBE 334 PO UIF h6TF PG 5FMFDPNNVOJDB-

UJPO $BMM 3FDPSET GPS $SJNF 'JHIUJOHhh 5IF CFOFGJDJBSJFT XFSF ESBXO GSPN QPPM PG 334 PGGJDFST PO GJFME PQFSBUJPO BOE VOEFSDPWFS PQFSBUJWFT

5IF USBJOJOH XBT EFTJHOFE UP CSPBEFO UIF TLJMM PG UIF PGGJDFST JO VTJOH EJHJUBM BOE FMFDUSPOJD EBUB GPS JOUFMMJHFODF HBUIFSJOH BOE JOWFTUJHBUJWF BDUJWJUJFT

B 1PMJDF $POUSPM 3PPN /PT PS C $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF D %FQVUZ $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF "ENJO

E %FQVUZ $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF 4$**% F %FQVUZ $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF 0QT

G "SFB $PNNBOEFS 0XFSSJ H "SFB $PNNBOEFS 0SMV I "SFB $PNNBOEFS 0LJHXF J 1PMJDF 1VCMJD 3FMBUJPOT 0GÃ DFS *NP 4UBUF

SOURCE: Imo State Police Command

POLICE STATIONS IN LAGOS WITH FAMILY SUPPORT UNIT The Lagos State Police has released an update on police stations in the state that have Family Support Units (FSUs)/Gender Unit/ Juvenile Welfare Centre (JWC) and phone numbers to reach them on.

"EFOJKJ "EFMF -BHPT *TMBOE *TPLPLP *MVQFKV 'FTUBD "MBLVLP #BEBHSZ "KBI *LPSPEV *HCPHCP

,FUV *LPUVO (FOEFS %FTL 1PMJDF $PNNBOE (3" *LFKB %JWJTJPOBM 1PMJDF 4UBUJPO +8$ "MBLBSB SOURCE: Lagos State Police Command

LAGOS CP AND PRINCIPAL OFFICERS $1 *NPIJNJ &EHBM $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF -BHPT 4UBUF %$1 "ZVCB &MLBOBI /BCVOJ %FQVUZ $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF "ENJOJTUSBUJPO %$1 .VIBNNFE "MJ "SJ %FQVUZ $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF 0QFSBUJPOT "$1 .PIBNNFE %BOMBEJ "SFB $PNNBOEFS " -BHPT *TMBOE

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

$41 $IJLF 0UJ 1PMJDF 1VCMJD 3FMBUJPOT 0GÃ DFS 1130

One of the recipients of the training

Source: The Lagos State Police Command

38

W E D N E S DAY Ëž NOVEMBER 14, 2018

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NDIC Assures Customers of Failed MFBs, PMBs 100% Coverage James Emejo Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Nume Ekeghe The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said it will soon commence the payment of depositors of the 154 microfinance banks (MFBs) and six Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) whose licences were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim, disclosed this while speaking at the opening ceremony of a workshop for financial journalists in Benin yesterday.

He said the corporation would pay 100 per cent of the funds of the depositors of the affected financial institutions.

Ibrahim, who was represented by the Director, Insurance and Surveillance Department, Muhammed Umar, noted that the NDIC has commenced verification of insured depositors and would soon commence paying verified claims to appropriate depositors in fulfilment of its core mandate. According to him, records form the verification process showed that majority of the depositors especially in the MFBs, have less than N200,000 in their accounts.

This he said meant that the NDIC pay-out would cover 100 per cent of the depositors.

Some of the financial institutions whose licences were

revoked had failed to carry on the type of banking business for which their licences were issued over period of more than six months, while others had gone into voluntary liquidation.

The affected institutions were closed because some were found to have insufficient assets to meet their liabilities, while others had their capital to risk-weighted assets ratio and regulatory capital below the minimum prescribed by the CBN. Ibrahim, assured that the NDIC would continue to work closely with CBN to ensure effective supervision of the banks and ensure strict adherence to rules and regulations guiding banking operations.

This is with a view to protecting depositors against fragrant disregard of extant rules by management of financial institutions thereby mitigating the occurrence of unlawful insidersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dealings, weak internal control and overall non-compliance to prudential guidelines.

He further said the NDIC, in collaboration with all relevant key players in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial system, would continue to work on several initiatives to accelerate financial literacy and financial inclusion, especially among rural communities nationwide so as to promote inclusive growth in Nigeria. The NDIC boss noted that to further enhance financial system stability, the corporation, â&#x20AC;&#x153;has embarked on various public

awareness campaigns explaining the role and responsibilities of the customers to their banks, and vice versa.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will essentially instil market discipline on the part of the depositors to ever be more vigilant in choosing financial institutions to bank with.â&#x20AC;?

Speaking on the defunct Skye Bank, he said â&#x20AC;&#x153;at the moment, all those that contributed to the failure of the bank are being investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies to determine their culpability or otherwise in the failure of the bank. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The NDIC is monitoring the progress of the investigations and those found guilty would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.â&#x20AC;? Also on the establishment of Polaris Bank, he stated that it â&#x20AC;&#x153;is the exclusive responsibility of the NDIC as provided for under its enabling Act,â&#x20AC;? establish a bridge bank. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important to stress that while the roles of the CBN and the NDIC complement each other, a clear distinction exists in their roles in the handling of failed or failing financial institutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The NDIC, in collaboration with the CBN, adopted bridge bank option to resolve the failure of Skye Bank Pic. This involved the organisation and incorporation of a bridge bank, Polaris Bank Limited, to take-over the assets and liabilities of the defunct Skye Bank Plc.

New Flutterwave CEO Pledges Customer Satisfaction Sunday Ehigiator The new Chief Executive of Flutterwave, a financial technology company, Olugbenga Agboola, has assured stakeholders and customers of the company of improved customer satisfaction.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos yesterday, Agoola said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flutterwave is a payment processor for merchants. We Provides seamless and secure payment solutions to banks, businesses and their customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With our solutions, a merchant can accept local and international payments from card and bank accounts. Our technology also powers services like PiggybankNG, Thrivesed. com, Walletng, MAXGO and a host of other platforms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our vision is to bring seamless online financial transactions to the door steps of every merchants and customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we often call ourselves, we are â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Google of everything paymentâ&#x20AC;?. We process any kind of cards, and we can be operated from any part of the world especially with one

of our new trending product called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rave.â&#x20AC;?

He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although we are about two and a half years now in Nigeria, we have had great level of partnership from different companies and customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We majorly here to support the banking sector but at this point, we are small merchant focused, because we believe that those small businesses are the key to the growth of any societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Uniqueness is in the fact that we are global and could transcend that to small merchants by taking their services to the global stage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, we are about the only online financial service provider with the most affordable financial charges.

This simply is 1.4 per cent charge on our transactions.â&#x20AC;?

Rave, a product of the company, is a flashy product aimed at processing all kind of payments.

The firm has over 25,000 direct merchants on it and uncountable indirect merchants.

It accepts any mode of payments as operated in distinct

countries, and also operates in the local currencies of users depending on what part of the world you are. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Rave, you can receive money from any part of the world and it is CBN certified.

We are into partnership with several big merchants and likewise start-ups. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of them includes Uber. Anytime you use Uber and make payment, that is us; Porte-Pay, Access Bank, Master Card, Visa Card, Verve, Zenith Bank etc.â&#x20AC;?

Responding to a questions on security of the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s channels, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here, we place a very high premium on security and trust of our merchants. We are about the most secured online financial services in Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take me serious, just make your findings online yourselves, the facts speak. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are PCI level-one licenced, licenced by PA-DSS; Highest Security Level you can have, also certified ISO 27001, and also in partnership with a security outlet - Digital Joel.â&#x20AC;?

CBN Injects Another $210m into Forex Market In its latest round of intervention, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday injected the sum of $210 million into the interbank foreign exchange market.

Figures obtained from the CBN indicated that the authorised dealers in the wholesale segment of the market received the sum of $100 million while the SMEs and invisibles segments were allotted the sum of $55 million each.

The Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor assured that the CBN would continue to sustain liquidity in the forex market.

He also expressed optimism that the naira would continue to remain strong against the dollar and other major currencies around the world, considering the stability in the market and robust reserves.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had on Friday, November 2, 2018, made interventions to the tune of $337.16million in the retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) and CNY 56.17million in the spot and short-tenored forwards segment of the foreign exchange market.

Meanwhile, the naira yesterday exchanged at an average of N360/$1 on the BDC segment of the market.

L-R: Cabin Services Manager, Dana Air, Innocent Udoh; Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa; Chief Operating OďŹ&#x192;cer, Obi Mbanuzuo; Director of Flight Operations, Captain Segun Omole and Flight Operations and Quality Assurance Manager, Captain Kayode Ola, during Dana Airâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th anniversary celebration in Lagos... recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2018 Broad Money (M2)

24,303,049.86

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,912,604.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,668,378.21

---- Demand Deposits

9,244,225.90

-- Quasi Money

13,390,445.76

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

15,619,134.18

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

8,683,915.68

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,267,136.53

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,823,345.45

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

5,433,209.43

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-1,609,863.98

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,443,791.08

--Other Assets Net

-17,583,220.85

Reserve Money (Base Money)

6,746,646.49

--Currency in Circulation

1,668,378.21

--Banks Reserves

4,357,551.58 Ëž Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039;

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

March 2018 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&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x2039; ͯ͹Ϲ

The price of OPEC basket of ďŹ fteen crudes stood at $68.89 a barrel on Friday, compared with $70.68 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations..

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), 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

39

W E D N E S DAY ˾ NOVEMBER 14, 2018

MARKET NEWS

NSE, CISI to Build Capacity for Securities Market Growth Goddy Egene The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) has entered into a new partnership with The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to provide trainings for CISI’s qualifications in Nigeria, under the auspices NSE’s X-Academy.

Based in London, CISI’s mission is to help members attain, maintain and develop their knowledge and skills

and to promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the securities and investment profession. The NSE said in a statement that the partnership will result in CISI accrediting X-Academy as its training partner in Nigeria for qualifications including the International Introduction to Securities & Investment (IISI), International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management and Certificate in

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

Derivatives. X-Academy will be offering both face-to-face and online training for these qualifications.

The CISI is the 45,000 strong, global not-for-profit professional body with members in over 100 countries. It has been working in Africa since 2012 offering exams and membership across the continent, with regulatory approval for its examinations in eight countries. It opened its first African office in Kenya in

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

June. Over the last 18 months almost 3,500 CISI examinations have been sat in Africa, making it CISI’s fastest growing market. The CISI is an Associate Member of the Africa Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) in a partnership which aims to promote professionalism and develop channels for capacity building and knowledge sharing to support the growth of the capital markets profession in Africa. Assistant Director, CISI

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Global Business Development, Helena Wilson said: “We are delighted to partner with the NSE to provide training for CISI’s internationally recognised qualifications in Nigeria, supporting the development of human capital within the fast-growing Nigerian capital markets. CISI qualifications are fast becoming a benchmark across Africa, and this partnership is symbolic of Nigeria’s growing influence both within

O F

Africa and on the global stage.”

Chief Human Resource Officer of NSE, Pai Gamde, said: “This partnership is a testament to the years of investment we have made in pushing the boundaries of financial education and stimulating investors’ participation in the Nigerian capital market. In 2017, we launched X-Academy to offer our ecosystem a blended learning approach and the curriculum across CISI programs reflects the same intent.

1 2 / 1 1 / 2 0 1 8 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018

40

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ThisDay Afrinvest Index Stays Flat zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ dŚŝƐ ĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ŝŶĚĞdž ƐƚĂLJĞĚ ŇĂƚ Ăƚ

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

1335.62 as sell-ŽīƐ ŝŶ GUARANTY (-0.3%), NIGERIAN Ticker

BREWERIES (-0.1%) and NESTLE (-Ϭ͘ϳйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ŽīƐĞƚ ďLJ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚƐ ŝŶ ZENITH (+1.0%) and ACCESS (+0.6%). dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϱϱ͘Ϯй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

>ŽĐĂů

ŽƵƌƐĞ

ZĞĐŽƌĚƐ

DŝůĚ

hƉƟĐŬ

ŝŶ

Performance͙ ASI up 3bps In yesterday͛Ɛ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϯďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϯϮ͕ϭϱϮ͘ϵϬ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐΖ ďƵLJŝŶŐ interest in STANBIC (+2.1%), ZENITH (+1.0%) and WAPCO ;нϴ͘ϳйͿ͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ďLJ Eϯ͘ϱďŶ ƚŽ Eϭϭ͘ϳƚŶ ĂƐ zd ůŽƐƐ ƐƚĞĂĚŝĞĚ Ăƚ -ϭϱ͘ϵй͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ĂůƐŽ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀĂůƵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ďLJ ϰϰ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ ϭϴϮ͘Ϭй ƚŽ EϮ͘ϮďŶ ĂŶĚ ϯϵϵ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ IKEJAHOTEL

;EϱϳϮ͘ϮŵͿ͕

NESTLE

;EϰϱϬ͘ϵŵͿ ĂŶĚ GUARANTY ;EϮϬϵ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ

were

IKEJAHOTEL

;Ϯϳϵ͘ϭŵͿ͕ FBNH

;ϭϵ͘ϱŵͿ ĂŶĚ

DIAMONDBNK ;ϭϱ͘ϳŵͿ͘

Bearish Sector Performance WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϯ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ ϱ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ dŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ͕ ĚŽǁŶ Ϯ͘Ϯй ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƐĞůů-ŽīƐ in MANSARD (-8.9%) and REGALINS (-ϵ͘ϭйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ declined 0.3% ĂƉŝĞĐĞ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ NESTLE (-0.7%), DANGSUGAR (-

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ŐĂŝŶƐ in WAPCO (+8.7%), STANBIC (+2.1%),

ZENITH (+1.0%) and UBA (+1.3%).

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ tĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞƌƐͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ ƌĂƟŽͿ ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϲdž ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘Ϯdž LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ĂƐ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ Ϯϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ƚŚĂƚ UNITY

(+9.9%),

GLAXOSMITH

(+9.6%)

and MEYER (+9.1%) were yesterday͛Ɛ ďĞƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ stocks while LASACO (-10.0%), CILEASIN (-10.0%) and JBERGER (-ϵ͘ϵйͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͘ ĞƐƉŝƚĞ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͛s

P/E

P/BV

Divinden Earnings d Yield Yield

1,335.62

0.00%

-13.4%

33.6%

19.4%

7.3%

6.0x

0.7x

6.9%

36.40

-0.3%

22.1%

-10.7%

-10.2%

34.1%

5.6%

5.4x

2.1x

7.4%

18.4%

2

Zenith Bank PLC

24.25

1.0%

14.2%

-5.4%

-6.5%

23.7%

3.4%

4.2x

1.0x

11.4%

24.0%

3

Nigerian Brew eries PLC

82.00

-0.1%

6.3%

-39.2%

-39.3%

13.8%

6.4%

27.5x

3.9x

4.5%

3.6%

4

Nestle Nigeria PLC

1,450.00

-0.7%

8.7%

-6.8%

-6.8%

85.8%

26.3%

26.2x

20.4x

3.3%

3.8%

5

Dangote Cement PLC

6

FBN Holdings Plc

0.0%

6.4%

-10.9%

-10.9%

20.1%

9.8%

21.4x

4.5x

5.1%

4.7%

7.45

-2.0%

5.4%

-15.3%

-15.2%

6.6%

0.8%

5.3x

0.4x

3.4%

18.8%

7

Access Bank PLC

7.85

0.6%

3.9%

-24.9%

-25.9%

14.1%

1.7%

3.3x

0.5x

8.3%

30.6%

8

United Bank for Africa PLC

8.00

1.3%

3.9%

-22.3%

-23.2%

15.4%

1.8%

3.6x

0.6x

10.6%

27.6%

2.7%

34.2% 14.1%

9

Ecobank Transnational Inc

10

SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

15.70

0.0%

3.5%

-7.6%

-3.5%

12.1%

1.0%

4.9x

0.6x

668.00

-0.1%

3.8%

9.3%

6.7%

25.9%

15.3%

2.9x

0.7x

20.3%

11

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

48.00

2.1%

3.9%

15.7%

17.4%

35.7%

4.6%

7.1x

2.3x

2.1%

12

Unilever Nigeria PLC

39.50

0.6%

2.8%

-3.7%

-1.8%

24.7%

11.5%

18.4x

2.7x

1.3%

5.4%

13

Guinness Nigeria PLC

74.00

0.0%

2.1%

-21.3%

-21.3%

8.8%

5.0%

19.9x

1.8x

2.5%

5.0%

14

Lafarge Africa PLC

16.30

8.7%

0.7%

-63.7%

-63.7%

-53.7%

-7.9%

1.1x

9.2%

-39.8%

15

Fidelity Bank PLC

2.00

2.0%

1.2%

-18.7%

-22.5%

11.3%

1.5%

2.6x

0.3x

5.5%

16

Oando PLC

5.00

1.0%

1.3%

-16.5%

-16.5%

10.9%

1.7%

4.2x

0.3x

17

Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

12.55

-2.7%

0.8%

-37.3%

-38.4%

32.6%

16.4%

5.0x

1.4x

13.9%

20.0%

18

Okomu Oil Palm PLC

75.75

-5.1%

1.4%

11.9%

11.9%

39.3%

29.7%

7.2x

2.5x

3.8%

13.8%

19

International Brew eries PLC

33.55

0.0%

0.6%

-38.4%

-39.0%

24.6%

7.4%

35.1x

8.0x

20

Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

16.85

2.1%

0.4%

-41.9%

-41.9%

7.6%

2.3%

5.8x

0.5x

5.9%

17.3% 17.2%

2.8%

21

Transnational Corp of Nigeria

1.22

0.0%

0.6%

-16.4%

-17.6%

13.6%

3.0%

5.8x

0.7x

1.6%

22

UAC of Nigeria PLC

10.00

0.0%

0.4%

-40.8%

-40.8%

1.4%

0.6%

78.4x

0.4x

6.5%

23

Diamond Bank PLC

1.05

-9.5%

0.4%

-30.0%

-33.1%

-5.8%

-0.7%

-13.0%

-13.0%

34.6%

7.5%

7.0x

2.2x

8.5%

0.0%

6.7%

1.0%

2.6x

0.2x

6.3%

38.5%

-22.4%

38.0%

16.8%

5.0x

1.7x

5.2%

19.8%

29.7%

3.0%

24

Total Nigeria PLC

25

FCMB Group Plc

26

11 PLC

27

Forte Oil PLC

28

PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

200.00

0.0%

0.5%

1.58

-0.6%

0.6%

151.00

0.0%

0.4%

20.60

-6.2%

0.3%

-52.6%

-51.0%

9.15

0.0%

0.2%

-55.6%

-56.7%

-22.4%

0.1x

1.6x

14.3%

-10.1%

0.9x

1.6%

29

Cadbury Nigeria PLC

9.35

0.0%

0.3%

-40.3%

-40.1%

4.7%

1.9%

32.6x

1.5x

1.7%

3.1%

30

Presco PLC

66.25

0.0%

0.4%

-3.3%

-3.3%

37.0%

24.8%

2.6x

0.8x

3.0%

38.2%

31

NASCON Allied Industries PLC

18.00

0.0%

0.4%

-2.7%

-6.3%

47.0%

17.5%

9.4x

4.2x

8.3%

10.7%

32

UPDC Real Estate Investment Tr

8.10

0.0%

0.3%

-19.0%

-19.0%

0.7x

6.8%

33

Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

4.85

0.0%

0.2%

-37.8%

-35.4%

5.3%

1.0%

8.8x

0.5x

34

Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

21.35

-9.9%

0.3%

-23.8%

-23.8%

17.3%

1.8%

5.9x

0.9x

4.2x

35

Sterling Bank PLC

1.60

-0.6%

0.4%

48.1%

41.6%

10.6%

1.1%

36

Dangote Flour Mills Plc

6.10

4.3%

0.1%

-49.8%

-49.8%

0.0%

0.0%

11.4% 4.7%

16.9% 23.8%

0.4x

1.2%

0.8x

3.3%

37

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Niger

12.05

9.5%

0.2%

-44.2%

-44.2%

12.1%

7.2%

9.6x

1.7x

62.2%

38

Chemical and Allied Products P

26.60

0.0%

0.2%

-21.8%

-25.5%

66.2%

30.2%

12.4x

8.3x

7.4%

8.0%

39

Beta Glass PLC

62.10

0.0%

0.2%

21.0%

21.0%

17.7%

11.5%

7.5x

1.2x

1.7%

13.3%

40

Transcorp Hotels Plc

6.10

0.0%

0.1%

-15.4%

-15.4%

6.9%

3.8%

11.9x

0.8x

2.0%

8.4%

T o p 10 G a ine r s T ic k er

P rice

10.4%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

P rice C hg %

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

A C C ESS

81.3

-0.6%

8.2%

FB NH

31.7

2.0%

0.35

6.1%

FCM B

10.6

1.8%

N EM

2.60

4.8%

R EGA LIN S

8.7

-4.8%

J A IZ B A N K

0.48

4.3%

A F R IP R UD

8.5

-1.6%

D A N GF LOUR

6.20

3.3%

J A P A ULOIL

7.3

0.0%

26.60

3.3%

T R A N SC OR P

5.6

0.0%

2.00

3.1%

GUA R A N T Y

4.4

1.2%

3.1%

D IA M ON D B N K

2.9

1.7%

UN ION D A C

2.8

-7.4%

UN IT YB N K

0.71

9.2%

UB N

5.30

F IR ST A LUM

F ID ELIT YB K NNFM

5.00

P R ESC O

66.25

2.7%

T ic k er

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T ic k er

P rice

P rice C hg %

T ic k er

Value

CCNN

18.25

-9.9%

N EST LE

1242.5

1.4%

1.52

-9.5%

A C C ESS

649.9

-0.6%

15.25

-9.2%

FB NH

235.0

2.0%

P H A R M D EKO F LOUR M ILL

P ric e C hg %

0.23

-8.0%

GUA R A N T Y

166.3

1.2%

UN ION D A C

0.25

-7.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

52.2

1.3%

ŽƵƚůŽŽŬ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĂƌ ƚĞƌŵ ĂƐ ǁĞ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ƐĞĞ ĂŶLJ ƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů

M OB IL

151.00

-7.2%

UN ILEVER

43.5

0.0%

A F R IP R UD

30.0

-1.6%

F LOUR M ILL

26.4

-9.2%

M OB IL

24.9

-7.2%

NB

19.0

0.1%

VIT A F OA M

3.23

-6.6%

R ED ST A R EX

4.25

-5.6%

R EGA LIN S

0.20

-4.8%

LA SA C O

(A Dealing Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange)

1.3% -66.8%

M B EN EF IT

Afrinvest Securities Limited (RC 603 315)

38.3% 24.0%

ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͕ ǁĞ ƌĞƚĂŝŶ ŽƵƌ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ

drivers over the horizon.

12.0%

205.00

T o p 10 L o s e r s

declined.

ROA

Guaranty Trust Bank PLC

CA P

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ

ROE

1

2.7%) and FORTE (-ϲ͘ϮйͿ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů and ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ϭ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϱй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ

Price Price Previous Current Change Change Price Weighting YTD Index to Change Date

Current Price

0.28

-3.4%

Investment Research

Brokerage Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde |

Bolaji Fajenyo | bfajenyo@afrinvest.com

Jolomi Odonghanro | jodonghanro@afrinvest.com

romotunde@afrinvest.com

41

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ͚͟Ë&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

MARKET NEWS

GTI Capital, NFF Partner on Football Development Goddy Egene GTI Capital Group and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are to work together for the development and activation of the Nigerian football economy for increased contribution to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s output level.

President, NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick recently led some board members of the football governing body on a courtesy visit to GTI Capital Group in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, Group Managing Director, GTI

Capital Limited, Mr. Abubakar Lawal said the investment banking group is committed to the development of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;football economyâ&#x20AC;? in Nigeria by investing in key infrastructure and resources that will help to engender sustainable development of the Nigerian football industry.

According to him, GTI Capital is leading private-sector initiatives that will change the face of football in Nigeria by harnessing the globally renowned passion of Nigerians for football into mutually beneficial investment

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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the

vehicles that simultaneously drive football development and reward passionate supporters and investors in football.

Also speaking, Managing Director, GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, Mr Amos Aledare, said that in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, football has been evolving as a distinct economic sector and major revenue earner in countries where its capacity to deliver this contribution has been properly recognised and harnessed.

According to him, the GTI Capital-NFF partnership represents

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 1211-2018, unless otherwise stated.

a new dawn for the Nigerian football industry.

In his contribution, Chief Operating Officer, GTI Capital Limited, Mr. Kehinde Hassan explained that football, being the most popular sport in the world is run as a business in developed countries. He outlined that the round leather game has been a veritable source of income in many countries including England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France among others.

Chief Economist & Head, Corporate Transformation, GTI

Capital Limited, Prof. Martin Ike-Muonso, noted that with a fan base of approximately 85 per cent of Nigerians, the translation of the passion to commerce being championed by GTI Capital would create employments, earn governments more revenue in tax, more foreign exchange, improve supporting infrastructure and generally formalize a football economy.

Responding, Pinnick commended ongoing initiatives at GTI Capital, noting that a strategic partner like the investment

banking group would complement the efforts aimed at transforming football in Nigeria.

He said the NFF under him is determined to make a difference in football governance in Nigeria and as such, will need the support of committed private sector partners like GTI Capital.

According to him, with his re-election as the NFF President, he is more determined to pursue serious initiatives that will take Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football to the next level in order to leave behind a strong legacy.

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 162.17 163.33 -8.60% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 11.00% Nigeria International Debt Fund 272.84 274.19 18.01% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.83 0.84 0.76% ACAP Income Funds 0.62 0.62 6.50% 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 12.45% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.20 2.21 -4.43% 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 133.19 134.13 -12.20% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.00% 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 11.23% Paramount Equity Fund 11.60 11.90 4.63% Women's Investment Fund 101.66 104.27 1.03% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.99% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 99.10 99.19 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 97.38 97.69 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.85% Coronation Balanced Fund Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.09 1.12 5.51% 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 100.00 100.00 11.62% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11.61% 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 1,162.21 1,162.95 10.92% FBN Heritage Fund 142.04 143.25 1.84% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.36% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $112.38 $112.98 3.23% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $112.14 $112.75 3.12% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 146.48 148.54 -7.79% 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 1.23 1.25 -4.90% Legacy Debt Fund 3.20 3.20 10.65% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.02 1.02 1.78% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,964.58 2,993.11 -0.71% Coral Income Fund 2,747.91 2,747.91 12.24% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.89%

Vantage Balanced Fund 2.15 2.17 1.98% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 14.90% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 122.38 122.60 6.34% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 11.28 11.38 -12.90% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.49% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 126.71 127.11 -2.32% 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 1.68 1.68 12.89% 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 2,331.76 2,347.07 6.09% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 187.14 187.14 7.48% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.97 0.98 -3.47% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 244.18 244.22 13.14% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 162.25 164.10 -9.40% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.49% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,742.74 8,850.60 -8.10% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.10 1.10 6.46% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 11.17 11.33 -7.79% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.98 12.08 -7.23% Zenith Income Fund 20.48 20.48 11.00% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.97%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

9.00 139.12 51.55

-20.11% 5.03% 1.42%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A 117.20 91.16

N/A 119.69 92.87

N/A -17.95% -16.55%

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 GrifďŹ n 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

4.11 7.24 15.00 13.36 143.15

4.15 7.32 15.10 13.56 145.15

-13.26% -24.29% -14.07% -31.92% 6.40%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.13

17.03%

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 managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and FMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

42

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

43

44

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018

45

46

THISDAYt 8&%/&4%": /07&.#&3 Ċč ċĉĊđ

47

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

May Faces Divided Cabinet as Brexit Deadline Looms Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday faced her divided ministers as negotiators scrambled to secure a divorce agreement with the European Union and anxiety mounted over the risk of a no-deal Brexit.

May said Monday her government was working “extremely hard” to save a deal, telling officials of London’s financial district that negotiations “are now in the endgame”.

A British government source said a deal must happen by Wednesday if there is any hope of an extraordinary EU summit this month to sign a withdrawal agreement.

May’s de facto deputy David Lidington told BBC Radio’s Today programme on Tuesday

that a deal was “not quite there yet” but was within “touching distance.”

Agreement was still to be reached on a “small number of difficult issues,” he added, saying a deal before Wednesday was “still possible, but not at all definite.”

May addressed City of London leaders on Monday, saying her negotiators were working “through the night” to make progress on the remaining issues.

“I will not compromise on what people voted for in the referendum. This will not be an agreement at any cost,” she added.

But pro-Brexit ministers in the cabinet are worried that May is

set to agree to the EU’s demands over the key sticking point of the Irish border. – ‘Completely unacceptable’ – At issue is how to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland after Brexit enters into force from March 29. London suggests Britain could temporarily stay aligned with the bloc’s trade rules but wants to reserve the right to exit the arrangement.

The EU appears only ready to accept that if there is a fallback option written into the withdrawal agreement in which Northern Ireland would remain in the European single market while the rest of Britain leaves.

CNN Sues White House over Revoked Credentials of Correspondent CNN filed Tuesday a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration over the revocation of press credentials for White House Correspondent, Jim Acosta.

Acosta’s questions and reporting has been a frequent target of criticism by President Trump.

“We have asked this court for an immediate restraining order requiring the pass be returned to Jim, and will seek permanent relief as part of this process,’’ CNN said in a statement.

The Republican president has steadily intensified his criticism of the media, with

CNN remaining a major target.

Trump erupted into anger earlier during a news conference when Acosta questioned him about the so-called migrant caravan travelling through Mexico and about an ongoing investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

“That’s enough, that’s enough,’’Trump said on November 7, as a White House intern attempted to take the microphone off Acosta.

“You are a rude, terrible person.’’ The White House suspended his credentials later that day, with press secretary

Sarah Sanders accusing Acosta of putting his hands on the intern, who was trying to take the microphone from him. She called his behaviour “absolutely unacceptable.’’

Video of the encounter showed Acosta pulling back as the intern moved to take the microphone. He called the White House accusations a lie. “While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone.

“If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials,” CNN said.

Trump Attacks Macron, Says French President Has Low Approval Rating American President Donald Trump has said that his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, suffers from “a very low approval rating.”

He advised the French president to “make France great again.”

Taking to his verified Twitter handle @realDonaldTrump on Tuesday, Trump, in a series of tweets, discussed what he considered to be the problem with Macron, lending him an advice.

Trump had tweeted, “The problem is that Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26%, and an unemployment rate of almost 10%.

“He was just trying to get onto another subject. By the way, there is no country more Nationalist than France, very proud peopleand rightfully so!……..

“On Trade, France makes excellent wine, but so does the U.S. “The problem is that France makes it very hard for the U.S. to sell its wines into France, and charges big Tariffs, whereas the U.S. makes it easy for French wines, and charges very small Tariffs. Not fair, must change!

“Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two – How

did that work out for France?

“They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!”

Meanwhile, the office of the French President has said that it would not comment on a flurry of angry tweets from US President Donald Trump about his French counterpart.

“We are not making any comment,” the presidency told the AFP, following the tweets that criticised Macron’s comments on defence and attacked his low approval ratings as well as tariffs on US wine.

Saudi King to Address Shura Council Next Week Saudi Arabia’s King Salman will resume a domestic tour and make an annual address to the Shura Council next week.

The tour was being

undertaken as the country grapples with its worst political crisis in a generation over the murder of journalist, Jamal Khashoggi.

The king, 82, will meet citizens and launch development projects in northern areas including Waad al-Shamal industrial city, state news agency SPA reported on Tuesday.

His remarks to the Shura Council, a top advisory body to the government, will encompass domestic and foreign policy, SPA said.

The address will be his first public comments since the Khashoggi killing.

The king last week visited Qassim and Hail provinces, north of the capital Riyadh, and was accompanied at times by his favorite son and heir apparent, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The tours are the latest public outreach by the king, apparently intended to shore up the power of the crown prince, who has taken over day-to-day rule.

48

WEDNESDAY, ͚͟Ë&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS

MTN: Senate Mounts Pressure, Investigates Alleged Reduction of $8.1bn Refund Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not true, says apex bank Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Obinna Chima in Lagos The Senate has expressed concern over alleged huge reduction, by the federal government, of the refund the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) asked telecoms giant, MTN, to make, from $8.1 billion to $800 million.

But in a swift reaction last night, the CBN Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, denied the alleged reduction of the refund. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no such thing. I have no such knowledge,â&#x20AC;? he told THISDAY. The refund had been imposed on the telecoms for currency regulations infraction.

CBN had accused MTN of violating currency regulations by sending $8.1 billion abroad.

It also fined four banks, Standard Chartered N2.4 billion ($7.8 million); Stanbic IBTC Bank N1.8 billion; Citibank N1.2 billion and Diamond Bank N250 million over the fund transfer.

While the telecoms denied any wrongdoing and approached the court for redress, the CBN held out an olive branch, saying it was open to negotiating the refund

figure downward.

In fact, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had in October hinted in London of plans by government to slash the $8.1 billion refund MTN was to make, but did not disclose the amount it was intended to be reduced to.

THISDAY reported exclusively last Friday that the MTN Group CEO and President, Mr. Rob Shuter, was in Abuja last Thursday and met with the Emefiele to discuss the refund, adding that based on unassailable findings, there was an agreement that the CBN would grant the telecoms a substantial reduction.

Although the outcome of the meeting and the size of the reduction have not been made public by the apex bank, the Senate kicked yesterday, alleging that a whopping $7.3billion had been discounted without recourse to it.

It has, therefore, mandated its Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, headed by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, to probe the alleged reduction by the federal government through the CBN. According to Ibrahim, Emefiele had in October hinted in London

Emefiele of plans by government to slash the $8.1 billion figure to $800 million.

The senator noted yesterday in a telephone interview with National Assembly correspondents that though the Senate was not particularly against whatever the government would want to do with the MTN refund, it should be informed why the reduction became necessary.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We're not against whatever they're doing, but they will have to explain to Nigerians.

Did they take the decision they took against MTN in a hurry, a foreign direct investor like MTN?" Ibrahim said his committee would immediately demand for CBN report on the matter to be

better informed.

According to him, the only way Nigerians would know what transpired between the CBN and MTN on the $8.1 billion refund was through a detailed report.

Ibrahim said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The last time we heard about this issue was when we had a retreat two weeks ago in Lagos, where they (CBN) did the presentation of their biannual activities to the Senate Committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We took them up on the issue, and the bank, that's the CBN told us how they did the investigation. We're taking them up based on the fact that we have investigated and we saw what happened.â&#x20AC;?

He added that Senate resolutions were passed to the CBN, complaining that the apex bank did not implement them before going into another investigation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They said their investigation was based on a petition from a law firm and their stand was that the penalty was correct,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;From the information you have now, it will be ridiculous for them to say they're bringing the penalty down from $8.1bn to about $800m. That will be ridiculous for the CBN."

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What CBN told the committee that day was that they were going to give us the report from when they started the investigation to date and their discussion with MTN. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, if that's the case, they have to answer to Nigerians through us in the Senate committee to the legislature, what informed the penalty of $8.1bn? And what information have they now gathered that informed the reduction to $800m. I don't know what percentage of reduction you can call that. Is it not up to 1,000? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We took into consideration the role of MTN in the economy.

That's why we did a very thorough job, and we believe we did a thorough job, that they did not steal any money then, that was our own assertion, though they repatriated. So, we will be interested in the investigation.â&#x20AC;?

Asked if the committee may likely pursue the matter further, Ibrahim said, "Definitely, I will call the Clerk to ask the CBN that we are expecting their report as promised at the retreat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the report, if we find anything close to this, I will let you know. We will write them and probably give ultimatum

for the report. This is a very sensitive thing to the economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of us know they (MTN) committed a lot of resources in Nigeria; so we don't want them to be used as a yardstick as to how the Nigerian government treats investors.â&#x20AC;?

The Senate adopted a report last year largely exonerating MTN of alleged illegal repatriation of $14 billion out of the country.

It also asked the CBN then to sanction Stanbic IBTC Bank â&#x20AC;&#x153;for improper documentations in respect of capital repatriation and loan repaymentsâ&#x20AC;? on behalf of MTN. This followed the consideration of the report of its committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, which investigated alleged unlawful repatriation of $14 billion from Nigeria.

Emefiele was quoted to have said during a visit to London, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the MTN fine will be staying at $8.1bn,â&#x20AC;? adding that he expected the issue to be dealt with amicably and equitably. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to believe that the figure will reduce. Whether it will be dropped completely, I honestly cannot say at this time,â&#x20AC;? the CBN governor added.

Lack of Quorum Forces Senate to Adjourn By One Week Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday adjourned plenary for one week over its inability to form a quorum of 37 members.

Senate's Standing Rule under Order 10(3) stipulates that for Senate to form a quorum, one third of the total 109 members must be present during a legislative session.

Less than five minutes into plenary which began at about 10.55 a.m with Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki presiding,

Senate Minority Whip , Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda ( FCT), rose through Order 10(3) of the Senate' s standing rules to draw the attention of his colleagues to the lack of quorum and the need for the adjournment .

According to him, since the stated order states that â&#x20AC;&#x153;a session of the senate can only be held when the required quorum of 37 members out of 109 is formed, the Senate should adjourn the sitting till next legislative dayâ&#x20AC;?.

He observed that "We are less than 10, Mr. President, I

want to move that since we have not formed quorum, we may therefore adjourn but in doing so, I want to say that the Senate is empty because various committees are carrying out oversight duties; they are all over the country, ensuring that the budget is performing.

"On that note, the Senate may wish to extend the period of oversight functions if the senate so wish by another week till Tuesday, November 20".

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, seconded

the motion saying, "I rise to second the motion ably moved

by Senator Aduda but let me add that we are more than 10 but certainly not up to 38. We are somewhere between 15 and 20. Just for the record we are not less than 10 but less than 20" At this point, Saraki put the issue to voice vote and got overwhelming adoption from the 20 senators in the chambers .

But after the motion had been adopted, Saraki said: "it is important that our members who are not here, we should

communicate to them, those on oversight to finish what they have during the week - in the area of oversight.

"Some of the findings from the oversight are important and it is important that the exercise is done diligently and we should ensure that it is completed by the end of this week. That is in line with order 10 (3)".

Speaking while moving the motion for adjournment of the plenary till Tuesday, November 20 , Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan ( Yobe North)

said : " having adopted this motion it is mandatory that we stand down all the items on the order paper to the next legislative week , precisely next week Tuesday, November 20, 2018 " and was seconded by the Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha ( Taraba South).

Yesterday's adjournment of plenary due to lack of quorum was the first time the 8th Senate under Saraki was unable to form a quorum for any legislative sitting since June 9, 2015.

to order that Dasuki be tried in absentia.

Okpeseyi predicated his prayers on the grounds that the cases for which the former NSA has been denied bail are independent of the instant case and described the defendant's action as an affront to the court.

He lamented that while the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial, the absence of the defendant has again stalled the day's proceedings.

In his ruling, trial judge, Justice Mohammed, held that the court will not grant the prosecution's request to proceed with the trial in absentia, unless the prosecution deposes to an affidavit accusing the defence of willfully avoiding the court.

Justice Mohammed noted that the court had in its previous ruling on April 10 settled the issue of Dasuki's alleged refusal to attend court hearing.

The judge further said the decision requested by the

prosecution could only follow the applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compliance with the ruling of the court on April 10.

However, Justice Mohammed ordered the defence to properly communicate the court, for the letter to be included in its record.

According to the judge, the court is a court of record, which does not accept direct communication from parties.

He subsequently adjourned the matter till November 19, 2018.

DASUKI PROTESTS, REFUSES TO ATTEND TRIAL attend his trials from detention.

When the matter came up yesterday before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Dasuki was absent from the trial and his lawyer, Mr. Victor Okwudiri, drew the court's attention to a letter written and signed by the defendant, stating his intention to stop appearing in court for his trial until the prosecution obey the orders releasing him on bail.

The letter dated November

12, 2018 and addressed to the court's Registrar, was titled, 'Unabated Persecution of Mohammed Sambo Dasuki by the Federal Government of Nigeria.'

Dasuki in the letter asked the court to, "Absolve him of any obligation of appearing at his trial, since the office of the State Security Service, an agent of government detaining him has also refused to respect the various court orders for his bail."

The former NSA stated that

he was granted bail at different occasions by various courts in all the charges he is standing trial for but the federal government had refused to obey the orders.

According to Dasuki, he was re-arrested at Kuje Prison in Abuja on December 29, 2015, shortly after he perfected his bail in respect of the three sets of charges filed against him before different judges.

Reacting, counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN), however, urged the court

OSHIOMHOLE: AMOSUN, OKOROCHA ARE LOYAL PARTY MEN, WILL SUPPORT APC CANDIDATES acclaimed honesty and integrity.

Oshiomhole further said that comparatively, Buhari stands as number one in terms of character and integrity amongst all the contenders in the presidential race.

"I believe to answer your question is that President Buhari will certainly be reelected on the basis of his personal integrity and the fact that those who are contesting against him, there are couple of things they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say about themselves that this president will not only say but other people will also say for him," he said.

Oshiomhole said the party would try during the campaigns to present to Nigerians what it had done and then situate it within what the past administration was able to

achieve.

On what he thinks the APC-led administration has done to warrant the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support he said, "Already we are doing things differently, this government is focusing on the poorest of the poor.

The government is putting in places policies that seek to locate the poorest amongst us, not joining in lamenting but putting up policies that are specifically targeted at the poorest of the poor.â&#x20AC;?

He also spoke on the situation in the power sector, saying the APC-led administration had not spent a fraction of what the previous administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spent on the sector.

According to Oshiomhole, the challenge the power

sector faces is the gross abuse the privatization process was subjected to by the past PDP administration, adding that the sector was handed over to incompetent hands due to political patronage.

"I will expect that going forward we will have to revisit some of the things if we try to manage them not to be seen to revoke what has been done before and it is clear that the new guys lack the capacity; those things we have to revisit, review and maybe go back to the fundamentals," he said.

Apparently still leaking the wound inflicted on the ruling party's ego by the defection of the Senate President Bukola Saraki to the opposition, PDP, Oshiomhole said there was no way the "minority leadership

in National Assembly" could stand the test of time.

"It is unacceptable that minority provide leadership over majority. However he mismanages the process of manipulating the tools of reward, using all ways to sustain himself in power at a huge cost to the country, I remain convinced that Saraki must show honour and character by vacating voluntarily," he said.

On the brewing crisis over the N30,000 proposed new minimum wage the ruling party chairman said he disagreed with governors who said they cannot pay the proposed new minimum wage.

He argued that for any sustainable growth in the economy to be achieved, government and employers of

labour must be ready to pay living wage to their workers.

However, when asked to throw more light on his encounter with the Directorate of State Security over bribery allegations, Oshiomhole clearly evaded it, saying that the matter had been over-flogged.

He said, "I believe my brother that I have sufficiently spoken about the matter of interaction between myself and the DSS and I have nothing new to add to what I have already said. If there are people that remain unclear, they should go and read my statements in the press or play back what was recorded in the electronic media. " I think we should move on to real issues of development and real issues of why we are in politics, what is in it

for Nigerians as we proceed to the 2019 elections, what are we going to do different, what is the opposition bringing to the table and how is APC going to respond to it. This should be worth my while and I believe this will excite Nigerians," he said.

The former Edo State governor said he would like to move away from the issue of allegations and counter allegations and to address the real issues concerning the 2019 general elections and how the party intends to win the support of Nigerians.

He was also evasive on the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary election crisis, saying the party had moved on and is now focusing on reconciliation of aggrieved members.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

49

NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Crude Oil Price Slumps to One-year Low Ejiofor Alike with agency reports Crude oil slide accelerated yesterday, with US futures suffering their steepest one-day loss in more than three years due to ongoing worries about weakening global demand and oversupply.

US futures closed down 7.1 per cent, for a record 12th straight decline and the lowest since November 2017.

Reuters reported that more than 980,000 contracts changed hands, as funds shed positions.

Traders said the selling was an extension of Monday’s, which was triggered after US President Donald Trump posted a tweet meant to put pressure on the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) not to cut supply to prop up prices.

Trump’s tweet followed weekend reports that Saudi Arabia was considering a production cut at the December OPEC meeting, on increased alarm that supply has started to outpace consumption.

US crude futures settled down $4.24 a barrel, or 7.1 per cent, to $55.69 a barrel.

It was the largest one-day percentage decline for the contract since September 2015.

US crude has lost 28 per cent since its early October peak.

The global benchmark, Brent ended down $4.65, or 6.6 per cent, to $65.47 per barrel, the largest one-day loss since July.

Brent has lost 25 per cent since peaking at a four-year high of $86 in early October.

It now sits at levels not seen since March.

Speculators have pulled back on heavy bets on an oil

rally, a process that continued “Anyone doing business as many countries as possible route through which tankers that Tehran could disrupt Tuesday, traders said. As of with Iran will NOT be doing to stop buying Iranian oil, ship more than 30 per cent of regional crude shipments and last week, hedge funds and business with the United many European countries crude oil to the international cut its cooperation with the other money managers had States,” he had added. as well as China and India, market, in retaliation to the UN nuclear watchdog. reduced their long position in JPMorgan said US The sanctions, which were had opposed the sanctions. sanctions. oil contracts to their lowest re-imposed after a 180-day But the US military sanctions on Iran could Before the November 4 since August 2017. “wind-down period,” ending take off date, the sanctions had promised to counter lead to a loss of 1.5 million Traders said that recent November 4, target Iran’s were brewing a potential any blockade of the Gulf barrels per day, while weakness in equities has US dollar purchases, metals confrontation between the passageway.

Mercuria warned that as fanned concerns about trading, coal, industrial US and Iran as Tehran had Iran’s President, Hassan much as 2 million bpd global growth, which is also software and its auto sector. threatened to block the Strait Rouhani had responded could be knocked out of contributing to declines in oil.

While the US said it wanted of Hormuz, an important sea during a rare visit to Europe the global market.

In its monthly report, OPEC said world oil demand next year would rise by 1.29 million barrels per day (bpd), 70,000 bpd less than predicted last month and the fourth consecutive forecast cut.

Output, however, rose by 127,000 bpd to 32.9 million bpd, OPEC said.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Monday that OPEC agreed there was a need to cut oil supply next year by around 1 million barrels per day from October levels to prevent oversupply.

Even as the Saudis have promised to reduce output, United States production reached 11.6 million bpd in the most recent week, a new record.

Russia has given mixed signals about a cut, with Lukoil Chief Executive Vagit Alekperov saying on Monday that he did not see cuts being necessary.

Since May when the Trump Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (left), presenting a souvenir to the President of the administration said it would Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)/President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, during a courtesy call at impose sanctions on Iran, Government House, Yenagoa. ..yesterday traders have been focusing on the impact they could have on global supply.

President Trump had later tweeted that the sanctions were “the most biting sanctions ever imposed”.

IT’S NICE MEETING YOU...

Security Agencies AreVetting Ganduje ‘Bribery’ Videos, Says Buhari Kano assembly suspends governor’s probe

Nigeria Beacon of Hope to Africa, World, Says US Envoy United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, has said Nigeria is a beacon of hope not only to West Africa, but to Africa and the world, stressing that whatever affects the country affects the world.

Symington stated this yesterday in Abuja at a two-day practical and visual training workshop organised for Journalists by the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy.

The training was organised for political reporters, editors and sub editors as part of the US Embassy’s support to Nigeria on the processes leading to the 2019 General Elections.

The envoy, who stressed the need for the country to get it right at the elections, said the country was important because whatever affected Nigeria would rub up on other parts of the world.

He, however, charged the Nigerian media to be the credible link between every citizen and the government.

According to him, leadership is a ship formed by every citizen even before they reach voting age, stressing that citizens should determine the course of the ship,

whether it sinks or floats.

He added that there must be a two-way communication to make a “ship” to work and arrive at its desired destination.

The ambassador further said the media remained the conduit connecting the people and the government in every democracy, because it had the responsibility to pass the message that would make the difference.

He urged Nigerian journalists to be thorough and keep politicians on their toes by asking relevant questions, especially on how they intended to turn the country’s fortunes around for good.

The workshop, which was attended by representatives of various media organisations was also held at the American Space in Ibadan, Bauchi, Kano and Calabar simultaneously.

Resource persons at the workshop included a Professor of Journalism at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Mr. Gary Kebbel; Managing Editor, Voice of America, Aliyu Mustapha, and Chairman of Board of Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalist, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed.

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally reacted to the bribery allegations against the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, assuring that the security agencies were vetting the videos where the governor was allegedly receiving bribes.

This is coming as the Kano State House of Assembly has stopped investigating the alleged bribery against the governor, following the order of the court.

In videos widely circulated on social media, the governor was seen allegedly receiving kickbacks from contractors.

The videos have generated reactions, especially from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and critics of the current administration.

The governor has denied any wrongdoing, accusing his opponents of blackmailing him.

During an interactive session with Nigerians in France, the issue of the videos came up.

According to Daily Nigerian, the medium which leaked the videos, a Kano student on scholarship in France, had showered encomiums on Ganduje, asking the federal government to emulate him.

But the president reportedly snapped, asking the student if he had watched the videos of Ganduje allegedly receiving bribe in dollars.

“Haven’t you watched the videos of the governor stuffing dollars under his gown?” one of the participants reportedly quoted the president as asking,

while demonstrating how the governor was stuffing the bundles of dollars inside his pocket.

“We gave the videos to security agencies for vetting. And we will surely take action on the matter if he is found guilty.”

But the president’s response was said not to have gone well with a lawmaker and a presidential aide who reportedly pleaded with journalists to remove the portion from their reports.

Daily Nigerian, published by Mr. Jafaar Jaafar, had uploaded the videos which showed the governor allegedly receiving $5 million bribe, dressed in white Kaftan.

The publisher explained that the aggrieved contractors, who allegedly paid between 15 per

cent and 25 per cent of the worth of contracts to the governor, accepted to do the video recording whenever they went to pay the alleged kickback to the governor.

Meanwhile, following the order of the court, the Kano State House of Assembly has stopped investigating the alleged bribery against Ganduje.

The chairman of the committee investigating the issue, Baffa Dan-Agundi, had said the court order did not stop the panel from continuing with the investigation.

But making a U-turn on Monday, Dan-Agundi told the court that the assembly is a law-abiding arm of government, hence, it would obey the court and suspend all forms of investigation on the case pending the court judgment.

Lagos Approves Use of Hijab in Public Schools The Lagos State Government has given a go-ahead to Muslim female pupils to use hijab in public schools.

The development was announced in a circular by the state’s area unit of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).

A Lagos High Court had in October 2014, ruled against the use of hijabs in schools, a judgment that was upturned by the Court of Appeal in July 2016.

In a unanimous judgment, the appellate court noted that the ban was discriminatory against Muslim pupils in the state.

Dissatisfied with the appellate

court’s judgment, the state government took the case to the Supreme Court.

It subsequently placed a ban on the use of hijab in August 2018.

However, in a new circular, the state government asked that status quo be maintained in order to avoid contempt of court.

It however, said the hijab must be “short, smart, neat and in the same colour of the uniform (skirt).

“Since the case of the use of hijab in Lagos State is still pending in the Supreme court of Nigeria, status quo be maintained, to avoid contempt of the court, that is students be allowed to wear hijabs on school uniforms

but same must be short, smart, neat and in the same colour of the uniform (skirt),” the circular read.

“Furthermore, schools management are advised to downplay comments and disciplinary actions on the use of smart hijabs until the final determination of the case by Supreme Court.

“No student should be discriminated against in any form on the basis of religion.

“All principals and teachers must be sensitised to comply accordingly. You are enjoined to adhere strictly to these recommendations.”

Reacting to the development

, according to TheCable, MSSN, in a statement by Saheed Ashafa, its amir in Lagos, said the state government has towed the path of honour.

Ashafa said the circular would help to stop the “harassment and victimisation of female Muslim students for wearing hijab.”

“We are pleased with this development because the embarrassing way and manner that our members are being victimised, harassed, punished and denied entrance into their classrooms for wearing hijab would stop,” the statement read.

50

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

PDP, Atiku Facing Financial Crisis, APC Alleges You are plotting to liquidate our account, opposition party replies Atiku: 2019 about people’s vote not money Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, are currently facing serious difficulties raising funds for the 2019 election’s campaigns.

This is coming as the main opposition party has raised the alarm that President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling party are planning to procure frivolous court orders from “compromised judicial officers” to garnishee accounts belonging to the party and critical stakeholders, perceived to be against Buhari’s

Anambra Assembly Removes Speaker Sacked speaker holds plenary with minority lawmakers David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Rita Maduagwu, was yesterday removed from office by 22 out of the 30 members of the state Assembly.

But the sacked speaker who represents Nnewi South 2 State Constituency, has faulted the exercise, saying the action of the lawmakers would not stand because the members involved were not up to 22 as they claimed.

She later led 10 other members to hold sitting after the majority group had adjourned sitting.

Maduagwu who presided over the Assembly also adjourned to November 15, the same day the other faction adjourned sitting.

She was removed following a motion moved by a member of the Assembly, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie and seconded by Hon. Onyebuchi Offor.

Her alleged offences included financial impropriety, gross misconduct, and docility.

Uzoezie, a member of APGA, representing Aguata 2 State Constituency was announced as the new speaker.

Offor, the only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member of the Assembly told journalists that the former speaker stands

removed, adding that the Assembly has adjourned till November 15.

Meanwhile, the sacked speaker has described the action of her colleagues as a nullity, saying that most members of the Assembly were with her, stressing that there was no way the aggrieved group could have gotten up to 22 members, who they purported to have.

She said, “How can they say they are 22? Look at all the members with me here, so, where did they get their 22 members? All they need to be able to remove me is 20 members, and they don’t have that.

“They did not follow due process; that is why the Clerk refused to swear in the speaker they purported to have elected.

“They have nothing against me, and they cannot impeach me because they have nothing against me. Did they read any offence, or did they serve me? They are processes that must be followed before impeachment can work.”

She said, “I was getting ready to go down for plenary when I was told they have moved a motion and removed me.

“I was not served; they needed only 20 members to remove me but they could not get that; two of our members are also abroad and have called to support us.”

IG: 334,000 Policemen Policing Nigeria The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has said about 334,000 policemen are currently policing Nigeria.

Idris made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja at the 2018 Safe School Leadership Empowerment Conference and Awards.

He was represented by Olusegun Odumosu, a Commissioner in the Inspectorate Department at the Force Headquarters.

The police boss said in spite of the challenges confronting the force, it had evolved modern strategies, principles and modules to keep up with security demands.

He noted that kidnapping remained one of the most disturbing crimes plaguing the Nigerian society, adding that schools had been repeatedly targeted by kidnappers.

Idris attributed kidnappings to settlement of political conflicts bordering on struggle for power.

He said it was a collective

responsibility of all Nigerians to facilitate a holistic security approach to reverse the disturbing trend.

“In view of the need to make our schools safe, especially in the task of providing and enabling and conducive learning environment for the students,” he said.

He called for a 24-hour security protection in addition to round the clock surveillance activities and motorised patrol of the school vicinity.

The IG also called for the introduction of community policing strategy, adding that it would reduce cases of kidnapping.

He noted that it was the responsibility of all stakeholders in the education and security sectors to continue to work hand in hand.

Idris said with the increase in funding for the police by the federal government, the force would be better equipped to discharge its duties effectively.

re-election bid.

A spokesman of PDP’s presidential candidate, Paul Ibe, has also dismissed the APC’s claim that Atku is broke, saying the 2019 presidential election will not be about money but the supreme will of the Nigerian people.

APC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, alleged in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja that due to the stringent measures put in place by the present administration, the main opposition party is in a dilemma on how to source funds to run the Atiku’s presidential campaign.

Nabena said available information from the PDP’s recent strategy meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, showed that there was a major setback over sourcing campaign funds, adding that Atiku’s hope of getting funding support from governors was dashed.

“The presidential candidate expects the party to provide funds for his campaign. This is the Buhari era - an era of strict accountability and transparency in the use and application of public funds and not the Jonathan era in 2015 when the national treasury was opened to PDP leaders to prosecute the presidential campaign.

“The party leaders are therefore in serious difficulties

and dilemma on how to source funds to run the Atiku Presidential Campaign. Some financers of the party expect that the candidate, having bought the ticket with millions of dollars should have the financial capacity to run his campaign. With the candidate’s expectation that it is the party that will fund his campaign, it is now clear that they are at a crossroads and the chickens have come home to roost.

The APC chieftain said the anti-corruption agencies should gird their loins and ensure that all sources of campaign fund by the political parties are closely monitored and to recover all looted funds.

According to Nabena, such recovered funds should be applied for the benefits of the poor masses who were denied democracy benefits during the 16 years’ misrule of the PDP. “It is now clear to the members of the PDP who were deceived into believing that their presidential candidate is a man of stupendous wealth that it is all a mirage - a 419 packaging and that they entered a ‘one chance’ bus.

“As we approach February 2019 when general elections will be held in Nigeria, the electorate are becoming more conscious and aware of the deceitful nature of their so-

called leaders. Alhaji Abubakar the presidential candidate of the PDP is nationally known as a man of immense wealth.

Apart from his being a retired officer of the Department of Customs and Excise not above the rank of Deputy Director, and not known to have been an exceptionally successful businessman, his claims to stupendous wealth and source are questionable and lack credibility.

He added that the Nigerian electorate has “a better alternative to stick to the clean, honest and transparent leadership of Muhammadu Buhari who has done so much to ensure better future for them after the 16 years’ misrule of the PDP.” But in a swift response, a spokesman of the former Vice President, Ibe, dismissed the APC’s claims, saying the coming presidential election will not be about money but the supreme will of the Nigerian people.

“Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. Nothing can stop the zeal of Nigerians to elect the President of their choice. This election will not be won by money or lies or propaganda or intimidation but by the supreme will of the Nigerian people as expressed in their vote. Abubakar will be elected President

by Nigerians in February 2019 notwithstanding the machinations of the APC-led administration,” Ibe explained.

Meanwhile, PDP has alleged that President Buhari and the APC are planning to procure frivolous court orders from “compromised judicial officers” to garnishee accounts belonging to the party and critical stakeholders, perceived to be against the President’s re-election bid.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan stated that already, accounts belonging to critical stakeholders are being frisked with a view to liquidating them ahead of the general elections.

The main opposition party said it was already aware of how instructions had been given to certain agencies of government to trail and throw up fabrications in order to create an impression of financial infractions around the said accounts.

“It is clear that the only reason for this is to ensure that our party and candidates are deprived of access to funds for campaigns, but the APC and the Buhari Presidency fail to realise that the 2019 election is now a battle between them and Nigerians, who are the bastion of the PDP,” he explained.

LET’S REFORM JUSTICE SYSTEM…

L-R: Representative of the British Council, Dr. Bob Arnot; Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata; representative of Edo State Governor and Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh; representative of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Ada Ehigiamusoe ; and Co-Chair, Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee, Prof. Mohammad Tabiu (SAN), at the Justice Reform Conference, in Benin City, Edo State...yesterday

Insurgency: Sanusi Calls for Demography Control against More Dangers Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday advocated careful management of the Nigeria population explosion to curtail potential dangers the country may face in near future.

Speaking at the opening of a national conference on ‘Insurgency and the Phenomenon of Boko Haram in Nigeria’, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) noted that with the projected population of 100 million youth in Nigeria in the next 20 years, Boko Haram will be a child’s play, if the country’s population is not control.

Sanusi who cautioned that

failure of the government to find lasting solution to the growing demography of the country, may prone the country to more grievous disasters superior to that of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency.

“The population of Nigeria in 1960 was 45million; today is about 200 million. The medium age is 19 and in the next 20 years, we are going to have 100 million Nigeria between the ages of 20 and 40.

These are the young men and women. The question is what we they do. Is the civil service going to employ them? Is the banking industry going to employ them?.

Explaining the implication, Sanusi added “If you want to

have a sense of what is 100 million, Germany is the third largest economy in the world and the population of Germany is 85 million. Nigeria is going to have population of 100 million youths in the next 20 years. ”Nigeria is going to have population of 100 million youths in the next 20 years. If we do not build our economy and address our demography explosion especially in the North east, Boko Haram will be child’s place in another 20 years” Sanusi added.

The Emir of Kano who identified poverty and inequalities among major predicaments that breeding act of insurgency especially in the

Northern Nigeria, regretted the wide gap between the rich and the poor in the country. The monarch, who made specific emphasis on marginalisation of some regions of the country, stressed that the humanitarian crisis rising from violence in the region has left Nigeria among the extremely poor nation in the world.

“The world has been divided into rich and the poor by region.

The richest part of the world in the last 30 years has become extremely rich while places like Sahara Africa have had increased in the absolute number of the poor people. With Sub-Sahara Africa we find huge inequality regionally and huge inequalities horizontally.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

51

NEWSEXTRA

NEITI: Nigeria Earned N43.2bn from Solid Minerals Mining in 2016 Chineme Okafor in Abuja The solid minerals sector contributed a total sum of N43.22 billion to the coffers of the federation in 2016, an audit report on the operations of the sector within the period by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has disclosed.

The NEITI stated yesterday in a breakdown of the report in Abuja that taxes collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) accounted for N40.38 billion or 93.43 per cent of the revenue, while fees collected by the Mining Cadastral Office

(MCO) stood at N1.15 billion or 2.66 per cent.

It equally explained that the Mining Inspectorate Department (MID) recorded N1.64 billion as royalty payments, which represented an increase of 30.15 per cent over the N1.27 billion reported as royalty payments in 2015.

NEITI stated that the audit was conducted under the principles and standard of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI) and that it reconciled payments made by solid minerals mining companies in terms of taxes; royalty; and rents against receipts

FG Awards N206bn Contract for Main Work of Second Niger Bridge The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has said the federal government has awarded N206 billion contract for the main work on the Second Niger Bridge.

Fashola who spoke in Abuja during an interactive session with journalists, noted that the contract was awarded to Julius Berger Construction Company.

He said the project, expected to be completed in 36 months would be funded under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).

According to him, funding the project under PIDF means that work will no longer stop on account of lack of funding.

of such payments by relevant government agencies.

From the report, NEITI noted that the total volume of minerals produced in 2016 was 41.87 million tonnes valued at N34.09 billion, and representing 33 per cent increase on the N25.56 billion reported in 2015.

It however, stated that tax collection and payment of other fees for 2016 reduced by 32 per cent when compared to the figure of N63.98 billion for 2015.

The report further disclosed that while 651 extractive companies made royalty payments in 2016, only 56 companies, which met the materiality threshold of N3 million and above were considered for reconciliation.

The companies that met this threshold, it noted accounted

for 86.87 per cent of the total royalties paid.

On state-by-state minerals production, NEITI stated that Ogun State contributed 33.49 per cent to the total production to top the table, followed by Kogi State with a contribution of 19.7 per cent, while the Federal Capital Territory produced 6.20 per cent of the volumes.

From the report, NEITI equally stated that minerals production by companies showed that three companies - Dangote Cement Plc; West African Portland Cement Plc; and United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited (UNICEM) contributed 70 per cent of total production in 2016.

It said this showed that the cement sub-sector was dominant in solid minerals production

activities in Nigeria.

Further analysis of production by minerals types by the NEITI report showed that limestone was the most produced mineral and accounted for 49.35 per cent of the total solid minerals production in 2016, followed by granite with 31.32 per cent.

From the report, China was a major destination of Nigeria’s solid minerals in 2016, accounting for 53.63 per cent, followed by Spain and India which accounted for 26.48 per cent and 8.90 per cent respectively.

The report put the Free on Board (FOB) value of the solid minerals exported in 2016 at $40.934 million while the overall contribution of the sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was

put at N87.61 billion representing 0.13 per cent of the total GDP of N67.9 trillion.

It said the sector has witnessed a steady but marginal increase in its contribution to the national GDP from 0.11per cent in 2014, 0.12 per cent in 2015 to 0.13 per cent in 2016, adding that it also contributed by 0.3 per cent to national employment in 2016.

According to the report, the sum of N9.923 billion was shared by the three tiers of government in 2016, being the accumulated revenues from 2007 to 2014 from the solid minerals sector, with the federal government getting N4.547 billion while states and local governments shared N2.306 billion and N1.778 billion respectively. The sum of N1.289 billion was also shared as derivation.

He said the LagosIbadan expressway and Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road projects would also be funded under PIDF. Fashola said the contract for the main work on the Second Niger Bridge was awarded after the completion of the four phases of the project.

He said that the early works were preliminary projects to be completed before the main work, adding that all the early works were done in the river and not visible from the existing bridge.

According to him, with the award of the main work, there will be a lot of piling works in the water and that is what people will see.

PDP Yet to Send Tambuwal’s ARE WELCOME… Name for Substitution, Says INEC YOU L-R:Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon. Patrick Omeje; and Senator Fidelis Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is yet to receive any request from any political party, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the substitution of governorship candidate or other candidates.

The name of incumbent governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, was missing when the electoral body displayed the list of candidates for the 2019 governorship election in the state last week.

The main opposition party had accused INEC of manipulating the process, while insisting that the party submitted the name of Tambuwal.

The National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan had said, “It is strange if his name did not make it to INEC as the candidate of the party. INEC has become very manipulative and they are shopping for candidates from the states.

Candidates who didn’t obtain form from the party, candidates who never participated in processes or our primary election are now being enrolled

on their list as their candidate.”

INEC had also insisted that as at the close of nomination for governorship and State House of Assembly election, the PDP submitted the two names of their governorship and deputy governorship candidates.

According to the electoral body, the names submitted to INEC were Manir Muhammed Dan’iya as governorship candidate and Abubakar Zaki Bashir as deputy governorship candidate.

Speaking with THISDAY yesterday, INEC National Commissioner on Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye explained that if a political party did not submit any name during the process of submission of names of candidates, such a political party has nothing to substitute.

He added that it is only political parties that submitted names of candidates within the agreed period of time for submission that can substitute candidates.

“The issue of substitution of candidate is the internal affairs for all the political parties. All the political party still have a week to make substitution in accordance to the law.

Okoro, welcoming the governor at a public function in Nsukka, Enugu State… yesterday.

Customs Intercepts 4,375 Rounds of Ammunition, 1,160 Bottles of Codeine The Nigerian Customs Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, yesterday announced the seizure of 4,375 rounds of ammunition, two Magnum pump action rifles and 200 military camouflage vests.

The zone also impounded 430 bags of rice valued at N9 million, 1,160 bottles of codeine and 300 blister packs of tramadol.

While displaying the seized items, the comptroller of the zone, Kayode Olusemire, said three suspects had been arrested and would be arraigned over the seizures.

Olusemire said the drugs and camouflage were seized at Onitsha, Anambra, while the arms and ammunition were seized in Enugu.

He said that the bags of

rice were seized along Port Harcourt- Aba Road.

“The seizures are part of our effort to ensure that no act of smuggling happens in the zone, no effort will be spared to ensure the zone is cleared of nefarious individuals,’’ the comptroller said.

He condemned the activities of the smugglers, saying: “It

is regrettable that despite all sensitisation efforts by the command, some people still engage in acts of smuggling, causing significant damage to the economy of the country.

“The arms and ammunition would have been used to carry out dastardly acts if not for the timely intervention of the customs officials,’’ Olusemire said.

MTN to Acquire Banking Licence in Nigeria, Says CEO The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, Rob Shuter, yesterday disclosed that the group would acquire an independent banking licence in Nigeria by 2019.

Speaking at a telecoms conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Shutter said it would put in an application in December and should lunch the bank in second quarter of 2019.

MTN CEO, according to

The Cable, said: “We will be applying for a payment service banking licence in Nigeria in the next month or so,” Shuter said.

“And if all goes according to plan, we will also be launching mobile money in Nigeria probably around second quarter of 2019.”

The banking licence is for a Payment Service Bank (PSB), which is an offshoot of the initiative of the Central Bank of

Nigeria (CBN) to drive financial inclusion in the country.

Last week, while speaking at the 10th-anniversary conference of Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, said the new banking licences were to ensure 80 per cent financial inclusion by 2020.

In October, the CBN released guidelines for the payment service banks, which included

a N2 million non-refundable licence fee and N5 billion capital base.

The CBN guideline was addressed to telcos, mobile money operators, banking agents, and the NCC. It is expected that Globacom, 9mobile, Airtel, and other telecommunications companies in the country would acquire the same licence to operate payment service banks (PSB).

52

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Kaduna Killings: El-Rufai’s ‘Religious Manipulation Dangerous,’ Says Middle Belt Forum Governor defends his Muslim-Muslim ticket Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna

by the state government in tackling the internecine crises, particularly as majority of the people believe that El-Rufai’s A socio-political group, the dangerous religious and Middle Belt Forum (MBF), other identity manipulation; yesterday raised alarm his earlier open confession to over what it described as paying a group of foreign Fulani a “dangerous religious marauders responsible for the manipulation” and negative killings in Southern Kaduna identity politics deployed by and his unabashed taking of Governor of Kaduna State, side has made it impossible for the people of Kaduna state to Nasir El-Rufai.

The situation, the group said, have faith in his impartiality was fuelling internicine crisis and fairness in addressing the conflict. “The Federal in the state.

This is coming as el-Rufai on Government should take full Monday defended his choice of control of the situation in the a Muslim as his running mate state in order to avert further for the 2019 election, saying breakdown of law and order.

“NEC noted with grief the that the Government House is not a place of worship but a unfortunate demise of two traditional rulers in Nasarawa place of work.

In a communique issued after state in the last two weeks, a two-day meeting in Nassarawa namely, the traditional rulers of State, the Forum called on Awe and Nasarawa Toto and President Mohammadu send condolences to the people Buhari to set up a commission of Nasarawa State.

“NEC recalled the vocal of inquiry into the causes of unending killings in Kaduna opposition of the late Agom State and the alleged show of Adara, His Royal Highness, Dr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, partiality by El-Rufai.

The forum also called on to the objectionable, discriminatory the military to hand over the and retrogressive policies of the investigation into the death administration of Governor Nasir of General Idris Alkali (rtd) El-Rufai of Kaduna; and was to the police, accusing it of appalled by the abduction and applying torture techniques subsequent gruesome murder of and harassment in the course the monarch after a meeting with El-Rufai,” the communique read. of investigation.

The forum further decried “The Middle Belt Forum reiterates its demand on the sustained onslaught on the President Muhammadu peoples of the Middle Belt by Buhari to immediately set up a Fulani militiamen.

“From Benue to Adamawa to commission of enquiry into the cause of the unending killings Nasarawa to Plateau to Borno in Kaduna State over time, and to Taraba to Southern Kaduna, the alleged show of partiality among others, it has been a tale

of unmitigated woes as murder, rape, arson, abduction and other criminal attacks have become the new norm in the Middle Belt without the government doing anything to protect the people, but has rather arrested, tortured, maimed or even killed the victims claiming that they are perpetrators “NEC observed with serious concern the deliberate and systemic denial of the ticket of the major political parties in Nigeria namely, PDP, APC and SDP, to Middle Belt aspirants.

“The peoples of the Middle Belt have both the duty and right to determine their political destiny. In this regard the Middle Belt shall, in consultation with relevant stakeholders to identify with one of presidential candidates at the 2019 general elections to ensure that the interests and aspirations of the Middle Belt is properly addressed within the Nigerian Federation.

“The over 22 million registered voters in the Middle Belt Region are hereby enjoined

to await further directives from our leaders”, the communique signed by its National President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, read.

Meanwhile, el-Rufai on Monday defended his choice of a Muslim as his running mate for the 2019 election, saying that the Government House is not a place of worship but a place of work.

He also said he had to consult President Buhari before he eventually made his choice.

His choice of Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, a Muslim, from Sanga

Local Government Area in the Southern part of the state, had attracted mixed reactions, with some people accusing him of being insensitive to the diversity in Kaduna State.

But speaking when a delegation from Sanga Local Government Area, led by their traditional ruler, the Etum Numana, Brig. Gen. Aliyu Yamma (rtd), paid him a thank you visit for choosing their daughter as his running mate, el-Rufai said, those criticising him for his choice are people who never voted for him.

WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE...

R-L Executive Director, Association of Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria (ACGPN), Mrs. Dorcas James ; Registrar/CEO, ACGPN, Femi Mosaku-Johnson; Chief Executive,Tourism Edge Consultants,; Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho; representatives of DirectorGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commisson (CAC), Dr. Femi Ogunlade, and Prof. Bridget Sokan during the 2nd Women in Governance Summit 2018 held in Lagos…yesterday ABIODUN AJALA

Akeredolu: Ondo Civil Servants Mining: FG Inaugurates Earthquake Seismometer Detecting Equipment Are Selfish, Ungrateful Abubakar Bawa Bwari, while in tackling the challenge of earth following the recent earth tremors Kasim Sumaina in Abuja James Sowole inAkure

allowances, but we have paid and even promoted you and people Ondo State Governor, Mr. still think we have done nothing. “l can tell you that I agree that Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday slammed civil servants in the state, we have not done nothing; I know describing them as “selfish” and it that that is how life is - people are both selfish and ungrateful. “ungrateful.”

“In terms of welfare of workers The governor’s comment may not be unconnected to the in this state, we have done our ultimatum given by the organised best. No state has done better than labour in the state asking governor us because we believe a worker to start payment of the arrears of deserves his pay.

“We pay people who are less salaries or be ready to face industrial than five per cent of the population action.

Akeredolu lashed out at the of the state and they take 90 per workers during the presentation cent of the income. The revenue of cheques for the payment that comes to this state 90 per cent of compensation to owners of it goes to less than five per cent.

“We are up-to-date in the of properties affected by the construction of roads in the state. payment of salaries and pensions; all He said the present officers who are due for promotion administration had been making have been duly served, the 2017 efforts in prioritising workers’ leave bonuses have been paid while welfare since the administration some workers have equally enjoyed vehicles loans”, he said. came on board.

However, Akeredolu promised Akeredolu said his administration had been able to put in place some to offset all outstanding arrears of life-changing projects in the state, workers’ salaries in the state before despite the lean resources while the end of the week.

“The Paris Club refund due to the welfare of public servants have also been given its pride of place. Ondo State has been received and “Since I came into office, I have consultation with the leaders of paid your salary arrears, yet our the workers is ongoing on how people are both ungrateful and best to balance the interest of all selfish. Since we came into office stakeholders in the disbursement we are not owing even a month’s of the fund and before the end of this week we will clear all salary. Not one single month.

“Somebody was in office and arrears and outstanding”, he did not pay your salaries and leave said.

In a move to end the incessant earth tremor panic experienced among the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and its environs, the federal government yesterday inaugurated an earth tremor detecting machine.

Government noted that the decision to acquire the Seismometer detecting equipment represent the implementation of some aspects of the earth tremor committee’s recommendations.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji

launching the equipment in Abuja, stated that the incidents of earth shaking experienced by residents evoked a lot of anxiety, especially among those living around Mpape and Maitama, but it also accelerated the robust plan by government to establish the necessary geo-scientific infrastructure to monitor and mitigate all aspects of both natural and anthropogenic hazards.

According to him, “Indeed, the federal government has since set up an inter-ministerial committee to fashion out a common front

tremors in Nigeria, which has become uncomfortably more frequent than expected.

“Therefore it is my pleasure to inaugurate the NGSA earthquake monitoring command and control centre at the Agency’s HQ, Abuja while expecting the completion of the other three stations within a very short time.”

The minister, during the launch of the equipment, said: “It is now very clear that the government of President Buhari has great interest in the safety of the citizens of this great country considering the immediate steps taken,

around Abuja which occurred in September and November, 2018.

“The various stakeholders here present; the Ministry of Science and Technology, NEMA, the FCT and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Seismic team and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency among others have all had meaningful contributions towards understanding the mechanism of what we are faced with in recent times.”

Originally, NGSA designed a six station seismic monitors to be deployed across the country.

2019: 2,045 PVCs Stolen from INEC’s Office in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey inUyo The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm that 2, 045 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been stolen from its Local Government Area office in Okobo, Akwa Ibom State.

Just few months to the conduct of the 2019 general elections in the country, the electoral umpire said the stealing of the PVCs that were awaiting distribution to the owners might have been the handy work of desperate politicians who want to win elections in the state at all cost.

The National Commissioner, INEC, supervising Akwa Ibom, Delta and Cross River states, Dr.

Mohammed Mustapha Lecky, disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists at the INEC state headquarters along Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

At the briefing were the State Resident INEC Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini and the State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. John Abang, among other tops officials in attendance.

The INEC office in Okobo was attached by angry youths that protested the outcome of the conduct of the primaries election held by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area last month.

The INEC officer in charge of the

three Niger Delta States however, maintained that the cards stolen will not have any effect on the conduct of the 2019 elections in the area as the list and details of the owners still with the commission would be used to reproduce same for the owners.

According to him, the Commission was working with security agencies to track down the suspects with a view to recovering the cards and prosecuting the hoodlums.

His words, “The PVCs were stolen in Okobo Local Government Area; they were 2,045 PVCs. We have visited the local government and we can see a lot of security lapses around the local government office.

“I think it was a mob action which

was a consequence of the primaries elections that were taking place at that time and I want to assure you that the police are looking into the matter. These things (PVCs) were stolen from where we kept them for safety.

“Like I have said what they (hoodlums) have done is a nullity because we have a list of everybody; we have their names; we have their pin numbers and we have their pictures on the voters’ register. It is a matter of reproducing the PVCs and making them available.

“But still we have to go after those culprits who were responsible so that we can apprehend them and punish them according to the law.”

53

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Nigerians in Diaspora Remit over 15.8bn Pounds Yearly, Says Report South-west receives 67% of investment Segun James Nigerians in the diaspora remit over 15.8 billion pounds to the country annually, a study on ‘Nigeria Diaspora: Opportunities for Increasing the Development Impact of Nigeria’s Diaspora,’ has revealed.

The report which was conducted by the Dalberg Advisors on behalf of the

Office of the Vice President, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that the United States and the United Kingdom account for 45 per cent of all remittance inflows to the country while Lagos and the south west received over 67 percent of these.

“Of the 15.8 billion pounds remitted to Nigeria in 2015,

members of the diaspora in the US contributed 4.3 billion pounds while those in the UK sent 2.8 billion pounds.

Presenting the report which was sponsored by the United Kingdom Department for International Development’s (DFID) Policy Development Facility, Programme Manager, PDF II, Dr. Titilola Akindeinde,

said Nigeria’s diaspora population is estimated at 15 million people worldwide, adding that they have been playing a crucial role in driving the growth and progress of the country; hence the need to encourage a process where they can be engaged the promotion of investment in the country.

According to the report, the real estate appears to be

the most popular category of current investment in the diaspora. “Among potential future investments, real estate and entrepreneurship are the most popular categories. Nearly all currently investing or interested in investing in Nigeria would like to invest in the South-west.”

Current and future geographies of interest for investment in the

country show the north -west as the least area of investor interest in the country generating only about two per cent interest.

However, the report has it that “we found that three overarching needs or conditions determine an individual investing or remitting behaviour: knowledge and awareness, ability, and willingness.”

We Will Commit INEC Chairman to Prison, Says Delta APC Udora Orizu in Abuja The leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, O’tega Emerhor, said yesterday that the state chapter of the party is set to approach a competent court to commit the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, to prison for violation of court order.

Emerhor who also contested for the senatorial ticket of Delta Central district in the primaries, stated this in an interview with journalists in Abuja, said the chairman of INEC has so far refused to obey court orders, which restrained him from recognising candidates that emerged in parallel primaries conducted by the two factions of Delta State APC. He stated that in view of the factional crisis enveloping the state chapter of the APC, his group had approached the court and secured a court order stopping INEC from publishing the names of candidates for National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly posts, but stated that INEC had gone ahead to disobey the court order.

According to him, the APC

faction has served the commission with Form 48, to start the contempt of court proceedings, adding that the party would have no choice than to slam contempt charge on the INEC chairman and commit him to prison.

He added that his faction of APC in the state had also written the electoral commission twice through its counsel , Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) but added that INEC had so far ignored the party.

“It is very clear that we have no choice than to go for committal to prison of the INEC Chairman.

That will be our next step because we cannot accept that a court will give an order and INEC will not obey.

“I can understand if the APC does not want to even obey, not that I understand it, but because the prior action of the National Chairman has shown that he does not take our group seriously. So, I can understand that and if you want to damn the consequences of the court as a partisan in this matter, I can understand it; but not the INEC Chairman. The INEC Chairman ought to be independent because the constituency of the country is his. He has no personal interest in this matter. So, you ought to obey the court.”

INSPECTION VISIT...

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (third left), speaking during an inspection visit to Damaturu International Cargo Airport under construction yesterday. With the governor were the Head of Service Usman Hassan Maraya (first left); Works Commissioner, Lawan Shettima Ali (second left), contractor handling the project retired Air Vice Mashal Alkali Mamu (fourth left), and other government officials and project engineers.

Dimeji Bankole Pledges Mass Employment If Elected Ogun Governor Femi Ogbonnikan InAbeokuta Ogun State Governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Hon. Dimeji Bankole, yesterday pledged to tackle mass unemployment and fix bad roads and economic complexity in Ogun State, if elected as governor in the upcoming 2019.

Bankole who is former Speaker, House of Representatives, disclosed this during his tour of Imeko-Afon Local Government area of the state.

He lamented over the deplorable condition of roads in Imeko and its environs and said the current administration in the state has done more harm than good to the people of the local government.

The governorship candidate who also paid a visit to the traditional ruler of Imeko town, Oba Benjamin Olanite, assured the monarch of mass employment opportunities for the youth of the local government, if elected as next governor of the state in 2019.

He said, “I will not stop saying it, mass employment is our watchword.

We cannot open our eyes and watch the youth being jobless, I can’t promise what I cannot do, I want to assure the people of Ogun State that, if elected as the next governor of the state, I will make sure I provide jobs for the youth, because our youths need job to live on.”

The former Speaker, however, said he is not happy with the lack of jobs in the state, adding that, instead of the current administration to proffer

solutions to the unemployment in the State, it has been focusing on building bridges.

“Ouryouthsneedjobopportunities.

The well-being of the people should be taken with every seriousness. We cannot continuetobuildbridges,award contractswithoutconsideringthepopulace.

“Mass employment has only been our party slogan, because, I discovered that most graduates are unable to get jobs and that is why I need your support, so that I can be able to achieve my aims.

N21.4bn Fraud: EFCC Re-arraigns Former Chief of Air Staff, Amosu Ikpeazu Fulfills Promise, They pleaded not guilty to the EFCC dropped the names of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commodore, on a 13-count charge.

Approves Road Construction The The News Agency of Nigeria charges while the court allowed companies, which were joined as Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a former Chief of Air (NAN) reported that the trio was them to continue with the bail accused in the earlier charge.

The companies are: Delfina Oil Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu first arraigned in June 2016, alongside granted by the previous judge. in Abam Community As a result of Justice Idris’ and Gas Limited, Mcallan Oil and (rtd), before a Federal High Court some companies before Justice Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has commenced the procurement for the construction of the six-kilometre ring road through Ndi Okorie -Eziafor -Atan -Ndi Oji Abam Ring Road, in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

This development is part of measures the governor has taken to fulfill the promise he made to Ndi-Abam during the grand civic reception organised in his honour recently at Uzo-Abam.

The Commissioner for Works, Eziuche Ubani, while inspecting the site, assured the people that all the necessary documentation had been concluded with the project engineers and work is expected to commence soon.

Also speaking, during the commissioner’s visit, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal

constituency, Uko Nkole, who is from Abam clan, affirmed the governor’s willingness to the fulfillment of his promise to Ndi-Abam.

The President General of Atan Abam Development Union, while reacting, thanked the governor for approving the road which he said when completed, will give a new lease of life to the community.

He also said that the people of Abam will rally support for the governor and Nkole who has within his three years in office rehabilitated the Anyim bridge, that link Abia and Akwa Ibom State, provided and installed transformers for Atani Abam community which ended the nine years of electricity outage and secured federal civil service jobs to many of their sons and daughters.

in Lagos, over alleged N21.4 billion fraud.

Amosu was re-arraigned alongside, Jacob Adigun, an Air Vice Marshal and Olugbenga Gbadebo, an Air

Mohammed Idris.

Their re-arraignment before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke yesterday followed the elevation of Justice Idris to the Court of Appeal.

elevation, Amosu’s trial which has lasted over two years in court is beginning afresh before Justice Aneke.

In the amended charge, the

Gas Limited, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Limited, Trapezites BDC, Fonds and Pricey Limited and Solomon healthcare Limited.

Akwa Ibom Govt Declares Three-day Fasting In furtherance of its avowed commitment to maintaining peace and fostering economic prosperity, Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a-three day fasting and prayer programme from November 15 to 17 to usher in the commencement of political campaigns and other political activities for the 2019 general elections.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Udoh who stated this in a statement issued yesterday, added that

the three days have not been declared public holidays.

According to him, those in public offices and in private business locations, are expected to gather and pray at the close of work to round off the fasting in the first two days of the programme. ”On November 17, 2018, everyone who can make it to the Banquet Hall Grounds, Government House, Uyo is invited for the final prayers at an open service at 4 p.m. The theme of the programme which defies

the mere rhetoric of politics is “PEACE BE STILL” (Mark 4:39) and the essence is to collectively pray to God to avert all forms of bloodshed and violence in our State throughout the electioneering period. We would also pray that no matter how the messengers of evil overstretch to rob us of our peaceful environment, God should continue to protect and sustain us. Our last prayer point would be that only ordained Godfearing leaders shall emerge as winners in all elective offices,” Udoh explained.

Udoh urged the state’s spiritual fathers and leaders of faith-based organisations, churches, government offices, markets, farm settlements, schools, motor parks, and indeed every business organisation, to encourage their members to participate in this very important three-day programme.

He added that the citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State; irrespective of political affiliation or religious leaning are also implored to join in the interest of the peace and unity of our dear state.

54

͚͟Ë&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ëž T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Okowa Promises Eagles $25,000 for Each Goal Scored against Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Africa r &BHMFT USBJO BU 4UFQIFO ,FTIJ 4UBEJVN BIFBE 5IVSTEBZ USJQ UP +P CVSH Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles dream of avenging the 2-0 defeat South Africa inflicted on Nigeria at the beginning of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has received the backing of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Okowa yesterday promised to reward Eagles with $25,000 (about N9million) for each goal scored against Bafana Bafana at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Gov. Okowa who is hosting Super Eaglesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; camp in Asaba ahead of the trip to South Africa, promised the team the incentive when he breezed into the Stephen Keshi Stadium to felicitate with the players during their evening training session. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are truly excited as a state to have you train at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, we are glad that you are in Asaba and from what we can see, this is a team for today and the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that you are leaving Asaba for South Africa; we are sure you will get victory; you are doing very well and we welcome you to Asaba; as a state government, we will contribute to what you are going to do out there in South Africa, for every goal, we are going to give you $25, 000,â&#x20AC;? the governor said.

He continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;when you

are back we are also going to host you here in Asaba. We want you to stay strong and success will be yours, because, we are a praying state and we are confident that you are going to South Africa to get a lot of goals,â&#x20AC;? concludes Gov Okowa.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick had thanked the governor for making the Stephen Keshi Stadium available for the Super Eagles to train, describing the team as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;most disciplined, young and promising who are in the home of sports, Delta State. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Genot Rohr, described the pitch as one of the best in the country while teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stand-in Captain, Ahmed Musa, assured Gov. Okowa that Nigeria would go to South Africa and qualify for AFCON 2019.

Musa and 21 other players trained at the Stephen Keshi Stadium yesterday evening as the Eagles stepped into gear for the battle against the Bafana Bafana.

At the evening training session were; goalkeepers Daniel Akpeyi, Theophilus Afelokhai and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and defenders Olaoluwa Aina, Adeleye Aniyikaye, Semi Ajayi, Bryan Idowu, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo and Jamilu Collins.

There were also midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo, John

RainoilTennis: OizaYakubu UpsetsTop Seed, Osewa Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s junior female tennis player, Oiza Yakubu, caused a major upset yesterday at the on-going 2nd Rainoil Open Tennis Championship at Ikoyi Club in Lagos when she defeated former national tennis star, Omotayo Osewa.

Yakubu who gained wild card to play in the Rainoil Tournament, took the first set easily with a 6-2 scoreline before Osewa formerly known as Omotayo Ibrahim dug deep into experience to claim the second set in 6-4.

The left-handed Yakubu, with support from neutrals, took the super tie break 10-3 to progress to the next round.

Now guaranteed a few national rankings, Yakubu will now face Oluchi Ozurumba, another of the seeded players in the second round this afternoon.

Yakubu had similarly put up eye-catching display in the same tournament last year when she won two qualifying matches to berth in the Main Draw.

Although she lost in the first round, she no doubt created an impression in the minds of tennis aficionados.

Her performance since then has been very impressive posting some podium finishing at ITF Junior tournaments.

In some other womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singles matches decided

yesterday, Bunmi Are coasted to a 6-1, 6-0 win over Esther Chidiebere, a wild card entrant, while second seeded, Blessing Samuel bagged an easy 6-0 6-1 win over Toyin Asogba.

Mary Tenu-Michael and Aanu Aiyegbusi were ruthless in their matches against Ramota Odeyemi and Blessing Danjuma after 6-0, 6-0 wins but Oluchi Ozurumba needed to be on top of her game to advance by beating Temitope Fashanu 6-3, 6-7 (1), 10-5.

Blessing Anuna also bested Ngozi Dirisu 6-0, 6-4 while Ronke Akingbade stopped Omolade Aderemi, a qualifier, 6-4, 6-1. In the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singles, top seed Joseph Imeh bagged a 6-3, 6-4 win over Tochukwu Ezeh to move to the third round and he is joined by his nearest rival, Sylvester Emmanuel who was merciless in his clash with Oche Adehi winning 6-0, 6-0. He will face Joseph Iyorovbe for a place in the quarterfinal.

Martin Abamu gave former top ranked player Shehu Lawal a huge fight before the latter pulled through 3-6, 6-1, 10-5.

Former Nigeria top ranked player Thomas Otu was walked over by John Henry due to his late arrival for their match.

A F C ON 2 0 1 9 QUA LIF IE R IN J Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;B UR G Ogu and Mikel Agu, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Henry Onyekuru, Alex Iwobi, Isaac Success and Samuel Chukwueze.

Only France-based forward Samuel Kalu is expected to arrive camp today.

Table-toppers Nigeria actually need just one point from Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encounter to be sure of a slot at next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continental house-party, but a combination of national pride, assumed rivalry between both teams and commitment to avenging a stinging defeat

by the Bafana Bafana in Uyo 17 months ago has adorned this match with a totally different garb.

The South Africans had in June last year inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Nigeria in the first match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo. Although Nigeria is going into Saturday clash as Group E leaders on nine points

a draw will seal Super Eagles qualification to AFCON 2019 in Cameroon.

Meanwhile, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delegation to Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big match will depart the country aboard a chartered flight from the Benin City Airport on Thursday evening. The Eagles are expected to have a feel of the picturesque FNB Stadium on Friday afternoon by 3.30pm.

Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr (right), addressing Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and NFF oďŹ&#x192;cials, during the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asabaâ&#x20AC;Ś yesterday

Stakeholders Want Egbe as Bayelsa FA Chairman Few weeks after hosting her first ever major national football game, the Aiteo Cup womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final in Yenagoa, football stakeholders in Bayelsa are rooting for the youthful Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle, Ebi Egbe, to come on board as Bayelsa State FA chairman.

The stakeholders believe that with Egbe as chairman of Bayelsa FA, the round leather game in the state would be taken to the next level, given his contacts and drive.

A promoter of grassroots football in the state observed that Egbe, a FIFA match

agent, is at home with those who run the game at the national level and would bring his connections to bear on football in the state if given the mandate to run Bayelsa football during the next state FA election. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a state, we have to present our first eleven always for every position if we are to get things right.

We have seen that in this business of football, Egbe is right now on top of his game. He has great ideas.

He has the panache and the contacts. He is the kind of person we need to lead our FA. We are going to give

him all the support if he decides to vie for the state FA chairmanship position,â&#x20AC;? the source noted.

NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, had at a reception put in place

by Gov Seriake Dickson for NFF board members during the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aiteo Cup final described Egbe as an institution in Nigerian football.

Pinnick was full of praises for Egbe for the marvelous job he is doing in the area of pitch construction in the country. Dickson on his part also thumbed up Egbe, describing him as a

worthy son of Bayelsa who the state government would continue to partner in the bid to make Bayelsa the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home of sports.

Egbeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s firm which is into sports facilities construction and Stadium renovation regrassed the Samson Siasia Stadium which hosted the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aiteo Cup final.

Monimichelle also got international commendation for laying a world-class turf at Enyimbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fortress in Aba. The Karkanda Stadium turf in Katsina as well as the Aper Aku Stadium pitch in Makurdi were also handled

by Egbeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monimichelle.

Nigeria Now Ranked 19th as Fallout of 2018 Amputee World Cup Laleye Dipo in Minna Following the average performance of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representatives at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amputee Football World Cup, Nigeria is now ranked 19th in the world.

Before the tournament in Mexico Nigeria was not ranked having not participated in the championship

previously. Angola which won the World Cup is ranked number one in the world while another African country Kenya was placed 12th in the global ranking.

President of the Amputee Football Federation in the country, Mr Isah Sulaiman, told THISDAY in Minna yesterday that the latest ranking of the country â&#x20AC;&#x153;will

boost the acceptability of the game in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This latest ranking has now put Nigeria on the world map of amputee football playing nations,â&#x20AC;?

Isah Sulaiman revealed.

He however pleaded with the federal government to assist the federation with funds saying that lack of financial resources stopped the team

from proper preparation for the World Cup which also affected their performance at the global championship.

In the just concluded championship Nigeria lost 0-6 to Brazil in the first preliminary stage match while the country also lost 0-3 to Russia before beating El Salvador 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Colombia.

55

͚͟Ë&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ëž T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Boastful Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Africa Coach, Baxter, Says Eagles Will Fall Again Femi Solaja with agency report Ahead of the Group E table topper clash this weekend in Johannesburg, South Africa Coach, Stuart Baxter, is already looking beyond the match as he hopes for another win against Nigeria to regain the top spot in the AFCON qualifying series.

The rainbow nation is hoping to secure a double against Nigeria for the first time despite the fact that both teams are plagued by injuries.

The British coach of Bafana Bafana is the only one that ever handled the team to beat Nigeria. He did it in 2004 in his first tenure as the South African national coach.

He did it again last year in Uyo. In both instances, South Africa scored two goals. Baxter believes he can do it again.

According to Sowetan, a South African publication, Baxter holds no fear over facing Nigeria as the countdown to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations showdown at FNB Stadium on Saturday continues.

Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Challenge Press Conference in Monte Casino, Johannesburg, he remarked that he expects the Super Eagles to have vengeance on their minds after unexpectedly going down 2-0 to Bafana at home in Uyo in

Channels TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Revolution

South Africa Coach, Stuart Baxter (centre) giving out instructions during Bafana Bafana training session during the week

his maiden match in his second stint at the helm as coach in June last year. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We do have Nigeria firstâ&#x20AC;&#x161; in the small matter of an African Nations Cup qualifierâ&#x20AC;&#x161;â&#x20AC;? the Briton said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;everybody knows the list of injuries that we have had. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Everybody knows what I said in the first press conference (a week ago) that despite that (the injuries) I want to speak about the players that we do have because even though we respect Nigeria we do not fear

them. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I think we have still enough talentâ&#x20AC;&#x161; enough desire and if we can structure a game plan in the next three daysâ&#x20AC;&#x161; I think by the time we run out onto the FNB Stadium we would be confidentâ&#x20AC;&#x161; we would not be complacentâ&#x20AC;&#x161; because Nigeria have just come from a (2018) World Cup (in Russia). â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They are undefeated since we beat them the last time (in the first qualifier in June last year) and they will certainly

want to wreak their revenge. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Soâ&#x20AC;&#x161; we will be ready and I still believe that we have a very good chance of getting the result that we need.â&#x20AC;?

Baxter revealed that Bafana had injury scares to Hollandbased midfielder Thulani Serero and SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The ultrasound did not find any tears but it will take him (Williams) I think 24 to 48 hours for it (slight knee strain) to settleâ&#x20AC;&#x161;â&#x20AC;? he said.

Mouth-watering Prizes at Stake in Southern Sun Ikoyi Golf Tournament Winners at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southern Sun Ikoyi Golf Tournament at the Lakowe Lakes and Golf Course in Lagos have been assured of mouth-watering prizes including business and economy class tickets to various international travel destinations courtesy the tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate sponsors.

The tournament is scheduled to tee-off on November 16 with over 80 golfers competing for the prizes at stake in the various categories.

According to the organisers of the event, golfers nominated by corporate sponsors representing various sectors of the economy are expected to feature at this 7th edition.

The golf tournament is considered one of the strategic plans developed by the luxury hotel to reinforce its commitment to the promotion of sporting activities, relaxation and networking within

L-R: General Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi, Mark Loxley; Country Manager, Kenya Airways, Hafeez Balogun; Commercial Director Nigeria & Ghana, KLM, Remco Bohre and Key Account Manager, South African Airways, Stella Aghedo at the Media BrieďŹ ng ahead of the 7th Annual Southern Sun Ikoyi Tournament in Lagos

its community.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the tourney, General Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi, Mark Loxley, used the opportunity to appreciate the traditional sponsors of the tournament for

their support while recognizing new partners.

He reiterated that preparations are in top gear to ensure that partners and stakeholders of the Southern Sun Ikoyi brand have a truly memorable and fun day

at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament.

Mr. Loxley further added that in addition to the fantastic networking opportunities on offer to its sponsors and guests, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the 2018 Southern Sun Ikoyi Golf Tournament day, is one of the best ways that we can have our esteemed customers escape the daily chores of a hectic schedule and instead, do something healthy and socially worthy to strengthen the ties of our business community through sports and leisureâ&#x20AC;?

Reiterating the tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective, Sales and Marketing Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi, Ubong Nseobot, stated that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the golf tournament is a significant event within the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar as it is not a commercial event, but a CSR activity in giving back to the community within which it operates.

Akusho Sets New Record as Plateau Athletes Dominate Lagos Women Run Rose Akusho from Plateau State at the weekend set a new race record in the 2018 edition of the Lagos Women Run when she clocked 34minutes 35.07 seconds to erase Fadekemi Oludeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40 minutes 30: 24 seconds of 2016.

In weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10km race, Akusho, gave other runners 10 metres lead to hit the finish line and smile away with the N500,000 star prize at stake.

Akusho said after the race that her performance was due to long-term training ahead of the 2018 Lagos Women Run. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Immediately, I registered

for the Lagos Run, which was my first time, my coach in Plateau State drew up a training programme for me which I followed strictly ahead of the race. I arrived in Lagos one week to the race to get used to the weather in Lagos and the route. The result is my victory.

I am very happy for winning this 10kilomentres race in just my first time of participation,â&#x20AC;?

Akusho told reporters at the finish line.

Hudung Gyang also from Plateau State finish second in 35 minutes 41: 22 to take

home the runners-up prize of N300,000. The third place also went to another Plateau State runner, Monica Ezekiel, who finished in time of 36 minutes 03:27seconds to take home N200,000, as the trio completed the Plateau State dominance of the Lagos Women Run 2018 as they won the top three positions.

In the Veteran category for runners aged 45 and 70 years, veteran marathoner, Genevive Njoku won the first position to grab the champions prize money of N200,000. South

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barene Vankorichbesa finished in second place to take home to take home N150,000 and Karim Bolanle finished in third place. She got N100,000 for her efforts.

All the top 10 winners in the Open and Veteran categories were awarded cash prizes, while all the runners got certificates of participation and a commemorative medal each. The medals will be given out to the runners today at the Secretariat of the Lagos Women Run inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Some eleven years ago, the debonair founder and CEO of Channels TV, John Momoh, told me he would like to revolutionize sports in our country. To do this, he believes we should go back to where we were many years ago when sport was basically a schools thing, providing avenues to not only discover raw talents but to also nurture them. He told me he was willing to use Channels TV as a catalyst for this revolution. John wanted to see children take to sport early. His dream was that CTV will create a platform for kids to embrace sport at an early age. He was going to start with Football, then Athletics and Basketball would follow.

That was how the now famous Channels International Kids Cup came into being. Every year for the past ten years, the tournament that has continued to grow astronomically would bring primary school pupils from all over the country to Lagos to compete for honours. Last edition was extended to neighbouring countries. It is important to know that the competition has brought added significance to the May 27 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day celebration in Nigeria, particularly so in Lagos which has hosted the tournament in the past 10 years.

Interestingly, a few of the outstanding players discovered have made their way to the National Under-17 football team -the Golden Eaglets. The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick is on record to have said that the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football governing body is considering adopting the Channelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kids Cup for its U-13 tournament. The more important feature of the competition is its spread. For the past few editions, the final place matches have been played by teams from different parts of the country. For instance, this year, it was the representative of Kwara State -LGEA Central Primary School that defeated Baptist Primary School from Osogbo Osun State to emerge overall winners.

For me the most amazing feature of this competition is the superlative skills displayed in every match played. You get to want to believe that with the abundant skill on display by our kindergartens we do not have any business

not being the dominant force in world football. And this is exactly the point John Momoh is seeking to prove.

Early this week, CTV introduced yet another tournament which primarily is aimed at discovering budding talents early. It is known as Channels U-18 Athletics Classic. For two days (Sunday and Monday) more than two thousands students from 52 schools in all the zones of Lagos State were at the Teslim Balogun Stadium to compete for honour and glory.

The sheer enthusiasm on display reflects that, once again, Channels TV has got it right. I have little doubt in my mind that in a couple of years this Classics too will be a resounding success that would lead to the discovery of talents from our schools.

I am enthralled that at last, an organisation is rising to the challenge of helping in rebuilding our nation. This time, in the field of sport.

Channelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; step would sooner than later lead to a national rebirth in sports. Soon, we would be able to produce the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best footballer, make qualifying for the World Cup our birthright.

Soon we would be one of those experts would tip as possible winners of the World Cup in football. In not too distant future we may be able to produce crack athletes who would be able to rub shoulders with the best there is in the world.

It is efforts like Channelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that would help recreate what we so much need. It is helping in removing the decay creeping into every facet of our national life.

From what I have been able to see, CTV may well be midwifing a revolution in our sporting life. And if that happens the benefit to our nation would be unquantifiable. For instance, experts insist that the IT and sport would continue to be big business earners for many years to come. Therefore opening up the sports industry would provide jobs and recreation for millions of our youths. Perhaps, our government should go ahead and implement a policy that has always been in the drawers of government- find a way, anyway to make corporate organizations contribute more to developing our sports.

Channels Television has once again shown the way to go. Would anyone else come along?

Wednesday November 14, 2018

TR

UT H

& RE A SO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

Obasanjo to State Governments “From what we know, by design, most states have incapacitated the local government system. They have virtually stolen the local governments’ money in what they called Joint Account. They were to contribute 10 per cent but they (state governments) never contributed anything” – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo berating state governments in the country for incapacitating local governments.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

Health as Top Priority D

iscussions could be illuminating when issues are situated in a global context. It is also a good thing that Nigerian public intellectuals are wont to summon examples from other parts of the world to support their arguments. After all, Nigeria should adopt the international best practices, as they say.

For instance at the April THISDAY Policy Dialogue on Universal Health Coverage, a strong case was made for making health a focal point of policy and politics. The point was brought home with a remark that in Ghana no political party would expect to win elections without canvassing its health policy in clear terms to the electorate. The Ghanaian example is particularly instructive as no one could possibly say it is an inappropriate parallel to draw. In other words you don’t have to go as far as Canada or Japan to see what premium is placed on health in policy making in other lands.

So in a clime in which elections are issuebased, it is expected that 93 days to election competing health policies should be on display in the public sphere.

The universal concern about the health of the people is captured in a report of the Intelligence Unit of The Economist of London released two days ago. The report entitled “Priorities of Progress: Understanding Citizens’ Voices” is a loud confirmation that the advocacy for universal healthcare is not peculiar to Nigeria.

According to the survey, health is “top priority among citizens globally.” Social protection and education come second and third respectively on the table of priorities.

Other priorities include public safety, transport infrastructure, environment and research and development (R&D).

Again, the primacy of social protection has been brought into focus by this survey, which should interest the politicians, experts and the people. It is also remarkable that a liberal journal is providing the platform for the discussions.

By the way, such a report may not receive enthusiastic response from politicians and their publicists here because it may not embody a political missile to throw at their opponents.

However, the report is indubitably a matter of policy and politics. The decision to respond to the voices of the people can only be a political one as experience has shown in places where relative progress has been made in the health sector. Such decisions are central to social protection. And that is why such a report should be worth the attention of pundits.

The report says among other things: “Citizens don’t often think about resource constraints when they vote or think about the kind of society they want to live in. Many want free education and healthcare, security, high incomes, low taxes, a clean environment, and affordable housing. However, resource constraints mean that societies need to prioritise their focus areas. And citizens’ opinions have become an increasingly relevant policy input as governments seek to restore trust in institutions and better serve their populations.”

A theme that could be extrapolated from the foregoing is that it is not enough for a

Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole political party to blandly declare that it would provide free health services. It is equally socially insensitive for free market fundamentalists to glibly dismiss the idea of universal healthcare coverage and the treat the health of the people as just another commodity.

What this report by a unit of a consistently liberal newspaper has shown is that health is a basic human need. In the Nigerian specific context, you cannot be talking seriously about poverty eradication without the access to primary healthcare by the poorest in the society.

Implicit in the report is the fact that the people’s perception about the funding of heath services could sometimes be at variance with the calculations of politicians and their experts of various ideological hues. That is really the issue. A mother clasping her baby dying of a preventable disease is not the right person to lecture on the economics of health. The fact of limited resources should compel those who think for governments to ponder how to make the social sector a priority in policy conception and articulation.

While discussing funding health services, there should be a particular focus on the need of the most vulnerable segment of the society. The luxury of dwelling on technical health economics might not be available when the care of those in desperate conditions is involved.

The lack of priority in this area becomes poignant in crisis situations. Just imagine what degree of the humanitarian catastrophe

The fact of limited resources should compel those who think for governments to ponder how to make the social sector a priority in policy conception and articulation

that would be recorded in the camps of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) if you remove the healthcare provided by organisations such as UNICEF, Doctors without Frontiers and the philanthropic bodies. The interventions by these organisations are far from being informed by the logic of market.

When experts debate the costs of healthcare, it seems they sometimes forget those who cannot afford the cost of their own healthcare even if it is N100. In such a situation, making healthcare “affordable” is not even good enough.

At the root of the strikes of the workforce in the health sector is the poor funding by the government. International standards are often invoked to justify why all tiers of government should increase health budgets. Yet the official response to the legitimate protests often reveals policy confusion.

Beside funding, other policy elements include the role of technology, the place of alternative medicine and how to re-channel the huge resources devoted to medical tourism. In a country, where people still die of cholera for lack of immediate oral rehydration therapy (ORT), how do you factor in technology when some thinkers are already making a prognosis of artificial intelligence (AI) doctors? The sector here is still bedevilled with rudimentary questions. So can policy-making accommodate jump-starting health care delivery system?

These and many others are the questions that should worry those strategising for the parties and their candidates.

It is, therefore, worth the while to drum home the point in this season of elections that political parties and their candidates should respond to voters’ expectations with well-reasoned plans to reverse the sordid story in the health sector.

The health statistics of Nigeria are grim even by the standards of West Africa. As an unfortunate example, infant mortality is worse in Nigeria than some West African countries.

Underlying this problem is poor policy conception, articulation and implementation.

As the report cited in the foregoing suggests, health remains a global issue. Even developed countries still make it an issue of politics.

Donald Trump wants the health policy put together by his predecessor, Barack Obama, repealed. The problem is how to formulate a credible alternative policy to replace it. The policy called Obamacare in the popular parlance seeks to ensure health insurance coverage for millions of Americans who would otherwise be without healthcare insurance. There are politicians who are critical of the British National Health service (NHS), a cherished national institution. During elections, options to reform the NHS are canvassed from various perspectives.

To be charitable to officialdom in Nigeria, discussion about reforming the healthcare delivery cannot be said to be in a policy vacuum. The good thing is that there is already a substratum on which political parties and their candidates can build their policies. Since 1999, health ministers have endeavoured to articulate health policies. Even during the military regimes, health policies were matters of public discussions. Yet many of the poor

people still lack access to basic healthcare.

For instance, the presidential candidate of the people’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has reportedly unveiled an agenda, which includes lifting “our people out of poverty, we shall improve their access to basic services including education, health, electricity and water – by making these services not only available but affordable.” It is hoped more flesh will be given to such a proposition in the coming days of campaign.

Talking about health specifically, the question of affordability has to be clearly framed by the PDP. How can the policy on ground be improved upon or be entirely replaced with a better one?

To start with, Chapter II of the Constitution makes abundant provisions for socio-economic rights including the right to healthcare. For now, forget about the non-justiciability clause applying to these socio-economic rights. The socio-economic rights remain “fundamental objectives and directive principles” of the policy of the Nigerian state. Besides, some laws have been enacted to enhance the enjoyment of these rights by citizens.

One of such laws is the National Act Health of 2014. The pro-people law makes provision for 1% of the Consolidated Revenues Fund in the annual budget to be spent on providing basic healthcare. In implementing this law, the Buhari administration is selling the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) to the states. With a target of 100 million poor people and about N60 billion budgeted in 2018, the federal government is giving leadership in this respect.

The law is supposed to be obeyed by the federal and state governments. Although, the Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewole, has said the BHCPF, otherwise called Huwe, is to complement the efforts at funding basic healthcare at state and local government levels, there seems to be reluctance on the part of most state governments to implement the law for the good of the people.

Every political party should, therefore, declare its position on the compliance with the law by all governments elected on the platform of the party. If a party thinks its own health policy would be better implemented by amending or even repealing the law, it should canvass the position in the process of seeking mandate.

The findings that health is top priority for people globally seem to justify the observation made on this page eight months ago that health should be made an issue in this election as follows: “What is required now is for political parties and their candidates to state their positions on this policy step and others in the health sector. Are their candidates who see Huwe the way Donald Trump sees Obamacare? If any party or candidate plans to repeal the law backing it, it would be good for such political party and its candidates to spell out the alternative clearly. Those who are persuaded by the logic of Huwe and other initiatives should also concretely state how to improve on the implementation.”

If a survey were to be conducted in Nigeria today, health would certainly be among the “priorities of progress.”

Printed and Published in Abuja by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com