THURSDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2018

FG Investigating Mobil for Alleged $1.9bn Fraud, Says Obono-Obla Nigeria, Saudi Arabia to partner on refineries Chineme Okafor and Alex Enumah in Abuja The presidency said yesterday that the federal government is investigating multinational giants, including Mobil Oil Producing for allegedly short

changing the federation in the payment for the oil blocks they acquired and remittance of taxes. This came as an Italian expert, Dr Don Hubert, in his analysis of the report on OPL 245, noted that the Malabu deal

from onset was designed to short change Nigeria, as the agreement took out areas that were meant to generate revenue for the country. A senior presidential assistant and Chairman of the Special Panel on Recovery of Public

OPEC considers output cut to stabilise prices Properties, Mr. Okoi ObonoObla, said at a press conference in Abuja that the oil giant, Mobil Oil, committed the act in 2009 after it acquired an oil block for $2.5billion but remitted only $600 million into the federation account and is yet to pay the

balance of $1.9billion. Obono-Obla, who spoke at an Anti-Corruption Situation Room on Public Presentation of Expert Analysis of OPL 245, otherwise known as Malabu Oil, yesterday in Abuja, disclosed that apart from Mobil Oil

Producing Nigeria, the panel is also investigating a lot of multinational oil companies in Nigeria over their failure to pay taxes to the government. According to him, “We are Continued on page 8

Orji: FG, States Must Commit to Saving to Grow SWF … Page 8 Thursday 29 November, 2018 Vol 23. No 8625. Price: N250

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In a Motivational Speech, Buhari Tasks Troops to Exterminate Boko Haram Meets Heads of State of Lake Chad Basin today Army admits 39 soldiers killed in Metele, others Abdulsalami, Ukiwe, Kukah express concern over North-east Kingsley Nwezeh, Sola Oyeyipo, Adedayo Akinwale, Mercy Apollos in Abuja and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Maiduguri, Borno State addressed officers and men of the Armed Forces engaged in the war against terror in the North-east, rousing their morale with

promises of better attention to their welfare and provision of essential equipment needed to carry out their assignment of defeating the terrorists. Tasking the officers and troops, he commended them for their efforts so far and charged them that the defeat and extermination of Boko Haram must be accomplished Continued on page 6

Senate Probes Akwa Ibom Assembly Crisis as Police Defend Role Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Okon Bassey in Uyo The Senate yesterday mandated its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the alleged invasion of the House of Assembly of Akwa Ibom State by suspected

thugs on Tuesday. The committee headed by Senator Tijjani Kaura (Zamfara North) is to report back to the Senate at plenary within 48 hours. The Senate took the decision Continued on page 6

Agbakoba Writes Buhari, Demands Assent to 2018 Electoral Act Amendment Bill … Page 51

GET WELL QUICK... L-R: Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Benson Akinroluyo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, during the visit of the president to soldiers wounded in the war against terror, in Maiduguri…yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

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PAGE SIX IN A MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH, BUHARI TASKS TROOPS TO EXTERMINATE BOKO HARAM without further delay, assuring them that he would be behind them at all times. The military had in recent times suffered some setbacks, leading to loss of hundreds of troops, the most recent being the Boko Haram attack on 157 Task Force Battalion base in Metele, Borno State. The share weight of the casualty jolted the nation to the apparent resurgence of the insurgency and forced the president to call off his five-day working leave that would have taken him to his Daura home town in Katsina State. Yesterday, he seized the opportunity of the opening of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference in Maiduguri to address senior officers, visited troops at Maimalari Cantonment as well as injured soldiers, who were receiving treatment and recuperating at the Military Medical Centre, Maimalari Cantonment, in the troubled state’s capital city. Addressing top military officers at the conference, Buhari said, “I want to encourage our troops not to be distracted by whatever speculations but to remain focused and committed to the task of eliminating Boko Haram from the face of earth.� The president, who admitted that the war on terror suffered some lows recently, commended the military, saying their efforts had led to the dislodgement of insurgents from areas hitherto viewed as their strongholds, rescue of abducted persons, return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the gradual return to normalcy in the North-east. “The effort of the military has also stabilized the security situation in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country and curtailed the clashes between herdsmen and farmers,� he told the officers, adding, “I must commend the selfless sacrifices of our Armed Forces especially the heroic officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, who by virtue of their commitment to operations all over the country have brought about the desired peace.� He also told the officers, “I know that you are doing your best to reverse this trend and I want to assure you that no effort will be spared in providing the necessary support you require to complete the task. We remain committed to ending the crisis

in the North-east and making the entire area safe for all. I urge you all to keep up the good work.� Buhari said the officers and soldiers, who are fighting terrorism in the North-east, deserve all the attention the country’s leadership could demonstrate to them. “As president of the country, I am determined to ensure that every citizen feels safe and secure in all parts of the country. To achieve this, the security agencies must rise to the challenge and curb threats to security in our country,� he said. The president remarked that there had been a remarkable improvement in the security situation in the North-east since 2015 when this administration came into power and told the officers that they were a major part of the successes that had been achieved in that regard. Saying he was aware that in the recent months and days there had been some operational losses in the Northern part of Borno State, particularly in Jilli, Arege and Metele, the president asked the officers not be downcast, pledging to provide for their operational needs to the best of his ability. He subsequently held a minute silence for soldiers recently killed by insurgents in Metele and encouraged the officers, saying, “I know that you are doing your best to reverse this trend and I want to assure you that no effort will be spared in providing the necessary support you require to complete the task. We remain committed to ending the crisis in the North-east and making the entire area safe for all. I urge you all to keep up the good work.� Speaking at the conference, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the conference was moved from Benin to Maiduguri because of recent happenings and because of the desire of the Commanderin-Chief to personally be with the soldiers to see them and to show that they were in his plan. Addressing troops at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, the president reiterated his commitment to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army to enable them discharge their constitutional mandate of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity. He said the troops were

always on his mind, adding that he had always woken up thinking about them and the conditions they operated. He told them, “I will support you to play your constitutional role of defending the integrity of the country from both internal and external forces. “This is the oath you have taken just as I took an oath as the President and CommanderIn-Chief. “I assure you that I go to bed and always wake up thinking about you and the conditions under which you operate. “Please, maintain your loyalty and defend the country. Whatever happens, a military, no matter how equip or how well led, without discipline is no use to the country.’’ While commending the troops over their gallantry and sacrifices, Buhari urged them to increase their commitment in engaging the outlaw Boko Haram insurgents, without further delay. He said plans were on to adopt a new enhanced salary structure for the military in recognition of their contributions to security, social and economic development of the country.

Buhari Meets Heads of State of Lake Chad Basin Today

Meanwhile, in his capacity as Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of LCBC, the president has convened a consultation scheduled to take place in N’Djamena, Chad, today. According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the one-day meeting is to review the security situation in the areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency and adopt measures to enhance the capacity of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to meet the challenges of securing the areas. The presidents of the LCBC member countries of Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and the Central African Republic have been invited to attend the meeting. The President of Benin Republic, a troops-contributing country, has also been invited to attend. The MNJTF and the national operations of the affected countries have appreciably degraded the capacity of Boko

Haram terrorists, although the insurgents still retain the capacity to attack isolated targets in desperate search for supplies.

Army Admits 39 Soldiers Killed in Metele, others

In a related development, the Nigerian Army said yesterday that 39 of the soldiers deployed in various military bases and locations in Borno State, died when they came under terrorist attack. Specifically, it said 23 soldiers of the 157 Battalion, Metele died last Sunday. In its first official statement since the attack, the army said troops deployed in Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Guram areas in Borno State came under attack at various times from November 2-17, 2018 leading to the death of 16 soldiers while 12 soldiers were wounded. It said, "In the recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North-east of Nigeria under Operation Lafiya Dole have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram terrorists. "Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops deployed at Kukawa Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times within a 2 week period from 2 – 17th November 2018. Each of these incidents was successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists were killed. "However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks, while 12 soldiers were wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities. "As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has its headquarters in N’djamena, in the Republic of Chad. “One of the Nigerian battalions (157 TF Bn), deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their Base on the outskirts of a town called Metele on 18th November 2018. "During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State." The statement signed by Brigadier-General Kukasheka Usman, said, "The Nigerian

Army commiserates with the MNJTF at this difficult time and wishes to state that all necessary support will be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko Haram Terrorists. "The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain.�

Abdulsalami, Ukiwe, Onayekan, Kukah Express Concern Under the platform of the National Peace Committee, former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff, Air Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd); Cardinal John Onayekan; Bishop Hassan Kukah and others yesterday expressed worry over the current security situation in the North-east, especially with the resurgence of Boko Haram. Also, the peace committee has resolved to meet with the chairmen and secretaries of all registered political parties today to engage them on the need for a peaceful election in 2019. The Chairman of the Peace Committee and former Head of State, Abdulsalami, spoke on behalf of others in Abuja while briefing journalists, after a closed door meeting held with a team from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and resolving to facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of peace and tranquility by all the presidential candidates and the chairmen of the registered political parties. He said that the purpose of the meeting was to get a briefing from INEC on the preparations of the commission ahead of the general election and the challenges facing the commission, in order to make sure that there is a successful free and fair election. Abdulsalami said, “The next stage is that we are going to meet with the chairmen and secretaries to all political parties tomorrow (today) in order to discuss also and listen to them and to see how we can make progress. “After the meeting with the

SENATE PROBES AKWA IBOM ASSEMBLY CRISIS AS POLICE DEFEND ROLE after listening to Senator Bassey Akpan (Akwa Ibom North East) who reported the alleged invasion of the assembly by hired thugs. Akpan had said at plenary that suspected thugs invaded and disrupted activities at the state assembly on Tuesday. The senator claimed to have personally witnessed the alleged invasion when he visited the assembly complex in company with Emmanuel. According to him, the alleged invaders were led by Kimo, whom he accused of taking sides with the invaders to truncate democracy in the state. He added that the police commissioner took sides with the APC lawmakers in the state to cause break down of law and order. Contributing, Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North), who spoke under Order 53(5), informed the Senate that the issue of the state assembly was in court and cautioned that the Senate should learn to distance itself from state matters, saying Senate should concentrate on national issues and leave state matters

for the states. Barau’s position, however, did not go down well with some senators who made spirited moves to shout him down. At this point, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, mandated the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to as a matter of urgency investigate the alleged invasion of the state assembly. Saraki who gave the committee 48 hours to submit its report to the Senate for consideration, stressed that the investigation became imperative "as that would enable the upper chamber appreciate the true picture of what actually transpired in the assembly on Tuesday, and it was only after what happened in the assembly might have been established that the Senate could take a position."

Police Defend Role

Meanwhile, the police yesterday repudiated criticisms of its role in the pandemonium that occurred at the House of Assembly of Akwa Ibom State in Uyo the state capital on Tuesday, saying contrary to

the allegation of partisanship, it acted professionally. Governor Udom Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole; and PDP members of the state assembly had accused the state Command Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Kimo, of bias in the handling of the crisis and demanded his redeployment from the state. But Kimo defended himself at a press briefing in Uyo and said his men acted professionally, adding that the situation could have been worse if not for the way he handled it. Kimo said he had no power to stop any lawmaker from accessing the assembly complex to perform his official duties. According to him, “For us, the police, we have no right, no directive to prevent Mr. A or B from accessing the House of Assembly. It is only the competent court of law that can direct that. “Policemen, apart from the DPO of the House of Assembly

and personnel, they are the ones in the assembly and no other policemen deployed there. “But whenever there is violation or crisis, certainly we deploy men 500 meters away from the scene to be able to forestall and checkmate such crisis, and we have to ensure the lawmakers go about their duties without any form of molestation, intimidation or hindrance. “How can we do that, it is when we are able to ensure that miscreants do not infiltrate the House of Assembly. We cannot successfully do that from the comfort of our offices. We have to be on the field. As at yesterday (Tuesday), that was what we did to ensure that hoodlums do not find their ways to perpetrate evil in the assembly.�

Women Invasion

Protest

Less than 24 hours after Governor Emmanuel demanded the redeployment of the newly posted Kimo, thousands of women in the state yesterday

protested the invasion of the state assembly, demanding the removal of the new state police boss with immediate effect. The women in the early hours of yesterday marched along major streets to the state House of Assembly and Government House, calling for the sack of Kimo. The protesters were led by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Glory Edet, the state PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Mmeme Akpabio, and a former Minister of Lands, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi. The women stormed the assembly complex about 9a.m. to express their solidarity with the speaker and the governor amid what they described as "intimidation by the federal government." "For the sake of peace in this state, we want the removal of the state Commissioner of Police, Kimo, from our state. We have always had peace, and we want that peace to continue,� they said, adding, “We cannot Continued on page 8

political parties, we are going to draw a memorandum of understanding of peace and tranquility and this we hope will be signed by all the presidential candidates and the chairmen of the registered parties.� On the current security situation in the North-east, Abdulsalami stated, “We are worried about the security situation in the North-east and it is necessary that we try to contend violence there in order for the INEC to go there and conduct election. “You should know that INEC will not send people to endanger their lives in order to conduct election and in actual fact, no agent or no political party will endanger the lives of its people in any conflict area. So, we hope we will be able to contend that violence before the general elections.� The committee also said it has taken note of certain flash areas in the states that the electoral body wants it to intervene to prevent violence during the election. He said that it would engage the political parties and ensure that there are no hate speeches, no names calling and undesired utterances in order to have decent campaign. Meanwhile, as part of plans aimed at delivering credible elections in 2019, INEC yesterday met with the leadership of transport union workers in order to ensure efficient transportation delivery of electoral materials. The Election Operation Logistics Committee Chairman of INEC, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, said despite the success recorded in the recent past elections in the area of logistics, there was need to assemble all relevant stakeholders, so that efficient logistics could be achieved during the 2019 elections management. He disclosed this yesterday at a roundtable discussion with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and other stakeholders in Abuja. On his part, the acting Director General, the Electoral Institute, Dr. Sa'ad Umar Idris, maintained that logistics is very critical in the conduct of any election and for democracy to thrive, saying the question of logistics requires urgent attention. He noted that over the years, Nigeria has witnessed significant changes in its democratic structures and processes.

TOP GAINERS CONTINENTALRE MAYBAKER CUTIX PZ A.G.LEVENTIS TOP LOSERS DIAMONDBANK NEM WEMABANK

NGN NGN 0.17 1.87 0.23 2.54 0.16 1.82 0.85 11.40 0.02 0.29 NGN 0.08 0.73 0.23 2.37 0.05 0.52 NEIMETH 0.04 0.56 UNITYBANK 0.05 0.73 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,485.00 Volume: 220396million shares Value: N2.726 billion Deals: 3,252 As at yesterday 28 /11/18 See details on Page 41

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NEWS

Orji: FG, States Must Commit to Saving to Grow SWF Second Niger Bridge ready by 2022

Peter Uzoho The Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji, yesterday advised the federal, state and local governments to be consistent and committed in their contribution to the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) in order to grow the fund. He also disclosed that the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge would be completed by 2022. Orji, said this yesterday during an interview on Arise TV, a sister broadcast station of THISDAY. According to the NSIA boss, the main driver of any SWF is consistency in contribution. He pointed out that compared with the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the amount of contribution by the three tiers of government has remained low.

Orji explained, “So, there must be commitment to investing and growing the SWF. The real kicker for any SWF is the consistency of contribution. It is not that you started with $1 billion and it remains static. That is not going to help. “That is because we have three mandates, the future generation, the stabilisation and infrastructure. By the way, we are the only one with those three mandates. Most other SWFs have only two mandates, stabilisation and future generation. “That means for the NSIA to fulfill its mandate, it is all about consistency of contribution. There must be a consistent approach to investing in the SWF and the impacts should be measured in decades. “We must be consistent at a start, and I think that is something we need to address as a nation.� Commenting on the level

of work on the Second Niger Bridge, he said, “Work is seriously going on at the site of the project.� He said the bridge which is to connect people of the South-east with other parts of the country is a long term infrastructure projects being carried out by the agency. According to him, the bridge has a construction term of 25 years. He stressed that the nation would benefit immensely from it once it is completed. He said, “We expect to finish the project by 2022. That includes the bridge, the access road, so it’s a big project. The bridge section alone is about 11.7 kilometres, and then you have an additional road section of 33 kilometres. So we expect construction to be done by 2022 at the latest. It’s a toll bridge; it’s a toll road that return can come out of it. “Most of the panel has been

done as at November 2. We expect that latest by June next year most of the pillars will be up and by the end of 2019, most of the slabs will be on. So you will actually see a bridge by 2019. “Now the access roads will still take another couple of years before that can be completed. We are targeting commissioning between 2021 and 2022.� Orji, however, pointed out that the agency has five key areas that it is involved in infrastructure projects. These, according to him, include road, power, agriculture, healthcare, and gas/gas-related infrastructure. He said, “So on road, the Second Niger Bridge is one; Abuja-Kano Highway is second, and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which we had just released fund for that. “In agriculture, we were involved in the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, which has

recorded spectacular success.� He said the NSIA would be inaugurating some of the projects under the Infrastructure Fund that have been completed in January next year. “We are inaugurating a cancer centre in January at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital as part of the Public-Private Partnership. We are also inaugurating a diagnosis centre in Kano and Umuahia; that took 18 months to build.� Speaking further, he said, “In terms of asset contributed to the fund, so far we have asset to fund to the tune of $1.5 billion. We have had returns over the last past years, we have been profitable for five years in a row but the returns are on top of what we have contributed to the government. “So, $1.5 billon is the actual size of the contributions to the fund. Now, there are also third party funds that we manage on behalf of various agencies of

government and also on behalf of government. “There was $350 million that we manage for the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), that mandate expired at the end of July 2018 and we returned the fund at the end of August 2018. “Then, we also have $650 million, which we manage as part of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, again, funds that are not really part of the NSIA shareholder funds. “Last year, we made profit of $95 million, and a year before, we made over $130 million profit. In terms of the status today, we are roughly at $1.8 billion. “There are three funds: We started with 20 per cent Stabilisation Fund; 40 per cent in Future Generation Fund; and 40 per cent in the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund, with different horizons.�

they are building to levels that will destabilise the market, and shutdown investments. “As we meet in a week's time, our focus will once again be on fundamentals of supplies and demand, and inventories and try to bring that back into a level that will assure the market. "The decision is going to be made essentially on December 7 on what to do, and as I said in Abu Dhabi, we have to do whatever is necessary. As important as Saudi Arabia is, we cannot do it alone, we will not do it alone," he said. Whatever decision the cartel and its allies take, he said, it would also be in the interest of American oil producers whom he added, were equally worried about the growing instability in the market. He was however reluctant to state how much oil may be cut by OPEC and its allies, adding: “Everybody is longing for reaching a decision that will bring stability back to the market, and what that will be is premature to say, but I think people know that instability in the market will not help. We will see the numbers from the technical advisers.� Speaking in the same vein, Kachikwu, who aligned with most of Al-Falih’s thoughts on what direction the market should go, stated that both countries were committed to seeing the market rebalance to comforting levels. He also explained that it would be too early for Nigeria to decide on seeking production cut exemptions, but added that the country would commit to

whatever decisions the cartel takes. “There is an absolute resolve from both countries to ensure that as we get to Vienna, whatever action that needs to be taken to stabilise price will be taken. The interest of the whole will guide us in our decision. We are looking forward to Vienna, but not without some trepidation. “It is too early to determine an exemption, but I will say that Nigeria is very committed to working with OPEC. We’ve always been committed even when we have production cap exemptions. When we get to OPEC, we will make a decision in supporting OPEC,� Kachikwu assured. Both ministers equally disclosed that they could explore business opportunities in petroleum products refining and downstream operations. In this regard, Kachikwu explained that Nigeria would like to leverage the expertise of Saudi Arabia in midstream and downstream operations to especially revamp Nigeria’s refineries. He, however, noted that no concrete agreement has been reached by both countries. “We are struggling with our refineries and they have a massive refining capacity. We are to collaborate in this area as well. The refineries are very close to my heart. I brought up the experience we have and he shared his own experience. We did discuss that but no formal thing agreed yet. These are usually very strong business decisions,� Kachikwu said.

pasted at every conspicuous part of the assembly complex to forestall breakdown of law by the sacked lawmakers. On Tuesday, the five former members of the assembly, Nse Ntuen, Idongesit Ituen, Gabriel Toby, Victor Udofia, and Otobong Ndem, reportedly led thugs to attack the state assembly in what the speaker described as the most scandalous desecration of the state legislature yet. The assembly, however, sat and passed a seven-point resolution ordering the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the break into the chambers of the

legislature and desecrating same. The motion, which was moved by the Assembly Leader, Mr. Udo Kierian Akpan, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Mr. Ime Okon, in the plenary, which had 21 lawmakers in attendance. The assembly in its resolution banned the former members from going near the premises of the state assembly; passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Luke for his leadership qualities and for standing by the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Standing Orders of the assembly.

FG INVESTIGATING MOBIL FOR ALLEGED $1.9BN FRAUD, SAYS OBONO-OBLA also investigating Mobil Oil Producing and that is quite instructive because we are here to deal with the misbehaviors of oil companies in Nigeria, particularly multinational oil companies in Nigeria and Mobil is one of them. ‘’We are investigating Mobil over their failure to remit over $1.9billion to the federation account arising out of the purchase of oil block by Mobil in 2009. The price of that oil block was about $2.5bn and Mobil paid only $600m, so we want to recover the $1.9m that is outstanding. “We are also investigating a lot of oil companies because of their failure to pay tax, a lot of them don’t pay tax, you can imagine how much they are making and yet a lot of them don’t pay tax; that is a classic example of lawlessness and causing economic adversity to the country.� Outside the oil companies, Obono-Obla disclosed that the panel is also investigating the bailout funds granted to commercial banks in the country in 2006, expressing shock that the funds, apart from the fact that they were yet to be refunded was misconceived to be a “dash� to the banks. “If you recall that in 2006 the Central Bank of Nigeria gave out bailout funds to commercial banks to the tune of $7billion. When we got to the CBN to update us whether this fund has been paid back the Central Bank of Nigeria said that in 2006 its Board of Directors met and passed a resolution dashing $7billion to these commercial

banks. ‘’You can imagine dashing public money; we are going to recover that money because the commercial banks do not belong to the Nigerian people but to private individuals.� While describing the Malabu scam as a classic example of abuse of office and economic sabotage by corrupt public officials and their cohorts, Obono-Obla warned that the panel would investigate the issue with a view to ensuring that all those involved are dealt with and that everything stolen is recovered from them. Explaining the Malabu oil deal investigation findings, Hubert said unlike the 2003 and 2005 sharing formula between Nigeria and oil companies, the 2011 and 2012 Resolution Agreement between Nigeria and ENI/Shell did not take into recognition government’s share of profit oil, which according to him are education tax of 2% and 50% petroleum tax. He said when these two major aspects are removed from the contract the consequence is a loss of about $4.5billion to the government. According to him, the oil block, going by documents it obtained from Shell and ENI, is projected to produce around 560m barrels within its expected 13 years life span when it comes on stream in 2022. Hubert noted that Nigeria’s loss could be more since the firm did not include the value of gas expected to be produced from the oil block. He, however, noted that Nigeria can revoke the OPL 245 Licence

granted Malabu/Shell/ENI or the government through the NNPC pay for the share for the government to get profit oil from the contract. On his part, the Chairman HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olarenwaju Suraju, urged the government to revoke the OPL 245 License so as to save Nigeria loss of the revenue, while calling for the prosecution of all those involved in the shady deal to serve as deterrent to others.

OPEC Considers Output Cut to Stabilise Prices

In a related development, member countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their allies led by the Russian Federation may cut their production levels to restore stability in the global oil market prices, which have reportedly dropped by about 30 per cent recently. If this happens at their next meeting in December, the cartel and its allies would have effectively ignored recent calls by the US President, Donald Trump, for them to bring down oil prices. Reports indicated that as at the close of business yesterday, Brent crude benchmark traded at $60.61 per barrel from an average of $76.73 per barrel in October. But the cartel, according to the Energy Minister of Saudi Arabia, Khalid Al-Falih, would do what is necessary to ensure that the growing oil inventories in the market are kept at levels that are comfortable and would

not distort the market. Al-Falih, was guest to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, in Abuja yesterday, where they both talked extensively on the need to continue to work together to stabilise the oil market. Both ministers briefed journalists on their conversations as well as the possibility of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia partnering on the business of petroleum products refining. He said the cartel had taken note of the growing instability in the market, adding that this had been amplified by geopolitical tensions and speculative activities by financial investors. According to the Saudi oil minister, when producers gather on December 6, in Vienna, Austria, they will, “do the right thing in stabilising the market and giving producers and consumers comfort,� that the oil market will be stable in 2019. In response to questions on his thoughts about Trump’s nudging of the cartel to keep prices of oil low, Al-Falih, said: “I think I speak for the 25 countries altogether. We saw in the action we decided to take in 2016, great benefits for the entire global producers and consumers because oil market stability is very instrumental essentially to everyone in the market, and we do that by focusing on primarily one parameter which is global inventories. “We try to be as objective and data-focused as possible, looking only to inventories, whether

SENATE PROBES AKWA IBOM ASSEMBLY CRISIS AS POLICE DEFEND ROLE have a police force that abets such level of illegality that we have witnessed in the House of Assembly.� Also, the Speaker, Mr. Onofiok Luke, had while addressing the women, urged them to continue to pray for peace in the state and not to be afraid. He charged them to rise at all times to defend the hard won democracy, noting that the state was peaceful until certain elements decided in August 2018 to declare "Warsaw" in the state.

Governor behind Crisis, Says APC

However, the state chapter of the APC has accused Governor

Emmanuel of being responsible for the crisis in the assembly, calling on him to bear full responsibility for the problem. The party said the manner the governor managed the crisis underscored repeated warnings that he was not only incompetent in executing the office of the governor, but lacks the temperament and maturity to hold the exalted office. “He is irascible, petty, smallminded, intolerant and arrogant, and so the governor’s strings of political difficulties are largely self-afflicted and will likely consume him in the weeks ahead,� the party chairman, Mr.

Ini Okopido said in a statement. The statement titled, ‘The Crisis in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly: Our Stand� linked the crisis in the assembly to when the Luke declared the seats of five APC members vacant on November 19 on the excuse that they had decamped from the PDP. This, Okopido said, was done in spite of a court order procured by one of the defectors, Mr. Nse Ntuen.

Court Restrains Factional Speaker from Parading Himself In another development, an Akwa Ibom State High

Court sitting in Uyo yesterday restrained the factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Nse Ntuen, from parading himself as the speaker of the assembly. The presiding judge, Justice Ekaete Obot, gave the order following an application filed by Ekemini Udim, counsel to the Speaker of the assembly, Luke. In granting the order of interim injunction, the court restrained Ntuen from parading himself as the speaker pending the determination of motion on notice filed. Justice Obot ordered that the injunction be served on Ntuen in person and also

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NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

2019: EFCC Insists on Monitoring Donations to Political Parties, Donors’ Identities Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday insisted that it would not allow the country’s commonwealth wasted by corrupt politicians for the 2019 general election. Speaking while presenting a paper at a one-day retreat for 36 state governors and key election stakeholders, the acting

Chairman of the anti-graft commission, Ibrahim Magu, said: “We shall keenly monitor the financial affairs of political parties to ensure that the use of public funds to finance political parties and prosecute campaigns at all levels of government is checked.” The chairman who was represented by Olanipekun Olukoyede, his Chief of Staff, at the event assured Nigerians

that henceforth, donations to political parties and the identities of the donors would be of huge interest to EFCC. According to him, “To minimise corruption and the use of public funds to fund political parties and finance elections, there is need for greater effectiveness in enforcing the provisions of the various electoral laws in Nigeria especially as it relates to penalties upon breach of their

provisions. “Political parties should be required to keep proper records of all incomes, contributions and expenditure, and to open their books for inspection by relevant security agencies after every electioneering cycle. “In addition, politicians prosecuting campaigns must be required to keep proper records of all donations received by them including the identities of the donors,

and to turn their books over to relevant security agencies, and to INEC for inspection after every electioneering cycle, including the costs of litigations arising from the elections and the source of funding for the litigations.” The anti-graft agency said although it does not have the manpower and other resources to confront the hydra headed monster alone, EFCC implored Nigerians to share

credible intelligence with the commission on the activities of criminal politicians so that its tasks can be made easier. Magu saluted the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) for providing a platform to share experiences on the subject of the electoral process in Nigeria, hoping that politicians would see the reality of playing outside that may expose them to the consequences as stipulated by the law.

FG Probes N7bn Bailout Funds to Banks in 2006 Alex Enumah in Abuja The presidency yesterday disclosed that it is investigating the bailout funds granted to commercial banks in the country in 2006. A Senior Presidential Assistant and Chairman of the Special Panel on Recovery of Public Properties, Okoi Obono-Obla, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja. However, when contacted on the development last night, the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, told THISDAY during a telephone chat that he was not aware of the matter. Continuing, Obono-Obla, expressed shock that the funds,

apart from the fact that they were yet to be refunded was misconceived to be a “dash” to the banks. “If you recall that in 2006 the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) gave out bailout funds to commercial banks to the tune of $7billion. “When we got to the CBN to update us whether these funds have been paid back, the bank said that in 2006 its Board of Directors met and pass a resolution dashing $7 billion to these commercial banks. “You can imagine dashing public money; we are going to recover that money because the commercial banks do not belong to the Nigerian people but to private individuals”, the presidential assistant stated.

NNPC to Raise Petrol Stock Levels to 50 Days Supply Sufficiency HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday said it would raise the level of current petrol stock from 45 to 50 days, stating that this should provide adequate supply buffer for the country going into the impending Christmas and New Year season. The NNPC also urged, through its subsidiary, Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), oil marketers under the aegis of Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), to regulate the volumes of petroleum products they send to their members’ affiliate stations close to Nigeria’s borders with other African countries The move is to stem the smuggling of the country’s cheap petroleum products to other countries. A statement from the Group General Manager Public Affairs of the NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, quoted the Managing Director of PPMC, Mr. Umar Ajiya, to have said these when he met with executives of MOMAN in Lagos. Ajiya explained that price arbitrage which is the differential between the regulated price of petrol in Nigeria and high products prices in neighbouring countries now encourages smuggling of products from Nigeria to these countries. He, however, expressed confidence that MOMAN would take up the challenge, adding that its members have

remained the most reliable partners in the country’s downstream petroleum sector. According to him, the NNPC and PPMC have built up adequate stock of petrol and other products, and that their petrol stock alone would last about 45 days even in the absence of fresh supplies. But he stressed that their target was to get the sufficiency level to 50 days. “We have 2.2 billion litres of petrol, 1.1 billion on land and 1.1 billion on marine, 800 million litres in PPMC depots in addition to 27-day sufficiency of AGO, 98-day sufficiency of ATK and 48-day sufficiency of DPK,” Ajiya said. He implored MOMAN to take advantage of the stock sufficiency and request for more products for their stations across the country. Ajiya equally stated that the corporation has stocked in products in its nine Inland depots, including Enugu and Aba and will begin to sell them by December 1, 2018, with a view to forestalling frequent shortages being experienced during Christmas and New Year in the eastern part of the country. In the statement, the Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Mr. Clement Isong, said the association was committed to taking more products to their stations across the country. Isong said: “We are ready to support NNPC/PPMC to flood the country with products during the Yuletide season and beyond as we go into general elections next year.”

L-R: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mamood Yakubu; former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd); and former Chief General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), during a meeting between National Peace Committee and INEC on the commission’s preparedness for the 2019 elections in Abuja...yesterday

FG, States, LGs Share N788.139bn for October Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal, states and local governments yesterday shared a total of N788.139 billion for the month of October as the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting ended in Kaduna. The N788.139 billion shared is higher than the N698.710 billion shared the previous month (September). The Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Paul Ella Abechi, in a statement said the breakdown of the figures released by the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) showed that the federal government got N284.396

billion,” state governments (N144.249) while the 774 local government areas received N111.210 billion. Oil mineral producing states received N58.092 under the 13 per cent derivation principle while N84.214 billion was disbursed under the Cost of Collection/ Transfers/FIRS refund. A total of N105.172 billion Value Added Tax (VAT) collections for the month were disbursed with the federal government receiving N15.145 billion; state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) got N50.483 billion, while local governments got N35.338 billion. N4.207

billion was allocated to the Cost of Collection/Transfers/ FIRS refund for VAT. Also, N806 million was shared as proceeds of Exchange Gain with the federal government receiving N372 million; state governments (N188 million) ; local government councils N145 million and beneficiaries of the 13 per cent of mineral revenue derivation receiving N101 million. The AGF, Ahmed Idris revealed that the gross statutory revenue of N682.161 billion received for the month was higher than the N569.281 billion received in the previous month by N112.880 billion.

He attributed this increase to crude oil export sales which he said increased by 0.82 million barrels, resulting in increased revenue to the Federation of $54.19 million. However, the average unit price dropped further from $75.69 to $73.92. Also, “the Shut-in and Shut-down of pipelines at various terminals persisted due to leaks and maintenance. “Revenues from Oil and Gas Royalties, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Value Added Tax increased significantly while Companies Income Rax (CIT), import and excise duties increased only marginally,” Ahmed explained.

Former IG, CP Re-arraigned over Alleged N16.4bn Fraud The Independent Corruption Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, on Wednesday, re-arraigned a former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, and a former Commissioner of Police, John Obaniyi, over alleged N16.4 million fraud. The accused were again arraigned on 10 amended charges before a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting at Apo. The charge borders on conspiracy, fraud and making false statement.

The former police chiefs, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Mr O.G. Iwuagwu, told the court that the accused committed the offences from May 2006 to November 2006. He said that the duo conspired and used their positions to place N500 million in two fixed deposit accounts. Iwuagwu said that the money was part of N557,995,065.00 donated by the Bayelsa State Government to the Nigeria Police for

the purchase of arms and ammunition. The prosecutor said that the N500 million placed in fixed deposits yielded an interest of N16, 412, 315.06. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the alleged offences contravene Sections 26(1) and 22(5) of the ICPC Act, 2000. Counsel to the accused, Messrs Kenneth Onorun and Samuel Obairko, prayed the court to uphold the bail granted to them when they were first arraigned.

They objected to the prosecutor’s application for the court to proceed with evidence by a prosecution witness who, the prosecutor said, was ready to testify. The defence counsel submitted that the statements of the accused were not served along with the amended charge. Justice Sylvanus Orji directed the prosecutor to serve the defence counsel with the statements. He adjourned the case until January 8 for hearing.

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COMMENT

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

WORDS FOR GRABBING YOUTH PRESIDENCY IN AFRICA Okello Oculi reviews a film on the need to rid the country’s body politic of corruption

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t is useful to reflect on ‘’If I Am President’’ – a film financed by MacArthur Foundation and directed by High Definition Productions. It was shown on Saturday19th October, 2018 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. A predominantly youthful audience filled the Congress Hall. For a film crew selected for their young age, there was a feeling of ownership by this audience of its call for Nigeria’s youths to dredge out putrid pools of corruption from Nigeria’s politics by seizing the presidency. In the film a campaign team is animated by an energetic, daring young man with a vision for leading a rebellion for ending corruption in Nigeria. He is married to a beautiful wife with dreams of a life of peace and middle class comfort. Dragging them off from conventional reliance on rich financiers for their election campaign, they settle for Barack Obama’s successful and novel strategy of using Social Media to collect small donations from unknown common voters. The general poverty of people in Nigeria, however, jolts the haughty and stubborn candidate into accepting donations from rich persons who were aroused by his campaign rhetoric and courage. His courage to contest a presidential election after his family survived a politically arranged car accident following his televised announcement attracts some rich funders. Despite this baptism with electoral violence and naked intimidation by a ‘’mafia’’ of older politicians, the campaign team does not build an intelligence and self-defence unit. Che Guevara, a medical doctor, had said that a true revolutionary is guided by love. That did not stop him from leading guerrilla platoons in Cuba’s revolutionary war against a corrupt dictatorship backed by American owners of sugar plantations in Cuba. This film is, however, committed to non-violence. Even at the funeral of 21 supporters slaughtered by security forces directed by the mafia of old politicians, the assassin hired to shoot the youthful presidential candidate collapses under the weight of the candidates appeal entering his pointed gun. A combination of malaria attack; a lightening flash of conscience and conversion to the call to combat against corruption in the combative candidate’s graveside eulogy, paralysed him. There is little relief from the image of older politicians as cynical, murderous, smug and corrupt cabals determined to destroy any youthful challengers to their preferred stagnant and decaying Nigeria. They are united across the country’s ethnic groups as depicted by their dresses and accents in speech. Only a bereaved mother whose son had graduated from Stanford University – referred to locally as ‘’the Harvard of the West’’- had returned as a patriot but was callously murdered in Kaduna State while serving as a Youth Corper urges him on. Her support was a memorial to her son. No female or male ‘’heroes past’’ exist in this struggle. Struggles by

THERE WAS A FEELING OF OWNERSHIP BY THE AUDIENCE OF ITS CALL FOR NIGERIA’S YOUTHS TO DREDGE OUT PUTRID POOLS OF CORRUPTION FROM NIGERIA’S POLITICS BY SEIZING THE PRESIDENCY

Gambo Sawaba –who had been repeatedly beaten and thrown into filthy prisons over 15 times – are NOT recalled. Although portraits of Queen Amina of Zazzau, Mrs Margaret Ekpo and militant Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is on a flier provided by the Federal Inland Revenue Service was distributed at the venue, there is no consultation of either their legacy of combat with male domination, or contact with contemporary radical voices including: Dr Yusuf Bala Usman and Professor Wole Soyinka. There is clearly a weakness in the area of historical research here. A latent volcanic cauldron of reciting and throwing at sunlight negative epithets about Nigeria threatens to suck in utterances of actors. It inhibits sproutings of novel ideas from these angry and courageous youths. During the presidential debate, for example, there is no mention of how to fertilise children’s creativity by using tools based on traditional games to make learning Mathematics and Physics thrilling; for designing aeroplanes and travelling to space, etc. Also absent are challenges to youths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for providing millions of school girls from poor homes with ‘’sanitary pads’’. The quality of the Presidential Debate was high. Actor Joke Silva was elegant, lucid and effective in asserting women’s claims for the presidency. Young women bubbling in the audience rewarded her with participatory shouts of endorsement. A candidate dressed in the familiar Tiv ‘’zebra’’ cap and shawl thrilled with his linguistic genius in substituting ‘’election’’ with ‘’Presidential Erection’’; and inviting voters to ‘’imagine’’ that when a corrupt old generation politician was asked by members of his constituency to supply them with electricity, he replied that ‘’Power comes from God!’’. The quality of acting in the film is brilliant all round. In a rush to meet a deadline, the editors tripped by repeating a very small section and allowing glaring light as another exuberant actor. Like all politicians, the presidential candidate shows a strong belief in the power of the word. The film ends with almost Fidel Castro-like flourish of passionate rhetoric. MacArthur Foundation earned a rich harvest of gratitude for selecting the team’s script for funding after it passed critical review by Ms Debrah Ogazuma and other film makers and critics. The Foundation gave film a more robust role in shaping political discourse and promoting democratic culture. As Mr Bright Wonder, the script writer and director, confessed, film-making has been elevated above merely providing ‘’enjoyment’’ to the burden of building democratic politics. The audience must expect productions in Nigerian languages, and competitive dishes by other beneficiaries.

TREASURY SINGLE ACCOUNT AS APPLE OF DISCORD The TSA policy is not being properly implemented, argues Adepegba Rogers

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ust few months after the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Index opened a can of worms on how Nigeria has sunk deeper into corruption, despite Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade, Ms. Priti Patel, former Secretary of State for International Development, United Kingdom, has made another debilitating remark. She has called on investors to be wary of investing in Nigeria, under Buhari, with a stern warning that they “should know of the corrosive effect of corruption, as well as the lack of transparency and associated difficulties of doing business in certain countries�. The camp of President Buhari has not taken this statement lightly. We will all agree that Nigerians can say all they want about Nigeria, but when ugly remarks come from the international community, this government always runs into panic mode. Defensively, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba, urged investors to ignore Ms. Patel, saying her “wicked proposition is lacking in substance and devoid of merit in empirical evidence established by facts�. Garba, in a firefighting approach, trumpeted that the Buhari administration has put in place instruments that have “extraordinarily and unprecedentedly reduced corruption and corrupt practices.� One of these is the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has led to greater visibility and control of government funds by way of consolidating government resources in an account as against the past where such accounts are scattered. I personally was looking forward to a mention of the TSA. The Presidency has never failed to force the success of the TSA, alongside Whistle-blower policy and Bank Verification Number (BVN) down the throat of anyone who cares to listen. It is often brandished and chorused as one of this administration’s most remarkable achievement, so much so, it has become obvious that there is no other thing to brag about in terms of achievement. Even though the policy was kick-started by the immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan, Buhari has completely owned it, following his directive for full implementation in September 2015. Every little

occasion has become right to re-echo the gains of the TSA. And to be fair, in terms of cash management, Nigeria is in a much better position because of the TSA. The Accountant-General, Ahmed Idris revealed in March 2018 that TSA has recorded an inflow of N8.9 trillion since it was enforced, and additionally, it saves the FG about N24 billion monthly. This is the cost previously incurred from running multiple accounts in the days before TSA. Also, over 20,000 uncoordinated bank accounts of MDAs scattered across many banks, with many unknown to government have been closed. Despite these gains, what Nigeria has in operation appears to be a caricature of the original policy as recommended by World Bank. The TSA policy in Nigeria has been bedevilled by major controversies which reflect poorly on the government and may threaten its sustainability, even though it is being hyped as a major success. The TSA policy recommends ‘Singleness’ in payment and collection of all government revenues, but till date, several leakages occur due to FG’s poor stance on the policy and lack of ownership. Some of the most corruption-infested parastatals in the country, particularly, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Customs and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) are frequent offenders who still find ways to divert funds outside of the treasury. Others include FRSC, INEC, Police Force and some federal universities. It will shock most Nigerians to note that, years after the supposed full implementation by Buhari, Nigeria’s foreign earnings are still not channelled through the TSA. With this massive diversion of revenue in several government agencies, it came as no surprise that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan who exclaimed that ‘stealing is not corruption’, has come out to boast that Nigeria was better off under him. “It is important to note that despite the many sensational stories, dramatic arrests, seizures and accusations, many of them false, since I left office, the fact remains that Nigeria has not made any improvement on TI Corruption Perception Index since 2014. “In fact, the 2017 CPI released in 2018 by TI places

Nigeria as number 148, a retrogression in which the nation went 12 place backward. In other words, Nigeria is more corrupt in 2017 than it was when I handed over to Buhari administration in 2015. Some people may be misled with smoke and mirrors but the TI Corruption Perception Index relies on unsentimental facts and figures,� Jonathan submitted in his new book, My Transition Hour. Another major controversy rocking the TSA is the outstanding debt and burden of technology acquisition, project implementation and ongoing transaction processing cost incurred by the government. When the TSA was fully adopted in 2015, the government revised its contracts of 2011 and 2013 with the TSA technology providers and banks engaged to operate the scheme. The contract fee revision was effected through a 2016 presidential order which imposed a fee of 1% of transaction fees subject to a maximum amount of N5,000 on the banks and TSA technology providers. It was an excellent deal for the government as similar payment systems in Nigeria and foreign countries were way above this. Before this revised fee regime, the government had reneged on its earlier contract, and had called for a refund of payments already made to the banks and technology service providers and held on to same for over two years. The debt accrued shot up above N10 billion, yet the TSA continued to run while the banks, TSA technology and other service providers groaned under the unfair treatment of the government. On 1 November 2018, without any warning or sensitisation of members of the public, who actually pay into the TSA, the FG suddenly transferred the transaction cost of TSA to payers. Not only that, amidst the huge debt, Ahmed Idris, the AccountantGeneral of the Federation, claimed that the TSA in the past two years has been serviced by N16 billion. “Within the last two years, the government spent almost N16 billion in this direction which ordinarily should be borne by those making payments. So, it is time for Nigerians to pay for the services that they receive, and the government will take whatever is due to it without necessarily incurring cost. In the old tariff regime, the federal government bore the charges on all transactions to the service providers on

behalf of payers,� the AGF said. No one has challenged the government with these questions: First, why has the government failed to pay service providers for the past two years? Second, where did the N16 billion quoted by the AGF, go in the past two years, if service providers have not been paid? Third, why should the citizens be forced to pay for a service that the federal government signed up for to collect its own revenue, without being informed? Also, it is evident that the FG continues to show an unequalled level of disregard for indigenous companies across many spheres especially in the technology space. It just is never good enough if it is not imported technology seems to be the mantra of the government. FG frustrated Chams Consortium Limited on the National ID Card project some years back. Not only did the government dishonour agreement and flushed billions of naira down the drain, the project which was won in an open bid where Chams came first, followed by MINT [Nigerian Minting and Printing Plc], and one other Nigerian company, was given to Sagem, the foreign firm that came fifth in the bid. Till date, this same project has been nothing but a huge failure, with individuals not getting a simple ID five years after registering! Nigeria has always been known to invest heavily in foreign technologies. According to the immediate past president of Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Olorogun James Emadoye, GIFMIS at Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is powered by a software from Estonia; IPPIS at the OAGF is powered by a software from United States; ITAS at Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is powered by a software from Canada; Bank Verification Number (BVN) at Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) is powered by a software from Germany; RTGS at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is powered by a software from Sweden while most of the software in Nigeria banks are from India, Jordan and others. The yearly capital flight as a result of preference for offshore software is estimated to have risen from N200 billion in 2012 to N400 billion. This covers the acquisition and maintenance of the software used in both the public and private sectors.

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EDITORIAL Challenge Of Mental Health In Nigeria Mental disorder is a major public health issue that needs adequate attention

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he recent alarm by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole that three in every 10 Nigerians suffer from one form of mental disorder or the other is worrying. What it means in a country of 200 million people is that not less than 60 million persons are affected by the public health issue. Unfortunately, despite this huge burden in Nigeria, only about 20 per cent of those affected are considered good enough to be categorised as mentally ill. These are the ones with the spectrum of the disorder generally referred to by average Nigerians as ‘madness’ and perhaps extreme cases of drug or alcohol addiction. That has largely made mental disorder in the remaining 80 per cent or 48 million Nigerians ignored or poorly understood. In 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said of these 48 million persons silently suffering from the health issue in Nigeria, no fewer than seven millions suffer from one of the most ignored and misunderstood form of mental disorder in the country, which is depression. This, according to WHO, represents IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE 3.9 per cent of the RISING SUICIDE TREND entire population. It AND SEVERAL DISEASES also said 4.9million Nigerians, that is CAN BE REDUCED IF 2.7 per cent of the THE COUNTRY GIVES suffer PRIORITY TO TACKLING population, anxiety disorders. AN AILMENT THAT IS However, as HIGHLY PREVENTABLE ignored as the health condition AND TREATABLE is in Nigeria, experts say it is the fourth leading cause of disease globally, especially in low and middle income countries where many spectrums of the disease are highly misunderstood. Among 10 leading causes of disability, ďŹ ve are mental disorders (depression, bipolar mood disorder, schizophrenia, alcohol and substance abuse and obsessive compulsive disorder). It is also the second leading cause of death in 15 – 29

Letters to the Editor

year-olds globally. For Nigeria, it is believed that the rising suicide trend and several diseases can be reduced if the country gives priority to tackling an ailment that is highly preventable and treatable. When understood and spotted on time, every Nigerian developing the condition can seek help before it reaches the extreme consequence of suicide. According to WHO, depression and other forms of mental disorders is not just a feeling but a real illness with established imprints in the brain. The worst part of mental disorder in Nigeria is that the victim often suffers the ailment alone without a clear signal of help. Medical practitioners under the aegis of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, (SOFPON) have been raising concerns about the growing number of Nigerians living with depression, a major risk factor for suicide. “Only one-ďŹ fth of those with a depressive episode receive any treatment, and only one in 50 receives treatment that is minimally adequate,â€? says Dr Blessing Chukwukwelu.

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TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c 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.

WHO WILL TEAR-GAS THE POLICE?

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he men of Nigeria Police Force were once civilians and will later in life turn to civilians, either by retirement, resignation or dismissal. Like the popular saying, whatever goes around comes around. When civilians take to the street to protest an act of injustice done to them, or when they are suppressed, oppressed, or deprived of their fundamental human rights and they try to draw the attention of the authority concerns to their issues, the men of the Nigerian Police Force are often used against the civilians: they tear-gas and dispatch civilians without minding if any of them will get injured or probably die in the cause of justifying their acts. We have several examples of these scenarios. These days, some men of the Nigeria Police Force now realise that every citizen has the right to protest and press home their demands, and the men of the Police Force can now take to the street to block roads and protest, and nobody obstructs or tear-gas them or spray hot water and pepper on them. Can civilians try that? Then I ask: who will tear-gas police for civilians? I recall the event that happened in July this year, when the policemen in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital and epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, took to the streets shooting into the air and chanting war songs in protest of what they called six months unpaid allowances and the video clips went viral on social media. But the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja denied that it was not a protest. Let’s agree it was not. Also, according to the media reports on the November

his public health challenge is unfortunately on the rise in Nigeria because no commensurate plan has been put in place to address it. For instance, Nigeria has only about 150 psychiatrists to care for the population; that is one psychiatrist to 1.3 million Nigerians. It also has ďŹ ve mental health nurses to 100,000 Nigerians with only eight neuropsychiatric hospitals in the entire country. It is therefore no surprise that suicide is now a common phenomenon in Nigeria. From jumping into the lagoon to drinking poison, reports on suicide have moved from an occasional blip to a very disturbing trend in our country. What the foregoing suggests is that Nigeria is not yet ready to address the issue of mental health. To make matters worse, no clearly deďŹ ned mental health policy has been implemented. What Nigerians must understand is that the insane man on the street who talks to himself and sleep on dirt is not the only one with mental disorder. There are also many who appear ‘normal’ yet may be having serious mental health challenge. We need to take them into account.

23, 2018, it was reported by The Nation Newspaper (http://thenationonlineng.net/anxiety-police-protest-pooraccommodation-imo/), “for two days the hooded police officers barricaded the Owerri/Orlu road in Owerri, the Imo State capital resulting in heavy gridlock and panic in the area. Shooting sporadically into the air, the demonstrators who hid their identities also set bonfires on the highway�. Narrating their ordeal to newsmen, one of the protesting officers said, “We have been pushed out of our quarters on Orlu Road by the management of Federal Medical Centre Owerri. To make things worse, our commander supported the act and no alternative place has been provided for us�. Interesting! That is what I called the outcome of bad governance. I am not happy with their situation; neither will I ever encourage such abnormality to continue in the system of governance. But the truth be told, will they support the civilian if such action is taken? Even if they will not join the protest, will they allow the citizens to exercise their rights, which also include protesting to let the public known their plight? Or to present their case to the appropriate authority concerned? Over time, such opportunity was thwarted by the men of the Nigeria Police with the support of their sister agencies. Often time we heard that Police is our friend; are they really our friends? The amazing thing in most cases is the fact that they use their guns, which were bought with the tax payer’s money to intimidate the innocent citizens while the bandits will be there somewhere raiding the community at will and you dare not challenge them. Omale Omachi Samuel, Centre for Social justice, Abuja

FASHOLA, CALL IKEDC TO ORDER

O

ne of the things this present government has continued to fight is corruption, but it seems in this regard the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) in its corporate practices is not helping government.

For several months the transformer servicing a community comprising Toyin Balogun, Tokura, Thomas Ekun, Ajayi Alder streets all in Alagbado area of Lagos State of which the AIT Undertaking is in charge is bad, and needing a replacement. The federal government has long warned Nigerians not to buy transformers themselves for electricity distribution companies. As ultimately, the transformers become the property of the electricity distribution companies. Where the electricity distribution companies are wasting time the community may purchase the transformer and the money recovered through a special arrangement. But this has not been so. Instead Ikedc has arm-twisted this community that is suffering in darkness to purchase a transformer for Ikedc to become the owners! Each house is to pay N20,000. To make matters worse, while they remain in darkness Ikedc has continued to bring monthly estimated bills! Even the bills being given now is higher than when the transformer was working! If this is not corruption what else is? I implore the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola to call Ikedc to order. The community should stop the money they are contributing of which Ikedc is sitting and waiting like a vulture. Ikedc should be made to replace the bad transformer, and commence the distribution of prepaid meters to stop this barefaced corruption. Ikedc should stop bringing bills until power is restored to the community. No to corruption in whatever guise! Raji Babalola, Lagos

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T H I S D AY Ëž THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2018

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

‘El-rufai Picked Hadiza as Running-mate for Competence, Not Because She is Muslim’ Iyobosa Uwugiaren writes that the All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate for Kaduna Central in the 2019 general elections, Malam Uba Sani who is currently Special Adviser (Political Matters) to the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El’rufai and previously served as Senior Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo is confident that his principal and President Muhammadu Buhari will return to office for a second term In the last few months, you’ve been going around your senatorial district, seeking support for your senatorial ambition; share with us your experience so far—before and after the primary It has so far been a very intensive and extensive campaign. What really gladdens my heart is the fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) executive in my senatorial zone has taken complete ownership of the campaign. Ours is a very inclusive and participatory campaign. This is quite comforting after the long drawn battle for the ticket. The process was attended by confusion, uncertainty and all sort of controversies. As you are aware, we adopted the indirect primaries. In the constitution of our party, there are three modes of primaries: direct, indirect and consensus. The National Working Committee of our party accepted the resolution of the Executive Committee of our state chapter that indirect primary should be the mode of election for elective positions in Kaduna State. There are other states that adopted direct primaries, some consensus, but in Kaduna State, the SEC decided on indirect primaries because of several reasons. One of the reasons was security and the most important reason was the fact that we do not have an updated membership register and we cannot do direct primaries when some members of the party are not even sure if their names are in the register. And of course, direct primaries means every member of APC must come out and vote; if you are a member of the party and you have membership card, you are qualified to vote for a particular candidate. And those that have the responsibility of conducting the direct primaries will tell you that you cannot vote simply because your name is not in the register. We communicated that to the party and they agreed with our position and it was really a fundamental reason; and so we decided to adopt indirect primaries. The election was conducted despite numerous obstacles and challenges. A day before the primaries and even on the day of the primaries, we were told that out of five aspirants that actually bought the forms, went through the screening, only one candidate was cleared. This was an affront on the wishes and democratic rights of the people of Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone. My co-aspirants were also not ready to accept the ill-conceived alteration of the list. The four of us came together and rejected the doctored list. The party eventually saw reason and cleared all of us and we went through a very transparent, free and fair election and I emerged winner. I got the highest number of votes and so that was what really happened. I believe the primaries in the Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone was the most transparent, free and fair primaries and the committee sent by the national working committee to conduct the primaries testified to that.

only state that was denied the opportunity to access the loan simply because those people in the Senate decided to look at their personal interest instead of the overall interest of our people in Kaduna State. The loan is not about Mallam Nasir El - Rufai, it’s about the nine million people of Kaduna State, and for me, that was what really made people to come out openly to support my aspiration. They believe I am better equipped and positioned to restore the glory of Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone.

Sani What has been the response of the electorate - in your effort to convince them to support your aspiration? The response has been overwhelming and humbling. Kaduna Central is a political fortress of the APC. The people are unwavering in their support for us. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been struggling to make inroad into the zone, to no avail. What we have been doing is to consolidate on the people’s support by assuring them of a brighter future. We are determined to change the face of the zone through quality and effective representation. This is important because for some time now the people have been victims of poor, ineffective and unresponsive representation. From a senatorial zone that was the envy of all, it became a reference point for how not to represent a people. People of the zone saw the diminishing of opportunities which hitherto were taken for granted. What reigned supreme was grandstanding and the abuse or denigration of leaders who are selflessly working to positively change the condition of the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria. They did not stop at that. They deliberately sabotaged the Kaduna State Government’s efforts at attracting investments and getting loans for the development of critical infrastructure. A clear example of what really happened was when the state government wanted to borrow $350 million from the World Bank to rehabilitate and build new hospitals in Kaduna, to rehabilitate and build new schools-both primary and secondary schools - in Kaduna; and to also build some infrastructure, I mean roads and other amenities for the common man and woman. The people were livid with rage. Kaduna State was the

be realised r4BOJ JT B USJ TFDUPS MFBEFS )JT UFOUBDMFT BSF in business, government and civil society. He r4BOJ JT B GPSNFS TFOJPS TQFDJBM BTTJTUBOU is a leading civil rights activist, development on public affairs to ex-president Olusegun worker, social entrepreneur, philanthropist, Obasanjo and Special Adviser (Political) to the politician and accomplished businessman of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). enormous economic and political goodwill r)F IBT CVJMU B QPMJUJDBM GPSUVOF XJUI B He is currently a Political Adviser (Political and Intergovernmental Affairs) to Governor reservoir of very loyal supporters. He cut his teeth in the institutions of public service when Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state r4BOJ T BTQJSBUJPO UP TFSWF UIF QFPQMF PG he also served with the Kaduna State Ministry Kaduna Central Senatorial District as senator of Works and Housing r)F IPMET UIF .BTUFS PG 4DJFODF EFHSFF in 2011 on the platform of the PDP could not

IN THE MIRROR:

If you win the election what are you going to do differently from what the current senators are doing? Our senatorial zone is populated by APC and everybody knows that - it’s a fact. And if you are a member of Senate representing a particular constituency which you are also aware that over 80 to 90 percent of the people belong to APC, surely the first thing you need to do is to work closely with the APC government at the national level. Some of us worked in the past at the national level: I worked with former President Obasanjo as you are aware, and we know how government is run. If you are a member of the Senate and you are lucky that your party is the ruling party, and you are also lucky that your governor is from your own party, what you need to do is to work closely with the president, work with your governor, and find a way to lobby on how you can bring infrastructural support to your own people. It’s about serving the people, not the advancement of our personal interest. What I will do differently is to work closely with my party to attract development to my senatorial district. And this is only possible if I work closely with my party leadership, the leadership of the Senate, my Governor and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I will know when to lobby vigorously. I will respect people. I will be tolerant. I will not talk down on people. How to better the condition of the people is paramount. What I am and have been is immaterial. Apart from being a senatorial candidate of a party, you are also the Political Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna State and you just said you were very convinced that El - Rufai will win his election and Buhari will win his election. But that appears to contradict the opinion of some people who believe that APC has not done anything in the last three years to deserve re-election Most of the people thinking that way are either naive, mischievous or probably they are unwilling to tell the truth. We are all in this country; some of us as I said earlier had worked with the previous government in the past, we know where we are coming from- and I can tell you clearly that when President Muhammadu Buhari was elected, we know the state of the economy of this in Finance from the University of Calabar, a Post-graduate Diploma in Business Administration from University of Abuja, and a Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Kaduna Polytechnic r4BOJ IBT QMBZFE B MFBEJOH SPMF JO UIF TUSVHHMF against military rule. He created a strategic base for the pro-democracy movement in Northern Nigeria. His Movement for Freedom and Justice championed the rights of the underprivileged and offered them unfettered access to justice. He was variously the National Vice Chairman (North) of Campaign for Democracy (CD) and

country — the country was almost going down completely, in terms of the economic situation. Our international image was in tatters. Investors had taken flight. Corruption had become a way of life in governmental circles. Insecurity had enveloped the country. The Boko Haram took over many local governments in the North East and hoisted their flags. In major cities of Nigeria, rumour of possible terrorist attack remained the daily staple. Life in Nigeria had become sheer nightmare. Many people were already predicting the possibility of Nigeria becoming a failed state. That was the situation President Buhari inherited. Since assumption of office he has been working assiduously to clear the mess left by the previous administration. He has degraded Boko Haram, arrested the drift in the economy, restored investors’ confidence and is implementing a well-conceived social investment scheme geared towards giving succor to the underprivileged in Nigeria. Restoring security remains one of the president’s biggest achievements. I can tell you that for some of us who travelled from Kaduna to Abuja by road during that difficult period, it took us three to four hours to get to Abuja because of multiple checkpoints created by the deadly activities of Boko Haram. People could not even go to mosques and churches to worship God. Going to the market or any crowded area was like a death sentence. Nobody knew where the next bomb would go off. It was a horrible situation. But today we can all heave a sigh of relief. Normalcy has been restored. But some challenges remain. Terrorism is a scourge which must be fought continuously until it is rooted out. Other security problems are also being addressed or tackled with all the force the government can muster. Progress has also been made in the area of fighting corruption. EFCC has been reinvigorated. Investigations, arrests and prosecutions have been stepped up. Campaigns are also being carried out to create awareness among the populace on the need for zero tolerance against corruption. We must root out corruption if our country must make progress. Corruption is a violation of the people’s right to development. It is majorly responsible for our arrested development in the areas of education, health, agriculture, etc. We must commend President Buhari for raising and amplifying the issue of corruption. Before now, corruption and the need to tackle it received little or no attention. In fact, it wasn’t an issue because you could do whatever you liked and nobody will talk to you. The revelations coming out of EFCC’s investigations are mind boggling and scary. EFFCC has continued to harvest successes. They have over 737 convictions. That’s the highest number ever in Nigeria. And for me, when we look at it clearly, it shows that the level of impunity in the past was very terrible. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Deputy National Chairman (North) of the Joint Action Committee (JACON) r)F GPVOEFE UIF &M 3VGBJ 'PVOEBUJPO EFWPUFE to entrepreneurship and skills acquisition for youths, women and the underprivileged. The Foundation served as a unique window of training and job opportunities for energetic, young people in Kaduna State, thereby making the beneficiaries economically self-reliant r)F JT BO BMVNOVT PG UIF 6OJUFE 4UBUFT HPWFSOment’s International Visitors and Leadership Program (IVLP). The programme focuses on “Volunteerism and NGO Management�

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2018

POLITICS

‘If Generating Wealth is an Olympic Event, Obaseki Will Win Gold’ Adibe Emenyonu writes that Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation is confident that his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki has the capacity to make Edo a miracle economy What has been your experience working with a Governor Obaseki who is not a typical politician? The Governor is dedicated, purposeful and committed. In choosing portfolios, he knows what suits everyone. He knows what he wants to get and he places people accordingly. This is government by objective, administration by objective. He has kept government clean. Anything that brings mud to the administration is not entertained. He has blocked loopholes in revenue. The governor believes the rule of law must prevail. It is the law that governs the governor and the governor guides us. The governor is the voice of the law while the law is its own master. We have a governor who believes that Edo must work, Edo must succeed. We are focusing on the people in this second year anniversary. Edo people should continue to pray for the Edo project. There are concerns over the many MOUs entered into by Obaseki which are yet to materialise? Signing of MOU is entering into an agreement, setting the pace so that we know how everyone works. We have released N700m for the modular refinery. If the MOU is worthless, President Buhari will not be part of it in China. The governor travelled with the President to China to finalise deals on the Benin River Port, industrial park and modular refinery. The work at the industrial park is not to be done by the state government. Dunlop has collected a portion. Many Chinese firms have secured places at the park. Government can only provide enabling environment and security. Is Obaseki getting his act right politically? Politics, just like democracy is an unfinished business. Everyone has his own way of doing things. There are certain things he has done that he did not do unilaterally. All appointments he made came through party leaders in all the wards. There can be cacophony of voices in terms of contract but in critical decisions the governor has taken, he has carried them along. The governor will always refer you to the party. He has SAs in every ward. His modus maybe different but it is still for the Edo project. His kind of politics is unique to him and it is not favourable to many people because of what they are used to. When he calls

Ohonbamu leaders, they listen to him. He is surrounded by politicians in government. If generating wealth is an Olympic event, Obaseki will win gold. The opposition has always accused the governor of not spending money on security which they claim is the cause of insecurity in the state Solving security issues are things you cannot see. They are sensitive. They are not for public consumption. Ask yourself why criminals are arrested within 24 hours of committing crime. There are other ways resources are spent on security. At a time Hilux vans and communication gadgets were given to security agencies. The governor likes to deal with security issues without making noise. Do you see him flagging off projects but projects are going on. He wants to achieve results. Has the Obaseki government achieved his plans in terms of the six thematic areas? Governor Obaseki has done superlatively well. We have not had it so good as we have now. Obaseki has improved on the legacy of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He has taken development further. We now have a God sent Governor who has taken development to the door step of everyone. All the areas of the state have been touched. At the inception of this government, we gave six thematic pillars

which will drive the government. In the area of economic revolution, there is job creation, industrialization and agricultural improvement. Because of the far reaching reforms we have carried out, Presco Company recently commended us because of the expansion of its farm. We reformed the Geographical Information System (GIS) for easy land administration. We want to allocate land to those who really want to do business in Edo and who want to treat land the way it should be treated. Governor Obaseki has emphasised the need for wealth creation. This will enhance both micro and economic life of the people. We want to make Edo the miracle economy. In wealth creation, we have the EdoJobs where we carry out skill acquisition, skill development, enterprise development and job matching. We are into partnership with some big firms in the area of job matching. Beneficiaries of programmes packaged through EdoJobs stand at 45,392. What is happening to the legacy projects like Benin River Port? We have expanded the scope of the terrain of our industrialization. The whole idea is to make Edo the miracle economy of this region. Apart from the industrial park, we have the Bénin River Port that will be used to export manufactured goods. Obaseki has linked water ways. The process is on to have police post in the riverine communities to provide security in the water ways. The last time the governor travelled to China with President Buhari, Obaseki entered into agreement with the oldest university in China on how to carry out technical assistance in any tertiary institution for the purpose of manufacturing equipment needed for various purposes in the state. We will be manufacturing many things here. People are complaining about roads In terms of infrastructural development, Obaseki has done a lot in road construction. In Edo Central, over 21 roads have been constructed even in local government areas where PDP chieftains hail from. In the village of the State Chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, the Governor has constructed several roads. In Esan West, we have constructed Ekpoma township road and other adjoining roads. At Igueben we have done several roads. Down in Edo South, you can see how the Governor

has transformed the city. Obaseki has brought sanity to the state and the system. When Obaseki came in, he discovered that development will be the greatest casualty in an unstable polity so he removed those things that will cause hindrance like the Community Development Associations. Obaseki obliterated all those things that will stalk development. You can move around and see people building houses without molestation unlike before when people pay through their nose. Some party chieftains accuse the governor of using police to harass them Whoever has infraction with the law is punished. Obaseki believes that the law should be blind to personality and political parties. For him, whoever has driven on the devil’s express way must not expect to arrive at God’s destination. Whoever has slept on the laps of Delilah cannot expect to wake up in the bosom of Abraham. There is punishment for any infraction. Any action committed that is on the other side of the law cannot be accidental. There are complaints about depleting work force in the state civil service Institutional reforms in the civil service have seen to the training and retraining of civil servants. The Governor has said he will not sack anybody. The 21st century illiterate is not the person who cannot read and write but the one who cannot learn and relearn. Government has ensured that there is training going on by leveraging on technology. There is remodeling of our secretariat. We want to make sure all our offices are in one building to make governance easy. Edo is one of the states with the ease of doing business. The idea is to make Edo a one-stop shop. Edo is now an attraction to investors. They are now coming here. Those who cannot key into the security architecture and the peaceful tendencies will have to leave. It is not possible for sinners to live in Edo. In the education sector, Obaseki said it is not good to address the symptoms so we have to cure the rots in the sector from the basic education. Our Edo BEST programme is the best in the country. Three weeks ago, we graduated over 7000 teachers leveraging on technology. They now use tablets to teach. If you meet a primary one pupil from our public school, you will marvel at the improvement.

‘I Will Sponsor a Bill to Criminalise Non-Payment of Salary’ Nseobong Okon-Ekong interacts with Oluwaloseyi Babaeko, a candidate for the Kogi State House of Assembly on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria, who believes in doing things differently Give us a good, but brief background of your sojourn in politics My name is Comrade Oluwaloseyi Solomon Babaeko, I am an Indigene of Kabba in Kogi State. My political background dates back to the once-upon-a-time vibrant and visionary Kabba Students Union, followed by my active role in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) students union, where I contested for the position of the president. As the best students union president OAU never had, my department appointed me as the caretaker chairman of the National Association of Local Government Students (NASLOGOS) I was later elected as the General Sectary of the Nigerian Students Society (NSS), University of Leeds U.K where I had my Master’s degree in Conflict, Development and Security from University of Leeds U.K. There is a generation of Kogi people and indeed Nigerians who do not know of the sterling heritage of the founder of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the exploits he did with the party, how can you bring them on the same page? It is true that most people in my generation and the generation after are not too familiar with the sterling performance and sequence of other achievements of the late sage Chief Obafemi

and development focused, coupled with the fact that I am the youngest candidate, who is also the most qualified not only because I am politically sagacious but because I’m also economically ingenious and socially dexterous. These qualities make me stand a better chance of winning the forth coming election into the Kogi State House of Assembly.

Babaeko Awolowo, such as the first TV station in Nigeria (Africa), the free education policy, the building of Cocoa House in Ibadan and the building of Demonstration Primary School in Kabba and many more are all eloquent testimonies of the visionary leadership qualities of Chief Awolowo, first under Action Group (AG) and in the Second Republic, under the Unity Party Of Nigeria (UPN). However, Kabba/Bunu Constituency being a UPN stronghold during the Second Republic, made it easier for the party to penetrate. We have made our campaign issue-driven, people-oriented

Can you talk about the visibility of the UPN in Kogi and what can done to improve on it? The visions of UPN in Kogi State is not only visible to blind, it is also audible to the deaf that the UPN is the changing political calculus. The narrative has changed from party affiliation to personality. We have been consulting widely to improve and expand on our party members across the 21 local government areas in Kogi State. Above all, the fact that the Unity Party Of Nigeria has egalitarianism as its watchword with achievable manifesto built on the welfare and well-being of the people makes it attractive to the good people of Kabba/Bunu constituency, Kogi State in particular and Nigeria at large. What are you doing to change the perception that the political scene of Kogi is largely dominated by the APC and the PDP? The pain, misery and agony brought upon

my people by the two monstrous and cancerous APC and the PDP have made them to lose their dominance and popularity. The fact that we are doing things differently is key. For example I intend to sponsor a bill to criminalise the non-payment of salaries, pensions and students bursary. I will also sponsor a bill for disability allowance and the bill for a compulsory post-secondary school apprenticeship. These are the driving force behind my passion to serve my people better. Our people are now aware and conscious of the fact that we cannot continue to do the same thing, same way and expect a different result. They have now agreed to try a New Wine in a New Bottle. Who is the rallying point for the UPN in Kogi? The rallying point for the UPN in Kogi State are too numerous to mention. But we will mention a few, The UPN once produced a senator in Kogi west senatorial district, the Senator is with us body, soul and spirit. We have a former commissioner as the state Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Itodo and a business tycoon and philanthropist, Mr. Samuel Oshadare who has travelled far and wide as the local government chairman. The support of family, friends and associates all over the world are quite commendable and duly appreciated.

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FEATURES

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

Preaching Religious Tolerance, Harmony Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan writes that the Muslim Ummah of South-west of Nigeria recently gathered to canvass for religious tolerance by entrenching a culture of harmony among all faiths

A

renowned emeritus professor of history, University of Ibadan, late Prof. J. F. Ade Ajayi, in one of his many collections on religious pluralism and tolerance among the Yorubas, said in most traditional African societies, the Yoruba tribe often regards religion as an aspect of culture that requires no controversy, competition, or crusades of evangelism. In the beginning, he said there was a common belief in one Supreme God who manifested his essence in variety of spirits and natural phenomena. God was worshipped through various deities, who controlled these spirits and natural phenomena. Each individual, family or state had its own deity, which was worshipped, and pacified, he averred. With such a background and coupled with the civilisation which seemingly placed Yorubas in the vanguard as the most educated and accommodating set of people, religious crisis had hardly been witnessed in the land, arguably in the last few decades. It was against this background that the Muslim Ummah in the South Western Nigeria came together in 2008 under the aegis of Muslim Ummah of South West of Nigeria (MUSWEN), to entrench culture of religious harmony among other adherents of different faiths and serve as a vehicle for propagating Islamic tenets by giving voice to the people of the religion. Ten years down the line, the organisation had evolved as a voice for the Muslims in the region. At the grand finale of the 10th anniversary of the body, which held recently at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, President Muhammadu Buhari, lauded Muslims in the region for their religious tolerance. Buhari said since Islam is a religion of peace, it behoves on Nigerian Muslims to always promote peaceful coexistence even in the face of provocation. Speaking at the occasion which also served as the N5billion launch of its International Centre, the president, who was chief guest of honour and was represented by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, assured of the readiness of his administration to continue to promote religious tolerance in the country. He then commended MUSWEN for giving "a voice to Muslims in Southwest Nigeria, noting that the region has continued to contribute immensely to the development of Islam and the peaceful coexistence of all in Nigeria". Also, the Sultan of Sokoto who doubles as the President - General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), in his speech, warned Muslims against violence, urging them to remain calm and use their religion to entrench culture of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. According to him, whenever the Muslims are denied their rights, they should not use foul and abusive languages. "Let's show decorum. Let's show people that we are Muslims. We should not use foul languages. We can be aggrieved, but don't let us allow grievances to make us turn violent", he counselled. The keynote speaker, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11, insisted that the ongoing killings and destruction of people's property in some parts of the country is not part of Jihad as being speculated in some quarters. Sanusi maintained that the national security should not be threatened or undermined all in the name of Jihad. The Emir added that, "killing people in the name of Jihad is not Jihad. Allah does not prohibit us to cater for and take care of people. So what we see with people destroying the peace of the nation is not a Jihad especially when your freedom to practice Islam is not tampered with. And we have to take it as our responsibility to say that this is not Islam. "We must keep the promise with those we promised. Those who are leaders, you

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; the Sultan of Sokoto and President - General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Aairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar; Deputy President General (South) Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Aairs, Alhaji (Dr.) Sakariyau Babalola and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II at the event

L-R: The Sultan of Sokoto and President - General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar; Deputy President General (South) Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji (Dr.) Sakariyau Babalola and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II

are expected to fulfil your promises to the people when you assume office. It doesn't matter if you ask God to make you president, governor, Emir, principal. It does not matter but you promised Allah that you will take

Killing people in the name of Jihad is not Jihad. Allah does not prohibit us to cater for and take care of people. So what we see with people destroying the peace of the nation is not a Jihad, especially when your freedom to practice Islam is not tampered with. And we have to take it as our responsibility to say that this is not Islam

care of people but you failed. "Islam does not allow a Muslim to take away property of the people unjustly, who does not fight you. Fight only those who fight you. Even, there are rules in the war, you don't fight the children, the aged and women." On his part, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, who was the host governor, urged South-west Muslims to continue to embrace peace as the 2019 general elections are fast approaching. Ajimobi, who noted that it is only in the atmosphere of peace that meaningful development can be witnessed, commended MUSWEN leadership for promoting religious harmony in the region. The organisation's chairman, Board of Trustee, Prince AbdulJabar Bola Ajibola, who stressed the need for unity among Muslims in the zone with credible leadership, noted that in the last 10 years, MUSWEN had made conscious efforts to have robust engagement with its internal and external stakeholders. He said MUSWEN had taken genuine steps that have set the Ummah in the region on the path of development and progress, adding that the body had recorded some modest

achievements especially in the areas of education, scholarship scheme for female medical students, empowerment scheme through zakat, free medical and professional development opportunities among others. Guided by the time-honoured principles of Islam, he said MUSWEN would continue to work for a united Ummah, united Nigeria and united humanity.The President of MUSWEN, Alhaji Sakariyau Bablola, said the group had “in the past 10years provided leadership for and helped enhance peace and unity amongst stakeholders in the region. Besides, the body has taken genuine steps that have set the Ummah in the region on the path of development and progress". Babalola however appreciated those that contributed to the feat, assuring a better future for the body and entire Muslim community in the region. The Executive Secretary, MUSWEN, Prof Dawud Noibi, said: “The vision of MUSWEN is to serve as a united and effective voice for Muslims in the region under a strong, veritable and collective leadership. The overall aim is to raise the profile of the Muslims in this part of the country." Noibi bemoaned the marginalisation of

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Ikeja Electric: Beyond Lighting up Homes Sunday Ehigiator writes that the fifth anniversary of Ikeja Electric afforded it the opportunity of going beyond lighting up homes under its areas of responsibility to actually touching the lives of its customers through a workable reward system

A

t the core of Ikeja Electric is its staying point, which is the fact that the brand goes beyond lighting up lives, homes and businesses, to actually ingraining in the minds of the customers the genuine passion to touch lives. The truism behind this fact is that they are at the heart of the company's quest for innovation, professionalism, integrity, dynamism and sustained service excellence. The brand is driven by an endless desire and resolve to offer customers an extraordinary experience as the company will stop at nothing to ensure that each interaction across all its touch points culminates in something more for the customer through an unwavering commitment to go the extra mile and continuousiy anticipate and offer solutions to customer issues! The "greater than experience" for customers is the force that drives the Ikeja Electrlc brand. The brand epitomises professionalism through integrity; growth through resilience and dynamism; corporate responsibility through sustamabIe staff volunteer interventions and partnerships; service excellence through new technology and cutting-edge human capital. For the company, the Ikeja Electric brand represents 'New Spirit, New Drive, New Energy', which gives it a refreshing distinction that is unrivalled in the sector. Ikeja Electric occupies a key position in the nation's power sector geographically for its privileged coverage of many industrial centres. With customers spread across the Northern part of Lagos State and parts of Ogun State, the mapping of its coverage spreads across eight local government areas; Alimosho, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Epe, Oshodi, Agege. Shomolu and Kosofe, parts of Yaba and Mushin are also included. Reward System Thus, to mark its fifth year anniversary, IE put in place a reward system for some of its numerous customers. Tagged the Anniversary Loyalty Reward programme, the event was held held at the Corporate Head Office of Ikeja Electric. The customers were drawn after promo tickets were given to them after they purchased credits for their metres. On the appointed day, the promo winners thronged the Alausa office of IE to know the benefits they were to get. While five persons were picked to enjoy a weekend getaway in a five-star hotel on the Lagos Island as well as a boat cruise and a tour of Egbin Power Plant, others got the special and personalised IE power game and a light voucher worth N5,000. Meanwhile, the winners of the weekend getaway were allowed to bring any significant other to enjoy the package with them. According to the coordinator of the exercise, one Mr. Uche, the reward system was part of measures to show that they are constantly improving their system. He said: "It's intentional because Nigerians must get the value for their money. It's been five years and already, we have done a lot. Also speaking, the Chief Commercial

L-R: Chief Executive Officer Ikeja Electric Plc, Dr. Anthony Youdeowei; one of the star prize winners, Emmanuel Odoh, and Chief Commercial Officer, Ikeja Electric, Folake Soetan, during the final draw of the fifth Anniversary Loyalty Reward programme in Lagos

Officer, Ikeja Electric, Folake Soetan said: "This is just a way to improve our customer relations." Beneficiaries The beneficiaries were filled with euphoria as they clutched their gift bags containing their rewards. One Alabi Samuel said: "We appreciate the gesture. Besides the gifts, we appreciate the fact that we get light for hours and even if they take it, they will bring it back in 30minutes. We can see the

changes with Ikeja Electric as against the old PHCN." Bunmi Aluroyi said: "With what you have achieved in five years, I know you will give more to Nigerians as the years go by." One of the major winners of the day, one Emmanuel Odoh thrilled all with his story. For him, the weekend getaway couldn't have come at a better time seeing that his wedding was just a month away. This revelation earned him applause from all. On how he got the promo card he said:

"Three weeks ago, my landlord gave me a new prepaid meter. I went to Somolu but did not achieve results, so I went to Ikeja Electric. Luckily, I got a raffle draw ticket and thankfully, I won something." At the event were Chief Executive Officer Ikeja Electric Plc Dr. Anthony Youdeowei; Titi Aikhomu, the senior manager; Mr. Felix Ofolue, the Corporate Communications Manager; Head HSC, Engr. Badmus Ganiu and Senior Manager, Community Relations, Mr. Olusola Ayeni, amongst others.

PREACHING RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE, HARMONY Muslims in the region in the area of education and socio -political matters while alleging that the media paints wrong perceptions about the religion. “As a result, Muslims of the region, have for a long time been short-changed in many ways. Despite our large proportion in the population, we are marginalised by successive governments both in educational and in socio-political matters. "The ethnic-based organisations that emerged in the region have purportedly spoken for

the entire region without consultations whatsoever with Muslims. On many occasions the stance of these organisations on issues at hand were detrimental to the image and welfare of Muslims. “The media too, both national and foreign seem to have adopted that wrong understanding. Our people must also be adequately educated about the need to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after the elections Muslims must resist the temptation to partake in any form of electoral

malpractice. We must all be guided by pristine Islamic values at all times. “In the same vein, all Muslim candidates must ensure that they distinguish themselves as men and women of unblemished character and attestable competence. They must be ready to serve the nation in whatever capacity conscientiously and responsibly. They must be legacy driven and work for the good of all. They must shun corruption and all acts that have hindered the nation’s progress. They must be ready to serve as good ambassadors

of Islam. “ he said. Dignitaries also present at the event were Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State who was represented by Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi; representative of governors of Ondo and Ekiti States; Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) and Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) respectively; Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni; Chief Imam, University of Ibadan, Professor Abdulrahman Oloyede, among other Muslims from the region.

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MOU SIGNING

L- R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema, and Vice Chairman, NASDAQ, Meyer Sandy Frucher, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NSE and NASDAQ in Lagos‌recently

Group Urges Telcos to Tackle Fraud Stories by Emma Okonji Worried about the increasing rate of electronic fraud, especially through the use of smartphone devices, the Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF), which oversees the interests and concerns of consumers of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products and services, has called on telecoms operators to take responsibility of all online thefts perpetrated against telecoms subscribers, and make urgent efforts to nip it in the bud. Members of ICAF who spoke at the group’s fourth quarter forum in Lagos recently, said since most telecoms subscribers now link their registered SIM cards to their bank accounts, and some of them get swindled and money withdrawn from their bank accounts without their

TELECOM consent and without them knowing until they start receiving debit alerts for transactions they did not initiate, telecoms service providers should be held responsible, alongside the originating bank. Most of the participants at the forum, narrated their ordeals, how they have been defrauded through their SIM cards that are linked to their bank accounts, and called of telecoms operators and the banks to protect their hard-earned monies. President, Nigeria Internet Governance Forum, Mrs. Mary Uduma, urged the operators to do more, especially in the area of service quality and protection of consumer rights. The Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Nigerian Communica-

tions Commission (NCC), Mrs. Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, who represented the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at NCC, Mr. Sunday Dare, said: “We believe that through adequate education, information sharing and the provision of an array of channels for redress, we can safeguard all telecom consumers and promote the climate where consumer experience will grow and flourish seamlessly. Dare said over the years, the telecoms industry has focused efforts on improving customer service. “To achieve this objective, NCC has rolled out several customer-centric initiatives such as Setting Quality of Service (QoS), Key Performance Indicators (KPls) for all consumer interactions and particularly for the resolution of consumer complaints and escalations;

Imposing obligations to eliminate unsolicited SMS with “2442/ DND� platform as a reference point; and frontally tackling issues of call masking, “forced� VAS and data subscriptions, among others,� Dare said. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently revealed that commercial banks in the country lost a total of N12.06 billion to fraud and forgeries in the first six months of 2018. The CBN disclosed this in its ‘Draft 2018 Half Year Economic Report’ that was posted on its website. According to the report, there were 20,768 reported cases of fraud and forgery (attempted and successful), valued at N19.77 billion in the review period, compared with 16,762 cases, involving N5.52 billion and US$ Continued on page 24

Accenture Promotes Corporate Culture, Unveils Innovation Index 2018 Accenture, a global digital and consulting service firm, has officially unveiled the complete survey report of its Innovation Index 2018, revealing a number of differentiating factors in financial industry across strategy, innovative culture, talent, collaboration, business intelligence and digital. Banks and Fintechs participated in the maiden Accenture Nigeria Innovation Index, providing insight on how they leverage innovation to stabilise and drive growth for maximum benefit. According to the survey report, “On average, organisations invest 35 per cent of annual

TELECOM revenues in innovation and realise a 40.5 per cent return.� The report however said a few outliers invested “22 per cent of revenues and achieve returns of 61 per cent, which is 1.5x the market average.� Analysing the report in Lagos, the Country Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, said: “As we dug deeper to understand what innovation leaders do differently to achieve such returns on their innovations, a number of key themes stood out as differentiating factors. Strategy, Innovative Culture, Talent, Collaboration, Business

Intelligence and Digital. Innovation Leaders scored significantly higher across these areas than other organisations.� He added that leadership make significant investments in innovation strategy and lay a solid foundation for a high performing innovation culture, ensuring a steady flow of ideas from an engaged workforce. Managing Director, Financial Services at Accenture Nigeria, Toluwaleke Adenmosun, said: “Innovation Leaders prioritise projects, foster a strong collaboration culture central to their innovation strategy, use digital as a business enabler and revenue generator, leverage the

power of ecosystems to gather intelligence and apply insights that help them differentiate offerings in the market.� The Index indicates that innovation leaders are cultivating their people to be innovative, encouraging employees to share ideas openly and promoting the use of interactive tools and digital platforms for collaboration. It further noted that 95 per cent of such leaders are giving more control to their employees to ideate and offer strong incentives as a reward for innovative ideas. According to the report, Continued on page 24

Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ ÚÖËãĂ?ĂŽ Ă’Ă™Ă?Ăž ÞÙ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’ Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ăž Ă‹ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;Ă— Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;Ă—Ëœ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽËŞĂ? Ă?Ù××ÓÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă›Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂ?Ă?ÚÙÕĂ? Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;Ă— Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ĂĄĂ“ĂŽĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂž ĂŒĂŁ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ÞÙ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™ĂŒĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă™Ă˜ Ă“ĂžĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă‹Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ă&#x;ÞÓĂ?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă˜Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ÞÙÙÕ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ?Ă’ Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă™Ă’Ă˜Ă˜ĂŁ ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă?Ëœ ÞÙÙÕ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÑĂ? ÞÙ ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă?âĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă“Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ăœ Ă&#x;ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ™ĂĄĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă›Ă&#x;Ă? à ÙÓĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă?Ë› Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËŞĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă‹Ăœ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë›

Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂŽĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÍŻÍŻ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ ËŤ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă˜Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŽÍŻË› Ă™ Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă? ÞÒËÞ˛ˏ

Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂž ÞÙ Ă“Ă—ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă? Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂžĂ“Ă&#x;Ă— Ă™Ă? ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“ĂžĂ? ÎËÞË Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă“Ă—Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ăž ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ ÎËÞË Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœË› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËŞĂ? ĂŽĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă–Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă’ Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?Ăœ âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ě™ Ěš Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂŒĂ“ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă›Ă&#x;ËÖÓÞã Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă?ÙÖà Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?ËŞ Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?Ăœ Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă•Ëœ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ě‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÖĂ?ĂžĂ? Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ĂĄĂ“ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– ÑÙÙÎã ĂŒĂ‹Ă‘Ă?Ë›

ATCON Holds Workshop

Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ě™ Ěš Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ĂŁĂ˜Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă? ĂšĂ?Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă— Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ě™ ĚšËœ Ă‹ Ă‘Ă–Ă™ĂŒĂ‹Ă– Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ˜Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă”Ă™Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă’Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă‹ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă?ÒÙÚ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă“ĂžĂ? ÚËĂ?Ă? Ě™ Ěš ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ô˲ Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă?ÒÙÚ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ă?ĂŽË? ËŤ Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă’Ă“ĂžĂ? ÚËĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁËœËŹ Ă‹Ă“Ă—Ă? ÞÙ Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ă–Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ™ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂžĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?ĂšĂ“ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă– ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍąĚ‹Í°ÍŽÍŻÍśËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ĂŽĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă‹ĂœĂŽË› Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă˜Ăž Ă?ÞËÕĂ?ÒÙÖÎĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ËÞÞĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă?ÒÙÚ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ? ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂŒĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;ÓÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă‹Ë› ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ëœ Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?ÒÙÖË Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ă–Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽË? ËŤ Ëœ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă–Ě‹ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ ĂžĂ™ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă‹ĂžĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă– Ă™ĂŒĂ”Ă?Ă?ÞÓà Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› ËŤ Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŁĂ˜Ă?ĂœĂ‘ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?ĂšĂ“ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÞåÙ Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă?ÒÙÚ Ă“Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÚÖËĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?Ù×Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂž ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ě‹ĂĄĂ“Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă?ÞËÕĂ?ÒÙÖÎĂ?ĂœĂ?˛ˏ ÙÖÎĂ? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂž

iTEC Smart TV Debuts in Nigeria

Ă“ Ëœ Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă&#x;Ă— Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă“ĂžĂ? ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă“ Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂž Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëœ Ă?âĂ?Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?Ă–ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă?Ě‹ Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă‘Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ?Ăž ͹͎ ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÙÚĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă?Ë› Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĚ‹ Ă‹Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËœ Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă™Ă‘ĂŁ Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂžĂŽË›Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂž Ă?Ëœ Ă“ ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ?Ăž ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ëœ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă?Þã Ă™Ă? Ă?ÓäĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÍąÍ°ËŹËœ Ͳ͹ˏ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ͳ͡ˏ ÞÙ Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ăœ ÞÙ Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁĚ‹Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ?Ë›

Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? åÓÞÒ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ù××ÓÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ ĂœĂ?à ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂœĂŁ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă“ Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂž Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–Ăž åÓÞÒ Ă?ÞËÞĂ?Ě‹Ă™Ă?̋ÞÒĂ?Ě‹Ă‹ĂœĂž Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă“Ăš Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÙÚÒÓĂ?ÞÓĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ě‹ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?ÞãÖĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă&#x;âĂ&#x;ĂœĂŁĚ‹Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĚ‹Ă?Ă‹Ă Ă ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂœË› Ă’Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă—Ëœ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă•Ëœ Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;ÓÚÚĂ?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂŽĂ“Ă?ÚÖËã ĂœĂ?Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă™ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă—Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă—Ă&#x;ÖÞÓÚÖÓĂ?ÓÞã Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂœĚ‹Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹ĂžĂ“ĂŒĂ–Ă? ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?Ë›

“Organisations should be thinking of how best to install the latest data storage devices because the demand for storage is on the increase, propelled by technology evolution� Senior Manager, Sales, Africa Business atWestern Digital,

Mr. Ghassan Azzi

24

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

GROUP URGES TELCOS TO TACKLE FRAUD 0.12 million in the corresponding period of 2017. “The actual loss by banks to fraud and forgery, however, amounted to N12.06 billion, compared with the N0.78 billion and US$0.03 million, suffered in the first half of 2017. “The reported fraud and forgery incidences were perpetrated by both bank staff and non-bank culprits. The cases involved armed robbery attacks, fraudulent ATM withdrawals, draft defalcation, illegal funds transfer, pilfering of cash, stealing, suppression and conversion of customers’ deposits,� it added. According to a Director, Consumer Protection, CBN, Mr S.K. Salam-Alade, the high incidence of fraud is usually as a result of weak security infrastructure in financial institutions and insufficient internal controls. ACCENTURE PROMOTES CORPORATE CULTURE, UNVEILS INNOVATION INDEX 2018 “Rewards include opportunities to collaborate with different business units, professional development, varied work assignments, personal recognition and financial grants. “Only 56 per cent of all organisations recruit new people with specific skill sets to support innovation-related activities, versus 100 per cent of innovation leaders.� Another differentiating theme as highlighted by the report, was that collaboration, which is the ability to break down silos and collaborate within and outside the organisation that gives innovation leaders a distinct edge in ensuring long-term success. There is a stark contrast in how innovations leaders and the rest of organisations generate ideas, it stated. “100 percent of innovation leaders make use of dedicated multi-functional innovation teams as well as external platforms and channels to generate new ideas compared to 28 per cent of other organisations. Innovation leaders clearly see opportunities in leveraging the broader ecosystem, as 85 per cent look to academia, clients, customers and suppliers to crowdsource information to innovate,� Adenmosun said.

Group Business Editor

ĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă‹ Capital Market Editor

ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă? AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ äĂ? Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Senior Correspondent

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

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

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

NCC Insists on Reduction of Right of Way Charges Emma Okonji

fixed broadband penetration, will increase GDP growth by 1.21 per cent in developed economies and 1.38 per cent in developing countries, Wakil said all the states and Nigeria as a whole, would stand to gain huge economic benefits if broadband becomes pervasive. Wakil, who is also the Alternate Chairman, Broadband Implementation and Monitoring Committee at NCC, said the NCC had recently met with all the state

governors through the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to appeal to them on the need to revert to the recommended N145 per metre for RoW. According to him, all the governors had agreed to adopt the price, but none has implemented it yet. “Our worry now is that by next year, the current set of governors that agreed may not be in office again and we will have to start talking to new governors afresh. “The EVC has also been

meeting with governors oneon-one and we will continue to do that until they realise the importance of broadband and the need to remove the unnecessary hurdles,� he said. The Head, Regulatory Services, MainOne, Mr. Ifeloju Alakija, who spoke at the forum on behalf of Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), said the current RoW charges made it impossible for the InfraCos to roll out. MainOne was licensed as InfraCo for Lagos in 2015.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Abdulsalam Taofiq, who represented the state at the meeting, said the country would need a law to compel the states to charge only N145 as recommended. He advised the NCC to send a bill to the National Assembly to that effect, adding that without a law, states may not reduce the charges as they all want to generate more revenue.

Disturbed by the indiscriminate charges on Right of Way (RoW), which has led to several delays in rolling out telecoms infrastructure across states, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called on state governments to consider the reduction of RoW changes as agreed in the earlier meeting between telecoms industry stakeholders and the various state governments in the country. NCC said the call became necessary in the interest of national economic development. The commission made the call of appeal at a broadband stakeholders’ engagement workshop, which held in Lagos recently. NCC’s Director of Technical Standards, Bako Wakil, while addressing the stakeholders, which included representatives of state governments from southern part of the country, said states were charging between N1,500 and N5,000 per metre for Right of Way, contrary to the National Executive Council’s recommendation of N145 per metre. He said the high charges had been hindering the rollout of infrastructure by licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), a situation, he said, had forced broadband penetration in the country to remain at 22 per cent for long time. Citing a World Bank study, which established that a 10 L-R: CEO, Essay Holdings Ltd, Sulaimon Adebola Adegunwa; Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos; Managing Director, SPAR, Artee Industries per cent point increase in Limited, Mr Haresh Keswani and Chairman, Solomon Onafowokan, at the opening of SPAR Opebi outlet in Lagos‌recently

BUSINESS EXPANSION

BoI Restates Commitment to Attracting Cheap Funds for Businesses Jonathan Eze The Bank of Industry (BoI) has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting foreign investments into the country. Indeed, the Development Finance Institution (DFI) pointed out the need to boost the confidence of foreign investors in the Nigerian economy while also providing access to capital for investments in a bid to create wealth and job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths. The Managing Director, BoI, Olukayode Pitan, while

speaking at a meeting with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nigeria, Fahad Obaid AlTaffag, in Lagos, said the bank was ready to support genuine foreign businesses that are willing to invest in Africa’s biggest market. “So if you are thinking about bringing in companies to invest in the country, we will be willing to partner with you and give those companies the kind of facilities we have to support their investments. “We know that we have a good relationship with your country. I understand you

want to know what we do and how we can mutually cooperate for the benefit of the two countries. We are the leading DFI in Nigeria. We focus on many areas for development, but the major areas are emphasis of government, such as light manufacturing, oil and gas, creative industry, agric processing, technology and many more.� He added that the bank just concluded a syndication trying to raise about $5 million to support industrial development in the country. “We cover the whole in-

dustrial sector to ensure that Nigerian companies become competitive. We know that borrowing money between 20 and 30 per cent is a big drag on companies and most of the banks in Nigeria are not able to give long term facilities. We are able to grant loans between seven and 10 per cent per annum for 10 years,� he added. In his response, the Ambassador said the meeting was to understand the mechanism at which the bank operates, while also seeking areas of cooperation where both countries could

explore in the nearest future. “We have many interested companies in the UAE who have been looking at the economic structure of Nigeria to arrive at a win-win situation with their partners in Nigeria. We are also looking at ways to access capital in the Nigerian market. “We look forward to a very rewarding partnership. We want to also understand the way the bank deals with the private sector and the facilities provided to the SMEs through seed funds, micro finance and soft loans,� he said.

FG Sets Up Committee on Robotics, Coding for Schools Emma Okonji The federal government through the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE) has set up a ministerial committee to work with Coderina Education and Technology Foundation on a pilot to introduce robotics, coding and project based learning to all federal government schools across the country. Already, a number of schools have been selected

from across the six geopolitical zones to ensure that the program can be scaled up along these geopolitical zones. Teachers from the selected schools gathered in Abuja recently for a 2-day hands on experiential training. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, said: “As we are all aware, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has become the driver of

competitiveness in the world today. “It has redefined efficiency and productivity, and changed the dynamics of the world of work. Coderina is well known in Africa for the advancement of computer science, as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education (STEM). “There is therefore, no doubt that our partnership will bring great improvements to the education

sector and Nigeria as a whole�. Speaking about the programme, Coderina’s Relationships and Engagement Director, Mr. Akinniyi Obaide, said the teachers had been provided with resources to train students, form teams and bring the teams from the federal government schools to join others in the annual SAP FIRST LEGO League event. “This unprecedented move by the Federal

Ministry of Education underpins a commitment to substantial change within the education sector by the Minister, Adamu Adamu. “The vision to reposition the educational system of Nigeria in line with the changing future of work by fostering lifelong learning and promoting skills such as creativity, critical thinking and complex problem-solving are essential for the knowledge economy,� Obaide said.

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Support for Entrepreneurial Education First Bank of Nigeria Limited in partnership with Junior Achievement recently implemented the FutureFirst Financial Literacy programme which targeted over 40,000 students in some schools across the country. Ugo Aliogo reports According to experts, the knowledge sector is the intellectual foundation that helps lubricates the wheel of economic growth and prosperity. They also posited that a well-developed knowledge sector can help countries improve its human capital base, and address its infrastructural deficit. Addressing the deficit involves active investment, not just in learning, but in entrepreneurial education at Primary and Secondary School levels especially. This would help strong basis for skill developments, and wealth creation ideas. A study revealed that through teaching of entrepreneurship skills, secondary school graduates would assume more responsibilities in job creation and be focused on nation-building. Entrepreneurship education seeks to provide students with the knowledge, skills and innovation to encourage entrepreneurial success in a variety of settings. It is a key driver of our economy. In 2014, the United Nation Children Education Fund (UNICEF) reported that 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria. The report explained that about 60 per cent of OOSC are girls, noting that many of those who do enrol drop out early and there are low perceptions of the value of education for girls and early marriages are among the reasons. Under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, efforts has been made to cut down that figure to 8.6 million children. Recent reports showed that there is a huge deficit in the knowledge sector of the country consequently; achieving economic prosperity and growth might a distant dream. That is why First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has been in an ongoing mutually beneficially relationship with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN). The focus of the partnership is to implement the bank’s FutureFirst Financial Literacy programme which has reached over 40,000 students in schools in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Abuja with knowledge of how money works basic money management, smart investment and decision-making habits, importance of imbibing a savings culture and early entrepreneurship. Since becoming a board member, the bank has forged a deeper partnership with JA Nigeria to reach out to its target audience which is mainly young people between the ages of five and 27 years old. The bank currently serves as Chair of the Marketing and Communication sub-committee of JA Nigeria, represented by the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney. JA programmes help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. With more than 2.2 million students in more than 100 member nations, speaking 36 languages on six continents, Junior Achievement has a major goal to build a bridge between the classroom and the workplace for children and young adults. This is done through a growing number of volunteers, educators, parents and contributors who reach out to these children in their schools. The JA Company Program (CP) provides senior secondary School Students with practical business experience through the organisation and operation of an after-school business enterprise. During the course of the competition, students would be required to develop a business plan, establish production and sales of goods and services for their company, monitor progress toward goals at regular department and company meetings, maintain complete financial records, compile a report to stockholders, and liquidate the company at a given period with the support of a volunteer. Through the bank’s Employee Volunteering and Giving programme, staff of the bank would experience fulfilment through participation in this project by volunteering their time and skills thus providing their talent and knowledge resource for the benefit of young people. This year, the students that completed the programme successfully would qualify for the regional competition and the best company from each region would represent their school in the National Company of the Year competition in Lagos. The overall best company for 2018 was Caro Favored College (Inventive Explorers) in Nigeria and they will represent Nigeria in Ghana. Countries where JA is active in Africa will be represented by Students who have competed at the national level in their respective countries.

Adeduntan

These include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Bank’s proposed support is in furtherance of its community support and sustainable finance corporate responsibility pillars designed to foster youth empowerment through promoting entrepreneurial development amongst them. Speaking at the National Company of the Year (NCOY) competition recently in Lagos, the Chairman, JAN, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, said the goal of the NCOY is to create a signature showcase for JAN. He said the students benefit from the impact of the JA company programme which is a schoolbased entrepreneurship education curriculum for senior secondary school students. He also explained that the annual celebration of success allows young people to demonstrate their business acumen and spirit of entrepreneurship in a competitive environment, which would engage business, education and policy leaders, as well as the media. Yusuf said they begin the selection process by looking for volunteers who live in a particular environment that would be willing to devote their time and energy for the students and who are passionate about developing young entrepreneurs He explained that the next stage is to look for a school that would give them invitation, adding that they understand the benefit which comes from developing entrepreneurs. According to him, “So once we have a willing volunteer and a school, then the next thing is sparking the ideas that are already in the students. The students have those wonderful ideas and they are looking for someone to help them unravel what is inside them.� In her remarks, the Global Head, Marketing and Communications, First Bank Limited, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the bank believes in the future of the youths and identifies with their innate talent, skills, and values that they possess which is key to building and securing not just their future, but that of the country. According to the Founder, Universal Learn Direct Academic Limited, Mr. Gbola Oba, most graduates lack the requisite middle level skills set which successful societies are built upon. He argued that it would imperative to fundamentally identify some relevant skills sets especially from the university system which would make the society to function better. He added that there is need for proprietors of private universities to ensure that their students acquired some important computer software development certification to ensure that they are able to compete favourably in the marketplace. Oba added: “Conventional University education can be placed side by side with a well-structured programme entrepreneurship; therefore federal government should take a cue from other countries where the practice is in vogue, “skills acquisition is very important in tertiary education because any skilled human being is a potential entrepreneur. “Skills acquisition is very important in tertiary education because any skilled human being is a potential entrepreneur and this can trigger an entrepreneurial value chain.�

THE ENTREPRENEUR’S BEST FRIEND

DEBBIE LARRY-IZAMOJE

Making the Most of your 24 Hours Time is the one indispensable and irreplaceable resource of accomplishment. It is your most precious asset. It cannot be saved, nor can it be recovered once lost. Everything you have to do requires time, and the better you use your time, the more you will accomplish. It is rightly said that time waits for no one. An individual should therefore understand the value of time for him to succeed in all aspects of life. I strongly believe that people who waste time are the ones who fail to create an identity of their own. As a business owner, your ability to manage your time, as much as any other practice in your career as an executive, will determine your success or failure. Time management is essential for maximum health, business and personal effectiveness. The degree to which you feel in control of your time and your life is a major determinant of your level of inner peace, harmony and mental well-being. According to Toggle 2017, time management is the way we decide to utilize our time in order to maximize our productivity in achieving certain long-term goals. I believe that we all want to make the most of the 24 hours we get each day. Although we have different priorities, some people achieve more happiness, productivity and success. The funny truth is that we all have the same amount of time as everyone else. But how can you utilize your 24hrs effectively? You probably find yourself asking yourself the how I can be more successful at managing my time question. The simple answer to your question is the application of one powerful concept called conscious time management. I will be sharing a few time management tips that have helped me plan, execute and manage my day and have helped me achieve massive success up till date. Create a time audit The first thing you should start with is finding out where your time goes throughout the day. There is often a big difference between your subjective time and reality. I would recommend a time management app preferably (Rescue time) to keep track of everything you do for a week. Take time out, sit down download the reports and evaluate them. With this date, you can easily find points you are lacking behind in your time management and find areas to improve. For example, you may be spending too much time on social media or attending to low priority tasks. Put a time limit on all your tasks Take a look at your time audits and identify tasks that take longer than you expect. Setting time constraints for these items will help you focus more and work more efficiently. If you find yourself struggling or going beyond these time limits, examine your workflow and eliminate little time wasters like unscheduled breaks or irrelevant chit-chat sessions when you have productive thing lined up. Plan your week on Sunday Starting a new week with a plan will help you focus on priorities. You can easily transition from your carefree weekend mindset to a productive Monday morning. Consider taking a few minutes break on Sunday to create a plan for your whole week. Cure procrastination by breaking down your weekly goal into daily tasks. You would only need to glance at this list to remind yourself. Bear in mind that your energy and creativity levels fluctuate throughout the week. Thus, you might want to schedule low-priority tasks for Mondays and other low energy tasks for other days in the week. Often times, I complete creative and demanding tasks on Tuesday and Wednesday as I believe that y energy level is at its peak on these days. I schedule meetings for Thursday and dedicate my Fridays to planning

and networking. Complete your most demanding task ďŹ rst thing in the morning Majority of us find our first hour of work the most productive you may want to consider using it wisely! Funny thing is that you can focus more easily when your brain isn’t fully awake. Block out distractions I don’t know what works for you but I always use my computer’s ‘do not disturb’ function when I’m working on focused tasks. I find that working on only one monitor and opening only one window helps me channel my attention better. You might also want to consider going offline for maximum concentration. Don’t wait for inspiration, do it now Writers sit around for inspiration or for writers block to subside. Some business owners don’t attend to serious tasks if they aren’t in a perfect work environment. I don’t believe you have to feel like getting something done to do it. Observe the thoughts and feelings that arise while you work from an outside perspective. Don’t let them govern your actions. Acknowledge your emotions and daydreams and put them in motion. Start tasks even when you feel unsure and trust your motivation to follow. Stop striving for perfection Striving for perfection is right but when everything must be perfect, can anything ever be good enough? Probably not. To become exceptional, you must fail repeatedly and learn from your mistakes. Look at every effort as an experiment no matter the outcome. Use your calendar A calendar is good for so much more than just scheduling meetings. I use my calendar to keep track of deadlines; block times off for focused work and automatically add locations to any upcoming events. Take responsibility for your time. If you think that a scheduled entry will not advance your plan for the day, just cancel it. Schedule relaxation time Sometimes you have to break the cycle and get out of the hamster wheel, spend some time with your family and friends and turn off you ‘work brain’. You will be surprised to see the positive effects a little play time can have on your creative process. In conclusion, have a great time no matter what. Don’t obsess over checking off all the items on your to do list. Enjoy every day with an appropriate work/life balance. Finishing an oversized workload today isn’t worth an unproductive day tomorrow. Work steadily and stay at your best pace. Rushing through tasks reduces work quality and creates stress. ABOUT DEBBIE LARRY-IZAMOJE Debbie Larry-Izamoje AKA The Entrepreneur’s Best-Friend holds a BSc in Information management from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. And MSc in management from University College London (UCL). She has also secured certificates in user innovation from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Innovation and strategy from Harvard University. She is the founder of the Image Boosters a digital agency that connects brands to consumers online and offline in various industries leveraging Digital opportunities in our local market. www.imageboosters.com.ng Instagram: @imageboosters_ Email: contactus@imageboosters.com.ng

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BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Experts Harp on Data Analytics for Digital Transformation Stories by Emma Okonji Experts that spoke at the maiden edition of TechPlus Breakfast Series, which held in Lagos recently, discussed the need for organisations to embrace digital technology for digital transformation. They spoke on the importance of data generation, analysis and usage to rapidly grow organisations in the 21st Century. General Manager, Techplus, Eniola Edun, said leaders needed to develop ‘a long-term holistic understanding of

technology capabilities’, as the grasp will inform expedient decision-making and inspire newer business models. Managing Director, General Electric, in charge of Gas and Power, Mohammed Mijindadi, who also spoke at the event, said technology would continue to play an important role in organisational growth. Organisations need technology to analyse, monitor and use data very efficiently. “GE for instance, manufactures several equipment that are used to drive very

sensitive aspect of industry growth.� He said the essence of the gathering was to share industry ideas and see how organisations can further grow their businesses, using the right technology tools and data. Speaking on the benefits of data to organisations,

the Executive Director, SystemSpecs Limited, Mr. Aderemi Atanda, said: “The benefits of data are numerous to organisations. It helps to monitor the flow, analyse trends and capitalise on the strength of the organisation.� “The impact of technology is no longer measured by

investments in technology, but by the impact of the investments. FinTech players are playing key roles in helping organisations invest little but achieve much through the use of their software solutions that are driving growth in the financial sector,� Atanda said.

The forum revealed that many businesses are not taking full advantage of the opportunities that digital transformation brings, saying organisations must be proactive to leverage digital transformation and digital capacities.

Firm to Boost Software Revolution, Grows Talents Genesys Tech Hub is set to develop software talents and drive software revolution in Nigeria, through start-ups incubation and funding. To achieve the feat, the company recently held its annual conference tagged: ‘Genesys Ignite,’ which aims to bring together start-ups, academia, software developers, students, policy makers, and tech enthusiasts to Enugu. This year’s event had over 1,000 people in attendance from across Nigeria and abroad. Speakers at the event included a two-time federal minister and former Director-General of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Frank Nweke Jnr., who doubled as the chair the event. The panel session on ‘human capital development and innovation was moderated by the Co-Founder of GoDo.ng, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. Founder, Genesys Tech Hub, Mr. Kingsley Eze, said: “When we first conceived the idea of Genesys Ignite, we wanted to have an annual gathering that truly serves as a convergence of the ecosystem and we are happy that two years on, the impact keeps growing. “Our commitment is to contribute to deepening the start-up ecosystem and we are confident of achieving this with the right support and partnerships.� The Managing Director of Genesys Tech hub, Nnamdi

Anika, said Nigeria and Africa would gain a lot from the event. According to him, “this is not designed to be just another technology event. Our ultimate goal is to create a platform that will lead to new ideas and solutions, which will solve problems and ultimately contribute to National development. This is our hope and we are focused on making this a reality, hence, the investment in the 2018 edition.� There were three categories of awards presented, beginning with two out of the 12 start-ups that made it to the final stage and pitched there ideas before a panel of judges. Two start-ups, GreenAge Technologies and LawyerApp received $15,000 each as seed investment and both of them will be incubated at Genesys Tech Hub in Enugu. Similarly, university undergraduate students participated in ‘Hacktober’, a software development hackathon that sought to build their skills in software engineering, and create a community of young developers in the region. The top three winning universities were Federal University of Technology, Owerri, that took the first prize of N200,000; University of Nigeria, Nsukka came second with a prize of N100,000 and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, cane third with a prize offer of N100,000.

Telcoin Partners Jumia to Enhance Service EfďŹ ciency Telcoin, a technology platform provider based in Tokyo Japan, offering telecoms focused blockchain solutions, has entered into a partnership with Jumia, one of the leading online e-commerce brands with presence in 15 African countries, including Nigeria. The partnership, to commence in Nigeria, would seek to tap into the synergies of blockchain technology to increase the volume of goods and services purchased on the e-commerce platform. Announcing the partnership deal, the Head of Africa for Telcoin, Ms. Lee-Ann Cassie, said: “What we will focus on and explore is increasing the sales traffic from Nigerians in the diaspora adding value to cross-border e-commerce transac-

tions as well as value-enhancing e-commerce transactions within Nigeria.� Chief Executive Officer, Jumia Nigeria, Mrs. Juliet Anammah, said: “We are excited, to say the least, about our partnership with Telcoin, because we believe this will have a huge impact on our commitment to improving the lives of Africans through the internet, helping them to save time and money. “With this partnership, we can now serve Nigerians in the diaspora who are looking to convert their digital currency to shopping vouchers on our platform. We rely on and trust Telcoin to facilitate the currency conversion since digital currency is, in the interim, not a payment method on Jumia.�

NEW PARTNERSHIP

L-R: Head, Corporate Sales, Jumia Nigeria, Anthony Osaji; Chief Marketing OďŹƒcer, Jumia Group, Thomas Simonet; Head of Africa Region, Telcoin, Lee-Ann Cassie; Chief Executive, Jumia Nigeria, Juliet Anammah; Chief Marketing OďŹƒcer, Salma Beacherif and Head, Growth Marketing, Stanislaus Martins, at the commemoration of a new partnership between Jumia and Telcoin in Lagos...recently

Digital Library Launched to Huawei Launches Cloud Computing Services Platform Enhance Reading Culture A start-up company Bambooks, a subsidiary of iConcepts has launched what is regarded as Nigeria’s largest digital library with collection of several electronic books ranging from career books, religion, entrepreneurship, financial, politics and history, among others, designed to enhance the reading culture of Nigerians. Speaking at the unveiling, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ugo Okoye, said: “Bambooks offers users access to thousands of eBooks, magazines and comics from any internet connected device including mobile phones, tablets and computers. “From romantic fiction to entrepreneurship, self-help, religious, and educational books, there’s something for every reader. Users simply go to the website or download the Bambooks mobile app from the Google Play store or App Store for free and sign up to start reading.� Bambooks offers an affordable membership plan that gives users unlimited access to the library; with a N500 per month and an annual plan of N5,000 yearly, users can subscribe using their debit cards or bank accounts, Okoye said. The Products Manager at Bambooks, Oluwakemi Akinmusere, said: “Nigeria has the largest mobile market in Africa with over 160 million connected lines and 100 million mobile internet users. “With plans to expand across Africa, Bambooks is eyeing the 450 million subscriber base which is expected to grow at 5 per cent

CAGR over the next few years. The penetration rate is forecast to reach 50 per cent by the end of 2023 and 52 per cent by 2025.� The Head of Content Aggregation Manager, Seun Ashaka, said: “Information is available to anyone that has access to the internet and mobile phones have become so smart you can do almost anything with them. “We estimate the publishing industry across sub-Saharan Africa to exceed a billion dollars in annual revenues by the end of 2018 and expect authors on our platform to earn a significant share of the market.� It is a well-known fact that distribution of physical books is a major challenge in Nigeria with little or no bookstores and libraries across major cities in the country. These infrastructure problems lead to low literacy levels and poor reading habits as many Nigerians don’t have the resources to travel long distances or buy physical books at prices way above their purchasing power. Scarcity of books also fuels the increasing trends of piracy with annual revenue losses to legitimate content owners, running to the hundreds of millions of naira. Therefore, Bambooks intends to solve all these problems through their digital publishing platform and hopes to inspire a new generation of writers and content creators, Ashaka said. “Bambooks will not only entertain and educate people but also improve literacy levels, break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for Nigerians,� Okoye said.

Huawei, one of the leading global providers of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, has launched the Huawei Cloud, a cloud-computing services of Huawei. Launched in South Africa as its newest cloud region at AfricaCom 2018, projected the company the world’s first cloud service provider that operates a local data centre to provide cloud services in Africa. Huawei Cloud South Africa region would also start providing cloud services at the end of this year, allowing organisations operating inside South Africa and its neighbouring countries to access lower-latency, reliable, and secure cloud services, such as Elastic Cloud Server (ECS), Elastic Volume Service (EVS), and Object Storage Service (OBS). Huawei Cloud also indicated a plan to launch more new regions in Africa. The Director-General, National Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, South Africa Mr. Robert Nkuna said: “Huawei has been a great technology partner to our country and they have regularly brought cutting edge technologies to our shores. “The launch of the Huawei Cloud Service is taking place in an exciting period in our country. For an example we are investing in skills development with numerous partners. “We’ll engage Huawei to transfer cloud technology skills to South Africa and the rest of African continent. We

are convinced that we can fast track our development if we work in partnership with other stakeholders.� The President of Huawei Southern Africa Region, Li Peng, said:� Huawei has been operating in Africa for 20 years, contributing to social and economic development and enriching African people’s lives with its ICT solutions and services. “We have in-depth understanding of African market and is capable of better meeting customers’ current and potential needs. With cloud services, we are aiming to unleash the latent capacity by introducing cloud computing, one of key engines drive the growth in this era.� The Vice President of Huawei Cloud Business Unit, Edward Deng, said: “With over 30 years of technical accumulation in ICT infrastructure and products, Huawei provides reliable, secure, and sustainable cloud services to customers worldwide. Looking forward, Huawei Cloud’s innovative technologies and services, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, will help African governments, carriers, and enterprises in a variety of industries such as finance, energy, agriculture, to leapfrog to a fully-connected, intelligent era.� In additional, Huawei also launched InTouch Aggregator, a PaaS platform powered on Huawei Cloud, which helps connect carriers, open up telecom capabilities, enable over the top technology (OTT), and build up the cloud ecosystem.

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Sridhar: Firms Must Invest in Skill Development Business Development Manager for KSTAR, a subsidiary of Simba Group, Mr. Prasanna Sridhar, in this interview speaks on the need for firms in Nigeria to invest in skills development. Emma Okonji brings the excerpts: where every customer demands for improvised better technology with high efficiency and cost effective solution. The people in this country are well-informed and demand the best in everything. This knowledge helps in easy adoption of the latest technologies which in turn helps surmount critical challenges. Technology is evolving and playing a vital role in the power sector. To what extent has KSTAR leveraged on the power of technology to improve customer experience in power generation? KSTAR is the world’s sixth largest Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) manufacturer and its research and development (R&D)/ manufacturing base is a state-of-the-art in terms of scale and manufacturing equipment. Using the latest technology with IGBT Refinement, Digital DSP with output transformer to protect and enhance the performance of connected load with efficiency more than 94 per cent, will result in cost savings and power conditioning to improve customer experience.

Most countries of the world, including Nigeria missed out in the ďŹ rst, second and third industrial revolutions. How well are industries positioned to tap into the beneďŹ ts of the fourth industrial revolution, which is knowledge-based? Bill Gates has mentioned that by 2050, 40 per cent of the world’s children will be in Africa. Nigeria with its young generation population is going to be one of them. This young generation with their thirst for new ideas and innovation will ensure that Nigeria is one of leaders of the upcoming fourth revolution. Industries have to do their part by creating opportunities for this generation to use their skills productively and by investing in the Nigerian people. Weak power generation and distribution tend to slow down businesses that depend heavily on power supply for growth. How will evolving technologies help address this challenge? Power supply difficulties cripple businesses and impede Nigeria’s ongoing economic development. The energy supply crisis is complex, stems from a variety of issues and has been ongoing for decades. Most Nigerian businesses that can afford to do so, run one or more diesel-fuelled generators to supplement the intermittent supply. About 96 per cent of industry energy consumption is produced off-grid using private generators. While Nigeria has an abundant supply of natural resources, including large reserves of oil and gas, it has one of the lowest net electricity generation per capita rates in the world. It is estimated that the electricity grid in Nigeria only services about 25 per cent of the population, which mean 120 million Nigerians live in darkness without electricity. By bringing in Future Power and capturing free power from the sun, which is available abundantly in Nigeria, we can further enhance generation and distribution of current grid power, using our technology solution. How will the combination of Internet of Things (IoT) and ArtiďŹ cial Intelligence(AI), help drive efďŹ ciency in businesses that rely on power generation?

Sridhar

AI is still in its infancy, and while we can speculate about the future, the seemingly endless potential and human-like capabilities of AI look very promising. AI is already being adopted in various industries, and this will only grow as the technology matures. By helping manage simple customer interactions and streamlining complex processes behind the scenes, AI may just become the secret ingredient for supercharging customer experience. IoT coupled with advanced analytics capabilities such as AI, can lead to next-level solutions and experiences for businesses. Companies that are involved in generation and distribution of power can utilise this data to predict the times and areas where there will be extra load required and where the power can be saved. This will lead to better power management overall and result in cost savings for the consumer and lesser energy wastage. How has technology adoption in Nigeria helped businesses to address critical challenges? Technology adoption in Nigeria is in evolving state

Simba Industries recently introduced KSTAR UPS systems to the Nigerian market, what is unique about the product? KSTAR is a reliable, robust and strong industrial capacity transformer-based online UPS with high output efficiency. While competition offers so called vanilla products and charges for optional extras, KSTAR is feature rich and provides uncompromising quality to customers. KSTAR offers a maximum charging current for fast charging in conditions of even limited power supply. This can’t be matched with other players in our UPS industry. This backed up with the unbeatable service, which Simba Group provides, makes this a unique and valuable product offering. KSTAR is recognised for its specialised power backup solutions, capable of handling mission-critical electrical equipment in various sectors. What are some of its success stories in other regions? KSTAR has pan-global success stories such as Applications in the Dubai Metro, HSBC’s data centre- Hongkong, Haseki Education and Research

Hospital - Turkey, Dar El Teb Diagnostic Center Egypt, MD Medical Group – Russia, Ars Medica spa – Italy, Fatima Memorial Hospital - Pakistan, Al Jahra Hospital – Kuwait, as well as several Nigerian Bank for their ATM networks. Unlike traditional online UPS systems, what range of applications can KSTAR online UPS manage in the telecoms and banking sectors? Telecoms and the banking sectors are the highest volume users of information technology (IT) equipment for their core business. These sectors certainly use integrated data centres for organising branches for web service, mails, data backup, security system, application development system and more. Telecoms deployed with BST’s Base stations for their network coverage. Banks spread its tentacles with branches all over the country and ATMs almost every corner of the streets. These applications are power sensitive and can’t afford to have downtime even for a second. KSTAR Online UPS with its advanced technology empowers this mission-critical equipment in a row without any interruption. What are the beneďŹ ts to customers in all of these listed features? Customer service has never been as critical for businesses as it is today. Consumers have many options for nearly every product and service, and modern companies know that exceptional customer experience is key for success. Despite countless technological advances, improved customer service is increasingly needed across almost every industry, the power industry perhaps most of all. We work on three layer support system: 24/7 Simba Service support, Hotline remote support, and KSTAR HQ support. We provide after sales service support through Simba Service, an award winning customer service response team, highly trained to address and resolve any technical issue with the shortest response time further with our pan-Nigeria presence. It would be interesting to know that we are the only UPS company in Nigeria offering 24/7 call centre to serve our valued customers.

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Boost for Tech Start-ups The Stanbic IBTC Innovation Challenge, which produced a winner from among 200 entries recently, will boost tech start-ups, local content development and economic growth, writes Emma Okonji In line with the federal government’s initiative to put a stop to foreign software patronage, especially when there is alternative software solution in the local market, Stanbic IBTC bank, introduced the innovation challenge. The competition seeks to co-create local financial solutions with tech start-ups that will address the financial transaction needs of the bank customers. The idea was also to search for skilled and innovative software developers that could develop financial transaction software that will help ease financial transactions among the bank customers. Following introduction of the scheme, the bank invited Nigeria’s technology entrepreneurs and financial technology experts from across the country to a one-day ideation session tagged: ‘Ideas Open Day’. Start-ups were requested to submit applications, technologies, tools, services or any other kind of digital innovation, in line with the identified challenge areas the organisation aimed at providing solutions to key focus areas, which include: digitisation, customer centricity and universal financial services organisation. The start-ups were told to come up with local solutions that will address the focus areas of the bank and over 200 entries were received. Shortlisting was done and the number was reduced to three, based on the set out criteria that addressed the focus areas. The three were: Yochaa, Barter and Venture Garden Recently, the developers of the selected three solutions were invited for the final pitch, where Yochaa was selected as the winner by the panel of judges, with a prize of $12,500. Although all three solutions were good and met the criteria for the banks’ focus areas, the bank had to select the best and announced its intention to further work with the solution developers to incubate and further groom their solutions.

Yochaa Financial Software

The Yochaa financial software, which won the competition with a prize of $12,500, was developed by a team of young tech start-ups, called RME Ideas. During the presentation at the grand finale pitch competition in Lagos, the Founder of RME Ideas, Mr. Osagie Zogie-Odigie, said the whole idea about Yochaa financial transaction solution was to address financial transaction challenges in Nigeria. “The challenges with financial transaction in Nigeria has to do with poor network connectivity and the issue of high cost of data and the high rate of data depletion when customers are online browsing with their limited data. So we came up with a solution that compresses the data and makes it light for the user to go online and do financial transactions, without consuming so much data,� he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Olugbenga Agboola, who represented the company during the grand finale for the pitch exercise, said: “The solution is card based, which provides value to the card users and the bank itself. The solution is an app built and embedded into a plastic card that supports VISA and Mastercard.� According to him, users can generate a virtual card from the computer system and use the virtual card for a particular financial transaction and later destroy the virtual card or re-use it for other transactions, as the customer desires. The essence is to eliminate cloning of cards by hackers and used fraudulently to defraud the card owner. “Customers can have multiple virtual cards for different transactions and destroys them after each transaction, instead of being exposed to the risk of carrying physical debit cards about that third party could have access to.

Venture Garden Software

“The solution is a mobile app that could be downloaded on the mobile phone. So the solution encrypts data and save on the phone such that even when the customer does not have network, the customer can still have access to online transactions. The idea is to develop simple solution that will boost user’s experience,� Zogie-Odigie said, adding that the solution was simplified to enable customers do stock trade online, view trade online from a single platform and also buy shares online. According to him, Yochaa solution has been in existence in the last four years, but in the last two years, they expanded its reach to operating systems like Android to attract more customer usage. “At a time before we submitted entry for the Stanbic IBTC Innovation Challenge, we had over 2000 registered users on the Yochaa solution but more than 2000 people are actually using the solution, some for trial, but like I said, only 2,000 have registered and created accounts with us,� the founder said. Speaking on the right to ownership of the solution, having emerged winner, Zogie-Odigie said: “At this

point of winning, we do not know how the bank wants it, whether to own the solution or not, but all I know is that the goal was to develop a solution that can integrate with the Satnbic IBTC system so that their customers can have access and do online banking transactions from their mobile devices and laptop and with other computer systems.� In the area of challenges faced while developing the solution, In developing the solutions, Zogie-Odigie said: “We faced some teething challenges when developing the solution, but I did not see them as challenges because the solution was personal and I initially developed it for personal use, and not to make money, before I realised that people can use it and that I can actually make money from it, and that was when my team decided to expand the solution.�

Barter Software Solution

Barter financial solution, which came second in the final pitch exercise, is a software that was developed by a team of young start-ups, whose company name is Fluterwave.

The Venture Garden software, which came third in the final pitch exercise, was developed by Venture Garden Group. General Manager, who represented the company at the grand finale, said the solution analyses generated data and make the data analysis available to account managers for better policy decision making that will enhance organisational growth. The solution, according to him, come in three different categories: The Portfolio Management, which enables heads of organisations to make better decision; Single Identity and Millennial Target, which helps the customers to understand their networks better. When data is generated from the system, or from other sources, the app makes use of the data for analytics, by using Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mime data.

Stanbic IBTC Strategic Focus

Speaking on the bank’s strategic focus, shortly after the winner emerged, the Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Dr. Demola Sogunle, said: “One of our strategic focus areas at Stanbic IBTC is digitisation and we are talking about digitisation not only at the front-end but also at the back-end and major offices. To effectively meet the digitisation drive of the bank, we decided to outsource our innovation drive to local technology startups, by telling them what our focus is and how we want achieve it. So in the process, we stated our needs on how we want to improve our bank customers’ experience, using innovative solution and we called for entries from start-ups who can develop home-grown solution with local content that will address customers’ needs.�

African Trade Agreement as Catalyst for Growth Vera Songwe and Mamadou Biteye Africa is growing, but not fast enough. In order for more than 400 million Africans to rise out of poverty, continued economic growth across Africa’s 54 nations will have to increase an average of 7 percent annually or more. One strong engine for growth is trade. But when it comes to trade, Africa is the least integrated region in the world, where intra-African exports were 18 per cent of total exports in 2016. Recently, progress has come knocking—and loudly. In March, African leaders took a major step forward when 44 of 54 African nations signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the biggest trade agreement signed since the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was established. The AfCFTA brings together 1.3 billion people, and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $2 trillion. If ratified by each country, it will become one of the world’s largest trading blocs. AfCFTA commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, progressively liberalize trade in services, and address a host of other non-tariff barriers,like long delays at national borders which hamper trade between African countries. Eventually, free movement of people and a single African air transport market could grow within the newly created free trade area. Such liberalization is expected to provide strong impetus for intra-African trade. Recent modelling from the UNEconomic Commission for Africa (ECA) projects the value of intra-African trade to be between 15 percent and 25 percent higher in 2040, compared to without AfCFTA. The analysis also shows that least developed countries are expected to experience the largest growth in intra-African trade of industrial products—up to 35 percent

Buhari

higher in 2040 compared to just 19 percent for developing African. First, however, Africa must navigate the largest political consensus-building effort since the formation of the African Union in 2002. Those looking to enlist support for the agreement have the tough task of demonstrating how the AfCFTA will leverage various individual markets for the benefit of multiple sectors. Agriculture is one case in point. In agriculture, intra-African agricultural trade is particularly underexploited owing to high import tariffs, other non-tariff barriers (such as health and safety standards), low productivity, and a lack of rural connectivity.

In 2015, African countries spent about US$63 billion on food imports, largely from outside the continent. ECA’s modeling projects intra-African trade in agricultural products will be between 20 percent and 30 percent higher in 2040 with the AfCFTA in place, with particular gains in sugar, vegetables, fruit, nuts, beverages, and dairy products. AfCFTA would provide access to markets at the regional and international levels, which would then generate state revenue, increase farmer income and expand both farmer and country capacity to invest in modernizing the sector through processing and mechanization. Ratifying AfCFTA would shore up Africa’s food security, and contribute to overall economic

growth through the agricultural sector. However, ratifying AfCFTA is not without its challenges. Success requires overcoming widespread questions among Africans about accountability. It requires overcoming fears that the benefits of the free trade area could be unevenly distributed. And it requires engaging and activating the private sector in service of the agreement while ensuring the agreement will deliver broad benefits to society, the environment, and national economies. Make no mistake—for the agreement to reach ratification and bear fruit, the private sector must step up. The need for education and engagement across the public and private sectors also underscores the importance of bringing together the relevant stakeholders to talk, ask questions, and build an understanding of the various points of view. That’s why the Africa Trade Forum held in Lagos, Nigeria, couldn’t come at a better time. Hosted by Nigeria’s Ministry of Trade and Investment and organized with the ECA and the African Union Commission, the Forum is the best opportunity yet to bring together representatives from across the trade divide. The AfCFTA could transform Africa’s economy, making it competitive on a global level and unlocking the potential to create and share prosperity on the continent in a uniquely African way. But getting to ratification requires a collaborative process, and multi-sector input. The Africa Trade forum in Lagos was a major effort to bring those voices together for Africa’s future. -Songwe is the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Biteye, Managing Director for Africa with the Rockefeller Foundation

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Babaeko: Nigerian Advertising Industry is Better Off with LAIF Awards

FROM THE FARM

VicePresident,AssociationofAdvertisingAgencies Dimieari Von Kemedi of Nigeria, who also doubles as Chairman of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF), Mr. Increasing Agricultural ProďŹ ts, Steve Babaeko speaks on the contribution of the creative competition to the growth of advertising Reducing Food Prices September 2017 National Geographic doing a great job there is a lot of room for industry in Nigeria. He also advocates the need for Astory titled “This Tiny Country Feeds private companies to help move things Worldâ€? explains how almost two along quicker. advertising agencies to begin telling the African the decades ago the Dutch made a national We need to review our regulatory stories through their creative works. Raheem commitment to sustainable agriculture environment to take advantage of adunder the rallying cry “Twice as much vances made by private seed companies Akingbolu presents the excerpts: food using half as many resourcesâ€?. around the world, otherwise we remain What makes a good ad? Creativity is subjective but if I may use a definition of a good ad, I will use David Ogilvy’s definition. He said, “If it doesn’t sell, then is not creativeâ€?. I use this because the essence of an agency being engaged by a client in the first place is to address a marketing challenge. The client wants you to look for the best creative way to solve a marketing challenge and if all what you do is to come out with one flamboyant idea that is winning you award and your client is still sleeping and waking up with his challenge. Then you have not achieved anything. You will continue to win your award until you discover that there is no client to work for because the company might have died as a result of the marketing challenge he briefed you on, which has taken a toll on its business. Year in, year out, organisers of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF), send strong message through the festival on the relevance of advertising to brand building. What should Nigerians expect this year? The truth is that almost every year, something new is added to LAIF award to deepen its essence and purpose. Beyond that, if a project like that is conceived in Nigeria and has been executed for 13 consecutive years, then it is not a joke. As a professional body, the award is a major milestone achievement that advertising community has achieved and sustained over the years. This year, definitely, we have something new that would be added. One major difference between what happened in the past and what will happen this year is that we have other activities that would usher in the festival during our ‘Creative Week.’ For the Creative Week, there will be seminar, there will be jurors’ sitting and there will be Young Laifers Competition. Our Chief Juror for this year is Mr. Michael Zylstra, the Chief Strategy Officer, Dentsu Aegis Network, South Africa. For robust industry discourse, AAAN in partnership with Globacom Nigeria is presenting Mr. Thebe Ikalafeng as Keynote Speaker for AAAN 2018 LAIF Awards Seminar. Ikalafeng is the founder and Chairman, Brand Leadership Group, South Africa and 1st African Chairman of Loeries Awards. He is recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans. Compared to previous years, is there any improvement on number of entries and willingness to participate on the part of agencies? The response has been very encouraging. In fact, we have more agencies participating compared to last year. With the information I have gotten so far, the number of agencies participating has jacked up by about 20 per cent. But if I must confess, the most gratifying thing for me is the fact that more young agencies put in entries. That is a major achievement because every year, we try to avoid a situation whereby the small agencies will assume the competition is for bigger agencies. So, we are having more participation from new entrants into the industry. Aside being a rewarding platform for agencies, what other purpose does LAIF serves? Every year we challenge ourselves, we look at challenges facing the industry. For instance, technology has become a disruptive phenomenon in the global advertising world. We ask ourselves; what can we do to make Nigerian practitioners battle ready to contend with the global technological trend? How are we preparing for the new order in technology, especially as it concerns data and creativity? Above all, LAIF is making a clarion call to every agency that; for us to survive tomorrow, we have to be ready today. As in the past, that is part of what we want to see with the agencies participating in the award this year.

Babaeko

13 editions are enough to determine if the practice and the practitioners have fared better while the festival lasted. Can you share with us how LAIF has impacted the industry? Rather than answering this question, I will take it in the reverse. Let’s first imagine wiping away 13 years of LAIF Awards and see what the industry would have become in terms of quality of campaigns. Now back to its contribution to the development and growth of advertising industry, there’s no doubt the fact that it still remains the major yardstick to determine which agencies are doing well and which clients are supporting innovation and creativity. Therefore, if it is removed, then there is nothing for us to aspire to. Look, a couple of years back, clients didn’t bother much about LAIF award but in recent time, especially from the last five years down the line, clients are even the one reminding their agencies to enter one particular ad or another. What this tells us is that the clients want to see themselves win as well. LAIF is a major driver of creativity and innovation in this market. If you are a business or a client, one of the indices for the public to determine if you are growing with your agency is the performance of the agency through your campaigns as showcased in the LAIF award. As at today, it is perhaps the biggest creative competition in West Africa and I hope relevant authorities will continue to support us so that it will go on. One of the major wishes of patrons of the nation’s advertising community is to see a Nigerian agency becomes the world hero on the international stage. With LAIF Awards, are we getting there? Yes, we are getting there. In the past three years for instance, Nigerian agencies have made the continent proud at some international award ceremonies and they have performed better than what was obtainable 20 years ago. I can name agencies that have been winning consecutively in the international circuit. At the Lorries, Nigerians are winning and at Crystal, the same achievement is being recorded. What Noah’s Ark and X3M Ideas did at this year’s edition of Crystal, is a major land mark. DDB is doing well in that regard too, Insight is doing great and many others are coming up. So, like I said, we are getting there but of course, there is room for improvement. With LAIF awards that has become a local platform for us to flex muscles, exploring other continental and global awards has been easier than before.

This led to many changes and inventions including precision agriculture, reduction in water use, and even the total elimination of pesticides in green houses for vegetable production. Universities are involved in commercial contract research and science and commerce combined to make the Netherlands the number two exporter of food measured by value. It comes second only to the United States, which has 270 times its landmass. According to the United Nations by 2050 Nigeria will be the 3rd most populous country in the world. To be self sufficient in food production we have to improve our science and technology. One area improvements can make quantum impact is the development of a robust seed industry. Without doing anything differently, adding more fertilizer or spending more, a farmer can improve her yield by between 20% and 200% or more using the right seed variety. Seed companies, research institutions, the Nigerian Seed Council, and various state and federal government institutions have done much to improve farmers’ access to better seed varieties which enhance yield, resist disease, and adapt to climatic and other conditions. Many smallholder farmers now understand the need to use better seed varieties, and across the country most of the old and less productive varieties are giving way to improved seed varieties. But we shouldn’t stop there. Our lack of a coherent seed strategy is depriving us of access to the top percentile of seed science and technology. Almost all the improved staple food seed varieties we use today are the work of not-for-profit tropical agriculture research institutions. While they are

uncompetitive and continue to subject our farmers to a harsh operating environment. The best seed varieties in the world today are hybrid seeds, which in most cases cannot be replanted, as they will simply not germinate. Every planting season will require a new set of seeds. For this reason long term arrangements have to be made for hybrid varieties to be used on a sustainable basis within the country before a developer will be granted license to commercialize them here. As part of this process localization tests have to be carried out over a period of three years and laboratories and production infrastructure have to be established within Nigeria. Many seed companies are reluctant to invest the millions of dollars required because of inadequate incentives and safeguards. Amongst other incentives and safeguards we need to improve our intellectual property laws and enforcement mechanisms, and put in place funding arrangements to help farmers buy seed varieties which cost more than lower performing options. A new seed strategy developed jointly by all key stakeholders will attract the best companies and scientists in the world to Nigeria and ultimately help improve local knowledge, create high value research jobs and provide opportunities to commercialize the excellent work of our academics across the country. Dimieari Von Kemedi works with smallholder farmers in the Alluvial Agriculture network. kemedi@alluvialtrade.com www.alluvialtrade.com

FG Urged to Review PSCs with IOCs to Boast Economy Oluchi Chibuzor The federal government has been urged to review the Petroleum Production Sharing Contracts PSCs with International Oil Companies (IOCs) as the sustainability of the nation’s economy is tied to the oil industry. Speaking at the engagement meeting with demand side actors of the House of Representatives adhoc committee on review of the operations of the PSCs at workshop on the review of the PSCs in Lagos recently, consultant to the committee, Dr. Perisuo Dema, warned against delay in the review of laws binding the FG and IOCs, especially at this time when national reserves is dwindling with huge foreign debt portfolio’s hanging on every citizens of the country. He stressed that the Act needs to be amended, adding that Nigeria last reviewed the PSCs in 2007 with every needed factors to boast

the nation source of income not included. Dema noted, “the need to review the PSCs with IOCs is long overdue to be amended and the fiscal terms for deep offshore production in Nigeria do not reflecting current realities with IOCs operating in various distance of deep waters enjoying royalties and investment allowance tax which should have generated huge foreign exchange and reduce our debt portfolio’s�. While making reference to the Deep Offshore and Inland Basins Production Sharing Contracts Act (1993), “which says, the provisions of this Act shall be subject to review to ensure that if the price of crude oil at any time exceeds $20 per barrel, real terms, the share of the government of the Federation in the additional revenue shall be adjusted under the production sharing contracts to such extent that the production sharing contracts shall be economically beneficial to

the government of the Federation,’ he said the government must take urgent steps to review the PSCs to avoid further friction. The Act, he said furthers states that, “notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the provisions of this Act shall be liable to review after a period of fifteen years from the date of commencement and every five years thereafter.� He explained, “In view of the above, it is a monumental loss to the country with lean foreign reserves, adding that 40-50 per cent of Nigeria’s total production came from offshore acreages with 9 offshore fields cumulatively producing about 800,000 barrel per day (bpd). “Seventy-five percent of offshore production came from acreages beyond 1000 meters operated by IOCs with low royalties to the Government. Which means petroleum profit tax is lost on daily bases because of non-review of PSCs with IOCs.�

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Verweij: Technology Shaping Travel Industry in Africa Guido Verweij is the Managing Director, Africa, for Travelport, a leading travel commerce platform, that is based in the UK. In this interview with Ugo Aliogo, he speaks about how technology is improving the travel commerce business in Africa. Excerpts: we need access to significant quantities of computing power. Some of this can be provided by cloud-based infrastructure, the fifth technology. Cloud computing technology enables data and content to be moved with relative ease, as well as computed and delivered as close to the point of consumption geographically as possible.

Travelport recently conducted a research on global digital travel solutions. What inspired this research? Our purpose as a company is to build leading technology that makes the experience of buying and managing travel continually better. It is therefore important we fully understand demand and usage of digital travel tools in strategically important countries, like Nigeria. What did the findings from the research say about the travel behavior /experiences of individuals? The results of the Global Digital Traveler Research 2018 highlighted the increasing popularity in Nigeria of digital tools and services for every stage of the journey – from research right through to the very end of the trip. This demand for digital solutions is only going to continue as people seek ever more ways to improve convenience and enhance their overall experience, not only where travel is concerned, but in every part of their lives. Apart from the individual behaviors of travelers, are there any emerging trends in the travel solution industry as a whole? From a travel tech perspective, we believe that there are five key technologies that will continue to shape travel experiences in the short to mid-term. The first is the Internet of Things, which relates to the interconnection – via the Internet – of computing devices that are embedded in everyday objects required to send and receive data at speed. This can help improve things like real-time updates on the status of flights and baggage tracking. The second is mobile. Mobile acts as a personal travel companion. Right through

One would have expected that more technological advanced countries like USA, UAE, Spain, Canada would rank above Nigeria in the 2018 survey, but this was not the case. What do you think is the reason for this? It is likely Nigeria’s position near the top of our table is because the country has a young population who grew up as digital natives and are open to innovation. Verweij

from the point of search to the point of return, it determines traveler’s experience of certain products and the overall journey. It offers a means of continuous, one-to-one engagement, enabling different offers and the availability of services to be tailored to an individual’s specific preferences or geographical location. The third is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can unlock insights to create the personalised, tailored and customised experiences travelers crave. But you need to constantly inform AI and that’s where the four technology comes in, Big Data. Data is the fuel that powers commercial intelligence. In the travel industry, specifically, by analysing a complex set of data points like travel history and demographics, predictive analytics can essentially plot travelers’ next moves before they even know what they are themselves. To utilise this data,

Seeing that Nigeria is increasingly becoming a tech savvy nation, what do you think the future holds for the deployment of technology in Nigeria’s travel / tourism sector? We’ll see more and more companies, like travel agents and airlines, investing in digital solutions that can support travelers in Nigeria throughout their journeys. The demand is already there today, and I believe it’s only going to escalate in the years to come. What trends in travel industry should the Nigerian market watch out for in 2019? We will see the notion of what travelers in Nigeria want, and value, continue to change. For example, while cost, choice and convenience will still be significant drivers of booking decisions, the experience offered will play an increasingly significant

Maritime Operators Back SON in Fight against Counterfeiting, False Declaration Jonathan Eze Key stakeholders in the maritime industry have pledged their support to collaborate with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to address the issue of false declaration of cargoes at the nation’s points of entry. The stakeholders said false declaration by unscrupulous importers has been one of the ways through which substandard goods find their way into the shores of the country. They said this at a one-day national stakeholders’ sensitisation forum, for maritime operators in Port Harcourt, entitled: ‘‘Collaborations as tool for zero sub-standard imports.� They pledged to work with SON to reduce the influx of substandard products The vice president, ANLCA, Kayode Farinto, said ‘‘We are going to say ‘no’ to clearing of substandard goods. For instance, if your bill of lading is containing fridges and at the point of examination, we realise it is not carrying fridges. “It is my responsibility as a patriotic citizen to invite SON to show that the consignment does not meet the specifications or guidelines despite having SONCAP. This is the only way we can stamp out substandard

products in our society.’’ According to him, the renewed collaboration was critical towards ridding Nigeria of substandard products, saying that to reduce the level of substandard importation into the country, there is need to work closely with SON. “We would also sensitise our members so that whenever they see something, they must say something. We must make sure that they do not clear substandard products out of our ports. We are the middlemen between the importers and trading public so if we assist in clearing these goods, we would not know who will be injured by these goods tomorrow. We encourage our importers to get their SONCAP,’’ he said. The president, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr. Increase Uche, added that combating the preponderance of fake and substandard goods cannot be achieved without the support of all stakeholders, pointing out that cooperation must be established between SON and other government agencies, greater cooperation between the agency, freight forwarders and the importing public. He assured that NAGAFF has always thrown its weight in support of the activities of the SON through its public policy

advocacy and information service. ‘‘We are also aware of the menace of smuggling activities predominately carried out through the border entry points which most times hampers the operation of the agency. “It has always been our view that collaboration, partnership, cooperation and synergy amongst the relevant stakeholders must be sustained in achieving zero substandard imports and other trade malpractices in our Seaports, Airports, Land Borders and the overall Logistics Supply Chain. Regrettably, the major constraint that hinders adequate check against this nefarious act in the entire system has been the lack of collaboration among critical stakeholders,’’ he said. He emphasised the need to increase the level of collaboration with the (SON) and other stakeholders towards stemming the influx of fake and sub-standard goods into the country. ‘‘We are also aware of the menace of smuggling activities predominately carried out through the border entry points which most times hampers the operations of the agency. “It has always been our view that collaboration, partnership, cooperation and synergy amongst the relevant stakeholders must be sustained in achieving zero

sub-standard imports and other trade malpractices in our seaports, airports, land borders and the overall logistics supply chain. Regrettably, the major constraint that hinders adequate check against this nefarious act in the entire system has been the lack of collaboration among critical stakeholders,’’ he said. He pointed out that collaborations would help to identify and mitigate risk, help to quicken the process of accomplishing inherent task, lead to both timely and appropriate decisions and moral support, as well as promoting inter agency cooperation and reduce overlap of agency functions. Earlier, the Director General, SON, Osita Aboloma, stated that there was no better way to sensitise the industry than to collaborate with key players who have direct dealings with the importers. Aboloma who was represented by the Director, Inspectorate and Compliance (ICD), Obiora Manafa, said 80 per cent of Nigerian imports come through the seaports and waterways and it will therefore be difficult to ignore the maritime sector operators in the quest for zero-import of sub-standard and unwholesome products in furtherance of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiative.

role. This will lead to increasing demand among business travelers in Nigeria for ‘bleisure’, trips that combine business and leisure activities. We will also see leisure travelers increasing seek new and more adventurous experiences, often in lesser known destinations. With a lot of fake news and misinformation on the internet, how reliable and valid is information gotten from social media videos and photos posted by friends and family on their travels? Sharing pictures of holidays among trusted friends and family has been common for a long time. Social media has just ensured that pictures, or indeed videos, now reach more people on a more frequent basis. As was the case before social media, people just need to consider that when people share pictures and videos of their trips, they naturally show those that shine a light on the very best parts of their experiences. What has been your experience as Travelport’s Managing Director for Africa? Africa is a beautiful and diverse continent, with huge potential, that is undergoing rapid change. This makes it an immensely enjoyable and exciting place to work. I feel honored to lead the region for Travelport. In your opinion, what is the future of travel commerce in Nigeria? The future of travel commerce in Nigeria is bright. Over the next few years, we will continue to see the industry evolve and grow, and become increasingly sophisticated in how it uses technology to improve the experience of travel.

‘Compliance Culture Will Curb Corruption, Instil Discipline’ Sunday Okobi The President and Chairman of the Board of Compliance Institute, Nigeria (CIN), Pattison Boleigha, has stated that the institute’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) will target the actualisation of Nigeria’s efforts to stem the scourge of corruption, defeat terrorism, instil discipline and a culture of compliance in Nigeria. Boleigha, in his address at a recently held press briefing to herald the second induction ceremony and AGM of the organisation, said the political and economic environment in Nigeria and globally has gone through tremendous changes with a fast pace in regulations in all sectors, “therefore, CIN is poise to meet this fast pace of regulatory changes by helping to build a compliance culture driven by compliance professionals.� He noted that a total of over 150 newly certified members who successfully sat for and passed the institute’s compliance professional examinations would be awarded Designate Compliance Professional (DCP), while another 10 members would be decorated with Associate, Compliance Institute, Nigeria (ACIN) after applying for and obtaining exemptions as compliance practitioners with the requisite qualifications and

experience. “Finally, 25 prominent compliance practitioners in Nigeria will be receiving the prestigious Honorary Fellowship, Compliance Institute, Nigeria (FCIN-H),�he added. According to him, “Today marks the beginning of activities lined up for the second Induction and AGM ceremony of the Compliance Institute, Nigeria (CIN) taking place on December 8, 2018, in Lagos. “This event is yet another giant stride towards actualising Nigeria’s efforts to stem the scourge of corruption, defeat terrorism and instil discipline and a culture of compliance in Nigeria. “Midwifed by the Association of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (ACCOBIN), the institute was established to promote professionalism, facilitate cooperation and maintenance of compliance standards in the system. “In other to further enhance the value of its certification, the institute is entering into a strategic partnership with a notable compliance body such as the Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) of Florida, United States of America. “The partnership with ACAMS will provide CIN members with a wide range of compliance professional resources at highly discounted rates.�

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DEVELOPMENT

Nurturing Young Talents AspartofeffortstosupportinnovationandentrepreneurshipinNigeria,theAfterschoolGraduate Development Centre recently organised the Ignite Youth Innovation in commemoration of the Global Entrepreneurship Week. Sunday Ehigiator who attended the event reports The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an international initiative that introduces entrepreneurship to young people in six continents. It began in 2008 as a result of Enterprise Week UK and Entrepreneurship Week USA, 2007. GEW is an annual event organised every November 12-18. As part of activities marking the event this year, there was couple of competitions in 170 countries which was aimed at inspiring millions to engage in entrepreneurial activities, while connecting them to potential collaborators, mentors and investors. The initiative was supported by world leaders and a network of more than 15,000 partner organisations, which included the Ignite Youth Innovation (IYI) in Nigeria. The IYI Nigeria which is being organised by Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC), as part of its commitment to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. The event which had in attendance large number of youths was held in Lagos. In her welcome address, the GEW Ignite Youth Innovation, the Executive Director, Afterschool Graduate Development Center (AGDC), Mrs. Funmi Adeyemi, said in light of the recent economic downturn, development strategies that create new jobs and support the growth of businesses are of greater need than ever. She also noted that micro-enterprises play a critical role in this quest as they account for a larger share of newly created jobs, adding that only a fraction of these start-ups survive for more than two years or even develop into the high-growth firms. Adeyemi, explained that amongst the biggest barriers to confronting the sustained growth of micro-enterprises are lack of access to training, development support, and access to funding. The AGDC ED further stated that the youth ignite project under the Bank of Industry’s (BOI) Microenterprise Finance Programme (MFP) seeks to address the challenges highlighted above by supporting one million entrepreneurs to create 5,000,000 jobs over the next five years. In his address, the guest speaker, Mr. Atunyota Akpobome, also known as Ali Baba, noted that passion is a necessary recipe that would make an individual to succeed in any chosen endeavour. He also stated that in aspiring to become a professional in any field or career, an individual must set out target objectives of he/she needs to do to achieve such dream, adding that those objectives would drive the individual’s passion. Akpobome advised the youths to carry the necessary ingredients for success in a particular careerQuote or business, they want to venture into. “When I decided I was going to become a comedian; you would think that it was my graduation examination. Not now, when you have comedy videos, books and everything to read; then the only thing that I could pick to read from my University then in Ekpoma was the encyclopedia Britannica or Americana Encyclopedia. “Those were the Google and YouTube at the time. But now you have all of what you should use. “The entertainment business is big. The truth is that if you become a comedian and you are very good, in less than one year you can buy yourself a N3, 000,000 car. “If you become a musician and

Marina

you are very good, you can buy a house in one year. If you become a film maker and you are good, you can buy a house and a car in one year. If you become a dancer and you are good at it, you can have a production and make a lot of money in one year. “When I stepped on this stage in 1988, Bisi Olatilo introduced me. He said this guy here is going to change the face of comedy. This hall was filled and people were making noise, laughing and making jest of me. “Despite the seemingly unfavourable atmosphere I was able to successfully turn the table around and make the crowd laugh,� he noted. He explained that whatever talent an individual might have in the entertainment business, may not be considered a talent until the individual is able to sell it, “once you sell it, then it becomes a service.� The Comedian advised the youths to package their talent as a service in order to use it to eke out a living, “if you know how to sing, until somebody sees value in that singing,

You can look at Nigeria and all you see are the troubles, you will be totally overwhelmed and burn out. But if you learn to understand that opportunities represent solutions to problems, therefore you need problem in other to provide solutions

it is worthless.� Akpobome, explained that there is need to learn money management especially if an individual is coming into entertainment, adding that the individual must not own certain things, therefore, he can lease and if he can’t lease, he can borrow. He further stated that for those in the fashion business, Instagram has made it possible for them to make it big, adding that it has huge potential for the fashion designer and they can make a lot of money from it. He advised them to think about the business opportunities in the entertainment industry and avoiding going into the industry for fame as most people do. According to Akpobome: “It is not all about the fame, you have to manage money. I have four children who are in the University, so if I am spending my money like a Wizkid does, how do I pay for their school fees? “There are some comedians that actually run out of money because they compare themselves to other people. “Also, be deliberate in the marketing of your talent, because even God said you should market him, when he said “go into the world and preach the gospel�; that’s marketing. “Let me teach you another style of marketing, sell yourself, don’t say “they know that I have the skills� you will be broke! “Always know that every time you have an idea, the competition will take it. That is normal. But the kind of place that you can get through with competition is great. “And the only way you can go through them is to always be a step ahead in the competition. Once you find a problem, before you find a solution, you must study the market properly.� He said further: “You must understand timing. You must know the market, and you must know the people you are performing for. It is important for you to understand the business you are coming into, learn it properly, whatever technology is needed to grow it, apply it. You have to develop yourself and make

sure you are needed at every time.� In her keynote address, the Chairman of AGDC, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, noted the challenges the society, saying that individuals need to understand that there are core causes which are dependent on how the individual considers those challenges. She also stated that if an individual learns to understand that opportunities represent solutions to problems, he/she would need to fix those problems as a measure to provide solutions. “Truly, there are challenges but you know it’s a matter of the core causes. How core are those causes depends on how you look at them. “You can look at Nigeria and all you see are the troubles, you will be totally overwhelmed and burn out. But if you learn to understand that opportunities represent solutions to problems, therefore you need problem in other to provide solutions. “What that then tells you is that, the state of Nigeria in the time and season that you were born does not make it a very fertile ground for you to do some amazing work; I am always about what do you see? “So in the midst of the problem, there is order. And order is the ability to zero into the madness that you see, and find the pattern that is the solution. Provide solution that someone is able to pay you for,� she noted. Awosika further stated that every solution that an entrepreneur wants to create in business has to be solution centered. She added: “Globally, seven out of 10 businesses die every two years. Those are global statistics. Because you know, everybody would rally around you for you to get started. But when your two years rent expires and you need to pay the next rent; if the business itself cannot generate the money to do it, you are dead. “So it’s not about you, but about the need you and how do you deliver it. You are not solving a need if you provide a facility that the people in the community cannot afford, so always put the people first and never doubt the power of humble beginnings.�

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INTERVIEW

MailaďŹ a: There’s No Prudence in the Management of Public Finance He is one of the sought-after voices on economy/finance. A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2019 polls, Dr. Obadiah Mailafia’s is known for his unequivocal position on national issues, In this interview with Ndubuisi Francis, he proffers a number of solutions to some nagging national economic problems, including the burgeoning debt crisis, and the need to ensure a coordinated approach between fiscal and monetary policy, among others. Excerpts: The CBN has projected a rise in electronic fraud cases in the banking system to N6.1 trillion by 2021. This sounds alarming. How do you react to this? This is of course worrisome. Electronic fraud in the banking industry remains a big hazard. In the past, it was mostly perpetrated by school dropouts popularly known as “Yahoo-Yahoo boysâ€?. Today, we have more sophisticated criminals who are defrauding bank depositors of their hard-earning savings. You would recall the case of Michael Williams, a 28 year-old well-trained Nigerian medical doctor who was able to clone the bank cards of some wealthy individuals and was using them to support a lavish lifestyle. He had qualified in medicine in Canada and was introduced into the illicit business by an Israeli friend, according to him. When police were on his trail, he cleverly jumped ship. He came back to Nigeria and continued his wicked business. He met his Waterloo when he paid N28 million for a Porsche in Lagos. When he paid with a card, the payee received an alert which he immediately sought to verify. It proved to be fake. When he was busted, he was questioned why a well-trained doctor with a bright future would descend so low. He replied that his profession would not sustain the life-style he craved. Government and CBN must always be ahead of the fraudsters. Banks need to build in more robust fintech products to prevent fraud. And punishment must be more severe for offenders. Let me hope that the forecast about trends is only indicative. Given that we know the extent of the problem we must upscale our precautionary measures. MailaďŹ a

At the recent presentation of the 2018 Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Sahara Africa, the IMF expressed concern over Nigeria’s debt-service-to revenue ratio, with about 50 per cent of revenue going into debt service. What’s your take on this? When the current APC-led administration took over from the PDP, our national debt stood at N11 trillion. This is what a supposedly corrupt PDP administration accumulated as debt between 2007 and 2015. Today, in just three and a half years, the APC government has accumulated what has taken our national debt to a staggering N23 trillion, and the sad part of the story is that Nigerians have not seen anything that these loans have been used for. Only a fool would borrow to spend on consumption. If we cannot cut our coat according to our size, tough luck! But to borrow for consumption and recurrent expenditure is unworthy of a great country such as ours. At the Central Bank of Nigeria where I served as Deputy Governor, I was on the team that helped negotiate our exit from the Paris Club debt. I personally signed the cheque of the first tranche of repayment in the value of a staggering sum of US$7.50 billion. I had fever after signing that cheque and had to have bed rest. It was physically painful to give our people’s money to a bunch of rich Shylock creditors in Paris, London and New Washington DC. But we had to bite the bullet. That debt settlement saved us more than US$5 billion annually in debt repayment obligations, thereby freeing up the policy space for economic development. It is a pity that in such a few years, we have managed to go back to our vomit like the proverbial dog, accumulating debt that is double what we had in 2005 (US$70 billion). There has been no prudence in the management of our public finances. What is even more worrisome is the fact that we have reportedly pledged some of our oil fields in the Niger Delta to the Chinese as collateral in the event that we fail to service the loans. China is using capital as a weapon for re-colonisation of our continent. We need a new generation of

Nigerians that would be more than a match for them. But let me make one point clear: There is nothing inherently wrong with borrowing. The smartest investors would always tell you that it is better to use other people’s money to get rich. But you must borrow externally only for capital projects that have a guaranteed return on investments. Borrowing for consumption and for frivolous projects can only spell disaster. And even for the capital borrowing, we must put in place iron-cast monitoring and implementation frameworks to ensure that loans are invested properly and that they reach the desired impact on ground. What is clear is that our borrowing has reached a dangerous threshold where 60 out of every 100 naira of

I was on the team that helped negotiate our exit from the Paris Club debt. I personally signed the cheque of the ďŹ rst tranche of repayment in the value of a staggering sum of US$7.50 billion. I had fever after signing that cheque and had to have bed rest. It was physically painful to give our people’s money to a bunch of rich Shylock creditors in Paris, London and New Washington DC. But we had to bite the bullet

government revenue is going into servicing our loans. At a point, it will undermine our creditworthiness and this in turn will put a dent on confidence of local and foreign investors. As they get discouraged, the naira will come under pressure. And when the naira comes under pressure, we would do the normal reflex action of dipping into the external reserves. And dipping more and more into the reserves will put additional pressure on the exchange rate, leading to vicious rather than a virtuous cycle of growth. A word for the wise! The IMF report also commented on the quality of ďŹ scal consolidation in Nigeria and other oil-producing countries, with declining capital expenditures. Do you think this is a valid submission? The general regional trend is of great concern. This is because growth is conditional upon investments in capital projects rather than in recurrent expenditure or consumption. Dwindling public revenues and bloated bureaucracies often mean that there is less and less available for capital expenditure. A society that spends the bulk of its savings on consumption will hardly grow. And when growth is weak, poverty will worsen and the livelihoods and life-chances of the populace will diminish. Several African countries are unfortunately entering such a period of diminishing expectations. For Nigeria, I would say that there have been marginal improvements in terms of the ratio of recurrent to capital expenditure. In years past, the ratio was as high as 85 to 15. Last year saw our budget hitting the 30 per cent mark for capital expenditure. Of course, we can do far better. It focuses the imagination when we realise that the average for emerging Asia Pacific is 70 per cent for capital expenditure and only 30 per cent for recurrent. We in Africa have done the reverse. This largely explains why the Asian countries are making such giant strides in growth and economic development while we in Africa are doing so poorly.

The IMF report equally expressed concern that the quality of ďŹ scal adjustment in Sub-Saharan Africa is threatened by the re-emergence of fuel subsidies. What solutions do you proffer in this regard? In principle, I do not think subsidies provide the best solutions. This is because they provide a vehicle for corruption and rent-seeking behaviour. You may have heard recently that the current APC administration took a whopping US$1.5 billion from the LNG funds without authorisation by the National Assembly. When confronted with the facts, they retorted that the money was taken for payment of subsidies. This whole subsidy business has been the perfect means by which the state has defrauded Nigerians for decades. As you know, some of the oilimporting sharks used to connive with the NNPC to give fake figures for imported oil. In several cases, they would bring empty ships, report fictitious volumes of refined oil importation and then share the humongous “profitsâ€? among themselves. In other cases, the tankers will roll in, sign the volume brought and then retreat back into the dark night of the primeval Atlantic. Some of our neighbouring countries have been reaping staggering profits from such iniquity. I think we should liberalise the market. Liberalisation will actually reduce prices, unlike of course we allow the importers to constitute themselves into a cartel. We need strong government regulation to ensure that customers are given a fair price and that the public are not defrauded. In addition, I am optimistic that when the Dangote refinery comes on stream in 2019, the question of scarcity will be taken care of. My only worry is that a monopolist might force a higher price on people and we would have no choice but to take it. The responsibility of government is to regulate the sector in accordance with best international practices to ensure fairness for buyers as well as sellers. The IMF, World Bank and several analysts have called on Nigeria to build ďŹ scal buffers. However, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been depleting in recent times? Do you think this shouldn’t create some apprehension for a fragile economy? Yes, there has been a downward trend in our external reserves as of recent times. At its peak, the reserves had risen to US$60 billion, as of 2008. And at the height of the recession, they had gone down to a low of US$28 billion. Today, they have gone from US$47.4 billion in April 2018 to US$42.13 billion in October. This decline reflects partly the volatility in global oil prices and partly on account to fiscal imbalances that have put additional pressure on the naira exchange rate. In a bid to stabilise the exchange rate, the CBN had to dip into the reserves to intervene in the forex market. This is the price we pay for our follies. But whether we should be “apprehensiveâ€? is another matter. The fragility of this economy will always be magnified so long as we have failed to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil. But diversification is not enough. We must pursue an aggressive and diversified exports base that ensures a robust inflow of multiple streams of income from international trade. In this context, fiscal buffers are of considerable importance for economic management. They help reduce economic and financial fragility. But fiscal buffers are dependent on robust revenue. As we speak, the revenue base remains fragile. About 60 out of every 100 naira is being spent on servicing debt. Government must therefore seek ways and means to expand the revenue base. We also need cost-saving. Fiscal discipline and fiscal responsibility is the watchword!

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T H I S D AY ˾ ,NOVEMBER 29, 2018

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 08152252325

Need for Implementation of BHCPF The decision by the federal government at the third THISDAY Healthcare Policy Dialogue to kick off implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provisions Fund was received with euphoria by Nigerians and its key development partners. But three months after, implementation is yet to commence. Martins Ifijeh writes

W

hen the federal government, at the third THISDAY Healthcare Policy Dialogue in Abuja, made a commitment to speed up the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provisions Fund (BHCPF), many saw it as the beginning of new things to come in the health sector because of what it portends for poor Nigerians. It was a renewed hope to get the National Health Act (NHA) working after it was passed four years ago. Stakeholders saw this as an opportunity to accelerate Universal Health Coverage (UCH); especially since N57.17 billion was already earmarked in the 2018 budget to finance the commitment. But three months after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made the commitment on behalf of the government at the THISDAY summit, Nigerians are yet to enjoy actual implementation, especially considering that 2018 is winding down next month. However, with the declaration last week by the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, that President Muhammadu Buhari will launch the BHCPF in few weeks, there seems to be renewed hope that the government has not forgotten about the plan. . Faisal, had at a workshop in Kaduna said the design of the BHCPF through the provision of insurance and essential primary healthcare interventions will ensure that the poorest Nigerians access quality care without encountering financial hardship. What BHCPF Means to Nigerians The BHCPF is an additional fund outside the healthcare allocation in the national annual budget to address basic healthcare needs of Nigerians. In the 2018 budget, it was put at N57.17 billion for primary healthcare strengthening and service delivery. It mobilises additional resources from the government of Nigeria and development partners to improve the delivery of essential basic health services to Nigerians. The BHCPF will pay for a modest benefit package of health services which currently comprises prenatal, delivery, and post-natal care, as well as Family Planning services for all mothers in rural areas of Nigeria and also cover the cost of high- impact child health interventions. It will also allow such services to be delivered by accredited private and public facilities that will be reimbursed for services delivered. In recognition that primary health centres (PHCs) hardly ever receive any operational costs to cover their expenses, publicly owned PHCs will be provided with operating budgets. According to the mandated in the National Health Act, 50 per cent of the BHCPF is allocated to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) “gateway”, 45 per cent through the NPHCDA “gateway”, and five per cent is set aside to deal with emergencies under the Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) gateway. Under the NPHCDA gateway direct cash transfers are provided to public primary health facilities, while under the NHIS gateway accredited public and private facilities are paid for delivering Basic Minimum Package of Heath Services (BMPHS). The design of the BHCPF provides an opportunity for channeling resources directly to public PHCs in the NPHCDA gateway, whilst the NHIS gateway provides an opportunity to incorporate the private sector through the accreditation of private providers in the NHIS gateway. Nigeria Spends Too Little on Healthcare It is no longer news that close to 80 per cent of Nigerians spend out-of-pocket on healthcare. This led to several advocacy efforts that brought stakeholders in the health sector together. In

Isaac-Adewole

those days it was standard to hear any speech made by development partners or any health sector leader referencing the implementation of the BHCPF. The management of THISDAY newspapers got heavily involved in the advocacy efforts and in the process invited the Nigerian-born Director of Health Nutrition and Population at the World Bank, Dr Olusoji Adeyi, to give a talk on the consequences of poor financing of the health sector in Nigeria at the First THISDAY Healthcare Policy Dialogue, held in Abuja. Adeyi argued that Nigeria’s underperformance was one that should not be surprising due to

The fund is yet to be released because of the weak political will of the government and the unspoken interagency rivalry between the federal ministry of health, NPHCDA, and NHIS. This tussle is denying poor Nigerians the benefit of the implementation of the National Health Act and it will need to be resolved by strong political hand

the extremely low level of government spending on health. He said at 22 per cent of public health spending, Nigeria ranks as one of the countries spending the least on health considering a 36 per cent average for low middle-income countries. Adeyi further stressed that “although the country has made efforts to increase federal allocations to the health sector, with improved budgetary allocations from 2014 to 2017, health sector allocation in the total federal budget has decreased viz N264 billion (5.63 per cent) in 2014, N260 billion in 2015 (5.78 per cent), N257 billion in 2016 (4.23 per cent), and N340 billion in 2017 (4.15 per cent).” He emphasised that the figures were nominal amounts such that when adjusted for inflation, the purchasing power of the health budget has declined even further. “The consequences on health outcomes are dire! There has been little or no progress in delivery of basic health services such as immunisation coverage, family planning, antenatal care, and skilled birth attendance, and worse still, these services are at levels lower than that of poorer neighboring countries,” he said. Current Status of Implementation The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole announced that the BHCPF will commence with a start-up phase in three states of the federation -Abia, Niger, and Osun states. He indicated that the three states have rapidly put in place the necessary institutions to enable them benefit from the federal-funded BHCPF. For states to participate in the BHCPF they need to have their SPHCDA and State Social Health Insurance Agencies set up. States will also need to make available the necessary financial investments necessary to run the program at the state level. THISDAY gathered that the selected states have

since made commitment with the cash transfer and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FMOH outlining their rights and responsibilities for participating in the BHCPF. The minister of health has called on other states to quickly get ready for implementation in their states. Speaking to THISDAY Senator Lanre Tejuoso said the implementation of BHCPF will not be business as usual, adding for it to make a difference it must promote transparency, participation of communities in decision making and better accountability for funds and results. He was of the opinion that if the monies appropriated for the BHCPF wa not judiciously used, then the National Assembly will not be motivated to have a 100 per cent appropriation as it did in 2018 and will only budget for what the FMOH can account for. Why is Implementation Slow? On why implementation is slow, the Department of International Development Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (DFID-PERL) gives an insight. In its workshop on “Strategy Session on Social and Conventional Media Advocacy/Campaign for Implementation of BHCPF of the National Health Act”, a Health Communication Specialist, Dr Dale Ogunbayo blamed non-implementation as a battle for supremacy between the Federal Ministry of Health and heads of NHIS/NPHCDA for the unavailability of the money. “The fund is yet to be released because of the weak political will of the government and the unspoken inter-agency rivalry between the federal ministry of health, NPHCDA, and NHIS”. Speaking further he said: “This tussle is denying poor Nigerians the benefit of the implementation of the NHA and it will need to be resolved by strong political hand”. Ogunbayo said until President Buhari addresses the issue, problems relating to the implementation of the National Health Act will continue to arise in the health sector. Development Partners Look Towards BHCPF Implementation In the interim several development partners including the Global Financing Facility for Every Woman Every Child and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have lined up behind the BHCPF. In a press statement the GFF said it was investing 20 million dollars to improve and strengthen primary health care starting in three states in Nigeria, with the aim of reaching the poorest and most underserved throughout the country. The GFF acknowledged the fact that the federal government was linking this investment financing to the BHCPF of the NHA. The GFF notes that the quantum of resources and prioritisation of services will contribute to sustainably financing the health and nutrition needs of women, children and adolescents. Way Forward Considering the importance this portends for the country’s health, there is therefore need for the federal government to speed up its implementation. The synergy between the NHIS, NPHCDA, FMOH and its finance counterpart will ensure release of the funds is given utmost priority. Stakeholders are keen to argue that the BHCPF needs to be treated as a first line charge like other provisions backed by legislation, for instance, the UBE act in the education sector which is similar to the NHA. There is the need for key players outside the health sector; like the Minister of Finance, Hajia Zainab Usman, and in fact President Buhari to understand how this can change the country’s healthcare narrative if they make it one of their priorities. As at the time of going to press, no releases has been made to the BHCPF with just 34 days to the end of 2018.

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NEWS

Northern States Strengthen Polio Eradication Efforts r"T %BOHPUF VSHFT JNQSPWFE EBUB RVBMJUZ Martins Ifijeh In Nigeria’s quest to be certified polio-free, six Northern State governors have strengthened routine immunisation and polio eradication efforts, while the Chairman, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote has called for improved data quality in the process. He made the call during an end-of-the-year annual review meeting through video conference between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation and the governments of six Northern States of Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto and Yobe. The six governors had signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen routine immunisation (RI) and

polio eradication. The MoU was extended recently from 2018 – 2022; to include revitalisation of primary healthcare in the respective states. The video conference took place between the Co-chair, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates; Aliko Dangote (represented by the Managing Director of ADF, Zouera Youssoufou); the state governors; the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, other top officials and state executive secretaries; and representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); the World Health Organisation, the United States Agency for International Development

(USAID), and the Global Fund. During the bi-annual review, which spanned two days, the progress made by each of the six states in terms of RI and polio eradication was analysed and suggestions on improvement made. Yobe State, in particular, was singled out for commendation for making the most remarkable improvement in its RI efforts since the MoU was signed. In his comments, Dangote, who acknowledged the efforts of the state governments to eradicate polio among their populations, called for greater involvement of the traditional leaders in the RI process. While advocating for improved data quality from the governments and all relevant stakeholders, he also sought

timely release of counterpart funds from the partner state governments to sustain the process, adding that the Aliko Dangote Foundation will release its obligation once the states have deposited their own funds. According to Dangote, “while it is very good to see your survey coverage for immunisation increasing, the difference between your administrative data and survey data is still very high, and this leads to many expensive repercussions - such as significantly more vaccines being distributed than what the surveys show coverage at. “In order to have an efficient and economical system with accurate supply and demand information, you will need to do more to improve your data quality.

“I would like to convene all the governors in person in December to discuss the SMART Survey results, the LQAS and the progress you are making to address the data quality issues. “This is in line with NPHCDA’s National Emergency RI Coordinating Centre and its ongoing support to your state around data quality improvement. To conclude, I would like to see a plan that shows how your team intends to reduce within 15 per cent the variance between administrative and survey data annually.” Likewise, Gates, Dangote and the UNICEF commended the progress made by the Yobe State Government in the immunisation of children within

the last six months. Gates, who spoke via videolink, said, “It is encouraging to see improved results on routine immunisation over the last four rounds. “Yobe State has shown the greatest improvement among all the six participating states. I give you a plus to that”. He commended Governor Ibrahim Gaidam for his administration’s efforts and commitment, and urged him to sustain the tempo. Nigeria is moving inexorably towards being certified poliofree, with the support of the Foundations, the responses from the six Northern states and the National Emergency Response initiated in January 2018 by the NPHCDA under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health.

Indigenous Firm Introduces Foods for Diabetics Oluchi Chibuzor Medela Numen Ventures, an indigenous food processing firm, has introduced a locally processed foods for diabetics, manufactured to help stabilise their health status and reduce the effect of the debilitating impact of chronic diseases. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Medela Numen, Mberede Onuakpunwa, revealed this during the presentation of the products to the media in Lagos. He disclosed that the products were thoroughly researched and developed to help enhance the quality of life of people suffering from chronic diseases – diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and ultimately reduce their dependence on drug. According to him, “people

with chronic diseases like diabetes need to take their food habit very serious and take good nutritional foods by consuming products that are alternative to carbohydrate rich substances.” Onuakpunwa, who is also a diabetic patient, further stated that after witnessing what the disease had done to his close family members, he was prompted to engage in deep study for the product which includes, “Nutrimeal the one you eat for lunch or dinner, Nutrifast is the one you take for breakfast. It helps individuals to lose weight, checkmate hunger and control diabetes”. The company’s sales manager, Nkechi Orji disclosed that its acceptance in the South-east was amazing as it helps to improve the life expectancy of those currently battling with the life changing disease.

NiBUCAA Announces Activities to Commemorate 2018 World AIDS Day As part of efforts to sustain commitment in the fight against HIV&AIDS, the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) has unveiled a schedule of activities to commemorate 2018 World AIDS Day. The move is aimed at giving importance to the all-important international day celebrated annually since 1988. Speaking at the briefing to announce the activities, Executive Secretary, NiBUCAA, Gbenga Alabi, stated that the coalition and critical stakeholders would bring issues demanding attention to the fore during the course of the commemoration. “The 2018 World AIDS Day is particularly significant. The day demands attention and support from everyone, from government to business establishments, citizens and the media. With concerted efforts, stamping out HIV&AIDS in various settlements across the country would become even

easier. “As the voice of the private sector’s response to HIV&AIDS and other associated health issues, NiBUCAA is bringing stakeholders together to address pertinent issues including; HIV prevalence rate in the country, provision of HIV Testing Services and promotion of healthy behaviours. “This decision is the propeller of activities on our schedule to communicate the essence of the day whilst aligning with global efforts to reduce the impact of the pandemic.” For eight consecutive daysNovember 26 to December 3, free HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) services will be offered to residents of Oshodi, Lawanson, Dopemu, Ojuelegba, Shitta, Badagry and other communities in Lagos. This is line with the coalition’s plan to provide HCT services to 10,000 Lagos residents.

Cross section of participants at the Leadership AcceleratorWorkshop organised by Rise Up in Lagos recently

PHC Decries Increase in Sexually Abused Children as Patients Rebecca Ejifoma The Ojo Primary Health Centre (PHC), Lagos has decried the increase in the number of under aged children as patients sexually abused daily. They made this call after three girls were brought in within a week after being

sexually abused. The doctors and nurses made this disclosure at the health facility when the Ben Bruce Foundation alongside THISDAY visited survivors of sexual abuse in the centre. The faculty is currently treating three girls, who were sexually abused by older men

in Ajangbadi, Era and Ijaniki areas of Lagos. The girls are aged two, 14 and 16 years old. The Programme Coordinator, Ben Bruce Foundation, Ore Adebiyi, while reacting to the doctor’s complaint said: “They said every time such abuse cases are brought in, there is confusion on what to do. They

neither knew who to call or where to refer such cases to. How can we have three sexual abuse cases in same week in same environment?” According to her, there is need to carry out a sensitisation programme in Ijaniki area to curb the alarming number of sexual abuse among children.

Hygeia HMO, Audrey Pack Collaborate on Maternal Health Martins Ifijeh One of Nigeria’s health insurance providers, Hygeia HMO, and Audrey Pack Company Limited, have entered a partnership to focus on the reduction of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria. The memorandum of understanding between the parties was signed in Lagos recently. When 800 women die in every 100,000 live births, it is clear that Nigeria has an unacceptably high maternal mortality rate. This problem and associated ones for pregnant women and new mothers need new approaches and collaborative solutions to address them. Announcing this partner-

ship recently, Hygeia HMO’s Executive Head for Business Development & Strategy, Obinna Ukachukwu, said that its special plan which takes care of maternal needs was essential as a private-sector led initiative to improve the quality of healthcare that women get throughout their maternity experience. “Hygeia HMO has a long term goal to ensure that the vast majority of Nigerians get covered by health insurance and this is an effective way to pool the power of aggregated risks and use it to improve Nigeria’s efforts towards the crucial SDG 3.1 goal to reduce maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births

by 2030. HyMat + The Audrey Pack gets us closer to bridging that gap. “Starting at only N65, 000, this dedicated Hygeia HMO’s healthcare plan provides cover for antenatal care throughout the woman’s pregnancy as well as the costs of the actual delivery. “Included in this package, as a result of the partnership with The Audrey Pack, will be a mum-to-be pack for the expectant mother and a newborn pack after delivery that contains essentials for each stage of the life giving journey,” he said. The Audrey Pack also brings with it access to a community of women who volunteer their expertise and experience to help

expectant mothers. The plan with Hygeia HMO also includes a free subscription to the MTNAudreyCare service, where enrolees receive SMS updates on nutrition, fitness and other developmental content. The CEO, Audrey Pack Company, Lilian Odim, said; “In line with the SDG 3 goal, I believe that the health and wellbeing of mothers is an indication of the health and state of a nation. “The decline in maternal and child mortality lies in the collaborative efforts between different industries, including the public sector. This is why I am certain that the Hygeia HMO Audrey Pack partnership will take us closer to this goal.”

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T H U R S S DAY Ëž NOVEMBER 29 2018

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Access Bank to Repay $400m BondTwoYears Early Access Bank Plc plans to redeem a $400 million subordinated Eurobond due in 2021, two years early as Nigeria’s fourth-largest lender seeks to reduce funding cost. Prices on the notes rallied the most since August 10, pushing yields lower. According to Bloomberg, the bank would repay investors next year, as the bond, issued in June 2014, no longer qualifies as capital five years after being sold. The bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Seyi Kumapayi, disclosed this. The Central Bank of Nigeria allows lenders to count certain classes of debt and equity among the buffers they need to set aside to survive market turmoil. Access Bank is rejigging its

debt after yields on the 2021 bonds started rising from a record low in October last year amid an emerging-market rout. The lender is exploring other sources of funding, which may not be a Eurobond, to keep its capital adequacy ratio at about 20 per cent, more than regulators require, the CFO said. This may include retaining some of its profit as capital rather than distributing the cash as dividends to build buffers after settling the bonds, Kumapayi said. Access Bank, which has N4.5 trillion ($12 billion) in assets, has another $300 million senior bond issued in 2016 that would mature in October 2021. Other big Nigerian lenders including

Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc raised dollar funds in the past two years to bolster their capital buffers after a 2016 contraction triggered a surge in non-performing loans. Access Bank recently received a $50 million repayment on a loan to 9mobile, the company previously know as Etisalat Nigeria until it was taken over by creditors in 2017, after defaulting on loans. Nigeria’s fourth-biggest mobile carrier is repaying debt after being bought by Teleology Holdings Limited. The repayment reduced the bank’s exposure to the firm to about N45 billion, Kumapayi said.

DBN Enlists 35,000 MSMES for Micro-Credit James Emejo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) yesterday said it has signed on at least 35,000 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)/end borrowers within its first full year of operation. The Managing Director of the Development Bank, Mr. Tony Okpanachi, said the number translated to a 75 per cent increase over the 20,000 MSMEs projection earlier announced for the year. He said the development further underscored the significant progress which the institution had made since it commenced formal lending activities in October 2017. DBN was established to provide structured and sustainable financing to small businesses. Okpanachi, had in July predicted a spike in the number of MSMEs signing up towards year-end. He said the institution had granted loans to about 10,000

small businesses this year, accounting for half its target. The MD described the current increase in enrolment as “a vast improvement over projections.� The achievement came on the heels of another important milestone attained by DBN- its recent induction into SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs. The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research and best practice in promoting SME finance. The focus of the network of 140 members is to collaborate on catalysing and expanding access to finance for MSMEs. It is expected that the opportunities for networking and strategic partnership afforded by the forum would boost the

MARKET INDICATORS

Ecobank Nigeria Upgrades Core Banking Application The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, has announced that the bank has upgraded its core banking application. The move, he said was part of the bank’s commitment to ensuring customers receive the best service possible. “Our upgraded system has superior functionalities which will help us deliver our brand promise as the Bank of choice for convenient, reliable and affordable services to our customers.

“The new platform also promises improved performance of our digital channels as well as top range security as you carry out your transactions,�Akinwuntan stated. The Ecobank Nigeria boss also apologised to customers over disruptions that they experienced during the period of the upgrade. The bank MD in a letter to Ecobank customers in Nigeria, expressed excitement about the upgrade. According to Akinwuntan, “during the period our ATMs,

Cards, and Mobile App were available for use, however, we experienced some post migration issues which affected transfers in and out of the bank and have now been mostly resolved. “I apologise for any service hitches experienced during the upgrade and appreciate our customers’ commitment and partnership with Ecobank. We value their relationship greatly and are committed to ensuring they receive the best service possible.�

CDC to Raise Stake in Nigeria British development finance agency, the CDC Group plans to invest up to $4.5 billion across Africa over the next four years to boost ties with the continent, its chief executive, Nick O’Donohoe disclosed yesterday. With Britain set to leave the world’s biggest trading bloc in March, government officials have been touring Africa, hoping to bolster ties with main economies such as Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. O’Donohoe told Reuters that the CDC, which has invested nearly $400 million in Nigeria, had committed $25 million to a

local private equity firm, Synergy, to support small and medium sized companies in Africa’s most populous nation. CDC also provided a $100 million loan to Nigerian fertiliser company Indorama. O’Donohoe said the agency would like to invest more in infrastructure, power, manufacturing and agriculture. “We are opening a new office to help originate more transactions in Nigeria,� O’Donohoe said. CDC aims to open a regional office for West Africa in Nigeria’s commercial hub of Lagos early next year and establish a presence

L-R: Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications, Credit Direct Limited, Joseph Osodi;

bank’s capacity to deliver on its Managing Director/CEO, Akinwande Ademosu; Head, Private Sector Sales and Marketing, Lilian mandate in terms of knowledge, Ohiaeriaku and Divisional Head Customer Experience and Communications, Achia Tor- Agbidye capacity and best practice, the during the 2018 BusinessDay Annual Banking Awards held in Lagos‌recently DBN boss said. According to him, the milestone reinforced other positives that have been notched up by the institution. These, according to him, inMONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) cluded the planned establishment of a subsidiary which would be MARCH 2018 responsible for providing partial Broad Money (M2) 24,303,049.86 credit guarantees to lenders. The unit would begin opera-- Narrow Money (M1) 10,912,604.10 tion with $35 million in start-up ---- Currency Outside Banks 1,668,378.21 funding in 2019- seeking to provide 50 percent guarantees ---- Demand Deposits 9,244,225.90 for all credit disbursed through DBN and the funding will be -- Quasi Money 13,390,445.76 increased as the unit takes on Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 15,619,134.18 more portfolios. The DBN has further reached Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 8,683,915.68 agreement with 19 participating -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 26,267,136.53 finance institutions (PFIs) and has strong focus on development ---- Credit to Government (Net) 3,823,345.45 objectives such as job creation and poverty alleviation is sup---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 5,433,209.43 ported by a strong, confidence ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) -1,609,863.98 boosting world class governance structure which has clear report---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 22,443,791.08 ing standards.

in Nairobi, while also expanding in Johannesburg and with representative offices in Abidjan and Cairo. In August, British Prime Minister Theresa May visited Nigeria where she sought to build a new trading relationship and urged the West African nation to tap London’s financial expertise for its infrastructure projects. “Part of the reason the prime minister came here was to try to focus people’s attention on the growth opportunity and the investment and trade opportunity in Nigeria and that, you can be cynical to say, that’s partly Brexit,� O’Donohoe said.

--Other Assets Net

-17,583,220.85

Reserve Money (Base Money)

6,746,646.49

--Currency in Circulation

1,668,378.21

--Banks Reserves

4,357,551.58 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2018

The price of OPEC basket of ďŹ fteen crudes stood at $59.05 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $59.29 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 (Q SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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MARKET NEWS

DMO DG Calls for More Awareness as FG Raises N10.5bnVia Savings Bonds Goddy Egene The Director-General, the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha said the federal government has raised sum of N10.5 billion through Federal Government of Nigeria Savings Bond (FNSB) since the creation of the bonds March, 2017. The FNSB programme introduced in March 2017 to boost domestic investors’ participation in the bond market.

Speaking in Lagos, Oniha said: “From the 18 months of the creation of the FGN savings Bonds, we have been able to raise N10.5 billion and attracted 13,200 retail investors into the market.” However, she said the amount raised and the number of investors were very minimal when compared with the amount government spent on enlightenment campaign. According to her, a lot needs to be done to strengthen financial

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

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inclusion of the federal government, stressing that the target of the government through the FNSB has not been not actually been met. She said that DMO was presently studying the possibility of using phones as used in Kenya by investors to participate directly in the government securities. “From the 18 months of the creation of the FGN savings Bonds, we have been able to raise N10.5 billion and attracted 13,200 retail investors into the market.

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As you know the DMO borrows on behalf of the government. One of our objectives is to be able to issue our securities in a timely manner and at a very minimal cost,” Oniha said. Speaking on the use of technology in government securities, she said: “The issue around what technology can do in terms of raising capital is extremely important to us. We, traditionally for a long term have been serving only a segment of the market, the

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

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institutional investors and foreign investors. There is no buy side from the retail investors because they need to be knowledgeable and familiar to invest in the sovereign bond.” Meanwhile, Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Albert Wigwe , has said that greater number of people could be reached with technology. He said: “There is a flow of huge technology changes. Today with technology, you can reach out to

O F

greater number of people and financial institutions are deploying technology to enhance service delivery. “The traditional way to make money is vanishing, so we need to look at other ways to make money and cut cost. “We have 65 per cent of Nigerians who are youths and they are important segment of the society. So, at Access Bank we are using technology to reach the youths and change how people transact business.

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MARKET NEWS

Working Group Identifies Ways Exchanges Can Fund SMEs Goddy Egene

various stock exchanges and is marketing (18 per cent ). Some of chaired by the Johannesburg Stock the other issues identified included costs of listing; which relates to A report by a working group Exchange (JSE). The ASEA working group continuing obligations for SMEs set up by the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) has conducted a survey to 28 ASEA and corporatising of business. While 19 exchanges have SME come up with ways to encourage member exchanges to determine the the listing of small and medium fundamental issues experienced by platforms, the survey revealed that African SMEs in accessing finance, most of these SMEs are not aware enterprises (SMEs). The working group called the as well as opportunities available of exchanges as an alternative to ASEA SME Facilitation Working for these SMEs to raise capital on raising finance. Following the survey results, the Group was put together in exchanges. The key challenging factors working group developed a report 2017 to establish the efficacy of financing of SMEs across African identified in the survey were access on the Capital Raising Opportunities to finance (37 per cent ), followed for Small and Medium (SMEs) on capital markets. The working group comprises by corporate governance and Stock Exchanges in Africa, which is A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 27shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the 11-2018, unless otherwise stated.

a consolidation of survey responses to enhance corporate governance. According to the chairperson of of the 15 ASEA member exchanges the working group, Zeona Jacobs, who responded. The report is set to provide ASEA “lack of adequate access to finance member countries with valuable is considered as one of the major insights that may be beneficial in the obstacles and constraints to the development of solutions to assist growth of SMEs. “The results reveal the gap in meeting the capital raising needs of SMEs in Africa. It explores the that exists for exchanges, and challenges and opportunities that other role players, to play a role exist for SMEs wanting to list on in readying SMEs to list. These exchanges. Featuring prominently include providing mentorship, on the motivating factors for listing, roadshows to create awareness, is the prospect of raising funds, and to provide information and elevating company profiles and training at various touch points in 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.

the ecosystem,� she added. As a key driver of employment in Africa, with a job creation level of 80 per cent, SMEs are lauded for contributing to the development of a new middle class that has created significant demand for new goods and services. The working group has established that there is a major role to be played not only by exchanges, but governments and private sector organisations can contribute meaningfully to strategically setting up SMEs for long-term growth as well.

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 158.66 159.94 -10.54% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 11.00% Nigeria International Debt Fund 273.84 275.35 18.46% 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 0.71% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 6.75% 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 2.21 2.23 -3.94% 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 16.67 17.17 -8.76% ARM Discovery Fund 357.94 368.73 -8.00% ARM Ethical Fund 28.20 29.05 3.23% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.39% 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 132.28 133.21 -12.80% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.18% 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 0.00% Paramount Equity Fund 11.54 11.84 4.10% Women's Investment Fund 101.39 103.99 0.76% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.14% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 99.21 99.31 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 97.59 97.92 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 12.21% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.84 0.85 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.15 1.15 10.06% 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 11.89% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.42% 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 1,168.56 1,169.32 11.38% FBN Heritage Fund 141.62 142.83 1.55% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.73% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 112.39 112.82 3.24% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 112.13 112.56 3.11% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 146.31 148.38 -7.89% 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 1.21 1.23 -6.29% Legacy Debt Fund 3.21 3.21 11.10% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.02 1.02 1.98% 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 2,949.10 2,978.12 -1.22% Coral Income Fund 2,732.12 2,732.12 11.60% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.23% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 105.68 105.99 5.47% 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 12.00%

Vantage Balanced Fund 2.14 2.16 1.36% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.00% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 123.29 123.49 7.12% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.20 1.22 4.37% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 105.68 105.99 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 11.06 11.15 -14.49% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.24% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.33 1.35 11.55% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.08 12.14 9.43% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.25% 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 1.69 1.69 13.50% 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 2,300.96 2,315.81 4.71% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 187.89 187.89 7.90% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.95 0.96 -5.45% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 244.98 245.02 13.51% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 159.72 161.52 -10.82% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.61% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,442.91 8,545.30 -11.21% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.10 1.10 6.72% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.17 1.18 -1.53% United Capital Bond Fund 1.58 1.58 10.26% United Capital Equity Fund 0.70 0.71 -7.39% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.65% United Capital Eurobond Fund 106.43 106.43 6.35% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.09 3.85% 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 11.11 11.26 -7.61% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.10 12.20 -6.00% Zenith Income Fund 20.56 20.56 11.42% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.34%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

9.00 139.26 51.55

-20.11% 5.13% 1.42%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

115.27 88.49

117.72 90.15

0.00% -19.30% -19.00%

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

3.98 7.24 14.58 12.65 141.03

4.02 7.32 14.68 12.85 143.03

-15.90% -24.30% -16.43% -35.49% 4.98%

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 manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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THISDAYt THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2018

PDP

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) Power to the People... Motto: Justice, Unity and Progress

National Secretariat: Plot 1970, Wadata Plaza, Michael Okpara Street, Wuse zone 5, Abuja. Tel: 09-7822806, 09-7822781

Special Announcement

INAUGURATION OF PDP NATIONAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL This is to announce the official inauguration of the PDP National Campaign Council. The members are 1. Prince Uche Secondus - National Chairman - Chairman 2. H. E. Alh. Atiku Abubakar, GCON - Presidential Candidate - Co-Chairman 3. H. E. Dr. Peter Obi, CON, Vice Presidential Candidate 4. H. E. Dr. Bukola Saraki, GCON, President of the Senate - Director General 5. Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CON - Speaker, House of Representatives 6. Sen. Prof. Ike Ekweremadu - Deputy President of the Senate 7. Dr. Goodluck E. Jonathan, GCFR - Former President 8. Arc. Namadi M. Sambo, GCON - Former Vice President 9. Sen. Walid Jubrin - Chairman, BOT 10. Sen. Adolphus Wabara - Secretary, BOT 11. H. E. Dr. Sule Lamido, CON 12. H. E. Ahmed Makarfi, CON 13. H. E. Sen. David B. Mark, GCON 14. H. E. Dr. Attahiru Bafarawa 15. H. E. Dr. Jonah David Jang, CON 16. Sen. Datti Baba Ahmed, PhD 17. H. E. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso - Campaign Deputy Chairman 18. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN- Campaign Deputy Direcror General 19. H. E. Udom Emmanuel - Governor, Akwa Ibom - Chairman, Finance Council 20. H. E. Alh. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CON - Governor, Sokoto State - Zonal Coordinator (N/W 21. H. E. Ibrahim Dankwanbo, CON - Governor, Gombe State - Zonal Coordinator (N/E) 22. H. E. Samuel Ortom - Governor, Benue State - Zonal Coordinator (N/C) 23. H. E. Nyesom Wike, CON - Governor, Rivers State - Zonal Coordinator (S/S) 24. H. E. Dave Umahi - Governor, Ebonyi State - Zonal Coordinator (S/E) 25. H. E. Hon. Seriake Dickson - Governor, Bayelsa State 26. H. E. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu - Governor, Abia State 27. H. E. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa - Governor, Delta State 28. H. E. Prof. Ben Ayade - Governor, Cross River State 29. H. E. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwanyi - Governor, Enugu State 30. H. E. Abdulfatah Ahmed - Governor, Kwara State 31. H. E. Arc. Darius Ishaku - Governor, Taraba State 32. H. E. Sen. Ademola Adeleke - Osun State 33. Sen. Gamawa Babawo Garba - DNC (North) 34. Elder Yemi Akinwunmi - DNC (South) 35. Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd) - National Organizing Secretary 36. Abdullahi H. Maibasira - National Financial Secretary 37. Kola Ologbondiyan - National Publicity Secretary 38. Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem - National Legal Adviser 39. Haj. Mariyam Waziri - National Woman Leader 40. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye - National Youth Leader 41. Chief Tom Ikimi 42. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu 43. Chief Shuaibu Oyedokun 44. Hajiya Zainab Maina, MFR 45. H. E. Amb. Aminu Wali 46. H. E. Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, CON 47. H. E. Dr. Ahmadu A. Ali 48. H. E. Prince Vincent Ogbulafor 49. H. E. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo 50. Alh. Dr. Bello M. Haliru 51. H. E. Alh. Abubakar Kawu Baraje 52. H. E. Dr. Ahmadu A. Muazu 53. Dr. Bamanga Tukur 54. Dr. Charles Akintoye 55. Prof. Wale Oladipo 56. Sen. Ben Ndi Obi 57. Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim 58. Sen. Ibrahim Mantu 59. Rt. Hon. Austin Opara 60. H. E. Otunba Gbenga Daniel - Campaign Deputy Chairman, South 61. H. E. Sen. Liyel Imoke - Campaign Deputy Director General 62. H. E. Ayodele Fayose - Zonal Coordinator (S/W)

63. H. E. Ibrahim Shehu Shema 64. H. E. Ibrahim Idris 65. H. E. Boni Haruna 66.H. E. Peter Odili 67. H. E. Lucky Igbinedion 68. H. E. Achike Udenwa 69. H. E. Erelu Olusola Obada 70. Prof. Abubakar O. Suleiman 71. Mrs. Fidelia A. Njeze 72. Haj. Inna Ciroma 73. Arc. Mike Onolomemen 74. Col. Bala Mande 75. Sen. Abdul Ningi 76. High Chief Raymond Dokpesi 77. Prof. ABC Nwosu 78. Barr. Eyitayo Jegede 79. Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi 80. Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu 81. Hon. Adamu Maina Waziri 82. Prof, Sam Oyovbaire 83. Mr. Chris Mamah 84. Alh. Abubakar Mustapha 85. Sen. S. Kumo 86. Hon. Ibrahim Bunu 87. Alh. Abubakar Mallam 88. Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa 89. Chief Ejiofor Onyia 90. Sen. Umaru Ibrahim Tsuari, CON National Secretary - Secretary to the Council 91. Sen. Biodun Olujimi 92. Hon. Chukwuka Onyema 93. Sen. Philip Aduda 94. Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha 95. Sen. Emmanuel Paulker 96. Sen. Sam Anyanwu 97. Sen. Mohammed Hassan 98. Sen. Danjuma Leah 99. Sen. Obinna Ogba 100. Hon. Mohammed Musa Soba 101. Hon. Hosea Danasabe Charles 102. Hon. Ahmed Abu 103. Hon. Saleh Hassan Anthony 104. Hon. Ekpoattai Owoidighe Ime 105. Hon. Babatunde Gabriel Kolawole 106. Hon. Olabode O. Ayorinde 107. Hon. Ibrahim Danmazari Murtala 108. Hon. Idisi Lovette 109. Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba 110. Hon. Yjam Chukwuemeka 111. Hon. Nnenna Ijeoma Elendu Ukeje 112. H. E. Iyorcha Atu, GCON 113. H. E. Wilberforce Juta 114. Obong Paul Ekpo 115. Sen. Adamu Gumba 116. Sen. Ogola Foster 117. H. E. Gabriel Suswam 118. Chief Chris Agara

119. Comrade Macaulay Ovuozorie 120. H. E. Duben Onyia 121. Sen. Saidu Umar Kumo 122. Nze Fidelis Orzih Okukwu 123. Chief Andrew Yakubu 124. Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi 125. Aliyu Pategi Haman 126. Hon. Yamusa M Yamusa 127. Sen. Zainab Kure 128. Dr. Kema Chikwe 129. Lady Ime Udom 130. Lauremcia Mallam 131. Haj.Nimota Ibrahim 132. Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto 133. Mrs, Shade Filani 134. Chief Adekunle Alao 135. Prof. Dimis Mailafiya 136. Dr. Oche Joseph Otorkpa 137. Abdullahi Ali Kano 138. Bodunrin Oriade 139. Obieze Chima 140. Ovie Ozaka 141. Babangida Maina Umar 142. Mrs. Philomena Ihenhen 143. Mrs. Luba Ahmed 144. Hon. Justina Obadia Nkom 145. Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu 146. H. E. Dr. Peter Odili 147. H. E. Alh. Muktar Shagari 148. Amb. Umar Algash 149. Hon. Peter Yohanna Ushapha 150. Buba Galadima 151. H. E. Olagunsoye Oyinlola - Chairman CUPP 152. Peter Ameh 153. Chief Feddy Alabrabra 154. Senator Odion Ugbesia

PDP

Venue: PDP Presidential Campaign Office Date: Thursday, November 29, 2018 Time: 3:00Pm Prompt Legacy House, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja. Party leaders, Elders and Stakeholders are expected to be in attendance

This event is scheduled to hold at

PDP! Power to the people Atiku/Obi 2019. Let’s Get Nigeria Working Again

Singed: Kola Ologbondiyan Director of Media and Publicity PDP Presidential Campaign Council Legacy House, Abuja.

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49

FOREIGN/DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS

No-deal Brexit Could Cost UK Economy 9.3% of GDP over 15 Years, Says Govt Britain will be economically worse off in any scenario outside the European Union, with a nodeal Brexit rendering GDP 9.3 per cent smaller than it would otherwise be in 15 years’ time, the government said Wednesday. The government’s plans for post-Brexit ties with the European Union would still cost the economy around 3.9 per cent of gross domestic product over 15 years, a report by the Treasury found. Finance minister Philip Hammond said the departure deal agreed on Sunday between Britain and the EU was the optimum way to minimise the cost of leaving the bloc. The report comes as Prime

Minister Theresa May takes the divorce deal to a sceptical Scotland, where the fishing industry is concerned about EU access to British waters. May has less than a fortnight to convince hostile MPs to back the deal in a December 11 vote and avoid plunging Brexit into chaos, four months out from Britain’s March 29 departure date. The report does not exactly model for the deal struck with Brussels, the outlines of which remain vague. It found that a reduction in EU immigration would cost the economy more than the current free movement rules. However it leaves the bloc,

Britain’s GDP will taper even accounting for the new trade deals it will be able to sign, including with the United States. “This analysis does not show that we will be poorer in the future than we are today,� May told lawmakers in parliament.

“It shows we will be better off with this deal.� “Our deal is the best deal available for jobs and our economy that allows us to honour the referendum,� the 2016 vote to leave the EU. – Struggle for consensus –

cooperation to deepen global partnerships. Ahmed made the remarks as 19 leaders of the world’s biggest economies and a representative of the EU are set to meet on Friday and Saturday in Buenos Aries as part of the G20 summit. Reiterating Africa’s readiness to work with G20 member countries, Ahmed also said that the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) “will play a significant role in accelerating our continental development

deal, if it’s the only deal,� he said. “By definition, it’s also the worst deal.� Hammond insisted that the economy was not the only consideration and controlling Britain’s borders, money and laws also had value.

Pompeo Says No Hard Evidence Saudi Prince Ordered Khashoggi’s Killing U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said on Wednesday that there was no direct evidence connecting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the murder of

journalist Jamal Khashoggi on Oct. 2 in Istanbul. Pompeo spoke to reporters after he and Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis, told the Senate behind closed doors that

Ethiopian PM Reiterates Africa’s Support for G20 Summit Agendas Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, reiterated Africa’s common position in support of the major agendas of the upcoming G20 summit slated for Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 to hold in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This is according to a statement issued by the Ethiopian prime minister’s office on Wednesday. He noted that Africa’s bright future extended beyond the continent and it needs to take the extent and quality of its

Labour main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn told May she was running “the most shambolic government in living memory� and May should “accept the reality� that parliament would not back the deal. “It’s not hard to be the best

objectives. “This will also move us beyond the focus on unemployment and migration towards a New Horizon of Hope.’’ The CwA primary aims to increase attractiveness of private investment through substantial improvements of the macro, business and financing frameworks. As a demand-driven initiative open to all African countries, the CwA, launched in 2017, has so far been joined by 11 African

countries, including Ethiopia. “My administration wants to convey its support to the agenda centered on the future of work, infrastructure, gender and a sustainable food future,� the premier said. He noted that this year’s G20 summit takes place at a time where global leaders need to reaffirm the commitment to designing solutions and pursuing a more inclusive growth.

weakening U.S.-Saudi ties over the killing would hurt national security. “There is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi,� Pompeo said. However, many senators left the briefing saying otherwise. “I don’t think there’s anybody in the room that doesn’t believe he was responsible for it,� Sen. Bob Corker, the Republican Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters after the briefing. “MbS has not taken ownership of the death,� Corker said, using the shorthand initials for the crown prince. Mueller’s probe moves to Trump ally Corsi The CIA has assessed that the

crown prince had ordered the Oct. 2 killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he would withhold his vote on any key issue, including a government spending bill, until he gets a briefing on the topic from the CIA. “I am not going to be denied the ability to be briefed by the CIA, that we have oversight of, about whether or not their assessment supports my belief that this could not have happened without MbS knowing,� Graham told reporters. Leading Democratic senators said the intelligence they had seen convinced them of the crown prince’s role in murder of Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist and U.S. resident.

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50

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

FG Slashes Fees of JAMB, SSCE Sets aside N14.7bn for ECOWAS biometric cards Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved a reduction in the cost of obtaining Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) application forms from N5, 000 to N3, 500, starting from January 2019. The FEC meeting, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also announced a cut in the cost of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination

(SSCE) organised by National Examination Council (NECO) from 11, 350 to N9, 850 and that Basic Education Certificate handled by NECO would now be N4, 000 as against N5, 500. Following the announcement by JAMB that it remitted N7.8billion as proceeds from sales of Unified Tertiary Examinations (UTME) application forms in 2017, the House of Representatives in May 2018 tasked the Federal Ministry of Education to reduce the cost of

Unremitted Taxes: Kaduna, Kano Drag FG Agencies to Tax Tribunal Kaduna and Kano State governments through their Boards of Internal Revenue have taken some federal government agencies to the North West Zone of the Tax Appeal Tribunal. They are dragging the agencies to the tribunal sitting in Kaduna for failure to remit taxes to them. The Kaduna State board of internal revenue, dragged the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before the Tribunal on Wednesday, with respect to unremitted Pay-As-You-Earn and withholding taxes, totaling N6.16bn. The amount was for all taxes due, to the Kaduna State government, but were unremitted, between 2007 and 2012. The tribunal, which has just been newly reconstituted, with Umaru M. Adamu as Chairman, also attended to tax issues against Kaduna Polytechnic, brought before it for unremitted personal income taxes and withholding taxes, for the period, 2007 and 2012, totaling, N3.34bn. On the other hand, the Kano

state Board of Inland Revenue will on Thursday, take before the tribunal, appeals to determine whether they were entitled to recover from the National Orthopedic and another, the sum of N18.6m. The amount is also for withholding and PAYE taxes, due for the 2011 and 2012 year of assessment. Bayero University Kano, alongside the Hon Minister of Education and the Hon Minister of Finance, were also brought before the tribunal with respect to withholding taxes and PAYE taxes, for 2004, to 2009 year of assessment, in the sum of N1.82bn. The Tax Appeal Tribunal was established pursuant to Section 59 (I) and the Fifth Schedule of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007. It was specifically set up to adjudicate on all disputes arising from operations of the Companies Income Tax Act, Petroleum Profit Tax Act, Capital Gains Tax Act, Stamp Duties Act, Value Added Tax, Taxes and Levies among others.

JAMB forms. The lawmakers warned JAMB against becoming a revenue generating body at the expense of students (applicants). Briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting that last over three hours, the Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu, said the reduction is as a result of the pleas from parents. According to him, “Since the new administration came into office as well as a change in management and prudent management by JAMB, we have been able to see that most of what have been charged doesn’t have to be because a lot of it have been siphoned by corrupt officials. “So, in yielding to parents’ plea, the president directed that we should look into the possibility of reducing the charges. “So, accordingly, from January 2019, JAMB fees will be reduced from N5, 000 to N3, 500 for UTME; Senior Secondary

Certificate Examination charge organised by National Examination Council (NECO) will reduce from 11, 350 to N9, 850 while Basic Education Certificate handled by NECO is reduced from N5, 500 to N4, 000. “As I said, our concern is not to make money as such because we are not a revenue generating agency. Since we found that JAMB has been able to bring into government coffers about N8 billion, we said we should reduce the burdens on parents.” Asked if the reduction was a move to woo electorate ahead of 2019 presidential election, Adamu said the underlying factor is that the people must feel good impacts of the government. “A good thing doesn’t have to have a reason. Whether it is because of election or not, I think parents deserve to have the fees reduced. And I think there is no better time to do a good thing than now,” he said. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said

the Council also approved 11 ecological interventions projects for N9, 600, 415, 324 in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Cross River, Adamawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, Niger ABU Zaria, Kaduna States and Abuja. He said the projects are spread in Lagos - jetty and shoreline protection facilities; flood and erosion control in Oyo town, Oyo State; erosion control of flooded areas/road improvement in Owo, Ondo State; erosion control of flooded areas in Akampa, Cross River; road and stem water defiance in Federal College of Education in Yola, Adamawa State; road and bridges at Dutse Saki village in Buguru Local Government Area in Bauchi State; erosion control at Kazaure in Jigawa State; intervention at Main Campus Phase II Site at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State; erosion and flood control at Kontagunra council area of Niger State; gully erosion and road improvement at Army Post Service Estate, Kurudu, Abuja

and erosion and flood control at Asharawa area council in Phase II, Abuja. The president’s spokesman also said the council also approved three industrial wastes combined incinerators for environmental-friendly destruction of counterfeit and substandard regulated products. It was approved for NAFDEC at the sum of N267, 585, 160. The FEC meeting also approved the business plan for ECOWAS Biometric Cards intended to replace the current ECOWAS Travel Certificate. It is a contractor-financed project that will cost N14.7billion. Minister of the Interior, Abdurahman Dambazzau, told journalists that the project was according to a recommendation of West African regional leaders since 2016 because the ECOWAS travel papers could easily be faked. Dam bazzau said biometric cards are expected to be issued to about 13 million persons over the next 19 years.

ACF Urges FG, States to Declare Emergency on Education Warns against hate speech during campaigns John Shiklam in Kaduna The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday lamented the deteriorating educational standards in the country’s educational institutions and the plight of over 13 million out of school children, especially in the North. It urged the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency in the education sector as well as come up with a marshal plan that will revamp the sector. In a communique issued yesterday at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) in Kaduna, the forum urged the states and federal governments to allocate at least 25 per cent of their budgets to education in order to address the lingering crisis in the sector. In the communique signed by its spokesman, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, the forum also urged the federal government to give clear instructions to the security agencies to met out the severest sanctions against politicians, political parties, individuals and the media that might use hate speeches in their quest to

win elections for themselves or their preferred candidates. The communique equally called on politicians not to see elections as a declaration of war, but as a contest based on issues, principles and programmes that will uplift the lives of the people. On the frequent strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has continued to disrupt academic activities in the universities, the meeting urged the federal government and ASUU to sheath their swords and return to the negotiation table in the spirit of give and take, stressing that strike has never been the best option in resolving grievances. “Therefore, while we plead with ASUU to call off the strike, we called on the federal government to meet ASUU half way. Meanwhile, the northern state governments should endeavor to pay their counterparts funding in order to access what are due to them from Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to enable them improve the volume and quality of primary education in the North,” the ACF said.

PROUD PARENTS

L-R: Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello; his daughter, Miss Olamide Olatunji-Bello; and her mother, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, when Olamide was called to the Bar at the International Conference Centre, Abuja...Tuesday

After NCC’s Intervention, Kogi Governor Orders Unsealing of BTS Emma Okonji For fear of possible breakdown of telecoms services across the country, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, yesterday, ordered the unsealing of telecoms Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), following a meeting with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Lokoja, the state capital. The order to unseal the affected BTS would restore telecoms service to over 120 sites within the state and the neighboring states, that were hitherto affected. The state had shut down the BTSs following a standoff with telecom operator over revenue related contention. NCC’s Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Mr. Sunday Dare, led the delegation that included officials of the affected Telcos

to the meeting which was held in the governor’s office. In attendance were IHS, MTN and ATC as well as the head of the Kogi State Inland Revenue Service and Chief of Staff to the governor. Governor Bello also directed that court cases instituted by the state be withdrawn and amicable settlement reached between the telcos and the state government. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), had raised the alarm that the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service got court injunction to seal several telecoms base stations in the state, a situation that affected over 120 sites within the state and the neighbouring states. ALTON said the action could lead to total outage in 10 states, including Kogi State and Abuja, the federal capital territory, and could affect telecoms services

in the country, and called for urgent government intervention. Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, had said Abuja and 10 other states would experience total outage of telecoms services in the next few days, following the immediate shutdown of several base stations by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service. Adebayo listed the states to include Kogi, Nassarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Niger States, including Abuja. Adebayo, said the total outage would not only affect telecoms services, but would also affect banking services like Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sales (PoS) that are used for financial transactions, since such financial services are delivered on the platform of telecoms infrastructure. He said the imminent outage would also

affect national security issues in the ten states and Abuja, should there be any delay in addressing the issue. Adebayo therefore called on the presidency, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to quickly call Kogi State government to order before its action would cripple telecommunications service offerings in the country. Adebayo has however hailed the decision of the state governor to order the unsealing of the affected base stations in the stare. Explaining what led to the shut down, Adebayo said the state action followed an ex-parte court order obtained by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service over unsubstantiated allegations that telecoms operators were in default of tax payments to the state government.

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Agbakoba Writes Buhari, Demands Assent to 2018 Electoral Act Amendment Bill Laments threat to use of card readers Gboyega Akinsanmi Concerned about the credibility of the 2019 general election, former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) yesterday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to endorse the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018

in demonstration of his commitment to transparent electoral process. Agbakoba, Convener of Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM) and National Chairman of People’s Trust, lamented that failing to sign the bill would pose threat to the mandatory use of card readers

Tension in Anambra as Old, New Speakersß Plan to Sit Today David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka There is tension currently brewing in Anambra State following indication yesterday that the two factions of the state House of Assembly plan to sit today to hold plenary. A source at the state assembly told THISDAY that while the state government is making plans to aid the removed Speaker of the assembly, Rita Maduagwu, to preside over plenary with her supporters, as the new Speaker, Hon Ikemba Uzoezie, was also planning to sit.The assembly had two weeks been sealed off by the police, citing breach of peace as reasons for its action. The assembly had earlier removed Maduagwu over alleged financial impropriety, incompetence and gross misconduct allegations which she had rejected, insisting that she remained the Speaker, leading to the factionalisation of the assembly. The source said there are indications that both factions plan to mobilise their supporters to the venue for sitting tomorrow, and that the governor of the state has been meeting lawmakers on the Uzoezie faction individually, trying to induce them to dump the Maduagwu faction. THISDAY further learnt from the source that the state governor fears that he may be the main target in the removal of the Speaker, and as such, favouring the Maduagwu faction, which has over the years been loyal to him. But countering this, the

new Speaker, Uzoezie, denied being sponsored to get at Obiano. During a recent press conference, Uzoezie stated that Obiano remains their favourite governor, and that they do not target him for removal, except to remove Maduagwu who has for long made the assembly docile. The source stated further that already, youths were being mobilised to protest at the assembly to show their anger at the governors alleged aiding of Maduagwu’s faction to sit, despite having been removed as speaker of the assembly. According to him, “Those who are planning to conduct illegal plenary at Anambra State House of Assembly tomorrow (today)morning should be aware that the people of the state are mobilising to the House of Assembly complex today to protest police invasion/sealing of the assembly complex and also to prevent illegal seating by Madugwu sponsored by the executive arm and the police to transact illegal transitions. “We say no to the removed former Speaker conducting any sessions under any cover.” Meanwhile, THISDAY gathered that some members of the National Assembly would today visit the state assembly to mediate over the lingering matter. The House of Representatives had last Tuesday called out the police over the continued sealing of the complex of the assembly.

NBS: 4.37bn Litres of Petrol Imported in Q3 James Emejo in Abuja The country imported 4.37 billion litres of petrol in the third quarter of the year (Q3, 2018), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has stated. Also, it stated that 8.7 million litres of automotive gas oil (AGO) and 312.71 million litres of household kerosene (HHK) were imported within the review period. According to the Petroleum Products Imports and Consumption (Truck Out) Statistics released yesterday by the statistical agency, 212.80 million liters of aviation turbine kerosene (ATK) was imported into the country.

In addition, 162.37 million litres of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) was imported in Q3. The NBS noted that the months of September recorded the highest volumes of petrol imported at 1.59 billion litres while the highest volume of AGO and household kerosene were imported in July and August respectively. State-wide distribution of truck-out volume for Q3 showed that 4.52 billion of petrol, 1.02 billion litres of AGO, 168.42 million litres of HHK, 189.21 million litres of ATK and 125.43 million of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) were distributed nationwide during the period under review, the NBS added.

Says bill will help INEC function effectively

and electronic transmission of results designed to make the 2019 elections more credible and transparent. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill was passed for the fourth time on October 23 by the Senate and transmitted for assent on November 8, was being looked into. In view of the 30 days window from the day of transmission within which the president can consider or withhold assent, there has been cause for concern over the bill. Earlier, the president had withheld assent to the bill, citing the failure of the federal legislators to effect the earlier observations he asked them to review. Consequently, the National Assembly had reviewed and transmitted to

the president for assent. About three months to the 2019 elections, the president has not signed the bill into law, thereby stoking anxiety and concern in the rank of the opposition parties and civil society organisations (CSOs) about Buhari’s commitment to credible and transparent polls. Last week, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, revealed that the bill was receiving due presidential attention. But Agbakoba in a two-page letter he addressed to the president yesterday, expressed grave concern that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill “has not been signed into law three months to the general election in spite of the fact that it has

long been transmitted by the National Assembly.” On this account, Agbakoba personally wrote Buhari yesterday, demanding the need to sign the bill without any delay and citing diverse implications his refusal to endorse it would have on the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible and transparent elections. The letter, which is titled, “Please Sign the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018,” read in part: “The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 is the legal regime for the 2019 election. It is therefore important that every person is familiar with its provisions. “If you recall, the late signing of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2015

created so much confusion and resulted in widespread electoral malpractices. If you also recall, the late signing resulted in conflicting decisions in the courts, especially on the use of card readers. “The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 was passed by the National Assembly to address all the challenges created by the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2015. It is therefore important that you sign into law, the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018.” Specifically, the letter pointed out the strength of the bill if signed into law, noting that the new electoral regime would enable the INEC, political parties and the courts, among others discharge their responsibilities effectively.

STRATEGIC MEETING

L-R: Public Affairs and Communications Director, Coca-Cola West Africa, Clem Ugorji; Country Occupational Health Coordinator, Lafarge Africa Plc, Chimaobi Okonkwo; Executive Director, Child Health Advocacy Initiative, Ms. Lola Alonge; and Vice President, West African Private Health Federation, Mrs. Clare Omatseye, at the Lagos Business School sustainability conference...recently

Senate Probes Alleged $500m Loan Sourced from UAE By Kogi Approves bills establishing nine new varsities, polytechnics Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate has mandated its committee on Foreign and Local Debts to investigate the alleged plan by the Kogi State Government to obtain $500 million loan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It also passed bills for the establishment of nine federal higher institutions including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country. At plenary yesterday, the Senate directed its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to investigate allegation that the Kogi State government is on the verge of borrowing the sum of $500 million from the UAE without approval by the National Assembly. This was sequel to a motion moved by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) via Orders 42 and 52 of the Senate standing rules. According to him, the move by the state government is illegally being facilitated by

the Federal Ministry of Finance under a fraudulent arrangement called debt refinancing. He alleged that if not stopped by the Senate and by extension , the National Assembly, the loan would further mortgage the future of citizens of the state who are already groaning under N40bn debt. He stated that the loan being sought for illegally, is planned to be used to fund the Kogi State and Presidential elections next year saying “ it is disastrous for a state, whose debt already stands at N40 billion, secrectly planning to borrow N180 billion. “What it means is that the Government is borrowing to pay borrowed money,” he lamented. Contributing, Senator Attai Aidoko (Kogi East), said it is unacceptable for the Kogi State people to accept an illegal borrowing. Idoko added that it is also unacceptable for the Senate to allow the ministry of Finance to forge ahead on the illegal loan borrowing.

He pointed out that there are no capital projects going on in Kogi State in addition to unpaid salaries that are still being owed by the government of Mr. Yahaya Bello. “Kogi State cannot sustain this loan,” Idoko stated. The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, therefore, assigned the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to investigate and establish, if the loan has been taken. Saraki also told the Committee to establish the approach being used to access the loan and has 48 hours, or five days maximum to report its findings to the Senate. The Senate also yesterday passed for third reading nine different bills sponsored by different senators for establishment of new federal universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education. The passage of the nine bills one of which was the one which seeks for establishment of Federal University of Education Aguleri in Anambra State ,

sponsored by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), was sequel to recommendations made to that effect in a cumulative reports presented by the Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Senator Jubril Barau (Kano North). Apart from the Federal University of Education Aguleri, other federal institutions established through the passage of the bills are Federal University of Technology Manchok in Kaduna State, Federal Polytechnic ,Daura in Katsina State and Federal Polytechnic Ikom in Cross Rivers State . Others are, Federal Polytechnic Langtang in Plateau State, Federal Polytechnic Kabo in Kano State and National Institute of Construction Technology and Management Federal Colleges of Education established through passage of the bills are , Federal College of Education ( Technical) Arochukwu and Federal College of Education Usugbenu- Irrua in Edo State.

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Senators Disagree over Alleged Non-remittance of NPA’s N177bn Operational Surplus Confirm Olukoyede as EFCC scribe Deji Elumoye in Abuja Senators were sharply divided yesterday over the authenticity or otherwise of the alleged non remittance of N177billion operational surplus made by the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) into the consolidated federation account. As the Senate resumed

plenary, a member of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Mohammed Hassan (Yobe South), drew the attention of the Senate to the allegation through a motion moved in accordance with Senate standing orders 42 and 52 . In moving the motion, Hassan emphasised that against the spirits and provisions of the 1999

IAEA Approves Nuclear, Cancer Treatment Reactor Projects for Nigeria Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has given Nigeria the go ahead to embark on five critical projects in nuclear power energy, cancer management, livestock production, governmental and regulatory infrastructure for nuclear and radiation safety and radiation oncology. The projects due to commence in 2020, were approved under the Country Programme Framework document. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, made the announcement yesterday at the ministerial conference on nuclear science and technology in Vienna, Austria. Onu, who led the Nigeria delegation, said the designs of these projects had been completed and submitted to the IAEA for review. Those on the delegation included, Permanent Secretary Political & Economic Affairs Office. OSGF ,Gabriel Aduda, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Slovakia, Vivian Okeke, Chairman Nigeria Atomic

Energy Commission, Professor S.P Mallam and Director Renewable Energy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Abbas Gunmi. Last month, both Nigeria and IAEA signed the Country Programme Framework document for 2018-2023 cycle at the 62nd Session of the IAEA General Conference also in Vienna. Onu said the document identified the priority areas of Nigeria’s partnership with the agency in a clear and practical fashion. The signing of the document is a precursor to the commencement of additional national projects under the 2020-2021 Technical Cooperation Cycle and beyond. The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s arrangements towards the acquisition of a multi-purpose research reactor had reached an advanced stage, expressing hope that the acquisition will contribute to several developmental activities in the country in the provision of radiopharmaceuticals to support cancer diagnosis and treatment and research and training.

Metele Killings: It is Time for FG to Declare National Security Emergency, Says Ositelu The presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Isaac Babatunde Ositelu, has asked the federal government to declare, with immediate effect, a state of emergency on the nation’s security architecture following the spate of gruesome killings of the civilian population and military personnel by the insurgent groups rampaging in the sections of the country. According to him, it’s a tragedy of immense proportion that each time, the military claims to have technically defeated the insurgents, the group usually responded with bigger damage on the people and the military. In a statement sent to THISDAY, yesterday, he said that the life of every Nigerian must not be cut short with reckless abandon while the nation’s leaders and its people carry on as if it is business as usual. “It is unacceptable the way our people are being killed on a regular basis. No nation should stand aloof and watch with trepidation the deliberate and consistent carnage in our land,” he said. Ositelu admonished that the

war on insurgency cannot be fought and won in the media space. According to him, it is demeaning to the image of the country how military bases are cheaply over run by the Boko Haram fighters, promising to make military institutions fortresses that are impenetrable to armed gangs if elected President. While condoling with the federal government, Nigerian military authorities and the families of the fallen heroes, Ositelu said that the Metele massacre in Borno State, North-eastern state of Borno, is one too many. He therefore said that with the intractable killings of the military operatives and the Nigerian people, his government would probe all defense and security budgets and expenditure from 1999 to 2018. He noted that if the capital votes and releases to the military had been efficiently executed in the last 19 years, there was no way the Nigerian military would continue to come under violent butchery by the marauders and insurgent groups.

Constitution and extant laws of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the agency kept to itself N177billion operational surplus it made from accruing revenues in the 2017 fiscal year without remitting it into the federation account. According to him, the committee discovered that the agency, in its budget defence of the performance of the 2017 budget in April this year, got N303billion as total operational revenue out of which N125billion was taken by it as operational cost as allowed by extant laws but refused to remit the balance of N177billion realised as surplus into the federation account He went further to say: “This, to me, and by extension, the Senate, should not be condoned because the Committee discovered this seven months ago and ordered the agency to do the needful which it has not

done up till now. “Attention of the Senate is being drawn to this impunity because six months down the line, the agency has not complied with the directive of the committee or communicated to it on the matter in anyway.” Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South), at this point, cautioned the Senate from believing the allegation made by Hassan, saying there are three categories of income derivable into accounts of any public agency . He therefore advised the Senate that it would be premature for it to attach legislative seriousness to Hassan’s allegation since the figures he quoted are not clear to be in the category of perceived income, drive income or accrued income. “Mr. President (Senate president), as a lawyer, I studied

taxation law, so we should not be in haste to conclude on the submission Hassan has just made,” Na’Allah said. Hassan’s allegation against the NPA was further punctured when the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Sani Yerima ( Zamfara West), disassociated himself and other committee members from the allegation. According to Yerima, Hassan, as a member of the committee, did not raise the issue at any of the committee sittings before raising the alarm on the floor of the Senate. “As chairman of the committee, I am not aware of this allegation raised against NPA by Hassan, and I don’t think any other member of the committee is aware as well,” he said. Also contributing, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North),

urged the Senate leadership to compel the committee members to meet over it before bringing it up for general debate on the floor of the Senate in line with procedures and processes of law making. At this point, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, directed the Marine Transport Committee to look into the allegation and report back within three days. Also yesterday, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede as Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Committee on Anti- Corruption and Financial Crimes headed by Senator Chukwuka Utasi (Enugu North) for the consideration and confirmation of Olukoyede as EFCC scribe.

REJOICING WITH THE NEW WIG

L-R: Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media,Yusuph Olaniyonu; a member of the Body of Benchers, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); New wig, Oladapo Olaniyonu; his mother, Alhaja Aishat Odunayo Olaniyonu; and younger brother, Oladepo Olaniyonu, at the call to Bar ceremony for Oladapo and other new lawyers at the International Conference Centre in Abuja...Tuesday

It’s Unfair to Compare Obasanjo’s Government with Buhari’s, Says Son Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the National President of the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), Olujonwo Obasanjo, has said that it is not proper to compare his father’s administration with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government. He said the reason he cannot make such comparison is because the circumstances and the indices are not the same. Olujonwo, who spoke yesterday at an interactive session with journalists at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja, said while he cannot reasonably comment on the performance of his father-led administration, he believes that the present administration is doing a good work and should

be given another chance. Olujuwon said as an adult, his current political view might be different from that of his father but that does not mean he is being disrespectful to his biological father. The former President Olusegun Obasanjo had publicly opposed President Buhari’s re-election bid and endorsed the aspiration of his former deputy and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar. When asked to compare his father’s performance in office and that of Buhari’s, Olujonwo said: “I think that will be unfair because of what each leader met on ground, and the fact that they came in under different circumstances. It will not be an unfair comparison”.

On why he took another path different from his father, Obasanjo’s son said: “Everybody’s parent wanted his child to be one thing or the other, probably different from what they are today. But at a certain stage in our lives, we choose our part. That does not amount to disrespecting your parents.” He said as far as he was concerned, the present government has impressed him through some of things it has done, especially in the area of youth empowerment and agriculture. “I am an adult and as individual, I am here as someone who believes in this government. This government is diversifying the economy from an oil based economy and has made agriculture

fashionable. “Today, people talk about farming and no longer look at it in a degrading manner. People now look at the value chain when you talk about farming,” he said. According to Olujonwo, it is all about the impact that the government has made to diversify the economy. “As a country, we must look beyond oil and think outside the box by looking at other areas, which is what this government has come to do. Nigeria is a blessed in several ways and not just oil and this government is promoting youth involvement in all sectors. “As a young man, I am looking at future and I believe in this government and I am supporting Mr. President. So, I cannot speak for my father.

THISDAYt THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2018

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THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Falcon Coach, Dennerby, Seeks Revenge against South Africa Femi Solaja with agency report

AW C ON 2 0 1 8

Super Falcons Coach, Thomas Dennerby, is already looking beyond the final match of the 2018 Africa Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup of Nations (AWCON) against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa as he expresses optimism that his wards are in good shape to handle three solid opponent. Moments after it was confirmed that Nigeria will go head long against the same opponent that had beaten them in the tournament, the coach expressed satisfaction that he hopes to get his revenge this Saturday in the final match. The Swedish tactician was on his feet for most of the semi final against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Accra on Tuesday, which exhausted the statutory regulation and extra time and then went into penalty shoot â&#x20AC;&#x201C;out before the Cup holders inched past their bitter rivals into the final and a place in France. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a dream final but when we arrived in Ghana, we made it clear our first target was the ticket to the World Cup, and after that, retaining the trophy. Now, we have achieved our first target. On Saturday, we have the opportunity of achieving our second target. We will go in there and give it our best shot and take the trophy back

gain revenge. But champions would always be champions and we overpowered them.â&#x20AC;? On the preparation for the to Nigeria. good. We have a compact team 2019 FIFA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sincerely, I was not happy and that is why we made it finals in France, the Chairman with our performance in the first today. Going to the World Cup, of Lagos State Football Associa20 minutes of the match. We we need to improve the way tion and Member, CAF Youth lost the ball too many times; we attack. We need to create Competitions Committee said we were too anxious and the chances and make the best use that there would be no half defenders and midfielders of the opportunities that come measures. couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contribute to the attack. our way,â&#x20AC;? he explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The FIFA World Cup is However, the positive from this In a related development, the FIFA World Cup, and we tournament is our defence is very the First Vice President of the must put in place a proper and comprehensive preparatory programme for the Super Falcons. We must utilize all the available FIFA windows for the team to play friendlies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After the final match on Saturday, the NFF will ask Coach Thomas Dennerby to submit his programme and we will take it from there.â&#x20AC;? Nigeria is one of only seven countries in the world that have qualified for all the editions of the FIFA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup since the championship was launched in China in 1991. The others are the United States of America, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Norway and Japan. The Super Falcons will be joined in France by South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Banyana Banyana, who they meet in the Women AFCON Final in Accra on Saturday, as well as L-R: Ex-international, Waidi Akanni; Relationship Manager, Public sector, Access Bank, Florence Oki; Former Super Eagle Head Coach, Samson the winner of the losersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; final Siasia; Organiser, Kayode Bawa and Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Football Ambassador, John Fashanu at the Celebration of Excellence in Sport for Gov Akinwunmi between Cameroon and Mali. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Seyi Akinwunmi has declared Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battling win over Cameroon and the accompanying qualification for the FIFA World Cup and the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AFCON Final as justification by the Super Falcons of NFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence in the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel elated, and I am sure that my colleagues on the board of the NFF will feel the same way anywhere they are pres-

ently. The NFF has always had confidence in the Super Falcons and we are happy we got this World Cup ticket. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was not easy and it could not have been easy, as that was a semi final match (against Cameroon). The Cameroonians were the hosts in 2016 when we beat them in front of a capacity crowd to retain the trophy, so they came with every ounce of strength and tactical knowledge to try and

Ambode press conference in Lagos.... yesterday

21 Former African Stars forThe Match in Lagos NextYear Duro Ikhazuagbe Twenty-one African football legends including Didier Drogba and Liberian President, George Weah, have been selected to participate in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Match: A Celebration of Excellence in Sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; project scheduled to hold March 16, 2019. Also, the game is part of the events lined up to reopen Onikan Stadium under reconstruction to meet FIFA standard. Some of the other former

stars of the Beautiful Game in the continent who have been approached to join in extolling the giant strides made by Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode include Senegalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s El -Hajj Diouf, Drogbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former Elephants teammate, Kolo Toure, Ghanaian duo of Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah. Former French star, Christian Karembu is also on the card to storm Lagos. From the home front, ex internationals like Samson Siasia, Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Jay Jay

Okocha, Joseph Yobo, Julius Aghahowa and several others have been listed to participate in the African All-Stars versus Nigerian Legends. Speaking at a media parley in Lagos yesterday to announce the project, Akanni who along with Samson Siasia are the chief architects of The Match, said Gov Ambode has made laudable sports development in Lagos that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth celebrating. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As internationals, we have seen the infrastructural devel-

opments in Lagos under Gov Ambode. The Onikan Stadium that has been abandoned over the years is under reconstruction to meet FIFA standard. Teslim Balogun Stadium is undergoing similar reconstruction while the Agege and Epe Stadiums are in fantastic shape not to talk of the Maracana Sports complex in Ajegunle. These and other laudable efforts of Gov Ambode in providing sports infrastructure, we believe, are aimed at providing the enabling

Oldest Former NFF Scribe, Omokhaye Clocks 86 He may not be well known as he headed the administration of the Nigerian football governing body in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ancient pastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. At a time, it was even a subject of debate if he was ever a general secretary at the then Nigeria Football Association as his name was conspicuously missing on the board at NFF Secretariat, which listed past administrators. Herbert Omokhaye, who hailed from Otuo Owan East Local Government area of Edo State was the secretary of the

NFA from 1964 to 1965 when he was seconded to the association from the just established National Sports Council (NSC), which transformed into National Sports Commission in 1970. Omokhaye clocked 86 yesterday as the oldest former scribe of Nigerian football still alive. From Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s files in the archives of FIFA, it was Omokhaye that responded to correspondence by from the world body regarding a fixture of Nigeria and Morocco in the

Tokyo 1964 Olympic qualifiers. From the same archival materials, www.sportsvillagesquare.com gathers the correspondence to FIFA by the late Abraham Ordia when Omokhaye resigned from both the NSC and the NFA. Omokhaye played as a defender in the Challenge Cup finals in the 1950s for Lagos UAC and the Federal United which was a model club that some influential Nigerians in Lagos established. Omokhayeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football career started when he was a

member of the Methodist Boys High School in 1950 from where he joined the Lagos UAC club as a left-sided defender in 1951 before moving to SCOA in 1955. He featured for the then model club, Federal United in the Challenge Cup final of 1958 before retiring in 1961 to begin a career in sports administration. He became the general secretary of the then Lagos Amateur Football Association (LAFA) in 1962 from where he moved to the newly established NSC in 1964.

CAF CLU B C OMP E TITION

Rangers Win as Lobi Falls in Openers Enugu Rangers began their quest for success on the continental scene on a good note after a 2-0 win over visiting Defence Forces of Ethiopia in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup Qualifiers game played in Enugu. While the Nigerian other

representative in the elite club competition, Lobi Stars lost by a lone goal away to USM de Loum of Cameroon. The Nigerian Cup champions relied on two penalties to dispatch the visiting Ethiopians who were very resolute in defence although they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pose any

serious threat in attack. Godwin Aguda converted both penalties awarded to the Nigerian side who were crowned Champions of the Aiteo Cup in Nigeria after coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 before finally winning on penalties 4-2.

The result means the Nigerians will head into next week second leg clash in prime position to progress to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, which Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representative Enyimba FC of Aba played all the way to the semi-finals in the last edition.

environment for youths to thrive and achieve their dreams in sports,â&#x20AC;? explained the former Super Eagles player. Akanni further hinted that part of the proceeds from the event will go into supporting families of distressed ex Nigerian international players. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you go around, you will see several former footballers who served this country in several capacities but unable to meet up in life. We will support their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education where

ever possible.â&#x20AC;? A representative of Drogba who flew into Lagos for the media session lauded the project of celebrating African former legends and urged organizers of the project to provide adequate security and logistics for the invited former African stars. Present at the event which held at the Regent Hotel inside Ikeja GRA were former Green Eagles captain, Henry Nwosu, Tajudeen Disu and Ifeanyi Udeze.

Kid Boxers Set for Child Dignity FoundationTourney All is set for the 7th edition of the Child Dignity Foundation organized Kiddies Boxing Competition at the Brai Ayonote Boxing gym inside the National Stadium in Lagos. The 2018 edition according to the Chief Executive of the Foundation, Mrs. Amaka Awogu, will feature 12 bouts and two exhibition matches among boxers in and around Lagos State promises to be bigger with boxing tutorials and a mentorship programme by Nigerian boxing legend and Olympian, Jerry Okorodudu. She said the one-day event is targeted at kids interested in charting a path in boxing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the foundation, we are really excited with the steady progress we have been able to record since we started this Programme which has continued to grow. This is not a profit oriented venture, but an avenue to give indigent kids in areas like Bariga, Shomolu, Lagos Island, Mushin, Ajegunle

and other areas where boxing is popular a lifeline to attain greatness most especially through the boxing tutorials and mentorship program,â&#x20AC;? she explained. Mrs Awogu said the foundation is really encouraged to continue the project because of the visible achievements recorded. The Child Dignity Foundation (CDF) is a child protection, development, and advocacy organization committed to the total well-being of children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Thursday November 29, 2018

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MISSILE Olisa Metuh to Federal High Court “The EFCC seized my accounts yesterday (Monday) night and I can’t get money to feed my family. They seized all my accounts in every bank in this country. As I am, I don’t have money to buy Panadol or water to drink – Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, telling the federal high court in Abuja that all his bank accounts had been frozen by the EFCC

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Dead, Buried and Forgotten A lthough we still don’t know the actual number of gallant men and officers of the Nigerian army that we lost or the operating environment that allowed the Boko Haram insurgents to exact such tragic fatalities, the main lesson from last week attack on 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State is that those who sacrifice their lives in defence of our country deserve better treatment. And despite megawatts of excuses from the military high command, it is obvious that those at the helm have serious questions to answer. But the challenges of the moment are far deeper and go beyond the failings of those in authority. The main concern here is that there is no sign that Nigerians really care that several families have been thrown into anguish. This is evident from most of the social media comments that follow the videos depicting the criminal neglect and corruption on the part of those who are responsible for keeping our men and officers safe. Most of the interventions are about politics and the usual blame-game; not a thought for the bereaved families. For sure, there are serious issues within the military that President Buhari must at some point deal with. They range from a leadership cadre that has overstayed its welcome to the welfare of our fighting soldiers and the whispering campaign that the insurgency may have become an industry for some unscrupulous persons in and out of uniform. While we will deal with some of these issues another day, it is a huge scar on our conscience as a nation that we fail those we put in harm’s way on behalf of the state when they are alive and we do nothing to memorialise them when they are dead. We also disrespect their families. Almost every country has protocols for burying those who die in battle. But if there are such in Nigeria, they are being observed in the breach because when our soldiers die, they bury them like commoners. Sometimes without even informing their next of kin. In Nigeria, fallen soldiers are mere statistics. No names. No stories of heroism. Just numbers! Sadly, that has been the pattern for as long as one can remember. During the military era in the eighties and nineties, corpses of Nigerian soldiers were usually brought in from Liberia and Sierra Leone at the dead of night for secret burials. But that sort of action should not continue under a civilian dispensation from which accountability is demanded. A female soldier last year recalled how she learnt of how her husband died in combat. “It was in 2014, and I didn’t find out the day he died,” she said, “no one ever does. One of his colleagues just called to say ‘your oga done die o’”. Asked whether she received any further details from the military, the widow replied: “Details? No one gets details. They just send a message saying M.I.A (Missing in Action). This basically means he’s been declared dead. They don’t even send the bodies home; they just bury them there. My friend got news

Buhari that her husband died in Maiduguri a few days ago. Someone in his unit called to tell her. So she had to go to the office to ask. They told her the same thing: M.I.A.” Apparently incensed by the manner fallen soldiers are treated in Nigeria, former Senate President David Mark, a retired Brigadier-General, once advocated that slain soldiers be treated with dignity. “If not for anything else, they (the fallen soldiers) deserve national honours. Those who die in wars or peacekeeping missions are heroes that must be celebrated” said Mark in 2011. Nobody paid attention to him. “The Barracks is filled with widows. I have a lot of friends here whose husbands never returned. This woman who just got news of her husband is pregnant. Her child will never meet daddy” said the female soldier-widow who added: “So when a wife doesn’t hear from her husband for about a month, first she thinks they might be in some place with no network. Then she starts to grow worried, and when she goes to ask, she gets the M.I.A.” For a nation at war against a brutal insurgency, this is no way to treat the families of those left behind by fallen soldiers. Certainly, it cannot motivate others to give their lives in defence of such a nation. But beyond the responsibilities of those in authority, our society also must begin to imbibe the spirit of honouring those who lay their lives in our collective defence. In many countries, there are hundreds of notfor-profit organisations devoted to helping the families of soldiers killed in battle. The United States provides a ready example. From the Healing Households to Gifts of Gratitude to Faces of Valor to Fallen Patriots Fund and several others, these institutions assure the fighting soldiers that they do not die in vain. I believe that time has come when we should create a similar institution to the ‘Gold Star Family’ which, in the United States, supports the children and spouses of deceased or wounded soldiers as well as members of their immediate families. I am ready to work with, and lend support to, public-spirited individuals or credible charity groups that will take up an idea

similar to the ‘Star Family’ so we can also begin to offer help, in a structured manner, to families of soldiers who die in the war against the insurgency. Whatever the tales from the military or the propaganda arm of this government, Boko Haram is neither ‘technically defeated’ nor has its capacity been significantly ‘degraded’. The insurgents, backed by other terror affiliates, are now a mighty army and it will take our collective resolve as a nation to defeat them. The statement released by the military following the Metele tragedy does not reflect an understanding of the challenge confronting us. I will therefore recommend for our military commanders the book, ‘The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars Have Been Won and Lost’, by Cathal Nolan who teaches military history at the Boston University. Losers of most major wars in modern history, according to Nolan, “lost because they overestimated operational dexterity and failed to overcome the enemy’s strategic depth and capacity for endurance.” After visiting injured soldiers yesterday in Maiduguri, President Muhammadu Buhari will go to Chad today for a meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). The one-day session is expected to review the security situation and adopt measures to enhance the capacity of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to meet the challenges of securing the areas. If we are to defeat Boko Haram, the authorities must be prepared for the long haul and understand the international dimension. On that score, Chad, Niger and Cameroon are central. Chad, because of the shrinking lake whose adjoining areas play host to sundry criminal gangs, including those involved in terrorism and irregular migration; Niger, because it is the route through which most of the arms and ammunitions come in for the insurgents. However, the domestic environment in Chad means additional challenges for Nigeria. According to military sources, Boko Haram insurgents could move in easily for the Metele

attack last week because the borders were vacated by the Chadian authorities who had to deal with the ‘more pressing challenge’ of regime protection for their sit-tight leader. After 28 years in power, President Idriss Deby, in March this year, organized a twoweek forum where politicians, religious clerics, businessmen and traditional rulers practically conferred on him the life presidency of Chad. At the end of the so-called national conference, the presidential term limits earlier scrapped in 2005 at the instance of Deby was reinstated to achieve a predetermined end. With the recommendation of six-year rather than five-year presidential term, limited to a maximum of two terms but effective from the next presidential election in 2021, Deby is effectively the Chadian president for life. By 2021 when he would have been 31 years in office, he can begin another round of 12 years. But this manipulation has already attracted internal dissension which is now the preoccupation of the Chadian authorities who left the border open for Boko Haram to move in against our troops in Metele last week. The situation in Chad, like that in Cameroon where their 85-year president, Mr Paul Biya, was sworn in for a record 7th term early this month, is now very tricky. But we need these dictators more than they need us and they know. If Boko Haram is allowed free reign to use Chad as a staging post against Nigeria, then we are in for a serious problem. We must therefore find a way to deal with that challenge and our options are very limited. The same goes for Cameroon where Biya, who rules his country from the five-star Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland, is gradually losing his iron grip after 35 years in power. How we confront these complexities in the weeks, months and may be years ahead will determine whether or not we defeat Boko Haram. And without effectively putting down the insurgency, it will be difficult for our country to focus on the meaningful development that we need so badly.

Perilous Journeys Last night in Abuja, the United Nations migration agency, the International Office for Migration (IOM), with support from the French Institute, the Goethe Institute and some civil society groups hosted the screening of two documentary films, ‘Bushfallers – A Journey of Chasing Dreams’ and ‘Granma’. The event was held under the auspices of the Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) as part of the efforts “to pave the way for greater discussion around one of the greatest phenomenon of our time”. Although I was by the IOM spokesman in Nigeria to speak about my latest book, ‘From Frying Pan to Fire’, I left the venue before the film ended to conclude this column. Meanwhile, I appreciate all the people who were able to make the public presentation of my book last Thursday. The Emir of Kano,

Muhammad Sanusi II, Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Dr Aliyu Moddibo, Senator Lawan Guba, Dr Tanimu Yakubu, my brother, Thompson Abu and his wife, Eugenia and several others, including members of the diplomatic community. I am most grateful to them all. However, the conversation on ‘irregular migration’ continues in Benin next Tuesday as Edo government hosts an international conference with the theme ‘Managing Migration Through Development’ as part of the intervention to rid the state of the shame of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The governor has invited me to the conference along with other local and international stakeholders in what promises to be a frank discussion on the perils of ‘irregular migration’.

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