THURSDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2018

APC Moves to Sideline Amosun, Okorocha in Presidential Campaign Keyamo: We won't copy PDP's style

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) is to go tough on Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo State) for their

recalcitrance over the outcomes of the party’s primaries that edged out their preferred governorship candidates in their states.

Party sources confided in THISDAY last night that

despite their expression of support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s rerun aspiration, both governors would be kept at arms’ length from the presidential campaign billed to take off in the early

weeks of January next year.

The revelation came just as the spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), has dismissed concerns over the campaign programme

of the APC, saying the party will not copy the campaign style of the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A reliable source in the APC told THISDAY that

the list of membership of the campaign team is ready and that the president has given the national leadership the nod to unveil it.

Continued on page 8

Report: Rivalry to Intensify in Banking Sector in 2019 … Page 6 Thursday 27 December, 2018 Vol 23. No 8652. Price: N250

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INEC: 2019 Elections in N/East to Be Determined by Security Assures pre-election matters won’t disrupt poll Dons call for state of Emergency in Zamfara Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its readiness to hold next year’s general elections, clarifying, however, that the conduct of the polls in security-challenged places in the North-east would be determined by security reports from the military.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman

of Publicity and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, told THISDAY yesterday that the commission was ready to conduct elections in all parts of the country next year.

His words, “INEC will conduct election in all parts of the country, unless it becomes impracticable to conduct election in maybe Continued on page 6

2019 Budget in Trouble as Oil Price Crashes to $49

Ejiofor Alike with agency reports

More indications that the implementation of the 2019 financial estimates presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari, a couple of weeks ago, may

be difficult emerged yesterday as oil price slumped to $49.9 before it recovered to $51 later in the day.

The slide was the lowest since July 2017 as the market turmoil and worries over United States supply countered the plan by Continued on page 6

Frontline Lawyer, Akinrele, Dies at 88 … Page 8

FCT PAYS HOMAGE TO BUHARI… L-R: Chairman FCT Council of Traditional Rulers and Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Baba Yunusa; Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jubril; Etsu of Bwari, Dr. Ibrahim Yaro; President Muhammadu Buhari; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; and Minister of FCT, Mallam Muhammad Bello, during the traditional rulers' visit to the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday

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Report: Rivalry to Intensify in Banking Sector in 2019 Says banks being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cannibalisedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by telecoms Obinna Chima The level of rivalry between commercial banks in Nigeria is expected to deepen next year due to ongoing consolidation in the industry, a report has stated.

The report, presented by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, at the Lagos Business Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive breakfast session for December, was obtained

by THISDAY yesterday.

Specifically, Rewane based his projection on the recent business combination agreement that was signed recently between Access Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc, which is expected to be finalised before June next year.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had approved the deal, which is expected to produce

a financial institution with the largest customer base.

The report stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Access Bank acquires Diamond in an elegant merger deal. Access Bank and Diamond announced a scheme of arrangement to produce Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest bank in footings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For Diamond, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a deft move out of necessity. Access Bank move is consistent with its strategy - acquisitive strategy for scale economies. Banking industry attractiveness is deteriorating and rivalry intensifying.â&#x20AC;?

Shedding more light on his prediction, in a telephone chat with THISDAY, the economist explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because the industry is consolidating, the level of rivalry between competitors would intensify and when they compete, they reduce price and they give consumers more choice.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The banks are being cannibalised from the outside by the telecom companies (telecoms) because the telecoms are going to have mobile payment systems and they (the telecoms) have very deep pockets, so they invest significantly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Telecoms are the ones that invest in capital expenditure.

They invest on average between $1 billion and $2 billion annually on capital expenditure, which the banks can never afford to spend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, because of this, the banking industry is going to go through a major shake out.

The banks are already under pressure, but the pressure would intensify in the coming years.â&#x20AC;?

MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria recently announced plan to set up a Payment Service Bank (PSB) in Nigeria, following the Central Bank

of Nigeria (CBN) issuance of guidelines for licensing PSBs in the country.

The PSBs are expected to leverage on mobile and digital channels to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots through the provision of financial services Airtel had commended the CBN for issuing guidelines for licensing of PSBs in Nigeria, saying the move would help promote financial inclusion as well as enhance access to financial services to the rural poor, low income earners and financially excluded of the society. It had said it would apply for the PSB licence through a subsidiary and in line with the CBN guidelines, as it has a vision of becoming the largest and most secured PSB in Nigeria.

Commenting on the CBN

guidelines for Mobile Banking Licence, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, had said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We welcome the development and we express profound appreciation to the CBN for its commitment to driving financial inclusion through technology. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In line with the guidelines shared by the CBN, we have commenced the process of applying for a license as we believe that we are at a vantage position to empower and connect more Nigerians as well as deliver mobile banking services to the door steps of the financially excluded. Folks will no longer need to keep their money inside cooking pots or under their beds because we will securely connect them to the financial system.â&#x20AC;?

On his part, the Chief

reached in October..

Sechin, an ally of Russian President, Vladimir Putin and a critic of OPEC, said the price slump was mostly linked to the US rate hike announced last week.

Bloomberg also reported that oil has plunged more than 40 per cent from a four-year high in October on the prospect of a supply glut.

Reuters reported that crude has been caught up in wider financial market weakness as the US government shutdown, higher US interest rates and the US-China trade dispute unnerved investors and

exacerbated worries over global growth.

As investors are skeptical the OPEC cuts will be sufficient to dent growing supplies, especially from US shale, President Donald Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trade war with China and the Federal Reserveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy on interest rates have clouded the global economic outlook.

While OPEC and its partners are scheduled to meet in April 2019, they can hold a meeting at any time if a quick response is required, Novak said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel.

That follows the United

Executive Officer of MTN, Mr. Rob Shuter, had said it would next month, apply for a mobile-money licence. He had said after securing the licence, it would be followed by a concerted financial-services roll out in 2019 to its more than 60 million Nigerian subscribers.

Continuing, Rewane, in the report predicted that 2019 would consist of four distinct parts. According to him, the presidential election would be a close contest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There could be a boycott, run off, conflicts. But a perfect storm for instability is highly unlikely,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Furthermore, he predicted that currency pressure may force the Central Bank of Nigeria to act, projecting a parallel market exchange rate of N375/$ in the second quarter of 2019.

2019 BUDGET IN TROUBLE AS OIL PRICE CRASHES TO $49 the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers to extend or deepen production cuts.

Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estimates are predicated on an average price of $60 but that has not happened since the budget was presented, heightening fears that the budget might be dead on arrival.

OPEC and its allies, including Russia, agreed to cut output early this month, to boost oil price.

But the price, which had climbed to $86 in October, slumped below $50 yesterday as investors are sceptical the

output cuts will be sufficient to dent growing supplies, especially from US shale.

Futures fell as much as 1.1 percent yesterday on the first day of trading after Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6.2 per cent drop.

The global benchmark, Brent declined as much as 54 cents to $49.93 a barrel, before paring losses to finally trade at $51.05 per barrel.

Prices plunged $3.35 to $50.47 on Monday. Trading was closed on Tuesday for the Christmas holiday.

United States crude was 62 cents higher at $43.15 a barrel on the New York Mercantile

Exchange.

The contract slumped $3.06 to $42.53 on Monday.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak tried to reassure investors, saying the market will be more stable in the first half of 2019 due to the deal between OPEC and its allies to cut output.

Novak added that producers will react if the situation changes.

Despite Novakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assurance, the Head of Russian oil company, Rosneft, Igor Sechin, predicted an oil price of $50-$53 in 2019, far below the four-year high of $86, which Brent crude

Arab Emirates energy ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarks, signalling the producers could hold an extraordinary OPEC meeting and discuss additional curbs if needed. Meanwhile, the US administration is struggling to contain the market turmoil, which intensified in the wake of a Bloomberg News report that Trump had discussed firing Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell.

While the US president expressed confidence in Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, the Fed and the economy on Tuesday, that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t calmed markets.

INEC: 2019 ELECTIONS IN NORTH EAST TO BE DETERMINED BY SECURITY in some part of the country or in some local governments.

But this decision will be taken based on security report, our own internal dynamics and appreciation with the issues. But as at today, we are determined to conduct election in all parts of Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, in some of these local government, we are going to document and conduct election at the local government headquarters rather than going into the remote areas where there are still challenge of insurgency.

We are collecting data and compiling report relating to each local government where we have security challenges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But for us to make this determination, we are going to work with the Nigerian military, we are going to work with SEMA and other agencies who are working in these areas to make a determination on places where it is practically impossible to conduct elections. But any place where it is possible to conduct election, we are going to conduct elections in those areas.â&#x20AC;?

There has been renewed Boko Haram attacks on military bases in the Northeast, raising anxiety about the possibility of the general elections holding in arears prone to terroristsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; raid.

According to the INEC national commissioner, however, â&#x20AC;&#x153;INEC will conduct 2019 elections in all parts of the country. As at today, the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in all

the States of the federation have been sending in reports on the state of security in their various states. We have also gotten detailed report of places where there have been internal displacement of persons from the various RECs and we are taking up these thing on board. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By our processes and procedures, we are to conduct, organise and supervise elections in constitutionally recognised states of the federation. But the Constitution recognises the fact that there are so many states where the Nigerian military are engaged in internal security operations and we are liaising with the security agencies through the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in relation to some of these places where the Nigerian military and the police are conducting internal security operations.â&#x20AC;?

Okoye stressed that the security agencies have assured INEC that they have the capacity and capability to secure the electoral environment to enable INEC to conduct elections.

He also explained that the reports the commission received from some of the RECs indicated that a few local governments, not only from Borno State have security challenges, but added there was full activity at the local government headquarters of some of the local governments, while there are challenges in some of the constituencies making up the local governments.

Okoye noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have cases of insurgency in the North-east and we have persons who are internally displaced in the North-east.

We also have persons who are internally displaced in the North central, especially in places like Benue, Plateau and we are taking all these things on board, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have persons who are internally displaced who are living in states other than their own, so we are working with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency in documenting some of these people.â&#x20AC;?

INEC Assures Preelection Matters Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Disrupt Poll

And with just 51 days to the February 16, 2019 presidential election, INEC, has insisted that pre-election matters will not prevent the commission from conducting the 2019 general elections.

The electoral body gave this assurance despite court cases arising from acrimonious primaries conducted by political parties ahead of the 2019 elections, which are still pending before various courts.

The Zamfara State All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter, which the commission has insisted that it does not expect to present any candidate for the 2019 elections easily comes to mind, as well as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis in Ogun State, which is yet be decided by

the court, among others.

However, Okoye, told THISDAY that the electoral body did not have the constitutional right or authority to postpone the conduct of the 2019 elections as the date and period for the conduct of the election has been constitutionally circumscribed.

He stressed that the commission is only allowed or permitted to fix the conduct of the 2019 elections within the constitutionally circumscribed period and no more.

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Section 132(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) prescribes that an election to the office of the President shall be held on a date appointed by INEC while section 132(2) of the same Constitution provides that an election to the said office shall be held on a date not earlier than one hundred and fifty days and not later than one hundred and thirty days before the expiration of the term of the last holder of that office.â&#x20AC;?

Okoye stated categorically that any form of manoeuvre outside the constitutionally prescribed period would lead to uncertainty and constitutional confusion, noting that INEC will continue to act and operate within its constitutional mandate.

He explained that the electoral umpire released its timetable and schedule of activities in January 2018 and it is determined to keep to the intendment and schedule of its activities.

Okoye stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Commission is therefore proceeding with its activities without let or hindrance. The training of its State Training Officers is proceeding well. The Commission has finalized its Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of the 2019 Election. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The procurement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials forms part of the core activities of the Commission and the Commission is following its schedule in the procurement of these items. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Court decision will obstruct or prevent the Commission from printing ballot papers. Ballot papers bear the name and logo of political parties and not the name of candidates. It is therefore not correct to assume or insinuate or imagine that any of the pre-election matters will prevent the Commission from carrying out its constitutional and statutory duties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Commission will therefore organise, undertake and supervise the two strands of election on the 16th day of February 2019 and the 2nd day of March 2019.â&#x20AC;?

The national commissioner also revealed that INEC has set up the National Situation Room/Collation Center for the forthcoming 2019 general elections, while the commission has also constituted an advisory committee on Logistics for the 2019 general elections.

The commission, therefore, assured Nigerians that nothing

has happened to necessitate any form of shift or adjustment of the electoral calendar and the dates released by the commission remains the dates for the conduct of the election.

It also urged those that registered and are yet to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to do so as all the cards of those that registered during the Continuous Voters Registration are available for collection.

Dons Call for State of Emergency in Zamfara

Meanwhile four university lecturers have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State over the massive violence and killings occurring in the North-west state.

The dons, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim of Centre for Democracy and Development, Abuja; Dr. Abubakar Mohammed, Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Zaria; Prof.

Massoud Omar, Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Zaria; Dr. Saluihu Mustapha, Department of History, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Malam Mohammed Abubakar Nasiru, also of Department of History, Ahmadu Bello university, Zaria, asked the president to intervened in Zamfara because the situation had gone out of control of the state government.

Continued on page 8

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Frontline Lawyer, Akinrele, Dies at 88 Alike Ejiofor A frontline lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Frank Akinrele, is dead.

He died on Tuesday at 88.

Born on March 8, 1930 in Ondo town, Ondo State, the late senior lawyer was married with five children.

He attended Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College, Lagos and was a barrister and Solicitor of Supreme Court of Federal Republic of Nigeria for over 60 years.

The late senior lawyer obtained LL.B from the University of Hull in 1953, and LL.M from the same university in 1954.

He was the first graduate in the LL.M programme at the University of Hull and

was subsequently admitted to the Middle Temple bar in England.

He was admitted into the Nigerian Bar in 1955; Middle Temple in 1955, and became a SAN in 1980.

Akinrele commenced his legal career at the law firm of Thomas, Williams & Kayode, a partnership law firm established by three illustrious lawyers - Chief Bode Thomas, Chief F.R.A. Williams and Chief Fani Kayode.

Akinrele worked in the said law firm prior to establishing the law firm of F.O. Akinrele & Co in 1962.

The then Honourable Justice Adewale Thompson had described Akinrele in

Akinrele his book titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Reminisces at the Barâ&#x20AC;? as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the most brilliant junior of our time.â&#x20AC;?

He belonged to several professional associations, and was honoured with several

awards, including Andrew Marvell Prize for the best graduating law student, University of Hull.

Akinrele was a former Council Member of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies; former member of Nigerian Body of Benchers; former member of Legal Privileges Committee; former member of the Medical Disciplinary Tribunal; and former President and Patron of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce.

Akinrele was also honoured with distinguished Service Award by the NigerianAmerican Chamber of Commerce for outstanding leadership performance in promoting friendship and

economic development between Nigeria and U.S.A. He was a Trustee, Lagos Motor Boat Club; and former President of Rotary Club International.

Akinrele produced over 20 successful lawyers in Nigeria including but not limited to, Ademola Akinrele (SAN), Adedolapo Akinrele (SAN), Etigwe Uwa (SAN), among many others.

Akinrele developed a reputation as the leading criminal law barrister of his generation and retired from active legal practice in 1986 at 56, engaging his mind, thereafter, in the study of languages, music and rendering of Rotarian services.

Army Loses 24 More Soldiers After Metele Attack Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Despite confidence-boosting measures, promotions, new postings and redeployments, the Nigerian Army has lost 24 more soldiers since last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s killing of 23 soldiers of the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State by terrorists, THISDAY has learnt.

Survivors of the Metele attack have also continued to lament freezing of their salary accounts and lack of arms and ammunitions with which to engage the terrorists.

Some of the soldiers who spoke to THISDAY complained of difficulties accessing funds for feeding and other basic provisions.

But unnerved by the setbacks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, who described terrorist group, Boko Haram, as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a band of criminalsâ&#x20AC;? in his goodwill message at Christmas, asked soldiers in the theater of war to remain alert and vigilant while deploying tactics obtained from â&#x20AC;&#x153;superior trainingâ&#x20AC;? maintaining that the army had â&#x20AC;&#x153;superior firepowerâ&#x20AC;?.

This is coming as the Ministry of Defence has debunked reports that protesting civilians were â&#x20AC;&#x153;massacredâ&#x20AC;? by soldiers in Zamfara State.

In an attack a few weeks after Metele, 12 soldiers were killed when the insurgents attacked a military base near Gudumbali Local Government Area of

Borno State while others were unaccounted for.

Gudumbali is an area where the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, is active.

The attack was unleashed by terrorists while soldiers distributed relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).

The latest attack took place on Christmas Day when insurgents ambushed soldiers manning Damaturu-Maiduguri Road killing 12 soldiers and one policeman while many others were wounded.

An orderly to Yobe State governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ADC was also said to have been killed in the attack in Kukarita town

in Damaturu.

The attack, which was confirmed by the army, left hundreds of passengers from different parts of the country stranded in Damaturu, Yobe State capital on their way to Maiduguri.

The road was in a lockdown for 13 hours following the attack.

Meanwhile, in his Christmas goodwill message to troops, Buratai said the terrorists were a â&#x20AC;&#x153;band of criminalsâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is pertinent for troops to understand that Boko Haram terrorists are nothing but a band of criminals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore, you must all brace up to clear and flush out their remnants. We have superior training, fire power

and experience. We have a history of successes on the battlefield both at home and abroad. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This must be reflected in all our operations. I thank you all for the good job you have done in 2018 and look forward to us making greater progress in 2019â&#x20AC;?, he said.

Also speaking to troops of Sector 3 of Operation Lafiya Dole at a different event, Buratai, who spoke through the Sector Commander, Major General Olufemi Akinjobi, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of troops and urged them to be alert at all times as well as maintain good fighting spirit and momentum.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Defence yesterday dismissed

reports of a trending online video where soldiers allegedly â&#x20AC;&#x153;massacredâ&#x20AC;? civilians protesting incessant attacks by bandits in Zamfara State. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the avoidance of doubt, the fact of the matter was that on December 24, 2018, at about 6.35a.m, the troops deployed at Tsafe Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) received a report of protest action by some suspected Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) mostly from Asola village in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA). They were allegedly protesting against the security situation in their areas and lack of care.

made up of defenceless men, women and children are slaughtered routinely with no help in sight. Women and young girls are raped in the presence of their parents and husbands; some are kidnapped, carried into the bush, subjected to incessant rape, impregnated and sent back to their villages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consequently, many villages in Zamfara State have been deserted. Economic activities have come to a standstill as farmers have been ordered by the bandits not to farm. Those who dared them have been killed. Herders are

also not spared. Thousands of cattle have been rustled and many herders killed.

Many people have also been kidnapped for ransom.â&#x20AC;?

These developments, they said, have had a negative impact on the Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural policy of Anchor Borrowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programme (ABP), and other social intervention programmes.

Saying the security measures put in place in Zamfara, so far have failed, they called on the president to intervene directly and declare emergency rule in the state.

governors and Oshiomhole and the efforts to reconcile them have also affected the full commencement of APC campaign.

When asked to give reasons for the delay in the commencement of the national campaigns, the spokesman of the Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation, Keyamo, said there was nothing to worry about.

He said the ruling party had its own plans on how to approach the electioneering.

But when reminded that other political parties, especially the leading opposition party, PDP, have set up campaign structures and are campaigning vigorously, Keyamo replied, "Must our

campaign be modelled after their own?

"INEC gave up till February 15. What we decide to do with it is our own business. Have you not seen the vice president campaigning, going from community to community, door to door?

He, however, confirmed THISDAY's earlier report that the party is planning to embark on an intensive national campaign beginning from January 2019.

Keyamo, who could not give further details on the campaign schedule, said the APC intended to make its campaign an action-packed one, adding that it would do a back -to- back public engagement.

Continued on page 53

INEC: 2019 ELECTIONS IN NORTH EAST TO BE DETERMINED BY SECURITY The university teachers in a statement made available to THISDAY last night said the state had been subjected to massacres and the killing of thousands of innocent citizens, mainly rural folks, adding that the brutality with which these attacks were carried out were unprecedented in recent times in any part of Nigeria.

They, therefore, asked the president to also take further drastic measure including, dispatching of special forces to the forests and affected villages to rout out the terrorists and kidnappers, and interacting frequently with community

leaders and other relevant stakeholders in the search for lasting solution to the crisis.

According to them, renewed commitment of the leadership of the security agencies would signify renewed effort to accelerate the war against terrorism, insurgency, mass kidnapping and mass murder.

Reviewing the situation in the North-western state, the dons said outbreak of riots in Tsafe local government on Saturday 22ndDecember, 2018, which according to some reports, had led to the deaths of over 100 people in the villages of Asaula, Kwadawa,

Dogon Kawo, Mandaba, Yanza, Kulutu,Sakkya and Fegin Dakai, all in eastern Tsafe, had again brought to the fore the issue of insecurity in Zamfara State.

They said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Monday, December 24, thousands of scared citizens in the State came out en masse to protest, demanding that the Nigerian State protects them from killers and bandits, who have killed over 100 people in the past two weeks, burnt their houses and destroyed their farmlands and rustled their cattle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reckless pronouncements and

ineptitude of the government of Abdul Aziz Yari has further worsened the security situation in the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The destruction of the campaign posters of Mr. President shows the extent to which people are aggrieved against the efforts so far put in place to contain the problem. This has the potential of eroding the credibility of Mr. President in one of his strongholds.â&#x20AC;?

They stated further, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This carnage is not only limited to Tasfe, but is widespread all over the towns and villages of Zamfara. Innocent citizens,

APC MOVES TO SIDELINE AMOSUN, OKOROCHA IN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN THISDAY gathered that the APC campaign council would include all the national officers, all the governors and National Assembly members elected on its platform as well as former governors and top leaders in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

A top member of the APC, who is close to the APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, said the National Working Committee (NWC) had made its stand on the matter known to Buhari, who has given the party the go-ahead to constitute the campaign council.

"The party is insisting that only very committed members will be nominated into the campaign team. It cannot

be those who are opposed to the leadership or have shown divided loyalty,â&#x20AC;? the source said.

The source added that Oshiomhole is not disposed to having some personalities, especially Okorocha and Amosun, manning key positions in the campaign structure.

He said the party chairman has described the actions of the two governors as highly antagonistic and as such should not be rewarded with a front seat position in the campaign council.

Oshiomhole was also said to have informed Buhari that the campaign council should be made up of only committed party men and not those that

have divided loyalty.

He was also said to be against allowing those who are still pursuing their cases in court against the party or their sponsors from joining the campaign.

Both Amosun and Okorocha have been engaged in a running battle with the Oshiomhole-led NWC over the outcomes of the primary elections in their respective states.

As a result, loyalists of the two governors have defected to other parties to contest against candidates of the APC in the 2019 elections.

The two governors have also vowed not to support the party's governorship candidates in their respective

states.

Another aggrieved governorship aspirant of the APC and the Minister Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, is also angry at his disqualification by the party from participating in the primary elections.

Shittu, who is among those pursuing cases in court against the party, has blamed his ordeal on Oshiomhole.

THISDAY learnt yesterday that the anti-Oshiomhole governors are still scheming to win the heart of the president and to convince him of their support during the next year's election.

Another source at the party headquarters said the face-off between the

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Presidency Berates PDP over Allegation that Buhari Relooted $322m Abacha Loot Those sharing Abacha loot are armed robbers, Galadima insists Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Presidency last night chided the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its allegation that President Muhammadu Buhari was relooting the $322 million recovered from Switzerland by his government.

This is coming as a spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Buba Galadima, has declared that those who share money in the market, unappropriated money, unbudgeted money, from the so-called Abacha Loot are armed robbers.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement, accused the party of lying with the assumption that its alleged corrupt nature would be overshadowed by blackmailing others.

According to him, the party’s idea is to create the impression that everyone is involved in corruption and by so doing, assume that Nigerians will overlook its misdeeds.

Shehu said the $322 million looted by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha and repatriated

from Switzerland is being used for conditional cash transfer.

He explained that the World Bank was not only monitoring the use of the fund in accordance with the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed before its release but also supporting the initiative.

He advised Nigerians not to be misled by the main opposition party, which he said had taken corruption as a tradition.

“Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued spreading lies about the Buhari administration in the mistaken assumption that its toga of corruption will dissipate if it succeeded in black painting every other person as corrupt. The strategy is to make corruption appear as normative and that everyone is equally involved.

“They think by so doing, Nigerians will forgive them for their sins. This is a huge mistake.

The PDP has become an ill-wind on the country today and the elections next year present the citizens an excellent opportunity to save the country from it.

“We can’t imagine a sane organisation shamelessly telling Nigerians that President Buhari is looting, as they themselves did

Blame Yourself for Your Failure, Atiku Tells Buhari Former VP should be in jail over corruption, says president’s campaign council Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has told President Muhammadu Buhari not to blame the Nigerian system for his failure to fight corruption, but himself.

But the Director of Strategic Communications and spokesperson for the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo, yesterday insisted that Atiku would have been prosecuted and jailed for various acts of corruption and abuse of office after he left office as vice president, if the system were to be working right then The president had on Tuesday blamed his inability to fight corruption on the Nigerian system, when the members of the Federal Capital Territory community paid him homage.

But in his reaction, Atiku said that the problem with Buhari’s anti-corruption war is not the system, but the president himself.

According to him, “My immediate response to this is to commend President Buhari for admitting that he has failed in fighting corruption. The President has just corroborated Transparency International, whose latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) shows that Nigeria is more corrupt today than it was under the previous administration, having moved 12 places backwards in the CPI, from 136 in 2014 to 148 this year.”

The former vice president

stressed that nothing in the system stops Buhari from telling Nigerians who owns the billions found in an Ikoyi apartment.

Atiku noted that while he was the vice president between 1999 and 2007, the same system was used to speedily convict no less a personality than an Inspector General of Police, and several others, including cabinet ministers and other high officials.

Atiku stated, “But my point of departure from the president is in blaming his failure on the system. I disagree. The system has challenges, yes, but where there is political will, the system can make progress.

“Mr. President, the problem with your anti-corruption war is not the system. You are the problem!

“The system allows you to arrest, try and convict your former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who was fingered in a major corruption case, but you chose to let him go scot free and you demonstrated your tolerance for his corruption by giving him a prominent role in your re-election campaign and recently welcoming him to the Presidential Villa with open arms.

“The system allowed you to arrest, try and convict Abdulrasheed Maina, the biggest ever alleged thief in our civil service history, who is suspected of looting the pensions of millions of aged Nigerians. Yet, you chose not to go that route, preferring instead to recall him, reinstate Continued on page. 51

of the recovered loot, the $322 million lately recovered from the Abacha family. This is an irresponsible lie.

“The $322 million recovered is being used to make the Conditional Cash Transfer ( CCT) of a monthly amount of

N5,000 to more than 300,000 poor homes across the country under the Social Investment Program introduced by the Buhari administration.

“This is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the governments

of Nigeria and Switzerland as a condition for releasing the funds.

“As part of the MoU, the World Bank is monitoring the application of the funds.

“It is also important that the World Bank has equally given an additional facility to support

the on-going cash transfers.

“Nigerians are hereby advised to be watchful of what comes out from the opposition, not to be misled into voting for a party that sees nothing wrong with corruption and would rather Continued on page. 53

MEGA MERGER DEAL …

L-R: Group Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Access Bank Plc, Seyi Kumapayi; Deputy Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna; Group Managing Director/CEO, Herbert Wigwe; and Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Uzoma Dozie, at a press conference on the proposed merger between Access Bank and Diamond Bank in Lagos...recently PHOTO: DAN UKANA

Gencos Accuse FG of Selling Electricity to Neighbouring Countries on Non-commercial Terms Pass vote of no confidence on NERC Chineme Okafor in Abuja Electricity generation companies (Gencos) have accused the Nigerian Government of taking power from them and selling to countries in the West African region under the West African Power Pool (WAPP) on noncommercial but diplomatic terms.

The generation companies stated that the agreement on the daily export of about 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity to African countries did not take into account the commercial frameworks in Nigeria’s electricity market such as the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) upon which the gencos also produce power

The arrangement, they said, had made the deal shrouded in opacity as they often do not know the monetary benefit accruing to them from such sales.

The Gencos also declared that they do not have absolute confidence in the ability of the sector regulator – Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to optimally regulate the power market, stating that although NERC had reportedly been fragile in the past, it currently has no control of developments in the market.

These misgivings were contained in a note made available to THISDAY by the Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), Dr. Joy

Ogaji.

According to the Gencos, NERC currently does not have a means of independently validating the Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) loss reduction figures of the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) in the country.

The generation companies explained that the power sector is currently faced with regulatory risks occasioned by regulatory uncertainties, government’s continued influence in the affairs of the regulator; as well as NERC’s ineffective regulation of the sector.

“Arguably, since the completion of the privatisation process, NERC has, in our

view, been ineffectual in discharging its regulatory functions. The power sector is still faced with regulatory risks arising from regulatory uncertainties, government’s continued influence in the affairs of the regulator and ineffective regulation of the sector by NERC. “The technical and operational capabilities of NERC need to be further strengthened to address obvious gaps in the Commission’s regulation of the power sector so far, which can be described as being reactive rather than proactive. For instance, NERC has no means of independently validating ATC&C loss reductions achieved

by Disco (if at all).”

Alleged Extortion: DSS Hands over Aisha Buhari’s ADC to Police Alex Enumah in Abuja The Department of State Services (DSS) has handed over the Aide De Camp (ADC) to the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mohammed Baba-Inna, to the police for further investigation over corruption allegations.

Baba-Inna was accused of using the name and office of the First Lady to extort money from members of the public.

The ADC was handed over to the DSS for detailed investigation after the

police failed to establish the allegations of defamation of character and extortion against him.

However, after a month and four days it received the defendant, DSS yesterday released him to the police for “further administrative action,” according to a statement by the Head of Public Relations of the DSS, Peter Afunanya.

The statement read, “The Department of State Services wishes to inform the public that it has released Sani Mohammed Baba-Inna (CSP), ADC to the First Lady and Wife of the President, Hajiya

Aisha BUHARI. He has been handed over to the Police for further administrative action.

“It would be recalled that BABA-INNA was, on 22nd of September, 2018, handed to the Service by the Police authorities for detailed investigations. He had been accused of defamation of character and unduly using his Office and that of the First Lady to fraudulently extort and obtain money from sources”.

According to the DSS, its investigation revealed that the ADC who was alleged to have carried out the illegal and other unethical activities in the name of the First Lady on whose

behalf he falsely claimed to have acted “was never, at any given time or circumstance, directly or indirectly, instructed, by the First Lady, to act or collect, in her name, money or material gifts from any person(s) or group(s).

“In line with standard procedures expected in handling a matter of this nature, BABA-INNA is returned to the Police for appropriate regimental action.

Accordingly, the details of the investigation report have also been forwarded to the relevant authorities”, the statement added.

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Boko Haram: 167 Police Officers Abscond from Deployment It’s not true, police spokesman insists Denies alleged plot to arrest, kill Melaye Alex Enumah in Abuja A total of 167 policemen were said to have absconded from a counter insurgency training facility in Yobe State when they got wind of the plan by the police authorities to post them to areas under attack by Boko Haram insurgents.

However, the Force Headquarters has denied the report that 167 of its personnel have absconded from a training facility in the North-east.

This is coming as the police have also described as false an allegation that it was planning to arrest and inject to death the Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye.

Premium Times reported that the policemen who absconded from the Special Forces Training School, Burning Yadi, Yobe State, were drawn from Mobile Police formations in Keffi, Enugu, Benin; Jos, Calabar and Abeokuta.

Others are from MOPOLs 17 Akure; 18 Owerri; 19 Port Harcourt; 20/22 Ikeja; 23 Keffi.; 26 Uyo; 28 Umuahia; 30 Yenagoa; 31 Asaba; 32 Abakaliki; 35 Dutse; 39 Ogbomoso; 43 Lion Building; 50 Kubwa; 51 Oghara; 54 Onitsha and 56 Ogoni.

A police wireless message signed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of MOPOL, was said to have ordered the arrest of the operatives.

The policemen are from the rank of Sergeants, Inspectors and Corporals.

However, in a swift reaction, the police has denied the report claiming that 167 of its personnel have absconded from a training facility in the North-east following information that they would be deployed to battle against Boko Haram insurgents.

Police denial, which was contained in a statement by the

Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Jimoh Moshood, also described as fake, a list of the said absconded officers published by an online media outfit.

Moshood in the statement noted that the report was not only untrue but an attempt to cast aspersions on the efforts of the Force in the fight against insurgency in the North-east, adding that its personnel have no reason to abscond as they have been in the forefront in the battle against insurgents since inception.

“The insinuation in some quarters and as reported in the story that 167 out the 2,000 additional police officers recently deployed by the IG absconded is not correct and should be disregarded by members of the public. These 2,000 police personnel are to complement the efforts of the military to add new impetus to the fight against the decimated Boko Haram insurgency.

“This story was investigated and it was found out not to be correct, there is no reason whatsoever that Police personnel deployed for the operations in the North East would abscond.

The Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel have been engaged actively in the front line along with the Military in the fight against Boko Haram terrorist group since the inception of the insurgency”, part of the statement read.

Despite the denial, the military last night confirmed that the fleeing policemen were tracked in Damaturu and returned to base.

The Cordinator, Nigerian Police Force for Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier-General A.S. Ishaq, said some of the “unruly” policemen wanted to travel for Christmas when training had

Four Lagos Policemen Arrested for Robbery Four policemen attached to Ijanikin Division, Badagry, Lagos State, have been arrested for allegedly robbing a Togo-based Nigerian of his CFA 350,000.

Inspector Victor Amiete, Sergeants Samuel Gbemunu and Afolabi Oluwaseun as well as Corporal Adigun Omotayo are currently being detained at the Provost Section, Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

It was gathered that they robbed their victim, Theodore Ifunnaya on December 17, around Iyana-Era, during a stop and search operation.

Ifunnaya who was returning home from his base for the yuletide, was allegedly bundled into a patrol vehicle by the suspects and taken to their station as soon as they saw the money on him. It was gathered that the alleged rogue cops also tortured, stripped and photographed the victim before they seized his foreign currency The suspects were said to have subsequently invited a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator who changed the money and gave them the naira equivalent of it from where they gave Ifunnaya N2, 000 to locate his Lagos address.

It was gathered that the culprits threatened to release the nude

pictures taken of Ifunnaya on social media as well as accuse him of cultism, armed robbery if he protested. The suspects were however unfortunate as Ifunnaya’s relatives were said to know the Area K Commander, Hope Okafor, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and reported the matter to her as soon as he narrated his ordeal.

Okafor, it was gathered contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and recovery of the money.

The victim, it was gathered, had since travelled to Owerri, Imo State for fear that colleagues of the suspects could come after him.

Confirming the arrest, spokesman for the command Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) reiterated the police commissioner’s zero tolerance for corruption.

Oti denied the victim was stripped during interrogation.

He said the arrest was immediate and possible as a result of the command’s stance on corruption and indiscipline, adding that the officers were undergoing trial.

“If found guilty at the end of the orderly room trial, they will be dismissed from the police.”

not been concluded and were subsequently refused exit pass.

“The policemen didn’t abscond as alleged in media reports. What happened was that some of the Police officers insisted on going for the Christmas holiday. But in line with standard military operations, there was no way officers undergoing special

training on a combat-operation, could leave their base when the training exercise has not rounded up.

“So, we refused to grant them permission. However, the unruly ones among them left our Special Forces School at Buni-Yadi, venue of the training. But thank God, the unruly personnel were tracked

at Damaturu, the state’s capital.

“Right now, some of them have been brought back to the School,” he said. He said passing out parade for the trainees would take place Friday.

In another development, the police have also described as false an allegation that it was planning to arrest and inject to death the Senator representing

Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye.

Moshood described the claim by the Senator as mischievous, malicious and hateful, and advised Melaye to open up if he had committed any crime that would warrant the police to arrest him rather than “whipping up sentiments to distract the public”.

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICE…

L-R: Provost, Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Very Rev. Adebola Ojofeitimi; Legal Secretary, Mrs. Sade Adetiba; and Diocesan Bishop of Lagos/ Missioner, Rt. Rev. Humphrey B. Olumakaiye, during the 2018 Christmas Church Service at Cathedral Church, Marina, Lagos...recently KOLAWOLE ALLI

Allow God to Choose Who Governs Ogun in 2019, Obasanjo Tells Amosun Says Buhari will address him as ‘sir’ till he dies Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State to allow God decide the next governor of the state.

The former president has also declared that President Muhammadu Buhari will refer to him as “sir” till he dies.

Obasanjo stated this yesterday at this year’s edition of IbogunOlaogun Day celebration in Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of the state, where Amosun was also in attendance.

Obasanjo said his choice and that of Amosun did not align regarding who would become the next governor of the state

in May 2019.

Obasanjo and Amosun were in agreement that power should shift to Ogun West senatorial district which is yet to produce a governor for the state since its creation over 42 years ago.

The elder statesman, however, advised the people to support whoever emerges governor at the end of the race.

He cautioned politicians against sponsoring violence in the state, declaring that there is no reason for Ogun State not to have a peaceful election.

He described Amosun as his brother who would remain dear to his heart till he dies, but said on the issue of the present political journey in the state, their

choices may not and do not align.

“I have made my choice. It may not be in tandem with yours (Amosun). Let my choice be and let yours be and let God decide and whoever gets there let all of us support him.

The former president has also declared that President Muhammadu Buhari will refer to him as “sir” till he dies.

Obasanjo said this is because of the role he played in the president’s victory in the 2015 presidential election.

Obasanjo said if not for his support for Buhari, he would not have won the election.

The elder statesman said having shed his blood for the country, he is qualified to

speak to Buhari on matters of governance.

“I know Buhari and he too knows me. Till the day I die, Buhari will continue to address me as ‘sir.’ In 2015, if I didn’t support Buhari, he wouldn’t have won the election,” Obasanjo said.

“I have what it takes to correct him. Nigeria should not be in the position we are today. Nigeria can be better. God has given us all that we need.

“I am qualified to speak against Buhari. One, I have done it before. Two, I have shed my blood for this country. Even my biological son has shed his blood.

Why can’t I speak about what is best for this country? I am doubly qualified to do that.”

Benue Govt Impounds 105 Cows over Open Grazing Herdsmen kill one George Okoh In Makurdi The Benue State Livestock Guards have impounded 105 cows and four sheep caught grazing openly near Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Makurdi, the state capital.

This is coming as unknown gunman yesterday murdered one Iorwuese Myaga, a father of seven in Anawah settlement, Ukemberagya Gaambe-Tiev, in Logo Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the Development, Commander of the Livestock Guards, Mr. Linus Zaki, disclosed that one herder named Kunje Saija, was also arrested in the course of the operation.

He explained that in accordance with the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, the impounded cows will be quarantined for seven days before being auctioned, if the owners fail to pay the fines stipulated by the law.

He cautioned herdsmen against the consequences of flouting the law, stressing the need for ranching of all forms of livestock in the state.

Governor Samuel Ortom recently restated the commitment of his administration to the full implementation of the open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law.

The governor had also

emphasised that anyone who violates the law will be prosecuted Meanwhile, unknown herdsmen yesterday murdered one Iorwuese Myaga, a father of seven in Anawah settlement, Ukemberagya Gaambe-Tiev, in Logo Local Government area of the state.

According to a source in the community, the victim was killed on his farm by the armed herder where he had gone to harvest his crops.

“He went to his farm to harvest his corn when he was waylaid by armed herdsman who shot him at close range behind at the neck, piercing his gullet through the stomach, after which

they fled the scene.

“When the information got to our community, we moved into the area and recovered his corpse on Christmas Day and also buried it at his country home in Tse Ikyem, Ukemberagya Gaamne-Tiev Logo Logo LGA. The murder of Myaga came less than one week after troops of the joint military operation Whirl Stroke, engaged armed militant herdsmen in fierce gun battle in Anyiibe in the same local government area.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent, Moses Yamu, said the command had not received report of the incident.

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COMMENT

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

SYMBOLISM OF GROWING DEMOCRATIC POLITICS (1) Symbols of collective welfare are needed urgently, writes Okello Oculi

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari are not Nigeria; if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like them you must respect the office of The Presidency of Nigeria which they held!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; That was one strongly held dictum following the live broadcast of the drama of shouts of support and taunts of opposition which clothed President Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation of the 2019 Budget to the joint session of the National Assembly. On the surface of it there were bruising contests between members of the ruling APC and of Opposition partiesâ&#x20AC;Ś There were, perhaps, several layers of forces on display. For historians, there was payback time for the rude treatment thrown at Goodluck Jonathan the last time he performed the same ritual. That alignment against Jonathan was a collapse of a historic alliance built by Sardauna-led NPC leadership with minority groups in pre-Civil War Eastern Region. Others saw in it a resistance to the consolidation of a voting bloc which echoed Major Gideon Okharâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti- Sokoto Caliphate politics.

In terms of symbolism, the budget drama recalled a tale of a young Shehu Musa Yarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Adua noting that other bus passengers avoided sitting near him because he was wearing a Kaftan; a symbol of alien political power from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. It left a bitter taste in him and a resolve to overcome it through a future political triumph.

Dress codes play important roles in signifying possession or lack of power. In some cultures of power the resplendent attire of rulers is contrasted with either near-nakedness or the dirt of their subjects. Black African rulers of ancient Egyptian invented flags and head-caps as tools for capturing Grace and blessings from the heavens. Following Ethiopians conquest and rule over upper sections of the kingdom, the Pharaohâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cap became divided into two parts to mark the resolve to make the reign of the foreign invaders temporary.

The assertion of Pharaoh as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Son of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; on earth; and would travel to join his â&#x20AC;&#x153;Father-Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; was symbolised by a pyramid tomb whose tip was the first to receive rays of the Sun-God at dawn; and the last to receive rays of the departing Sun-God at dusk. Centuries later, Christian theologians would do away with the pyramid. Jesus Christ would â&#x20AC;&#x153;ascendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; into outer space without the aid of a visible satellite.

Brutal Belgian colonial exploitation in the Congo aroused a vision by prophet Kibangui of decorations on bodies of his anti-colonial fighters that either deflected or dissolved bullets fired by European guns. Sexual intercourse ruined the protective power of these decorations. In colonial Tanganyika there were similar promises that German bullets would dissolve into water (or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Majiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) on hitting a freedom warrior. In the 1980s, Ugandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alice Lakwena roused her troops with Christian rituals against Museveni with similar claims.

In all these cases, hundreds of fighters were slaughtered. The power of magical symbolism failed them. Additional adornment with smearing

DRESS CODES PLAY IMPORTANT ROLES IN SIGNIFYING POSSESSION OR LACK OF POWER. IN SOME CULTURES OF POWER THE RESPLENDENT ATTIRE OF RULERS IS CONTRASTED WITH EITHER NEAR-NAKEDNESS OR THE DIRT OF THEIR SUBJECTS

bodies of fighters with the blood of white cocks; wearing hand-bands with tails of giraffes, claws or teeth of leopards were also not bulletproof.

A pandemic of military coups showed that symbols of power in suits, neck ties, bowties, Sudanese â&#x20AC;&#x153;jalabiyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; or Nigerian â&#x20AC;&#x153;babanrigaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; adorned by post-colonial politicians were not bullet-proof. Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Westminster model of parliamentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;wit-warsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; between â&#x20AC;&#x153;Government Benchesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Opposition Benchesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; lacked the sacred heritage of heads of colonial governors being chopped off by triumphant African parliamentarians.

In Kenya, symbols of parliamentary sessions did not acknowledge the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mau Mau war for reclaiming land once grabbed with guns by British immigrants. Kenyatta detested Mau Mau fighters and wished to create a local aristocracy. A member of parliament was barred entry for wearing Nigerian attire which evoked a dangerous African cultural pride. Bishop Mathew Kukah once complained of being prevented from leaving Nairobi airport to sleep in a hotel room.

Ebola virus was not in his robes of a Catholic cleric.

Professor Ali A. Mazrui irritated many by asserting that there was â&#x20AC;&#x153;a monarchical tendencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; in African nationalist leaders. He had observed that although Kwame Nkrumah and Milton Obote had won political primacy by wielding sharp tongues against British officials inside colonial legislative councils, on coming to power they had tolerated only adoration but not barbs by opposition wits inside parliament.

They crushed parliament. Symbolic reminders of crops cultivated by peasant farmers; livestock; fisheries; schools; women food processors; blacksmiths; textile weavers, and batik dyers are not sculptured on walls of Independence parliaments. Parliamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accountability is kept silent. In post-apartheid South Africa, the sitting of parliament is opened by a dramatic Zulu chant for warriors thereby, affirming the end of white domination. Julius Malema and his team have exploited live television broadcasts of sessions to vigorously disrupt â&#x20AC;&#x153;Europeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; parliamentary decorum and rules of procedure. The use of any of the eleven official languages in their speeches has also â&#x20AC;&#x153;taken politics from inside parliament to the streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Police interventions to expel disruptors and prevent violence among some members have become regular.

History plays her silent card.

History attends sessions of parliaments in Africa. In South Sudan, Burundi, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, for example, fears and aspirations of ethnic minorities and majorities will dominate sessions. Obesity; owning expensive vehicles; violent fists as tools of debate, are symbols of indiscipline and indifference to mass poverty of voters. Symbols of collective welfare and charisma in the site of political drama are needed urgently.

A MAN OF THE PEOPLE Turaki Hassan pays tribute to Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, House of Representatives, at age 51 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would rather be hated for who I am than be loved for who I am notâ&#x20AC;?- Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara

H

on. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was 51 years old yesterday. His is a life full of purpose. Indeed, a life of service to humanity.

The speaker clocked 50 years last year and for the first time in his adult life, celebrated his birthday. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event was not a celebration of himself but an avenue to renew his commitment to serve humanity, assist the needy and re-dedicate himself to that noble cause of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;being our brothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; keepersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with the launching of the Yakubu Dogara Foundation.

Dogara is a natural born leader whose sterling qualities are exceptional. He is one man who grew steadily through hard work, discipline, prudence, fear of God, honesty and can best be described as a bastion of hope, courage, and an epitome of humility to anybody who comes close to him.

The House which he leads has been peaceful and busy discharging its constitutional responsibilities effectively and under his able leadership, has achieved many firsts.

It has set unprecedented records of achievements in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislative and political history since independence in 1960.

Notable among the many salient achievements; 300 bills have been passed so far, over 1000 resolutions touching many aspects of our national life considered and passed, and hundreds of public petitions from ordinary Nigerians treated and addressed.

Outstanding among these are the North East Development Commission, Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission Bill, among others.

Though by convention, presiding officers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sponsor bill or motions, Hon Dogara waved it aside and personally sponsored more than 10

bills and became the first speaker to sponsor a motion on the floor of the House in addition to his advocacy on independence of the local government from the claws of the states.

In the last three and half years, he has continued to offer succour to millions of Internally Displaced Persons visiting various camps across the country and used every opportunity to draw the attention of the world to the plights of the people of the region. Only last week, he reiterated the call for the convocation of an international donor conference for the reconstruction and rebuilding of the North East.

His brainchild, the North East Development Commission, though legally created, retrogressive forces have been frustrating its constitution one-year-two-months after the bill was signed into law by Mr. President. The speaker recently called on the president to constitute the commission so as to commence the work of rebuilding the violenceravaged region with immediate effect.

He was the first high-ranking public officer to raise the alarm over the rising spate of insecurity in the country which saw to the deployment of military in 32 out of 36 states of the federation in a democracy instead of the Police, an anomaly which he argued, poses great danger and threat to the survival and sustenance of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy. Today, because those whose responsibility it was to act, ignored these warnings, the problem has worsened and insecurity has engulfed virtually every part of the country.

To his credit, the House also introduced the Sectoral Debate which was the first of its kind in our legislative history, held special sessions on urgent national issues, including but not limited to the revival of the moribund and abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, which saw to the passage of two bills in that regard.

Recall, he made history as the first sitting speaker to embark on an oversight tour when he visited Ajaokuta early in the year. The Ajaokuta community came out in their numbers to receive

Hon. Dogara and his entourage where they rolled out the drums in celebration. But for his effort, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited would have been gone by now because unpatriotic and undesirable elements in the government had already mortgaged it in return for a morsel.

The legislature, which is the nucleus of democracy, is hardly appreciated in Nigeria. Many have adduced reasons for this which include prolonged military rule but primarily it is because the work of the parliament is intangible and as such many donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it but history and posterity will do justice to the 8th Assembly under the leadership of Dogara.

One thing that keeps baffling me about him is his large heartedness. His spirit of forgiveness and accommodation is outstanding. I have never seen forgiveness at the level at which he does it and many a times, I do wonder.

Sometimes, when he takes a decision to let go or forgive; people around him would go away murmuring but later, things would happen and then the wisdom in his decision comes to the fore.

During the speakership election, those who thought they control the power of life and death, the power to enthrone and dethrone; the power to give â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;crownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and allocate positions, the power to whom they wish had vowed that he will never be the chosen one.

In fact, they rebuffed all efforts and attempts by well-meaning individuals to negotiate and reach a common ground but God, yes, the Almighty God, works wonders and He did it on June 9, 2015. Yet, instead of accepting and surrendering to the will of God, they continued to plot against him but the same God who neither sleeps nor slumber, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the one and only God saved and protected him from the snares of fowler and noisome pestilence all the way.

I can recall that when the party requested that he concede the House Majority Leader and other principal positions, close associates, friends and aides alike resisted.

However, it was his conviction that leadership is not a zero sum game and being the man of peace that he is, who believes in the politics of give-and-take and consensus building, the speaker obliged the request.

The day he announced the concession on the floor of the House, they were all sad. It was one singular decision that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go down well with his supporters but he stood his ground and pleaded with them to sheath their swords and let peace prevail.

However, despite that concession, those who thought it was their birth right to be, continued to plot against him. To my knowledge, on at least three occasions, they plotted and failed woefully, which provided ample opportunity for their axing but he would not. He forgave and moved on. On one occasion, I overheard a close ally lamenting that if it were him, he will never let go because he is not Christ so he wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forgive. But that is the man, Dogara, for you and today as they say, it is history.

Humility. Yes, humility is his defining character.

Dogara is humble to a fault. God-fearing, gentle, peaceful, generous; yet unassuming and exceptionally intelligent, a natural orator and never pretentious. For anyone who knows Dogara, these things are easily discernible about his character - humility, intellect, courage and a calm spirit.

These same qualities were said of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of blessed memory and today Dogara who comes from the same place as the man who was referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the golden voice of Africaâ&#x20AC;? is following in his footprints but he would openly admit that he was no where close to the highly respected Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and only Prime Minister. I have come to learn and appreciate these qualities and characters and to this lawyer of high repute, erudite scholar, family man and a devote Christian, I say, happy birthday, Sir. Hassan is the Special Adviser (Media & Public Affairs) to the Rt. Hon. Speaker.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

EDITORIAL Bastardising Higher Education In Nigeria Our institutions need more funds, not additional numbers

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uch as it is desirable to take education closer to the people, the rate at which universities, polytechnics and colleges of education are mushrooming in Nigeria has raised serious questions about the underlying factor for their establishment.

But in what appears a brazen attempt to further complicate the problem, the Senate last week directed the federal government to establish additional 10 such academic institutions across the country. The Senate resolution followed the adoption of the report of its committee on tertiary institutions and TETFund. But to show that it is all about politics, one of the 10 new institutions approved is a polytechnic to be located in Daura, the hometown of President Buhari.

According to the Nigerian National Policy on Education, the nation’s tertiary institutions are established as part of national development goals with the task to inculcate into the graduates proper skills for survival of the individual and the society.

It is also expected that these graduates WHAT THE COUNTRY would “develop the NEEDS IS THE capacity ALLOCATION OF MORE intellectual to understand and FUNDS TO THE EXISTING appreciate their INSTITUTIONS OF local and external HIGHER LEARNING TO environments”. But any honest assessENABLE THEM MEET THEIR RUNNING COSTS ment will come to the inescapable AND IMPROVE ON conclusion that the STANDARDS graduates of these institutions cannot meet those objectives.

Indeed, what has been evident over the years is the steady decline and decay of the institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. Not long ago, an international survey of Africa’s national universities concluded that in many countries, including Nigeria, “education has been reduced to the substandard level in which little or no learning is taking place, occasioned by lack of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, workshops, desks, books, etc.” In fact, a recent UNESCO report indicted the Nigerian authority for

Letters to the Editor

apparent lack of interest in the educational sector.

The report particularly noted the use of obsolete technique and methodology as well as decline in research funding.

From the foregoing, we do not believe that investment in the educational sector is synonymous with the establishment of more universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, under the prevailing circumstances. What the country needs as a matter of national urgency is the allocation of more funds to the existing institutions of higher learning to enable them meet their running costs and generally improve on standards. To this end, we will reiterate the call for a declaration of “educational state of emergency” especially in the federal and state universities.

I T H I S DAY

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

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

WHY I LIKE CHRISTMAS

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hristmas is my favourite time of the year.

Finally, the whole family comes together, we can relax and just enjoy the company of each other. We leave work and all other sorrows behind, and focus on what is really important in life. Even this year, when the meal, which we can barely afford, is less plentiful than the years before, it is hard to flee the charm of this season.

I also love the spiritual aspect of the holiday, and maybe more so than all the rest. I rejoice hearing the solemn mass, and never miss the Pope’s address in Rome. Being connected with millions of other humans the world over while listening to his words is so incredibly uplifting. But my personal highlight is the prayer Urbi et Orbi, in which the Pope blesses the city of Rome and the whole world and prays for their peace. And millions of faithful all over the world answer with a profound “Amen”.

This season is also a time to reflect on the year that is nearing its end. 2018 has been a troubled year the world over, and, unfortunately, it was not a quiet year for us in Nigeria either. There was not a single

t is noteworthy that at the public hearing organised by the Senate on the issue, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) president, Biodun Ogunyemi expressed serious misgivings. “My heart is heavy that we want to establish new universities when nothing is being done about the existing ones. The federal government is considering the imposition of tuition when most Nigerians cannot afford three meals a day, and you are talking of new universities”, Ogunyemi said.

A similar position was canvassed by Senator Joy Emordi, a former chairman of the same committee on education. “If you ask me, I think there is even a need for us to reduce the number. What I still can’t explain is why we are establishing universities all over the place when the teaching and learning environment is nothing to write home about. What we need is to update and increase the quality and quantity of teaching and learning facilities,” said Emordi whose view aligns with ours.

Sadly, the lawmakers chose not to be concerned about the issue of standards but rather by the fact that the number of tertiary institutions in the country “cannot adequately accommodate the quest for admission by Nigerians, which calls for more to address the protracted problem”. This sort of reasoning is precisely the reason why we have mushroomed public tertiary institutions that churn out half-baked graduates. We urge the President Buhari to ignore the senate resolution.

day without another terrible attack on the innocent.

Terrorists, kidnappers, Yahoo boys, organized crime, herdsmen, bandits, sometimes a combination of these vile elements – death and mourning has seemingly become always present in our country. The feeling of crisis was imminent, everywhere, all the time.

It makes one cry for the future of this country. I truly believe in the good soul of every human, and that the vast majority of these criminals have been pushed by the dire circumstances of their lives into a life of evil deeds. In a country full of potential fuelled by natural resources, this shouldn’t be the case. This is the true, underlying crime.

So let us all pray for a fresh start in 2019, and that we may finally end this misery. We have to stand up and work together, hand-in-hand, for a better future.

We have been granted the gift of the free will, and thus can choose change, and reject the status quo that is ruining us. This is the only way that God will hear our prayers, and grant them. And then we shall become a joyous, peaceful and rich nation, as God has foreseen for us.

Chukwuma Udegbunam, chukunam85@gmail.com

NIGHT CLUB AT ASCON PETROL STATION HAZARDOUS

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write as a concerned citizen of Lagos State resident in Lekki area of the state. It has become imperative for me to draw the attention of the authorities to a development in Lekki area, which poses serious danger to residents of the area and capable of throwing the entire state into serious calamity. This calamity is, however, avoidable if the right thing is done and without further delay.

The issue is at ASCON Petrol Station in Lekki. Atop the building housing the petrol station is a night club. It’s right there on the second floor. The station also has a grocery shop and a restaurant. The problem is with the night club. Locating a night club within a petrol station is hazardous for the residents of the area. A night club and a petrol station don’t mix. Petrol is highly inflammable. This seeming danger should be averted.

There have been enough fire incidents at this particular petrol station.

It happened the day the station was opened and fire occurred again on another occasion. We thank God there was no casualty. But this facility should not carry its luck too far. The safety and security of the people should be of paramount importance. And consideration should be given to this at all time. To avoid a possible catastrophe, the time to shut the night club is today, not tomorrow. A stitch in time saves nine!

Lekan Adio, Admiralty Way, Lekki

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5 ) * 4 % ": t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 2018

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

‘Health Insurance is Designed to Steal Money’ Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Ogun State, Mr. Olatunde Rotimi Paseda tells Femi Ogbonnikan that one of his intentions, if he wins the 2019 elections, is to run an administration that offers free health services to the deserving You were the Ogun State governorship candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the 2015 general elections, why do you now represent the Social Democratic Party (SDP)?

UPN was the formative party for me. I came into politics with a strong passion for what I saw when I was growing up which was the era of late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo. I felt that resuscitating the UPN then, would help bring back what was attainable within our state. I registered the party and we contested the 2015 general elections.

I then realised that quite a lot within our voting age have been eroded from what I would describe as ‘history-education.’ A lot of them don’t even know who Chief Obafemi Awolowo was. The ones who had a vague idea of Obafemi Awolowo were in their 30s, while the ones in their 40s and above knew Obafemi Awolowo. To the youths of these days, we had to explain who Chief Obafemi Awolowo was. He did not register with a lot of them. They were easily convinced when you talk about Osoba. They did not even know Bisi Onabanjo.

In order to increase the chances of our getting into office and providing a better platform for more people understanding the concept of what I need to do, we had to move to another political party, that has a bigger spread nationwide and that is well known by the people, and as well shares similar ideologies as that which I previously identified with. The SDP readily fit into this.

If you pick up the first word; it is about social empowerment, social enablement and social welfare. That is what the UPN was all about. If I am not in the UPN, I should be in the SDP, because they share the same ideologies. That is why I took a chance of going to a party where I don’t know anybody. I have no godfather and I went in there to vie for the governorship.

Thank God, they saw my qualities and I won the primary.

Paseda

What are your programmes of action for the good people of Ogun State?

I got involved in politics, believing that education must be free at all levels, so that people would have a choice of being educated or not. But they are being restricted, because they can’t afford it. Education must

be accessible to all and sundry. The only way you can make it accessible is to make it free, so that everybody, regardless of who you are, can access it. It would now be a choice. If you want it, there will be no limitation. That is what I have been advocating for. I have done my research and I have realised that it can be done.

I will declare free education, on the very first day of my swearing-in. We would do financial re-engineering, taking my steps to research as to how to fund it, to cut cost.

A lot of politicians think it is impossible.

But today, at least, two of them are saying they are going to declare free education.

Where were they, four years ago, when I realised it could be done? I am talking of providing enabling platforms for institutions to self-generate income by providing services for the local communities. They will help us with policy formulation and research. If you are doing recreation or tourism in your community, you will have to be part of our tourism sector to be an income generating agency. If you have mechanical engineering in your institution, there is no reason we cannot have an array of service stations within your university where students will learn, and as well, provide services to the people. You can take your vehicles there, because there are diagnostics equipment and you would know that you are getting the best. We can bring expertise from the likes of like Ford, Toyota and so on. When the institutions are self-generating income, they would sustain it. There would be less burden on the state. It is going to take time, but it will happen. It has been my dream.

Career development training, welfare of staff of educational institutions will be given priority. In those days, as a lecturer, you were entitled to car loan. Welfare is very terrible now. These are just the snippets of what I want to do. I also intend to return

staff in his era r1BTFEB BUUFOEFE #BQUJTU "DBEFNZ JO r )F JT SPZBMUZ GSPN UIF "EFOFZF SVMJOH Obanikoro-Lagos for his O’level. Thereafter house in Omu-Ijebu and holds the titles of travelled abroad for his university education.

Garkuwan Hausawa and Ezi Onyi Ndigbo He attended the University of London, UK in Ogun State where he studied Transport Management and r1BTFEB JT UIF GPVOEFS PG UIF DIBSJUZ LOPXO later got his Masters Degree in Tourism and as Paseda Legacy Foundation; that is making Recreation Management from University of landmark strides in education, law, the aged, Cardiff, Wales. health care, low cost housing, women and r)F JT B NFNCFS PG UIF $IBSUFSFE *OTUJUVUF youth empowerment of Transport, United Kingdom, and worked r)F TUBSUFE BOE FOEFE IJT DBSFFS BT BO briefly as European Air Tour Operator with employee in PZ. He was the longest serving Euro Skylup International before establish-

ing Skylink Travels and Tours over 25 years ago. This marked the commencement of his self-employment r"GUFSXBSET IF FTUBCMJTIFE IJT PXO DPNQBOZ in UK which is currently being managed by his wife. r)F TUVNCMFE JOUP B DPNQBOZ JO .FYJDP that manufactures heavy duty equipment. He bought into it and it became one of his main businesses. It is a big firm in Mexico and he is one of the three partners in the company.

He is also into fire engine construction, which sells mostly in Eastern Europe and Asia and

Are you still promoting Awolowo’s legacies?

I eat, sleep and drink Awolowo’s legacies.

I am an Awoist. I am an unrepentant Awoist.

When you hear of Paseda’s government come 2019, you will start seeing the true Awoist in me. I intend to bring back the good old days when things worked; where our people were given the opportunities they deserved, like access to social amenities. Decisions were not made unilaterally by a select few, like governor’s friends and his cohorts but that were made by the citizens and the people of the local communities. I believe one of the success stories of Awolowo was because he took governance down to the people. For any project to be done, town hall meetings must hold and people must make up their minds whether things are being done the way they are expect or not. My manifesto is completely Awoist; not by lip service. I have been consistent with that since 2014 when I entered the political space.

You sprang surprises in the 2015 general

IN THE MIRROR:

elections when the name ‘Paseda’ became a household name. Do you still think you can repeat the same feat in the 2019 governorship election?

I don’t have to do anything anymore. Last year, I did a few projects. The last local government election in Ogun State was my litmus test, to check and to confirm the acceptance and likeness of my people. I achieved what had never been achieved in the history of Ogun State. I single-handedly challenged the incumbent governor, Sen Ibikunle Amosun, who happens to be a brother and a friend and hopefully, who is to hand over to me.

In the local government election, I fielded about 300 candidates, approximately and surprisingly, we won councillorship seats but unfortunately because of the tradition and for whatever reasons, we were only able to hold on to two councillorship seats.

Today, the unthinkable has happened in Ogun State. Paseda has two councillors in Amosun’s government. It has never been done before. We have two UPN councillors who obviously are now SDP councillors because they moved with me to where I am now. I have already done it through the local government election. The people have accepted me. I am very well-known.

I am a different politician. I am a Christian politician and I believe faith must come with whatever you do. We have stability and direction. We are there for our people and our people know that Paseda is the man to beat. Whatever anybody says, I will give it my best shot and leave the rest to God.

all missionary schools, every single one, the Baptist, Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and the Muslim schools, they must go back to the original owners. Not only will I do that, I will make sure that it is a law and that it would be impossible for anybody to undo it. I understand that there is a case in court. The last governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel did a fantastic thing.

He returned the missionary schools and a new governor came to reverse it. That is one of the target for me as governor. When we make a policy in the best interest of our people we will enact a law to back it.

We are going to return that to them and they will now allow private schools to thrive.

There would be a choice. Growing up, I went to Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos.

I believe it stood me in good stead. There were state schools. There were missionary schools and there were private schools and you had a choice. You could go to which ever you wanted. If I return schools to the religious bodies, the burden of maintaining them would ease off on the state and we can now concentrate on state establishments.

We took over the schools from them and we can’t fund them. It was an unwarranted move. If we return the schools to them, we will have a limited number of responsibility, in terms of maintaining them. I don’t believe in building new schools. I am not going to build new schools in my eight years in office. I am going to maintain them. I am going to refurbish where it is needed, nothing elaborate, but just to make the schools functional and make them acceptable and they don’t have to be fully air-conditioned.

They don’t need marble floors. These are not what give us quality education. These are just the fabrics. What concerns us are the welfare of the teachers, resources for the students. If you are studying IT and you don’t have computers, what kind of IT is that? These are the things that give us what we need. That is my target, nothing too complicated, but very simplistic and effective. And in terms of construction, from my own understanding, you only build bridges in three types of places, where there is water, marshy land and where I would call spaghetti junctions or a conglomerate of junctions, where you have about five or six roads meeting, because they become a huge a cluster. You can put two overhead bridges so that we can have free flow of traffic. But where that is not there, what is the essence of putting bridges on solid ground? It is a waste of resources. What the current governor has done which looks good, I will finish them completely, but I am not building new ones. I am going to maintain what we have. In terms of roads, why must I build four lanes when I can do with two solid ones, that are functional and I can now use that resources to build other internal roads, linking villages.

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

Latin America. He has successfully established two engineering firms that are into fabrication and building of heavy machinery; they manufacture water tankers, fire engines, garbage /compacting trucks r1BTFEB PXOT GPVS NBKPS DPNQBOJFT BDSPTT the world (UK, US, and Latin America). In Nigeria, he owns a couple of hotels spread across different parts of the country r)F XBT BXBSEFE BMPOHTJEF GPSNFS 1SFTJEFOU Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor Olusegun Osoba as Most Influential Industrialist among 100 Most Influential Ogun Indigenes

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 2018

POLITICS

‘This is My Last Governorship Contest’ Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, All Progressives Grand Alliance governorship candidate in Imo State fielded questions from a team of journalists including Nseobong Okon-Ekong on his chances and why he is giving the contest his best shot What do you intend to do differently if elected governor of Imo state?

If we take road infrastructure alone, you cannot drive on smooth road for one kilometre in Imo, even in Owerri. And that was what informed the governor saying that the rains in Owerri are acidic.

I don’t know whether God chooses the kind of rain and water that drops in Owerri as against the ones in Lagos. Go to Imo today, you can’t find one notable contractor like Julius Berger, RCC, Hitech or Setraco. Imo soil is not as bad as the soil of Lagos state. There is no design for any of the roads being constructed in Imo. In the 21st century, people are still using headpan and shovel. Look at the challenge of education; look at the ease of doing businesses.

From the report of the Federal Bureau of Statistics, Imo is number 34 out of 36 states. It shouldn’t be.

In Imo state, people are still a little bit confused. But one thing that is certain, any person that thinks well in Imo will not look at the direction of Orlu because since the inception of this phase of democracy, Achike Udenwa who ruled from 1999 to 2007 comes from there. Rochas Okorocha, the incumbent governor also comes from there. By May 29 2019, he would have spent 8 years as governor of Imo state. That would have been 16 years out of the 20 years of our current democratic dispensation. It is unfair, no matter how one looks at it. Let’s look at the individuals and forget the political parties. Post- Rochas’ Imo, I think that people should look at the person that aspires to be the governor because it’s not going to be like government after Achike Udenwa. We had four years of Governor Ikedi Ohakim in Imo which was not a very pleasant experience no matter the index or indices that you used. Now, put that together and it would have been 12 years that the state has gone through trauma. Therefore, to be governor, it’s not going to be a pleasant experience but we just have to begin somewhere to start fixing it. That is the way I look at it.

In the case of the three of us, Uche Nwosu coming from APC, Hope Uzodinma coming from APC and the case of myself who is now in APGA also coming from APC, you can as well say they also came from PDP. You can even take it a little backwards

Araraume to say because at a point, Rochas himself and his son-in-law, they were all PDP. Hope Uzodinma also just came into APC not too long ago, not even up to three months. I left APC and joined APGA. In this country, and I can challenge anybody on this, in all of these parties, it doesn’t matter the region whether it is the South- West, South- East or any of the geo-political zones, there are really no clear-cut differences between these parties in terms of ideologies.

If there are no ideological differences, what will now inform your movement will be the treatment you get from the parties.

There are no clear-cut ideological differences whether it is APC or PDP. That again depends on how these parties are registered. People take the constitution or manifesto of one party, they copy the contents and send to INEC for registration. So, there are no clear-cut differences. I can give you the three manifestoes of all the parties. There are no differences. But if you find that where you are, you are meeting strange people with strange views and very abnormal behaviour, then of course you leave, particularly when somebody who will decide your fate in a political party did it in a manner that cannot guarantee fairness, you have to leave. I can tell you that all the leaders, including our President Muhammadu Buhari, none of them has started from

one party because of these reasons. President Buhari from 2003 to 2007, he was not fairly treated in the ANPP, he left to go and form his party, CPC because of unfair treatment where some state governors even though they were in ANPP had to sign agreement to work for PDP. You have a situation where the late Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, the vice-presidential candidate had to leave his boss to go and accept position in a ruling party. Therefore, it is the treatment that you receive that will inform the decision you take.

We had a party that was doing well until Adams Oshiomhole came and replaced the former chairman, Odigie-Oyegun. If you can’t forgive all those that you felt supported Oyegun, it means that those people will not receive fair treatment as far as you are concerned. Since I aspired to lead my people, the first step was to go through primary. If I will not receive fair treatment because of the conduct of the primaries. Whether you like it or not, the national chairman of a political party has a role to play in who emerges. But if it is not fair, then of course that will be a problem. So, some of these are the things that inform people’s movement. Rochas himself was in AA was in ANPP, PDP, APGA and now APC. If you look at the whole thing, I am even the one that has done the least. I have done very well in terms of party movement.

Will you still remain in APGA even if you don’t win?

This is the last I will contest governorship election.

Never! The only way I will contest governorship election again is when we win and then I am seeking for re-election. After this, to say I want to start afresh to do governorship, it is impossible. By the grace of God, we are doing everything we can to get it right.

I can’t leave APGA for some obvious reasons. I don’t see any special advantage in being in the party at the centre. The president worked very well with the Anambra state governor now more than any other governor in the South East because he feels that the programmes of Anambra state governor who is a member of APGA fits into what he thinks of this country. Therefore, the man that does it is his friend. Rochas is APC governor but he does

not look at the manifesto of the party but you have somebody in Ebonyi who runs the programme that the president is happy about in terms of agriculture, road infrastructure. Therefore, he becomes his friend.

There is nothing special that says because you belong to this government at the centre, it gives you special privileges. There is no such thing. Rather, what will inform your relationship on how it is at the centre, is based on your performance. If that is the case, then the party you belong, doesn’t really matter.

What I think we should do is to build a very strong APGA in the South East to ensure that by 2023, all the states of the South East will be controlled by APGA. Then we will now discuss and negotiate. If you see what happened in the Second Republic during the NPN era, Plateau state was NPP, Anambra state was NPP. NPP at that time had discussions with NPN and that was what saw to the emergence of Ume-Ezeoke as the Speaker of the House. So, it doesn’t matter the political party you belong, you can still work with the centre and hold strong what you believe in and how you want to guide your people. What is important is what is happening in the South- West where the zones are economically integrated. The economy of the South- East can be integrated very well. For instance, there is no point of the South-East one extreme to the West saying boundary with Delta to the farthest in the North to Abakaliki, our boundary with the North or our boundary with Rivers in the East. You can’t drive three hours if the roads are good. You can have a zonal or regional rail line to link the five states. The governors can come together to integrate the economy, outside the national rail line. The governors can do it as a project. So, you can come together and work despite the parties that you belong, not to talk of when you belong to one political party. I don’t intend to leave APGA because I believe that by the time I reach 60 years, it is very close to retirement age. At that age, you should be looking homewards, not coming to say you are running for one position or another.

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

‘Atiku is the Best Man for Nigeria in 2019’ Federal Legislator Linus Okorie explains his role in the alternative Peoples Democratic Party presidential campaign structure called Friends of Atiku to Benjamin Nworie Who do you think will win the 2019 Presidential election?

If the elections are free and fair. If we have the same situation as we had in 2015 when the incumbent President was not hell-bent on retaining power, a situation when the President, his wife and children went to the polling unit and the card reader rejected them; and they waited patiently and made all attempts and after one hour they had to make use of the incident cards and he accepted and did not violate the electoral process. If these parameters for a credible process are in place, Atiku Abubakar will defeat President Buhari because on the ground that hunger and poverty are prevalent.

The insecurity on ground and the economic indices have fallen below par in the country.

The loss of confidence by both local and international investors; leading to continuous bleeding of Nigeria’s economy through portfolio disinvestment and the failure of the capital market and all that have happened to the Nigeria’s political system point to the fact that Nigerians cannot continue with such government that has produced such poor result.

The beauty of democracy in the four year circle of election is for the voters to assess and reassess those that have been given power. An index in Nigeria is that this government has unfortunately failed woefully on all fronts. It came on the platform of economy, security and anti-corruption. The economy is flat on its face.

Insecurity has spread beyond control . At no time did we lose so many soldiers in one attack by Boko Haram, not in an ambush but a planned attack on a battalion of soldiers. The herdsmen issue was in the country, but it has been elevated for whatever reason in the life this government such that in many communities, herdsmen have not just killed indigenes but

that is dependent on a free and fair election.

Okorie have also taken their land.

On the issue of anti-corruption, we have a situation where those who are believed to be anti-government or opposed to government are victims of anti- corruptions agencies. And we have a situation where a serving Minister accepted that he violated the law on the issue of NYSC and the President could not do anything but rather the matter became so obvious, after many months of being in public domain, she was allowed to resign and the border opened for her to leave the country.

We have the NNPC $27billion Dollar issue.

On the three props of this administration, it has failed to the consternation of all citizens.

Atiku has a plan to bring back the economy, to restructure Nigeria’s fiscal federalism. I am confident that based on his plans, his antecedents and what has happened in this government, Atiku will defeat President Buhari in 2019, but

Why are you not confident that INEC will conduct free and fair elections in 2019?

The INEC chairman is a man I know for a very long time as a man of proven integrity. I am hopeful that he’s going to up his game and stand firm and defend his own integrity. The PDP has said it clearly with all data and evidence in Ekiti, especially in Osun and Kwara and so many places where by- elections have been held that INEC has worked in cohort with security agencies to mess up the electoral processes and deny the people their choice.

See the case of Osun where election was declared and journalists even saw an INEC official who was caught when he was tearing results that have been pasted because another election was being announced which made the election inconclusive. PDP has pointed out the over militarisation of elections and we are concerned not as PDP, not because we are opposing candidates but for the good of democracy in Nigeria.

As supporters of Atiku’s ambition, we are going around and at each polling units, we are going to wait and defend our votes. We are appealing to the President is to caution the security agents so that they do not become become takers of life. This is because people who are supporting Atiku are resolute that they will cast their votes and defend it. We are not going to allow INEC nor security agencies to destroy the true will of the people. While we are appealing for them to do the right thing, we are also preparing under the constitution to cast our votes and defend it.

But there are rumours making the round that PDP governors and stakeholders

especially in the South east are secretly working for President Muhammadu Buhari?

I don’t agree that they are secretly working against Atiku. But I have a feeling that some of them are still not warmed up to the issue of Atiku and his choice of running mate. While they have said in the open, I still believe that they also require more consultation. I believe that every leader responds to the society.

In the south east, there is no magic that can be done between now and February by any leader no matter how highly place, to turn around the will of the ordinary south east people in the issue of the presidential election.

The overwhelming majority of south neasterners have accepted not just Atiku but particularly the choice of Peter Obi as the vice presidential candidate. Not because Obi is better than any other person but because it’s the first time after 1999 that an intending government has come to express confidence in the Igbo person.

In other words, after about 30 years, they are bringing back Igbos to the political mainstream.

And knowing that all party leaders are talking about power shift to the Igbos in 2023, the question will be which Nigerian president will most likely support a president of Igbo extraction. Is it the person whose running mate is far away in another zone or is it the person whose running mate is an Igbo person? I don’t believe that anybody in the PDP is working against Atiku.

However, if anybody does, he will not succeed because it would be a political suicide. The Igbos feel rightly that the Atiku/Obi ticket is their closest chance to join the mainstream and restructure Nigeria and get it working again.

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

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FEATURES

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

Inculcating a Culture of Cleanliness at the Grassroots To inculcate a culture of cleanliness at the grassroots, the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Touching Lives group recently took its awareness campaign to Eputu, a community in Ibeju-Lekki East-central District of Lagos State, Mary Nnah writes

A

rmed appropriately with various tools and equipment for carrying out sanitation and its cleanliness awareness campaign at the grassroots, members of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Touching Lives (BOS TL), a support group for the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently stormed the Eputu community in Ibeju.

Their mission that day was two pronged; first to affirm their solidarity to the governorship aspirant, but most importantly, to demonstrate to the local community the importance of keeping their environment clean, as well as teach them the importance of sanitation. For the latter, they were out to make sure that they understood the need to keep their surroundings neat and healthy.

The youths came out in large numbers to join the group in sweeping the streets of Eputu town.

The plan was simple; spend three hours on full blown cleaning, evacuation and then removal of the wastes in the dirtiest parts of Eputu. Armed with that plan, everybody was properly kitted with personal protective equipment including nose masks and hand gloves, as well as other safety materials that were necessary for them to carry out the sanitation.

Focusing on the dirty parts, the group while carrying out sanitation on the strategic parts of Eputu, at the same time educated the residents on the health implications of a dirty environment.

They went further to give waste bags to the residents to enable them imbibe the culture of disposing their wastes appropriately.

Speaking to newsmen during the exercise, Mr. Sesan Awonoiki, the convener of the group, said: "We the members of the group all have a common belief of the need to keep our environment clean and we believe that we need to show the incoming government the role health can play in making sure the citizens are productive.

"If the citizens are healthy, they would become more productive. So we believe this is just a starting point from a grassroot position. So letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get our hands dirty and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demonstrate to the government and the incoming government that health is keyâ&#x20AC;?.

Speaking further, Awonoiki said the group is all about supporting its candidate and at the same pushing home key values in the society, which are on health, education and on environment, adding that these are the key areas they want to ensure that they are creating impacting by touching peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, today we are mobilising youths to understand the importance of the environment; to understand the importance of keeping the environment clean and for sanitation to be very positive. We are to show that it is not just about talking about it, but it is about doing it and that is why we are all here today to get involved, roll our sleeves and work," he added.

On the reason for focusing on youths he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, the focus on the youths is because first of all they are the tomorrow and if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the right values into tomorrow, how we can expect them to live properly in the future? When you are healthy you would be productive, so the idea is that we get people to understand the importance of good health and sanitation in their lives.â&#x20AC;?

Although the BOS TL initiative seems to be a political movement but the convener assured that the group is not 100 per cent political in nature, as it is also a social initiative, which eveb after the political era of its principle, would still be relevant. Awonoiki stressed further that BOS TL is out to drive home the importance of three areas, health, education and the environment/ sanitation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sanitation is physical cleanliness and it entails ensuring that you keep your environment clean and also ensuring that your wastes are disposed appropriately at all times. We then have education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take education seriously, how can you become a valuable citizen to our community, state and country? And then thirdly, we have health, which is very important. If you are healthy, you can add value to the system and

to the value of keeping our environment clean.

Sanitation, health and education is also key to touching lives and this is what the incoming government should have in mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Improvement is key and we are all looking forward to improving and this is also a sign to various people, especially to the middle class and even the elites that we need to all get involved, roll out and show it to people that health is wealth "I want to thank members of this group who have committed their time and resources to making this day a success by keeping this environment clean. To the volunteers too, we are saying a big thank you. We had a chat with them before now, telling them why we needed to be here and they understood that health is BOS TL Convener, Mr. Sesan Awonoiki, (middle) flanked by volunteer youths during the sanitation awareness exercise car- wealth, so they are here today because they have the same value that we have, which is ried out in Eputu town in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos keeping the environment clean.

"So everyone who is here believes in keeping their environment clean. We also know that the incoming government also believes in keeping our environment clean and I therefore believe that Babajide Sanwo-Olu will put health as priority on his agenda because he would need a healthy work force to make things happen in Lagos.â&#x20AC;?

As the nation gets set for the 2019 general election, his advice to Lagosians was, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need any violence, we need people to go out there, get their PVCs to ensure that they vote.

No PVC, no voting. They also need to make sure that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get involved in things that would cause destruction of lives and properties.

We need to stay away from violence. I am very sure that actions like this will demonstrate to people that the time has come for us to go out Members of the BOS TL sweeping a street in Eputu during the exercise there and perform our civic duties.â&#x20AC;?

Collaborating Awonoikiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice for the forthcoming elections, Mr. Gbenga Akintola, a founding member of BOS TL, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just want to say to the good people of Lagos State, especially our youths that this forthcoming election is about us and our future, so there is no reason for you to start fighting each other.

"We should look at the sports men and women that compete in the Olympics. One is bound to win and the other to lose. We have never seen anybody fighting at the Olympics because he/ she loses, so why should we be fighting one another because we want our own person to win election by all means? â&#x20AC;&#x153;What all the contenders should do is to put up their programmes before the people and if they say they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like your programmes, they can go for the next candidate without anybody fighting anyone and they should not Youths from the Eputu community allow themselves to be used by any politicians your family unit. So these three aspects are all Lekki community he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nowhere is far away to perpetuate any devilish act. How can you related in one way or the other to one anotherâ&#x20AC;?, in Lagos, everywhere is close to one another. say you want to harm another person for the But the reason why we are here is because I sake of voting?" he added.

Akintola, an architect by training, was former The convener, who revealed that the Eputu was here 20 years ago and by then people were demonstration was the first outing for the group, dropping waste on the street and they just did Executive Chairman of Lagos State Public Works said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is our first outing and it is on sanitation. things which were not really right. If you came Corporation for six years, who from 2009 to here long time ago in 1999, you would not want 2015, was responsible for the maintenance and We have some other ones to come very soon.

When asked on the choice for far-flung Ibeju to stop, because you would think you would be rehabilitation of Lagos State road network described eaten by a lion, but now look at the area, they BOS TL as a support group for the candidacy of now call it Eputu London because it developing its principal, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Adesina Adegbenro, a member of the youth rapidly. "Over time, we have educated them and we believe that to kick off the campaign for this group of the community and an indigene of Lagos State would achieve we should come back to where we Eputu, was excited about the whole exercise. greatness when the citizens initiative started, and show them that we are still here â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel good about this initiative. We want to are healthy. But if we are trying to guide them to become compliant and clean the whole villageâ&#x20AC;?, he noted with so much citizens. We are starting here and we enthusiasm, revealing that the community has not healthy, how would we global always embarked on cleaning the environment would move out to other areas.â&#x20AC;? become productive?

He assured that the group was very commit- even before the Sanwo-Olu group came up with ted and was not going to disappear suddenly, the initiative. Ademola Olusola, another youth BOS Touching Lives adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are in for a long time. So we are residing in Eputu said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel elated and so excited group is very committed going nowhere, you would still see and hear about this because I have never encountered about us after a very long time. This is just the such experience before. So it is a signal that to the value of keeping beginning of a change of the mind, attitude and something better is ahead and this is the next our environment clean. level of attainment.â&#x20AC;? orientation. This is the new change".

Sanitation, health and Olusola, a Political Science student of the Speaking further, Awonoiki, said the demonstration was a signpost to the incoming government Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education education is also key to that they need to make health a priority in the (AOCOED), Lagos, said the cleanliness exercise touching lives and this citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lagos State would achieve embarked upon by the group spoke more greatness when the citizens are healthy. But volumes about the political party, adding that is what the incoming we are not healthy, how would we become the party is much more ready to create impact government should have in ifproductive? on individuals, communities as well as Lagos mind "BOS Touching Lives group is very committed state at large.

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FEATURES

Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence For Chelsea Schools, it has been two decades of excellence. At a recent event to celebrate this landmark achievement, Sunday Ehigiator, writes that it was an opportunity to reminisce on its growth process and successes

The cake cutting by the proprietress, chairman and pupils of the school

Parents at the occasion

will take time to mention all your names and I pray that your efforts in everything you do will never be in vainâ&#x20AC;?.

I

t was a typical grass to grace story for Chelsea School located at Satellite Town in Lagos. In 1998 when it began, it was birthed in a semi-detached one room inside a duplex. It's foundation was laid by Mr & Mrs B.N. Igbokwe on September 7, 1998, with only four students, namely; Raymond Onwunali, Obinna Onwulani, Kenechukwu Nwaolisa and Late Chinonso Nwaolisa.

It has since grown through the ranks, evolving with trending standard of education as we have today, and in the process recorded great successes.

At the ceremony to mark the landmark achievement at the school grounds in Satellite Town, the event opened with melodious song renditions from a group consisting of instrumentalists and singers, followed by several other performances by same band.

The pupils of the school didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fail in showcasing their talents at the occasion. They entertained all present with their prowess in handling musical instruments as groomed by the school, when they lead the guests in reciting Hymns, the National and school Anthems, and their respective pledges.

There were likewise moments of cultural display by pupils of the school and different professional cultural dancing groups, ranging from the Igbo culture to Benin culture, who performed at the occasion as a show of solidarity to the school. Amidst that, there were plenty to eat and drink; from traditional delicacies; such as pounded yam and Egusi soup, Semolina and Afang soup, palm-wine etc. to regular foods such as fried rice and Jollof rice, all washed down with drinks etc. for all to merry, no matter the ideology you subscribe to, be it traditional or western, you were covered.

Goodwill Message In his goodwill message, Rev. Father Onyekwere, lifted the tempo of the occasion with the story of a tree who has been a friend in need to a young child from cradle to adult age, even to the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offspring. He compared Chelsea School to that tree, with an affirmation that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;this school is a blessing to humanity. It has produced fruits for the benefits of all, without discrimination.

The testimonies aboundâ&#x20AC;?.

Trip Down Memory Lane In her welcome address, the school Proprietress, Mrs Igbokwe Adaoma Uche took a trip down memory lane. She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For some of you, this event marks the culmination of a 20 years story, a story that started with a very humble beginning

by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Igbokwe on September 7, 1998. "As you may know, Chelsea School started with only four children, Raymond Onwunali, Obinna Onwunali, Kenechuckwu Onwaolisa and Chinonso Onwaolisa (May his gentle soul rest in peace). A week later, Ayodele Salami and Deborah Bright who was the only girl joined us.

"Mrs. B.N. Ezeagbor was the first and only teacher, while a month later, Mrs. C.N. Nwankwo came on board. Both teachers were great contributors to the growth of Chelsea School. They were the foot soldiers who combed houses for children to join our school. Their efforts will never be forgotten. Thank you so much and

The proprietress, chairman and pupils of the school cutting the 20th anniversary cake

God bless you.

"All our parents played great roles advertising the school to people in satellite Town and its environs. In those early years, Mrs. Gloria Salami, one of our dedicated parents played a big role in bringing group of equally dedicated parents, who wanted a school that will provide quality education for their children. Thanks to her and all our wonderful parents."

Foundational Tools Speaking further on the objectives of the school since inception she said: "The goal of any school is to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge and life skills, which are the primary tools for success in life. This can be seen in our mission statement, which is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;to develop the skills and knowledge of every child across a broad and balanced curriculum that will help them prepare for adult life."

To achieve this, Chelsea School shifted from a more traditional curriculum to a more holistic curriculum focusing not only on curriculum content but also on context and application; namely, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The understanding of concepts and the mastering of skillsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. ]According to her, although this is not an easy task of course, but Chelsea School rose to that challenge 20 years ago and continues to address it till date. ]She said: "I want to let you know that while much has changed in the last 20 years, the goal has not. I therefore use this opportunity to let our wonderful parents know that your trust in me to pursue this has greatly contributed to our success and I am very grateful for your support. ]"By and large, our success story would not have been possible if not for God and my husband; Mr. Dan Igbokwe, who at all times

gave both moral and financial support for the growth and development of the school. Thanks a lot and God bless you. I also appreciate the organising committee especially Miss. Chinyere Ukaogo for getting our old students together after such a long time. ]"Today is a celebration of all that is good about our students, parents, teachers and the school. Since inception, we have been able to sustain and improve the standard of education in Chelsea School. We have a well-balanced curriculum which ensures that children who walk into the portals of our school will not just love their school years but truly be prepared to face lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges. ]"Our old students scattered all over the world, are doing well in prestigious universities and working in different sectors of the economy. We have taken a completely new turn for blooming up the educational system by striving for excellence and achieving it in a special way. ]"This is why we have gone a step further to set up our secondary school; Kel-Chelsea High school which started in September, 2016 and will be writing the first Junior W.A.E.C/NECO in 2019.

This is a school where students are encouraged to unleash fullest potential. ]"By fostering a conducive environment full of love, care and creativity, we instill in our students a desire to learn with emphasis on their social, emotional, physical, aesthetic and intellectual development aspects.]"I want to thank the entire staff of Chelsea School, as led by Mrs. B.N. Ezeagbor and Mrs. S.O. Okwuosa for their commitment and dedication to duty. Most of them have worked here for over 10 years to 20 years, and we are now like a big family. It

Holistic Teaching Speaking with THISDAY, the special outstanding teacher award winner of the occasion, Mrs. Beatrice Ezeagbo, who also doubles as the school administrator and oldest teacher, said: "I have worked in Chelsea School for 20 years. I started with four children. I wanted to quit teaching when Mrs. Igbokwe approached me.

"Before I came to ChelseaSchool, I have worked in another school at Anthony Village here in Lagos for 11 years. When she came to me, she told me of her plans to start a school. When I looked at it, I initially told her that I am no longer interested in teaching, till she agreed on my conditions to only work with her just for one year; to start the school.

"So we started with those for children, till they started to grow and the children started to improve. Those who had difficulty in reading, started picking up, even those that people could have referred to as dullard, once they came into Chelsea school, we took it as our mission to give such child extra attention, and we bless God, because within a matter of three months, such children are always able to read and understand.

"That was what sold our name far and wide, and how we turned into a school with this large population, and among the best in this Festac/Satellite town. My passion for children improvement and teaching, made me stay in ChelseaSchool after the one year. And also the results we started recording after the first year.

"Not only in terms of academics, as our students that left here have been making waves far and near the country, but likewise in terms of morals, behavioral change, sports and skills acquisition.

And I bless God for where we are today, to the extent that we now have a secondary school out of the demands from parents, goes a long way to show how good this school isâ&#x20AC;?.

Expansion The chairman of the school Mr. Daniel Igbokwe, could not curtail his excitements in his interview with THISDAY, thereby revealing other plans of the school, despite their current achievements after 20 years. According to him, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to the glory of God, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not been easy. Especially when you start a school from a very modest way like we did. But I am so grateful to God for all the accomplishments. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a journey of gradual but steady growth.

"Arising from the demands of parents; just two years ago, we started a secondary school. In the next years, our expectations is to be fully grown to the point where, it will be the number one school around not just Festac and its environs, but in Nigeria as a whole. And by then, based on our plans by the grace of God, we intend to have dormitories where we can really groom students to really appreciate what life is all about.

"Also, so we can spend more time with them; than they spend at home, shaping them rightly into the society they will fully be entering into when the graduate from Chelsea Schoolsâ&#x20AC;?.

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IMAGES

L-R: Supervisor in charge of Finance, Commerce and Industry, Osun State, Mr Bola Oyebamiji; Minister of Finance, Hajia Zainab Ahmed; Governor of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr Mahmoud Isa- Dutse, during a courtesy visit by the governor to the ministry, in Abuja...recently

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

L-R: Team Lead, Hygeia HMO, Anu Ojomo; Head of Administration, Obinnia Abajue, Chief Executive OďŹ&#x192;cer, Tobiloba Banwo;and Products / Partnerships, Buchi Anaekwe, at the launch of Lagos State health scheme in Lagos recently

L-R; Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege; his wife, Olori Oloruntoyin and APC Deputy Governor candidate, Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during the 2018 Iganmode day festival in Ota, Ogun State recently

L-R: Chairperson , International Transport Workers Federation, Women Wing Nigeria, Mrs. Onuoha Oluwafunmilayo; Vice President, NUATE, Comrade Kemi Aiyeoba; Deputy President ASSSAN, Comrade Sarah Rimdans and ASSSAN National Women Leader, Comrade Okponyia Amoge Pearl, during the end of the year get together party / Meeting in Lagos...recently.

KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R: Area Sales Manager, SYNLAB Nigeria, Lagos OďŹ&#x192;ce, Aniekan Joseph; Consultant Pathologist, Dr. Soji Adetona;and Medical Scientist, Olanrewaju Bolawe, at the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) awards and symposium, where SYNLAB Nigeria was awarded the Best Laboratory of the Year . in Lagos recently

L-R: Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe KachIkwu;Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; and Delta North Senatorial APC candidate, Doris Uboh, during the inauguration of TraderMoni at Ogbe-Ogonogo Modern Market, Asaba, Delta State.. recently

The Choristers of Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church , Surulere Distict Headquaters Performing at the 28th inter-denominational nine lessons and christmas carol service in Lagos recently

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Ericsson Releases Report

SUPPORTING MSMES

L- R: Managing Director, Trace West Africa, Sam Onyemelukwe; Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, Ibidapo Martins; Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman; Founder, iCreate Skills Festival, Bright Jaja; Director of Partnerships, iCreate Africa, Anne Dirkling, and Head MSME Banking, Sterling Bank, Ezinne Nwokafor, at the iCreate Skill Festival post event press conference held in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

Report: 5G Rollout to Generate $1.3trn Revenue by 2025 Emma Okonji The International Telecoms Union (ITU), the United Nationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; agency that regulates global telecommunication operations and services, has said the planned global 5G rollout in 2020, will within five years of rollout, increase global connectivity and generate over $1.3 trillion revenue among operators that will roll out the service.

Presenting the report recently, the Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau at ITU, Brahima Sanou, urged counties to begin adequate preparations towards the 2020 global rollout year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Commercial 5G networks are expected to start deployment after 2020, and by 2025, the GSM Association (GSMA)

TELECOM expects 5G connections to reach 1.1 billion, which is 12 per cent of total mobile connections. Overall operator revenues will grow at a 2.5 per cent, to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025,â&#x20AC;? Sanou said.

Making reference to the report, Sanou added that 5G was also expected to increase data rates dramatically and reduce latency compared to 3G and 4G. 5G is expected to significantly reduce latency to below 1 millisecond, suited to mission-critical services. Its high-speed capability means 5G networks can provide a range of high-speed broadband services and offer an alternative to last-mile access such as FibreTo-The-Home (FTTH) or copper connections.

In Nigeria, the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has announced the readiness of Nigeria to rollout 5G network by 2020. The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta, who announced Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s readiness during a collaborative meeting between it and the GSMA on 5G rollout in Abuja recently, had said Nigeria would roll out 5G network with the 26GHz, 38GHz and 42GHz spectrum bands by the year 2020.

According to him, trial testing of the rollout plan had already commenced in the country beginning with the Eko Atlantic project, where broadband data will drive connectivity and allow humans to interact with connected devices to check health their status, and

remotely control home appliances without physical contact.

Although Danbatta had identified the deficit in infrastructure rollout and spectrum availability in the country, he said NCC was already working to address the challenges and would begin with the available spectrum to drive 5G rollout in the country.

According to ITU report, the high speed and low latency promised by 5G, would propel societies into a new age of smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT). Industry stakeholders have identified several potential use cases for 5G networks, and the ITU-R has defined three important categories of these to include: Enhanced mobile broadband Continued on page 24

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Facebook, CcHub Launch Online Programme

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Consumer Protection: NCC Reads Riot Act to Operators Emma Okonji Worried about the incessant complaints from telecoms subscribers over poor service quality, especially during the yuletide season, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to protect telecoms subscribers, and vowed to sanction any operator that violates its directives on consumer protection.

The Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, Mr. Ismail Adedigba, charged telecommunications operators to comply with the directives given them on

TELECOM consumer protection or face severe sanction.

Adedigba, who said this during the 45th edition of the Consumer Town Hall Meeting, organised by NCC, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, recently, said the directives became necessary to address the deluge of complaints coming from telecoms subscribers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I need to emphasise that failure of the operators to comply with the NCC directives on consumer protection, will attract appropriate penalties and sanctions,â&#x20AC;? Adedigba said.

According to him, the com-

mission had been inundated with various complaints such as unsolicited text messages and call drops, including delay in delivering text messages and fast depletion of subscriber data before they are used up.

He said the commission had also received complaints on failure/refusal to roll over unused data at the expiration of data bundle by service providers.

Adedigba, said there were complaints of automatic renewal of data services upon expiration and activation/ subscription to data and Value Added Services (VAS) without prior consent of the subscribers.

He also said there were complaints about call masking/ refiling.

According to him, NCC in response to the complaints, decided to come up with the directives, in order to protect the consumer, being a consumer-centric institution that listens to subscribers. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;The NCC has taken a step on the issuance of directive to service providers on data rollover, which now enables consumers to roll over unused data for period of time, ranging from one day to seven days, depending on the data plan.

Continued on page 24

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see business stability in 2019, provided the federal government will be ready to develop and maintain policies that will ensure relative stability in business in 2019, especially businesses driven by technologyâ&#x20AC;?

Managing Director, BCX Nigeria,

Mr. Ayo Adegboye

24

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍľË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

REPORT: 5G ROLLOUT TO GENERATE $1.3TRN REVENUE BY 2025 (eMBB) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enhanced indoor and outdoor broadband, enterprise collaboration, augmented and virtual reality; Massive machinetype communications to IoT, asset tracking, smart agriculture, smart cities, energy monitoring, smart home, remote monitoring; Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications for autonomous vehicles, smart grids, remote patient monitoring and telehealth, industrial automation.

5G is also expected to drive the evolution of smart cities and IoT through the deployment of a considerable number of low-power sensor networks in cities and rural areas. The security and robustness built into 5G will make it suitable for public safety as well as for use in mission-critical services, such as smart grids, police and security services, energy and water utilities, and healthcare, the report said.

CONSUMER PROTECTION: NCC READS RIOT ACT TO OPERATORS â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;NCC has also issued direction to service providers on forceful subscription of data services and Value Added Services (VAS), for them to desist from forceful/automatic renewal of data services, without prior consent of subscribers. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;The commission also developed 622 Toll-Free Line through which you can easily lodge complaints for any unresolved service issue to the NCC,â&#x20AC;? Adedigba said.

Adedigba said that with respect to call masking/ refiling, the commission was working seriously to abate menace of the ugly development, including deployment of appropriate technology as a strategy to combat it.

The Chairman, Board of NCC, Sen Olabiyi Durojaiye said the programme was to enable a tripartite meeting of the regulator, operators and consumers.

Represented by Deputy Director/Head, Government and Public Relations Unit at NCC, Mr. Bashir Idris, Durojaiye said the meeting would enlighten telecommunications consumers and resolve pressing issues in the telecoms sector.

Group Business Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cryptocurrency Will Boost Trade in Nigeria, Says Experts Emma Okonji

interest in Bitcoin (BTC), which is driven by Luno in Nigeria, was beginning to gain more acceptance among Nigerians.

According to Google trends, after an important recovery from a sharp fall in prices, public interest in Bitcoin rose dramatically to a 4-month high. Google trends stated that the highest level of interest for this period was recorded penultimate week, and since then, the trend has remained above normal levels. Google trend data further reveals that

the most searches for Bitcoin in the world over the past week came from Nigeria, South Africa and Austria.

Speaking on the importance of Bitcoin, Uwakwe said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency to use peer to peer technology; It is a simpler implementation of blockchain technology; Functions as a payment tool that can be used to send money, and carries value as an investment tool.â&#x20AC;?

At a panel session coordinated by Cryptocurrency

Specialist, Frank Eleanya, issues on the gains and risk of cryptocurrency were discussed.

A cryptocurrency investor, Olaleye Awe, spoke of the risk factor and advised Nigerians not to invest more than what they can afford to lose, saying Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency are volatile.

He, however, encouraged Nigerians to invest in Bitcoin, despite market fluctuations. He equally advised that people should trade more in Bitcoin, when prices are low.

County Manager, Luno, Owenize Odia, said Luno was launched in 2013 as a global platform to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum, with a vision to upgrade the world into a better financial system.

Addressing the issue of cryptocurrency regulation, Odia said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regulation is key but should be county specific, since it can bring about credibility to market, even though banks try to distant their operations from cryptocurrency.â&#x20AC;?

Cryptocurrency, which is a digital currency that uses cryptography to validate and secure transactions, is one of the surest ways to enhance trade and commerce in Nigeria and beyond, some experts have said.

The stated this during a cryptocurrency forum organised by Luno in Lagos recently.

Highlighting the global characteristics of cryptocurrency as decentralised, universal, interoperable, faster and safer, controllable with equal access and optionally transparent, the experts were of the view that trading with cryptocurrency would enhance commerce and economic growth.

In his presentation on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building Trust in the Nigerian Cryptocurrency Market,â&#x20AC;? the Chief Operating Officer, Blockchain Solutions Limited, Mr. Lucky Uwakwe, said there is a rise in the global demand for cryptocurrency, with 65 per cent familiar with cryptocurrency, and 25 per cent owning a cryptocurrency, while 29 per cent own Bitcoin and Ethereum.

According to Uwakwe, 51 per cent view cryptocurrency as an investment, while 19 per cent use it for remittance, and 16 per cent use it for online shopping and 11 per cent also use it for transfer to family and friends.

Citing Google trends on Bitcoin, which is one of the many types of digital cur- L-R: Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Adam Nuru and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during a rencies, Uwakwe said the courtesy visit by the management of the bank to the Governor in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti Stateâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

COURTESY VISIT

ALTON, RackCentre Push for Enabling Business Environment The Association of Licenced Telecoms Operators of Nigeria ALTON and Rack Centre, a Tier111 co-location Data Centre have stressed the need for an enabling business environment to make businesses thrive.

Both ALTON and Rack Centre made the call in Lagos recently during the fourth quarter seminar organised by the Nigerian Information a Technology Reporters Association (NITRA).

Head, Technical Committee at ALTON, Aremu Olajide, who decried the issue of multiple taxes imposed on telecoms operators by state governments and federal gov-

ernment agencies, said such taxes are impeding telecoms growth in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is need to create enabling environment for telecoms business to grow.

The growth of a nation depends on technology advancement of the nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Government must grow telecoms infrastructure to enable its citizens enjoy the full benefits of telecoms service offerings,â&#x20AC;? Olajide said.

According to him, arbitrary taxes have drastically reduced the last-mile broadband connectivity and fibre penetration in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last-mile connectivity has to do with spectrum avail-

ability and connectivity, but less than 2 per cent of 30.9 per cent broadband connectivity is connected by fibre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We therefore need more spectrum frequencies to boost fibre connectivity. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators have gone down the drain because Nigeria lacks fibre connectivity backbone infrastructure,â&#x20AC;? Olajide said.

In his presentation, the Managing Director, RackCentre, Mr. Tunde Coker, expressed displeasure over the huge loss of revenue to data hosting outside of the country, insisting that with the right enabling environment, government and local

businesses can make huge revenue from local hosting of data in Nigeria.

He said companies like RackCentre, has the capacity to host several data in Nigeria. According to Coker, RackCentre has developed its Cloud-on-Ground technology solution to boost data hosting and broadband connectivity.

RackCentre is developing a global cloud that could host data locally in Nigeria, Coker said.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, who was represented by the Deputy Director and Head,

Special Intervention Project at NCC, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our commitment to achieve broadband internet availability, accessibility and affordability, is hinged on broadband deployment across the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Facilitation of broadband penetration is the number one item and flagship of our 8-Point Agenda. The potentials in broadband penetration is enormous, which explains why the entire global community is investing huge resources to exploit and assimilate broadband that is expected to guide global economic index of development in the future.â&#x20AC;?

Inlaks Introduces Innovation Lab to Boost Fintechs One of the leading system integrator in sub-Saharan Africa, Inlaks, has introduced its innovation lab â&#x20AC;&#x153;thehatchâ&#x20AC;? at the just concluded Africa Fintech festival in Lagos.

The Inlaks innovation hub was established to identify, nurture and scale innovative technology driven ideas that have the potential to transform the financial service sector in Nigeria and Africa.

The launch began with a startup fair in collaboration with the Africa Fintech Festival where several growing companies were

present to pitch their innovative ideas and services to stakeholders and representatives of the Africa Fintech Festival body.

The MD/CEO, Africa Operations at, Inlaks, Mr. Femi Adeoti, highlighted critical benefits of the innovation lab to the fintechs to include fostering relationships between them and several Inlaks clients and partners as well as providing a stepping stone into the marketplace.

The innovation lab will also build and scale Fintech solutions through collaboration with the technological industry, private

sector, government, investors, academia and the digital workforce. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of the start-ups do not have the experience and capability to reach the quality of customers available to Inlaks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is our goal to hand-hold these start-ups and take them to whenever we go so they can interface with some of our global clients and partners, and thereby take advantage of the opportunities that are possible,â&#x20AC;?

Adeoti said.

He further emphasised the evolution of Inlaks termed

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inlaks 2.0â&#x20AC;?, designed to bring innovative solutions to the industry, and provide young technology entrepreneurs to grow and expand their horizon.

He said Inlaks would build the hub to encourage start-up entrepreneurs to be creative and serve as solution providers to major challenges facing the society.

Director, Business Development at Soft Alliance, Feyi Agagu, one of the judges at the start-up pitch, described some of the ideas presented at the fair as â&#x20AC;&#x153;amazing,â&#x20AC;? adding that all the

start-ups present were focused on digital payment solutions.

He emphasised how the ideas pitched could be applied outside the shore of Nigeria by focusing on trust to enable the target customers to disburse payment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instead of looking for ways of doing traditional business, people are finding informal means of gaining access to capital or how to settle trust issues that will break the traditional bureaucracy in various informal sectors that enable speedy transactions,â&#x20AC;?

Agagu said.

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Coalition Raises Alarm over Importation of UncertiďŹ ed GM Products Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has raised the alarm over the importation of uncertified Genetically Modified (GM) products especially cereals and vegetable oil into the country.

This, it the group said posed real threats to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food system, biosafety and overall wellbeing, hence the need for increased awareness of the implications of agricultural biotechnology and called for a ban on GM crops and products.

The coalition which was made up of Health of Mother Heart Foundation (HOMEF), Alliance for Food Sovereignty In Africa (AFSA) and Food Sovereignty Coordinator Friends of the Earth Nigeria and Africa, GMOFree Nigeria Alliance and Bio-Integrity and Natural Food Awareness Initiative, said Nigeria should be circumspect about technologies that aim to contaminate the natural varieties.

The coalition while protesting in Abuja recently, also called for the nullification of the permits already granted by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) for dealings with GM products in Nigeria.

The protesters carried various placards such as; Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) not on our plate, Ban it; Stop the contamination, Ban GMOs; Silence is Betrayal, say no to GMOs; Food should not be grown in laboratory, No to gene drive, Nigerians reject GMOs among others.

Speaking, the Executive Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, lamented that NBMA approved nearly every application brought to it without proper safety assessments, without due consideration of public opinion or the impact of proposed activities or of the concerns raised by the public.

He stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A recent market survey carried out in ten Nigerian cities by HOMEF confirms the presence of over 30 imported products, most

of which were cereals and vegetable oils of genetic engineering in our market shelves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The agency promoting GMOs are doing it without any sort of control. The agency sees itself as a revenue generating agency.

They are more concerned about the fees for application and if you want a fast track consideration for your application, the pay is slightly higher, this shows that this is a commercial entity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you listen to the leaders too, you will see that they speaking from the both sides of the mouth, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the assurance that they are protecting our environment, that they are concerned about our health and that they are really have the best interest of Nigerians at heart.â&#x20AC;?

The coalition, therefore, called for a halt to the assault on the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agriculture through genetic modification of staple crops and a halt on negotiations towards adoption of gene drives.

Insurance ďŹ rm Launches China Desk in Dubai Marsh, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest insurance brokers and risk advisers, has launched a China desk in Dubai to benefit from growing commercial links between China, the Middle East and Africa, its regional chief executive said.

The subsidiary of US professional services firm Marsh & McLennan Cos is the latest multinational to establish a China desk in Dubai, which is acting as a conduit for regional business emerging from Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Belt and Road initiative.

According to Reuters, Marsh has picked up deals related

to infrastructure projects since setting up the desk in the summer, said Christos Adamantiadis, Middle East and Africa chief executive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is exponential growth (opportunities) but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starting from a low base,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have already some traction. We have found a few projects in Africa but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not restricted to Africa. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also Chinese investment in the Middle East. Our main focus is China and Chinese contractors and principles.â&#x20AC;?

Africa and the Middle East are an important part of

Chinese President Xi Jinpingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Belt and Road initiative, a $126 billion plan to bolster a network of infrastructure connecting China by land and sea to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Banks Standard Chartered, HSBC and Citigroup already have China desks in the emirate.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, Adamantiadis said in 2019 Marsh hopes to receive an insurance broking licence in Iraq, where infrastructure needs to be rebuilt after a nearly four-year war against

Eskom to Cut 10 Executive Jobs South African power utility Eskom will reduce its executive management to 10 from 21, it said internal memo seen by Reuters, part of cash-strapped company to reduce its wage bill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is crucial that we set ourselves up for the future, and I believe that the steps weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve take so far are already placing us on a path towards stability,â&#x20AC;? Reuters

quoted its Chief Executive Phakamani Hadebe, to have said in the memo.

Eskom spokesman Khulu Phasiwe confirmed that the company had approved the reorganisation of the top management structure.

Eskom, which has implemented power cuts in recent months due to coal shortages and poor plant performance, is fighting for

survival after a decade of financial decline. It previously stated that it wants to substantiality cut its 48,000 workforce.

Among those leaving the utility is Dave Nicholls, the head of nuclear energy, who was due to retire next year.

He is leaving at the end of month as are seven other executives, according to the memo.

Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zhejiang Huayou to Invest $147m in DRC Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co will invest $147.2 million to build a copper project in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as it extends the exploration of its mining assets in the country, the company said in a filing to the Shanghai stock exchange recently.

The project would be located in the Lukuni

region in the south of DRC, and will have annual electro-deposited copper production capacity of 30,000 tonnes.

Electro-deposited copper is a raw material widely used in the electrical equipment and machine manufacturing sectors.

Huayou has built two cobalt refineries in the

Luiswishi region of DRC after buying copper-cobalt mineral rights from La Generale des Carrieres et des Mines in 2015.

The new copper project is expected to launch by September 2019, the company said in the filing, but it also warned it still needs approvals from Chinese authorities.

THE ENTREPRENEURâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST FRIEND

DEBBIE LARRY-IZAMOJE

Importance of Setting Goals The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never scoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bill Copeland I currently have the 2019 goal setting workbook on sale on my Instagram page @dee_larry and thought it necessary to explain the importance of setting goals.

You know the popular end of the year feeling you get? Oh what have I achieved this year? Did i do anything right with my year? Did I meet up with the resolutions I set for myself and so on?

Coincidentally, you stumble on an instagram post or a podcast asking you for your New Year resolution or what you achieved this year since 2018 is so close to its end. Now everything becomes clear and you start to ask yourself if you really stayed true to your goals. 80% of the people I have met always have New Year resolutions. These New Year resolutions are either written down by some while some others just wing it. But the question is did you really accomplish all that you said you would while you were curating your resolution?

Often times, we get lost as the day go by because we forget these goals and just live our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;best livesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think it is necessary to follow these goals.

Okay, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty sure it is kind of clichĂŠ when you hear someone talking about the importance of goals and its definitely not going to be the last.

But clichĂŠs aside, understanding the importance of goal setting and knowing how to set goals for yourself is crucial to accomplishing great things in your life.

What really is goal setting?

According to the business dictionary, a goal is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;desired result a person or a system envisions plans and commits to achieve a personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Many people endeavor to reach goals within a finite time by setting deadlines. In more understandable words, any planning you do for the future in spite of what it is, is a goal.

So the next time you are planning on doing the weekly chores or decide on watching the latest block buster movie after work, always keep in mind that these small tasks account as goals and while it seems insignificant you are goal setting.

Goalsettingislikeamap,thebiggerpictureisalways thedestination.Goalsshouldbestraightforwardand emphasize what you want to happen. Goal setting will give you direction and help with your motivation and self-confidence in your performance. The map will help you track your development towards reaching your full potentials.

Do you set goals for yourself? What are your goals for the next 1 year? How about 3-10 years from now? What do you really yearn for? What are your aspirations in life? Goal setting is the first step of successful goal achievement. It marks your first point toward success. It is when you make the first move, basically when you switch from a passive state to being involved in life.

Why set goals?

Goals propel you forward Having a goal written down with a set date for accomplishment gives you something to plan and work for.Awritten goal is an external representation of your inner wants. It is a daily reminder of what you need to accomplish.

I believe we all experience scenarios when we set our minds to something, we get excited and put in all the energy and then motivation starts to wane. Having goals that you can focus on and visualize helps you better connect with your inner desire and gives you the required energy you need to work through periods where your focus inevitably starts to wane.

Imagine playing a dart game without being given a target. Where would you aim? You might aim at any random point on the board but why would you aim there? And what would the purpose be?

This is a literal example of what life is without a goal or target in mind. It could be pointless and might end up being a waste of energy and effort.

You can have all the skill set and potential in the world but without focus your abilities are as good as nothing. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t achieve anything unless a goal is focusing your effort because at the end of the day goals are what give you direction in life.

By setting goals for yourself you give yourself a target to shoot for. The sense of direction is what allows your mind to focus on a target and rather than waste energy shooting aimlessly, allows you to hit your target and reach your goal.

Goals allow you to measure your progress.

Goalsettingallowsyoutomeasureyourprogress; you have a bench mark to compare with. Take this scenario for example; i had a friend whose goal

was to write a book in 2018 with a minimum of 400 pages. He starts writing everyday and works really hard however, along the way he loses track of how many more pages he has written and how much more he needs to write. So rather than panicking or stressing over this issue, he simply stops and counts the number of pages he has already written and he instantly determined his progress and knows how much further he needs to go. You see how goal setting helped in this situation right?

Goal makes you accountable Having goals makes you accountable. At this point, you are not just merely talking about your goals; you are now obligated to act. Accountability here is for you, not anyone else. No-one knows the goal you set. Some people also donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand to gain even if you achieve your goals. By setting specific targets, you can easily see if you are on track and if not what to do about them.

When i started my company Image boosters two years ago, i set goals such as to get a certain number of clients, to hit a certain number on my social media pages and also to have returning customers. This made me accountable to these targets. Each week, i would monitor my performance while working on my plan. If i found myself falling short, i knew i had to change my strategy/tactics; i would take necessary steps to address it. I would sit to think about the things i was spending too much time on (basically the time wasters) and identify the 80/20 actions to achieve my goals. Doing so helped me grow my business very quickly and with a few months i was able to turn my passion into my full time career.

Goals help you reach your full potential Without goals, you default to a routine of activities that makes you feel safe and comfortable. This familiarity is the nemesis of growth. It denies you from tapping into your full potential. Setting goals helps you set target to strive towards. These targets makeyouventureintonewplacesandnewsituations that put you into growth mode. Goals make you stretch beyond your normal self and reach new heights. For example, setting a weight loss target helps you know is your actions have been effective in losing weight likewise when you set career goal, you ensure you are not settling for anything less than what you desire.

Goals help you get the best out of life You know the popular phrase â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m out here living my best lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Goals ensure that you get the best out of life. Whether you want this or not, time will in your life. In 5 years you will be 5 years older. Goals with specific measure and target date ensure that you are maximizing your experience on earth. If you have already discovered your life purpose or what you intend on making out of life, your goals will help you get the best out of it.

Imagine this: The world is your own. There are millions, billions of things you can do, experiences you can have and people you can encounter. There are endless possibilities of what you can accomplish.

What if you can do whatever you want? What do you want to do and experience in your life? What do you want to achieve? Set your goals! Make them happen!

And watch as you live the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BESTESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; life ever.

Start setting goals Now i want you to take a little time out and ask yourself, what are my goals for the upcoming year?

What do i plan to achieve the best quarter or the first half?

If you just take some time out to set your goals, i guarantee you that you will definitely experience more growth as an individual. By just spending a few minutes to articulate some aspirations that have been in your mind, you will experience more progressinyourlifeayearfromnowthanifyoudonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing i have a goal setting work book thathelpsyousetbothlongtermandshorttermgoals.

Visit www.debbielarryizamoje.com to buy now.

ABOUT DEBBIE LARRY-IZAMOJE Debbie Larry-Izamoje AKAThe Entrepreneurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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Gains of Telecom Sector in 2018 Despite some challenges, the telecoms industry surpassing 30 per cent broadband penetration by December 2018, was a big feat among several other achievements recorded by the sector in the outgoing year, writes Emma Okonji During the first quarter of 2018, hopes were dampened and industry players and subscribers were confused as to how Nigeria would achieve the 30 per cent broadband penetration target it had set out to achieve by the end of the year.

While some completely wrote off the possibility of achieving the target, others, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), were optimistic that the country would achieve and surpass it.

The optimism of NCC and others was hinged on available broadband statistics, which showed that as at 2013, when the National Broadband Plan was released, with a target to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration

by December 2018, the broadband penetration then, was at six per cent, which later grew to 10 per cent in 2015, 21 per cent in 2017 and 22 per cent in first quarter 2018.

The NCC, through its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, had come up with an 8-point agenda, which focused more on achieving deeper broadband penetration in the country, a position that facilitated the speed in broadband penetration.

True to their belief, Nigeria achieved a 30.9 per cent broadband penetration by December 2018, a situation many believed would open up opportunities for economic growth in the coming year.

Aside the broadband feat, industry stakeholders counted the licensing of infrastructure companies (InfraCos) that will drive broadband penetration in the six geopolitical zones of the county, coupled with telecoms subscriber growth and internet penetration, which contributed immensely to GDP growth in 2018, despite challenges faced by the telecoms sector in 2018 as other feats recorded in the sector.

While announcing the new broadband figure, Danbatta had said active voice subscriber base grew from 165 million in October 2018 to over 169 million in November 2018.

He had equally put internet subscription figure at 108.8 million, up from 107.5 million and had revealed that the total active broadband subscription on 3G and 4G platforms as at November 2018, was 58.9 million.

Pleased with the achievements in broadband penetration, subscribersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; subscription as well as internet penetration, industry stakeholders are of the view that the achievements would give Nigerians more access to the internet and online activities, which will lead to faster growth of the Nigerian economy.

The Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, commended the efforts of NCC and industry players in achieving the broadband target. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are in an era of digital transformation where most activities will be done online to boost e-Commerce and we need ubiquitous and cheap broadband access to tap into the gains of digital transformation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore, there is need to further grow broadband penetration in the county, in order to give unrestricted broadband access to communities and rural dwellers across the country,â&#x20AC;? Adebayo said.

5G Rollout

One other feat that was achieved in 2018, was in the area of active preparation for 5G rollout, which is the next technology evolution that would support digital transformation in Nigeria.

The NCC, in collaboration with GSMA, last month, announced the readiness of Nigeria to roll out 5G network with the 26GHz, 38GHz and 42GHz spectrum bands by the year 2020.

Danbatta, had also said trial testing of the rollout plan had commenced in the country beginning with the Eko Atlantic project, where broadband data would drive connectivity and allow humans to interact with connected devices to check their health status, and remotely control home appliances without physical contact.

Although Danbatta identified the deficit in infrastructure rollout and spectrum availability in the country, he said NCC was already working to address the challenges and would begin with the available 26GHz, 38GHz and 42GHz to drive 5G rollout in the country.

Head, sub-Saharan Africa for GSMA, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, had said although Nigeria still operates 2G, 3G and 4G networks, they would gradually give way for 5G as the demand for 5G increases among the millennials who are the digital natives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NCC is already working on the three key factors that will drive 5G deployment, which include infrastructure, spectrum and regulation ahead of the 2020 rollout date,â&#x20AC;? had Danbatta said.

Addressing the issue of spectrum to drive

5G rollout, the GSMA gave full support for the release of harmonised spectrum and a modernised licensing framework as fundamental building blocks for Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s digital future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The harmonisation of 1427-1518 MHz and 3.3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3.6 GHz makes them critically important bands for mobile operators seeking to offer new mobile services to consumers and businesses.

Making these bands available for assignment to mobile operators will be a core component in reinforcing Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position as Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading mobile market,â&#x20AC;? the GSMA had said in one of its published reports.

InfraCo Licence

Another major milestone that was achieved in 2018, was the licensing of additional four InfraCos to complement the existing two that were earlier licensed to provide broadband infrastructure that will boost broadband rollout in the country. The four additional InfraCos include: Zinox Technology Limited for South-east zone; Brinks Integrated Solutions Limited for North-east zone; Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;odua Infraco Resource Limited for the South-west and Raeanna Technologies Limited for the South-south.

The commission had earlier licenced two InfraCos for Lagos in the South-west and North-central regions which are Infrastructure Company Limited, a subsidiary of MainOne Cable Company Limited and IHS Limited. NCC however explained that efforts were underway to licence an Infraco for the North-central, following the withdrawal of IHS from the InfraCo race.

The licenced InfraCos are expected to provide fibre optic infrastructure on an Open Access basis, to enable any telecommunications company to link their networks and expand to deploy broadband services.

Birth of ASCON

Few weeks ago, submarine cable operators announced the birth of the Association of Submarine Cable Operators of Nigeria (ASCON), a platform designed to enhance digital transformation of businesses in Nigeria, especially businesses that depend on broadband internet connectivity.

The birth of ASCON is the coming together of five submarine cable operators under a single platform to drive common goals. Paramount among the goals, is the protection of submarine cables as critical national infrastructure.

The Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke, said members of the newly formed ASCON, which comprised of SAT3 cable, MainOne cable, Glo l cable, ACE cable, and WACS cable, which were landed by Natcom, MainOne, Glo 1, Dolphin Telecom and MTN respectively, would would work as a group towards protecting submarine cable from damages of any kind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is need to protect our submarine cable to avoid disruption in internet connectivity.

For eight years running as MainOne, we have not had any disruption from our cable in the Nigerian territorial waters and we hope to

continue to maintain that standard, to serve Nigerians better with broadband connectivity from the submarine cables,â&#x20AC;? Opeke said.

Chairman of ASCON, who doubles as the Head, Regulatory Services at MainOne, Mr. Ifeloju Alakija, said the need for collaboration to protect submarine cables from damage, necessitated the formation of ASCON, coupled with the fact that submarine cable is a critical national infrastructure that needed to be protected.

Speaking on the objective of ASCON, Alakija said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The principal objective of the ASCON is to create a national advocacy forum for Nigerian companies and administrations that own and/or operate submarine telecommunications cables landing in the country.â&#x20AC;?

Reacting to the formation of ASCON, the President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, welcomed the birth of ASCON as another feat in the telecoms sector, which he said was important to have a common front and voice for undersea cable operators in Nigeria.

Service Quality

Despite the several feats recorded in the telecoms sector in 2018, the issue of poor service quality still lingered in 2018, especially this Yuletide period where there is increased voice calls from subscribers who are calling their friends, family members and loved ones to exchange pleasantries during Yuletide.

The challenges ranged from call drops, poor voice clarity, difficulties in voice call connectivity, delay in delivery text messages, unsolicited text messages, to inability in recharging mobile phones and fast depletion of mobile data.

Aware of these challenges that are frustrating telecoms subscribers from making and receiving successful calls, the NCC said it has opened up spectrum resources to support broadband deployment for the 3G and 4G networks.

Responding to the issue of poor service quality, the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at NCC, Mr. Sunday Dare had said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The commission has issued the 2.3GHz and 2.6GHz spectrum licences to provide the operating companies spectrum resources for improved quality of service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 700MHz spectrum band i.e, the digital dividend spectrum has been assigned to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to improve coverage.â&#x20AC;?

He advised telecoms subscribers that were yet to subscribe to the 2442 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do Not Disturbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; code, to activate the code in order to put an end to unsolicited text messages.

He said several subscribers across the country have activated the short code and it is working for them.

Adebayo, however blamed the issue of persistent poor service quality across networks on state governments, whom he said imposed arbitrary charges and taxes on telecoms subscribers, and also refuse them Right of Way (RoW) to lay fibre optic cables for network expansion.

Adebayo cited the recent case in Kogi

State, where the state government, through its Internal Revenue Service, seek and obtained an ex-parte court order to shut down several Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in the state, for alleged default of tax payments to the state government.

Although the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has ordered the unsealing of telecoms base stations in the state, following a meeting between the NCC and the state government in Lokoja, the state capital, Adebayo said 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.

Fintechs and VAS Operators

Financial Technology, otherwise known as fintechs changed the face of banking services through their technology solutions that disrupted the old legacy of carrying out financial services in the financial sector in 2018.

Although the fintechs have been commended for their evolving technology solutions that are geared towards improving financial transactions, most of them still cry out for lack of patronage from the government and most financial institutions that still prefer to patronise foreign developed software, to the detriment of locally developed software that addresses specific challenges.

Value Added Service (VAS) providers who developed several contents for telecoms operations in 2018, spoke of their challenges as VAS providers, during the stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forum organised by NCC recently.

National Coordinator of Wireless Applications Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), Mr. Chijioke Ezeh, said his group had a lot of challenges in 2018, which the NCC must address in the coming year. Ezeh who frowned at the incursion of Over the Top Technology (OTT) players and Google in providing free services to subscribers, called for proper regulation on the part of NCC, since WASPAN members invested in facilities through which they provide the same services that OTT players and Google are offering free of charge to the same subscribers.

Government Policies

Considering the role of government in driving technology business in 2018, the Managing Director, BCX Nigeria, Mr. Ayo Adegboye said government must redefine its policies to enhance business growth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see business stability still playing out in 2019, provided the federal government will be ready to develop and maintain policies that will ensure relative stability in business in 2019, especially businesses driven by technology. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the government does not maintain policies that will ensure business and economic stability, then our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will be adversely affected and what that means is that business and the economy will suffer. So we need stability in our social political and business environment in 2019, and this is the dream of drivers and owners of businesses,â&#x20AC;? Adegboye said.

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Ě&#x201C;

Spectranet Assures Subscribers of Better Service Stories by Emma Okonji Against the backdrop of the information that some networks are indebted within the industry, which might disrupt service offering soon, Spectranet 4G LTE has state that the network is not affected by the issues raised in the recent publication.

The Chief Executive Officer, Spectranet 4G LTE, Ajay Awasthi, who spoke on the commitment of the company, said it would offer best of service offerings to its customers.

According to him, Spectranet would continue to rollout the Spectranet 4G LTE network, and ensure that its service quotient Is high and would sustain such high level service quotient.

He said Spectranet as a brand has not only invested in technology but also in human capital to ensure that customers enjoy high speed internet service.

He added that, Spectranet 4G LTE tapped into the yuletide period to initiate a special promotion tagged the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Five Promo,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to celebrate with new

and existing subscribers hoping that they will take advantage of the benefits of the promotion to increase data as well as on-board close friends and associates to the network that provides best-in-class service to subscribers.

The Spectranet 4G LTE network, according to him was built on trust and consistent

excellent quality service to the subscribers and in the period of the yuletide, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we will continue to ensure that subscribers stay connected with excellent internet experience on our 4GLTE network,â&#x20AC;? Awasthi said.

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we commenced business for the year, we stated our position on consistent evolution

and sustained investment in providing best-in-class customer service experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a customer-centric brand, we have stayed true to this promise with significant investment going into safety of systems and service excellence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have brought our services closer to our customers with the creation of more

express outlets and shops. We have received commendations and positive feedbacks from these points. Because we value our customers, we are raising investments to upgrade our systems and ensure their safety as they connect to opportunities and things that matter. We would do this in the coming year.â&#x20AC;?

Group Organises Innovation Challenge The organisers of the USPF ChangeMaker Challenge 2018, has said the competition will hold between January 25th and 27th, 2019.

According to the organisers, the innovative ICT solution and entrepreneurship development project would provide an avenue for self-expression and creativity among technology start-ups, through the use of modern technologies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a Hackathon and Incubation event where people with technology backgrounds and business vision, come together, form teams around a problem or idea, and collaboratively code a unique solution from the scratch. These solutions are usually in the form of websites, mobile apps, Internet of Things (IOT), robotics and more,â&#x20AC;? the organisers said in a statement.

According to them, a total cash prize of over N3,500,000 would be won in addition to transportation subsidies for applicants that apply early.

The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), an arm of

the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which is the major driver and financier of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ChangeMaker Challengeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, initiated the idea some few years, and it is currently in the third season of the Changemaker Challenge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an innovative competition for persons who have ideas on how to apply technology in solving problems. The theme for the Changemaker Challenge 2018 is â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Future Is Here: Disrupting Legacy Ecosystem with Technology,â&#x20AC;? USPF said in a statement, while encouraging Nigerians with relevant solutions that could address specific challenges, to apply at www.uspfchangemaker18.ng and stand a chance to develop their idea.

The Hackathon, according to USPF, is open to all Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45, and that interested persons below the age of 18 would require their parents/guardians to fill out a permission slip and accompany their ward to the event.

BCN, Google Collaborate to Bring Free Wi-Fi to Abuja In a move to foster internet connection in Nigeria, Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN), in partnership with Google, has launched a free, high-speed and public Wi-Fi hotspot in Abuja.

The station, which was launched recently, was the kickoff of Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intention to rollout free internet service in Northern Nigeria, as it was launched in three strategic parts of the federal capital territory (FCT), including Wuse Market, Enab Plaza, and Banex Plaza.

BCN owns and operates a network of over 2,000 km of fibre optic broadband cable including having the largest broadband fibre infrastructure in Abuja serving telecommunication operators, Network Broadband Carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s), business enterprises and retail households.

CEO of BCN, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, who emphasised the societal impact of the BCNGoogle partnership to bring free Wi Fi to consumers, spoke on the excitement of some young men that were wheelbarrow pushers in Wuse market and their desire to learn about Wi-Fi availability and free access to the internet on their devices.

He stated that BCN would

work with Google to activate more sites in Abuja and the Northern Region in 2019.

Dikko, who informed the guests comprising representatives of key government agencies such as Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), National Immigration Service (NIS), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Transport and the US Embassy, said BCN, through Fleek Networks Limited, the North West InfraCo licensee, plans to build approximately 10,000 km broadband fibre optic network commencing in 2019, linking about 200 points of access across all local government areas in the seven North Western States namely Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara, which would be integrated with BCNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tier III Data and Co-location Centre in Kaduna. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We strive to bridge access gaps by providing the requisite infrastructure, one that can yield the quality of service the customer desires and one that enhances Digital Inclusion,â&#x20AC;?

Dikko said.

MOU SIGNING

L-R: Managing Director, Trinity Technologies, Ayii Akol; Managing Director, Afreximbank Intra African Trade, Mrs. Kanayo Awani; Executive Director, SystemSpecs, DeRemi Atanda, and Group Executive, International Business, SystemSpecs, Demola Igbalajobi, at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Trinity Technologies and SystemSpecs in Cairo, Egypt...recently

CARS45, NATA Partner to Boost Car Sales

CWG Appoints New MD as Agada Resigns

Cars45, a car buying and auctioning platform for Nigerian used cars, has entered a partnership deal with Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), to make sales of used cars on its platform a lot easier, through the support of online technology solution.

The whole essence of the partnership is to use technology to drive the automotive industry in Nigeria, through online buying and selling of used cars. The partnership will also allow car owners to trade their used cars for brand new cars, and pay the differential.

Speaking on the initiative during the signing of the partnership deal in Lagos recently, the CEO, Cars45, Etop Ikpe said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our business is beyond providing a platform for Nigerians to sell their cars. The goal is to provide a conducive transaction environment by leveraging on the technical expertise and distribution network of NATA technicians across the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The used car market keeps growing and the demand for the Cars45 service offering has evolved even more over the last year. The partnership with NATA comes at a good time, as Cars45 plans to expand and transform the currently fragmented automotive ecosystem to offer support across all the automobile trade, repair and verification services. This partnership also strengthens the brands reach, with the help

The Board of CWG Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Adewale Adeyipo, an Executive Director of the company, as the acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the technology company, with effect from January 1, 2019.

His appointment followed the resignation of the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. James Agada, with effect rom December 31, 2018, following the completion of his three-year tenure, which commenced January 1, 2016.

Agada had served as the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chief Technology Officer, as well as the Executive Director, overseeing the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former software division, Expert Edge, before attaining the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive in January 2016.

The Board of CWG thanked Agadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for his years of service and leadership, saying it was grateful for his many accomplishments.

Agada holds both a firstclass degree and a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Electronic Engineering, with specialisation in Digital Systems, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also holds an MBA from the International Graduate School of Management (IESE), Navara, Spain. He was pro term president, Lagos Chapter

of NATA officials directly referring and earning a percentage of the car value when purchased through Cars45.â&#x20AC;?

NATA Lagos State Chairman, Julian Lawal, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very happy to partner Cars45 at this time, it is great for an organization to recognise us and the value we can bring to their business.

This MoU signing will open more doors for our NATA members, with training and job opportunities and this is what we like to see; that our members are doing better and better.â&#x20AC;?

Also speaking, Head, Commercial Operations and Marketing at Cars45, Mayokun Fadeyibi said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our business is Cars and we are working towards a transformation of the used autos industry in Nigeria.

Our major goal is to make the business of car buying and car selling seamless for every Nigeria and we are working towards an optimisation of every touchpoint in the user journey. We are excited about this partnership and we look forward to continually meeting our users needs with value driven partnerships.â&#x20AC;?

To sell a car on Cars45 online platform, all a customer needs is to either log on to CARS45.

COM to evaluate their cars or walk into any of the 40 inspection centers in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. A 250 point check further ensures that cars are properly inspected and evaluated for customers to get the best deals for their car.

of the Nigeria Computer Society, and was conferred as one of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 50 Tech-Titansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in 2016

by Technology Africa. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.

He has vast experience in consulting, software development, implementation and support. During his tenure, the company embarked on new initiatives designed to reposition the company as the preferred platform services provider out of Africa.

Adewale holds a B.Sc in Computer Science from University of Ilorin. He is an Alumni of Lagos Business School (LBS) and also has several management and leadership trainings and certifications from Lagos Business School; Business School, Netherlands; MIT and the London Business School.

Prior to the announcement, Adewale had held several leadership positions in CWG including Business Development for the Telecommunications division in 2010 and Business Director for PAN Africa Initiatives in 2014.

His expertise in sales supported the business when he previously served as a Director in Consultative Sales and Managed Services Engagements for Telecommunication Companies, which he has done for onwards of 12 years.

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Eniola: Blockchain Technology Will Revolutionise Gaming Activities The Chief Executive Officer, Ikorne Games and Bingo9ja, Mr. Eni Eniola, spoke with Emma Okonji on how his team intends to revolutionise gaming activities in the country, create jobs, and further grow the Nigerian economy, using Blockchain technology. Excerpts: You just introduced a gaming platform called Bingo9ja. What is it all about?

Bingo9ja was introduced as a gaming platform that will revolutionise lottery business in Nigeria and make it more exciting to play and win big, using cutting-edge technology.

Being the first of its kind, Bingo9ja will specifically deploy Blockchain technology to change how people play lottery in Nigeria.

The parent company, Ikorne Games, aims to make it easy for all gaming enthusiasts to play different kinds of lottery and classified games from the comfort of their homes either by using their Blockchain backed mobile phone app, Blockchain node integrated terminals or the USSD applications.

With the fast development and adoption of the Blockchain technology all over the world, Bingo9ja is looking at breaking popular conventions and stigma attached to playing lottery games, popular known as Lotto in Nigeria, thereby creating a â&#x20AC;&#x153;techy lifestyleâ&#x20AC;? movement of gamers. Our intention is to use the ease and proliferation of mobile phones while leveraging on cutting-edge technology to make gaming more accessible to everyone.

Most countries of the world generate huge amount of money from gaming activities. What value is your platform bringing to the Nigerian economy?

Governments all over the world generate good money from gaming and we strongly believe that Bingo9ja will open up streams of revenue generation for the Nigerian government. Our plan is to help government see the value in gaming and generate money from Bingo9ja games. Gaming is one means through which government can generate good money and we intend to work with governments across the country to achieve this, beginning with the Lagos State government. Nigeria is a gaming economy and one of the things we want government to do is to provide the enabling environment where Nigerian gaming apps could be listed on the iOS and Google Play Stores, from where millions of people could download the app and play the varieties of games on our platform via their mobile phone devices. We are currently working with the Lagos State government to achieve this.

The federal government is keen on creating jobs for Nigerian youths. How will this platform complement governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort in job creation?

What we are bringing to Nigeria will create a lot of jobs for Nigerians and also complement government efforts in job creation. For example, we are planning to deploy over a

Bingo9ja gaming platform and how often are draws carried out to produce winners?

It is basically N100. 00 flat rate to play the Bingo9ja games and we have five different games that people can play either via the terminal or the mobile device, which uses mobile app. Draws are done frequently and any amount won is redeemed either through the agent from where the customer played, using the terminal, or through electronic process where the money will be credited directly into the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s account, for those that played with the mobile app. There are no delays in payments.

What are the government regulations around gaming activities in Nigeria?

There are government regulations controlling gaming activities at the federal and state levels and we have gone through those regulations before we were allowed to introduce gaming in Nigeria. The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) is aware of Bingo9ja and we have its approval to carry out gaming activities in Nigeria. The Lagos State government has its way of monitoring our activities, having given us approval to introduce gaming in Lagos State. We are currently in the process of getting the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval to enable us to be everywhere in Nigeria.

Eniola

thousand terminals, and each terminal gives one person an opportunity to have a job and also employ people to work at their terminals. For us, we see it as a huge job creation for Nigerians.

Nigerians perceive lottery games in different ways, based on their religious beliefs. While some do not see anything wrong with gaming, others feel it is against their religion. How do you intend to address this divergent views?

Most religions see gaming as gambling, but we are trying to erode such belief though constant advocacy and awareness drive. What most people do not know is that huge money can be generated from gaming, which the government could use to provide basic infrastructure for its citizens like schools, hospitals, roads, among others.

In the United States for instance, gaming is huge source of money generation for the government and it is properly regulated.

Ojobo Appointed African ICT Foundation President Emma Okonji A new Board of Trustee has been announced for the African ICT Foundation, with the former Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, appointed as the President of the Foundation.

Ojobo, who has spent close to 30 years of his public service career in the industry starting from the defunct NITEL, is bringing his wealth of experience to rejig the Foundation and put it on its next growth stage that is expected to spur growth, opportunity, and progress in Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ICT/Telecoms industry.

The ex-NCC image maker,

who is now the Chairman of Kulturekode Hub has demonstrated a long history of working in the telecommunications industry. He is skilled in negotiation, business development, strategic planning, and public speaking.

Ojobo, a Certified Regulation Specialist, Utility Regulations/ Telecom Regulations of the Institute of Public Private Partnership, Washington,NDC, USA in his acceptance letter, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel honoured to have been nominated for this assignment. The ICT ecosystem in Africa is in a state of emergency and all hands must be on deck to leverage technology for the advancement of our economies.â&#x20AC;?

Appointed alongside with Ojobo, is Dr. Ing Pierre-François

Kamanou, Franco-Cameroonian, Founder, GTS Network who has pioneered the development of GSM networks in the last 10 years as well as the development of mobile VAS solutions. Kamanou will serve as First Vice President/Regional Director for the Francophones countries.

Robotic engineer from the Republic of Benin, Ms. Racheal Orumor will join the Foundation as the 2nd Vice President/Country Director for the Republic of Benin.

In her letter of acceptance to serve on the BOT, she noted: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is vital that we strive to promote scalable tech solutions. We cannot scale without having tech policies and recommendations by Africans and for the African continent.â&#x20AC;?

Can you expatiate on the terminal and mobile aspect of the Bingo9ja gaming platform?

We have simplified gaming by creating different channels through which people could participate in our gaming activities.

People could play the available games either through our terminals that are located in strategic positions on various streets and roads across states where Bingo9ja has been introduced, or from the comfort of their homes and offices, using their mobile devices. So it gives Nigerians the choice of either playing from the mobile app from any part of the country, or go to the nearest terminal to play the game. Although the biggest gaming market is with the mobile app, but we still started the terminal channel for those who will like to play from terminals located close to their streets.

How will Nigerians play to win in the

Having launched in Lagos State, what are your expansion plans to other states of the federation?

Yes, we are currently in Lagos and Osun states, but we have plans to go beyond the two states as the market opens up.

We started with Lagos because it is metropolitan city and the commercial hub of Nigeria, but we have our expansion plan to roll out as the market grows.

How do you see the adoption rate of Bingo9ja gaming activities, considering the fact that your competitors have penetrated deep into the Nigerian gaming space?

What we intend doing is to first build the trust of Nigerians around our gaming platform and let them realise that they can generate good money and also get paid as soon as any win is announced. We are aware of our competitors that started before us, but our strategy will define us and make Nigerians to trust us and believe in us. Our strategies are to make gaming a lot more of fun, simplify the gaming process and build trust around our brand.

The fact that we are using Blockchain technology to drive our gaming platform, we will be reaching out to more people.

TSTV to Introduce â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pay As You Watchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The management of Telcom Satellite Limited (TSTV) has announced that it will roll out a pay as you watch per hour billing system.

This was made known recently, when the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Benjamin Zidah addressed the journalists in Abuja. â&#x20AC;&#x153;TSTV will introduce pay as you watch on per hour. This has been done as a result of the power situation in the country and taking into consideration that customers may not be at home all the time,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

According to Zidah though at inception there were challenges; the firm is now ready for business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has not been easy.

We made some specific goals, we have to continue; we have struggled but we have overcome the storm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are poised to do business. We have consolidated on our past and we use best global practices in going forward.We have gone for a strategic partnership with Azercosmos, a satellite company from Azerbaijanâ&#x20AC;?

Speaking further he said after carefully studying the African market, they chose TSTV in Nigeria.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This partnership will increase our technical and content capacity,â&#x20AC;? he said.

On content development he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have also partnered both local and foreign content producers together with our in-house content to increase our content. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have also partnered third party channels in order to increase our number of channels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will be showing one English Premiership match every week as we will be showing the English FA and the NBA as from next month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have overhauled our management to meet the current challenges.â&#x20AC;?

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Low Moment for Agency Owners Despite the expectation that 2018 would positively reshape the marketing communication industry and give birth to new brands, the opposite has remained the case, writes Raheem Akingbolu Perhaps what best describes the outgoing year was the declaration by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Media Fuse Dentsu Aegis Network, Mr. Emeka Okeke, that contrary to the popular euphoria that economic recession has subsided, happenings in the market in 2018 have proved otherwise.

With what he could make out of marketing activities in the outgoing year, Okeke, who oversees the affairs of one of the biggest global media buying agencies in Nigeria, in an exclusive interview with THISDAY recently, had argued that the Nigerian economy was still in recession. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The assertion that we are out of recession or coming out of recession is political economics if all we witnessed in 2018 is anything to go by. Looking at activities in the Nigeria market, it is obvious that current business trends donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t support that view. How many new meaningful companies came to Nigeria this year? â&#x20AC;&#x153;How many agencies can boast of new good accounts while the year lasted?

I woke up two months ago to visit Berkley Bank office in Lagos, where parents who have children abroad pay school fees, only to find the place under lock and key. The bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liaising office in Nigeria had been closed. I called my account officer and he simply told me I could only do online services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The second one is the prices of commodities that have sky rocketed. A week ago, I called my younger brother in one of the states in the south-east to help me find out the price of rice as I prepared to donate to about 30 widows in my village in line with my annual personal CSR. I was shocked when he told me the price down home was N22, 000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to call on my wife to reach out to her friends in Dalekan market and other places in Lagos to get cheaper prices and ship them to the east. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Above all, Nigeria is one of the toughest countries in the world to do business as we are daily facing infrastructural challenges, especially in the area of power and transportation. All these have negative effect on marketing communication and the economy as a whole because everything is interwoven,â&#x20AC;? Okeke argued.

Also speaking on 2018 and marketing communication businesses, the Publicity Secretary of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), Israel Jaiye Opayemi, admitted that the year has been tough for practitioners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;2018 has been a bit tough for players in the marketing communication industry. The worst part of the story is that the lull in businesses has led to closure of some advertising and Public Relations firms. But beyond that, our people have creatively raced the game this year to be able to serve their clients better despite the challenges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like I keep saying, the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing communications corridor parades some of the best in this part of the world as we have grown so well in capacity, innovation and creativity,â&#x20AC;?

Opayemi stated.

What Okeke and Opayemi painted was a reflection of the thought of an average marketing communication practitioner in the country. Few months ago, the hope was high that engagement of local practitioners by politicians and their parties could be the magic wand as the year approached the end.

They however got the shock of their lives when the news was dropped that both APC and PDP, the leading contenders in the next year â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s election, have started planning to engage foreign agencies.

At the beginning January 2018 ushered in hope for marketing communication practitioners in Nigeria. Knowing well that the economic recession that almost crippled their businesses in the previous years had finally been laid to rest; players in the various fields of marketing foresaw a boom in the New Year. But six months after, the hope is still rising without a clear picture of what the rest of the year would look like.

Another major challenge the industry is yet to overcome is lack of leadership and operational board at the apex regulatory body of the industry â&#x20AC;&#x201C;the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

However, in terms of industry structure and development, there has been tremendous growth in the last six months.

For instance, the advertising community has attracted global recognition with the inauguration of the Nigerian Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), while other sectoral bodies, like NIPR, PRCAN and EXMAN have also instituted various programmes to promote capacity development.

Looking at the last 12 months, Publisher of Marketing Edge, a wholly Marketing Communication publication, Mr. John Ajayi, agreed that it is not yet uhuru for the industry. He told THISDAY that the hope of marketing practitioners that this year would be better has remained hanging.

While blaming the late passage of the budget by the National Assembly for the lull in the economy, he called on practitioners to quickly braze up to attract available opportunities next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is sad, but the reality is that the high expectation in January has become high frustration because things have not moved the way they should be for practitioners. First, the delay in signing the budget into law at the critical period, when it would have been used to invigorate the economy through the real sector cost the marketing industry a lot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things have been tough in the last six months because there is no money in circulation, consumers

purchasing power have reduced while the manufacturing sector, whose activities would have had cumulative impact on the marketing communication has been in comatose,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Impact of the World Cup Beyond growing sales, many brands, especially those with global clouts leveraged on this year â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FIFA World Cup for men that was hosted by Russia, to further strengthen the equity of their brands. While the tournament lasted, a lot of activities by many manufacturers of goods and service providers were geared toward the global competition to boost their brands visibility in the market.

Of course, this also boosted activities in the marketing communication industry since they relied on the industry for conceptualisation of promotional ideas and campaigns.

As a global partner of FIFA since 1978, Coca Cola was not left out this year.

To identify with the Super Eagles of Nigeria and its Nigerian consumers, the global soft drink brand domesticated some of its global campaigns and engaged local marketing communications practitioners for activations. In fact, to promote the ideals and strength of the Super Eagles, both Coca Cola and Pepsi launched ad campaigns ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The campaign for the national team to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup received quite an overwhelming support from global and indigenous brands as well as the Nigerian government. At least, six big brands supported the Nigerian football national team with over N6 billion in its campaign to come out top at the 2018 global football event.

Out of these brands were two major beverage manufactures- Coca-Cola Nigeria and Nigerian Breweries plc, that funded the Super Eagles campaign with over N2 billion.

Other brands that identified with the team and end up boosting activities in the marketing industry are; Hero, Trophy, Multichoice and Amstel Malta.

Outdoor sector In the out-of-home sub sector of the industry, the last one year has been rough. According to industry source,

more agencies have downsized as a result of their businesses that nosedived in the last 12 months.

To say the last 10 years have been difficult for outdoor practitioners is like stating the obvious. Aside facing challenges of multiple taxation and unfriendly rates, the fear of likely takeover of their businesses by foreign firms has remained a recurring decimal.

In Lagos, where they have the largest chunk of their businesses, the challenges have been tougher than other places, especially since 2006 when the state government decided to create a parallel regulatory agency -The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), to rival the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owned Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). Despite efforts by stakeholders to mend the wall between the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and LASAA, the relationship is still a cat and mouse one.

Speaking on the performance of the sub-sector in the last six months, OAAN General Secretary, Femi Ogala, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mince words in stating emphatically that the last two years have remained the worst for out-of-home practitioners.

Ogala didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only blame Lagos State and her agency â&#x20AC;&#x201C;LASAA for double standard; he also condemned the agency for introducing unfriendly payment pattern to frustrate local practitioners. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;For outdoor practitioners, 2017 and 2018 are bad years and nothing have changed, no thanks to LASAA and the Lagos State government that boosted the activities of a foreign firm -JCDecaux Group, at the expense of the local operators. As I speak, major streets in Lagos like Ikorodu road, 3rd Mainland Bridge, Oshodi, Ojota and others have been ceded to the foreign company. Our members are particularly sad because some areas where the state had initially marked untouchable are now being controlled by the company.

Besides, the rates being given to us are not friendly, even after the recent reduction. For Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake, where do you get money to pay when the campaigns are no more running. It is when our works add values to clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; businesses that we will be paid and get money to pay government,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said.

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Aligbe: Media Monitoring Requires Huge Investment in Technology Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Media Monitoring Services Limited, Uche Aligbe, speaks on how monitoring of television commercials and other campaigns are helping businesses to measure the impact of their advertising spending. Raheem Akingbolu presents the excerpts: Before the advent of media monitoring in the Nigeria marketing space, what happened to business values then?

Over the years, brands have been having values but the values are limited. For example when I was in Nestle, we had this programme that was on network and we concluded that if we were sure it was giving us about 60 per cent coverage, we would pay them fully and appreciated their contribution. There was also one cigarette brand in the market that said if it was sure the media was executing its contract up to 70 per cent it would pay them 100 per cent. That is the higher value they were drawing.

Now that monitoring is involved, brands are saying sorry, if I give you a 100 slot for airing and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t air one, I pay you for 99. So nobody is paying 100 per cent for 60 spots anymore. They are paying 99 per cent for 99 spots. That is the value we have brought into the market.

Secondly, in the past, business owners often shoot in the dark. They would hear that their competition was doing this and they moved in that direction without any study or research to rely on. Even marketing people were running around by sales on the ground. The marketing director would say, the competition is doing so much in that market, throw in advertising there.

There is one big company out there, the managing director will wake up in the morning and call the marketing director and say sales in Kaduna is dropping, go and put advert there. He goes and put adverts, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whether the one they put before wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t running or not. He would just order that they put adverts and he would sign the bills for it. After one month or two, the sales pick up.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because of the advert or not he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know but he will call and say we have now started selling, stop it. That is not brand management because you are not managing to sell today; you are managing to keep the life of the brand stronger every time So with this, media monitoring firms are providing the brands with information as to what is happening not just around you but around your competitors on the media and so you can take a proactive step.

To a layman, what is media monitoring all about and how does it relate to the industry?

Like I said, media monitoring as the name implies is concerned about helping clients monitor their spending on campaigns as well as advising them based on information with us on their advertising spending. MMS Group is well over 23 years; we have been around since 1995 just to fill a gap that we saw in the industry. Before then I have been in the marketing field, I was a brand manager of a multinational company, I left as a marketing manager of the company (Nestle) and when we were doing this, we saw a whole lot of gap in what we were doing. There was absence of real data to do what exactly we wanted to do in terms of brand communications.

So we needed to fill it, people didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know exactly what was happening between brands and media in terms of communication and communicating to the public.

Were they communicating? What was going on? Where would the messages pass to the public? How was the public receiving it? How much of the desire of the brand was the media meeting in terms of that communication to their target? It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there. We needed to fill it up because we needed it to do a better job for the brands and for industry as a whole.

So that was the background to it.

Then, it was common to hear people asking whether an ad was ran or not. We were in Lagos, even with branches all over the places, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help. Even in Lagos where we were, with so many channels, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be available to monitor all the channels at the

in existence. We say to them it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not ruining donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put your money there, so they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy. That is the first thing. If they have made the mistake of buying, if they have paid upfront or not, we come in and say sorry no show in this place, we have evidence and it will be reconciled. For the media buyers out there, we provide before and after buying value.

What do you do to ensure 100% compliance?

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ensure 100% compliance because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the machineries to do that. It is the media that will ensure 100% compliance.

In the past we ensure 100% compliance of the time. In the past, when they were not monitored, they would not do anything and take their money, now that there is credible proof with evidence to say you did not do it, things have changed. They have learnt to brace up, to improve overtime. Even the government stations have improved tremendously since we came onboard because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no longer take it or leave it.

Aligbe

same time, meanwhile you were asking all the channels to talk for you.

We were really not sure and we needed to do something to be sure. We tried to do it internally when we were there as manager but it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work. We bought radio sets and gave to staff in the various offices; we ask staff to listen to a particular station for anytime you hear advert for magi. Will you tell such a staff not to go to rest room or attend to something else? If he goes out for few seconds and the ad is run, how do you know? Those are the challenges we faced then.

So when they come and say sir, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear anything, it may not be true. So we needed real evidence and we needed data that we could show as evidence to say yes it did, no it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. This is the proof that it did or it did not. Again, then you would talk to your agency that you learnt your competitions were doing something somewhere in Jos, please find out and feed me back. They come back and say; oh they are doing this and that. How would

Technology has come in, experience has come in and therefore what you see now is sometimes beyond what technology alone will give to you.

So we are at home with technology and we are at home with experience.

Since we are at home for both of them, we have excelled with both of them. Those who knew us so many years ago, if they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been in touch with us and they come in now, they will be surprised with what they are seeing and what is happening

you find out?

They just tell you, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother how we get this information but we got the information, you are not standing on affirmed ground. So, we needed to put something down to be able to be sure of what we were doing. That was how the whole idea started.

Were there modiďŹ cations to the idea with the world going technological now?

Even if the world is not going technological, to be 25 years is to grow old. One has to garner experience and put into the system. As a result of this, we expect lots of improvement even if we were doing it before but I can tell you that a whole lot have changed today. Technology has come in, experience has come in and therefore what you see now is sometimes beyond what technology alone will give to you. So we are at home with technology and we are at home with experience. Since we are at home for both of them, we have excelled with both of them.

Those who knew us so many years ago, if they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been in touch with us and they come in now, they will be surprised with what they are seeing and what is happening.

What is the relationship between media monitoring agencies and media planning agencies?

Let me put it in the simplest way, media monitoring firms provides the pre and post ammunition and artilleries to Media planning agencies to be able to do what they are doing perfectly. For example, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan for a station you really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know it exists. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know much about its airing and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the volume of advertising that is passing through it. In that case, how do you know if it will help your clients to grow their brands?

For example, in the course of our business then, we found out that there were many electronic media outfit in this country that would come on when there is electricity, if there is no electricity, they shut down. Sitting down here, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that, you would think you have given them your material and they are ruining. Also, everybody would believe that an electronic media house television/ Radio owned by government at different levels would be running all the time but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not true.

Besides, there are some stations that would break down for months and they keep quiet and the planner keeps buying into what is not

What is the technology you are using to monitor the various media in the country and what are the methods you use?

Even before technology, we have offices in about 13 locations and now we have offices in about 14 locations. Because whether you have the technology or not, if you sit down in Lagos, there is limits to number of stations you can pick up here no matter the technology. Even with digitalisation, you know the problem that is going on is that media owners are trying to limit the numbers of transmissions. So with that, no matter what you have, if that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come, technology wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pick it, you need to be specific in some locations to be able to pick it.

Now, with technology, we have that spread and we are well equipped in our locations.

What technology is doing for us is that we can go to sleep and technology is working.

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be there to check. All we need known is that there is light. We have top flight and I can tell you that have been replicated in 14 or 16 other locations in this country. Every transmission that comes in here and as it comes in, whatever information we desire to sieve out of it, is done automatically in terms of the grants and basic information.

On services, we have been talking about compliance because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan in the terrain you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. There is what we call competitive advertising services. With it, we tell clients how well they are doing and how well their competitions are doing, not just in terms of numbers but in terms of all the parameters they require to be effective in reaching their audience. Now that we are getting to the end of the year, they are going to do their big plan. The clients are going to say we are appropriating 1billion naira for advertising. Where is the 1billion naira going to come from? You have to rationalise it based on the information.

You want to know how much of advertising went on in various locations and you want to ask yourself what is the competition do in it. You now want to look at it and say I am 20% in the market in terms of market share.

My competition is doing 30% in terms of the media and I am still 20%, they are likely to pick market share from me. I want to step up.

Unless you know this, you can do all these plans as a brand manager. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when you have it as a brand manager and you have the budget that you can plan your spending With huge advertising spending, plus additional media monitoring funding, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you think the client is spending double money?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better to invest 1million naira and get value for 1million naira than to invest N500, 000 and get no value at all. What media monitoring does for you is that without it, every naira you invest, the chances of getting 50 kobo from it are slim.

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Promoting Family Bonding To further connect with its African audience, GOtv has cleverly used its new television commercial to promote family bonding during the festive period and beyond, writes Raheem Akingbolu With feedback and campaigns that identify with Africans connect more with the people than the ones that look and sound foreign, more brand owners have realised the need to speak to consumers in their language. As an African brand, GOtv has consistently remained on this lane, speaking to Africans, in African language by African people.

Aside promoting Africa, GOtvâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently running Television commercial, (TVC) can also be described as a classical example of how to promote a global brand in the local market.

From setting to the cast and the accent, everything looks African and showcases the extended family nature of the continent.

The less than one minute TVC is opened with a young man and his little son. As they enter a super store and bought a GOtv decoder, one sees excitement on the face of the father and son as they match joyfully to the warm embrace of the mother and other members of the family on the street.

With good background music, viewers are reminded that nowhere like Africa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anywhere you go, wherever you be, nowhere like Africaâ&#x20AC;? it is emphasised as the family dances. Aside the messages and illustrations, the words are domesticated to create emotional connection between the brand and the target audience.

The camera shifted to other members of the family, especially the grandparents, who also dance to celebrate as joyful family does.

Here, GOtv is positioned as a unified force as the family later converged in a well-furnished sitting room to watch various programmes on Gotv to celebrate Christmas.

With appropriate setting, music and captivating messages, the TVC plays up the proposition of GOtv as well as speaking directly to the patrons of the brand. To further position the Pay TV company as a family entertainment platform, the creative work touches music, sports, movies and other areas of interest.

The TVC was recently unveiled to further push #FestiveTogether campaign, through which MultiChoice showcase array of content to keep the family together during the festive season.

The campaign offered to treat customers on DStv and GOtv platforms to a memorable festive season.

Tagged #FestiveTogether, it offers specially

curated content on DStv and GOtv while also enjoying discounts on the Explora and HD decoders.

The Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said the offering was for both new and old subscribers.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;All new and existing customers can now purchase the Explora, dish kit with one-month Compact subscription for only N29,900, which was previously N52,100 while the HD decoder, dish kit with one-month Compact subscription will go for only N9,900 from a previous price of N11,900. On GOtv, customers can get GOtv Max package for only N3,200 and enjoy quality TV programming,â&#x20AC;? said According to Mabutho, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The festive season is a great time for family and friends to come together, and we are making those moments extra special with world class content on our

platforms,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He further stated that there would also be a line-up of exciting content such as the special Nigerian Festivals pop-up channel, which features some of the biggest music concerts and shows on the continent including: The Experience, Calabar Carnival, Akwa Ibom Christmas Concert and One Lagos Fiesta.

As a platform that was introduced for the lower segment of the paytv market six years ago, the new set of campaigns are tailored towards consolidating its brand promise and aspiration.

Two years ago, the company came out with a campaign that was conceptualised to further position the Pay TV Company as a family entertainment platform, the creative work touches on Africa Magic, Sports, Movies and other areas of interest. For instance, one

of the campaigns, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TV Wey Go Totori Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was used to celebrate the Africa Magic, which over the years, has reconnected Africans and their culture through indigenous home videos and programmes that focuses on African culture and heritage. Another one, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TV that Gets You Energisedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was deplored to capture the sports channels on the platform. This was also believed to be strategic, considering the positive attitude of Nigerians to sports, especially football. For Nigerians, who have passion for foreign movies, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the third one; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TV that Gets You Gluedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reflected on the international posture of the platform.

Through the campaign, GOtv promoters further showcase their strategy, which ihyperlocal, using local lingo, slangs and landmarks which their audience could relate to because the subscribers and targets are grassroots.

NERC Boss Highlights itel Mobile Empowers In CSR Initiative, Church Effects of Epileptic Power 6000 Supports Less Privileged of noodles, clothes, foodstuffs, Ugo Aliogo will help will increase their love on Economic Growth Kayode Fasua toiletries among others,â&#x20AC;?the for Christ and serve him.

Sunday Okobi and Oluchi Chibuzor The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor James Momoh, has disclosed that the inability of the country to provide uninterrupted access to electricity to all citizens in line with the recommendation of the United Nation Advisory group on Energy and Climate Change has affected the economic opportunities for the poorest to escape poverty.

Momoh, stated this recently at the official lunch of Foluseke Abidemi Somolu Foundation at the University of Lagos, while delivering a lecture titled: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Nigerian Power supply Question: Challenges and Solutionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Lagos.

Momoh said about 1.2 billion people or 17 per cent of the global population had no access to electricity, with 50 per cent of these countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This, he said was one of the reasons why it is impossible to provide adequate health services, schools, clean water, food security and industries to their people.

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The

provision of uninterrupted power by developing countries to its citizens will reduce poverty, increase productivity and promote economic growth, which is the key recommendation by the United Nation Advisory group on Energy and climate change that countries like Nigeria should strive to provide universal access to electricity to all its citizens by 2030. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost all the problems Nigeria faces today are linked to the unsustainable state of our public electricity supply and world commission on sustainable development (WCSD), which the UN authorised to assist third world countries achieve the MDGs, found sustainable electricity to be the missing link between developing countries and the MDGs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The power sector of almost every industrialised country has been positioned to correspondently expand in the wake of ever growing global reliance on electric power, while the power sector of a nation with over 190million people abjectly stuck and hovering around 4000MW.â&#x20AC;?

No fewer than 6000 persons who include rural dwellers, orphans and school children have benefited from the week-long â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Love Always Onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaigns of itel Mobile, as part of the telecommunication outfitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The CSR programme took place in Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Kaduna, with a warm reception in every community visited, a statement by the outfit informed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is hard to find companies that understand the importance of giving back to the communities that define them. For itel Mobile, the essence of taking a bold initiative to provide infrastructural and basic amenities for the communities surrounding the brand has proved to be a vital aspect of its core values and existence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a brand that aims to improve the educational and health system in Nigeria as well as fight hunger/poverty, the itel Christmas â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Love Always Onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaign made a nationwide donation to tackle these social issues in all regions, spreading love to families in various communities with over 500 pieces of pens, 500 pieces of school bags, book materials and water bottles, 400 pieces of pencil-cases, 1000 pieces of tomato paste, over 80 cartons

authorities added.

Commenting on the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CSR campaigns this Yuletide season, Oke Umurhohwo, itelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marketing Communications Manager said:â&#x20AC;&#x153;At itel Mobile, we are proud to be a part of the communities we serve through our involvement in local charities, youth sports, and events that inspire the world. Giving back is an essential part of who we are. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just aim to provide smartphones for everyone but also grow deeper and wider in community outreach in the coming years, touching over a million lives in 2020.â&#x20AC;?

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Love Always Onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CSR campaign train also made stops in several cities, â&#x20AC;&#x153;enriching their lives, and equally putting smiles on their faces.â&#x20AC;?

It made a visit to Nasarawa Orphanage Home, Kano State on December 15, 2018 where foodstuffs and gift items like itel notebooks, water bottles, Christmas shopping bags were shared. As a smartphone brand, itel let the children in the orphanage know the mobile phone and find a way to communicate with the world.

Also, the children at Christabel Kids British International School, Obosi, Anambra State were not left out too on experiencing itelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love at Christmas.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 40, has embarked on the feeding 50 million persons as part of the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) in charge of Prayers Pastor Peter Olawale, â&#x20AC;&#x153;said today is part of the process of reaching out to 50 million people nationwide, who cannot afford what to eat the Christmas season.â&#x20AC;?

He also stated that the aim of the Church was to win souls for the Christ and expand Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kingdom in wining souls for the kingdom, which he noted is the purpose of the initiative.

Olawale explained that as a Church, they believe that they should impact the present generation by definitely helping others, â&#x20AC;&#x153;that is part of the initiative; wherever we go, and wherever Jesus goes He helps people.â&#x20AC;?

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many are out there dying, those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any hope, so we are actually extending our hands to feed and treat them through our medical outreach and through this initiative, this

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This outreach is happening nationwide and every Nigerian is entitled to receive our love.

This initiative is organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). â&#x20AC;&#x153;This initiative has been there for over 30 years, we do it twice in a year, in April during Easter period and December during Christmas period. We believe that is when people will come together to celebrate with their families and they come home, so this is the time to win them for Christ. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are highly discouraged, we are here to tell them that there is still hope for tomorrow and when they fill the impact of what the Lord has done because many are actually looking for solution, but by the time you tell them there is still hope Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Christ, they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel abandoned and rejected, rather they will cling to the Lord Jesus Christ.â&#x20AC;?

In his remarks, the Assistant Provincial Pastor, Lagos Province 40, in charge of CSR Pastor Tony Agah, noted that the church was committed to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people, through building Schools, equipping Laboratories, Skill Acquisition, sanitation of Neighbourhood and other CSR activities.

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

2018: Boko Haram, UN and Journey So Far Kayode Fasua reviews global efforts being championed by the United Nations to save the north-east victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the outgoing year, as well as ways aimed at restoring peace For worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apex humanist body, the United Nations Organisation (UNO), a whooping sum $1.05 billion will be needed to alleviate the suffering of 6.1 million victims of the protracted Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

Despite the grim situation, the people in dire need of life-saving aid in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states-who have either been maimed, marooned, rendered homeless or useless by insurgents, may not be hopeless after all.

The UN said there was still a glimmer of hope for the benighted residents of these states, noting that as of October 31, this year, $607 million (58 percent) of the funds had been received, according to its Financial Tracking Service (FTS).

The UN, whose aid workers also recently fell victim to debilitating attacks from the insurgents, has, in its latest humanitarian report plan, made a passionate appeal to its partners worldwide, which include governments and agencies, to help make up the huge sum for the purpose of 176 projects, to be implemented by 60 humanitarian organisations in these war-torn North-East communities in Nigeria At the approach of the dawn of a new year, however, the humanitarian community mourned the hundreds of thousands of lives lost to the insurgents in Nigeria, even as it counted its recent losses in Saifura Hussaini, Ahmed Khorsa and Hauwa Mohammed Liman, three midwives with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The aid workers were abducted from Rann town, Borno State, on March 1, this year, following a deadly attack by a band of insurgents in which three aid workers were killed. The two aid workers were eventually executed in September and October 2018, respectively.

This attack on the humanitarian community, the UN demurred, violates principled humanitarian response, noting that it would hamper much needed assistance to vulnerable populations in need. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The increase in insecurity and hostilities reported during this period, especially in northern Borno State, has had serious implications on humanitarian operations and the civilian population. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some humanitarian partners have temporarily suspended operations while others have significantly decreased programming in Damasak town, as well as in areas north of Monguno and other parts of northern Borno State. This has left thousands of people without adequate access to humanitarian assistance and medical care. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The United Nations urges parties to the conflict to enable the work of humanitarian workers, facilitate their access to people in need and afford them protection in line with International Humanitarian Law,â&#x20AC;? an impassioned world body appealed.

It, however, in concert with the humanitarian community, was engaging, on a regular basis, with the Nigerian Armed Forces to de-conflict movements towards ensuring that life-saving humanitarian aid could reach the agonising locals, in a safe manner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Civil-military coordination trainings in the field are underway with military officers and humanitarian partners having received training on humanitarian principles and civil-military coordination in a complex emergency environment. The trainings introduce humanitarians and the military to the North-East Nigeria-Specific Guidance, and establish a framework for addressing humanitarian concerns,â&#x20AC;? the UN further observed.

In October this year, over 800 children were reportedly reunited with their parents and caregivers. The kwashiorkor-wracked children were returned by the Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF) and are reportedly getting the needed support.

Additionally, nine girls and 19 boys formerly associated with armed groups were also handed over by the military to the transit centre managed by the Ministry

Buhari

of Women Affairs and Social Development in Borno State, it was gathered. They are also receiving basic education, medical and psychosocial support services.

A Cadre HarmonisĂŠ (CH) analysis of the UN has further indicated that between October and December, this year, 1.7 million people were estimated to be food insecure, and this number is predicted to rise to 2.7 million people soon, save for urgent intervention. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Additionally, recent proxy analysis suggests high levels of deprivation in hard-to-reach areas, where an estimated 823,000 people remain inaccessible to humanitarian actors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nutrition screenings in reception centres for new arrivals reveal that the nutrition situation of children coming from hard-to-reach areas is significantly worse than that of children in areas receiving assistance. Discussions on ways forward for possible operational modalities for a response in hard-to-reach areas are underway,â&#x20AC;? the UN assured.

But despite the concerted efforts by the military and the UN to bring peace to these war-torn parts of Nigeria, a recent shock attack on the Nigerian troop at Metele, Borno State, is widely believed to be worrisome.

A media report had indicated that 113 soldiers were killed in the pre-dusk attack

The increase in insecurity and hostilities reported during this period, especially in northern Borno State, has had serious implications on humanitarian operations and the civilian population

on 157 Task Force Battalion in Borno State, on November 18.

Quoting accounts of top military officers, the report stated that 153 soldiers were missing in action, a week after the attack.

But the military authorities, which though admitted the attacks, said it was not as bad as being portrayed, as its officers and men also repelled the attacking insurgents.

Those reportedly killed included the commander of the battalion, the second-incommand to the commander, the intelligence officer of the battalion and two other officers, besides the soldiers, said to count in dozens.

Sharibu and the Ransom Debate Meanwhile, the plight of Leah Sharibu, the only remaining captive of the Dapchi schoolgirls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram, remains unresolved.

But the Campaign for Democracy (CD) warned the federal government against paying any ransom to secure the release of the only remaining student of Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, that is still being held by the Boko Haram insurgents.

This is even as a newly inaugurated body for student theologians in Nigeria recently pleaded with the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom, to team up with the Federal Government, and free Leah from captivity.

The CD Secretary General, Pastor Ifeanyi Odili, in an interview with THISDAY, said the body had to caution the federal government against the ransom-payment option, following a recent report that the insurgents were demanding a N100bn ransom.

According to him, it is not politically expedient for the government to pay ransom before the girl is released, as this would create a wrong impression before the international community that Nigeria is a trade partner with terrorists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not politically expedient for the Federal Government to pay ransom. And by the way, who are they paying the ransom to? Who is collecting the money when the Federal Government has already professed that the Boko Haram people are faceless characters? So if they now choose to pay ransom, are they paying to ghosts?â&#x20AC;?

Odili added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Besides, this will send a wrong signal to the international community

that Nigeria is now a trade partner with terrorist groups and as such, can no longer be trusted in the global fight against terrorism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When Osama bn Laden and his Al Qaeda group were terrorising the world, why didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the United States government pay ransom to them, even for the people they kidnapped?

Same for other terrorist groups. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indeed, paying ransom is an indictment on our military; that they are weak and incapable of facing the terrorists in battle, and of course, a damnation of the intelligence-gathering ability of our other security outfits.â&#x20AC;?

On humanitarian consideration that the ransom option should be explored to make the hapless girl return home, Odili quipped, â&#x20AC;&#x153;That lady has been kidnapped and that is the fact on ground, and only God can get her out. If God does not want her out, bring all the super powers or pay jaw-dropping ransom, she would still not come out.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we can only do as a country is to work on our security tactics and continue to pray for her, so her fate wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fatal; but to pay ransom, as we might have done in the past, shows that Nigeria is a pro-terrorist nation,â&#x20AC;? he summed.

Meanwhile, the newly elected first chairman of National Theological Students Body, Mr. Okorie Chukwuemeka, has called on the European Union, the United Kingdom and United States of America to provide support for Nigeria in efforts to secure the release Leah Shaibu and others in captivity of the insurgents.

Chukwuemeka, of World Harvest Bible College and Seminary, Calabar, Cross River State, in his inaugural address, demanded that the plight of the girl should be of concern not only to the Christians but to all peoples, countries and organisations of conscience.

In his speech, Okorie said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are concerned because we are students of the Word of God, and we also know that people in captivity have the right to move freely and choose who to worship.â&#x20AC;?

It is estimated that no fewer than 30 people had been killed in the insurgent attacks which reportedly began in 2019 by some Islamist groups gung-ho at capturing power in Nigeria, especially its North-Eastern part.

The dominant unit of the insurgent groups has been Boko Haram, with its touted leader Shekau, featuring periodically in recorded online videos, issuing various threats of annihilation.

But President Muhammadu Buhari recently warned that Nigerians should realise that the military alone cannot stop Boko Haram, calling for concerted effort.

According to him, successful counter insurgency operations required â&#x20AC;&#x153;unity of efforts across multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies, covering political, economic, law enforcement, intelligence and of course the military.â&#x20AC;?

The president had said his vision was to build a stable and prosperous Nigeria that would be the pride of future generations.

But he said this would not be achievable without peace, stability and security; thus urging Nigerians to embrace reforms that will entrench true democracy in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s polity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this regard, we have mobilised relevant agencies and international organisations to support the counterinsurgency effort in order to ensure success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This seminar is quite timely, in that since the outbreak of the Boko Haram crisis in the North East of Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force and indeed the armed forces of Nigeria have been engaged in conducting counterinsurgency operations that have challenged the Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; doctrine, tactics, training, Order of Battle and force protection architecture. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seminars like this are thus, necessary for armed forces like the Nigerian Air Force to draw from the experiences of other armed forces that have either previously or are currently engaged in counter insurgency operations,â&#x20AC;? he observed.

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Examining Role of FG, CSOs in Ogoni Clean-up Ugo Aliogo in this report examines the level of commitment on the part of federal government and Civil Society Organisations in the Ogoni clean-up exercise â&#x20AC;&#x153;What sort of country is this that delights in the killing of its illustrious citizens?

What have I done to deserve death? Only that I spoke the truth and speaking for the rights of my people? If it be that my death my people can be free, Lord allow me to die. Take my soul, but the struggle continues.â&#x20AC;?

These were the agonising words of late Ken Saro-wiwa, one of the charismatic leaders in Ogoniland, River State. He was killed by the Military government of late General Sani Abacha in November 10, 1995, for standing up against environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.

Since the death of Saro-wiwa and nine other Ogonis in the Port-Harcourt prison 23-years ago, the dreams and aspiration of their struggle have not been realised.

It has remained a mirage. Some indigenes of the community have also continued to express displeasure that the requirements and provisions of the Ogoni bill of right have not been fulfilled.

There was also a section of the public who felt the crack in the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) have not allowed the MOSOP to pursue the interest of the Ogoni people. In spite of these, the agitation struggles have continued, like a blazing fire.

Between 2009 and 2010, the federal government in its efforts to address the agitation in the area, embarked on a scientific research. They inaugurated a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to undertake an environmental assessment of Ogoniland.

At a recent advocacy meeting in Lagos, organised to examine the roles of the CSOs and NGOs in the Ogoniland clean-up efforts, the issue was once again brought to the fore, to examine the progresses recorded in the clean-up exercise on the part of the federal government, the oil companies, the challenges faced and key policy recommendations.

Speaking at the event, the Head, Environment and Conservation Centre for Environment Human Rights and Development, (CEHRD), Dr. Kabari Sam, noted that the key issues contained in the UNEP report was that Ogoniland was contaminated and that the contamination has affected livelihood, adding that it has also affected the farming and fishing practices of the people.

He also stated that the report enumerated a lot of social defects as a result of the contamination in the land.

Sam, maintained that what was striking in the recommendations, were the environmental defects, and added that as part of the recommendations of the report, government established Hydro Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

He described HYPREP as a special agency of government mandated to undertake the remediation or implementation of the UNEP report, stating that there were a number of things in the report that the federal government did not do before handling over to HYPREP â&#x20AC;&#x153;and one of such, was the establishment of Ogoni restoration agency.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Government thought of establishing an agency which will have roles in other States. They then decided to setup the Hydro Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) which is HYPREP. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In government understanding that is not an agency, it is a project and so it does not have a legal backing. Therefore, the responsibilities of HYPREP are gazette.

The next government can come and say that HYPREP is not our attention, so they would push it aside and do other things. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In terms of the Ogoni, what we have is the Ogoni bill of right, and environment is just aspect of the bill of right. At the moment, we cannot say that what Ken Sarowiwa and other nine died for is in vain because we are seeing the political will from this present government that they want to clean-up Ogoniland,â&#x20AC;? he noted.

Emergency Measures In the emergency measures, there are eight emergency requirements which were supposed to be implemented quickly.

This was supposed to be in 2012 when the UNEP report was released, but was not implemented, because there was no HYPREP or an agency of government to implement it. Moreover, government was in the process of developing a white paper.

One of the requirements of the emergency measure was the need to ensure that all drinking water wells where hydrocarbons were detected are marked and that people are informed of the danger.

Another requirement centred on the premise that people in Nsisioken/Ogale who have been consuming water with benzene over 900 times the WHO guideline are recorded on a medical registry and their health status assessed and followed up.

On his part, Sam argued that the emergency measure lingered until 2013, when the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration developed its own HYREP which brought in tanks to some communities, distributed some water tanks, but there was no water in those tanks and everything ended.

He remarked that the new HYPREP under President Muhammadu administration embarked on water reticulation, stating that reticulation is about understanding where the pipe passes, the operational conditions of the pipes, if they are they rusty and if the pipes are free for water pass through.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main thing they were supposed to achieve was the provision of potable water in local communities.

So water reticulation could be long-term plan, if you want to provide a sustainable structure for the provision. But while you are doing that there should be a plan to ensure that people will get potable drinking water, so that at least people that are one dose to having cancer, can break that chain and not cancer, because they would now access to potable drinking water. That is also not been done. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the responsibility of government to safeguard lives and property and one of the things you have to do to safe guard lives and properties, is to provide water.

It is basic for people to have access to potable drinking water. So if what you

have to do is to truck water in the short term, to ensure that people have access to potable drinking water, we expected that, that should have been carried out

by HYPREP.â&#x20AC;?

Presently, HYPREP is in the process of developing a very comprehensive work plan for to assist people who are drinking polluted water in the community, â&#x20AC;&#x153;which is one of the emergency measures.â&#x20AC;?

Sam espoused that another emergency measures was supposed to be health, but instead of doing health audit, HYPREP did health outreach.

The Head CEHRD, said the difference between health outreach and audit is that in health outreach, people are diagnosed, if they have malaria; they are provided with malaria drugs, and if they need to be operated, then a surgical operation is provided for them.

He explained that in health audit, you take blood sample from people with a guided plan, then you analyze the blood samples for traces of heavy metals.

He noted that for over a long period of time, the audit would provide an opportunity to diagnose the illness a particular community and the root cause of the illness.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;health audit is not only to test people and find out if they have malaria, you can do health audit to build trust, and you can do it as a community entry.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We supposed to test water in Ogoni land to see if they still contain contaminations. In all polluted sites in Ogoni, were supposed to have to have a signboard stating donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drink, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t swim, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use this water even for washing. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have that in place; we only have a few communities where the previous HYPREP previous HYPREP posted some of those billboards.â&#x20AC;?

Current situation of the Ogoni Cleanup In terms of the current situation in the Ogoni cleanup efforts, Sam explained that HYPREP has awarded the cleanup contracts to 21 firms on October, 2018.

He added that 13 sites in the first phase were apportioned into 21 lots, pre-qualified for the clean-up were over 100 companies, and there is need for development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

He further stated that the remediation work ensures that HYPREP would carry out the clean-up in two phases in order to address 26 sites in these phases.

He urged the media to ensure that they provide the public with the profile of the 21 companies which HYPREP awarded the contracts to, noting that the magnitude of contamination in Ogoniland is not something that is awarded to a first timer, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is not clean-up, it is remediation, it is what you demonstrate capacity to do.â&#x20AC;?

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The clean-up is in three phases. The UNEP report stated that it is going to take 25-30 for us to achieve the clean-up. HYPREP is not doing clean up, but because of the name tag we call it clean up. What they should be doing is remediation and restoration. In terms of remediation, HYPREP has not started remediation, and clean up. They have given contracts to 21 firms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The media should do a profiling of those companies to see their abilities and capacities. There are a lot of things indigenous companies can do such as demonstrating capacity in remediation projects before they are given remediation projects. Before now, there was a pilot site where HYPREP said if you have the technology come and pilot it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People took the bills of doing that and when they did that, they formed an association of those that did piloting because they had to protect their interests. They had to ensure that the contracts got to them because they had done the contract and had incurred costs in piloting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those were conditions which HYPREP also considered. What is the probability of dig and dump? it is even more than one because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have where to take the wastes to, so it is a serious problem.

Once they start the remediation in January, you have to build a site where you take the wastes to. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a serious problem. In the UNEP report, they recommended an integrate management centre and that centre was supposed to be built, but HYPREP was planning for governing council and board of trustee; so that by time you are done with your structures, you want to start the clean-up, there is a well prepared environment that take the waste. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The centre will at least 18 months to build and that is when we want to import everything. If we want to patronise local industries to fabricate some of the parts, it will be double the 18 months period. The media should ask for HYREP work plan.â&#x20AC;?

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Building Sustainable Niger Delta At the end of the seventh edition of the Niger Delta Development Forum, Edo and Abia States emerged winners for producing the long-term development planning reports Ugo Aliogo The commitment to build sustainable future for the Niger Delta, is one that requires an accelerated development strategic plans in the long term. This commitment requires the concerted efforts of state actors, private sector players and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) stakeholders to drive a development focus blue print. Government cannot solely drive the development efforts of the region. There is need for creating good policy direction through multi-stakeholder approach.

At the seventh edition of the Niger Delta Development Forum, organised annually by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) recently with the theme: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Delivering Results: Executing a State-Led Plan,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a platform was created for stakeholders to brainstorm, engage in peer-to-peer learning, collaborate and share ideas geared towards improving governance and advocacy in the region.

The event which was organised with support from the European Union (EU), Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE), Department for International Development (DFID), and Faculty for Oil Sector Transformation (FOSTER), to Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI), was aimed at building on the successful engagement of the previous year.

The 2017 edition was aimed at an objective to strengthening skeletal road maps developed by the various States and helping to tailor strategic approaches to local realities.

The event featured plenary sessions focused on harmonising strategies for impact, sustaining a strategic vision between governments, implementing state-led development in the region, and where the private-sector may be involved especially in state-led development planning.

In his welcome address, the PINDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Director, Dr. Dara Akala, lauded the foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development partners, and friends from the media and civil society for their support, noting that the first edition of the forum took place at exactly the same venue back in 2012.

He also stated that the 2018 edition of the forum was focusing on development planning as way of consolidating on the resolutions reached in the previous year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The purpose really is for us to harmonise and discuss key development issues, and what we are always trying to achieve is to influence government policies of the region, to foster partnerships through this forum, and to attract investment into the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do know that there is a school of thought that believes that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need plans, that it is not plan that is our problem, it is execution. But we simply defer from that. We need execution no doubt; but we also need very clear, comprehensive and coherent plans that will underpin development efforts at the subnational level in Nigeria and, in particular, in the Niger Delta region,â&#x20AC;? he noted.

He added that there are various agendas in States, noting that what is often missed is long-term strategic plan that would transcend the life of any administration, â&#x20AC;&#x153;that is where we want to get the States to be.â&#x20AC;?

One of the unprecedented achievements of the forum, in comparison with all six previous editions, was the long-term development planning pitching competition which had seven States of the region engage in a battle of ideas. The participants included Edo, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

Top government officials from the states were invited to pitch their statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; longterm roadmaps for human and economic development, alongside development experts and key stakeholders. They provided well-thought-out conclusions on how best to approach the issue of sub-national development planning.

In order for development to be based on fresh ideas and achieved at a swift pace, it

Dickson

was agreed that there is need to actively involve young minds in development planning processes steered by government.

After various deliberations on the presentations by the state representatives about their visions, cross-sector opportunities and challenges, it was observed that the plans generally did not align with budgetary realities and fiscal policies. It was also noted that political support at every strata of governance was critical to both the formulation and implementation of development projects.

The forum recommended through a communiquĂŠ issued at the end of the forum that states in the region should maximise available options for revenue mobilisation to achieve sustainability and should direct attention to creating, mining and collecting relevant data.

The communiquĂŠ was signed by Akala, Team Leader of Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE), Tunde Oderinde, and Team Leader the EU Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP) Kingsley Fossu.

It is the responsibility of government to safeguard lives and property and one of the things you have to do to safe guard lives and properties, is to provide water.

It is basic for people to have access to potable drinking water

The stakeholders at the forum observed that there is need to include young people in the process of development planning to pool fresh ideas and radical thoughts that will drive economic development.

They explained that the participation of citizens generally is equally crucial, in order to drive the allocation of resources and implementation energy to where they are most needed.

According to document, for plans and budgets to be effectively implemented in the Niger Delta, â&#x20AC;&#x153;political buy-in is extremely criticalâ&#x20AC;?, borrowing a leaf from the current practice in Lagos and other States.

The stakeholders also observed the need for clarity on projected outcomes and the constant monitoring and evaluation of plans.

According to the stakeholders: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Niger Delta States need to commence meaningful discussions about inter-state integration within the region; for instance, regarding how to ensure transportation linkages through the water ways, rail connectivity and exploration of deep sea potentials. â&#x20AC;&#x153;State-led development plans should be linked to global goals like the sustainable development goals, regional development efforts, and others which would focus particularly on education and the environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;More highly-effective organisations like PIND with strong convening power need to pool regional players into the discourse, reviews for the design, development, execution and monitoring for a collective Niger Delta regional competitiveness.â&#x20AC;?

The expert participants, panellists and government representatives also encouraged States to improve on honouring agreements in order to be more attractive to investors, both local and international, and to promote good governance.

Speaking on the performances of the various states, one of the judges, Mrs. Aniagolu-Okoye, lauded the participants and noted that all the presentations were impressive and well-researched. She advised the various governments to prioritise their policies wisely, while also paying attention to how the civil service and civil society

may help in executing noted plans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that the states pay attention to their comparative advantage. I know that, if you are a state government, there are so many competing interests.

Ask yourself what are the three things that if you do, you will be able to catalyse development; for instance, electricity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of the plans we heard were really quite external; they were not looking internally. We should ask: How do restructure the civil service to be able to deliver on the plans because part of the reasons our plans have not worked so far is because the structure to deliver them are very weak,â&#x20AC;? she noted.

At the end of the competition, Edo and Abia States were declared winners, while Ondo and Akwa Ibom were runners-up.

On his part, the PIND Executive Director observed that all states are winners, noting that through their attendance and active participation, they learnt massively.

He added that new linkages across the States have also been brokered such that the officials are beginning to interact and see what they can achieve together. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This whole process is not a winnerstake-all game. It is true that we shall support those two states, Edo and Abia State, with partners at the same level we supported Cross River State government; but we will still find ways through which we can provide some assistance or the other to these other states also, depending on their level of interest and willingness to take things forward,â&#x20AC;? he noted.

The responsibility has been given to the state governments and the next step behoves on them. They may decide to do little or nothing, allowing the golden opportunity to pass untapped.

However, it is hoped that this may turn out to be the opening chapter to a new Niger Delta, where nothing is arbitrary and every action is both pragmatic and strategic.

A region that plans decades ahead and looks to the future of astonishing results. A region where there are abundant resources available for all classes of people and where â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a reality locked in the past.

5 ) * 4 % ": t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

36

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Anorexia Nervosa: The Model’s Disease While maintaining a slim body, especially in the beauty industry, has generally been termed healthy and acceptable, many models and aspiring models have taken the body-goal too far by starving themselves and depriving their body of essential nutrients; a growing psychiatric condition known as Anorexia nervosa. Martins Ifijeh writes on how this can be prevented and managed

F

or a booming and lucrative career, many models or aspiring models have had to do bizarre things to keep the dream alive. For some, engaging in surgical conditions to either reduce or increase some body parts is the key. Others have had to deny themselves of having babies for fear of losing the body goal they have built over time.

But there are some who have taken the dream from bizarre to the ridiculous. They deny themselves of eating and the intake of essential nutrients. To them, the more you starve and get slimmer, the more you look sexy and beautiful.

Unfortunately, this desire by models, socialites, dancers, journalists and other category of persons constantly in the public glare (including older women) to look like the super models they see on television and magazines, gradually makes them acquire a psychiatric disorder, that has to do with lack of food intake at the expense of their health and physiologic look.

This growing medical condition in developed and developing countries, including Nigeria, is referred to as Anorexia Nervosa. Overtime, these girls and women become slimmer as though they are sick, with majority losing their once beautiful faces, flesh and figures.

Reports from Glamour Magazine suggest that the average American female values being slim than acquiring success or love, with majority trying their hands on starvation to achieve this, and then within space of months or years, develop the psychiatric disorder.

In the early 2000s, it was known to be uncommon among non-western population, but recently, it has been a rising condition among young women in Nigeria and Africa at large, who wants to remain slim and trendy or who prefers to major in modeling.

Disorder In an interview with THISDAY, a United State based Nigerian Public Health Expert, Edward Okobi said Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder in which the sufferer develops habit of not eating in order to lose weight whereas in the real sense he or she is already slim.

While emphasising that the condition is more of a woman’s disease than a man’s, he said the disorder can get to the extreme, such that the person even starts taking purgative and then forces herself to vomit all the food eaten because she sees herself as fat.

Okobi, however said that it might not be a common case in Nigeria, but since the country does not have a good data/ information archive, it might be hard to tell its prevalence.

“Also especially due to the fact that most women who may be suffering from it in Nigeria really don’t see it as a big deal, since they may not even tell if they are ill or not, as some of them sees it as just not wanting to eat.”

While emphasising that Anorexia nervosa is curable, he said eating healthy, exercising, avoiding risky behaviours can help anyone in achieving his or her desired body goal.

Real Life Experiences One prominent model-cum-journalist that has been hit by the model’s disease is the once most beautiful TV presenter in Greece, Nana Karagianni. Till date, she is still very famous as a Greek Model. She has been suffering from anorexia nervosa for some time now and her condition has put other models and aspiring models on their feet after watching Nana turn into an unrecognisable woman.

Another aspiring model who decided to share her story with the rest of the world is the 21 years old creative writer, Katie Metcalfe. She suffered from Anorexia nervosa because she felt living a perfect life was all about how slim and trendy ones’ body can be.

“My battle with anorexia started when I was

Nana, before and during the illness

14. My situation at the time was unusual: I was at a Rudolf Steiner school in Botton Village, in a class with several boys. The pressure of being the only girl with hormone-raging teenagers was enormous. I had no self-confidence, and my body became a focus of paranoia.

“Stress in my life multiplied when my parents told me there was trouble in their marriage.

In addition, we were about to move out of the house. Nothing in my life seemed to be right. So I started to think that perhaps if I lost some weight and improved my fitness, things would change for the better. I assumed that models and thin people had fantastic lives so I could too.

“I made a new year’s resolution to go on a diet, so I began to restrict my eating. I cut out fats, carbs and dairy, and lived on rice cakes, apples and lettuce. As I began to lose weight, I started to feel that life was worth living. At last, I seemed to be achieving something. A voice began to whisper in my ear to continue, and as I lost more weight, it became louder.

Eventually, it was all I could hear. Nothing mattered more than satisfying the voice’s need for weight loss and, ultimately, perfection.

Since it is a psychiatric problem, most sufferers may not accept the fact that they are sick, however, people around them can check for the signs in order to take such persons to the appropriate medical centre for treatment

“My weight dropped from 8.5st to under five st. My hair fell out, my skin cracked and bled, my bones ached and my menstrual periods stopped. I was also cycling between 13km and 24km a day to satisfy anorexia’s need for exercise. But I still didn’t believe I was thin enough. When I looked in the mirror, a mound of blubber stared back. My mum took me to the hospital when my periods stopped, but they sent me home with a diet sheet, which said I must try to eat more.

“Eventually, I collapsed and ended up in the hospital after having a minor heart attack while riding my bike. I was kept on a heart monitor for two days. I was sent home with another diet plan with the simple instruction: ‘eat’.”

Metcalfe’s doctor realised she needed help.

She was admitted to a psychiatric ward in a hospital in Middlesbrough, where she stayed for the next nine months. Her treatment involved cognitive therapy sessions once a week and she gradually started to eat small amounts of food again.

She said: “My recovery was slow. What really helped to pull me through was writing and the consistent support from my family.

I started to write about my experiences and realised that I wanted to recover so I could help others who were battling with the same problem. I gradually got better and went back home the day before my 16th birthday.

“I have had a couple of relapses, but five years on I am fully recovered, with few long-lasting effects. Although, I have been diagnosed with the early stages of osteoporosis, my menstrual periods have come back, so I can have children. I still feel depressed at times, but writing about it helps me get over it. I eat healthily and exercise for pleasure, not punishment.

“My book, A Stranger in the Family, has been published and I am about to start a university degree. A few years ago, I would never have imagined that. If you’re going through what I went through, you must talk about how you are feeling to your parents, friends or doctor, no matter how insignificant

you believe your issue might be. It’s vital to express depressive feelings because things only get worse if you bottle them up, and this can lead to major health problems.

“Aim to live every day as though it is your last and not submit to anorexia. Try to defeat anorexia before it defeats you. Always remember that help is out there.”

Low Prevalence in Nigeria A psychiatrist with Goodnews Neurological Centre, Benin, Dr Amos Ogbejiele, said although the prevalence was low in Nigeria, many young Nigerian women were already reported to have presented classical features of it, with many other young women not accessing healthcare, probably due to lack of awareness.

He said: “Anorexia nervosa often presents an unreal self image that alter how the affected individual evaluates and thinks about their body, food, and eating. Such people view themselves as overweight or “big” even when they are already underweight in the real sense.

“Since it is a psychiatric problem, most sufferers may not accept the fact that they are sick, however, people around them can check for the signs in order to take such persons to the appropriate medical centre for treatment.”

Symptoms Ogbejiele listed some of the symptoms as “sudden weight loss, enjoying cooking for others, but not eating the food themselves, absence of menses, rapid mood swings and always complaining of being cold.

“Though there are so many other symptoms, but these ones are about the most prominent, so when noticed in a person, the ideal thing is to take them to the hospital so that they can be treated,” he added.

As public health experts continue to enlighten the world about the consequences of being overweight, obese or underweight, the message has always been to remain healthy. No body-goal is worth more than the health of that body.

Health and Lifestyle is wishing our esteemed readers a blissful 2019 in advance.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

37

NEWS

Yellow Fever: Obaseki Gets Vaccinated, Leads Campaign against Disease in Edo r'( QSPWJEFT NJMMJPO EPTFT PG WBDDJOF Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged residents of the state, aged between nine months to 59 years, to ensure they take the yellow fever vaccine, to inoculate themselves against the disease.

This is just as the state government took delivery of three million doses of vaccine from

the Federal Ministry of Health in response to the yellow fever outbreak in the state.

The governor gave the charge when he led members of the state Executive Council (EXCO) on a vaccination campaign in Benin City, at the end of the weekly EXCO meeting at the Government House, in Benin City.

Addressing journalists after he was vaccinated, he said the yellow fever vaccination

campaign was ongoing across the 18 local government areas of the state, urging residents to ensure they are vaccinated against the ailment.

Commending the Federal Ministry of Health for the prompt response to the disease outbreak in the state, he said the state government has provided logistics to get the vaccine to every part of the state, especially where outbreak of the disease was recorded.

“We had the unfortunate incident of yellow fever outbreak in some parts of the state a couple of weeks ago. It is a deadly aliment.

Within a short period, we lost a number of persons. It is highly preventable; all you need is to be vaccinated against the virus.

“I just got vaccinated; it doesn’t hurt. Once you take a dose, you are vaccinated for life,” he assured.

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole (m); Regional Director, Africa Resource Centre, Azuka Okeke (7th rght); and other stakeholders during a meeting on the Warehouse Visibility and Governance Project assessment criteria, held in Abuja recently

Harmattan: Health Expert Recommends 100% Fruit Juice Martins Ifijeh A health and wellness advocate, Dr. Bisi Abiola, has urged Nigerians to embrace consumption of 100 per cent fruit juice in order to reduce dehydration in this harmattan season.

Abiola, during the December edition of Chivita -sponsored health and wellness dialogue, also warned against indulging in excess sugar consumption during the yuletide.

She advised individuals to take pure fruit juice instead, as it is healthy and highly nutritious.

According to the health and fitness expert, the dustiness and coarseness associated with harmattan in most parts of the country, calls for increased intake of pure fruit juice as an essential survival strategy for both adults and children.

She noted: “Quite often, we talk about celebration without

considering the fact that you can only have fun when you are healthy. What is your nutritional objective as Christmas and the New Year approaches?

“Of course, this is a season of indulgence, but as a healthconscious individual, you must select your meals and drinks with your overall nutritional goal in mind. And I think pure fruit juice is definitely the way to go.”

Abiola also urged individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle to help reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and heart diseases.

She said balancing one’s diet with pure fruit juice consumption could reduce the severity in the case of individuals who are suffering from such challenges.

“The available evidence relating to 100 per cent fruit juice consumption indicates

modest benefits for blood pressure, while there is also an emerging trend revealing inverse associations between 100 per cent fruit juice consumption and risk of stroke.

“Overall, this suggests that 100 per cent fruit juice is an appropriate choice of beverage for a heart healthy diet,” she stressed.

Abiola said that orange juice contains both vitamin C and flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants, and that drinking could “neutralise the inflammatory stress generated by the unhealthy meal and help prevent blood vessel damage”.

She continued: “One eightounce glass of orange juice gives you at least 100 per cent of the recommended daily value for vitamin C. “Vitamin C is an important antioxidant. It can help to neutralise free radicals formed as part of the body’s natural

oxidation processes.

“Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables is a recognised way to maximise the ingestion of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant nutrients.

“For one, the different flavours of Chivita 100 per cent have become important sources of vitamins and minerals and are readily accessible all year round.

“Also, clinical studies reveal several mechanisms relating to vascular health, inflammation, lipid oxidation and platelet aggregation that could explain a benefit for 100 per cent fruit juices in lowering CVD risk.

“Polyphenol compounds and potassium in fruit juices are most likely responsible for these effects. In fact, more than a decade’s worth of research suggests that 100 per cent fruit juice can help support a healthy heart.”

Coalition Condemns GMOs, Says NBMA Prioritises Money over Health of Nigerians Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations recently protested against the release of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into the Nigerian markets, while also accusing the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) of prioritising money over the health of Nigerians.

The coalition also called for the nullification of the permits already granted by the biosafety agency for dealings with genetically modified products in Nigeria. The coalition which comprises Health of Mother Heart Foundation (HOMEF), Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Food Sovereignty Coordinator Friends of the Earth Nigeria and Africa, GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance and Bio-Integrity and Natural Food Awareness Initiative, said Nigeria should be circumspect about technologies that aim to contaminate the natural varieties.

The protesters carried various placards such as; ‘GMOs not on our plate, Ban it; ‘Stop the contamination, Ban GMOs; ‘Silence is Betrayal, say no to GMOs; ‘Food should not be grown in laboratory; ‘No to gene drive, Nigerians reject GMOs’, among others.

Speaking, the Executive Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo BASSEY, said that GMOs have found their way into the country either as illegally imported products or with the approval of the NBMA. According to him, “a recent market survey varied out in 10 Nigerian cities by HOMEF confirms the presence of over 30 imported products, most of which were cereals and vegetable oils of genic engineering in our market shelves.”

He lamented that NBMA approved nearly every application brought to it without proper safety assessments, due consideration of public opinion or the impact of proposed activities or of the concerns raised by the public.

Bassey stated, “the agency promoting GMOs are doing it without any sort of control. The agency sees itself as a revenue generating agency.

“They are more concerned about the fees for application and if you want a fast track consideration for your application, the pay is slightly higher, this shows that this is a commercial entity.

“When you listen to the

leaders too, you will see that they speaking from the both sides of the mouth. We don’t have the assurance that they are protecting our environment, that they are concerned about our health and that they are really have the best interest of Nigerians at heart.”

The coalition therefore called for a halt to the assault on the country’s agriculture through genetic modification of staple crops and a halt on negotiations towards adoption of gene drives.

Meanwhile, African women farmers under the aegis of Kilimanjaro Women Initiative have called on African Head of States to urgently reduce the influence of GMOs on rural women farmers agro process.

The rural women farmers also decried the negative effects of GMOs on the land and health of women farmers.

A member of the Kilimanjaro women steering committee, Ms. Tiwonge Gondwe, while reading the communique at the end of a-two meeting of the second anniversary of the Kilimanjaro initiative held in Abuja and organised by Oxfam Nigeria, International Land Coalition, Action Aid and Women in Law and Development in Africa, decried lack of access to local and international market.

She also lamented inadequate political will of government in African regions to invest and provide rural women farmers with gender friendly infrastructure and equipment.

Also, the Chairperson of Kilimanjaro Women steering committee, Mrs. Ejim Lovelyn, explained that GMO seed contaminates the land, adding that you can’t plant any organic seed again on a land where you have planted GMOs. She said, “Any soil that you plant any GMO seed, no matter what you do, you cannot repeat that same seed again on that land. If you plant it once, the life span has gone.

You cannot replant it and for us it is not good. Again, you cannot plant any other organic seed there again because GMOs contaminate the soil.

On health implications, Ejim said, that “it has been proven to be cancerous and most of the times, the post harvest loss we use to have is as a result GMO seed because our indigenous seed suffers a lot. So, most of the times post harvest loss over weighs what you feel you have gained.”

“Without M-PMA, they will die before their second birthday.

Babies only have the chance to be tested to know if they are positive or not in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is one of the countries that still have a long way to go to reach the standard 24 per cent. In other countries, it is up to 78 per cent and we are trying to close that gap.

“The objective is to achieve a 90:90:90 ratio. 90 per cent of people with HIV should know their status. 90 per cent of

people who know their status should be placed on treatment.

While the last 90 per cent is to ensure that the treatment works and transmission is reduced.

“The third 90 per cent is just 24 per cent in Nigeria and other countries have achieved that and even more; for example, Botswana.

“M-PMA is able to pull out the virus if it is already in the child because the antibodies are already there.”

HIV: Infants’ Survival Rate Now Above 90% Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The survival and life expectancy rate of infants who have tested positive to the HIV/AIDS virus has been increased with over 90 per cent, thereby increasing the chances of Nigeria towards achieving the global 2030 target, which is expected to bring the menace to a considerable halt.

So far, Nigeria has been able to achieve only 24 per cent of the 90:90:90 ratio which

stands for knowing of status, treatment and ensuring that treatment works and transmission is reduced.

Global Product Director for HIV and TB, Abbot, Dr. Rachel O’shea who stated this at the just concluded African Science Laboratory Medicine conference in Abuja, said Nigeria’s partnership with Abbot, a global donor, has created a pathway for the M-PMA point of care technology, which focuses on infants.

She said this new technology, which has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), has proven to improve patient care and has the ability to detect the presence of HIV in women, especially children born with the virus.

She lamented that Nigeria was one of the countries that still has a long way to go in reaching the standard, adding that only 24 per cent of babies have the chance to be tested to know their status.

While reiterating that Abbot was for testing and not for treatment, O’shea said it was one of the largest testing organisations well known for HIV test, which will be expanded in the country based on the regulatory policies of the government.

She said: “M-PMA focuses on newborn babies. It speaks to the diagnosis of infants with HIV. If they have been found to test positive, they can start receiving ante retroviral drugs.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

INTERVIEW

Njan: Nigeria Needs Poison Control Centres At the maiden edition of the Nigeria Society for Toxicological Sciences, Conference in Abuja, it’s Secretary General, Dr. Anoka Njan, in an interview with Jonathan Eze, said Nigeria needs to be proactive in handling poison related matters by establishing centres all over the country. He also spoke about other sundry issues. Excerpts: What is your assessment of the maiden of NSTS Conference?

The conference has reinforced our conviction at Nigeria Society for Toxicological Sciences (NSTS) that a lot still needs to be done in sensitising Nigerians on the subject of poisoning. It has also informed people on the existence of a society with expertise to proffer lasting solutions to these issues in collaboration with government.

What are the benefits of the scientific conference to the larger society?

To our members, it was a time to reunite and learn from each other. It is very important for us to continue to educate and train folks who appreciate the challenges confronting us as a nation today, to evaluate and limit prevalent risks in Nigeria to prevent harm.

This is the essence of the science or indeed the “art” of Toxicology. To the academic community, it was an opportunity for us to demonstrate pure and advance science in the field of toxicology. For the local and global community, it showcased the toxicological challenges being experienced in Nigeria and the proposed ways to handle them with minimal or no consequences to public health and environment.

What does this portend for the economy?

The economy of any progressive nation is based on sound policies, and these policies are made based on good scientific data from rigorous and thorough research. An important outcome of toxicology research is the assessment and management of a defined risk to health and the environment, a key component of economic viability of any nation. Toxicological processes are used to establishing chemical and other toxic exposures safety and/or defining exposure guidelines to protect human and environmental health. These guidelines should be applied to making good policies for a robust economy.

How does NSTS intend to impact on the common man?

NSTS objective is to use the influence of science to predict what, and how chemicals may cause harm and then share that information for use in the protection of public health.

We have developed an app called “Repotox” that can be used by anybody and from anywhere in the country to report exposure to any sort of toxicant including industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, snake bite, stings, herbal products etc. at no cost. The app is easy to use and can be downloaded from the society’s website.

The information will be processed by our members while solutions on how to remedy and prevent future occurrence will be made available to the sender and the public at large for their protection and that of the environment.

What is the corporate membership and value proposition for businesses?

The NSTS is a non-for-profit organisation open to corporate organisations with interest in joining forces with us in keeping Nigeria safe from exposure to toxicants using data from sound science. Corporate membership allows companies or organisations to gain exposure to industry leaders, access to standards and technological resources, while also providing for them opportunity to showcase innovations in the area of safety during our events.

What are the insights from the plenary session on ‘Tobacco Harm Reduction’?

The session on “Tobacco Harm Reduction” was well deliberated. We had a presentation from an international speaker on this topic and a lot of scientific data was presented.

The translational research strategy at

Njan

Philip Morris International (PMI), made a presentation titled “Non Clinical and Clinical Assessment of Tobacco Heating System (THS), with claims that the totality of scientific assessment, (both clinical and nonclinical), a result of in-depth research done by the company till date, has the potential for harm reduction.

His presentation also claimed that the THS has given rise to what he described as Reduced Risk Products (RRP), on the rationale that they go through ‘heat’ not ‘burn’ to produce the feel of smoking. The scientific claim in Dr Elamin’s presentation is that “the absence of combustion results in a decreased number of toxicants in the aerosol as compared to conventional cigarette.”

These claims got the scientists in the room thinking and so lots of questions were raised by participants and discussions were made based on scientific judgments.

Part of what makes the discussion of interest to us as body of researchers is that individuals have been using tobacco for centuries, with tangible scientific evidence that tobacco is harmful to health. So to encounter any scientific data presented to show that this harm or injury caused by tobacco can be reduced ignited thoughts and robust conversation. This is the beauty of science.

How do you explain this to the layman on the street?

First, as a scientist in the health sector, I want to make it clear tobacco is dangerous, based on abounding scientific evidence.

It is better not to smoke at all or quit smoking if you are already a smoker. But NSTS as body of knowledge is interested in the science, the data that claim that harm in tobacco can be reduced, especially for current smokers who choose to continue smoking and the environment they affect would have to be interrogated scientifically. NSTS is concerned with evidence based approaches in reduction of injury caused by exposure to toxicants in our environment, with a view to making this information available for the protection of public health.

How will the NSTS ensure global collaboration Every genuine toxicology society all over the globe must be registered with IUTOX, because it is the umbrella society for all toxicology institutions in the world, hence the name “International Union of Toxicology”. Nigeria’s NSTS is one of four members of this international body in Africa including South Africa, Egypt and Cameroon. We have collaborations with IUTOX and her member societies all over the world in the areas of human and scientific information sharing.

Since every country/region has its own peculiar toxicological challenges, information is shared to member societies

globally for exchange of ideas on ways to proffer solutions to these challenges.

These collaborations are part of what makes NSTS strong.

What do we expect from NSTS in the short to midterm?

Nigerians should expect answers to all poisoning concerns or questions of public interest from NSTS. For example, the simple issues like consumption of contaminated fish or food stuff or exposure to contaminants, we should be able to take sample, analyse it, and inform the public on proffered solutions. In simple terms, NSTS should be the National sentinel for toxins and poison awareness to the public.

One of the problems we have is that government treats poisoning as a disease.

For example, they wait until there are poisoning episodes like the Zamfara and Niger lead poisoning incidence before any form of action to mitigate it. Most times, government adopts a fire brigade approach by rushing to the site for a couple of months to manage the outbreak, without implementing corrective measures to address the root cause in order to forestall a reoccurrence.

What we need as a country are poison control centers that will be in charge of poisoning outbreaks before many lives are lost or even before they occur. The center should normally have a Toxico-vigilant department.

EmP wer

5 ) * 4 % ": t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Improving Nigeria’s Electricity Supply IndustryThrough Public Education Vol. 2. Issue 19 December 26, 2018

NIGERIA

Socio-economic Implication of Electricity in Nigeria

Background

Electricity plays a critical role in the daily life of most people in today’s world. From the cars we use for transportation; to the phones we use for communication; to the computers we use for education, work, and health services; the significance of electricity in the history of socio-economic development cannot be overemphasized.

State of Electricity Supply in Nigeria It is no news that the state of electricity supply in Nigeria is a deplorable one. The Spectator Index of the world’s worst electricity supply in 2017 ranked Nigeria as the second worst nation in power supply after Yemen. Grid connected customers are mostly without power supply for about half of the time in a year.

Electricity Supply & Nigeria’s Social-Economic Development Socio-economic development is simply the process of social and economic development in a society. It is measured with indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), life expectancy, literacy and levels of employment. One common factor that determines the state of each of these indicators is the level of sustainable electricity supply.

Nigeria’s socio-economic development is strongly linked to electricity supply. On the positive side, using the coming of mobile telephony into Nigeria since 2001 as an example, its impact on socio-economic development especially in terms of security, commerce, entertainment and communication are huge. However, on the negative side, using state of industrial growth, it is clear that a lot of industries have closed down over the years due to poor electricity supply leading to loss of jobs.

The industrial sector is the engine of economic growth and the performance of an industrial sector depends on sustained and efficient electricity supply.

According to the Federal Government’s Economic Growth and Recovery Programme (ERGP), the energy sector is fundamental to development across all other sectors of the economy; and government plans to optimize the delivery of at least 10 gigawatts (10,000 megawatts) of operational power capacity by 2020 to boost economic activity across all sectors and improve the quality of life of the citizenry.

6RFLDO %HQH̨WV RI $GHTXDWH (OHFWULFLW\ 6XSSO\ Electricity supply - especially in rural areas - significantly impacts education, health, safety & security, entertainment and communication, comfort and protection, convenience, and productivity.

A lack of household electricity supply means households cannot study or work under bright artificial lights, use electric fans for relief from often relentless heat, or use basic appliances such as televisions or refrigerators. It also means that women cannot improve their productivity and access the labour market as their time is spent sourcing firewood to cook. Poor electricity supply also affects health services as the supply of immunization materials needed in most rural communities is often limited due to lack of capacity to keep them refrigerated. Therefore, the presence of electricity supply is of significant social benefit.

(FRQRPLF %HQH̨WV RI $GHTXDWH (OHFWULFLW\ 6XSSO\ The economic impact of electricity supply cannot be downplayed, especially in the context of rural community development. Having good electricity increases the likelihood that a household will run a home business and also affects the amount of time spent running it. Such businesses include minishops, mills, welding shops, barbershops, etc. Even though these businesses may be small, the extra income can significantly affect a family’s economic welfare.

Source: Interesting Facts About Electricity!!! http://www.gkfacts.in/2013/03/interesting-facts-about-electricity.html Communities and Economic Clusters A good example of the socioeconomic impact of electricity supply on a community is the popular mii-grid electrification project in Bisanti, Niger State. Green Village Electricity (GVE) Company Ltd. designed a rural electrification scheme to provide clean and reliable energy to off-grid rural communities in Nigeria. In 2015, GVE in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Bank of Industry Nigeria (BoI), and the Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers (IEEE) installed a 40 kWp solar mini-grid pilot project in Bisanti, Niger State.

Using a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) revenue collection system, the project supplies power to all 200 households in the community. It also ensures safety for women and children.

Shops and businesses can extend their opening hours because the streetlights along the community’s main road stays powered after sunset. Children can also devote more time to reading or studying, and because the implementation of rural electrification triggers development in rural communities, it is believed to mitigate the migration of residents from the community to urban areas. The GVE project has increased capacity building, created wealth of about US$52,500, opened up 486 job creation opportunities, and impacted over 1320 households and businesses.

For larger businesses, the present high cost of goods is attributed to the high cost of production, caused by frequent use of more expensive alternative electricity supply to power industries and factories. However, if electricity supply in Nigeria was constant and affordable, more large businesses will flourish and government coffers will increase as more companies pay taxes.

In a bid to key into electrifying businesses such as micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), schools, hospitals and rural communities using off-grid electricity solutions, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) through its Energising Economy Initiative (EEI) recently launched a three-pilot electrification project with its focus on powering over 200,000 MSMEs in Somolu printing community and Sura Shopping Complex in

Lagos, Sabon Gari and Ariaria Markets in Kano and Abia States respectively . Out of 12,000 shops in Sabon Gari market, REA has electrified 500 shops in the first phase of the EEI project using solar energy. An Independent Power Plant (IPP) with an installed capacity of 1.5MW was developed in Sura, and a 22kW gas powered IPP has been installed in Ariaria.

There is no gainsaying that these electrification projects have increased the productivity level of shop owners in disparate economic clusters. According to the Chairperson for shop owners at Sura market, there has also been an increase in capacity building, as more shop owner’s productivity levels and job creation capabilities have increased.

Conclusion For Nigeria’s economy to grow, electricity supply must grow.

When compared with other developed countries, it is clear that Nigeria’s GDP per capita has a lot of room for improvement.

According to the World Bank , Nigeria’s GDP per capita currently stands at about $2,000 per capita, South Africa’s is about $6,000 per capita while Seychelles’ is about $15,000 per capita. For Nigeria to really become the “Giant of Africa”, our economic growth must be underpinned by giant strides in electricity supply to match the needs of our exponentially growing population.

Author Chibueze Ekeh is senior consultant at EMRC. He is an industrial engineer and energy finance specialist in oil, gas & power, renewable energy, consulting and financing services.

Contributor Chinagorom Onuoha is a Project Assistant at Nextier Power.

Editor Osasu Eghobamien is a power sector analyst 1. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/micro-grids-solution-to-nigerias-power-challenges-eaton/ 2. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?locations=ZG

Nextier Power is a consulting firm that provides policy advisory, investment advisory, and support services to the electricity supply industry. The firm aims to use this weekly publication to educate Nigerians on the intricacies of the Nigeria electricity supply industry on the assumption that a more informed public would advocate for the right policies and programmes which, in turn, would lead to a robust market that delivers the electricity needs of Nigerians. This column will cover everything from the basics of the industry to the more intricate, sometimes, complex policies and programmes.

Please send your questions and comments to empower@nextierpower.com. You can also visit www.nextierpower.com for more information on Nigeria’s power sector.

Supported by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

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5 ) * 4 % ": t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE OF NIGERIA THE JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE IMMEDIATE AND REMOTE CAUSES OF THE COLLAPSE OF A SEVEN (7) STOREYBUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT NO. 119 WOJI ROAD (PLOT 80) G.R.A. PHASE II, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.

NOTICE OF INAUGURAL SITTINGS/HEARING

14.Hon. Commissioner for Health, Rivers State 27/12/2018 (12 Noon)

Dates and Time of Inaugural Sitting(s)/Hearing:B. OTHER MATERIAL WITNESSES/RESPONDENTS AND hursday, the 27th December, 2018 at 12 Noon Venue: DATES OF ATTENDANCE:Former High Court 22, Block 'C' (2nd Floor) of High Court Building, Rivers State High Court Complex, Station Road, 15. The City Engineers, Port Harcourt City Local Government Port Harcourt.

Council, Rivers State (2014 and 2018) for the checking and recommendation of the proposed building plan before submission to List of Witnesses/Respondents Invited/Summoned by the the Ministry 29/12/2018 (10.00am) Commission To attend the Hearing of the commission to give evidence and or produce documents and dates: 16.Sir. Joseph Francis Alagoa -(Owner of the Collapsed Building) 29/12/2018 Hon. Commissioners & Officials of Rivers State Ministry of Urban (10.00am) Development & Physical Planning & Others (Past and Present)

T

1.Dr. John Baziah

-Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties (Rescue Operation) -27/12/ 2018 (12 Noon)

2.Dr. Reason Onya

-Hon. Commissioner for Urban D e v. & P h y s i c a l P l a n n i n g (Resigned) 27/12/2018 (12 Noon)

3.Mr. Lawson R. Ikuru

-Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Urban dev. & Physical Planning 28/12/2018 (10.00a.m)

4.Mr. Azubuike Nweye

-Retired Director 28/12/2018 (10.00am)

5.Mr. Edmund Mgbechi Obinna -Director of Building Approval & Regulations 28/12/2018 (10.00am) 6.Mr. Emmanuel Oti

-The Town Planner 28/12/2018 (10.00am)

7.Miss Chinelo Lumati

-Processing of Building Plans 28/12/2018 (10.00am)

8.Miss Ikpe Leyira Felicia

-Registration of Building Plans 28/12/2018 (10.00am)

9.Mrs. Ibiwari Clapton Ogolo

-Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) 28/12/2018 (10.00am)

10.Chief D.J. Amieofori

-Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry 31/12/2018 (10.00am)

11.Mr. Tonye Davies

-Director, Physical Planning 31/12/2018 (10.00am)

12.Rev. Mina Aprioku

13.Dr. T.W. Danagogo

-Director, Development & Control, Ministry of Urban Dev. & Physical Planning 31/12/2018 (10.00am)

17.Arch. Binafeigaa Timiebi Reuben -Drawing/Design of the Hotel Building 29/12/2018 (10.00am) 18.Arch.Yoasou Obomanu-Ditto

-29/12/2018 (10.00am)

19.Halifax Limited - Construction and Erection of the collapsed building. 29/12/2018 (10.00am) 20.Engr. Miebi Tonye Humphrey - Geotechnical Subsoil Report & others for the collapsed building (c/o Kele Daniels Resources Geotechnical Consultants) 29/12/18 (10.00am) 21.Engr. Aaron G.D. Morse, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State -29/12/2018 (10.00am) 22.The Quantity Surveyor who prepared the Bill of Quantities for the collapsed building, The Electrical Engineer and Water Engineer29/12/2018 (10.00 am) 23.Other Witnesses/Respondents and Professional Bodies (Representatives), who submitted memoranda or involved in rescue operation:Nigeria Society of Engineers, The Nigerian Institute of Building, Nigerian Institute of Town Planning, Nigerian Institute of Architects, and Corporate Bodies/Rescuers/Surveyors and others - 2nd - 5th January, 2019 Note: That this invitation to attend the hearing/sitting of the Commission is without Prejudice to or not alternative to the service of summons or issuance of warrant of arrest against the above listed persons as provided under Sections 7 and 8(1) of the Commission of Enquiry Law Cap.3 Laws of Rivers State in the event of disobedience or failure to answer to the summons.

2.

The Commission reserves the right, and at its discretion, to change the dates of hearing at short notice to Witnesses and respondents through its Counsel or the Secretary, as exigencies dictate.

All enquiries should be directed to the Secretariat through the -Former Hon. Commissioner, contacts Phone Numbers: 08037237755& 08037104969.

Ministry of urban Dev. & Physical Planning 31/12/2018 (10.00am) Dated Thursday, this 27th day of December, 2018

HON. JUSTICE ADOLPHUS ENEBELI (Chairman)

BARR. EGERTON N. MADUME (Secretary)

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5 ) * 4 % ": t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE THE JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INTEGRATED MEDICAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED (AUTO DISABLE SYRINGE FACTORY)

NOTICE OF INAUGURAL SITTING(S)/HEARING DATES AND TIME OF INAUGURAL SITTING(S)/HEARING:Thursday, the 27th December, 2018 at 12 noon VENUE:- FORMER HIGH COURT 20, BLOCK 'C' (2ND FLOOR) OF THE HIGH COURT BUILDING, RIVERS STATE, HIGH COURT COMPLEX, STATION ROAD, PORT HARCOURT. A. LIST OF WITNESSES/RESPONDENTS INVITED/SUMMONED BY THE COMMISSION TO ATTEND THE HEARING OF THE COMMISSION TO GIVE EVIDENCE AND OR PRODUCE DOCUMENTS AND DATES: 1.

Mr Ayodeji Adetula

-

Project Finance Manager, IMI (27th & 28th December, 2018 (12.00 Noon)

2.

Amenya E. Wokoma

-

Project Director/CEO, IMI (31st December, 2018 (10.00am)

3.

Mr Christopher Evivie

-

(31st December, 2018 (10.00am)

4.

Mrs Oluwatoyin Oluka Ngei

-

Account Officer, IMI (31st December, 2018 (10.00am)

5.

Mr Bobo Samuel Allasseh

-

Admin/HR Manager, IMI (2ndjanuary, 2019 (10.00am)

6.

Mr Ezekiel Pokubo

-

Plumber /Staff of IMI (2nd January, 2019 (10.00am)

7.

Staff Sergeant Alataku Musa

-

(3rd January, 2019 (10.00am)

8.

Madu Onyekwena & Co. Chartered Accountants

-

(3rd January, 2019 (10.00am)

9.

Ernest & Young Auditors

-

(3rd January, 2019 (10.00am)

B.

OTHER MATERIAL WITNESSES/RESPONDENTS WILL BE CONTACTED AS THE NEED ARISES

Note that this invitation to attend the hearing/sitting of the Commission is without prejudice to or is not an alternative to the service of summons or issuance of warrant of arrest against the above listed persons as provided under section 7 and 8 (1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law CAP 3, laws of Rivers State in the event of disobedience or failure to answer to the summons.

2.

The Commission reserves the right and at its discretion to change the dates of hearing at short notice to witnesses and respondents through its counsel or the secretary, as exigencies dictate.

ALL ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARIAT THROUGH THE CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 07068728778

HON. JUSTICE DOUYE GREEN (CHAIRMAN)

SIR CHIDI ADIELE (SECRETARY)

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CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA www.cbn.gov.ng

TENDER NOTICE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON BEHALF OF DMO OFFERS NIGERIAN TREASURY BILLS Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to N10,000,000,000 N20,000,000,000 and N44,837,720,000 respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, January 03, 2019.

All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN S4 WEB INTERFACE between 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 02, 2019.

Each bid must be in multiple of N1, 000 subject to a minimum of N50, 001, 000.

Authorized Money Market Dealers are allowed to submit multiple bids. A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, Non – Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced by 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 02, 2019. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid.

Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, January 03, 2019, while payment for the successful bids should be made to your account with Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, January 03, 2019.

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

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INTERNA TIONAL

37 Protesters Killed in Sudan Crackdown About 37 people have been shot dead by Sudanese security forces as they were partaking in one of the demonstrations roiling the country, says Amnesty International.

Anti-government protests

have rattled Sudan since Wednesday after the government tripled the price of a loaf of bread.

The authorities say eight protesters have been killed in the unrest, while Sudan’s

Trump, Melania Visit Troops in Iraq United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have made an unannounced Christmas visit to US troops in Iraq.

They travelled there “late on Christmas night” to thank troops for “their service, their success and their sacrifice”, the White House said.

Trump said the US had no plans to pull out of Iraq, Reuters reports.

The trip came days after Defence Secretary Jim Mattis quit over divisions about strategy in the region.

The US still has some 5,000 troops in Iraq to support the government in its fight against what remains of the Islamic State (IS) group.

main opposition leader Sadiq al-Mahdi on Saturday put the death toll at 22.

The rights group said in a statement late Monday it “has credible reports that 37 protesters have been shot dead by the security forces in five days of anti-government demonstrations”.

“The fact that the security forces are using lethal force so indiscriminately against unarmed protesters is extremely troubling,”

said Sarah Jackson, Amnesty’s director for East Africa, the Great Lakes and the Horn.

“With dozens already dead, the government must rein in this deadly use of force and prevent more unnecessary bloodshed.”

There was no immediate Sudanese government reaction to the Amnesty statement.

Demonstrations have hit a dozen cities across the economically troubled country since the bread price hike last

week.

President Omar al-Bashir vowed “real reforms” on Monday in a bid to tamp down a major challenge to his decades-long rule.

Protesters have adopted the slogan used in the 2011 Arab Spring — “the people want the fall of the regime” — and attacked offices of the ruling party.

Sudan is mired in economic difficulties including an acute

foreign currency shortage and soaring inflation.

Inflation is running at close to 70 percent and the Sudanese pound has plunged in value, while shortages have been reported across several cities including Khartoum.

Demonstrations broke out in January over the rising cost of food, but they were soon brought under control with the arrest of opposition leaders and activists.

However, a planned meeting between Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was reportedly cancelled.

Mahdi’s office said it was because of disagreements on how to conduct the meeting.

Trump, his wife and National Security Adviser John Bolton travelled on Air Force One to al-Asad airbase, west of the capital Baghdad, to meet military personnel in the base’s restaurant.

He spent about three hours at the base in what is his first visit to the region.

During the visit he got a standing ovation from troops as he entered a dining hall and walked around greeting them, posing for selfies and signing autographs.

France Drops Charges against Rwandan Officials Investigative magistrates in France have dropped charges against nine Rwandan officials investigated over the death of the country’s president in 1998, an event that led to a genocide that killed more than 800,000 people, a judicial source said.

France launched the investigation, that also targeted Rwanda’s former Defence Minister James Kabarebe, in 1998 following demands by relatives of the French crew who died when president Juvenal Habyarimana’s plane was downed.

The investigation and accusations by Rwandan officials that France was complicit in the 1994 genocide damaged relations between the two countries for several years.]

The judicial source said on Wednesday that the charges were dropped on Dec. 21.

A French prosecutor had recommended in October that the charges should be dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Rwanda said on Dec. 24 that it welcomed the definitive end of what it called a politicallymotivated investigation.

Indonesian Rescuers Struggle against Heavy Rain to Reach Tsunami-hit Villages Indonesian rescue teams on Wednesday struggled to reach remote areas on the western coast of Java amid an “extreme weather” rain warning after a tsunami killed more than 400 people last week.

Heavy rain lashed fishing villages along the coast, muddying roads and holding up convoys delivering heavy machinery and aid to isolated areas while authorities urged residents to stay away from the shore in case of further waves.

Clouds of ash spewed from the nearby Anak Krakatau, or child of Krakatau, almost obscuring the volcanic island where a crater collapse at high tide on Saturday sent waves up to 5 meters (16 feet) high smashing into the coast on the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra islands.

Indonesia’s meteorology agency (BMKG) said the rough weather could make the volcano’s crater more fragile.

“We have developed a monitoring system focused specifically on the volcanic

tremors at Anak Krakatau so that we can issue early warnings,” said BMKG head Dwikorita Karnawati, adding that a two-kilometer exclusion zone had been imposed.

The confirmed death toll is 430, with at least 159 people missing. Nearly 1,500 people were injured and over 21,000 people have evacuated to higher ground.

A state of emergency has been declared until Jan. 4, which authorities hope will make it easier to deploy assistance, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the national disaster mitigation agency.

Search and rescue teams were focused on the town of Sumur near the southwest tip of Java, but “the roads are damaged and clogged” and helicopters had to be deployed to carry out assessments and evacuations, he added.

Volunteers were having to piece together makeshift bridges out of concrete blocks after the waves washed away infrastructure along the coast.

US President, Donald Trump, and First Lady, Melania Trump, arriving to speak to members of the US military during an unannounced trip to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq…yesterday

DR Congo Further Delays Dec 30 Election in Two Conflict Zones DR Congo on Wednesday announced that key elections due to take place nationwide on December 30 would be postponed to March in two regions troubled by violence.

However, the delay will not affect the nationwide timetable for the presidential ballot, which is being held alongside legislative and provincial elections, the national election commission CENI said.

The polls, already postponed three times, are due to bring the curtain down on the era of President Joseph Kabila, in charge of the mineral-rich country for nearly 18 turbulent years.

“The elections in the Beni

region and the cities of Beni and Butembo in North Kivu province, as well as Yumbi in the (southwest) Mai-Ndombe province initially scheduled for December 30, will now be held in March,” CENI said.

The triple elections were due to have been held last Sunday after a long period of political uncertainty.

But national election supervisors ordered a weeklong postponement, blaming a warehouse fire that destroyed voting machines and ballot papers earmarked for Kinshasa.

Opposition candidates are concerned over the use of the electronic voting machines, which

they fear will allow massive fraud.

Electoral authorities say the machines will make the ballot more efficient.

The final results of the presidential vote will be published on January 15, and the next president will be sworn in on January 18, CENI said, without explaining how this would dovetail with the delayed vote in the troubled regions.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the second biggest country in Africa, has a long history of political turbulence and violence.

It has never had a peaceful transition of power since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

In 1996-1997 and from 19982003, it became the theatre of two wars that left millions of dead and homeless and sucked in countries from around central and southern Africa.

Wars are unfolding in the east, where militia groups are carrying out bloody attacks.

The CENI statement pointed in particular to North Kivu, in the grip of “a terrorist threat” and “a dangerous, ongoing epidemic of Ebola virus” in the areas of Beni and Butembo.

At the other end of the country, in Yumbi territory, violence this month had caused an exodus and led to the destruction of election equipment, it said.

Tunisians Clash With Police After Journalist Sets Himself Ablaze Tunisian security forces on Tuesday fired tear gas at protesters in the western city of Kasserine following the funeral of a journalist who had set himself on fire over harsh living conditions.

Abdel Razaq Zorgi, a 32-year-old journalist, died late Monday.

His death sparked protests in the city after dark and clashes overnight with police who fired tear gas at dozens of people who had set tyres ablaze and blocked the main street.

Six members of the security forces were injured and nine protesters were detained, interior ministry spokesperson Sofiane al-Zaq

said Tuesday.

After a brief morning calm, protesters were back on the streets of Kasserine in the afternoon after Zorgi’s funeral.

They clashed with police outside the governor’s office, an AFP correspondent said.

Police again fired tear gas at the protesters to disperse them.

Authorities also deployed reinforcements on the main streets of Kasserine, 270 kilometres (165 miles) from the capital Tunis.

“For the sons of Kasserine who have no means of subsistence, today I start a revolution. I am going to set myself on fire,” Zorgi said

in a video published before his death.

Both the interior ministry and the National Union of Tunisian Journalists confirmed his death.

The union said he died protesting “difficult social conditions… and a lack of hope”, and that it was considering organising a general strike in the media sector.

It was the self-immolation of a street vendor in Tunisia in late 2010 in protest at police harassment that sparked Tunisia’s revolution and the Arab Spring uprisings across the rest of the region the next year.

Kasserine was one of

the first cities to rise up after the vendor’s death, in protests that saw police kill demonstrators.

The unrest quickly spread across the country and led to the overthrow of long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Despite the country’s democratic transition after Ben Ali’s ouster and a recent return to economic growth, authorities are still struggling to improve poor living conditions.

Inflation fuelled by the devaluation of the Tunisian dinar and persistent unemployment sparked protests across the country last January.

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSEXTRA

CAN Tasks el-Rufai to Find Killers of Agom Adara, Others The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has taken to task the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, asking him to find and apprehend those who killed prominent people and other citizens of the state.

The body also lamented that it has become very difficult to determine what constitutes hate speech, decrying the alleged attempt by the Kaduna State Government to arraign Senior Pastor of Dunamis

International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, in court over alleged hate speech.

In a statement signed

by Mr. Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant (Media & Communications) to CAN

Zamfara Killings Must Stop, FG Warns Bandits Aisha Yesufu attacks Buhari over killings The federal government has stated that the persistent attacks on residents of Zamfara State by bandits will affect food security in the country and warned the attackers to desist from the act.

The Minister of Interior, Lt.General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), raised the alarm yesterday in Gusau during an on-the-spot assessment of the activities of the bandits in the state.

This is coming as foremost activist and co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls Movement, Aisha Yesufu has taken a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari over his handling of the recent spate of killings in Zamfara State.

He said: “Since those affected by the killings are largely the agrarian rural

dwellers, the activities of the bandits will have a serious impact on agriculture and food security.

“This is a final warning; the bandits must stop these acts forthwith because the federal government has devised more stringent ways to deal with them.

“I want to assure them that they cannot withstand the consequences.’’

He said stakeholders in the security sector in the state would meet to fine-tune the new measures that would be used in tackling the threat posed by the bandits.

The minister, however, advised the hoodlums to immediately surrender and embrace peace.

He expressed President Muhammadu Buhari’s

condolences to the people of the state over the attacks.

Foremost activist and cofounder of the Bring Back Our Girls Movement, Aisha Yesufu has taken a swipe at President Buhari over his handling of the recent spate of killings in Zamfara Sate.

Aisha in a minute and 43 seconds video recording accused the president of playing the ostrich and doing too little to curtail the senseless killings going on in some parts of the country.

Questioning the rationale for replacing President Goodluck Jonathan with the incumbent, the fiery activist said the same missteps of the immediate past President were being replicated by the All Progressives Congress (APC)led administration.

President, Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, the Christian body said its attention was “drawn to a threat issued by el-Rufai” and published in some online news media “over his determination to get

the Founder/Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, arraigned over a hate speech” allegation.

CAN noted that Enenche’s alleged ‘hate speech’ was

suspected to have escalated the killings that rocked Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State on October 18, 2018, followed by the assassination of the Agom Adara, Dr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, on October 26, 2018.

Lagos Deserve a Better Deal in 2019, Says Guber Candidate Jonathan Eze The governorship candidate of the Alliance National Party (ANP) in Lagos State, Ladipo Johnson, has stated that Lagos residents deserve a better deal ahead of next general election, adding that his governorship aspiration is in consonance with a propeople philosophy that would put the interest and welfare of the people ahead of other agenda.

In a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, Johnson said his

leadership would usher in a new lease of life that would give every indigene and nonindigene a sense of belonging that would ultimately lead to a prosperous Lagos.

He expressed concern over the traffic situation in Lagos metropolis and environs, noting that “traffic congestion has become so unbearable, and government must rise to the occasion especially during this yuletide season.

“I feel the pulse and pains of my people. They deserve a better treatment and we are going to pursue

this by creating a conducive environment that would be backed with sound and pro-people policies and programmes.”

He urged Lagosians to imbibe the spirit of Christmas by showing love among themselves and reflect more about those virtues that unite than undesirable issues that divide the people.

According to him, “It is by so doing that the quest for unity of purpose in the development and upliftment of the state and indeed the people can be realised.

Boko Haram Attacks Joint Task Force Brigade Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Military sources said Boko Haram fighters dislodged the 7 Multinational Task Force Brigade of the headquarters of the Multi-national Joint Task

Force (MNJTF) in Baga, Borno State, last night.

The battle was still raging as at the time of filing this report.

Troops of the Nigerian Army engaged the terrorists in a gritty

battle that spilled to Katarko in Yobe State.

Katarko is 20 kilometers from Damaturu. The terrorists were said to be advancing on Damaturu, Yobe State capital.

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NEWSEXTRA

IMF: Lagos to Grow $136bn GDP by 4% in 2019 2019 budget will focus on project completion, says Ambode Gboyega Akinsanmi With its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) currently standing at $136 billion, Lagos economy will record four per cent growth in 2019 while national economy will grow by 2.8 per cent, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted.

This prediction was contained in an address delivered by the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at the meetings of the state’s foremost social clubs – Yoruba Tennis Club and Island Club, organised on Tuesday.

Citing the IMF’s recent statistics at the meetings, Ambode disclosed that Lagos, on a stand-alone basis in the year under reference, would achieve four per cent growth in its GDP, which according to him, currently valued $136 billion.

Unlike national economy, Ambode pointed out that the social intervention initiatives of its administration would also go a long way to facilitate serious reduction in unemployment rate, which he said, suggested that the 2019 economic outlook was quite positive.

The governor said, “According to IMF, the Nigeria GDP will grow from 1.9 percent in 2018 to 2.8 percent in 2019.

Lagos on a stand-alone basis will achieve over 4 percent growth

in GDP. By implication, this could be more if the congestion at the port and the negative effect this has on the economy is addressed.

“We expect that the high rate of unemployment will reduce with various social intervention programmes of the state and federal governments geared towards financial inclusion and liquidity support to micro, small and medium enterprises.”

Specifically, Ambode said the state’s 2019 budget would be dedicated towards the completion of ongoing infrastructural projects, creation of more jobs, supporting businesses to thrive, and strengthening the security architecture of the state.

He recalled the activities of his administration in the last three and half years, noting that it was particularly fulfilling that the state had made tremendous progress in all sectors of the economy and had become more globally competitive and strategically positioned among the major city-states worldwide.

“Three and a half years down the line; our state has progressed in all sectors of the economy.

We have charted a clear path to the destination we have all dreamt about and desired.

Today, our Lagos has become more globally competitive and strategically positioned among

the major city-states of the world. Our state has become a top destination for business and tourism and it can only get better.

“One of the key promises I made at my inauguration on May 29, 2015 was to make our state work for all; to spread development from the already congested city centre to other parts of the state with massive infrastructure development. The thinking has been to make every part of the state economically livable. “We have undertaken projects in all sectors of the economy with the sole intention

of making life better for our people. All of these and similar initiatives were made possible by the personal taxes of high net worth residents of our state represented at this gathering which account for a significant percentage of our IGR. I want to use this opportunity to thank you so much for providing the resources, which have empowered us to make a positive difference in the lives of all citizens of our State,” Ambode explained.

The governor added it was obvious that the state could not afford a break in trajectory of

progressive governance at this point in time, thereby urging the residents of the state to continue to support the ruling party in the State.

He cited the recently launched Lagos Health Insurance Scheme Bill designed “to guarantee access to quality healthcare delivery for all Lagos residents.

It is instructive that the bill for the scheme was signed into law by his immediate predecessor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, while the process for its implementation was kick-started by his administration.

“This is the beauty in

continuity. We have SanwoOlu’s assurances that the initiative will be sustained.

Lagos State cannot afford the risk of a break in the trajectory of progressive governance at this crucial stage of development.

The future is bright and assured.

We must maintain continuity of progress in the State.”

Ambode commended the two foremost social clubs for their immense contribution to the development of the state.

He equally urged them to continue to play key part in taking Lagos into a brighter and more prosperous future.

NNPC Posts N9.9bn Trading Surplus in September Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed that it posted a trading surplus of N9.85 billion for the month of September 2018.

It said the figure was an improvement to the previous month’s deficit of N3.90 billion.

The statement from its Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, said details of the trading surplus were contained in the newly released September 2018 edition of its monthly financial and operations report.

The statement indicated that the improved performance was as a result of higher revenue by its upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

According to it, NPDC’s production has been on the rise as a result of success recorded in repairs of vandalised pipeline in the Niger Delta and the resumption of crude oil lifting activities at Forcados Terminal.

It equally explained that the total crude oil and gas export sale of $626.62 million was made in September, 2018 under the NNPC’s dollar transactions, which is 33.32 per cent higher than the previous month.

It stated that crude oil export sales contributed $508.54 million, which was 81.16 per cent of the dollar transactions compared with $337.62 million contribution in the previous month.

The statement added that export gas sales amounted to $118.08 million in the month, adding that the September 2017 to September 2018 crude oil and gas transactions indicated that crude oil and gas worth $5.45 billion was exported.

In the downstream sector, the report noted that during the period under review, NNPC continued to ensure increased petrol supply and effective distribution across the country, saying that 1.66 billion litres of petrol, translating to 55.50 million litres per day, were supplied by it.

In the month under review, NNPC said a total of 125 pipeline points were vandalised, out of which eight pipeline points failed to be welded and only one pipeline point was ruptured.

The figure, it noted translated to a significant increase from the 86 vandalised points recorded in previous month.

A further break-down of the September 2018 results indicated that Aba-Enugu and Mosimi-Ibadan accounted for 36 points and 33 points respectively or approximately 29 per cent or 26 per cent of the vandalised points.

The report showed that PHC-Aba and Zaria-Gusau accounted for 10 per cent each.

Atlas Cove-Mosimi and other locations accounted for 14 per cent and 11 per cent of the pipeline breaks respectively.

Regarding natural gas off-take, commercialisation and utilisation, the report indicated that out of the 238.91 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas supplied in September 2018, a total of 142.09 bcf of gas was commercialised, comprising 30.36 bcf and 111.73 bcf for the domestic and export market, respectively.

This, it noted, translated to a total supply of 1,011.96 million cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of gas to the domestic market and 3,724.26mmscf/d of gas supplied to the export market for the month.

DOING GOD’S WORK...

L-R: Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Hon. Patrick Omeje; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Fr. Godfrey Onah; Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Prince Emeka Odo; and Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Chukwuka Utazi, during the inspection of ongoing work at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Nsukka… yesterday

Insurgency: NAF to Open Quick Response Unit in Sokoto The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiqque Abubakar, has said that a Quick Response Unit of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would soon be established in Sokoto State to support Operation Diramikiya across the north western zone.

Abubakar made the disclosure yesterday when he visited

Zamfara State Acting Governor, Alhaji Sanusi Rikiji, at the Government House in Gusau.

He said he was in the state to access the situation of the men and officers of NAF in the troubled areas, to ensure lasting peace.

The chief of air staff commended the state

government and the residents for the support given to the security agencies in the fight against insurgency, especially on intelligence gathering.

Abubakar, urged them to do more, stressing that intelligence report remain a critical means of winning war.

Rikiji, who is also the Speaker

of the State House of Assembly, lauded Abubakar for the visit, saying that it showed the concern of the Federal Government to the problem bordering the state.

He assured that the state government would continue to support in all ways to see the success of the operation.

(NAN)

BLAME YOURSELF FOR YOUR FAILURE, ATIKU TELLS BUHARI and double promote him while giving him armed guards to move about.

“The system allows you to probe the $25 billion NNPC contracts awarded without due process, but you chose to bury the matter under the carpet, hoping the Nigerian people will forget about that grand scale alleged looting exposed by a leaked memo from a member of your cabinet,” the PDP presidential standard bearer said.

Atiku stated that based on the above statement of facts, he would not allow Buhari to make Nigeria the scapegoat for his failure, adding, “Your failure is personal, and not national.”

He stressed that the system did not stop the EFCC from charging the opposition Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, as a co-accused in the case involving the NBA Chairman, Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN), which is in a sharp contrast with

the treatment meted out to Governor Umar Ganduje of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Atiku asserted, “If you could go abroad to insult Nigerian youths as lazy, why did you go to Paris to praise a governor who was caught red-handed receiving bribes on camera?

“Besides, your excuse is deceptive, because you have staunchly resisted restructuring.

If you really believed that the system is the problem, you would have embraced restructuring.

“Unfortunate as your admitted failure in the war on corruption is, it is your economic policy that is the greater failure. Your lack of ideas and your politicisation of the corruption war has made your administration fight legitimate businesses and the opposition,” he said.

The former vice president said it was such actions that have led to an unprecedented

capital flight which caused joblessness and made Nigeria the world headquarters for extreme poverty under Buhari’s watch.

Meanwhile, the Director of Strategic Communications and spokesperson for the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo, yesterday insisted that Atiku would have been prosecuted and jailed for various acts of corruption and abuse of office after he left office as vice president, if the system were to be working right then.

He said Atiku latest adventure in trying to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in matters of integrity with President Buhari is a political suicide mission.

In a statement issued last night, Keyamo alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Atiku granted themselves licenses to build universities in clear breach

of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

He said: “If the system were to be working before president Buhari took over in 2015, Alhaji Atiku abubakar would be in jail by now instead of contesting for the presidency”.

The Buhari Campaign Spokesman also alleged that the former vice president was running a monopolistic company called Intels and ripping off the Nigerian people and the Nigerian State before Buhari came and broke that monopoly.

“Let us remind Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that he is one of the greatest beneficiaries of the failed system in tackling corruption that was in place before President Buhari took over in 2015. We know he is aware of this, hence his latest diatribe against President Buhari amounts to nothing but disgusting grandstanding and an attempt to mock the system,” he said.

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APC Confirms South-south Presidential Campaign Okon Bassey in Uyo The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday confirmed that the presidential campaign of the party in the South-south zone will kick off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, tomorrow.

The Chairman of the central planning committee of the President Muhammadu Buhari campaign team in the state, Obong Umana Okon Umana, who made the confirmation at press briefing, said APC is now the new political religion of the state.

He said the people of the state have left the People Democratic Party (PDP) to APC because of the policies and programmes of the APC-led federal government, especially the benefits the state has enjoyed in Buhari’s government.

“From the feedback the party is receiving, the good people of the state are very excited and enthusiastic, and are waiting to receive the president. We are not surprised because the people of Akwa Ibom state have felt the impact of the good works undertaken by the president.

“We have had occasions in the past to review the scorecard of the president, not just for all Nigerians but as it affects us in Akwa Ibom State, and that is why our members in the state are very excited. The people of the state who are not even members of our party are very enthusiastic to receive the president and to thank him even before the elections for all he has done for the people of the state, the South-south zone and indeed the good people of Nigeria,” he stated.

Umana, who is the Managing

Kidnappers Kill Two, Abduct 15 Others in Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna It has been confirmed that two people have been killed and 15 others abducted as kidnappers go on rampage in the Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

Reports just reaching Minna, the state capital, said the two people killed were attempting to escape from the kidnappers resulting in the killings.

Five of those kidnapped, according to the report, were from Gwada town in the Shiroro Local Government Area and were said to be returning from Kaduna State while the remaining 10 were from Sarkin Paws in Munya Local Government Area.

According to the report, the incident occurred at Mangwaro, a border community between

Niger and Kaduna States, on Christmas day evening.

The situation had created panic among the villagers in the local government area as they were said to be looking for every available means of protecting themselves against the kidnappers.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Danjuma Sallau, who just returned from the area, confirmed the story when briefing a group of journalists in Minna yesterday evening.

Sallau, however, said normalcy had been restored to the troubled area. The commissioner said a combined team of security agents made up of the army, police, Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilante had been drafted to the area to restore peace.

Sallau, however, said no

contact had been made with the kidnappers, adding that they had also not given any condition for the release of those kidnapped.

He said he would meet with the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dibal Yakadi, on the issue today on the best way to facilitate the release of those abducted.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Muhammad Abubakar, when contacted, confirmed the incident and the deployment of officers and men of the command to the affected area.

The Munya Local Government Area had been under siege of kidnappers and herdsmen early in the year until the Senator representing Niger East senatorial district, David Umaru, prevailed on the Chief of Army Staff to station soldiers in the area.

Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone (OGFZ), explained that the attendance at the presidential rally would also be a way of sending a message to President Buhari that the state appreciates the more than 60 key, strategic and unprecedented appointments he gave to indigenes of the state.

According to him, “So we join the rest of Nigerians to say that the president deserves a second term based on his performance and scorecard, and that this rally will be taking off in Akwa Ibom State is a strong statement as to how far APC has taken roots in the state “You have watched developments in the past six month and you have seen the massive movement from other parties, especially the PDP, to the APC, then you will agree with me that APC has become a religion in Akwa Ibom State. So

the decision to bring the flag-off of this rally to the state is well thought-out and we are fully prepared to receive the president and to ensure that this rally would be huge success.”

He explained that the president would be accompanied by the vice president, the national chairman of the party, the national leader of the party, ministers as well as APC governors and senators, and would be coming both as the APC presidential candidate and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as such, the party expects the state government to accord him the usual courtesies due the president.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang,

said the controversies on the use of Godswill Akpabio international stadium for the presidential campaign had been amicably resolved.

Enang added: “The stadium is a relic of Akwa Ibom people, and neither APC nor PDP nor APGA is interested in destroying anything in the stadium because it is the greatest of the things, other than the airport, that has stood Akwa Ibom State out in the international community.

“We are also conscious that the stadium is FIFA-rated and nothing should happen to it. So we have agreed with the stadium management and the Akwa Ibom State Government that nothing, absolutely is destroyed or makes the pitch below standard.”

Owa Secondary School Alumni to Launch N25m ICT Project The Owa Secondary School Alumni Association has disclosed its readiness to launch a N25 million ICT project to facilitate teaching and learning for students of the school as the world is now driven by technology.

The president of the Association, Mr. Nwokok Felix, stated this in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday.

Felix noted in the statement that the project is a timely intervention to the secondary school aimed at increasing the awareness of ICT as the

world is clearly been driven by technology, adding that the disruptive tendencies of digital age, if properly harness, will reduced unemployment among the youths.

The statement further revealed that the launching would hold in the school playground in Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State on December 31, 2018, by 10a.m. with some eminent personalities expected to herald the occasion to raise fund for the project.

According to statement,

“The Alumni Association of Owa Secondary School will launch aN25 million ICT project to support its Alma mater. The gesture is to enable all members of the association give back to the school through the project, and as the world is now driven by technology, if properly harness, will reduce unemployment in the country.

“The launching which will hold on the school playground by 10a.m., is expected to have important dignitaries, launchers and others at the event aimed at such a noble cause.”

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HURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Cole: APC Has Reduced Violence in Rivers Politics Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has said the party has

succeeded in reducing the incidence of violence in the state ahead of the 2019 general elections.

He stated that the people of the state were tired of

Police Arrest Badeh’s Alleged Killers The Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force is set to parade some suspects involved in the murder of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd).

The suspects will be paraded at the headquarters of the NPF in Abuja on Thursday (today).

The former CDS was killed in the evening of December

18, 2018 while returning from his farm.

His Tundra Toyota truck was riddled with bullets piercing the windscreen and killing him instantly.

Out of the three occupants of the vehicle, however, Badeh was the only one that was killed thereby fuelling speculations that he was assassinated.

violence, adding that it would be a disservice for anybody to continue to promote violence in the state.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Cole said he was initially discouraged by people who expressed fears about his delving into politics considering the level of violence in the state politics.

He said: “For anybody outside of the state, this is just a very violent environment, but I have always known you can either increase violence or reduce it. It is a choice.

“If one person is pumping violence and the other decides to tone it down, essentially you are going to get a toning down of violence. It is direction from the top. Leadership is also about your own demeanour and it’s the easiest thing to

abuse.”

He stated that one does not need to show his strength through violence as there were other ways to reach out to the people.

His words: “How you show your strength is not by total use of force. Everybody and anybody has potential to be violent, but you have a choice to make and you know lives are on the line, so what choice do you make?

“I made a choice from the day I started to go into this that my language was not going to be that of violence. I knew that if I start with violence, all you will be doing is just increasing the tempo. So I haven’t spoken violence and everybody can attest to that.

“I believe had we been out there shouting violence and

stoking the flames of violence, by now you would have seen the results. You would have seen party people shooting and killing themselves. About 65 days to elections, you would have seen it by now.”

He added that the people are tired of violence considering the effect on them and the general society judging from their experience in 2015.

“The first aspect of it is that we toning down the spirit of violence is working. People are really tired of violence. I have been doing a ward tour, about to finish the second senatorial district. In the places violence was unleashed the most, you find that people were just fed up. They were tired, sick of it and just don’t want to hear or see violence again.

“There are people maimed,

in wheelchairs, people whose entire family were lost to violence. People who woke up one morning to see heads beheaded lining the streets.

I don’t think anyone wants to see that kind of image repeated,” he said.

He added that while it might not be possible to completely stop violence, leaders should address the yearnings of the people without encouraging violence.

“So, we have been able to tone it down. Can you stop everybody from not being violent? I don’t think so no matter how hard you try. But as a leader, it is your responsibility to make sure you speak to the yearnings of the people and show leadership by example,” he said.

Ogbeh: No Politician Can Fix Economic Problems Soon James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said given the extent of damage already inflicted on the economy by past administrations, no politician currently vying for the seat of power has what it takes to return the economy on the path of growth within a short period.

He said Nigerians should interrogate politicians who go on air promising wonders to make things work again under the current economic realities.

The minister said with the current interest and exchange rates regime, coupled with other social limitations, especially the sheer reluctance by the commercial banks to extend credit to the real sector to stimulate growth, politicians would be making empty promises should they think they can address the myriad economic problems facing the country overnight.

Ogbeh, who spoke at a recent public function, decried a situation where the country relies on importation of almost everything, stressing that unless local production capacity is strengthened and economy diversified, “you can bring down an army of angels from heaven, they will not solve our problems. ”When you hear politicians on television telling you what wonders they’ll do when they come into power, please just laugh and ask them, how?

“With current interest rates, the current value of the naira

and other social difficulties and the fact that banks don’t give long term loans, how do you build factories, infrastructure and create jobs for millions of our children and grandchildren because we do nothing here?”

He said: “You all know what happened to the textile industries. It was one of the biggest employers of labour. Today, all the mills in Kaduna, Kano, Aba, Ikeja have disappeared.

“We are again, a country of importers-everything is imported. Every time you bring a container load of foreign goods, you transfer foreign exchange and you bring along with it unemployment and poverty.

“But the brilliant economists who foisted these things upon us have gone into silence: I have always challenged them to a debate-you ruined this country and you now blame successive governments.

“As it is today, unless we acquire capacity for local production, unless we diversify this economy and give power to the rural people, you can bring down an army of angels from heaven still they will not solve our problems.

“How in three years should we have sorted out everything that went wrong? Nobody can do it. And I am talking from a position of authority, and I have been in this business for 40 years. I know what I am saying. We became a country which stopped thinking, and that was where the problem began.”

Refined Investors Series Boosts Joint Venture Partnerships A group reputed for engendering high level conversations, Refined Investors Series, has explored the possibilities of joint venture partnerships in Nigeria at an event described as insightful by the attendees in Lagos.

The event saw Fine &Country collaboration with Pricewater Coopers (PwC) as knowledge partner and examined real estate issues from a multi-sector perspective.

The Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair of Fine & Country West Africa, Udo Maryanne Okonjo, noted in her keynote address that by nature, real estate is a result of a collaborative effort.

She said: “Real estate is capital intensive, the larger the project, the higher its barrier to entry, and the higher the need for diverse

skill set, expertise and resources.

The knowledge partners for Refined Investor Series, Pricewater Coopers presented a keynote address by Mr. Andre Ugarov, who gave an insightful presentation on some of the creative funding structures that exist in the Nigerian real estate industry as well as the opportunities that exist for prefinancing or pre-sales financing adopted recently which shares the risk burden between developers and owners.

The panel discussions were also enlivened and enriched by a resource council made up of top real estate experts in different segments of the industry and also gave valuable insights from perspectives of facilities management, end user, developer, architecture and design.

ALL FOR CHRISTMAS...

Picnickers at Amusment Park Apapa, during Christmas holiday in Lagos...yesterday

DAN UKANA

Immigration Promotes 1,899 Personnel, Inaugurates Plateau Command HQs Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has approved the promotion of 1,899 personnel to various ranks.

The Comptroller General of the Service, Muhammad Babandede, approved the promotion after a promotion exercise organised for the affected personnel.

A statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Sunday James, said the Service approved the promotion of 13 personnel from the rank

of Assistant Inspectors of Immigration to Inspectors of Immigration.

Also, 594 personnel were promoted from Senior Immigration Assistants to Chief Immigration Officers and 949 were promoted from Immigration Assistant 1 to Senior Immigration Assistant.

Similarly, 329 were promoted from Immigration Assistant 2 to Immigration Assistant 1 while 14 personnel got promoted from Immigration Assistant 3 to Immigration Assistant 2.

Babandede, the statement

said, called on the promoted personnel to remain loyal even as he admonished them to eschew all forms of corrupt practices while maintaining discipline and high ethical standards.

The CG has restated the commitment of his administration to ensuring that officers and men of the service are provided with safe, secure and decent office accommodation across the country.

He stated this during the inauguration of the newly

completed NIS ultra-modern office complex in Plateau State command, Jos. Babandede said: “The provision of decent work environment is the least demand employees can make on their employers if productivity and work place harmony are to be achieved.

It is in the light of this that the present management would stop at nothing to have a safe, secure and decent office accommodation for its workforce across all the formations.”

PRESIDENCY BERATES PDP OVER ALLEGATION THAT BUHARI RELOOTED $322M ABACHA LOOT have everyone drenched in its colors, as they irretrievably are.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Buba Galadima, has declared that those who share money in the market, unappropriated

money, unbudgeted money, from the so-called Abacha Loot are armed robbers.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme yesterday, Galadima also criticised the federal government’s TraderMoni scheme.“You have

waylaid me by bringing an advert promoting APC in this programme where I participate which I rarely afford to, however, I will want to say that sharing of money, TradaMoni, in the market has a history and the history is that can you remember Lawrence Anini in

Benin who was sharing money in the market?,” Galadima said.

“Those who share money in the market, unappropriated money, unbudgeted money, from the so-called Abacha Loot are armed robbers because they are doing something that they cannot account for”.

ARMY LOSES 24 MORE SOLDIERS AFTER METELE ATTACK “They were initially cautioned by the Emir of Tsafe on the protest action but they were adamant and continued with the protest. They were however joined by youths mostly identified as Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the

area. The CJTF armed with Dane guns, clubs and other dangerous objects, attempted to attack the Divisional Police Station office, Tsafe, but were stopped by the police on duty. They later moved to the streets, blocking Tsafe-

Gusau highway, burning tyres and setting Tsafe LGA Secretariat ablazed”, it said in a statement.

“Indeed, no life was lost and no recorded injuries, it is therefore preposterous for anyone to allege shooting at

the protesters by the troops of the Nigerian Army. “Normalcy has since been restored in the affected areas. We enjoin the general public to disregard and ignore such unfounded allegation as it is not true.”

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THURSDAYSPORTS

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

Mbappe Crowned French Player of the Year Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe, has been crowned French Player of the Year for the first time.

The 20-year-old forward who was pivotal to France winning the World Cup in Russia last summer enjoyed a remarkable 2018.

After bursting onto the scene as a precociously-gifted teenager at Monaco, a big-money transfer had taken him to Parc des Princes.

Another Ligue 1 title triumph was enjoyed in 2017-18, as PSG swept the board in terms of domestic honours.

Mbappe helped Les Bleus to go all the way, with a fine individual effort netted in a 4-2 final triumph over Croatia.

His efforts were recognised with the Young Player Award, and his game has continued to go from strength to strength.

Mbappe has hit 16 goals in 19 appearances for PSG this season, as they continue to chase down more trophies at home

and abroad.

Alongside those heroics, he has also become the inaugural winner of the Kopa Trophy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the prize bestowed upon the finest under-21 player on the planet.

He finished fourth in the vote for the 2018 Ballon dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Or, with that lofty standing placing him above five-time winner Lionel Messi.

Those in his native France have now recognised him as the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest performer.

Mbappe was awarded that gong by France Football, having edged out Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann.

He inherits the title from Chelsea midfielder Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Golo Kante, who came out on top in 2017.

While this is the first time that he has scooped the award, it is unlikely to be the last.

More is expected of Mbappe Mbappe in the years to come, with many tipping him to become involved in more high-profile the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best player and be transfers.

For the time being, though, a humble performer is merely

seeking to remain on an upward career curve that has already

carried him a long way in a very short space of time.

Michael Essien WantsVictor Moses out of Chelsea W I N T E R T R A N S F E R W AT C H Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses, who has experienced a nightmarish season at Stamford Bridge this term has been advised to utilize the January transfer window to get another club where he will get regular play-time.

The Nigerian player has made only two appearances in the English Premier League for Chelsea this season.

But former Ghanaian midfielder, Michael Essien,

who spent considerable time at Chelsea believes that Moses should leave Chelsea during the January 2019 transfer window. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not playing you get frustrated and you want to look elsewhere,â&#x20AC;? the former Chelsea star observed.

He said the decision to stay or move rests with Moses who is determined to rescue his career from Chelsea Coach, Maurizio Sarri. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to them really but they have to keep working and then everyone gets their chance,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he noted.

Moses, English midfielder Danny Drinkwater and Denmark international Andreas Christensen have struggled for game-time under the Italian tactician this season.

This contrary to the good fortune Moses enjoyed under former Manager Antonio Conte when he played almost all competitions for the Blues.

Moses has been linked with English clubs Crystal Palace, West Ham United as well as Wolverhampton Wanderers but financial terms appearing to be standing between the player

Villarreal Coach Blocks Chukwuezeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x201A;Ź40m Move to Atletico Speculations linking Villarreal rave of the moment Samuel Chukwueze with a move to Atletico Madrid has been dismissed by newly appointed coach of the Yellow Submarines Luis Garcia.

Chukwueze who is rated as the most sought after teen footballer in Europe right now, is reported to be on the priority list of

the Spanish giants. Spanish media reported yesterday that a fee in the region of â&#x201A;Ź40m has been proposed by the Rojiblancos with Chukwueze yet to agree fresh terms at Villarreal.

Responding to the rumors, Garcia who once said the 19-year old Nigerian is a jewel ruled out the possibility of Chukwueze leaving the club

for a fee in the region of what was reported last week. His response will no doubt calm the nerves of fans of the club who were already weighing up the prospect of the f o r w a rd who has five goals in all competitions leaving the team at a time when he appears to have cement his spot in the first team.

GOtv Boxing Night 17: Organisers Plan Buses for Fans Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night, have reached an agreement with commercial bus operators to move fans from the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, at the end of the 17th edition of the event (GOtv Boxing Night 17), which holds on Friday.

According to the organisers, the transportation arrangement has been made to make it easy for fans to return to their various homes when the show ends at night. The agree-

ment with transporters will see them make their buses available outside the venue to move fans from there r i g h t u p t o O j o t a . F a n s w h o use t h e b u s e s a re e x p e c t e d t o p a y t h e f a re s .

A spokesman of the o rg a n i s a t i o n e x p l a i n e d that the event, which will feature eight fights, including a World Boxing F e d e r a t i o n ( I n t e rc o n t i n e n t a l ) s u p e r f e a t h e rweight title fight and musical performances by

Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Te n i d a E n t ertainer and Daddy Showkey, is a cross between boxing and party. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This event is conceived to provide maximum festive season entertainment. We have made arrangements with bus operators to provide vehicles to move fans from the venue after the show.

This is to ensure that fans do not endure difficulty on their journey back home. We have also made arrangements with LASTMA to ensure smooth traffic flow. Security in and

and switching from Stamford Bridge. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Every player wants to play.

Chelsea isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an easy place to come and the competition is very fierce. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;At the end of the day, all the players work but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the manager who will pick who he wants to play,â&#x20AC;? Essien told UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Express. Drinkwater is believed to be on the radar of English outfit Fulham, while Christensen has been linked with Spanish champions FC Barcelona.

Similarly, Victor Mosesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; teammate at the Super Eagles, Odion

Ighalo, is also set to leave China after his Changchun Yatai club was relegated to the lower division of the Chinese Super League.

The 29-year-old Ighalo scored 21 goals in 28 games this past season in China, but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to save Yatai from dropping from the topflight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Playing in the second division is not in my plans, so I need to weigh my options well,â&#x20AC;? he told BBC Sport recently. Although the former Watford front man is speculated to be making moves to return

to England, no club has line up an official offer yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know yet about my future. I cannot make a hasty decision so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll use the next few weeks to decide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been getting direct calls from different agents and clubs, but now enjoying my Christmas break with the family and it is the job of my agent to speak to them.â&#x20AC;? What is topmost in the mind of Ighalo is to get a club where he will be playing regularly ahead of the AFCON 2019 that Nigeria has already book a ticket.

S U P E R 8 P L AY O F F

Olopade Predicts Doom for Domestic Football As the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues to maintain its stands over the proposed Super 8 playoff and a scheduled date for the commencement t of the next football season, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Bukola Olopade, has insisted having the playoff to produce four teams that will join the professional league rank NPFL is not the solution to the current challenges facing domestic football scene.

The former commissioner for sports in Ogun State, yesterday warned that the League Management Company (LMC) and Nigeria Professional Football League Club Owners should accept the initial proposal that promotes all the teams to join the 20 existing clubs in the top division to save the impending logjam. Olopade who noted that NPFL management has breached an article in LMC statute by

agreeing to prosecute the 2018/19 NPFL season with 24 teams whereas it was clearly stated in the LMC statute that only 20 clubs should participate in the NPFL league. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The organisers, NPFL must also relegate four teams if they are to accommodate four NPFL in the 2018/19,â&#x20AC;? he argued.

He said further that â&#x20AC;&#x153;NNL equally has the right to reject demotion of eight teams at the end of the season if four NNL teams were promoted to the elite league from the beginning of the season,â&#x20AC;? he pointed out.

He insisted that if the Super 8 is played, the management of the leagues are merely postponing the doomsday in Nigeria football because the problem is not over yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NPFL must also relegate four teams because at the end of the season eight clubs will be relegated to the NNL and at that time, NNL also has the right to reject and say they cannot accommodate eight clubs when they promoted four clubs.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, even if we solve this problem now by playing the Super 8, we are only postponing doomsday in Nigeria league because the problem will still face us at the end of the season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They said that the rule says four teams should be promoted from the NNL to the NPFL. But they have already breached an article in LMC statute which states that only twenty teams should prosecute the NPFL. Therefore, it is wrong for them not to relegate four clubs but wants four clubs to join them from the NNL to make the number of the clubs 24.â&#x20AC;?

Olopade in the heat of the crisis resigned as the CEO of the NNL citing breach of the agreement between the NFF and NNL. NFF had in Asaba agreed to promote eight NNL clubs to the elite league which has made all the eight clubs released some of their players to recruit better legs in preparation ahead of the 2018/19 NPFL season.

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THURSDAYSPORTS

EPL: Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Title Bid Hit by Shock Defeat at Leicester r-JWFSQPPM FYUFOET MFBE UP TJY QPJOUT BU UIF UPQ Manchester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bid to retain the Premier League title suffered a major blow as the champions crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat at Leicester on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side took the lead through Bernardo Silvaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early goal.

But Marc Albrighton equalised for Leicester and Ricardo Pereiraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 81st-minute rocket handed City a third loss in their last four league games.

City are now seven points behind leaders Liverpool and drop to third place below Tottenham. At Anfield, Liverpool showed the form of champions as they increased their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points by hammering an abject Newcastle United 4-0.

Goals from Dejan Lovren, Mohamed Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho did the damage as Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances of a first English top-flight title since the 1989-90 season were boosted by Manchester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-1 defeat at Leicester.Tottenham are now Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closest challengers with City dropping seven points off the pace in third.

Even with Liverpool visiting the Etihad on January 3, their form as they extended an unbeaten home run in the Premier League that stretches back to April 2017 is beginning to make that lead in the standings

look decisive.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez - an Anfield idol himself after delivering the Champions League trophy in 2005 - has claimed that Newcastle surviving relegation this term would be â&#x20AC;&#x153;a miracleâ&#x20AC;?.

And the gulf in quality on Wednesday was brutally apparent from the start.

Klopp made three changes to his starting XI whereas Benitez made an eye-catching six from Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous result - a goalless draw against Fulham that featured zero shots on target.

Yet if Benitez was banking on the new personnel to deliver a more clinical edge, he was to be disappointed.

Joselu missed a glorious opportunity after eight minutes, heading wide of Alisson Beckerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal following a wonderful cross from Matt Ritchie.

Liverpool punished Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lack of ruthlessness as three minutes later.

A deep ball into the area was woefully dealt with by Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles who headed it back into Lovrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path and the Croatian defender fired an unstoppable shot past Martin Dubravka.

Liverpool remained the dominant side as Sadio Mane, Shaqiri and Roberto Firmino ran through on goal at will.

The pace with which Liverpool

Leicester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ricardo Pereira (centre) stunned champions Manchester City with a goal from the edge of the box with nine minutes to go at the King Powerâ&#x20AC;Śyesterday

raced forward represented an increasingly ominous challenge for Newcastle.

Yet it is to the visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; credit that they kept the scoreline to a single goal as the game flattened out towards halftime.

The closest Liverpool came to extending their lead arrived after 44 minutes when Dubravka did wonderfully well to tip over a rasping Shaqiri free-kick.

Not long after the interval Liverpool found a second as Salah doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Paul Dummett clumsily grabbed the Egyptianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arm.

Elsewhere in the Boxing Day clashes, Tottenham Hotspur dealt a 5-0 defeat on Bournemouth to move up to second in the standings. Having thrashed Everton 6-2 in their last match, it took

Pogba Double Gives Solskjaer Second Win as Man Utd Boss Paul Pogba scored twice as Manchester United made it back-to-back wins under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a stylish victory over the

Premier Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bottom side Huddersfield. Former United striker Solskjaer was appointed last week after the sacking of Jose Mourinho and he followed up

the 5-1 thrashing of Cardiff with another win in his first game in charge at Old Trafford. Nemanja Matic scored the opener, poking in from close range after Victor

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Lindelofâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s header was saved by Jonas Lossl with the Huddersfield goalkeeper also keeping out efforts from Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. The impressive Pogba added two more for the hosts in the second half, sweeping in a first-time shot from the edge of the box and rocketing another from 30 yards out to settle the contest.

1

Liverpool

19

16

3

0

36

51

RESULTS

2

Tottenham

19

15

0

4

24

45

PREMIERSHIP

Man City

19

14

2

3

36

44

Burnley 1-5 Everton

4

Chelsea

19

12

4

3

21

40

Cryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Palace 0-0 Cardiff

5

Arsenal

19

11

5

3

16

38

Leicester 2-1 Man City

6

Man Utd

19

9

5

5

6

32

Liverpool 4-0 Newcastle

7.

Leicester 5

19

8

4

7

2

28

Man Utd 3-1 Huddersfield

Everton

19

7

6

6

2

27

Tottenham 5-0 Bournemouth

9.

Watford

19

8

3

8

-1

27

Brighton 1-1 Arsenal

10

Wolves

19

7

5

7

-2

26

Watford 1-2 Chelsea

11

Bournemouth 19

8

2

9

-6

26

12

West Ham

18

7

3

8

-2

24

Atalanta 2-2 Juventus

13

Brighton

19

6

4

9

-6

22

Bologna 0-2 Lazio

14

Crystal Palace 19

5

4

10

-8

19

Cagliari 1-0 Genoa

Newcastle

19

4

5

10

-12

17

Fiorentina 0-1 Parma

Southampton 18

3

6

9

-14

15

Sampdoria 2-0 Chievo

19

4

3

12

-20

15

AS Roma 3-1 Sassuolo

19

3

3

13

-24

12

SPAL 0-0 Udinese

19

2

5

12

13

11

Torino 3-0 Empoli

2

4

13

-22

10

Inter 1-0 Napoli

3

8.

15 16 17 18

Cardiff City Burnley

19

Fulham

20

Huddersfield 19

SERIE A

only 16 minutes before Spurs were scoring again at Wembley.

Christian Eriksen was played in by Kyle Walker-Peters and his shot from 25 yards took a big deflection off Bournemouth defender Jefferson Lerma to beat Asmir Begovic in goal.

The home side were celebrating again less than 10 minutes later when Son Heung-min scored his sixth goal of the

month with a cool low finish from the edge of the area.

Walker-Peters had done well before giving the ball to Son for the second and the young full back got his third assist of the afternoon 10 minutes before halftime. This time, the English defender ran in behind the visiting defence and pulled the ball back for Lucas Moura to make it 3-0.

NBA: LeBron James Injured in Lakers Win over Warriors The LA Lakers lost LeBron James in the third quarter to a strained left groin before going on to beat the two-time defending champions Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. King James scored 17 points, 13 rebounds and five assists before the injury concern hit in a surprising 127-101 rout of their Californian opponents.

James grabbed at his left groin area with 7:51 left in the third after slipping under the Warriorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basket while trying for a loose ball. He tried to stretch it out, awkwardly walked toward the Lakers bench trying to loosen up before leaving on his own though gingerly out the tunnel for the locker room.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty rare for me to have an injury, period,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It happens and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a great medical staff here, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a great trainer. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to go back into the game, obviously. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get an MRI tomorrow and see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up. With me with injuries, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m never too concerned about them.

I was able to walk off on my own power. I felt a pop, see if I could stretch it a few times, see if it would relieve but it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. I did a couple exercises to see if I could continue to go but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like it would benefit my team or me. So I came back and got a jump start on the rehab.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; James has played in 156 games in a row and 116 in the regular season. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I take a lot of pride in it,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; James said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it (angered me) not to be able to go back into the game. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

more than anything being available to my team-mates, being available to my coaching staff. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something I take more personal than anything.

Hopefully itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a long thing.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stephen Curry made consecutive three-pointers shortly after James departed, and the Warriors got within 78-76 at the 2:48 mark of the third - but Kyle Kuzma and the persistent Lakers continued their momentum. Curry wound up with 15 points but the home fans had seen enough well before the final buzzer and left to celebrate Christmas.

Kuzma contributed 19 points, Ivica Zubac had 18 points and 11 rebounds and Rajon Rondo added 15 points and 10 assists off the bench as the Lakers ended an 11-game losing streak at the Warriors since a 118-115 overtime win in 2012. The Lakers also ended a seven-game losing streak in the rivalry with their first win in the series since March 2016.

James made it look easy early on shooting over Jonas Jerebko and Kevon Looney. He then hit a turnaround jumper at the 4:39 mark of the second quarter to put the Lakers ahead 52-37 and they led 65-50 at the break.

It was Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second straight Christmas game at Oracle Arena after playing here with the Cleveland Cavaliers last year, where he lost 99-92.

Kevin Durant, playing on a tender left ankle, scored 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Andre Iguodala came off the bench and made his initial five shots on the way to a season-high 23 points.

Thursday December 27, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE Galadima to Buhari “I know Buhari’s relatives who were begging us for N2,000 to go to Kaduna before 2015, who are billionaires today. This is the last time I must hear the word integrity from Buhari people.”

–PDP presidential campaign spokesman, Alhaji Buba Galadima, speaking on a national network on the fight against corruption

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The Embedded Lessons in $IJFG %BEEZ

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here is a way in which one can see a parody of Nigeria in the movie, ‘Chief Daddy’: the chaos caused by having numerous children from different women who were not aware of the existence of one another, the dysfunctionality in the family that bred corruption and the mutual suspicions and recriminations that rendered difficult the unity of purpose without which there could neither be peace nor prosperity. Even with the prospect of enormous wealth to be shared through collaborative efforts, each of the characters would rather cut a deal with their individual greed trumping the collective need.

But perhaps the bigger lesson in the movie is that enduring wealth is one worked for; not one based on the expectations of some inheritance which is why any nation that builds its annual budget on “oil benchmark” rather than the productive capacity of its citizens is imperilled. Besides, when the defining ethos of a society makes it easier for the individual to compromise to get by, than enthrone a system that protects all, building a functioning society would most likely be a mirage. That, I guess, is the story of our country today.

Before I get ahead of myself, let me say very quickly that the foregoing interpretation of the latest movie from Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films is simply a product of my own imagination. I therefore plead the forgiveness of readers. That is what too much pounded yam and ‘Ikonko’ delicacy (close your eyes, egbon Mouftah Baba-Ahmed) in my beloved Kwara State can do to you.

‘Chief Daddy’ is not a political movie nor is the storyline about corruption in Nigeria, it is an interesting comedy movie made for the holiday season that we are in.

The story is woven around a wealthy businessman by name Chief Beecroft but better known as Chief Daddy who did not deny himself any of the pleasures that money could buy. Upon his death, the disparate members of the family he left behind were now confronted with the reality of his multiple lives. I am sure many of us have heard or read stories of some men who supposedly had one wife and about four or five children until they die after which some wives begin to surface while the number of children suddenly multiply into dozens.

What I like about the ‘Chief Daddy’ is that unlike some otherwise good Nollywood movies of recent times, the scenes are not only believable, they reflect the everyday Nigerian reality. In ‘Chief Daddy’, which has an A-list cast, Folarin Falana aka Falz was marvellous in his role and so were Ini Edo, Patience Ozokwor, Funke Akindele, Joke Kate Henshaw, Rachel Oniga, Joke Silva and others. And when you have the inimitable Nkem Owoh in the house, you know you must laugh. The ingenuity of the writer is also brought to bear in how a bank was advertised in the movie in such an inoffensive manner that even enhances the plot.

At the end, the take-away from the movie is that those who built their entire existence

RMD

waiting for the day they would inherit stupendous wealth from ‘Chief Daddy’ were eventually confronted with the reality that there was no cash to share. But the deceased also left them with enormous potentials that could ultimately guarantee stupendous wealth, provided they all bury their individual egos and work for the prosperity that was possible. Discharging such a huge burden, as I stated earlier, parodies the story of Nigeria; after all,

“individual commitment to a group effort”, according to Vince Lombardi, “is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

Meanwhile, since I know my very readers very well, I am almost certain many of them will consider this piece as nothing but self-indulgence, especially at a period the banditry in Zamfara State is getting out of hand with dozens of innocent villagers now being killed almost on a daily basis. Besides, from reports coming in recent days, it would seem that the Boko Haram insurgents have also perfected the art of laying ambush for our soldiers.

In her piece, ‘Zamfara, Our Conscience’ published in Daily Trust yesterday, Jamila Abubakar wrote on how both the Nigerian authorities and the political elite have failed the people.

Zamfara, according to Abubakar, “is our damaged conscience as a nation. It is the flag of failure to honour the promise by our leaders to provide us security. Zamfara is not a northern problem. It is a national warning against a pattern that narrows the influence of the Nigerian state, and widens the specter of living under the order of organized, criminal violence.”

While the widening ungoverned spaces in the country should be of concern to all critical stakeholders, they should not rob us of hope, especially in a season such as

this. In her Christmas message on Tuesday, the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke to how the wisdom that comes with longevity compels a recognition of “some of life’s baffling paradoxes, such as the way human beings have a huge propensity for good, and yet a capacity for evil.” But she also added: “Even the power of faith which frequently inspires great generosity and self-sacrifice can fall victim to tribalism. But through the many changes I have seen over the years: faith, family, and friendship have been not only a constant for me, but a source of personal comfort and reassurance.”

In this holiday season, while we are not in denial of the enormous challenges confronting us a nation, a little fun is also not a bad idea and that is why ‘Chief Daddy’ comes highly recommended. There are some powerful lines in the movie, perhaps none more so than the one delivered by the wife (and professional partner) of the lawyer to the late Chief Beecroft (played by Dakore Egbuson-Akande) to her husband (played

by Richard Mofe-Damijo) in the car when going to the residence of Chief Daddy to read the Will. “When the time comes”, she said with so much cynicism, “I wonder who is going to be making this kind of calls for you.”

I wish all my readers a prosperous year 2019!

Wedding Without the Bride: The Missing Details Segun Babatope My dear Segun, l read your piece, “Wedding without the bride: 20 years after” with nostalgic interest. Your power of recall and nose for details after two decades is unassailable.

Congrats for the journey thus far, with added felicitations for the glorious future ahead of you and Tosin. I am assured that you will continue to steer the path of the Lord so that He might fulfil His Superior and elevated desires for the two of you.

However, much as you tried to wholesomely recall the build-up to your conjugal union with Tosin, there yet remains a missing gap which must not be glossed over. And I am not talking about the caterer that came late at the reception (after many guests had left without being served any food) or the fact that, following the apprehension by Tosin about missing the church marriage proper, I performed my pastoral duty by joining the two of you shortly before the reception ceremony which I also chaired. I can understand your leaving out those details.

I am all the more persuaded and emboldened to contribute to this discourse because you brought it to the public domain and because, as you pointed out, l played more than a peripheral role in your unfolding journey through life. You surely couldn’t have sent me to Tosin’s dad as that would have amounted to an affront on your part and a blissful demonstration of self-management which clearly flies-in-the-face of our cherished Christian convictions.

Unknown to you, and as l also discovered after the visitation, l was simply under divine compulsion to so do. Mr Oladepo Salami (Tosin’s dad) who later became my friend by proxy, was simply austere in receiving me. He didn’t offer me a seat throughout my stay and took his time before responding to my somewhat “egregious” request. He was not hostile though. I got away with the impression of a family head whose word was law. I graciously challenged that and got away with it.

Segun, you forgot the fact that it took several months before Tosin’s dad opened up a discussion with you two. What happened thereafter, culminating in your marriage only a few months later was simply a dramatization of a script written from above. I vividly remember that around June that year, l had met Tosin and l asked if her dad had responded to the request l made to him. To my utter surprise, she said no. I then told her that l would repeat the visit to drive home my point. Tosin stoutly advised against it for a salutary consideration that has remained permanently etched in my memory ever since.

According to her, the waiting period had proven a learning curve in her understanding of the sacred tenets of the holy estate of matrimony as detailed by God. Until that period, she had held a rather secular and perfunctory notion of a marital union like most of our women hold, in which both husband and wife are no more than play mates in a relationship that is conveniently misinterpreted as social and cultural, than the

sacred and mystic union that the Almighty designed it to be. To her, it had taken the preceding months for God to steer her away from such pernicious notion.

Hearing such uncommon words from the peculiar lips of a young lady who was barely 24 years old at that time, was rather stunning and a massive surprise. Her unusual comments quite naturally elicited an emotional reaction from me. Mercifully, she did not notice.

The summary of my addendum is simply this: Your path with Tosin, and all that you recalled in your piece last week, is a deft orchestration of God to accomplish an eminent divine purpose in your life. Yours is neither an accident of history nor a random error as most mortals presume. It is a gradual build-up towards a defined objective by God. I do hope and pray that you will humbly allow Him. Thank God that He has blessed you immensely. Yet, God’s sacred marital union is by far greater than the appurtenances of marriages as we mortal men understand.

You must therefore allow the hallowed spiritual resources that God is gradually and massively building up in you for the pursuit of His greater glory and the benefit of mankind. Please learn from Zechariah and Elizabeth. Take a lesson or two from Acquilla and Priscilla. You will be wiser for it. Every blessing, my son, with fond regards to Tosin and the children. r #BCBUPQF GPSNFS DIBJSNBO PG UIF FEJUPSJBM CPBSE PG $PODPSE 1SFTT JT B 1BTUPS BU UIF %FFQFS -JGF #JCMF $IVSDI

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