FRIDAY 18TH JANUARY 2019

CBN Unveils New Policy to Achieve 80% Financial Inclusion

James Emejo in Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday unveiled the National Financial Inclusion Strategy designed to ensure that at least 80 per cent of Nigerians have access to banking and other financial services.

The Governor of CBN, Mr.

Godwin Emefiele, represented by the Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, Mrs. Aisha Ahmad, made the presentation at the National Financial Literacy Stakeholders’ Conference in Abuja.

Emefiele said about 36.8 per cent of eligible Nigerian adults

currently do not have access to financial services, adding that the figure indicated a significant improvement over the 41.6 per cent exclusion rate recorded in 2016.

He noted that although the improvement was encouraging, “there is still considerable work to be done to achieve the overall

20 per cent target exclusion rate by 2020.”

Emefiele said the apex bank had also released new policy frameworks on consumer protection, financial literacy and financial education.

He said, “Adequate consumer protection is critical to sustaining the long term viability of

the financial sector because consumer protection is a necessary precursor to building and maintaining trust in the formal financial sector.

“An essential pillar of any consumer protection regime is consumer education, which is founded on financial literacy.

“The benefits of a financially

literate population are immense.

Consumers are better equipped to make optimal choices in the use of financial products, pose lower credit and default risk.

“In addition, it constitutes a market for sustainable financial services and promote Financial Continued on page 10

FG Accuses Discos, TCN of Using Substandard Power Equipment

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Senators Indict Buhari, Argue 1983 Coup Bane of Nigeria's Development... Page 11

FG’s Lobby Collapses as Atiku Arrives America Holds talks with US officials US Senate condemns effort to politicise security and law enforcement agencies, calls for credible election in Nigeria Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Martins Ifijeh in Lagos The intense lobby by the federal government to get the United States to deny the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, visa eventually collapsed yesterday as the

main opposition party’s torch bearer landed at Washington Dulles International Airport last night.

He was received by his associates and the Diaspora supporters.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Continued on page 10

Buhari Promises Not to Abuse Nigerians’Trust Says we have properly secured Nigeria

Omololu Ogunmade in Warri President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Warri, Delta State, told the crowd, which received him at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally that he would

not abuse the trust of Nigerians.

He also told the crowd to reflect on the state of the country in 2015, when he took over power and compare it with what his administration Continued on page 10

El-Rufai Draws Battle Line with Kaduna Christians

... Page 10

IN GOD’S OWN COUNTRY… Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (left), and Senate President Bukola Saraki, at Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, United States…yesterday

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El-Rufai Draws Battle Line with Kaduna Christians Says their vote not assured even with Pope as running mate

Peter Uzoho The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has said that 67 per cent of Christians in southern Kaduna will not vote for him in the governorship election even if he picks the Pope as his running mate.

Speaking yesterday as a guest on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily programme, the governor argued that the country should divorce religion from politics.

Reacting to harsh criticisms from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other interest groups for picking a Muslim as running mate, the governor

insisted that there was a need for competence to be given priority ahead of religion and ethnicity, hence his decision to run with a Muslim/Muslim ticket in the 2019 governorship election.

El-Rufai added that even his outgoing deputy, Yusuf Bala Bantex, who is a Christian, was treated like an outcast because he was in the APC. “What if I tell you that no matter who I choose as my running mate, even if I choose the Pope, 67 per cent of the Christians in southern Kaduna have made up their minds that they will never vote for me. “This is what the polls show.

“So, for me, that is not the issue. The issue is this: Kaduna State is divided, it needs to be united. The way to begin to unite it is to take religion or ethnicity off the table. “Since 1992, every deputy governor of Kaduna has been a Christian. What has it done for the state? Has it united the state?

Has it assuaged the feelings of the Christian minority? “My current deputy governor is a Christian and I didn’t pick him because he is Christian. I picked him because we were colleagues from university and I know him to be a brilliant, focused and just man. But, did that change

anything? “In fact, what it did was to bring disrespect to him. No one respected him in southern Kaduna because he is in what they call an Islamic party. “So, there are complicated issues in Kaduna, which people sitting from a distance will not understand.�

The governor said his choice of a female Muslim running mate would help Kaduna State to see beyond politics and religion.

El-Rufai said the federal character principle in Nigeria was stifling development.

He said although his decision to pick a Muslim running mate

was unpopular in some quarters, he was confident of winning the polls come March.

The governor said information made available to him showed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which ruled the state for 16 years, never won any election in the state but always rigged its way into power. “I want to assure you. One, I want to win this election so I am not going to take a foolish decision to make any point. I want to win the election for my party and the president. “Those that are making the argument that I must have a Christian running mate have

not been able to justify it, based on history. “From 1992, we have had more violence in Kaduna than before. The presence of a Christian deputy did not change anything. “Even when a Christian, Patrick Yakowa, of blessed memory, was governor, it did not stop the violence, the intolerance and the insensitivity. In fact, it exacerbated it. “In Kaduna, in my view, the way to heal and unite the state is to completely remove religion and ethnicity from the state; but we cannot change three decades of intolerance in the state,� the governor explained.

banking industry in 2017, compared to 869 million transactions valued at N69.1 trillion recorded in 2016. “While these developments are no doubt good for the financial system and are expected to aid our financial inclusion efforts, they are accompanied by a myriad of challenges,� he explained.

Among other things, he said privacy and security concerns, requiring enhanced privacy and data protection for consumers continued to pose a challenge to achieving financial inclusion.

He also said consumers are exposed to new and more inventive fraudulent practices which required stakeholders to

double their combat efforts. “The industry is also faced with an increasing complexity of financial products and services accompanied by consumers’ lack of information or capacity to understand such products and/ or their associated risks.

Thus enhanced disclosure has therefore become very essential,� he said.

He added that as the markets develop with the introduction of new innovative players, products, and channels, the challenge for regulatory agencies will be to continually balance supervisory objectives aimed at identifying, managing and mitigating risk with those that support market development

and help promote financial inclusion.

He, however, expressed hope that there will not only be renewed vigour but more alliances, partnerships and collaborative programmes at the end of the conference towards achieving its objectives. “I sincerely believe that through our collaborative efforts, we will not only surpass our target of 80 per cent financial inclusion target by the year 2020, but also have financially capable and more confident consumers that would support the stability of our financial system and contribute to the economic growth of our great country,� he said.

"I am here to remind you of where we were in 2015, when we came in, where we are now and what we have been able to achieve with the resources available to us. ‘’Our interest is to serve Nigeria and see that we live together and work for the nation.

God has blessed us with people and resources," he said.

In his own submission, the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, recalled the remarks of the Olu of Warri earlier in the day, when the president paid him homage in his sprawling palace that the president had fulfilled his promise to the state and equally carried out the projects he demanded from him.

Oshiomhole also recalled that the monarch said despite Warri being a city of oil and gas, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has ruled the state for almost 20 years,

has not contributed to the gas reserve.

Oshiomhole said the submission of Olu of Warri that the president had lived up to his promise through projects executed in Delta State, showed that he was truly a man of character and integrity, as he urged the people to vote for APC at the forthcoming general election.

The Olu of Warri, who did not hide his partisanship in his speech, which was read to the president by one of the chiefs, prayed for Buhari's victory at the presidential poll, adding that he would like to see him return to commission some of the ongoing projects in the state.

In his reaction to the monarch's speech, the president said he was very pleased to hear that his administration had carried out laudable projects in the state as he appealed to the monarch and his people to vote for his

continuity in office.

At the rally, the president presented the flag of the party to Great Ogboru, whose candidature for the governorship contest in the state on the platform of APC is still being contested in the court.

Also present at the rally were the Director-General of Buhari Campaign Organisation and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; the South-south Campaign Co-ordinator, Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, former governor of the state and Delta South senatorial candidate, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Deputy National Chairman of APC, Niyi Adebayo, among other party leaders.

CBN UNVEILS NEW POLICY TO ACHIEVE 80% FINANCIAL INCLUSION System Stability by increasing market demand and responsible use of financial services.�

Emefiele said the apex bank recently introduced regulations and guidelines for the licensing and operations of Payment Service Banks in furtherance of its efforts to leverage technology to enhance access to financial services for the unbanked.

According to him, the move was expected to drive down exclusion rates by leveraging wider variety of multiple channels to enhance access to deposit products, payments and remittance services to small businesses and low income households.

The governor, however,

stressed that consumer protection and its constituent pillar of consumer education remained critical to the attainment of its objectives for inclusion.

The CBN boss said building inclusive financial systems had become an important objective for policymakers around the world given the positive effects it has on poverty reduction and enhancing economic prosperity.

He said the conference, themed: ‘Implementing Financial Literacy and Consumer Protection to Advance Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,’ could not be more unambiguous in its focus and urgency to move from the conceptual to practical in

the drive for financial inclusion.

Emefiele said low financial awareness and literacy levels as well as consumer confidence remained critical issues which must be examined more closely if financial inclusion strategy must succeed.

He stressed that the financial system remained probably the most affected by technological advancement with new digital products and services which had emerged and the internet greatly influences consumers’ purchasing decisions as they continue to adopt e-commerce.

The CBN governor further noted that 1.4 billion electronic transactions valued at N97.4 trillion were processed in the

BUHARI PROMISES NOT TO ABUSE NIGERIANS’ TRUST has done with the resources available to it, saying his interest is to serve Nigeria and ensure that citizens live together and work for the nation.

He promised that if re-elected, his government would do better for Niger Delta than it had done since 2015, pleading with the people to cooperate with the APC by electing all its candidates in the forthcoming elections.

The president who also brought to the fore the tripod of his campaign promises in 2015, viz: security, economy and war against corruption, and said his government had lived up to his promises.

According to him, the country has been properly secured, while the economy has been boosted through the transformation of agricultural sector into an industry and consequently reducing unemployment.

On the war against corruption, the president said his

administration had fought antigraft war and would continue to be on the trail of those whom he said had enriched themselves with the nation's resources until they are eventually caught with the long hand of the law.

"The country has been secured to be properly independent. We have helped the youths, most of whom were unemployed by turning agriculture to industry.

We have been able to achieve the security of our nation.

"I assure you that those who enriched themselves, we have been able to get them and dealt with them. I assure you, we are doing it, and we will continue to do it. I assure you, we won't abuse your trust. The programme you mentioned about the development of the Niger Delta will be taken seriously. I expect you to cooperate with APC from the top to the bottom," he said.

The president said that since 1978, when he served as the

Minister of Petroleum, his interest in the petroleum has not waned, pointed out that he was aware of the influence commanded by the people of the Niger Delta because God has placed them atop the petroleum asset, which he also described as a national asset.

He expressed gratitude to the people for turning out in large numbers to receive him, as the Warri Stadium and its environs were heavily crowded, with shouts of Sai BABA rending the air.

"I want to show my appreciation to you. I appreciate these great numbers. Since '78 or '79, when I served as the Minister of Petroleum, I have never lost interest in petroleum.

I am absolutely aware of your influence because God has placed you on top of the nation's asset.

I hope you appreciate the favour that God has done for you and Nigeria.

FG’S LOBBY COLLAPSES AS ATIKU ARRIVES AMERICA Mohammed, had at the hint of the US granting Atiku visa last year, cautioned the Americans not to contemplate the gesture as it might give the impression that the foreign power is supportive of the opposition party’s candidate.

For the federal government, he said that might mean interference in the internal affairs of Nigeria as the general election was a few months away then.

Atiku’s visit to the US, an apparent diplomatic and political blow to the All Progressives Congress’ President Muhammadu Buhari, would appear to have undermined a major campaign plank of the ruling party that had made a heavy weather of the inability of the former vice president to secure visa

since leaving office in 2007.

Rain began to beat the federal government and the APC when Atiku’s former boss and president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, mended fences with him towards the end of last year and promised to help Atiku regain power.

Atiku’s eventual receipt of the visa, diplomatic sources told THISDAY last night, had not only the imprint of Obasanjo but also indicated loss of confidence in the Buhari administration by the US. Confirming the visit yesterday, Atiku’s media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe, said in a statement that his boss arrived the US at 22.20 hours (14.20 hours Washington DC time).

According to him, the former vice president was

accompanied by the Director General of his campaign and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, and would meet with US government officials.

Ibe said Atiku on Wednesday met with the business community in Lagos at an interactive session to unveil his plans to get Nigeria working again.

According to him, “Thursday morning, he left Abuja accompanied by the DG of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation and Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki for the United States. “Atiku will in the course of his trip hold meetings with US government officials, the business community and the Nigerian community. He

will return to the country on Saturday.�

Sources close to the visit told THISDAY last night that Atiku had informal meetings with business groups and some state officials, shortly after his arrival and would be meeting with Congress and State Department officials today.

Among others, Atiku is slated to meet later today with Chairman, Senate Committee on Africa, Senator Jeff Flake, and the Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Ambassador Tibor Nagy.

US Senate Condemns Effort to Politicise Security and Law Enforcement Agencies Meanwhile, the United

States Senate has warned the federal government against using security agents to fight perceived political opponents during the general election.

This is even as it cautioned against vote buying, saying only credible, transparent and safe general election would further consolidate the democratic gains achieved by the country since transition from military to civilian rule.

In its new Senate resolution introduced by a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bob Menendez, yesterday, it said while it was supporting democratic processes in the country, the Nigerian government must take necessary steps to facilitate Continued on page 11

TOP GAINERS NEIMETH NEMINSURE SOVEITRUST ROYALEXCHANGE JAIZBANK TOP LOSERS ETRANZACT RESORTSAVINGS CORNERSTONE

NGN NGN 0.06 0.67 0.20 2.26 0.02 0.24 0.02 0.26 0.04 0.54 NGN 0.39 3.56 0.03 0.28 0.02 0.20 NPFMFB 0.13 1.46 FIRSTALUM 0.02 0.31 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,401.10 Volume: 231.014 million shares Value: N3.261 billion Deals: 3,207 As at yesterday 17 /1/19 See details on Page 43

% 9.8 9.7 9.0 8.3 8.0 % 9.8 9.6 9.0 8.1 6.0

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Senators Indict Buhari, Argue 1983 Coup Bane of Nigeria’s Development Want FG to immortalise Shagari Confirm Tom and Izuwah as INEC REC and ICRC DG Deji Elumoye in Abuja Making reference to the coup, which led to the enthronement of Muhammadu Buhari/ Tunde Idiagbon military administration in 1983, after ousting the Second Republic government of President Shehu Shagari, some senators yesterday described it as a cog in the wheel of development of the country.

The senators, who spoke, while contributing to a motion, titled ‘The Demise of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari’, lamented that Nigeria would have improved tremendously in all facets of life if the administration of the first Executive President, elected on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was not overthrown by the Buhari-led military.

They noted that late Shagari, who died on December 28, 2018, had a clear vision for Nigeria's development and lived a life worthy of emulation by the present leaders and young politicians, in order to restore the old glory of the country.

Senator Ibrahim Danbaba

(Sokoto South) and eight other senators, had co-sponsored a motion on the demise of former President Shagari who died at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The co-sponsors of the motion include Senators Tijjani Yahaya (Zamfara North); Bala Na'Allah (Kebbi South); Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East) and Aliyu Wammakko (Sokoto North).

Others are Senators Adamu Aleiro (Kebbi Central); Ahmed Yarima (Zamfara West); Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central) and Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North).

Leading the debate, Senator Danbaba said Shagari promoted national unity in the country and executed many projects in the agricultural sector under his government's Green Revolution programme, housing and industrial development.

According to him, Shagari had a distinguished and unblemished public record spanning over a period of 30 years, adding that "he was forthright, a nation builder, a distinguished statesman that contributed greatly to

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria."

He lamented that Shagari's government was overthrown in a military coup in 1983, thereby terminating the Second Republic democratic rule barely after four years, noting that the deceased remained a political colossus after he was toppled from office.

On his part, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North),

said the 1983 coup took Nigeria backward by 20 years, describing Shagari as a detribalised Nigerian, who will be remembered for his selfless love and commitment to the nation's unity.

Also speaking, the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, (Yobe North), said "the President Shagari was truly a democrat, statesman, humble person and eminent personality loved by all".

According to him, the deceased was "clever and strategic enough, when he appointed many politicians, who were not his party members into cabinet having extended hands of fellowship to other political parties.’’ While lamenting that Shagari didn't have a house of his own, as at the time he was overthrown, the Senate Leader reminded his colleagues that life and power were transient and should therefore be mindful of their behaviours in and out of office.

The Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah, (Kebbi South), on his part, said Nigeria has "lost an honest and sincere leader who lived and

died as a national patriot".

On his part, Senator Adamu Aliero, (Kebbi Central) noted that Shagari "exhibited simplicity and humility while in power."

He added that the former president "will be remembered for massive infrastructural development of the Federal Capital Territory and the prominent role he played in the independence of Zimbabwe as well as the fight against apartheid in South Africa.’’ Also contributing, Senator Barnabas Gemade, (Benue North East), described Shagari as a detribalised leader who worked hard for the unity and development of the country.

He recalled how the former president appointed three cabinet members from Benue State at the same, saying time only a patriotic leader would remember a minority ethnic group for such gesture.

Speaking in the same vein, Senators Oluremi Tinubu, (Lagos Central); Shehu Sani, (Kaduna Central); Barau Jibrin, (Kano North)and Ibrahim Gobir, (Sokoto East), noted that the Ajaokuta Steel Company

in Kogi State, massive housing estates and road construction across the country were part of the legacies he left behind.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, described Shagari as a nationalist without borders and a bridge builder, whose greatest attribute was his commitment to the unity and growth of the country.

The Senate, in its resolution, therefore urged the federal government to immortalise the late former president by naming a national monument after him. The upper legislative chamber also yesterday confirmed the appointment of Elder Monday Tom as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) as well as Mr Chidi Izuwah, as Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The confirmation was based on the reports presented by the Senate Committees on INEC and Works, asking the Senate to confirm the two nominees as INEC REC and DG, ICRC respectively.

FG Accuses Discos, TCN of Using Substandard Power Equipment Chineme Okafor and Amaka Mozie in Abuja The federal government has accused electricity distribution companies (Discos) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) of using substandard equipment to execute power projects.

The Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Baba Shehuri, who made the accusation, said such substandard equipment also contribute to electrical accidents in the country.

Shehuri, who spoke at a function organised by the Nigerian Electricity Management Service Agency (NEMSA), alleged that the Discos and TCN now predominantly use substandard equipment in their networks, adding that the practice was hurting the sector.

He said, “The quality of electrical appliances which we all use both domestically in our houses and in our offices, in our business places, in industries, but today, if we see the quality of what we use

either as electrical appliances at home, they are very low standards. “We are not only talking about meters, we are talking of transformers that are used by the Discos, transformers used by TCN.�

He suggested that NEMSA should be stationed at ports of entry into Nigeria, saying, “I see a future where NEMSA should have offices at the ports or airports. That should be the future of the agency.�

Meanwhile, the federal government has begun the disbursement of about N1.9 billion accumulated in the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) to contractors whose bids to provide electricity in the form of solar home systems (SHS) and mini grid developers were selected in the first call for funding of rural electricity projects under the Fund.

The disbursement, according to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, at a ceremony where 12 mini grid developers and 14 SHS

developers signed award grants from the REF in Abuja, came after about 10 years of the REA trying to disburse same unsuccessfully.

Speaking at the REF grant disbursement, Ogunbiyi, explained that nominated projects of the awardees would be funded to the tune of 25 and 30 per cent by the REF. She noted that a funds’ manager was appointed by the REA to manage the REF after the agency was reconstituted. “One of the rules set out by the government was to make sure we have a trust fund manager that is dependent on the REA and also independent of the grantees to be able to look at what we are doing, monitor it and give us the check and balances we need."

She added: “It is very important because while we are using public funds, we must make sure we use public funds well and in a sustainable manner. This is one of the many grant-enabled projects that we have to make sure that our underserved areas

and unconnected people have power.

"It has taken us 20 months which makes a lot of difference from the 10 years we had waited,� Ogunbiyi said.

According to the REA, the REF which is backed by Section 91 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005, and implemented by it is funded by the federal government and international donors.

It explained in the fact sheet for the REF that N995 million was disbursed to 14 indigenous SHS contractors to install 19,130 units of SHS, while N956 million was disbursed to 12 indigenous mini grids for the development of 12 mini grid projects.

The projects are expected to power 43,000 households and businesses, and reduce carbon emission by over 5,000 metric tonnes. In another development, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said in its third quarter (Q3) 2018 regulatory report on the workings of the power sector, that the growing financial illiquidity of the market had

become extremely dangerous to its sustainability.

Equally, the NERC in its Q3-2108 report, stated that the country’s power sector was still doing badly with regards to its financial status.

The regulatory commission said debts or financial deficits in the sector were still a threat to its sustainability.

It said during the third quarter of 2018, the total electric energy generated was 8,077,483 megawatts hour (MWh), representing 3.3 per cent less than the level of generation in the second quarter of 2018.

It said, “The industry recorded a highest daily peak generation of 5,053MW on the 19th day of September 2018.

The available plant generation units rose to 81 from the daily average of 79 recorded in the second quarter.

"However, despite the increase in the available generation units in the third quarter, the utilisation of the total available generation capacity declined by 4.2 per cent due to insufficient gas supply, limited distribution

networks, water management at the hydro power stations and limited transmission line capacity and associated infrastructure. “The financial viability of the NESI remains as the most significant challenge threatening the sustainability of the power industry. As reported in the preceding quarterly report, the liquidity challenge is partly attributed to the non-implementation of cost-reflective tariffs, high technical and commercial losses exacerbated by energy theft, and consumers’ apathy to payments under the widely prevailing practice of estimated billing. “The total billing to electricity consumers by the 11 Discos was N172.9 billion in the third quarter of 2018 but only a total collection of N106.7 billion representing 65.5 per cent collection efficiency.

"The collection efficiency indices indicate that a sum of N3.45 out of every N10 worth of electricity sold during the third quarter remains uncollected as and when due."

Nigerians rightfully expect this year’s elections to further consolidate those gains. “I am calling on all participants - including the candidates, the security forces and political party activists -to do their utmost to ensure that the elections are peaceful, and meet Nigerian, African, and international standards for the conduct of credible democratic elections,� he added.

He added that the conduct of these elections would have a significant impact on the

United States-Nigeria bilateral relationship for years to come, stressing that he stands with the people of Nigeria in their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic election process and an outcome that truly reflects the will of the people.

Among the senate resolutions on the general election in Nigeria are that it condemns in strongest terms the use of hate speech and incitement to violence, and refrain from any rhetoric or action that seeks to demonise or delegitimise

opponents, sow division among Nigerians, or otherwise inflame tensions He called on the government to refrain from deploying security forces in partisan manner and ensure that security services maintain the highest level of professionalism and impartiality in facilitating the electoral process, enable accredited observers and journalists to perform their work, and protect the rights of citizens to exercise their votes freely

FG’S LOBBY COLLAPSES AS ATIKU ARRIVES AMERICA elections that are credible, transparent and peaceful.

Menendez said the US Senate has also observed that successive elections in Nigeria have featured varying degrees of violence, adding that there have been deeply concerning instances of hate speech in Nigeria by members of both the ruling coalition and the opposition inciting supporters to ethnic violence to gain electoral advantage, intimidate electoral rivals or suppress voter turnout.

He said, “We also observed

that during the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections in July 2018 and September 2018 respectively, there were concerning incidents in which some elements of Nigeria’s security agencies displayed partisanship and lack of objectivity, which risks escalating tensions within the country.�

Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2019, while the gubernatorial and state assembly elections are scheduled for March 2,

2019.

Menendez, who introduced the resolution, said, “I, along with a bipartisan group of senators, am introducing this resolution to let the Nigerian people know that the United States Senate is watching the conduct of all actors participating in the February elections. “The 2015 elections were a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, resulting in the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in Nigerian history.

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

Court Extends Suspension of Onnoghen’s Trial Till January 28 CCB formally serves summons on CJN Wike accuses Amaechi of plot to destroy Onnoghen Seeks probe of 2015 murder of Kano REC Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has extended the restraining order against the

continuation of the trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen to January 28.

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has however, served the

Boko Haram Kills Three Soldiers, Troops Neutralise Many Terrorists in Borno Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Three soldiers were killed as troops battled insurgents in Gamboru Ngala, Borno State, decimating many terrorists, including two suicide bombers and recovering rocket-propelled grenade, bombs, AK- 47 rifles, among other weapons.

Other terrorists were said to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

Vigilant troops also foiled, in a fierce encounter, attempts by the terrorists to infiltrate Gijram community in the state.

The confrontation was said to have started in an Internally Displaced Camp (IDP) located in the town of Rann, which was attacked by Boko Haram members in eight gun trucks and several motorcycles two days ago.

They burnt some parts of the town and stores belonging to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the area.

Speaking during a confidenceboosting visit to troops of 3 Battalion Bravo Company in Gamboru Ngala, the Theatre Commander, Major General Benson Akinroluyo, and

the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, commended the resilience and doggedness of the troops while fighting to hold the ground. He disclosed that the troops neutralised two suicide bombers and three other terrorists while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Regrettably, three soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice”, a statement issued by Deputy Director Public Relations, 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Col. Isa Doko, said.

Meanwhile, several terrorists were killed when troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Forward Operational Base in Gajiram, fiercely countered a group of Boko Haram terrorists who made frantic attempts to infiltrate Gajiram Community on Tuesday.

The terrorists, who tried to take advantage of the cover of darkness to attack the town met with the prompt response of the vigilant troops who fiercely engaged them in combat, killing several of them and recovering weapons.

charges of false asset declaration it filed against the CJN, directly at his office at the Supreme Court complex, Abuja.

This is coming as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has accused the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, of being behind the plot by the federal government to destroy the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Wike has also challenged Muhammadu Buhari to order an independent investigation into the alleged murder of the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner and his family through arson during the 2015 general elections if he has any integrity.

The Abuja court, presided over by Justice N. E. Maha, gave the order after a counsel representing the respondents told the court yesterday that his client had not been served.

The court ordered a fresh

service of the court summons to the respondents and asked that the date of service be included in the proof of service before the next hearing.

Before adjourning the matter, Maha ruled that the order for parties to maintain status quo, still stands.

The implications of this order includes among other things that the trial of Onnoghen, scheduled to continue on January 22 at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), may have to be suspended, pending further directives.

The CJN is facing trial at the tribunal for alleged false asset declaration.

He was arraigned by the anti-graft agency, the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The CJN was charged, following a petition filed by a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

But several applications have been filed, resulting to court decisions suspending the trial.

After the FHC gave its interim order for the suspension of the matter till January 17 following two applications by civil groups, the National Industrial Court gave a similar order suspending the trial.

The applications in the instant case were brought by the incorporated trustees of two groups: the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative, and the International Association of Students Economists and Management.

Parties expected to appear in court regarding the matter include the CCT chairman, Danladi Umar; the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu; the National Judicial Council, headed by Onnoghen and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki Meanwhile, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) yesterday finally served the charges of false

asset declaration it filed against Onnoghen, directly at his office at the Supreme Court complex, Abuja.

An official of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), who asked for anonymity, confirmed that the charge and summons had been personally received by the CJN. He said the CJN personally appended his signature to the summons when the officials of the tribunal took it to his office at the Supreme Court.

The official said the entire process was smooth as the CJN told the tribunal officials that he was already waiting for them.

The source said the officials that went to serve the summons went in company of some police officers attached with the tribunal so as to make the movement seamless.

He added that the rumoured siege on the CJN office must

Continued on page. 51

Oshiomhole: Once You Join APC, Your Sins Are Forgiven The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC so that their sins could be forgiven.

Oshiomhole stated this yesterday at the APC presidential rally in Benin, the Edo State capital, while receiving some members of the PDP into the ruling party during the rally.

He said, “We have some PDP defectors. They are, Henry Tenebe, Iluobe….Iluobe means I have done something wrong. Yes, once you join the APC, your sins are forgiven.”

He urged the people to vote for President Buhari to continue to enjoy democratic dividends such as wealth transfer, traderMoni, and agricultural policy which is making farmers have value for their farming activities as well as the ongoing Benin-Lokoja dual carriageway.

According to him, “Mr. President, your constituency is the Nigeria people who like what you are doing in form of wealth transfer, market money and others. All these show a heart that is committed to

our people.

“In 2015 presidential election, Edo State scored 45 per cent because then we were not in control of the federal government. But today, we control the local government, state and federal so we should be able to give him more than 60 per cent.

“So vote for President Buhari, a man who is catching thieves for another four years, and know the difference between the PDP’s 16 years of thievery and APC years of progress.”

In his speech, President Buhari said he would continue with his anti-corruption crusade and completely rid Nigeria of the menace if elected president.

He said his administration is doing its best to contain corruption but for the slow judicial system, adding that that was why he initiated numerous policies to prevent people from public money.

According to him, “This government is seizing assets of corruption from Nigerians, and very soon, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC will come up with a comprehensive figures of what we have and what we intend to do.”

ECONOMY ON THEIR MINDS...

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (left), and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, at the NEC Meeting in Abuja... yesterday

Benue Does Not Have Cattle Routes, Ortom Replies Buhari George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has stated that there are no cattle routes in his state.

The governor was reacting to the televised comments by President Muhammadu Buhari during a town hall meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

When President Buhari was asked to proffer solution to the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, he reportedly stated that there were cattle routes during the First Republic, adding that the Benue governor should not ban grazing but should provide routes for grazing.

But speaking at NKST

Church, Buruku, while interacting with officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), during his re-election campaign in the local government area, the governor stated that no cattle route exists in his state.

Ortom said even if there were such routes, which were gazetted, he would have degazetted them as the current population of the state had made such routes untenable.

He stated that at the time such routes were contemplated in the 1960’s, the entire population of the country was about 40 million while the current population is about 200 million, thereby foreclosing the possibility of

such routes.

He said the president’s overall performance was shameful and a confirmation of what his wife stated that having lost control a cabal had taken charge.

He stated that he battled and overcame financial, social vices as well as security challenges during his first term which impacted negatively on his performance, adding that if given a second mandate the end of his administration would be better than his rough beginning.

Ortom stated that the APC-controlled federal government failed to forestall attacks on the state by those he described as Jihadists who openly declared their conquest

and occupation agenda on the state and thereafter failed to give the people justice when they demanded it.

According to him, this development, coupled with what he described as the deliberate neglect of Benue State people by not giving them strategic positions in government prompted him to seek an alternative platform on which to pursue his re-election.

He appealed to the people to seize the opportunity of the general election to vote for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who he said will protect their interests and guarantee their survival.

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

COMMENT

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

FEAR FACTORS ABOUT THE 2019 ELECTION Godwin Etakibuebu is worried that vote-buying could mar the forthcoming election

T

he first baptism of fire in this year general election comes up with the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 16, 2019, while the Governorship, State Assemblies and Federal Capital Territory [FCT] Area Council elections for March 2, 2019, are the second layers of that baptismal.

The Presidential election is less than 30 days from today.

Thirty days for Nigerians to shout Hosanna or 30 days for us to arrive the political battle ground of Armageddon.

The whole country is anxious about what the future holds for us. There are genuine reasons for all patriots to remain on the edge about the incoming elections. For some, there are more noises of drums of war being heard about the elections than melodious sound of celebrations.

For others, they are seeing a re-emergence of politics of “do or die�, properly marshalled by former President Olusegun Obasanjo [as President from 1999-2007], under the command of the “Garrison Commander� in the person of the late Ibadan strong politician, Lamidi Adedibu [October 24 1927-June 11, 2008].

And yet, there are some that are suspecting the resurrection of the National Party of Nigeria [NPN] type of “landslide and moon-slide� victory of 1983, which triggered the demise of the Second Republic, after a Major General Muhammadu Buhari and his men in uniform struck and dismantled every democratic structure.

Everyone has his or her fear factor about this coming election. I have mine. For sake of clarity, I will take responsibility by categorizing mine into three factors that are capable of marring the elections. They are buying and selling of votes, under-age voters and foreigners’ participation in the voting process. Permit me to elaborate on them briefly.

One, Buying and selling of votes: The Punch Newspaper of December 28, 2018, quoted the Oyo State Resident Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mutui Olaleke Agboke, as alerting the country on how politicians have approached him with the sole aim of buying the uncollected permanent voter cards [PVCs] in the state, which he said were 914,529. “They are looking for PVCs to buy. They are looking for what is not available because they know that these things are not available. This is the security report at my disposal. Tell

THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS ANXIOUS ABOUT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR US

those who are looking for PVCs to buy that there is none to buy in Oyo State. I can assure you that no INEC employee will sell PVCs to any politician. I can assure you that the process will be free and fair in Oyo State. Those who are looking for PVCs to buy, l won’t give you their names. I don’t have their names. That is the security report l got and the report did not specify the party and the individuals that are involved. They want us to give them PVCs but we can’t give it to them. They want to buy PVCs but there is none to sell in Oyo State�, Mutui Olaleke Agboke was quoted as saying.

What Agboke narrated was not limited to Oyo State. All over the country, including the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, there are millions of uncollected PVCs. It can only be safe to come to the conclusion, in the light of Agboke’s revelation, that the market place of selling and buying votes, which is black market of course, is booming with patronage.

This is the first evidence that the game of selling and buying of votes, a trade mark of our politicians, stands to mar the elections.

In my weekly review of topical issues at the Lagos Talk 91.3 FM, I made bold to agree with the Oyo State REC that selling and buying of vote is a malady that could jeopardise free and fair election in Nigeria, by drawing attention to what happened in the governorship election that took place in Osun State most recently. INEC declared the election inconclusive after the first round of voting and a date was fixed for a rerun in few places. This declared rerun made the two most outstanding political parties [the PDP and APC] to launch aggressively into the “market place of deciding votes�.

Both political parties met with Senator Iyiola Omisore in Ile-Ife to solicit for the votes of his followers in the Social Democratic Party, knowing fully that whichever party got those votes would win the election. Omisore decided on behalf of his people and the outcome of that negotiation for vote gathering is now history. Suffice to say, in my candid judgment that both parties went to negotiate for vote – it is as simple as selling and buying of votes. Let us take this as the second evidence that selling and buying of votes could torpedo the incoming election.

Etakibuebu, a veteran Journalist, wrote from Lagos

APC AND PDP AS METAPHORIC‘EGYPT’ Nigerians will likely return to ‘Egypt’ whether APC or PDP wins the election, argues Oludayo Tade

F

rom North to South, East to West of Nigeria, the socio-economic indices of good things of life for Nigerians point to the negative side. Only the political office holders in the ruling parties see and feel the promised ‘CHANGE’. The masses only hear of it. Our global rankings in (anti) corruption, insecurity, education, health, infrastructure, poverty, unemployment, peace and conflict continue to be dismal.

We lost gallant men in their prime in the war front and many educated and skilled Nigerians are leaving the country in droves in a renewed form of brain drain. But the dispatched speakers of the ruling party want us to believe everything is fine. We are winning the war on terrorism yet our fighter jet crashed with five breadwinners. Locations are being taken in Borno by the terrorists; the Borno State Governor is crying and pleading with the Prince of Daura to rescue the hapless while that of Zamfara will not mind a declaration of state of emergency in his state to stop the arson and killings. Turn southward; you are treated to unpleasant cases of kidnapping, rape, suicide, abduction, armed robbery, employment fraud, and the latest ‘pantocrazy’ (the act of stealing undies for ritual purposes). Certainly, the lived experiences of the majority do not tally with those in power. I have heard the National leader of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu and the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at different times saying that Nigerians (Nigeria) will not go back to ‘Egypt’. I therefore attempt a deconstruction of what ‘Egypt’ indicates with a view to knowing if Nigerians are enjoying in the Promised Land (change), why would they

contemplate or prefer Egypt? My analysis will show if we are still in the wilderness as Israelites enroute the Promised Land.

A characteristic of our politicians is their dexterity in deploying religion to divide and rule. Asiwaju deploys ‘Egypt’ as a metaphor for ‘PDP days’ but nothing has characteristically shown a radical departure from the PDP years. The Biblical notion of ‘Egypt’ was a land of enslavement of Israelites whom God delighted in. Moses was saddled with the task of bringing them out of the territory of fascist Pharaoh whose people extorted them for dirty jobs. People would not have yielded to the call but for the Promised Land which was said to be a land that would be flowing with milk and Honey (Exodus 13:5). The road to the Promised Land was not smooth but the driver of the change (Moses and Aaron) did not engage in blame game. Rather, they listened to their people, gave reassurances, provided solutions and absorbed negative comments. For instance, at the Red Sea, Israelites queried Moses for taking them out of Egypt to die in the wilderness. When the red sea parted ways for them to escape being recaptured, they believed in the God that sent Moses. In the wilderness of Shur, they complained ‘what shall we drink’ because the water in Shur was bitter.

Moses sought God’s intervention again and made the water sweet. Later in the journey, they complained of hunger. Considering their present situation of ‘lack of food’ they felt they were better in Egypt where they still had something to eat. They felt it was better to be in Egypt than for them to die in the wilderness of hunger. Again, Moses and Aaron, through God, met the food needs through the provision of Manna which they had for 40 years.

Unlike what Asiwaju Tinubu and Vice

President Yemi Osinbanjo who mostly blame PDP without providing succour to the pains and agony that Nigerians face, Moses and Aaron never blamed anyone for the condemnation they received from Israelites as they journey through the wilderness. As a matter of fact, they turned to the one who gave them the assignment and provided solution. Only after meeting the needs of their people did they reel out rules to follow and not the other way round. It follows therefore that anytime Nigerians reconnect to their pre-2015 era, they are symbolically saying the past Tinubu and Osinbajo condemn was better for them. Unlike Moses and Aaron who had listening ears, provided solutions and reassurances as well as absorbed insults, the duo of Asiwaju and VP Osinbajo would not display such. Even if truly President Muhammadu Buhari represents Moses and VP Osinbajo as contemporary Aaron, their disposition to complaints is sufficient reason to make Israelites (Nigerians) to be sceptical of their status as true CHANGE agents.

Coincidentally, while they paint ‘Egypt’ as undesirable destination to us, Nigerian politicians in practise never foreclose returning to ‘Egypt’ or working with ‘Egyptians’.

Those who think they are Israelites, like VP and Asiwaju have embraced ‘Egyptians’ like Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Musiliu Obanikoro, Godswill Akpabio and a host of others. Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and other governors who decamped to PDP will now refer to APC as ‘Egypt’ and PDP as the vehicle to the Promised Land. Let us not forget that the PDP candidate oscillates between ‘Israel’ and ‘Egypt’ since 1999 targeting a Promised Land. We can also see a formerly trashed

leader being recycled to lead campaign of NEXT LEVEL. This leader will stand on the same podium with ‘Egyptians’ to preach to people not to return to Egypt. Who is fooling who?

For three and half years, they were distant and disconnected but they now enter huts to snap pictures with poor women in Saki, Iseyin and distribute ‘empowerment’ packages in market places. If they had moved around early enough in the administration, they would know how poverty is experienced by the downtrodden which have now unfortunately multiplied. Our present situation tallies with the experiences of the Israelites. But are we being led by destiny manipulators or ‘Moses’ with a true Promised Land of milk and honey agenda? Can we regard our present higgledypiggledy state of affairs as our wilderness?

If the present drivers see our complaints as a non-issue how are we sure they know the road to the Promised Land where milk and honey would flow? The dilemma before the electorate in February General elections is to choose between half of dozen and six. Will Nigerians oscillate between Egypt and the Promised Land? Will eight years of PMB remove us from this wilderness? What I know is that neither PMB nor Atiku is the person to take us to the Promised Land if at all such exists. Do we have any of the contenders to Aso Villa who has a listening ear and capable of providing solutions and reassuring his/her people during trouble? Hmm...scarce...very scarce. The outcome is almost certain. We are likely returning to ‘Egypt’ whether APC or PDP emerges winner. This is the dilemma of the 2019 polls.

Dr Tade, a sociologist sent this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com

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EDITORIAL Gabon, Congo And Democracy In Africa Credible elections are the surest path to power

W

hile we condemn in the strongest terms the foiled military coup in Gabon, the outcome of the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers a glimmer of hope. What both events underscore is that political leaders in Africa must begin to understand that in the age that we are in, the peace and stability of any country can only be assured by a strict adherence to the rule of law and constitutionalism. The military, as has been demonstrated again and again in several African countries, offers no solution to the problems that plague the people.

Estimated to be the fourth-richest nation in Africa, Gabon is a tragic story that is not about to end soon.

The small country with a population of about two million people has since 1967 been held down by one family. After the death of his father, Omar Bongo in 2009, the current president, Ali Bongo took over power and was re-elected in 2016 in a poll marred by widespread malpractices and violence.

THE LESSON FROM But having suffered THE ELECTION IN DRC a stroke last October, AND THE ABORTIVE Bongo has been COUP IN GABON IS THAT holed up in Morocco DEMOCRACY REMAINS while the actual state THE ONLY PATHWAY of his health remains a matter of conjecture TO POWER WITHOUT in his country.

VIOLENCE This unknown health status was indeed the reason cited by some soldiers who took over the state radio and called on the people to “rise up” as they announced that a “national restoration council” would be formed to run the country in place of the ailing Bongo. Lieutenant Kelly Ondo Obiang who identified himself as the deputy commander of the Republican Guard called on “all young people from forces for the defence and

Letters to the Editor

security and Gabonese young people to join us,” announcing that a “national restoration council” would be formed. “The eagerly awaited day has arrived when the army has decided to put itself on the side of the people in order to save Gabon from chaos. If you are eating, stop; if you are having a drink, stop; if you are sleeping, wake up. Wake up your neighbours… rise up as one and take control of the street,” he said.

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

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

t is noteworthy that the coup failed within hours amid global condemnations, including from the African Union (AU). But uncertainties remain in Gabon with Bongo still in Morocco. “While Mr Bongo is unpopular, and there are reasons to think his removal would be justified, any incoming government would face the same fiscal pressures as his,” said Francois Conradie, head of research at NKC African Economics, following the announcement of the coup.

It is an apt summation of the situation in the oil-rich country where a tiny elite controls all the resources.

Meanwhile, the story from the Democratic Republic of Congo is also not too reassuring. Last Thursday, opposition candidate, Felix Tshisekedi was declared winner of the 30th December 2018 presidential election. Martin Faluyu, another opposition candidate who was generally expected to win, has rejected the outcome and so has The Congo’s Catholic Church.

“We take note of the publication of the provisional results of the presidential election which, for the first time in the recent history of our country, opens the way to change at the top of the state,” said a statement by the Catholic group before adding, “However, from the analysis of the elements observed by this mission, we find that the results of the presidential election do not correspond to the data collected by our observation mission from the polling and counting stations.”

While we urge the aggrieved parties in Congo to seek legal redress, the lesson from the election and the abortive coup in Gabon is that democracy remains the only pathway to power without violence.

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.

LAGOS AND THE CRUSADE AGAINST DOMESTICVIOLENCE

D

omestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behaviours by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation. Domestic violence and abuse is not limited to obvious physical violence. It can also mean endangerment, criminal coercion, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, trespassing, harassment, and stalking to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.

Domestic violence is a global phenomenon and not limited to Nigeria. It occurs across the world, in various cultures, and affects people irrespective of their economic status. According to a study, the percentages of women who have reported being physically abused by an intimate partner vary from 69% to 10% depending on the country. In Nigeria, spousal abuse has become a scourge and there is a report that 50% of our women have been battered by their husbands at one time or the other and unbelievably, more educated women (65%) are in this terrible situation as compared with their low income counterparts (55%).

The problem of domestic violence is rooted in the socio-cultural complexes of various societies of the world; for this reason, a legalistic approach is now being adopted by many nations in the fight against this plague. In Nigeria, there have been agitations on how to stop domestic violence against children and women. In 2007, the Lagos State House of Assembly made a bold move and passed into law, a bill “to provide protection against Domestic Violence and for Connected Purposes.”

Many victims of domestic violence usually lack the courage to seek legal redress on the violations of their rights due to lack of positive response from the society. Domestic violence is so entrenched in our society that even the victims condone such violations of their rights as some perceive it as sign of love and the socio-religious belief that a broken marriage or relationship is a mark of failure in life.

Due to poverty and economic dependence on men, many female victims may also choose to suffer in silence for fear of losing the economic support of the male perpetrator. This trend is evident in several of the reported cases where victims prefer to withdraw their complaints where it becomes apparent that punitive measures will be meted out to the abusive spouse. Their usual objective is for the authorities to appease rather than punish the abusive partner for fear of backlash.

Presently, in Lagos State, a Sexual Offences and Child Justice Unit had been created at the State’s Ministry of Justice to monitor the prosecution of sexual offences in the state. The unit was brought on board to ensure timely prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence cases at the newly designated Sexual Offences Court, High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division. Thus far, the unit has been diligent in the prosecution of sexual offence cases and its first recorded judgment in the sexual offences court is the case of The State of Lagos vs.

Gabriel Obinna and two others, where one of the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement upon arraignment and was sentenced to 60 years imprisonment by Hon. Justice Nwaka.

In the same vein, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through the Domestic & Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has continued to improve strategic action against the increasingly rampant incidents of rape, defilement, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect and maltreat-

ment in the state. DSVRT obtained judgments in defilement matters, ranging from seven years to 15 years imprisonment.

In addition, engagement and sensitization campaigns for army personnel on domestic violence, child abuse and rape were carried out, while National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) officials were conscripted as ambassadors in the fight against sexual and gender -based violence. In the previous year, 920 cases bordering on domestic violence, child abuse and sexual violence were handled by DSVRT. The team has also assisted 20 survivors of defilement with sponsorship for their education, provided professional psycho social therapy for 20 rape and 60 domestic violence survivors respectively as well as 30 survivors of intimate partner violence.

On a national scale, it may be necessary to create special complaints desk in all police stations where domestic issues including child abuse will be handled. Designated officers must be trained on the sensitive nature of handling domestic matters. Also, the authorities must organize continuous seminars and workshops for all those involved, judicial officials, law enforcement agents, legal practitioners and other social workers. There must also be the creation of special family courts where domestic disputes can be resolved and criminality prosecuted in confidentiality. Law enforcement and court mechanisms also have to be made friendly and accessible to women.

The police are often indifferent to matters concerning domestic violence believing it is a family affair. There is a need to ensure that all those who respond to violence against women irrespective of social status are sensitized and trained to provide a response that is compassionate and comprehensive.

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 2019

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

PERSPECTIVE Celebrating the ‘Master of Quiet Diplomacy’ Koko Kalango

autographed copy of his memoire, ‘The Inside Story of the Modern Commonwealth.’ Two years earlier, I had purchased his biography ‘Eye of Fire, Emeka Anyaoku’, by Phyllis Johnson. These books give the reader an insight into the life of the boy from Obosi who rose to head the second largest global association of independent states, after the United Nations. In the introduction to the biography, Nelson Mandela described Anyaoku as a ‘Master of Quiet Diplomacy’. He added, ‘the Chief also brings to the international arena that great African tradition of consensus building, that has positioned him in a key role as builder of bridges across people and nations.’ Indeed a priority of the Commonwealth, under Anyaoku, was strengthening of intra-commonwealth relations as well as the promotion of democracy and good governance. Emeka Ayaoku was instrumental to the eventual dismantling of the apartheid structure and establishment of democracy in South Africa.

I cannot talk about Chief without mentioning the very amiable Mrs Bunmi Anyaoku (nee Solanke). The couple got married in 1962, a year after they met and six months after he proposed on her 21st birthday.

The wedding was described in a leading paper at the time as ‘an inter-tribal wedding of one of Nigeria’s most eligible bachelors, and a beautiful young lady educated in an English boarding school and Pitman College, London’. This union is blessed with a daughter and three sons.

Anyaoku continues to serve his country. Such service, in recent times, include chairing the Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations (2000 – 2015).

He was part of the team, along with Koffi Annan, who got the leading parties to commit to peaceful polls prior to Nigeria’s 2015 elections.

Today, he is a strong voice in the call for re-structuring.

As we prepare for another election, Nigeria, pause and raise your glass to toast a national treasure, Eleazar Chukwuemeka Anyaoku, who turns 86 today!

I

n 2008, to further draw attention to the importance of reading to personal and national development, we decided to have prominent people read to children. To kick off this phase of our work, we were looking for a role model. The individual had to be someone who understood what the Rainbow Book Club was trying to achieve and was willing to lend his/her weight to our ‘Get Nigeria Reading Again!’ campaign, which we had started three years earlier.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku was one of those people I admired from afar.

His remarkable career included time in Nigeria’s Foreign Service, a stint at Nigeria’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Shagari regime and an exemplary 34-year career within the Commonwealth, where he rose to the apex. Now, in retirement, Anyaoku assumed the role of elder statesman, at home and abroad.

My team and I decided he was the perfect fit.

My brother and friend, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, established the link for me through Chief ’s son-in-law, Ayo Ighodaro.

So, in commemoration of the World Book and Copyright Day (April 23rd) 2008, Chief Anyaoku read a few pages of Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ to a hall full of children at the UN House in Abuja.

He also handed over certificates to winners of our annual essay competition. The then UNESCO Director/Country Representative (and happy host) Dr. Abhimanyu Singh, mentioned to me that Chief Anyaoku was someone he had long hoped to meet.

Commenting on our work at the time Anyaoku wrote, ‘I am an admirer of what the Rainbow Book Club is doing.’ He matched his admiration with action by making himself available when we needed him. One such occasion was when we decided to shoot a TV advert encouraging reading. Chief agreed to participate, welcoming me and my TV crew into the living room of his Ikoyi home, to record him reading.

When Reverend Jesse Jackson delivered the keynote address at our 2011 Book Festival in Port Harcourt,

Anyaoku

Chief chaired the occasion. When I put together an anthology of 50 Nigerian authors in commemora-

A priority of the Commonwealth, under Anyaoku, was strengthening of intra-commonwealth relations as well as the promotion of democracy and good governance.

Emeka Ayaoku was instrumental to the eventual dismantling of the apartheid structure and establishment of democracy in South Africa

tion of Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary in 2010, Chief Anyaoku graciously took my request to then President Jonathan to write the foreword, and he did. Two years later, when the African Union turned 50, and I produced a similar anthology of 50 African authors, Chief wrote the foreword for me.

When we put in the bid for Port Harcourt to be World Book Capital 2014, Chief encouraged us and when we got the nomination, he was one of the first people I informed. In the course of this year-long project, I was frustrated to the point of resignation, but Chief counselled me otherwise and even attempted to intervene. We went ahead and completed the project.

When I need to see him, Chief usually gives me an appointment on any week day except one day, when, I gathered, he goes to the Lagos Metropolitan Club for the popular weekly lunch of its members. These visits, when I update him on our work -always over a cup of teadouble for me as a lesson in history as well as current affairs.

During one of those visits, eight years ago, Chief gave me a gift -an

-Kalango, MON, is the founder, Rainbow Book Club, and Project Director, UNESCO World Book Capital 2014

OSUN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION TRIBUNAL UPDATE

Day of the Statistician

By Our Reporter Proceedings started at the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja Thursday with the presentation of a report by the Osun State branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) election monitoring group. The representative of the group was cross examined by counsels to the All Progressives Congress (APC) , Alhaji Lasun Sanusi (SAN), John Bayeshea representing the Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Mr. Kpondu, counsel to the Imdependent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The tribunal was thrown into a brief spell of laughter when its chairman, Mohammed Sirajo, stated that an affirmation done either with or without, the Bible or Quoran, is an oath. He stated that at the

court where he presides they don’t use either of the holy books because people started stealing them. So they decided to adopt personal affirmation as oaths for witnesses. He further buttressed this by stating that despite oaths with the holy books people still carryon, howsoever, they like.

The proceedings reached a climax with the entry of Mr. Samuel Oduntan, an expert Statistician recruited by the petitioner, Sen. Ademola Adeleke governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , to review alleged obvious discrepancies in the pink copies of forms EC8As issued to all the political parties at the polling units and the copies of same retrieved from INEC office. The report was a summary of his findings after physical inspections and statistical

analysis of all the forms EC8As. His report was premised on three key issues; over voting, non accreditation of voters, and ballot count verification. His report indicated a total of 13,994 excess score illegally and inexplicably added to the scores of the APC candidate, Governor Gboyega Oyetola by INEC officials. If this was deducted, the PDP candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke won the polls of September 22, 2018 and the rerun of September 27, was a contrived illegality.

INEC counsel questioned why Oduntan didn’t mention the use of the voters register in his averrement but the Statistician replied that it was in his report. He also stated that he was not in osun for the elections. He affirmed that he based his report solely on the documents provided to him, that is, the pink copies of forms

EC8As from the petitioner and certified true copies of same retrieved from INEC office.

Mr. John Bayeshea counsel to Governor Oyetola put to him that he isn’t an election expert but a Statistician. He also asked if he was being paid and he replied that as a professional he deserves his fees.

Thereafter, Alh. Lasun Sanusi SAN, lawyer to APC also cross examined the witness.

He asked him why his report was limited to only 342 polling units out of the 3100 polling units in the state stating that was a mere 8% but Mr. Oduntan countered that the inspection and analysis covered the entire polling units but the 342 or 11% were the polling units with alleged discrepancies.

The tribunal chairman adjourned sitting till tomorrow (today) at 12:48pm.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 2019

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PERSPECTIVE

Emmanuel Wins the Support of Akwa Ibom Sports Community Paul Bassey

R

ecently in Abuja, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State was honoured for Sports development in general and the support of Super Eagles in particular towards their qualification for Russia World Cup 2018.

A colleague also called to say that Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr had passed a vote of confidence on the facilities in Uyo. According to the news report which hit the airwaves and newsstands next day, the Eagles gaffer has decided to make the ‘Nest of Champions’ and the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, his destination of choice.

“We will camp and train in Uyo where the grass is the best in the country and the environment very enabling for our camping and preparations.”

The Coach also used the opportunity of the World Press Conference to put a seal on the likely venue of the last Nation’s Cup qualifying encounter against Seychelles next March. “It will be in Uyo” he affirmed.

The last three and a half years of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration has witnessed tremendous footprints in the sports sands of this country leading to the unanimous conferment of Governor Emmanuel as the country’s best Sports Governor in the year 2017.

The State was voted as best in sports infrastructure, best in grass root sports development and best in fans supportership.

Uyo crowd support? Ask the Super Eagles who qualified for the World Cup with a match to spare. Again, the Super Eagles have also qualified for the Nations Cup 2019 with, again, a match to spare.

On the domestic scene, no sooner had Governor Udom Emmanuel mounted the saddle than Akwa United won the FA Cup in 2015, a record in the 53 year-old history of the prestigious tournament.

The state’s flagship returned in 2017 to become first winners of the Aiteo Cup to prove that the 2015 feat was not a fluke.

The state women football team the Ibom Angels qualified for two consecutive Aiteo Cup finals in 2017 and 2018, though they narrowly lost both to Rivers Angels (3-4 penalties and 0-1) this is a feat by all standards.

Ibom Youths, a feeder team of Akwa United

Emmanuel playing in the Nationwide League last football season gained promotion to the National League.

As electioneering campaigns begin and the 2019 elections draw near, one sure constituency that Governor Udom Emmanuel will harvest more votes to assist him coast home to a sure victory in his re-election bid for a second term in office, is the sports community of the state.

The sports community across the state is certainly one vast constituency that has benefited more from the performance driven administration of Governor Emmanuel in the past three and half years of his mounting the saddle of governance of Akwa Ibom State.

Commensurately, besides impacting so much in the provision and expansion of existing infrastructural facilities, the Governor Emmanuel administration has unremittingly been building capacity in the area; thus improving on the quality attracted to the sector as a veritable source to achieving the optimum engagement of individuals who, as future drivers of the industry, would leverage on the huge economic and social potentials reputed of the sector.

Indeed, the monumental growth witnessed within the sector in the last few years has provided more than the needed boost and also continues to build wide enthusiasm among practitioners and investors in sports across the state.

For instance, since the administration’s bold initiative to regularly and promptly fund the state football flagship, the Akwa United Football

Club, much has been the improved fortunes and fame of the club, which, besides launching it onto the international football stage, has also witnessed her winning of the Federation, now Aiteo Cup, twice in the last three years. These were a fitting fame that brought unprecedented glory to the state, even as the increasing lure of football as a vast income earner has continued to draw scores of Akwa Ibom youths into limelight by plying the beautiful game as a lucrative lifetime profession across an ever growing soccer crazy world.

Football, no doubt, draws quite a huge following in fans, players, trainers, scouts, coaches and sports entrepreneurs, who weekly, trail and scour the soccer centres of the world for discovery of new and potential talents who would boost the ever growing industry across its global spread.

It is particularly to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s growing credit, that arising from his passionate interest and investment in football, Uyo through the regular hosting and patronage of international club-sides and national teams alike, have become converted as the popular soccer capital of the country.

The effect itself while resonating with, and drawing more visitors globally into the state, has exponentially created a major boost to the state’s tourism potential and in the stride, benefited many-an-indigene or resident of the state, who have over the time, exploited such grand opportunities for maximum economic benefits; all to the gain of the state’s hitherto civil service economy.

More importantly, the value chain as it were, and cutting across those in the hospitality industry, food vendors, marketers of sports promotional materials and equipment, the local art and craft industry, mementoes, etcetera; and which quick multiplier effects are deemed many, have been too noted to exceptionally impact the local commerce and sundry private economies of the state in no small way.

Again, it is the tremendous commitment and efforts of the administration, which has interestingly reinvented and rejuvenated the place of sports competition in the state public schools.

It has not been only about football though.

With an uncanny knowledge of sports politics and administration, Governor Udom Emmanuel set out in 2016 to launch the first ever Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival for schools

and colleges in the state.

According to the indefatigable State Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko, “His Excellency has charged us to go down to the grassroots to discover and nurture talent to take over from our faded and jaded stars.

“We held the second Youth Sports Festival involving over 8,000 students from primary and secondary schools and the success has been overwhelming.”

In 2017, immediately after the first Youth Games, Akwa Ibom went to Ilorin for the National Youth Sports Festival and came out second in the overall standings – A feat never dreamt of before now.

This, besides inspiring the student’s drive to aspire and strive hard to achieve greatness for self and the state, it has equally opened up a window of opportunity for the employment of trained teachers and experts in the various fields of health and physical education, including psychologists and sports medicine professionals, who are presently engaged in public secondary schools and the state Ministry of Youth and Sports, to efficiently train and handle future track and field champions of the state among other developing and self development sports.

Indeed, as Governor Udom Emmanuel’s revolutionizing strides and splendid stance in governance continues amid massive turn-around and landmark achievements noted in virtually all of the state sectors, sports remains one key area, where the government has scored impressively so high in the minds of its soaring devotees and a united constituency, the governor, adjudged to have stamped bold and very indelible imprints as hallmarks of his championing the myriad growth and successes recorded and still counting on in the various and dedicated sport fronts across the state, it incredibly points to why these stellar feats have clearly combined to expose the incredible but widening base of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s broad and ever growing army of sports community supporters. These will enthusiastically vote for his return; and those votes will decisively count in the prime but definite quest to re-elect this nationally acknowledged and honoured sports loving governor for another endearing term in office.

-Paul Bassey is the SSA to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sports

Doing Things Differently to Get a Better Nation ‘Wale Oluwade

I

n the July 2004 edition of Newsweek International Magazine, there was an interesting and very enlightening cover story by Jeffrey D. Sachs, titled, ‘The World’s Best Countries’. In the story, the world’s top 10 countries and their competitive advantages were revealed. The Nordic countries off course emerged in the study as the bastion of “a well-rounded, modern and well governed society.” What I find most telling about the study was the direct link between efficient governance and the stellar performance of the Nordic nations. Interestingly, over 14-years after the report, the Nordic countries still maintain their stranglehold on the Human Development Index (HDI). Therefore, what is it about their governance model that confers on them this consistent competitive advantage?

A few excerpts from the study states; “Consider just about any indicator - income per capita, health, democracy, economic competitiveness, environmental consciousness, honesty – and the Nordic world of Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland is sure to shine.

These are small countries with homogenous populations. Their incredible successes are sometimes easily put aside as ‘special cases’.

Yet they have much to tell bigger nations about paths to the good life.”

This is just a tip of the iceberg as the author continued further; “For years, the U.N. Development Programme has measured human progress by including measures of literacy and life expectancy alongside per capita income.

On the combined Human Development Index, (HDI) Norway and Sweden ranked first and second in 2004 out of 175 countries, with the United States coming in eighth, and the larger countries of continental Europe ranked in the teens. Nordic health and wealth is built on high quality governance. The global corruption

watchdog, Transparency International ranks Finland, Iceland and Denmark right at the top of the list of the world’s “cleanest” governments. France and Spain are tied for 23rd.”

Then he concluded thus; “Broadly speaking, the Nordic region took three basic decisions.

First, it prioritized education, study and science.

Second, it decided that it would leave no countryman behind. Social insurance – pensions, public health care, and public education – became a basic shared commitment in each of these countries. And third, the region built a vigorous private sector. Ericsson and Nokia are not government creations.”

I have had reasos to reflect over this report in the intervening years since its release as I ponder over the state of our socio-economic and political environment in Nigeria. In fact, I wrote a book, “God and Nigerians” © 2007, drawing inspiration from it. How have we fared in public governance as a society? I think the answer stares at us evidently without any doubts. How is it that in 20 years of unbroken democratic governance, every major indicator of measuring quality of life and human development has either stagnated or regressed substantially?

Critically, why is it that in the same period, 1990 – 2018, that China eradicated poverty from its about 1.5 billion population, Nigeria instead produced tens of millions more extreme poor people taking the ignoble position from China and later India? The reasons are not farfetched.

Myth of Role of Government There is a myth that government has no business in business. Well, it is indeed nothing more than that, a myth. It is actually worse; it is a great lie and a monumental disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians by those who champion this pernicious fallacy. As the country careens precariously from one disaster to another, their unpatriotic mindset is laid bare! Well, government does have a great role in business;

it creates the enabling environment, it acts as an arbiter in disputes between players, critically, it lays a solid foundation for the private sector to thrive in their business activities and using the Chinese model, it actively promotes private sector venture funding! How do these happen?

The provision of strategic hard and soft infrastructure is the fundamental role of government and these cannot be outsourced to pseudo government entities that are capitalists or foreign powers. Critical Hard Infrastructure necessary and without which no meaningful, measurable and sustainable development can ever take place includes; power, bridges, transportation (air, roads, rail and water), waste management, mass housing, and security.

The Soft Infrastructure includes; Quality and Affordable Education, healthcare for all citizens, and an independent justice system that guarantees the rights of all citizens. These are the inviolable platforms upon which the private sector thrives. I state boldly; without these two sets of infrastructure, No nation can succeed and compete admirably with others in the global arena!

Now, the mindset and belief that a government in any country can cede some or all of these wholly or partially to the private sector has been a major disincentive to the development of our economy. Yes I know and believe in private sector participation in infrastructure development through Public Private Partnership (PPP), Concessioning and other models but these must not be at the expense of our National Strategic Interest and Security. How do I mean? As I type this, the Chinese Government owned CCCEC is all over Nigeria, building roads, bridges, airports, and others! Note, and I repeat, this company is owned by the Chinese government! It is owned, funded and managed by the Chinese government and people.

In essence, after the Chinese achieved self-sufficiency on the home front, they are

now engaged all over Africa developing critical infrastructure. So I ask; “What is our government doing exactly?” I mean, “what work does our president, governors, all other elected and appointed government officials do?” Yearly, colossal sums are incurred as recurrent expenditure, doing what exactly? All our governments at the three tiers do is spend, spend and spend on wastes and endemic corruption! Who bothers that our National Strategic Interest is being compromised by foreign powers. And how secure are we as a nation when foreigners preside over our strategic assets?

Existing Governance Template I’ll tell you more what our elected and appointed officials do. They travel all over the world for seminars, conferences and symposia.

Our government officials love to travel and see the world and earn estacode. And when they do decide to stay back in the country, they busy themselves with the same routines; local seminars, conferences, and symposia. The work day of a president or governor in Nigeria is usually spent receiving different stakeholders who come to visit for various reasons that have little no impact on development and growth of the economy; foreign dignitaries, local politicians, trade groups, religious bodies, market women, traditional rulers, and others. Thereafter, they move to firefighting the several issues challenging their areas of coverage; political opponents, insecurity, unemployment, crime, terrorism, ethnic crises, ecological crisis, labour crisis, and the list is long. Thus, just like that, four years has passed and we are still where we were before getting to office. And we keep repeating the same futile efforts and motions without progress.

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

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5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍś, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD

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

ÍŻ ÍŻ Ëœ Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ ͡ MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO 20 % 22.50 %

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Quick Takes Culture,TourismActivitiesExcitesRunsewe

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan; President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Razak Jaiyeola; Chief Financial OďŹƒcer, Ecobank Nigeria, Abiola Aderinola and Registrar, ICAN, John Evbodaghe, during a courtesy visit by bank to ICAN head oďŹƒce in Lagos‌recently

Why Immigration Extended Passport Validity to 10 Years Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced new passport with 10 years validity to replace the existing passports which lasts for five years.

Official statement from Immigration said there are additional security features to make it more reliable and in tandem with the latest technology in passport issuance and security.

Some of these features include the self-tracking of application, weather friendly, compliance with the latest International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards

AVIATION and that it is produced with polycarbonate technology to eliminate damage.

The NIS said the new passport would help the Nigerians in Diaspora who would now wait for 10 years before renewing their passport, as many of them face cumbersome process before doing so.

A senior Immigration officer, however, told THISDAY that the extension of the passport validity to 10 years was to align with world’s trend, saying about 80 per cent of the countries in the world have extended the validity of their

passport to 10 years. “We extended the validity of our passport to 10 years because we want to dovetail with what is going on in the world. Our neighbour, Ghana has been issuing 10 years passport for some years now. In fact, 80 per cent of the countries in the world extended their validity to 10 years,� the official said.

The new passport would be sold for N70, 000, while the prices of the existing ones, which last for five years have also been increased to N25, 000 for the 32-page passport, while the 64-page passport is now N35, 000.

Investigations made by THISDAY revealed that majority

Lufthansa Sells Stake in NAHCO

of Nigerians overseas find it very difficult to renew their passports when it expires.

This is because the embassies are located far off from where many of them live in their respective countries. “It is difficult for Nigerians in the Diaspora to renew their passports because most of our embassies are located in areas far away from where many of our citizens live in each country. “Also many of the systems in these embassies do not produce many passports at a time. Some of them capture 50 passports a day or less; so the system may Continued on page 22

Maritime Industry Spent $3.047bn on Marine Vessels in Four Years Eromosele Abiodun The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote, has called on stakeholders in the maritime industry to take advantage of the opportunities in the sector, saying the amount operators spent on marine vessels was $3.047 billion (N1.096 trillion) over the period 2014-2018.

Speaking at the 4th All Nigerian Ship owners Annual Workshop and Dinner held in Lagos recently, he said of the amount, $2.217 billion (N798.12 billion) was spent on category 1 marine vessels, which accounted for 73 per cent of total spend on Marine Vessels (MVs) compared to $393 million or 13 per cent for Category 2 and $437 million or 14 per cent for category 3 vessels.

ECONOMY Category 1 and 2 vessels, the NCDMB boss stated, accounted for 86 per cent of industry spend, adding that industry spend on category 1 vessels was projected to be $1.645 billion or 51 per cent of total amount, compared to $1.043 billion or 33 per cent for Category 2 vessels and $519 million or 16 per cent for Category 3 vessels.

Wabote said Category 1 and 2 vessels accounted for 84 per cent of spend, “and should be focus for vessel ownership. The total spend is projected to be $3.207 billion or $641 million per annum.�

He said: “Top five vessels utilised were Security Patrol Vessels (SPV), Platform Supply Vessels (PSV), Line Handling Tug (LHT), Anchor Handling Tug (AHT), Crew Boats (CB).

The five vessels accounted for 49 per cent of vessels utilised.

Top five in projected demand will be Various Barges(VB), Tug Boats (TB), Security Patrol Vessels (SPV), Jack-up barges (JUB) and Crew Boats (CB). The five accounted for 66 per cent of vessels that will be required in the years ahead. Water Bus (WB), Support Vessel (SUV) are among the vessels that will be least demanded. “Category 1 vessels were more in demand accounting for 53 per cent of vessels utilised, Category 2 vessels accounted for 34 per cent. Vessels in category 3 accounted for 12 per cent of vessels utilised. Vessels in Category 1 and 2 accounted for 87 per cent of vessels utilised in the period 2014-2018. Volume of transaction for Category 1 vessels will be higher (49 per cent), compared to categories 2 (23 per cent) and

The Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe has expressed delight at the high rate of culture and tourism activities in Nigeria last year, promising to embark on culture evangelism tour of the 36 states of the federation very soon.

The NCAC DG singled out Lagos, Rivers, Cross-River, Kaduna, Plateau and Edo States for engaging and promoting robust culture and tourism activities in 2018, which helped create a window for organised local and international visits across Nigeria.

Runsewe, whose oďŹƒce organised some of the most notable cultural festivals in Nigeria last year such as National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and International Arts and Crafts Exposition (INAC), noted that the upbeat in culture activities from all states in the country would help to sustain an all year and season holiday culture in Nigeria and also anchors certiďŹ ed cultural festivals as tourism products to help local and international tour operators in marketing Nigeria to the world.

According to Nigeria’s chief cultural oďŹƒcer and President, World Crafts Council, Africa region, what took place around the country last year is a revolution which would place Nigeria in its rightful place in global tourism community.

The NCAC Director General noted that the 50 billion naira spending by holiday makers in Lagos is a huge eye opener to what can tickle down to operators of businesses and the service industry, adding that what is needed now is to see that the industry is well organised and turned up to create jobs for Nigerians. He said Lagos state government is doing well in tourism and prays that the state will continue to provide the leadership in strategic tourism activities more than ever before.

To Cross-River, Runsewe commended the governor for making carnival Calabar to take new shape last year through an authentic African theme which calls for top mind awareness and revival of African culture to help open the continent to visits and collaboration.

category 3 (28 per cent). Vessels in Category 1 and 2 account for 72 per cent of vessels that will be in demand over the period 2019-2023.�

He stated that progress to address the infrastructure gap is hampered by a shortage of accessible finance and project development expertise. “The Nigerian Content Intervention Fund was launched in September, 2017. It addresses five key areas namely: manufacturing, asset acquisition, contract financing, community contractor financing scheme and loan refinancing; single digit interest rate (i.e. eight per cent while Community Contractor Financing Scheme is five per cent).

The fund has a single obligor limit of up to $ 10 million up to five years duration,� he stated.

Continued on page 22

Germany’s Lufthansa Group has sold its six per cent stake in the Nigerian Handling Company Plc (nacho aviance).

The Lagos-based company said in a statement to the Nigerian Stock Exchange that Lufthansa had transferred all its 97.5 million shares, representing a six per cent stake, to local ďŹ rm Godsmart Nigeria Limited. The value of the deal was not disclosed. Godsmart was already a NAHCO shareholder and this latest transaction increases its stake in the company to 26.95 per cent, making it the largest single investor. NAHCO provides aircraft handling services at nine airports across Nigeria and has ambitions to expand into other African countries. It also provides aviation-training services.

A Lufthansa spokesperson conďŹ rmed the deal but said, “Due to conďŹ dentiality reasons, we cannot disclose further details on this transaction.â€?

Emirates Outlines 2019 Schedule

Emirates said it would ground up to 48 aircraft and reduce ights by 25 percent during a planned closure of one of Dubai International Airport’s two runways in April and May. The 45-day closure of DXB’s southern runway is due to extensive maintenance work required on the heavily used strip.

The airline said the limitations of operating on a single runway would mean “many Emirates ights will be cancelled, re-timed or have the operating aircraft changed in order to reduce impact on customers.â€?

In addition to the service update caused by the runway work, the Dubai-based carrier announced schedule changes for the year ahead.

These include more ights to Africa and Europe, but a reduction in Sydney services.

The airline’s president,Tim Clark said the airline is “agile in deploying our aircraft to destinations where it best serves customer demand. “The changes we are implementing to our network schedules in 2019 are in line with this approach, taking into consideration global market dynamics and operational limitations including the maintenance work on Dubai Airport’s Southern Runway.�

Flights between Dubai and Africa would see service increases, with Casablanca getting an extra daily ight, and Abuja, Accra, Conakry and Dakar additional weekly frequencies. Multiple European cities would also be served by extra ights during the peak summer travel season. Athens gets an extra Boeing 777-300ER ight daily, with an Airbus A380 operating the service during the Dubai runway closure.

“I really do hope that this code of corporate governance, I wish we could extend it also to political players, at least it might help a bit in stemming defections and counter defections�

Vice President,

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

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BUSINESSWORLD WHY IMMIGRATION EXTENDED PASSPORT VALIDITY TO 10 YEARS

give you a particular date for you to come and capture but when you come with many others, the system can capture only 30 or 50 persons so the rest will come back another day,� the official said.

He noted that while London has the second busiest passport office after Ikoyi Lagos office, it captures only 50 applicants per day, while Ikoyi office captures 700 to 800 applicants per day. “So you may get a date but because you are not captured on the day of your appointment you would have to come again and this takes time. It can take an applicant about three months to renew his passport overseas,� the Immigration official said.

THISDAY also spoke to travel expert and organizer of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko who explained that for frequent traveller, the duration or validity of the passport is not important. What is important is the number of pages in the passport.

He explained that the 64 pages in the 10-year passport are not enough for a frequent traveller and disclosed that when he was using 32-page passport he was renewing his passport every year.

MARITIME INDUSTRY SPENT $3.047BN ON MARINE VESSELS IN FOUR YEARS

The local content board boss also stated that the Bank of Industry (BOI) is also mandated to grow the fund.

The Nigeria maritime sector, he said, continues to grow especially as it pertains to the oil and gas industry. “The NOGICD Act has provided the framework for inter-agency collaboration and the enabling environment for vessel owners to thrive. The Board continues to implement various data-driven initiatives aimed at sustainable growth of the maritime sector. It is important that key stakeholders are identified and carried along for an all-inclusive support for successful realisation of target objectives. The Ship Owners Association of Nigeria is encouraged to adopt best-inclass stakeholders’ management practice,� he said.

NEWS

Advertising Experts Predict Economic Growth Raheem Akingbolu The country is expected to record an increase in the number of foreign and domestic investors after the general elections that will be held this quarter, some advertising and communications experts have said.

They also pointed out that current global awareness about the need for effective communications on the part of brand owners would translate to boom for marketing communications professionals as companies would locate them to communicate with target audience in the ways consumers like.

According to top marketing communications practitioners, who spoke to THISDAY during the week, with a stable political environment after the election, brands would increase spend to catch up on lost grounds. To this end, they urged business owners on the need to be aware of their customers’ communication preferences after the elections.

President of Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, said as the economy contracts, there would be more demand for the services of marketing communication experts to chart the way to go for businesses to flourish.

Mumuney, who is also the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at the First Bank, stated that the winning brands would be firms whose leadership appreciate this challenge and recognise the need to invest in building and shoring up brand equity and taking the longer term view that such investments are a major requirement for building sustainable institutions.

A leading public Relation practitioner and Chief Executive Officer at Precise, a brand management

firm, Bolaji Okusaga, though admitted that the elections and the state of the economy are two factors that would have an impact on the communications industry, he pointed out that 2019 is certain to be a year of mixed blessings. “While the elections may swell the billings of some agencies, it is certain to come with uncertainties which will have an impact on flow of investments and the marketing spend of corporate. “The economy is also going to be a major flashpoint; what with already falling oil prices. If only were to consistently fall below the budget benchmark, there will be some form of volatility which may impact marketing spend?

“On a general note, 2019 is certain to be a year of mixed blessings. Technology is certain to continue to alter the flow of creativity what with the impact of big data and aggregation possibilities in understanding consumer value,� he said.

This was also the position of the President of Experiential Marketing Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), Kehinde Salami, who predicted that there would be diversification across and outside the below the line value chain this year. “With hopefully a stable political environment after the election, brands will increase spend to catch up on lost grounds. Also the advent of

L-R: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi presenting an award for Stevedoring Contractor of the year to Head HR/Admin, Micura Services Limited, Cynthia Bolouebi, during NIMASA’s corporate dinner and merit awards held in Lagos‌ recently Photo: Kunle Ogunfuyi

FG Urged to Remove Barriers to Business Success Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim has advised the federal government to remove all obstacles that can hinder entrepreneurs from realising their full potential in the country.

This, he said would go a long way to tackle the menace of unemployment in the country.

Senator Ibrahim who represent Kwara South senatorial district at the National Assembly, stated this in Ilorin, the state capital during the disbursement of N10 million grant to the 100 entrepreneurs in the senatorial district as part of efforts to

empower unemployed youths in the area.

The programme was organised by Central Bark of Nigeria(CBN) -Entrepreneurship Development Centre(EDC) in collaboration with RIB Foundation, the pet project of the lawmaker.

According to him, “issues restraining entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential must be addressed if Nigeria was truly committed to put an end to joblessness.�

He said, “solution to unemployment in the country is not sole responsibility of government alone but the desire of individuals to create more empowerment for the citizenry.�

The legislator called for

democratisation of job creation and identified empowerment of entrepreneurs as a way of tackling the problem.

Senator Ibrahim who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disclosed that he decided to provide N10million grant to the beneficiaries in continuation of the empowerment scheme he floated for the people of his constituency.

He said, “The truth is that the current unemployment concerns cannot be solved by more government jobs, we need to democratise job creation. “And the surest way to achieve this is by creating and empowering more entrepreneurs

Buhari Appoints Isegbe NAQS DG

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

James Emejo in Abuja

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Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Capital Market Editor

ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?

Senior Correspondent

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

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

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

“It is important to note that owned media and inside influence will be key ingredients for success this year; as brands move to become better at being part of consumer conversations and building trust in a way that enhances how much of their content consumers take in, believe, and share in unsolicited ways. “More public relations agencies will build better digital competencies as digital agencies build up their story telling skills,�

Another practitioner, Mr. Tokunbo Modupe, also stated that he expected a more vibrant industry devoid of politically induced fears of marketing investment by clients.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Obinna Chima

Group Business Editor

new product and categories will further aid activation hence a bright future awaits experiential firms that have strong defined processes, skilled workforce and financial muscle to accommodate large ticket projects,� he said.

Also speaking on the 2019 outlook, the publisher of Nigerian Public Relations Report, Ayeni Adekunle, said he was confident that the marketing communications landscape will witness an increase in demand by clients for measurement and impact this year.

He said: “Strategies and spend will be determined by expected business outcomes as will continue to move away from vanity metrics.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Vincent Isegbe as the pioneer Director General, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

The appointment took effect from December 13, 2018 and is for an initial period of five years.

Following the presidential assent to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment) Bill, 2018 in January this year, NAQS,

became a full-fledged agency of government.

According to a statement

by Head, Media, Communications and Strategies, NAQS, Dr. Chigozie Nwodo, until his appointment, Isegbe was the Coordinating Director of the agency.

As the pioneer, he will be responsible for institutionalising the administrative and management structures requisite for operationalising the paramilitary status of the agency.

NAQS was established to

promote and regulate sanitary and phytosanitary measures with respect to the export and import of plants, veterinary and aquatic resources.

The mandate of the service is to ensure the compliance of Nigerian agricultural products to international standards – particularly, the requirements of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the International Office of Epizootics –and to stimulate international trade in Nigerian agricultural products.

The new DG is highly rec-

(MSME’s in particular). “If we are serious about solving the unemployment challenges we face in Nigeria; we must fully address these issues restraining our entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential.�

He added, “Addressing issues such as access to land and capital, less government bureaucracy and creation of entrepreneurship hubs will go a long way in supporting SMEs to grow their businesses. “As part of our seriousness in achieving these goals, today we are here to sow a seed of N10million to the future of our young entrepreneurs, the future leaders of our nation, and share

with you what we consider vital in moving on in your business and in life. “Entrepreneurship can change lives, can change communities, can change nations, but I must tell you that the journey to entrepreneurship is tough, and I must say this often, there is no quick fix about it.�

Earlier, the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, Hon. Razak Atunwa, assured that his administration would make youths wealth creators to dissuade them from depending on government and office holders.

He added that if elected, his government would create more entrepreneurs in the state.

ommended for his expertise, exposure and experience in quarantine administration.

He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1985 and his Master’s degree at the University of Maiduguri in 1990.

Over the years, he had also undergone several trainings and courses within the country and overseas.

He began his career as a veterinary officer in the Federal Department of Livestock, Federal Ministry

of Agriculture and Rural Development in 1989 and rose through the ranks to the position of Assistant Director before joining the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service as one of its pioneer staff in 2008.

Upon joining NAQS, Isegbe became the Head of Collaboration, Planning and Partnership division and subsequently, the Head of Animal Quarantine Department; a position which he held until he assumed the position of the Coordinating Director in 2015.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Air Peace Launches Port Harcourt NAF Base Flights Stories by Chinedu Eze West Africa’s leading airline, Air Peace has announced plan to commence daily flights into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

The airline, which slated its maiden flight for January 18, would operate from OAS Terminal at the base with state of the art facilities.

A statement issued by the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah confirmed that the airline would operate from the Murtala Muhammed Airport domestic terminal (MMA2), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja into and out of the Port Harcourt NAF Base.

The operations, he said, would be managed by the carrier’s subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper as part of its no-city-left behind project, targeted at connecting underserved and unserved domestic and regional routes. “We are delighted to announce the commencement of our flight operations from the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe

Airport, Abuja to the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, Rivers State starting from Friday, January 18, 2019. “Our valued customers had yearned for the extension of our flight operations to the Port Harcourt NAF Base and we are quite pleased to respond to their request to enter the route,� the airline said.

The Managing Director and CEO of OAS Helicopters, which operates the OAS Terminal, Captain Evarest Nnaji, said the new terminal was designed and delivered to support airplanes and helicopters for oil and gas flight operations. “It was designed and delivered with the sensitivity and stringent standard associated with oil and gas aviation security and safety in mind, taking into account the reliability and predictability desirous of a facility that supports 24/7 high net worth operations,� he said.

Evarest, explained that Air Peace is accommodated in the facility in order to enhance the movement of oil and gas workers to and from different parts of the country to the base. “First we conceived a large

facility capable of supporting operations way more than we expect to utilise in near future; we therefore have enough space to share. Second, oil and gas operators seem very comfortable with Air Peace judging the number of expatriates you see on Air Peace flights, so when they approached us to use the facility we had no problem accommodating that, and I think they are happy. “The facility is the best you can find around here as it meets all international oil and gas aviation standards which is usually way higher than regular commercial aviation,� Nnaji said.

The MD/CEO also said that the facility was still expanding as OAS expects to, within the next 24 months, install a state-ofthe-art new generation helicopter maintenance hangar, which, according to him has not been found anywhere else in Africa. “We have not been talking about this because OAS business model will remain on simple achievement milestone, showcasing our mileage of achievements as we accomplish them. That to me is more dignifying,� Captain Nnaji added.

NAMA Installs New Landing Aid at Benin Airport The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced that it has completed the installation of Category II Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the Benin airport, Edo state.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, made this known recently during a town hall meeting with staff at the agency’s headquarters annex in Lagos.

Akinkuotu, said this was in line with an earlier pledge by the agency to upgrade navigational infrastructure in strategic airports across the country in a bid to boost socio-economic activities in such areas.

Akinkuotu, also announced that the agency has equally installed and commissioned the ILS at Port

Harcourt airport which was damaged by an aircraft last year, saying that the flight commissioning which was handled by Omni-Blue Aviation Ltd indicated that the newly installed landing aids were operating at optimal capacity. He also hinted that in the same vein, installation of CAT II ILS would commence at Maiduguri, Jos and Minna airports in the northern parts of the country.

Akinkuotu, informed the staff that in line with management’s objective to maintain a healthy and productive workforce, the agency had concluded plans to enrol NAMA into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the next two months, just as he assured them that the contentious issue of review of Condition of

Service (COS) was being handled and would soon be concluded by government.

The NAMA boss expressed gratitude to management and staff of the agency for the support and cooperation accorded him over the past two years of his ascendancy as managing director, saying that whatever successes his administration had recorded could not have been without the individual and collective effort of NAMA workers.

While cautioning staff to desist from frivolous expenses, he enjoined them to “put in more effort to move NAMA to the next level,� stressing that the agency would recognize hard work by giving special awards to deserving members of staff.

Delta Air Realises 2018 Results Delta Air Lines has unveiled its financial results for the December quarter and full year 2018.

The airline said adjusted pretax income for the December quarter 2018 was $1.2 billion driven by over $700 million of revenue growth. This, it stated, allowed the company to fully recapture the $508 million increase in adjusted fuel expense and produce an 11 percent adjusted pre-tax margin. Adjusted earnings per share increased by 42 percent year over year to $1.30.

For the full year, adjusted pre-tax income was $5.1 billion, a $137 million decrease relative to 2017 as the company overcame approximately 90 percent of the $2 billion increase in fuel expense.

Full year adjusted earnings per share were $5.65, up 19 percent compared to the prior year as the company recognized benefits from tax reform and a four percent lower share count. “2018 was a successful year

for Delta with record operational reliability, increasing customer satisfaction, and solid financial results in the face of higher fuel costs. Delta people are the foundation of our success and I am honored to recognize their efforts with $1.3 billion in profit sharing for 2018,� said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer.

He added: “As we move into 2019, we expect to drive doubledigit earnings growth through higher revenues, maintaining a cost trajectory below inflation, and the modest benefit from lower fuel costs. Margin expansion is a business imperative and we remain confident in our full-year earnings guidance of $6 to $7 per share.�

Delta’s adjusted operating revenue of $10.7 billion for the December quarter improved 7.5 percent, or $747 million versus the prior year. Total unit revenues excluding refinery sales (TRASM, adjusted) increased 3.2 percent during the period

driven by healthy leisure and corporate demand offsetting an approximately 0.5-point headwind from unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

For the full year, adjusted operating revenue grew to nearly $44 billion, up eight percent versus prior year on an increasingly diverse revenue base, with 52 percent of revenues from premium products and non-ticket sources. Premium product ticket revenues increased 14 percent along with double-digit percentage increases from cargo, loyalty, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul revenue. “Delta’s strong brand momentum was evident across the business with positive unit revenue growth in all geographic entities for the full year, a record revenue premium to the industry, and double-digit revenue growth from premium products and non-ticket sources,� said Delta’s president, Glen Hauenstein.

Nigeria, India Bilateral Air Service Agreement

Sirika

Chinedu Eze Recently the federal government signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the Republic of India in order to deepen flight operations with the Asian country.

This was disclosed by the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika through his twitter handle, as plans to reach this partnership had been afoot in the last six months.

While it is necessary to reach this agreement with India because of the increasing volume of trade, the increasing number of Indians doing business in Nigeria and the fact that India has provided succour to many sick Nigerians who could not be treated in the country, there is still apprehension about the agreement; whether like many others signed in the past, it was lopsided against the interest of Nigeria and her airlines.

India benefits most from medical tourism by Nigerians than anywhere in Africa, as THISDAY findings revealed that the major job of some Indian companies in Nigeria is to facilitate medical checks and movement of patients from the country to the world’s second most populated country.

Aviation industry consultant and CEO of Aglo Limited, Tayo Ojuri, said there is a lot of health tourism from Nigeria to India and that a lot of Indians are doing business in Nigeria.

Ojuri added: “Nigeria and India also have large population and market strata.

There are some levels of balance of trade between the two countries.�

Sirika however, did not give details of the bilateral agreement in the information he made public but it has to be noted that currently there is no direct flight service between Nigeria and India.

Many Nigerians that travel connect flights in Addis Ababa or in Dubai but the federal government had designated Air Peace to Mumbai and with this agreement it is hoped that Indian carriers would be coming to Nigeria too.

But many industry observers are sceptical that many bilateral agreements entered into by Nigeria are always skewed against the country.

That explained why aviation experts have variously advised the federal government to review its BASA with many countries whose airline operate into Nigeria.

This is critical and sobering when it is considered that that foreign airlines generated revenues from ticket sales of over $3.2 billion in the last two years from Nigeria but no Nigerian airline benefitted from such long-haul operations.

The last time he was in Nigeria, the in-

ternational aviation consultant, Chairman of African Business Aviation Association (AfBA) and the former Secretary-General of Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA), Nick Fadugba, said most of the BASA agreements signed between Nigeria and other countries are largely tilted against Nigeria and that it would be difficult to begin to renegotiate them.

He, however, said Nigeria should be careful henceforth and ensure that new BASA deals don’t follow the old ways. “When I look at BASA in Nigeria, it is like we opened the stable door and the horse has gone and to catch it back it is going to be very difficult. We entered into BASA agreements with numerous countries, the principle of BASA is reciprocity and yet we entered into BASA and we are not able to reciprocate,� he said.

So industry operators are demanding that the federal government should make available the details of the agreement it recently signed with India to ensure that Nigeria is not short-changed.

They also stated that Nigeria should ensure that its own airlines benefit from such agreements and not just designating them to foreign destinations, adding, “other governments follow their airlines to do the leg work.�

The Director of Research and Strategy at Zenith Travels, Fidel Olu Ohunayo, said governments that care for the interest of their indigenous carriers must ensure that the interest of their home airlines are protected first but in Nigeria government officials sign agreements that are tilted against the interest of Nigerian operators.

Ohunayo, said there is no way Nigerian airlines can survive if government does not protect their interest as other countries do; noting that the priority of governments in aviation is to protect their own. “British Airways has input in all British government’s bilateral, hence they get good slots in other countries, while our own carriers battle Heathrow or Gatwick airport management for slots and space which should have been factored in the BASA agreement Nigeria signed with UK,� he said.

Recently the President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Babatunde Ruwase said the trade volume between Nigeria and India had hit over $20 billion, noting that the trade had brought about strong bilateral relationship.

It is estimated that Nigeria spends about $1.3 billion on overseas medical treatment, including kidney and heart diseases and many of them seek such treatment in India.

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Anticipating Accident-free Year Chinedu Eze reviews recent reports by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Air Transport Association that made projections for the aviation industry globally

T

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has indicated that globally more passengers would travel by air in 2019.

It also projected that the global airline industry net profit would be $35.5 billion in 2019, which is slightly ahead of the $32.3 billion expected net profit in 2018 (revised down from $33.8 billion forecast in June).

IATA said that the factors that would make this possible include the return on invested capital, which is expected to be 8.6 per cent and the margin on net post-tax profits is expected be 4.0 per cent.

Other factors include overall industry revenues, which are expected to reach $885 billion. “Passenger numbers are expected to reach 4.59 billion (up from 4.34 billion in 2018), cargo tonnes carried are expected to reach 65.9 million (up from 63.7 million in 2018); there will be slower demand growth for both passenger traffic (+6.0 per cent in 2019, +6.5 per cent in 2018) and cargo (+3.7 per cent in 2019, +4.1 per cent in 2018) and there also be average net profit per departing passenger of $7.75 ($7.45 in 2018),� IATA said.

It noted that the lower oil prices and solid, albeit slower, economic growth (+3.1%) are extending the run of profits for the global airline industry, after profitability was squeezed by rising costs in 2018.

It is expected that 2019 would be the tenth year of profit and the fifth consecutive year where airlines deliver a return on capital that exceeds the industry’s cost of capital, creating value for its investors. “We had expected that rising costs would weaken profitability in 2019. But the sharp fall in oil prices and solid GDP growth projections have provided a buffer. So we are cautiously optimistic that the run of solid value creation for investors will continue for at least another year.

But there are downside risks as the economic and political environments remain volatile,� said IATA’s Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac.

Passenger TrafďŹ c IATA said passenger traffic (RPKs) is expected to grow 6 per cent in 2019, which will outpace the forecast capacity (ASKs) increase of 5.8 per cent, and remains above the 20-year trend growth rate. This in turn will increase load factors and support a 1.4 per cent increase in yields (partially clawing back the 0.9 per cent fall experienced in 2018).

The Association said passenger revenues, excluding ancillaries, are expected to reach $606 billion (up from $564 billion in 2018).

“Despite recent softening, world real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to be at 3.1 per cent in 2018 before slowing gradually over the next two years,� according to the World Bank estimates. “Advanced economy growth decelerates, and the recovery in major commodity-exporting emerging market and developing economies levels off. The financial market stress, escalating trade protectionism and heightened geopolitical tensions continue to cloud the outlook,� he said.

Mr Philbin said international scheduled passenger traffic grew by 6.4 per cent in 2018, down from the strong 8.4 per cent recorded in 2017.

He said all regions posted slower growth than 2017, with the exception of an improvement in North America driven by the stronger U.S. economy and continued international expansion of Canadian carriers.

According to Statistics Portal, the statistic represents the annual growth in global air traffic passenger demand between 2006 and 2019. In 2018, global air traffic passenger demand is estimated to increase by eight per cent on the year before. By 2019, traffic is projected to grow with another six per cent.

ICAO Projection In the same vein, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) showed a total of 4.3 billion passengers were transported by air on scheduled services in 2018 and as IATA noted, this would be surpassed in 2019.

The document issued by ICAO’s Chief of Communications, Anthony Philbin, said this indicated a 6.1 per cent increase over 2017 when 4 billion passengers were flown by the airlines.

He said the number of departures rose to approximately 38 million globally, and world passenger traffic grew solidly at 6.7 per cent, but the growth was however a slowdown from the 7.9 per cent achieved in 2017. “Over half of the world’s 1.4 billion tourists who travelled across international borders last year were transported by air, and that air transport now carries some 35 per cent of world trade by value. Indeed, around 90 per cent of cross border Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce was carried by air transport. “The final official figures will be released in the 2019 Annual Report of the Council,� Mr Philbin added.

He noted that air travel growth had eased in comparison to the strong upward trend seen in 2017.

Mr Philbin said the stimulus of lower airfares to travel demand had reduced due to the higher fuel prices from the last two years, reflecting the moderation in growth momentum. �However, air traffic growth remained solid in 2018, underpinned by the global economic conditions throughout the year.

Positive Growth The Portal noted that on a global scale, passenger air travel is expected to maintain positive growth rates up to 2030, despite a number of challenges faced by the industry.

“Airlines around the world are struggling with high jet fuel prices and sluggish economic growth. However, these difficult economic conditions are predicted to be offset by an increase in passenger figures, which in turn is projected to translate into improved financial performance of the airline sector. It is believed that the global aviation industry will reach up to 33.8 billion US dollars in profits in 2018, up from only 8.3 billion US dollars in 2011. Between 2017 and 2036, the number of airline passengers is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7 per cent.

It said that low-cost carriers and regional airlines have revolutionized the airline business with the introduction of innovative low-fare business models. “Notwithstanding the fact that airlines such as Easyjetand Ryanair have steadily eaten into the market share of major transportation companies.

American Airlines remained the leading airline in terms of passenger kilometers flown in 2017, followed by Georgia-based Delta Air Lines, United/Continental and Emirates Airlines,� the Statistical Portal said.

It remarked also that aviation demand is set to be fuelled by the rising affluence of the middle classes in emerging markets. Consequently, the air traffic industry is forecast to grow most significantly in Latin America and Africa. In 2017, the airports in Atlanta (IATA: ATL), Beijing (IATA: PEK) and Dubai (IATA: DXB) were ranked as the three major airports for passenger traffic.

Air Accidents

We had expected that rising costs would weaken proďŹ tability in 2019. But the sharp fall in oil prices and solid GDP growth projections have provided a buffer.

So we are cautiously optimistic that the run of solid value creation for investors will continue for at least another year

2017 is rated as the year with the least air accidents in the history of commercial air transport, but in 2018 there was a spike that all the gains in air safety seemed lost with series of air crashes.

Industry research indicated that 2017 was the safest year for air travel for commercial airlines as fatalities fell. There were no passenger jet crashes anywhere in the world.

IATA during the 2018 Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in Sydney, Australia celebrated the global role of aviation in lifting the economies in developing countries and emerging markets. “Aviation is globalization at its very best— linking people and economies as never before,�

IATA Director General and CEO, de Juniac said.

The global body said startling proof of this is the fact that there are now a record number of cities worldwide connected by airlines, over 20 000 unique city pairs in 2017, an increase of 1,351 over 2016 and more than double the number in 1995.

But Cable News Network (CNN) reported that the number of people killed in plane crashes jumped in 2018 compared with the previous year, with more than 500 deaths recorded.

Nonetheless, 2018 was still regarded as one of the safest years for commercial aviation on record, according to reports from Dutch aviation consultancy To70 and the Netherlands-based Aviation Safety Network (ASN).

The ASN recorded a total of 15 fatal airliner accidents in 2018, leading to 556 deaths, compared with 10 accidents and 44 lives lost in 2017, the safest year in aviation history.

Of those accidents, 12 involved passenger flights and three were cargo flights, the ASN report said. Three of the 15 planes were operated by airlines on the European Union “blacklist,� it said.

Despite the jump in the number of deaths last year, ASN Chief Executive Harro Ranter said the level of aviation safety had increased significantly overall. “If the accident rate had remained the same as 10 years ago, there would have been 39 fatal accidents last year,� he said; adding that the rate of the year 2000 would have seen 64 fatal accidents. “This shows the enormous progress in terms of safety in the past two decades,� Ranter added.

The figures for 2018 represent a rate of one fatal accident for every three million flights, said To70.

According to CNN, the consultancy highlighted the Lion Air crash off Indonesiain October -- in which 189 people lost their lives -- as the deadliest single incident for the year. The aircraft involved was a brand new Boeing 737 MAX plane.

A preliminary report by Indonesian investigators found that the pilots ofLion Air Flight 610were engaged in a futile tug-of-war with the plane’s automatic systems in the minutes before it plunged into the ocean. “As in previous years, Europe and North America remain the safest parts of the world to fly in. Accidents here are rare,� said To70 in its analysis. “There are as many accidents within the Airbus 320 family as there involving 737s,�

To70 said. “However, the possibility that the Lion Air accident may have a technical cause is of serious concern, considering that the MAX is the future of the successful 737 model.�

In response to the Indonesian investigators’ report, released in November, Boeing said it was “deeply saddened� by the loss of the Lion Air flight -- but maintained the 737 MAX 8 “is as safe as any airplane that has ever flown the skies.� The company is “taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this accident,� it said.

The ASN highlighted “loss of control� accidents as a “major safety concern� over the past five years, causing at least 10 of the 25 worst accidents. “Most of those accidents were not survivable,� it said.

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MARITIME

Enhancing Maritime Sector’s Contribution to GDP The adequate and sustainable security apparatus, stability of the regulatory framework, tax regime and political institutions, transparency of the legal system and the willingness of government to support the industry are vital to Nigeria’s maritime sector growth and contribution to gross domestic product, writes Eromosele Abiodun Despite the fact that the maritime sector is said to be next to crude oil in terms of revenue for the government, the sectors contribution to the nation’s gross domestic products (GDP) is still very low.

As a matter of fact, the sector is not even captured in the nation’s GDP by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Experts believe the Nigerian maritime sector is weak and cannot compete favourably with its contemporaries around the world.

Of the four main factors that contribute to the attractiveness of a city, country or region as a global maritime centre of excellence, Nigeria lacks in most of them. The factors are: the existence of significant local ship-ownership and ship-management activities; well established financial, legal and other sophisticated business services; existence of significant port and logistics infrastructures; and good potential of a growing maritime technology culture associated with research and development, innovation, education and availability of local talent pool.

Furthermore, the overall business environment, adequate and sustainable security apparatus, the stability of the regulatory framework, tax regime and political institutions, transparency of the legal system and the willingness of local government to support the industry are vital in securing the attractiveness of a maritime centre. Together, these factors produce spirals of self-reinforcing growth – or decline, if the factors are absent.

Based on the perceptions of the activities in the different regions of the world, it is being projected that in the near future, competition among the major global maritime centres will intensify as countries and cities aim to position themselves as the leading maritime centres of the world.

The top maritime capitals located in Europe - London, Hamburg, Oslo and Rotterdam- each with its own strong competitiveness, are strengthening their game to remain the world maritime centers of excellence in their own areas of competences.

United Kingdom prides itself as a strong maritime centre with emphasis on maritime insurance, financial, legal services and also the centre of Baltic Exchange. Singapore has positioned itself with respect to running a major shipping hub and trade, a platform that attracts financial, insurance and other related industries to the centre. At the moment it is the leading centre of maritime excellence for 2017 closely followed by Hamburg.

Therefore, the question must be asked: to what extent is Nigeria positioned to play the role of a leading maritime centre of excellence at least in the Sub-Saharan Africa region? How does it compare regionally and internationally?

Experts believe Nigeria’s position with respect to all the four main factors stated earlier is anything but satisfactory to attract the kind of industries and skills that aid the growth of a maritime centre. At the onset of the port concessions, it appeared that the thrust to use ports as a pivot to grow the sector has taken root, but this is yet to be seen when explored against the back drop of poor hinterland infrastructure connections and the high cost of doing business.

All hope is not yet lost in this direction. A review of port inter-connectivity a couple of years ago showed that Nigeria’s liner connectivity index had gone up to about 25 per cent in 2015 from three per cent before 2006.

This significant improvement is being eroded as a result of the heavy congestion at the Lagos ports. If we could, consistently build on the gains of the port concessions and reduce the difficulties in cargo flows, it would be interpreted by potential investors in the sector as an indication that the foundation of a vibrant maritime centre has just being laid.

Sector’s Contribution to GDP In a bid to put the matter on the front burner so as to get the federal government to do what is needful to turn the sector around, the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN)

organised a forum where the lead speaker and lecturer at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Dr Frank Ojadi and other stakeholders in the maritime industry bemoaned the non-capturing of the maritime sector in the nation’s GDP describing it as worrisome and disturbing.

Ojadi said the Nigerian maritime sector is weak and may not be able to compete favourably with his contemporaries around the world.

He said: “You can’t pin down what the Nigerian maritime industry contributes to the Nigerian GDP and this is because 80 to 90 per cent of vessels that come into the country are foreign vessels. The foreign vessels owners repatriate the profit accrued from the shipping business in Nigeria to their various countries thereby making it difficult for Nigeria to retain the money in the economy.�

He, however, urged the federal government to urgently disburse the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF) for the development of the maritime sector.

According to him, “For the country to harness his huge maritime potentials there is need for the government to administer the ship acquisition funds also known as CVFF and focus on the infrastructure deficit at the seaports.�

You can’t pin down what the Nigerian maritime industry contributes to the Nigerian GDP and this is because 80 to 90 per cent of vessels that come into the country are foreign vessels.

The foreign vessels owners repatriate the proďŹ t accrued from the shipping business in Nigeria to their various countries thereby making it difďŹ cult for Nigeria to retain the money in the economy

He stated further that the Maritime University Okerenkoko should be pursued and actualised for training of capacity in the maritime industry. “Training vessels should be provided for the training of seafarers, “he added.

The Chairman of the event, Uju Tony Nwabunike called for quick completion of the port access roads.

Nwabunike, the President, Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA), who was represented by the Vice President of the association, Kayode Farinto also rues lack of consistent policies in the maritime industry.

He said: “No consistent policy to drive the maritime industry, no port development plans like other developed countries.�

According to Nwabunike, Nigeria generated over N10billion in the maritime industry daily but government still neglect the sector. “Nigeria generated over N10 billion daily in the maritime industry. The government generates the revenue from customs duties, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) among other charges but it has been neglected, “he said.

SOAN’s Optimism However, the President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mr. Greg Ogbeifun believes that SOAN’s engagement with federal government agencies will facilitate the emergence of a competitive Nigerian maritime industry that is at par with other maritime nations and contribute to the growth of the national gross domestic products (GDP).

He stressed the need to consolidate on the gains made so far in order to reposition the maritime and shipping industry as a strategic driver for the national economic development of Nigeria SOAN, he said, has through its engagements, increased government’s interest and participation in global maritime opportunities. Speaking further, he gave a breakdown of the ongoing engagements with some of the government agencies, which would not only assist the Nigerian masses in the immediate future, but also transform the country into a truly shipping nation; mentioning areas of engagement with the relevant agencies. “For instance, the ship owners are presently collaborating with NIMASA in the areas of cadetship training scheme, cabotage, waivers

as well as securing Central Bank of Nigeria intervention funds and special interest rates for the Maritime sector,�he said.

The SOAN president also highlighted that the body is engaging the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in the area of vessel categorisation, cadetship / funding support; with the NAPIMS: Contract terms, vessel hire rates, dollar / naira payment ratio; with the Federal Ministry of Transportation on CVFF; and with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, on the issue of realistic and meaningful support on cadetship training.

The doyen of the Nigerian Maritime Industry, Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi specially thanked the SOAN and the leadership of the government agencies for their patriotic spirits, altruistic commitment and noteworthy dedication to national interest, stressing that in spite of the great odds and challenges, he could now truly see a glowing light, at the end of the tunnel.

He encouraged the SOAN, stressing the need to fight for their rights, especially in the mission of growing the Nigerian shipping industry, acquiring vessels, participating in crude lifting and ship breaking; as well as expanding enduring opportunities for massive employment of Nigerian youths.

On his part, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside said the maritime and shipping industry has now grown beyond its current state because policies had no institutional framework to deliver.

According to him, “What differentiate Nigeria from other countries is that while other countries implement their policies wholeheartedly, policies made in Nigeria are never implemented and some die at formulation stage. This is why we have not moved from where we are to another level. Part of the problem also is that we are not ready for globalisation, which is affecting us. While others are well prepared with infrastructure and credit availability, which is not the case in Nigeria. “ NIMASA, he stressed, recognises the role of stakeholders and players in the industry hence the need for collaboration to ensure growth. “We have identified that funding is a problem for ship owners so we are working with the CBN to create a special funding to ship owners.

Our argument is that the shipping industry alone can generate about 10 million jobs. When well funded, the shipowners can take that huge number out of the labour market and be able to compete with their counterparts all over the world,� he said.

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THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 08152252325

Rinsola Abiola:

Every Inch Her Father’s Daughter

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RINSOLA ABIOLA: EVERY INCH HER FATHER’S DAUGHTER Many call her hot-headed. Some say she is naive for making that audacious move from the All Progressives Congress to Action Democratic Party. But Rinsola Abiola, a former Special Assistant on New Media to the Speaker, House of Representatives,Yakubu Dogara, is only a young woman who is fighting for the right of the people just like her father, the late Chief MKO Abiola did in his lifetime. In this interview,VANESSA OBIOHA explores her stance on grassroot advocacy, roadmap for her potential constituency, diplomacy, fake news and of course, her love for thrillers Rinsola Abiola has a faint memory of her father, the acknowledged martyr of the current democratic dispensation, Chief Moshood Abiola. She was very young when he passed. However, she looked forward to the anniversary of his passage those early years. For her, it offered an opportunity to view lengthy documentaries on his life. Every July 7, she will anxiously wait to catch glimpses of the man everyone around her adored.

At first, she could never really fathom the greatness of her father. But the more stories she heard of him, the more she fell in love with his personality. Sitting in front of that TV, watching his life retold was a moment Rinsola relished. ‘I always looked forward to watching the documentary even if I knew I will end up crying,� she told this reporter as her eyes glistened with tears, though she made an effort to keep her voice controlled. We were at the Action Democratic Party (ADP) Secretariat in Ogun state, where she is running for the House of Representatives seat in Abeokuta North/Obafemi Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency.

Pulling herself together, she continued, “You are looking at a father you didn’t know so well, but just listening to stories about him always got me emotional.

There are times I go on YouTube to listen to his speeches. It is very heartwarming to realise that we have a lot in common.�

Indeed, the apple did not fall far from the tree. Rinsola, a graduate of Statistics is as outspoken and valiant as her father in standing for what she believes in. Her recent move from the All Progressives Congress (APC) where she made some impressive landmarks to the ADP, was perceived by many as daring and to others impertinent.

Values Rinsola, however, is quick to point out to her critics that her decision was solely based on the values she believes in, particularly those who felt she was ungrateful after President Muhammadu Buhari conferred a post-humous national honour on her late father, as well as, making June 12, (date of the landmark presidential election in 1993 that Abiola presumably won) the new Democracy Day. “I didn’t join APC because I thought Buhari would do something for my father. I joined them because I thought we needed to make a clear departure from where we were headed as a country and have a new crop of leaders. I joined APC out of conviction because I wanted to see a new Nigeria. I gave my all not because I wanted personal benefit but because I believed in the party and that I was playing my role as a good citizen of the country. Those were the values that brought me into politics.�

Undemocratic Principles She further stated that her problem was mainly with the state party members who threatened her when she insisted on contesting in the upcoming elections. “My problem is not with APC at the national level. All politics is local. Buhari is not in charge of Ogun state and he is not the one who makes decisions about APC in Ogun state. He is not the one who said that he is going to turn democracy upside down in Ogun State. What happened as far as I am concerned contravenes any known democratic principle. If I have remained in that position and just taken it, it would have amounted to me belittling the values that my father fought and died for. A lot of things were said to me.

I was told to wait for my turn, but that was not even the point. It was being told that if you go ahead, there would be dire consequences. “Then I began to wonder, my father

Abiola

faced soldiers when he was fighting for democracy. He went against the military. If he could stand up for what he believed in during a military dispensation then what excuse do I have to say that in a democratic system I’m so afraid I can’t go for what I believe in. It didn’t make sense to me. I don’t have any issue with anyone in the party outside Ogun State. Everything they did was undemocratic.�

Unwanted Opinions She’s been termed a lot of things since she made the drastic move but those opinions don’t deter her. “Some say it’s naivety, some say I’m hot-headed. I don’t think I’m hot-headed.

If I believe in something and I know it’s right and I haven’t broken any law, what I believe is right for the majority of the people at that time, I’m going to stand up and speak about it. Our democracy came at a very high cost. My father died and a lot of other people who we don’t even know also died trying to bring this democracy. “So why should people then decide to take democratic structures and use it to further dictatorship or tyranny. That’s not what democracy should be about. The people who fought for our democracy didn’t do so so that someone somewhere will stand up and arrogate absolute power to himself, that’s not how it works. If we continue to look the other way and accept these things, a whole lot of things will go wrong. We are seeking for youth and women inclusion but if we accept this tyranny as a norm, then I believe that by the time we are in charge of these structures we will do the same to the people after us. “We need to begin to make it clearer that we are not going to accept it. I’m young enough to make a mistake at this stage in

my life. And at the same time stand for what I believe in. My father stood for what he believed in, that’s why democracy came when it did. So it’s not enough to sing, ‘the labour of our heroes past,’ we must honour them by continuing to stand for the values they stood for. That’s why I left. I didn’t want to but I had to.�

Her father’s strong believe in values that will benefit the people was behind her choice to pitch her tent in ADP, though there were offers by other parties. However, she disclosed the party’s manifesto really aligned with her vision which centres around governance for the people, youth and gender inclusion.

Grassroot Advocate Like her father, Rinsola is very compassionate about the people. She strongly abhors politics that favours only the elites. “Politics is not solely for people from wealthy background. My father wasn’t from a wealthy background, he came from nothing and he became very wealthy. My campaign has been very centered around the people. Ultimately it’s the people that decide, it’s the people that vote, it’s the people that we are elected to protect. Some people don’t care to do that much because they believe it’s one godfather that got them into office so they don’t really care much. “They will do empowerment programmes and give cars to governor or godfather’s families and they call it empowerment. These are people who are already comfortable at the expense of the actual people who need help. Some people need as low as N5,000 or N10,000 to start or grow their businesses and yet they are giving to people who already have. I think that is a travesty against our people and

our people deserve much better,� she said bitterly.

Roadmap As the elections draws near, Rinsola has mapped out certain areas she would quickly tackle. They include road infrastructure and power. “There is a road in Odeda local government that is a federal road but there are lots of people in that area and that road is so small. That part of town is our own Lagos. There is always traffic there so we need that road to be expanded not only rehabilitated so that it works for our people. The road links Oyo state so we have a lot of travellers plying that road, and also farmers who are transporting their goods to their villages. These are issues we can take care of, just raising a motion regarding that area. There is another road that goes to Ogun-west and the state of that road is particularly horrible during the rainy season so we also need the federal presence on that road, to get it fixed. “There are other areas where our people have been without power for up to two years such as in Owode LGA, These are things I will be seeking redress for through the power of my motions. I have been to the wards in my constituency and there are some infrastructural deficits that federal government cannot interfere because they will not fall under the purview of the FG. I have realised that one major reason our local areas are not developing is because local governments are not empowered to embark on any project. And all of these can be traced to the fact they do not have autonomy. “This is why I’m an advocate of local government autonomy. It’s going to

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Abiola

Abiola

require constitutional amendment so it’s not something that we can do in six months or a year but I will sponsor that bill and in the event that someone sponsors it before I do, I will give maximum support to that bill.�

No Pressure The only young woman vying for that post in her state, Rinsola who has now joined the league of her siblings like Mrs Abiola-Edewor and Hafsat Abiola-Costello interested in governance and public services, said she is not under any pressure to either fill in her father’s shoes or meet up to his standard. As far as she is concerned, both past and present representatives in that federal constituency have not done anything significant for their constituency. “I don’t feel any pressure to live up to standard. There are no standards set by those who have been representing my constituency to aspire to and if we are talking about standard again, it goes back to the reason I’m running because the bar is very low. They have no meaningful contribution in terms of bills, motions, and attracting federal presence to the constituency and their track record is there for everyone to see. If they feel slighted or maybe that I’m not being truthful, they should come out and tell us what their contributions were while at the House of Representatives. “Most of the areas are rural and they have little government presence. These are some of the things I want to correct. Legislators have three main duties: law making oversight, attracting federal presence which is about ensuring that federal infrastructure is rehabilitated or new things are done by the federal government to make life easier for our constituency. I believe in participatory representation. It’s going to be a collective effort, I’m not going to sit down and decide this is what I will give them because you know whatever you have to do has to be in tandem with the actual need of the people and of course I have consistently advocated for good governance. There is nothing I do that I don’t channel my strength and passion into. I’m going to give it all it takes to ensure that their voices are heard, their needs are prioritised and the government works for them.�

Her Father’s Daughter Rinsola hardly made any sentence without reference to her father. This in a way betrayed her strong adoration for him.

Throughout the interview, she lovingly referred to him as ‘Daddy’ as if he was still alive. Her most cherished tribute of him were mostly those shared by strangers who benefitted from her father’s magnanimity.

She recalled an incident on Twitter “There was a random incident that happened. I was on Twitter and there was this lady, I think she is from Ondo, she sent

a picture to me on my DM (Direct Message), and when I opened it, it was a letter that said Zaakat from Chief MKO Abiola. In Islam, we have this printed principle on Zaakat, it’s like tax on your income for the less-priveileged. Daddy was so organised about it and he took it so seriously that he had a lot of religious teachers he sent it to.

So that envelope apparently contained his contribution to that community through their Imam.She showed me others to prove that there were many others. There was this person that also told me about visiting his village and seeing Qurans that were donated by MKO Abiola. I meet people who say he was a very kind man, they never had hopes of getting education, let alone being sponsored to school abroad. Daddy did that for a lot of people. In the late eighties or thereabouts, he donated funds to Nigerian universities. “My father was such a kind of man that when you talk about people being detribalised, I don’t think there is anyone who was as detribalised as my father. Even going outside the shores of the country, his philanthropy extended there. He was a PanAfrican in every sense of the word. He was passionate about African people. I have met ambassadors from other African nations who said so much about him. He identified with the struggles of people from across the world. He was a great man. There are some kind of people that you just wonder what was going through God’s mind when he created this man. It’s just so much. “Each time people talk about him, It’s like a new thing every time. I like the fact that he was generous. As a Muslim, it is encouraged but of course not everyone takes that to heart. Even though he is no longer alive, he remains a very strong influence. Nobody can be like MKO Abiola. It’s impossible.

There are people God created and at most what we can do is derive inspiration from them.�

There are other similarities Rinsola shares with her dad, one of them is her proficiency in proverbial sayings. In the course of this interview, she used a proverb to project her thoughts more than twice. For instance, when she wanted to talk about how power can change people, she used the popular proverbial saying that “You test people with small things to know how they can handle the big ones,� to buttress her point.

She put in another adage “You know how it is difficult to find a needle by itself but when there is a thread attached to it, it is easier to find,� to emphasise the influence of people. As much as she is aware of her privileges, Rinsola is very cautious not to go against the values laid down by her late father and maternal grandfather, Chief Imam S.B. Biobaku, the Secretary General of the League of Imams Southwest, EdoWest and Delta. These two men are gentle reminders of the need to remain on the right

track.

Rinsola also wears her Egba heritage proudly like a badge of honour. She is excited to come from a lineage of strong women, notably Funmilayo RansomeKuti, mother of the Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Support System While her father occupies a huge space in her heart, Rinsola cannot forget the loveliness of her mother, Folashade whom she said has been supportive of her political ambition and even helps her to do a doorto-door campaign. She is the one that introduced her to legal thriller novels such as the ‘Bourne Identity’ by Robert Ludlum. ‘I read that book when I was five years old. I remember mum had the hard cover then. John Grisham was another favourite, as well as Tom Clancy,� she enthused.

Love for Thrillers Romantic novels are a no-go area for her unless the romance is somehow intertwined in a thriller.

You need not go too far to find out which TV series she binges on. A trip to her Twitter timeline reveals that she is a die-hard fan of HBO’s award-winning series, ‘Game of Thrones.’ Her best character in that play is Khaleesi, played by British actress, Emilia Clarke. Rinsola sees a lot of herself in the fictional character. “I think she has been able to do very well, building a cult following, something her husband never attained. She is forceful when she needs to be but at the same time she gives a message of hope which is why her people will die for her. It explains why they believe so much in her. I prefer her style of leadership. It reflects the kind of person I am to an extent. As much as possible, I try to be diplomatic. It’s about service to the people. There should be a message that resonates with the people if you are aspiring to be a leader. When people decide to undermine you or disregard you because you are female, then you can now be emphatic and say this is what I want and what I want to do. And if you are being a problem, I will find a way to deal with you. So you have to be firm and at the same time you have to be people oriented.�

Clarion Call to the Youths Her youthful exuberance is still very intact. She is very active on social media where she shares not only her political views but as well latest fashion tips. And her driver also confirmed that she loves listening to rapper, Olamide’s songs as well as Sir Shina Peters. The young politician who is in her late twenties sees her lifestyle as exemplary to young persons who feel they have to give up their social lifestyle or dreams in order to

pursue their political interests. “It is important to send the message across to young people that they can be politically aware and active in their communities without giving up on other interests. A lot of people say politics is not meant for young people but it is not true.

Politics is what determines everything in the economy. It determines the quality of life we have, healthcare, education, what we get as governmental projects in our various states. Politics determines the price of food in the market so we cannot afford not being involved or interested.

I just want young people to be aware of these things. You can love the make-up, the highlights and the contours, you can love food, you can have interests in music, IT, and do your job, and still be interested in politics.�

As a former special assistant (New Media) to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Rinsola is very much aware of the dangers fake news pose in today’s society. “ Social media has always been a rallying point for young people for social causes.

I’m just hopeful that we will be able to translate the high level of social media engagement to actual votes. Another issue is that we have a high level of voter apathy. We need to emphasise as much as possible that it is not enough to tweet or share their promotional materials, you also need to vote for that person. Talk to people within your community to do same. Of course, there is a problem of fake news. Propaganda is not necessarily a negative thing, it is information that you put out with the aim of getting the audience to act a certain way. It doesn’t have to be false but people seem to have blurred the lines between propaganda and outright falsehood so there’s a lot of fake news and news sites that no one can actually trace ownership being used to propagate hateful divisive rhetoric and we need to be very careful how we consume news. Also political parties have to be on top of their games when it comes to tackling fake news and rumours.�

Dispelling Myths As we rounded up the interview, I tried to find out from her if the myth about her father opening an account with millions of Naira in the name of every child of his, automatically turning them to millionaires the day they were born was true.

She laughed as she offered an answer. “I have heard this many times. Daddy was a very good father. His children never lacked anything. They were well taken care of. For who daddy was, if he was going to do that kind of thing, it would be well over a million. But to the best of my knowledge, there is nothing like that, unless there is a fixed deposit somewhere that I’m not aware of. That’s just stories. Not real.�

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MUSIC SHOWBIZ

‌Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

MultiChoice Nigeria Finally Brings Big Brother Naija Home Vanessa Obioha

F

or a long while, MultiChoice Nigeria was pilloried for hosting the Big Brother Naija outside the shores of Nigeria.

The wave of criticism started after the leading entertainment company in Nigeria held the 2017 and 2018 editions of the reality show in South Africa. Its first edition in 2006 however took place in a location in Ikeja area of Lagos State.

To most Nigerians, the organiser’s actions were unpatriotic even if the company had in several press briefings argued that the cost of having the Big Brother Naija House, a luxury apartment where the housemates (contestants) are accommodated for the duration of the programme is very expensive in Nigeria coupled with other logistics, fans of the show felt that the company was robbing them of their national pride.

There were few attempts to boycott the show but none was successful as the show always provided undiluted entertainment to viewers, owing to the different personalities that spend a lengthy period of time in one house together, totally cut off from the outside world, except on elimination nights.

Going by the erratic power supply experienced in the country and the growing security challenge, it is in a way understandable why the company takes the production to South Africa. “I think what has not really reached us in Nigeria is the fact that we have actually been running other Big Brother shows in

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Miracle, BBNaija 2018 winner

other territories. It makes sense to share the house in South Africa, from a cost perspective. One house that is purpose built in such a way that Mozambique can come and do their own Big Brother, Angola can come and do their Portuguese Big Brother, Nigeria can come and do their Big Brother Naija and so on and so forth,� the company’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Martin Mabutho said in a press briefing recently to announce plans for the fourth edition.

However, the company finally heeded to the call of Nigerians to have the show

in its host country as Mabutho announced that the show will be held in Nigeria this year. That piece of news received a loud cheer from the newsmen gathered at the briefing.

The recent move Mabutho explained was delayed in the past due to the costs involved. “We were not in the position then to invest here in a Big Brother House. We do allude to the costs involved in having a proper state of the art facility to deliver a show that will be enjoyed and in top quality that is expected throughout the world. We are now in the position and the

construction is underway.�

A typical Big Brother House comes with all the perks of luxury life: a lavishly furnished apartment with different rooms for different activities; a beautiful garden for games, gossips and of course love.

There are cameras all over the house for the mysterious Big Brother to monitor the activities of the housemates.

The Regional Director M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu added that the company is focused on ensuring that the 2019 edition lived up to MultiChoice standards. According to her, every challenge has been dealt with and measures have been taken to make the show a memorable one that will reflect Nigeria’s pride.

The TV show also got a new partner, The gaming company Bet9ja. The last two editions had the online retail shopping platform Payporte as its headline sponsor.

Partnering the show for the first time, the Senior Marketing Manager, Bet9ja, Olufemi Osobajo said that the show’s values are in line with the company’s aim. “Our core value in Bet9ja is changing lives of the Nigerian youth. We believe the bet ticket holds more power in changing the lives of the youth and Big Brother Naija has done the same thing by changing lives of the youth in all the editions of Big Brother,� he said.

TV Host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu will also be returning as host of this year’s edition. The organisers revealed that auditions will take place in the first week of February (1 and 2) in eight cities across the country, namely Abuja, Port Harcourt, Warri, Benin, Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu and Calabar.

NFVCB Starts the New Year With an Enforcement Workshop Vanessa Obioha For three days, the National Film and Video Censor Board under the leadership of Adedayo Thomas hosted Nollywood stakeholders and security agents to a workshop

in Lagos. The workshop was necessitated by the prevalent film censorship and classification issue that have continued to torment the film industry.

Titled ‘Strengthening Enforcement Against Unclassified Film and Video Works’, attendees were divided into four

committees with the mandate to come up with different solutions to the grappling challenges faced by the board; from data collation to strategic approaches on field operations.

The third day saw the groups delivering a presentation on

their proposed solutions. The President of the Association Movie Producers while presenting his group’s paper touched on the importance of the board to build

structures that will ensure the enforcement of its rules while pointing out the need for the board to evaluate who is worth the movie producer title.

The second

group on the other hand delved into the importance of data and information and the way forward.

Presenting the paper for the group, Yetunde Onanuga from the

Nigerian Police Force called for the review of the MOBICON bill while Keppy Ekpeyong decried the import of western culture in the movie industry and generally.

Falz Takes Nigerians to the Classroom with Moral Instruction Iyke Bede Sound Sultan’s ‘Jagbajantis’ was probably the last time a Nigerian artiste took the entire country on a nation building course in a classroom from the comfort of their homes. Buying into this idea, Falz didn’t hesitate to harness the guiding powers that comes with the four walls of a classroom; hence, using it as theme for his ‘Moral Instruction’ listening party which held recently at the Landmark Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The ‘Moral Instruction’ album is a follow-up to 2016’s collaborative extended play (EP) ‘Chemistry’ with afro soul singer Simi. Comprising nine tracks, the theme centres on issues as politics, corruption and equality. Generally, it leans towards the activism that defines Fela’s body of work, with each track possessing strong afrobeat flavours with a touch of contemporary hip hop influences. This move taken by Falz on a more

grandiose scale by way of an album is an extension of the forerunner track ‘This Is Nigeria’, a politically and socio-culturally controversial track that grasped the attention of many with its blunt messages. “Now is the time. Now, more than ever, we need to wake up. Now is very, very vital in terms of the political climate, how bad things have gotten. Now is the time, and that’s why I decided I’m not going to delay this anymore. I will go for it, speak my mind.� a resolute Falz said explaining the reason behind the body of work.

Three tracks on the album: ‘Follow-Follow’, ‘Amen’, and ‘E No Finish’ directly sample works of the afrobeat king. Preceding the album release, ‘Talk’ assumed first single status.

The track mirrors closely the messages addressed on ‘This Is Nigeria’ viral track released in 2018. “It is more than an album for me� Falz said explaining the essence of the album. “In my opinion, it is a movement; it is a re-education, it is

Falz

a re-orientation. It is us learning and unlearning some things – and very important things, I think.

Quite obviously, we have lost the plot as a people; as a country... and I think any day we complain about the state of affair, and how we need to move forward, but the real deep-rooted problem is miseducation.

So, this album aims to re-

educate and re-orientate.�

The theme for the listening party saw a good number of invited guests in their school uniform costume, thus making it a nostalgia trip for most present in the hall suffused with fresh wood scent that emanated from the newly fabricated desk to mark the occasion. To heighten the throwback effect, guest

were gifted with stationary materials and served icecream from a vending bicycle.

While it was all fun and memorable, the play of each track brought about a level of reawakening.

Hearing Falz on different tracks on the album marked a dramatic shift from his hilarious ‘Sweet Boy’ persona. Filled with passion and fury, he remarked on his use of profane words as a channel to pass down his message to his audience in a Felaesque manner.

Also, this approach helps brings Fela’s legacy closer to the new generation of music lovers who weren’t opportuned to see him perform live.

Fela’s influence didn’t stop at the music, it continued into the art work for ‘Moral Instruction’. For the album, Falz worked with renowned artist Lemi Ghariokwu to create album covers for all nine tracks.

Ghariokwu, a long-time Fela collaborator notable for creating 26 Fela album cover designs over a period of three decades admittedly stated working closely with

Falz on the album, helping him transform his visions into visual art forms in just a month.

Fela is notably one of the controversial artistes to emerge from Africa owing to the unapologetic messages infused in his music. In the same light, the ‘Soft Work’ singer had his fair share of troubles recently with the controversies that trailed his album moments following its Tuesday release date. A statement he made about transactional sex didn’t go well with feminists nationwide. Many professed feminists accused him of misogynistic tendencies in handling the issues of transactional sex in his music; stating his ease of slut shaming the females whilst addressing the male counterparts as sweet boys.

One can only wonder why Falz attracts such controversies in recent time. Perhaps he has been inspired to be the next Fela, or it may be a cheap stunt to extend his longevity in the music scene or just his hunger for equal rights and justice. Time will tell.

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Tekno Leaves Ubi Franklin’s MMMG, Sets up Own Music Label Sunday Ehigiator Singer, Augustine Miles Kelechi , popularly known as Tekno, has left Made Men Music Group (MMMG) owned by Ubi Franklin to set up his own record label, which he named Cartel.

He disclosed this on his Instagram page, where he declared himself the CEO of his new record label.

Late last year, the Rara singer announced via social media that he lost his voice due to result of damage voice box and was recuperating all through the festive season.

His record label boss Ubi Franklin also confirmed it after Tekno returned to Nigeria a few weeks later.

Although he released a single in December 2018, much hasn’t been heard of him since then.

Falz Needs to be Protected at All Costs – MI Sunday Ehigiator Music rapper, Jude Abagapopularly known as MI, has called for the protection of fellow rapper, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, following the recent satirical creative of Falz the bad guy, which he entitled ‘Talk’.

Falz’s latest single has drawn nationwide attention and many already feel he might be targeted by politicians, as it addressed societal issues in the wake of the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

MI in a twitter post a wrote, “Falz needs to be protected at all cost. Falz needs to be protected at all, at all, and all cost people!�

Falz has continued to make himself a mouthpiece of the people against social injustice and political matters so much that he has been referred to as the Fela of our time.

Falz

“Amaka Is a Nonsense Song� – Blackface Fires Shot At 2face Sunday Ehigiator

Ubi Frankline and TEKNO

Davido Breaks Silence on Teni Defeating Peruzzi Sunday Ehigiator Popular singer, David Adeleke has finally broken silence on the 2019 Soundcity MVP awards during which Peruzzi was defeated.

Teniola on Tuesday last week beat Peruzzi, Odunsi and others to emerge as the best new artiste of 2019.

However, Peruzzi was not pleased with the awards as he took to twitter declaring that he worked harder than any new artiste in 2018, and also made more income than any other artiste in his category last year, 2018.

However, Davido, finally speaking on the award, said both artistes deserved to win best new artiste of 2018.

The ‘Assurance’ crooner disclosed this

How Pepsi Thrilled Music Fans During the Yuletide Season Davido

during a question and answer section on twitter on Wednesday morning, as a fan had asked him; “Do you think Peruzzi deserved that award over Teni?� Davido replied; “They both do!�

Chika Lann and Her Millions

Chika Lann and Toka Mcbaror

Vanessa Obioha After becoming an internet sensation with her awkward claim that her hair style- a crown of threaded hair- costs N40m, the ex-model Chika Lann recently unveiled the name of her new film project.

Prior to the unveiling at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Lann took to her Instagram page to whet the appetite of her fans regarding the movie.

Titled ‘The Millions’ the model couldn’t provide details about the movie at a press conference except for the actors who will be featured in the movie, the director and the writer.

The sketchy narrative given suggests that the movie revolves around a character who plans the biggest scam of all time.

Ramsey Nouah will play the lead role while others like AY the comedian, Nancy Isime, Ali Nuhu, Toyin Abraham and Blossom Chukwujekwu will provide supporting roles.

The film which will be directed by Toka Mcbaror was written by Tunde Apalowo.

Filming will commence this month.on the

Just when we all thought the beef between Nigerian music act, Blackface and his former label mate, 2Baba was over, the former has taken to social media to declare war on the latter.

Blackface, who is a former founding member of the defunct Plantashun Boyz, seems to have armed himself enough for battle, as he has issued a warning to his former colleague to prepare for a showdown.

On a post on his instagram page which he tagged 2baba he wrote, “Can the war officially begin @official2baba? I say it has

now officially begun. Even though you have been taking secret shots but you can come out in the open now. You know your career is going to an end. When this is finally over, you are over with 2019.�

Bear in mind that this is not the first time; Blackface will be publicly attacking 2baba, who he once accused of stealing some of his songs in the past.

Cryptically reacting to the call out from Blackface, 2face stated in an Instagram post that he doesn’t have time for arguments in 2019.

According to the Amaka Singer, “I’m not arguing with anyone in 2019. I’m sending ‘ok’ and going on about my life�.

importance of the board to build structures that will ensure the enforcement of its rules while pointing out the need for the board to evaluate who is worth the movie producer title.

The second group on the other hand delved into the importance of data and information and the way forward. Presenting the paper for the group, Yetunde Onanuga from the Nigerian Police Force called for the review of the MOBICON bill while Keppy Ekpeyong decried the import of western culture in the movie industry and generally in the country.

He said that this disturbing trend is killing local production. He however suggested to the board to plan unscheduled visits to cinemas that violate the board rules as a means of curbing the release of unclassified movies.

A common thread that ran through the various reports was the need for the regulatory board to review its laid down rules and adopt new strategies that will be effectively deployed in the ever-changing film landscape, particularly in the distribution arm.

At the end of the presentation, Thomas who is also the Executive Director of the board thanked the different stakeholders for

Vanessa Obioha It has been the tradition of the soft drink brand Pepsi to provide fun and entertainment for music lovers during the yuletide period with series of musical concerts.

The past five years have seen the brand delivering top notch entertainment events for music fans, particularly through the Rhythm Unplugged platform.

In 2016 however, Pepsi December live engagements took a more thematic form with the Pepsi Turn Down To Turn Up campaign which led to the unveiling of Teckno as Pepsi music ambassador.

In 2017, it was No Shakin’ Carry Go Desembaa which was an extension of a consumer promo earlier in the year.

For the first time since their music careers witnessed an upward spiral, Pepsi music ambassadors, Wizkid and Davido held solo concerts in Lagos. Indeed, Davido’s 30 Billion Concert is still being discussed in the media space months after it held.

Last year was no exception. The brand lived up to expectations as it thrilled music fans in Lagos with a series of music concerts that featured international artistes and top Nigerian A-list artistes.

Trending on #Pepsi NoChillDesembaa, the musical combo which flagged off quite early in the month of December with the Party Dreams concert on December 7, DJ Cuppy’s Special Guests on December 9 which indeed was the first in the lineup of yuletide performances for the vivacious

Tiwa Savage performing at Pepsi music concerts

female disc jockey blazing the trail in what was (and still is) a predominantly male dominated terrain, the much hyped Pepsi events lived up to their billings.

From the exclusive concert by Wizkid on December 19 at Eko Hotel and Convention Centre, Victoria Island Lagos, Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged on Friday, December 21, Bobby Brown ‘Back in Time’ Concert on Saturday December 22, Wizkid Made in Lagos Concert held at the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, on Sunday December 23, Lagos metropolis was on lockdown as thousands of youths besieged the venues of the concerts.

Thursday, December 27 witnessed yet another influx of fun seekers as they stormed the Eko Atlantic for a night of revelry with Davido.

For Pepsi, a youthful brand, the #PepsiNoChillDesembaa provided the platform to meet the youths at their passion point- music. The One Lagos Fiesta, a multiple venue, week long end -of -year and new year concert provided the wider reach for those in the suburbs who could not make it to the Island.

The concert, an initiative of the Lagos State Government was refreshed by Pepsi and other products of Seven Up Bottling Company Limited.

Pepsi also took the youth engagement a notch higher during the concerts as it gave out premium high value phones. Two lucky fans Kehinde Oresegun and Judith Egbai got iPhone Xr each at the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged concert following a raffle draw of those that bought tickets online.

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F R I DAY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

NEWS

Ihedioha Storms Chosen Crusade, Pledge Good Governance Stories by Mary Nnah Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the PDP Governorship candidate in Imo State, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, recently stormed the just concluded four-day international crusade of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries at Mgbidi in Imo State.

Ihedioha, who was there to thank God for His mercies last year, also joined thousands to pray to God for Nigeria and a successful and hitch-free 2019 general election.

Ihedioha also said he was at the programme to join the congregation to ask God to bring the dividends of good governance and democracy to the people of Imo State.

He said: “We are also here to pray for the forgiveness of our numerous sins and to re-dedicate ourselves to the almighty God because we believe and know that without God, we shall labour in vain.�

Ihedioha who explained that as a onetime deputy speaker of the federation, he left his footprint on the sands of time through visible achievements, noted, “I have professed Christianity and that has never disrupted my activities in the Christian faith. “By the grace of God when I was the deputy speaker of the federation, I was the number six person in the federation, and that did not affect my Christian conduct in any way.�

Ihedioha, who sounded so positive about his victory in the forthcoming elections promised that if he emerged winner of

General Overseer of Lords Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka and Emeka Ihedioha at the crusade ground

the election and becomes the governor, he will execute his responsibilities with the fear of God, adding, “So, let us be positive and not be pessimistic.�

Speaking further, the former speaker said, “I believe that I won the highest number of votes in the last general election, but for our mistakes. I feel we were careless about few things but I have corrected those mistakes.

“Now I am stronger, we are more resilient and vigilant this time. And, all the opinions and surveys in the state indicate that I would win the election. And I know that God loves Imo people and is on my side. He would forgive our sins and liberate our people this time around.�

Ihedioha described support for bad governance as a grave sin and called on all to love their

neigbours as themselves. “What matters to you is how to make the life of the populace better and governances is all about the welfare of the people and not when the reverse is the case. “When I become the governor of Imo State, I will ensure that I make the people to appreciate the essence of governance, and I would also ensure that governance is a team and collective

Catholic Men Holds Family Conference to Tackle Divorce

A cross section of Catholic men during the event

Worried about the increased rate of divorce among couples in Nigeria, the Catholic Men Deanery Lekki has taken a bold step to tackling the menace with the birth of its annual family conference.

The annual family conference 2018, which thrived on the theme, ‘Stand for the Family and its Values’, was aimed at nurturing growth and protection, while reminding couples and their children of family values.

Topics facilitated to drive home this aims were: ‘Social media and its effects on family values’, ‘living and sustaining family values – experiences from World Family Congress Ireland 2018’, ‘The family: building

an enduring relationship to business/ work environment/ need for married couples’ retreat’.

Others include: ‘Sex as communication tool in marriage’, ‘marriage roundtable’, ‘entrepreneurship and career development for young adults’, ‘grand finale of the Deanery Choir Competition’ and ‘fireworks display’. The coordinator, Mr. Kingsley Ekwem, decried the lifestyle of most parents in nurturing their children. “We have challenges with the upbringing of children with absence of values.�

He described the rate of divorce as high; consequently, the event was focused on current issues concerning

how society directly affects the family.

Other activities that spiced up the programme included: session for kids aged 12 and below while teenagers, young adults and the married adults had their appropriate messages. “It is very important we carry the children along.

They are part of the home.

If the home is healthy, the children will be the first to benefit from it and same happens when the union is broken�, he added.

Ekwem noted that to facilitate its impact, the event would host a N150 million naira Project Endowment Fund. “This is not fundraising but we are funding the projects. The fund is

intended for intervention among the less privileged and micro entrepreneurial business support for the indigents even the youths,� he added.

A member of the planning committee, Mr. Nnamdi Onyeka, noted that as Catholic men, they are known for portraying family.

He said: “We represent family. So, if the family is not together, the economy cannot work and the country will not move.�

Emphasising the need to urgently address the rate of broken homes, Onyeka said the conference became handy because, “we want to rekindle the first love couples once had, whilst returning acceptable values into homes�.

work.�

On why Imo State is not as developed as expected over the years, Ihedioha said, “Under my watchful eyes as deputy speaker and when I was Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport, I attracted more federal presence to the state than any other person till date. So, the projects are still on ground and. I will carry on from where

they have stopped.�

He therefore called on the people of Imo State to go out en masse during the election to elect God-fearing people like him who would bring about noticeable change in the state.

Ihedioha, while addressing the congregation at the crusade ground, said, “I welcome our worthy sons and daughters who have gathered here from all over the world to be with us and to celebrate in faith. I join millions of Igbo people to welcome you on this annual convention. “We thank you for your prayers upon our land, state and people.

We commend this annual convention that has turned into a pilgrimage. We pray that God will sustain this ministry and pilgrimage over the years. “God is indeed present among us. I urge you to continue to pray in faith and be courageous believing that God will answer our prayers in this fateful year of 2019. It is our wish that we are coming indeed to the end of sad days. We pray that prosperity shall return among our lots.�

Others governorship candidates who were at the crusade were Okechukwu Eze of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Dr Linus Okorie of Young Progressives Party (YPP), who all stressed on the need for the masses to make the right choice by electing God-fearing people into government.

The programme, which has the theme: “What God has Determined Shall be done�, witnessed thousands of participants coming from across the globe to be part of the anointing that broke every yoke.

Foundation Reaches out to Refugees in Ogoja A ray of hope shone for widows and refugees of Ambazonian extraction when Belinda Babila Foundation reached out to them at a refugee camp located in Ogoja, Cross Rivers State during the Yuletide season.

Founder of the foundation, Dr. Belinda Babila said it was a very touching experience to reach out to the widows. “Speaking to the refugees one-on-one was quite touching. We visited the Cameroonian refugees at the Adagom Settlement in Ogoja LGA, Cross Rivers State, and we had a three-day empowerment outreach�, she noted.

According to the US-based philanthropist, “we are planning self-sustenance empowerment programmes for the over 8000 refugees. I am most grateful to all the donors and partners who contributed towards the just concluded refugees outreach campaign at Adagom

Settlement in Ogoja, Nigeria.

However, funding is one of our major challenges.�

Among others, over 200 patients got referrals for further evaluation while school uniforms were handed to school children.

Hygiene packs were also handed out to teenagers. A huge quantity of medical supplies was donated by Rhemacare Clinic.

Ambazonia is a selfdeclared state consisting of the Anglophone portions of Cameroon, which previously comprised South Camerouns.

In 2017, the Southern Cameroons Ambazonia Consortium United Front (SCACUF) declared independence but the Cameroonian government stated that the declaration has no legal weight and this has culminated in a refugee crisis that has displaced thousands of Ambazonians.

Belinda Babila ministering at the refugee camp

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F R I DAY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

ART WEEKEND

‌For pure art enthusiasts

Steamy Alert! 3some Play Returns to Stage Yinka Olatunbosun engages Joseph Edgar, the Executive Producer of the psycho-erotic play written by Jude Idada, titled“3some�, on why the drama will return to the stage in June

I

n our contemporary world, it is argued that the way to a man’s heart is good sex or so the argument goes every time the subject of sex and marriage surfaces. It is a reality, authenticated by many marriage counselors and sex therapists, that plunge many marriages into troubles when the subject is not discussed. For this reason, Jude Idada’s “3some’’ was written.

The sexually stimulating drama was performed at the last edition of Lagos Theatre Festival to a mesmerised audience owing to the rich spectacle that accompanied the live performance.

Scenes of sex simulation with a beautifully choreographed female in a see-through costume left the audience completely breathless. Rated 18, the play was a huge box-office success story and the conversations around it continued long after the black out.

In a chat with Joseph Edgar, the producer of “Isale Eko� and “Oba Esugbayi’’, he revealed the rationale for selecting the provocative play, “3some�. “It appeals to my mischievous self; the need to ‘look for trouble’ and watch people as they react to my taunt,’’ he began. “But seriously ‘3some’ takes on very strong issues that daily confront our marriages and relationships leading to a large level of stress and even collapse of these relationships because of our collective denial. ‘3some’ throws up the stress and phases true love goes through as it seeks true fulfilment.

It places a mirror in the society,’’ he explained.

The play, which has as Co-executive

Joseph Edgar A scene from 3some

Producers, the ace comedian, Ali Baba and famed broadcaster, Olisa Adibua, has themes of marital infidelity, communication, sexual compatibility, love, lust and deep hurt.

It is a theatrical intervention into the world of couples as they seek solutions in and out of marriage. Its explicit content has been a cause for debate amongst theatre goers many of whom had argued that the stage is perhaps too sacred for semi-nudity.

Edgar considered the content of the play as a bold statement from the playwright.

“I watched the show and was enamored by its boldness; its willingness to go where most will not go,’’ he continued. “Theatre is sacred to the point that it continues to provide a veritable platform to address all issues that affect the society. “We cannot continue to pussy foot around issues and allow marriages and relationships to continue to crash.

See the young DJ who committed suicide and the rash issues of domestic violence sometimes leading to death, depression, loss of self esteem and this is because as a society we prefer to play the ostrich game refusing to

A Stampede of Arts at Anambra Homecoming Festival Omolola Itayemi Like never seen before, Anambra was lit for four days in December when ‘Ndi Anambra’ were treated to a rich bouquet of visual, poetry, musical and theatrical performances.

Organised by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, the maiden edition of “Anambra Homecoming Festival: Celebrating Friends of Anambra and homecoming of the Diaspora� in Awka got off to soul-lifting music with the Anambra Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons at the Hollywood Garden and Event Centre, near Government House, Awka. ‘Youth’ was the fair on display, underpinning the vast reserve of young talents in Anambra State.

On the second day, Governor Willie Obiano undertook the grand commissioning of the Mmilioma Anambra art exhibition- a permanent Art Exhibition centre under the Sally Mbanefo-led ministry.

On display were tasteful pieces of sculptures and paintings by master artist Chidi Okoye with the eye-catching “Mmilioma Anambra� sculpture showing a maiden pouring the water of life into a larger communal bowl.

Also, “Irunne�, a high relief composition of grandmother’s face with the strong presence of daughters leaning on the

Commissioner for Diaspora Aairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Sally Mbenefo, anked during the opening ceremony of the Anambra Homecoming Festival

strength and integrity of motherhood has a cultural significance as Mbanefo explained. “The treasure in living together joyfully entails that homecoming and keeping in touch with one’s roots is immense. Homelands are the bastions of a Diaspora’s strength. “This makes experts in development economics advocate a healthy and harmonious regular interaction between homeland and Diaspora,�

Mbanefo said.

She added: “Though the economic benefits of such regular interaction between home and abroad are often noticeable in the GDP and other indexes of the economy, the real treasure rests in the human capital. “Anambra State’s wealth in human resource is not quantifiable. At home and in Diaspora, the state’s economic impact is

hugely impressive. What feeds that huge economic growth is the rich homeland and Diaspora harmony.’’ Incidentally, Anambra is the only state in Nigeria with a ministry that attends to Diaspora matters. The launching of the epochal Anambra State Diapora Portal by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa reflects Governor Obiano’s ‘Think Home Policy’.

The Anambra State Government collaborated with the United Nations to launch the Palm Wine Festival in the homecoming fiesta and expectedly, participants had their fill of the best of Anambra palm wine alongside some tasty cuisine.

The palm wine tasting festival is designed to educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs, governments, captains of industries as well as nation builders to effectively under-

stand Anambra’s pride of place in a connected world.

The festival was organised in partnership with the United Nations within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17). Aare-Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Otunba Gani Adams oversaw the ceremony.

The carnival was a steamroller just as the Mmanwu Festival which kicked off at the Ekwueme Square with “ancestral spirits� springing forth and dancing onto the highway. Titled Elders such as Chief Pete Edochie ensured that the uninitiated did not break the taboo of the masked spirits.

Over 40 artworks curated by Sir Chuka Nnabuife proved to be a parade of Ije group of young artists sharing the visual space with established artists such as Chuka Nnabuife, Chidi Okoye and Nkiru Ekemordi, witnessed by renowned art connoisseurs such as the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemekaa Achebe.

Bob Manuel Udoku, leading actor turned politician introduced the young thespians behind the homecoming festival drama. A one-hour thrilling sketch drama, a theatrical adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart’’ was a refresher of sorts, especially for the symbolism in the characters of Okonkwo and Umuofia in the pre-colonial Nigeria.

Executed by a cast mostly undergraduates, the select literature is one of the most translated African novels, which was 60 years old in 2018.

face these issues and tackle them boldly. “This is my way of using the wellwritten play to scream for all “ye who are heavy laden’’ to come out and discuss these issues,’’ he said.

The four-cast play, with a budget that is not less than N15m, centres on a young man in a love triangle with his mother-in-law and wife and the dilemma of sexual preferences. “The play hinges on openmindedness to sexual and social engagement of tying the knot. It just forces a recalibration and openness’’ he reiterated.

Six Young Artists to Beat at Rele Gallery‌ Yinka Olatunbosun

This weekend, art lovers will continue to swarm around Rele Gallery since the Rele Arts Foundation introduced the fourth edition of the ‘Young Contemporaries’ exhibition, its first group show of the year that features six promising artists namely Stephen Tayo, Tonia Nneji, Osaze Amasadun, Joseph Fidelis, Osaru Obaseki and Abraham Ogundele. ‘Young Contemporaries’ exhibition was created in 2016 to provide a critical and engaging platform for a new generation of emerging artistic talents in Nigeria.

Now, it serves as an enabling environment for young artists to be part of the discourse on cuttingedge artistic practice, art and social activism as well as critical issues that impact the immediate Nigerian, African and global contexts.

The selected six artists working in diverse media with varying degrees of skills and techniques explore themes of history, heritage and identity.

Stephen Tayo, 24, a photographer, will present a series titled “Ibeji� which explores the psychological impact of having to share kinship with and having

one’s identity defined by another.

Tonia Nneji, 26, a painter, uses her experience as a female living with PCOSPolycystic Ovarian Syndrome to express the trauma living with the ordeal, which is most often hidden beneath superficial layers.

Osaze Amasadun, 24, illustrates in “Once Upon A King�, works reminiscent of the ancient Benin Kingdom.

He depicts and reinterprets significant events that occurred during the reign of Oba Esigie (1504-1550).

With his abstract paintings, Joseph Fidelis, 29, introduces “The Spirit of Salkur� as a way of interrogating the metaphysical realm.

A mixed media artist, Osaru Obaseki, 25, uses a combination of sand and acrylic to address how the environment affects the human mind and individual personalities.

Abraham Ogundele, 27, a painter, uses color composed dots to present “A Wonderful Space: a light-hearted journey,’’ reflecting on shared experiences, pop culture and cross-generational themes.

With support from the Rele Arts Foundation, the artists were awarded grants to produce the body of work at the exhibition. The show runs till March 3.

F R I DAY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

34

FERTILITY

with DR. KEMI AILOJE Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Ă?ĂŒĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ?Ë? lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580

MENSTRUAL DISORDERS (Part 2)

P

olymenorrhea and Pregnancy: Getting pregnant is usually more challenging for women with polymenorrhea, but it’s still possible. There are two reasons why it can be a struggle to get pregnant with polymenorrhea. The first is that ovulation often occurs much sooner than expected and can be irregular, occurring at different times every month. Many women find it helpful to track their ovulation using ovulation test kits to help combat this problem.

The other issue is that the time between ovulation and bleeding (the luteal phase) is often too short for fertilization and implantation to occur.

OIigomenorrhea : This is the term often used to describe infrequent and often light menstrual periods (intervals exceeding 35 days).

Amenorrhea : Is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. It may result from certain physiologic (normal) states such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Outside of the reproductive years there is absence of menses during childhood and after menopause. It is a symptom with many potential causesand can be classified as Primary or Secondary Amenorrhea.

Primary Amenorrhea is defined as an absence of secondary sexual characteristics by age 14 with no menarche (onset of menses) or normal secondary sexual characteristics but no menarche by 16 years of age. It may be caused by developmental problems, such as the congenital absence of the womb, failure of the ovary to receive or maintain egg cells, or delay in pubertal development.

Secondary Amenorrhea (menstrual cycles ceasing) is often caused by hormonal disturbances from the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, from premature menopause or intrauterine scar formation. It is defined as the absence of menses for three months in a woman with previously normal menstruation, or nine months for women with a history of OIigomenorrhea.

Causes of Amenorrhea Low body weight: Energy imbalance and weight loss can disrupt menstrual cycles through several hormonal mechanisms. Weight loss can cause elevations in the hormone ghrelin (ghrelin the hormone often referred to as “hunger hormone� produced in the gastrointestinal tract. Ghrelin plays a role in regulating appetite, as well as in the distribution and rate of use of energy.

When the stomach is empty, ghrelin is secreted. When the stomach is stretched, secretion stops. It acts on hypothalamic brain cells both to increase hunger, and to increase gastric acid secretion and on gastrointestinalmotility to prepare the

body for food intake Elevated concentrations of ghrelin alter the amplitude of GnRH pulses, which causes diminished pituitary release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) Women with low body weight are likely to suffer secondary Amenorrhea because they often have low level of leptinthe hormone which signals energy balance and fat stores to the reproductive axis. Decreased levels of leptin are closely related to low levels of body fat, and correlate with a slowing of GnRH pulsing.

Drug induced: Certain medications, particularly contraceptive medications, can induce amenorrhea in a healthy woman. The lack of menstruation usually begins shortly after beginning the medication. Extended cycle use of combined Xhormonal contraceptives also allow suppression of menstruation. The use of opiates (such as heroin) on a regular basis has also been known to cause amenorrhea in longer term users. Drugs used for treatment of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia has also been found to cause amenorrhea but this side effect can be prevented by adding Metformin to the antipsychotic drug.

Breastfeeding: is a common cause of secondary amenorrhea. The duration of amenorrhea varies depending on how often a woman breastfeeds. Lactational amenorrhea has been advocated as a method of family planning, especially in developing countries where access to other methods of contraception may be limited. Breastfeeding is said to prevent more births in the developing world than any other method of birth control or contraception. Lactational amenorrhea is 98% percent effective as a method of preventing pregnancy in the first six months after birth.

Celiac disease: Untreated celiac disease (auto immunedisorder of the small intestine) can cause amenorrhea.

Reproductive disorders may be the only manifestation,andmost cases are not recognized. A gluten-free diet avoids or reduces the risk of developing reproductive disorders

Physical: Amenorrhoea can also be caused by physical deformities. This is common in women with congenital abnormality resulting in obstruction of the vagina opening thus preventing outflow of menses the condition is referred to as Mayer–Rokitansky–Kßster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.The syndrome develops prenatally early in the development of the female reproductive system.

Stress: Secondary amenorrhea is also caused by stress, extreme weight loss, or excessive exercise. Young athletes are particularly vulnerable, although normal menses usually return with healthy body weight. Causes of secondary amenorrhea can also result in primary amenorrhea, especially if present before onset of first menses in life.

MANAGEMENT OF AMENORRHEA The treatment of Amenorrhea depends on the underlying condition. Treatment options may be by Surgical repair or Hormonal Replacement Therapy if any of the hormones are low For those who do not plan to have biological children, treatment may be unnecessary if the underlying cause of the amenorrhea is not threatening to their health. However, women suffering from athletic amenorrhea often resulting in leptin and oestrogen deficiency are vulnerable to suffering from osteoporosis (a disease that increases bone weakness and tendency to have bone fracture). To treat athletic amenorrhea the female athlete is encouraged to eat more and decrease the amount and intensity of exercise.

Although oral contraceptives can causes menses to return, oral contraceptives should not be the initial treatment as they can mask the underlying problem and allow other effects of the eating disorder, like osteoporosis. To treat drug-induced amenorrhoea, stopping the medication on the advice of a doctor is a usual course of action.

Women with menstrual disorders trying for a baby needs to work closely with their gynecologists / fertility specialistfor appropriate treatment options and management.

Jennifer James: Fashion is More Passion than ProďŹ t Ă?Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÓÛĂ&#x;Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? åÓÞÒ Ojo Maduekwe Fashion retail is a profit driven business, but, for many in the business of dressing others, such as Jennifer James, it starts out as a passion. “I would say passion made me do it. I have a BSc but I have never worked with it. So yes for me fashion is more than profit,â€? Mrs. James said.

James is the CEO and founder of JENOS Boutique, a walk-in fashion retail store that specialises in the trading of female clothings for those she refers to as “the young, and the old and funky at heart�.

Recently, during the launch of her boutique located in Ikeja, she opened up to this reporter about how her love for fashion and the business of it all started, tracing its origin to when she was only a teenager helping out her mother run her own fashion retail business in the same Ikeja. “After my university education, I was working with my mother. Even in secondary school I used to go seat at her friend’s shop on Allen. When my mother opened her own boutique, I was always with her. So fashion is what I’ve been doing from my teenage years till this day.�

It appeared Ikeja had always had a pull on her. Asked why she chose to open business in this location, she said, “Location was a very important factor for me when I was planning to set up the JENOS boutique. This is because no matter how good your products are, if you don’t have a good location, you won’t attract the proper clientele.�

L-R: Jennifer James, Founder and CEO of JENOS Butique with Muma Gee

Like most kids trying to find their way in a complex world where divergent careers and passions are constantly seeking one’s attention, it was always fashion for James. Thinking that after her secondary education she would proceed to read law at the university, but as fate would have it, fashion found her in her

mother’s boutique. “Before I completed my secondary education, I had wanted to become a lawyer, but by the time I began seating with my mother and her friends doing the fashion business, I fell in love with the business.�

Now even though she’s running a busi-

ness in the literal sense of the word, it all still boils down to passion for her. “I love seeing nice clothes and women in beautiful clothings�, she would say, her face bright and animated. A look at the dresses in her boutique reveals a woman who knows exactly how she pictures her clients looking. Even though she doesn’t design (at least not yet), she takes her time to sort for finished products. “When I shop, I know what I want.

Before I go for shopping, I already have a mental picture of the kinds of clothings I will be looking for.�

Currently she stocks foreign brands, but hopes to support home grown and made in Nigeria brands in the nearest future. She says she finds this support to be “very important� and already has a clear picture of what she intends to stock. “When I start shopping for local brands, I would want to go strictly into skirts. I found out that most times when skirts are sewn here, they usually don’t get the accurate measurement for the hip. This I would like to fix.�

There are also plans to branch out, and have a men’s store that would include clothes for boys too. She said she noticed a shortage of boutiques that sell quality product for this segment of the market.

Of course there are men boutiques all over Lagos, but she says when it comes to quality menswear, no one would be able to compete with JENOS. “We will stock the best like we do now�, she said.

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COLLAGE EVENTS

NPPF Holds Lagos 2019 International Para Powerlifting Competition Ojo Madueke

The ďŹ fth President of Ifako Diamond Lions Club 2018/ 2019, District 404B1, Lion Princess Toyin Onikoyi- Sanyaolu (third left) with her members, during her installation ceremony in Lagos...recently

The Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF) will be hosting the world at the Lagos 2019 International Para Powerlifting Competition, taking place between January 24 - 31.

During a press conference at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, venue of the competition, the NPPF president, Queen Uboh, said the federation was ready to host the world para powerlifters in Nigeria.

So far 10 countries will be attending the competition, and the Nigerian athletes, considered the best in the world reported to camp on the January 3 for training.

Fielding questions on the prospect of Team Nigeria winning most of the medals, Uboh said, “My people are ready to make Nigeria proud. The other day in camp they were training vigorously and I asked why they were so bent on winning and they said because the world was coming to Nigeria, our soil�.

Nigerian legend, Lucy Ejike is one of the para powerlifters expected to perform. Listed on the official website of the World Para Powerlifting as one of the five big stars to watch out for in 2019, Ejike currently holds the world mark of 142kg she had set at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

She also cleared the bar at 131kg to win gold at the 2018 African Championships.

At the Lagos outing Nigeria will be showcasing 60 athletes, made up of 20 new revelations and 40 renowned and celebrated powerlifters that will compete against 10 other nations, and with 20 gold medals at stake. Following their sterling performance over the years, Team Nigeria didn’t just win medals; they also made the country proud and positioned it well in the world para powerlifting community such that Nigeria will be hosting the 2019 International Para Powerlifting Competition.

In June 2018, Nigeria was given the hosting rights after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) visited the country to inspect facilities and hotels to evaluate the country’s preparedness to host the event.

The governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode had pledged the state’s readiness in hosting the event when the Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, led a delegation of members of the International Paralympics Committee and the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation to the governor in June 2018.

Luxury Lifestyle Market to Hold Exhibition Nume Ekeghe

Mr. Ayowole and wife, Chidinma during their wedding reception in Lagos....recently

L-R: Unit Commander RS 11.34 Lagelu Unit Command, Assistant Corps Commander A.A. Adebayo; Route Commander B.F. Oguntoyinbo-Idowu, and Deputy Corps Commander A.A. Adewoyin, during the decoration of Oguntoyinbo-Idowu with her new rank in lbadan, Oyo State...recently

L-R: Son, Ernest Odabi; widow, Kate Odabi; daughters, Mrs Nko Nnabue and Mrs Kate lmansuangbon, paying last respect to their father and mentor, Sir George lkechukwu Odabi, during his burial at Agbor, Delta State...recently

Following a highly successful maiden event last year, The Luxury Lifestyle Market (TLLM), is scheduled to hold again on February 8 and 9, 2019 at the Balmoral, Federal Palace Hotel to cater to luxury shoppers.

Founded by Abisola Kola-Daisi, entrepreneur and Florence H Luxury Founder the event promises to connect shoppers to a carefully curated selection of beauty, fashion and lifestyle brands at discounted prices.

Commenting on the event, Kola-Daisi said: “Last year, lovers and buyers of luxury gathered at the first edition of The Luxury Lifestyle Market for a two-day pop up event. “Guests were treated to an array of African luxury brands at discounted prices - such as Florence H Luxury, Mazelle Perfumery, J Label, RnR Luxury, and lots more- against the backdrop of great music and good food. “The African luxury market is a new, albeit growing, industry with a rapidly expanding wealth class that displays the desire to spend on luxury brands. “The rise in social and digital media has heavily contributed to this, as the ease of sharing information about brands and products has reached an all-time high.�

She further added: “The Global luxury goods sale is expected to reach approximately $405 billion globally by 2019, with Africa contributing significantly to this market, growing at a rate of 5.6per cent per year according to the World Bank. Leading the charge in the growth in the luxury market in Africa is South Africa, followed closely behind by Nigeria. “However, despite the growth in consumer demand and buying power within the content, African luxury brands have struggled to meet demands and define themselves as “luxury� on local and international stages. “International luxury brands have also expressed weariness to expand their markets to Africa, citing infrastructural weaknesses and low faith in African consumer demand for luxury as reasons. “The African luxury market shows great potential in establishing itself as a strong force on local and international levels with high consumer demand, which can be only be harnessed when challenges facing the industry are overcome. “Infrastructural issues such as a lack of skilled labour, technological advances such as e-commerce and weak government regulations, need to be addressed.�

This year, TLLM will host the “Modern Day African� edition, with a focus on presenting Africa as a new frontier for the luxury market.

The event will include top vendors and will involve meet and greets with top influencers in the industry. Shoppers will be treated to discounted prices, good food and drink, and great music.

TLLM aims to set the pace for what the future of African luxury should look like by bringing together industry leaders, fashion buyers and luxury connoisseurs from across Africa.

TLLM is positioning itself to fill the gap in the market for a growing demand for luxury within the continent, empower local luxury brands and challenge negative stereotypes about the potential for a formidable African luxury market.

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5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

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METRO

‌Your city life in print

An Entreprenurial Drive by Rose of Shalom Foundation Sunday Ehigiator writes on the entrepreneurial drive by the Rose of Sharon Foundation, who recently held a Youth Empowerment Programme to bridge the knowledge gap for budding entrepreneurs

T

he Multipurpose hall of Yaba College of Science and Technology, Lagos-State, was the venue of the Rose of Sharon Foundation Youth Empowerment Programme (ROSF-YEP). The foundation recently held a one day seminar, themed “Young Entrepreneurs of the 21st Century: Bridging the Knowledge Gap, which recorded over 400 participants in attendance.

The epoch-making event, which was targeted at budding young entrepreneurs was facilitated by other wave-making young entrepreneurs from various walks of life including Media/Human Resoures Consultant, Ambassador Utchay Odims; financial consultant, Adewumi Oni; award winning Nollywood Actress and Producer, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha; MD/CEO Moore Money, Yusuf Bilamin Moore; MD/ CEO S-ophia ERP Ltd, Conrad Adigwe; and a Digital Media Consultant, Jude Oguta.

Harnessing Untapped Skills In her welcome address, the founder, Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, said YEP is the foundation’s career development and capacity building programme for youths associated with the Rose of Sharon Foundation. But following the desire to see as many youths succeed, she said YEP was expanded in this edition to include youths from all across the country.

With its core objective being to motivate and empower young adults to rise above the obvious socio-economic limitations to build and excel in their desired field and careers of interest, the foundation is poised towards assisting them harness their untapped gifts, skills and talent.

With an exploding global and local youth population of over 20 per cent and 60 per cent respectively, it is therefore imperative that all hands be on deck to continue to strive to enable the young generation navigate through the daunting path of becoming successful given that it is a necessity to build a nation and continent that is viable and economically competitive, globally.

Capacity Building Speaking further, Alakija said “YEP is the foundation’s career development and capacity building programme for graduates and undergraduates, job seekers, working class and self-employed youths of Rose of Sharon Foundation. “It is tailor-made to address specific career needs of the participants. The aim is to equip them with knowledge and life changing skills they need for self-reliance to support their families and become a useful part of the society. “The first edition held on April 22, 2017, at the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International hall at Ogunlana Drive Surulere, where we had 115 participants in attendance. The modules presented during the program focused on learning employability skills required for employment such as preparing for interviews, do’s and don’ts of CV writing, how to compete in the market place, common mistakes at interview panels and how to change jobs. “Based on the feedback we received from our beneficiaries who wanted to be skilled in entrepreneurship as an alternative to paid employment, we held the second edition on the March 24, 2018, with 194 participants in attendance. The participants were trained in five vocational skill areas such as wig making, fancy slippers making for male and females, Shea Butter processing for export, perfumery and soap production. The last two programs that we conducted were restricted to the beneficiaries of the Rose of Sharon Foundation alone.

Alakija, speakers at the event and some members of the board of trustees of the foundation

The theme of the program was ‘Young Entrepreneurs of the 21stCentury: Bridging the Knowledge Gap’. This topic is very pertinent in this day and age because of the dearth of knowledge abounding among young entrepreneurs.

It is imperative that before you embark on any venture, you need to get the requisite information and knowledge.

You must understand the dynamics of the industry to avoid falling into landmines your area of interest or challenging terrains.

Today we were privileged to have seasoned professionals who have carved a niche for themselves in their various endeavours.

These ones volunteered their time, energy and skills to impact your lives by sharing their wealth of knowledge and experiences with you. “They shared on how to leverage technology for global competitiveness, thrive in the Agricultural sector, develop your financial management skills, succeed in the entertainment and fashion industry and bring your business to light using online digital marketing.�

She further commended the facilitators, the Management of Yaba College of Technology for their continuous support of the foundation and all the administrative staff of the foundation, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the program was a success.

Mrs. Folorunso Alakija delivering her welcome speech

A cross section of participants at the event

“However, in our bid to reach out and touch more lives, we decided to make this program an open one for both our beneficiaries and the general public. A total of 441 participants had registered online to attend the youth empowerment program and others have also registered onsite today.�

She added, “the theme for the program is ‘Young Entrepreneurs of the 21stCentury: Bridging the Knowledge Gap’. This topic is very pertinent in this day and

age because of the dearth of knowledge abounding among young entrepreneurs.

It is imperative that before you embark on any venture, you need to get the requisite information and knowledge. You must understand the dynamics of the industry to avoid falling into landmines. “Even the Bible tells us that ‘my people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge’. Therefore, make sure that you are armed with as much information as possible to enable you navigate through

Tapping Opportunities Addressing participants on the need of tapping the opportunities and wealth embedded in Agricultural entrepreneurship, Yussuf Billamin said, “agricultural entrepreneurship is one of the less capital intensive business every startup can easily engage in and have a head way even in the shortest period of time. It affords entrepreneurs diversified investment.�

With regards to the importance and effect of digital technologies in entrepreneurship, Jude Oguta asserted that, “If you can make a million effect without deploying technology in your skills-sets/ services, then be sure that by introducing technology, you would make more than double of the effect you made without it�.

Speaking on the importance of financial management to an entrepreneur, Adewunmi Oni made it clear that “until you learn how to invest your profits into assets; thereby reproducing more income, instead of liabilities, you can never experience financial freedom as a young entrepreneur�.

Chioma Chukwuka who took participants through her growth process in the movie industry, which she has functioned in for over 20 years, posited that “only passion and determination to succeed can bring about growth, no matter the talent you have, or skills you have acquired�.

This was just as, Conrad Adigwe admonished participating the young entrepreneurs to “do what others won’t do for a few years, so you can have what others can’t have, all through the remaining years of your lives�.

Furthermore, as part of YEP, participants would be taken through a one week handson training in partnership with Alakija Skills Acquisition Centre in Yabatech; with focus on farming, website designing, entertainment and fashion and in skills acquisition such as turning rubbish into wealth.

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CRIME&SECURITY

Exercise Python Dance to Tackle Crime, Fake News-Buratai

CRIME SITUATION REPORTS

SECURITY TIPS (PART 45)

... Safety tips for journalists covering elections (iii) 1) Emergency communications: -For smartphones, install emergency/SOS button apps and put emergency contacts on speed dial.

-Memorise an emergency number in case you lose your phone.

2) Debrief and relax: -Following coverage of elections in the field, schedule debriefs with editors, solidarity groups, and a counselor.

- It is important for your mental health to be taken care of during and after assignments.

-Debriefs allow you to work through anything disturbing that you may have witnessed or any feelings of anxiety, stress, and anger.

-Do things you enjoy—keep social contacts, walk, exercise, nap, cook, etc.

These are positive coping mechanisms and do no harm in the long run.

3) Solidarity: -Never travel alone.

-Always inform your colleagues, editors, and family of your travel locations and when you expect to return.

-Set up a security check-in system within your media outlet or with other freelance journalists covering the election..

Source: REX’s Securing Access to Free Expression (SAFE) Initiative.

CITIZENS’ COMPLAINT LINES FOR SARS

Buratai

Sunday Ehigiator

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, at the official flag-off of Exercise Egwu Eke; also known as ‘The Python Dance’, on Tuesday in Lagos, has promised that the operation would be used to tackle crimes, amongst other sundry security issues.

Buratai, who made this disclosure at the kick-off of the exercise in the Lagos area, also said the operation will help ameliorate the Apapa gridlock, as well as provide free medical care to citizens, before, during and after the 2019 general elections.

He particularly noted that the operation will tackle the menance of banditry, rustling, terrorism, kidnapping, robbery and militancy in the country, as well as fake news.

He said: “I am highly delighted to be here today for the flag off of Ex Egwu Eke III (Python Dance III) in 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR). “This is another historic and important event geared towards reassuring law abiding citizens and Nigerians in general of the resolve of the Nigerian Army to provide adequate security and safety even as the nation approaches the 2019 General Elections. “This significant event is also a reassurance of the resolve of the Nigerian Army to conduct joint operations in collaboration with other security and para-military agencies in aid to civil authority. “The objective is to reinvigorate all existing operations in the country with additional manpower, equipment and resources to address the lingering security problems in the country. “I assure Nigerians that at the end of the exercise which is also conducted simultaneously by other divisions in the army, the python must have swallowed all the bandits, rustlers, terrorists, kidnappers, robbers and militants in the country. “The Python will also swallow thugs and other miscreants that may raise their heads to disturb peace in the country.�

On the issue of fake news, Buratai lamented that the increasing rate of such anomaly and that of unpatriotic elements that are impeding military operations and demoralising forces at the expense of national security.

He said: “The exercise is a realistic training package in Internal Security operations, clearance operations, emergency management, rescue operations, road blocks, cordon and search as well as anti–kidnapping and anti-cultism. “It is necessary to draw attention of well-meaning Nigerians that while reporting issues of defence and security, they must have at the back of their minds the importance of national security. “Just as mentioned earlier, defence and national security is not all comer’s affairs. No one is permitted to divulge any information that is injurious to national security. “This is contained in the Official Secret Act 1962. ‘Section 1(3) of this Act state that a person who transmits any classified matter to a person to whom is not authorised on behalf of the government to transmit it; or obtains, reproduces or retains any classified matter which he is not authorised on behalf of the government to obtain, reproduce or retain, as the case may be, is guilty of an offence’. “I enjoin Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that this is the only country that we have and all efforts should be focused to save it from the claws of unpatriotic elements fighting to pull the country down. “Giving out official information or spreading fake news is inimical to national security.�

On the gains of the ongoing Operation Awatse in the West, he said: “Prior to Exercise Egwu Eke III, recall that Operation AWATSE among others have intensified operations to crack down the activities of illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism among others. “It is worthy to note that operations conducted against economic sabotage by pipeline vandals and cultists as well as other criminals have achieved commendable successes. “Several vandals have been ap-

prehended while other criminal elements especially cultists are on the run. The momentum of the operation must be sustained.�

He further charged personnel to continue to display professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional roles while acting in aid to civil authority. “Do not provide any opportunity for criminal elements to infiltrate your ranks. You must also embark on Civil Military Relations activities like medical outreach and others. “Let me use this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Nigerian Army and our mandate in aid to civil authority. Accordingly, Exercise Egwu Eke III has the mandate to provide adequate protection and security for the good people of Nigeria. “You must deal decisively with the criminals while observing strict Rules of Engagement and ensure the right of law abiding citizens are protected,� he added.

He also called on the citizenry to provide troops adequate support and cooperation, especially timely information to enable them to accomplish their task.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence, Adekunle Ajanaku, commended the army.

He said: “Perhaps, apart from the North-east, the Chief of Army Staff has visited Lagos more than any other state. His Excellency also identifys with the army at this time in the remembrance of our fallen Hero’s. “From the tone set by the chief, the python is very hungry and has so many foods to feed upon. We appreciate that operation Egwu Eke 111 is indeed going to enforce other measures that are already on ground like the OP-MESA, and other task forces like that of traffic management in Apapa area of Lagos State. “The state government is ever willing to support this initiative in Lagos State as government through the Lagos State Security

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m $BMMT POMZ m 4.4 BOE 8IBUT"QQ POMZ 5XJUUFS !1PMJDF/(@ 1$336 XXX 'BDFCPPL DPN 1PMJDF1$336 r/(04 $404 TFHB!BMJFOTNFEJBMUE DPN LPSFEFCFMMP! DBTQFSUBJONFOU BHFODZ DBTQFSFOUFSUBJONFOU!HNBJM DPN PMVPHVOTBLJO!IPUNBJM DPN BOE H XSJUFS !HNBJM DPN Police Force Headquarters, ABUJA.

KNOW YOUR POLICE OFFICERS (PART 10) ThenewActingInspectorGeneralofPolice,MohammedAbubakarAdamu The newAg. IG took over as the 20th Indigenious Inspector General of Police GSPN *CSBIJN ,QPUVO *ESJT PO +BOVBSZ BGUFS IF XBT EFDPSBUFE CZ the President President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adamu hails from Lafia, Nasarawa State and is a holder of Bachelor of Science degree in Geography. He enlisted into the force on February 1, 1986 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Adamu is a versatile and seasoned police officer, a professional per excellence.

He attended several Senior Officer Courses on Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention, Control and Management within and outside Nigeria.

BeforehisappointmentastheActingIG,hewasaDirectingStaffattheNational Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.

He was Commissioner of Police in Ekiti and Enugu States and also AsTJTUBOU *OTQFDUPS (FOFSBM PG 1PMJDF JO DIBSHF PG ;POF 1PMJDF $PNNBOE Headquarters, Benin, Edo State.

Adamu with Buhari at his decoration

EME

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F R I DAY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

LIFE

Adeniji Adekunle: Celebrating The Nigerian Air Force with his Museum Piece the governor by the CAS at the Lagos House, Ikeja on Tuesday, April 19, 2016.�

In front of the stand is the logo of the Nigerian Air Force, the three golden stars on light blue background (moulded out of cement), which signifys the office of the CAS, which is seen at the centre while by the sides are photographs showing NAF commissioning of the newly resuscitated Machine Tools Workshop at its base in Makurdi.

The repair, Adekunle said, is in line with ongoing efforts towards the robust logistics support and maintenance culture to sustain platforms and equipment serviceability, one of the key drivers of the vision of Abubakar on October 20, 2017.

Photographs showing Abubakar, in continuation of the series of visits being undertaken to assess and enhance the operational effectiveness of NAF units across the country, on June 23, 2018 and his visit to NAF units in Makurdi. The visit equally afforded the CAS the opportunity to visit the headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), as well as interact with NAF personnel deployed for the operation. The Chairman House Committee on the Air Force, Honourable Samson Okwu, also accompanied the CAS on the visit.

Mary Nnah

A

deniji Adekunle’s name may not ring a bell just yet, but he has carved a niche for himself as a photographer and artist with an exceptional way of creating hand made greeting cards, as well as art pieces with polished wood without carving.

Adekunle has created another art piece which he called a museum piece dedicated to the 20th Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Motivation The artist who explained why he dedicated the art piece to the CAS said: “Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar truly has great vision for the Nigerian Air Force, a man without fear who loves his country, a patriot, a father, and a role model. No matter what critics say, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar is the reason why the Nigerian Air Force has been repositioned into a highly motivated, disciplined and formidable force that is gaining the trust of every well- meaning Nigerian. “He believes that it is a leader’s responsibility to motivate and ensure troops’ understanding on why they are trained in a particular way, lending credibility to the way every single air force personnel today is more concerned about the security and peace of the country first, before himself.�

Adekunle who said he was inspired by Abubakar’s efforts in repositioning the NAF into a highly motivated, disciplined and formidable force that is gaining the trust of every well- meaning Nigerian today, noted, “I was impressed by the hard work and commitment in changing the face of the Nigerian Air Force to a greater one, so for this reason I created this museum piece to be presented to him. “I have always watched him in the news and saw how he visited his men in his tradition of spending festive periods with NAF troops in the frontline, and how he commissioned quality housing units for its officers, which he said are geared towards enhancing the welfare of his personnel to enable them focus on their tasks and continue in adding value to the service�.

He explained further that Abubakar’s leadership within the past years has been extraordinary and in a more spectacular way brought the force much more closer to the generality of Nigerians. “Many Nigerians would today, sit back, relax and say with pride that ‘this is our own air force�, he added. “Nigerians watch with pride the pursuit of the NAF ranging from its contributions in the fight against insurgency and other security concerns, as well as providing all forms of humanitarian services to internally displaced persons (IDPs). The NAF under his leadership has forged a bond that is driven by the desire to serve the nation. “One great thing is that Abubakar has formed a relationship with his troops and has established a standard to guide their performance, on and off the line of duty.

Furthermore, Nigerians are presently witnessing, through him an air force which desires to stand in the defence of the nation, protection of Nigerians and their properties, offering aid to civil society, which has become a permanent feature of the NAF’s national image�, the artist noted.

Composition Adekunle’s museum piece, which has a portrait and a stand and looks like a podium, has on the portrait pictures of Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar and his profile, a picture showing President Muhammadu Buhari aided

by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in decorating the CAS with his new rank of Air-Marshal at the Presidential villa in abuja on Thursday, August 13, 2015.

On the stand at the top are also pictures showing the CAS on September 27, 2018, when he undertook an operational visit to Headquarters Mobility Command and 235 Base Services Wing, NAF Base Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Speaking further on the make up of his museum piece, Adekunle said, “While in Yenagoa, the CAS also paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, which showed in the pictures. Also in the picture is the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the CAS, and his principal officers during a courtesy visit to

Hopes for an Air Force Museum The artist also revealed that few years back, there was plan by the former Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to build a museum for the NAF in partnership with the ministry but the effort was aborted by the past government.

He however expressed optimism that if the Air Force Museum is established, it would aid the Federal Government and the force to preserve equipment used by the force, which would act as a learning field for Nigerian students. He added that that the project would promote the desire for Nigerians to be enlisted in the service and promote the image of the country to the rest of the world.

He further suggested that, “the department for Museums and Archives could build the Nigerian Air Force Memorial Centre, which will have historical equipment concerning the air force, photos of pre-colonial, to colonial, to independence and even to the present day peace keeping mission and pictures of all the CAS’ in the history of Nigeria. Then, primary, secondary and university students including organisations can visit the centre, which will not be for free. The museum piece like the one I created can also be kept there.�

Adekunle with his museum piece

An Appeal Adeniji also appealed to Nigerians to try and patronise made-in-Nigerian products such as art works, textile, shoes, and many more, noting that, “it will grow the economy. Do you know that failure to patronise made-in-Nigeria products would worsen unemployment? Do you know that the more made-in-Nigeria products you patronise, the more jobs that are created, which in turns help to reduce unemployment? Therefore when next you go out for shopping ask of made-in-Nigerian arts works, textiles, shoes and other products�.

Aity Dennis Leads Artists to Celebrate Husband Mary Nnah It was thanksgiving galore last Sunday as Gospel music star, Aity Dennis, led some artistes including Eben, Pita, Jhadiel and Linda Etukudo, to celebrate her husband, Dr. Dennis Inyang, who is the Presiding Pastor of Sure Word Assembly, Okota, Lagos.

Asides the gospel ministers who featured in the event, Aity also played host to friends and well-wishers at the birthday celebration.

Dr. Dennis Inyang, who got born again 40 years ago and has been in pastoral ministry for over 20 years, thanked the Lord for saving him from death five times A Speaking at the event, Bishop Mark Omonze, Zonal Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), reiterated that a pastor is a gift from God to humanity to help mould destinies and facilitate their receiving their needs from God. He also challenged parishioners to appreci- Aity and husband, Dennis, anked by friends and well-wishers during the birthday celebration ate their shepherds as they carry out their very challenging assignment.

To add more flavour to the celebration were The artistes took turns to eulogise the people and to lead the excited congregation Mega Steppers dance troup and the host choir, celebrant for his impact on the lives of the in praise.

The Tribe of Judah.

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BUSINESSWORLD

FG Seeks Additional Funding from IFAD to Boost Food Security James Emejo in Abuja The federal government has disclosed plan to seek additional financing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to enhance agricultural yield and boost its efforts to achieve food security in the country.

IFAD’s total financial support to the country’s farmers currently stood at about $500 million.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, therefore, urged the fund not to be weary of helping the federal government each time there’s a requests for more funding support.

Speaking when he received the IFAD’S Regional Director for the West and Central African, Mr. Lisandro Martin, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, the minister, however said they both agreed to work more closely to ensure food sufficiency in the country by funding and supporting the nation’s rural farmers.

Lokpobiri, said the federal government would be approaching the fund from time to time to seek for more financial support.

While describing the value being added to the nation’s agricultural sector by IFAD as very significant, the minister pledged that the Nigerian government would give priority to its partnership with the fund and would also do whatever that is needed to be done for the partnership to flourish.

He said: “As a government, what we have decided to do is to say we will give priority to our partnership, whatever that is needed to be done on the part of the government, we would endeavour to do,� the minister assured.

Lokpobiri, disclosed to the visiting director that besides

NEWS

Abia Moves to Enhance Grassroots Devt with Town Unions Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia

feeding its rapidly growing people, Nigeria ensures that all the value chain support by IFAD also trickles down to our West African neighbours, noting that if Nigeria is unable to support the West African region, and in fact Africa the consequences would be very catastrophic.

According to him: “Whatever we do here essentially feeds the whole of West Africa. The seeds that we produce here essentially services the whole of West Africa, the grains that we produce here services the whole of West Africa. “Whatever happens here affects the whole of West Africa. So, whatever support that you are giving to Nigeria is essentially the support given to the whole of West Africa.�

Responding, however, the visiting Director who came in company of the country representative of IFAD to Nigeria, Nadine Gbossa, informed his host that IFAD was already strategising on how to expand its Nigerian office, not only in terms of increasing their support but also increasing their ability to provide more technical guidance and to the implementation of its projects in the country. “We are working with our team to bring additional staff to Nigeria because this is clearly a country that is almost like a continent where we realise that the capacity we have at the moment is not sufficient,� Martin said.

Reacting to the request by the minister for additional funding, the director disclosed that one of the key elements of the fund’s formula is that the resources a country gets is linked to further disbursement, noting that, “So, the faster you use the money, the more money you get, which is a common sense principle.�

Town unions would now serve as veritable channels for driving development in the rural communities of Abia State as government has adopted the development model being promoted by Hope Givers Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

The efficacy of town unions as catalyst for development has already proved very effective in Anambra State where the former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, partnered with the town union executives to spread development, in the rural areas of the state with tailor-made projects chosen by the communities according to their respective needs. Enugu and Ebonyi States have followed the footsteps and now Abia.

Abia formally announced its adoption of the town unionbased development model at the 2019 Abia town union summit held at Umuahia during which delegates drawn from town unions across the state were instructed on the roles expected of them in order to ensure participatory governance and rural development.

Abia has a total of 739 autonomous communities across the 17 Local Governments Areas and presently no fewer than 656 town unions are functioning effectively.

The summit with the theme: ‘Nmepe na nchekwa ime obodo anyi’(development and security of our rural communities) was facilitated by Hope Givers Initiative which has been instrumental in pushing state governments in the Southeast zone to partner the town unions

in order to enhance grassroots development.

The Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Ude Chukwu, said the state has fully embraced the town unions as agents of grassroots development “and was ready to partner the leadership to achieve the desired result�. “We can determine our fate and give our people direction by working with town union leaderships,� he said, adding that “every project must come from the communities – from conception to implementation.�

He noted that in the past government had been executing projects that communities didn’t need hence involving them in initiating and executing projects would make them and fully utilize the benefits

of such projects.

In order to deepen participatory governance the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Policy Development and Monitoring, Amaechi Chukwu said that government was already promoting participatory budget process.

He further noted that Abia is among the three states in the southeast (including Ebonyi and Enugu states that have signed up to open governance principle, adding that in all only 15 states throughout the federation have done so. “It means we want to be accountable; we want to be transparent, give access to information and (engender) citizen participation in governance,� he said, adding that for effective citizen participation they must know that they have a role to play.

YOU ARE WELCOME

L-R: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Solomon Abebe Tessema and President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) during a courtesy visit to LCCI in Lagos‌recently

Zedvance Launches Multichoice Announces Fourth Edition of Big Back-to-School Campaign Brother Naija Raheem Akingbolu Consumer finance company, Zedvance Ltd, has flagged off its ‘Back-to-School’ campaign to provide easy access to quick and collateral-free credit to all parents and guardians in Nigeria.

According to the company, the campaign themed, “Zedvance Back-to-School Unburden,� was designed to promote inclusive education by reducing the financial impact of a new academic term on Nigerians.

Commenting on the campaign, Lukmon Oloyede, the Marketing Manager, Zedvance said, “As a customer-centric company, Zedvance is committed to providing lifestyle-enabling financial solutions to our customers and prospects across Nigeria through a flexible and hassle-free process.

We understand the importance of education and believe paying a child’s school fees should not be a burden. That is why we are introducing the Zedvance Back-

to-School Unburden campaign�.

Zedvance loans are available to all salary-earners in Nigeria with qualifying customers receiving loans in less than three hours (for already existing customers) and less than five hours (for new customers). Customers can access loans between N50,000 and N5,000,000 through a range of self-service digital channels. “When we say we are committed to meeting our customers’ lifestyle needs it means we will go the extra-mile in serving them.

That is why we provide a flexible loan repayment regime of up to 18months as well as the option of consolidating all their loans with other companies to a single product with us at an amazing interest rate�, concluded Oloyede.

Zedvance Back-to-School Unburden campaign is designed to ease the burden of school fees and other sundry bills that comes with the resumption of a new academic term on parents’ and guardians’.

Raheem Akingbolu Pay TV Company and promoter of Africa’s popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, Multichoice, has announced the return for the fourth season of the show. The company has also revealed that the auditions for the show would hold on the 1st and 2nd of February 2018, in eight locations across Nigeria, an increase from previous editions.

In addition, Nigeria’s number one betting website, Bet9ja, has been announced as headline

sponsors of the new season.

The reality TV show which follows the format of the international Big Brother franchise is known to bring excitement and entertainment to fans and viewers across the continent as it houses strangers over a period of three months who contest against each other in a battle of wits for the ultimate prize.

Speaking on the return of Big Brother Naija, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr John Ugbe said: “This fourth season promises

to be even bigger than previous editions and underscores MultiChoice’s position as the biggest investor and driver of entertainment content on the continent�.

Since its maiden edition in 2006, the Big Brother Naija reality TV show has produced some of the country’s biggest pop culture influencers and celebrities including Ebuka ObiUchendu, Gideon Okeke, Katung Aduwak, Bisola Aiyeola, Efe Ejeba and Uriel Oputa and mostly recently Miracle Ikechukwu, Tobi Bakre and

Cynthia “Cee-C� Nwadiora.

Speaking at the press conference, Bet9ja’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Ojuroye said: “As the leading gaming company in Nigeria, we believe in changing lives. This singular attribute coupled with the zeal and passion attributed to the Big Brother Naija platform aligns with Bet9ja’s core values and we are honoured by the opportunity to headline this year’s edition. Bet9ja will continue to support programmes that will connect more young Nigerians to their dreams�.

Nigerian Breweries Debunks Claim of Fake Amstel Malta The Nigerian Breweries Plc has described as false, the news of an existing fake Amstel Malta in the Nigerian market, while insisting the company recently revised the packaging of the product.

In a press statement, the company explained that a new NIS Quality logo from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, (SON) has been incorporated into the revised packaging.

The change, NB further explained, was approved by the relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. “SON, the owners of the NIS

Quality Logo, have variously confirmed the change in its certifying logo and had in fact commended Amstel Malta for being the first producer to incorporate the new NIS Logo in its packaging.�

42

F R I DAY Ëž JANUARY 18, 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

RMB Forecasts Sluggish Loan Growth Obinna Chima Analysts at RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers have predicted sluggish loan growth in the banking sector in 2019.

Specifically, the firm anticipated a five per cent year-on-year loan growth in 2019, and 11 per cent by the end of 2020.

They stated this in a report that focused on six Nigerian banks. The banks covered were Access Bank, FBN Holdings, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC, United Bank of Africa and Zenith Bank Plc. “We initiate coverage on Nigerian banks with a cautious short-term outlook from a loan book growth perspective. We believe loan growth will be sluggish in 2019 ending, at five per cent year-on-year for our coverage universe. “We do however, expect

a pick-up in lending in the second half of 2019 (post elections) and believe this could mark the beginning of double-digit risk-asset growth for Nigerian banks, following a period of subdued loan growth from macro headwinds. We forecast 11 per cent year-onyear growth in 2020 ending,� they stated.

The aggregate loan book of Nigeria’s banking system is concentrated in two key sectors – services (37%) and oil and gas (23%), together accounting for 60 per cent of the sector’s loan book, though varying across banks, the report stated. It noted that the two per cent decline in credit to the private sector from deposit money banks over 2017-August 2018 (as reported by CBN) was driven mainly by the services sector which then declined by seven per cent year-on-year

(2017) and three per cent (year to August 2018). “In our view, it appears that asset-quality concerns have tapered for Nigeria’s banking system, with the non-performing loan ratio moderating lower to 12.4 per cent in the first half of 2018, from 15 per cent in the first half of 2017,� it added.

According to the report, the entire banks covered in the report had combined market capitalisation of N2.8 trillion (US$7.8 billion), representing about 25 per cent of the Nigerian bourse as at 11 January 2019. “Within our coverage universe, we identify GTB, Zenith and UBA as our top picks. We also consider Access Bank and FBN Holdings as potential stocks to watch out for in 2019 based on certain milestones.�

Heritage Bank Eyes Fresh Capital Injection Nume Ekeghe The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, has disclosed that the bank is anticipating fresh capital injection from investors.

This, according to him, would boost the bank’s capital and support it drive to intervene in the real sector of the economy.

Sekibo, however, declined to disclose the identity of the investors as well as when the funds would get to the financial institution.

The Heritage Bank boss said this yesterday, while speaking in an interview on the sidelines at the Vanguard Economic Submit, organised

by Vanguard Newspapers in Lagos.

He also said the bank would in no distance time be

listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Responding to a question on when the bank would be listed on the stock exchange, Sekibo said: “I want to predict a good prediction. For that matter it would not be this year. But it would definitely be listed on the stock exchange especially because we are expecting new investors and one of their core expectations is that we would list within the nearest future, so we would list on the NSE. “There may be mergers and acquisitions happening and I’m happy to see them.

Yes, investors are coming in and they are happy with our returns and we are one of the companies that has returned good results in the financial institution space. So investors are always happy with the type of returns we make.�

Earlier, while giving his

keynote address at the event, the founder/ Chairman FATE Foundation, Mr. Fola Adeola, said the present government’s anti-corruption drive was a failure and urged the federal government to come up with policies to enhance human development in the country.

Adeola added: “Crookedness has become synonymous with our national brand. Transparency international ranked us 148 out of 180 countries in the world in 2017 index. In 2012 we were ranked 121 and with the way we are fighting corruption, we must consider that our fight is both toothless and ineffective so far and we should rethink our approach. “Our policy priorities must be entire and mutually compelling.

I also believe our leaders must prioritise the development of people and do so with an investment mentality.�

Access Bank Renovates Classrooms, Launches Reading Club for Lagos School Judith Obazee As parts of its corporate social responsibility as well as its commitment to enhance the quality of education in the country, Access Bank Plc has commissioned the newly renovated Akodo Community Senior High school, Ibeju Lekki.

The bank also launched a reading club in the school, which was done in collaboration with office of education quality assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education.

In addition, four administrative offices were also constructed.

The move was also aimed at increasing the amount of enrolment of students in the community.

The Group Head Retail Operations, Access Bank, Aziegbe Abraham Ehijator, while speaking at the event in Lagos, said the bank believes that education is the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders “and that was what influenced

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Broad Money (M2)

24,303,049.86

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,912,604.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,668,378.21

---- Demand Deposits

9,244,225.90

-- Quasi Money

13,390,445.76

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

15,619,134.18

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

8,683,915.68

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

genuinely believe that the future of our dear country rest in the hands of the young ones present here today,� he explained.

Meanwhile the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule, who was represented by Mrs. Solarin Titilayo, Tutor General/ Permanent Secretary Education District 3, commended the intervention in the educational sector of the state by Access Bank, while also stating that the renovation of a block of six classrooms and the construction of four administrative offices would make teaching and learning conducive for teachers as well as help students develop their potential.

She said, “The administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, is committed to the provision of new structures and the rehabilitation of existing ones across the state to ensure that high quality education is accessible to all learners irrespective of their location.�

26,267,136.53

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,823,345.45

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

5,433,209.43

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

-1,609,863.98

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,443,791.08

--Other Assets Net

-17,583,220.85

Reserve Money (Base Money)

6,746,646.49

--Currency in Circulation

1,668,378.21

--Banks Reserves

4,357,551.58 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

the bank’s decision in undertaking initiatives targeted at helping the young ones in the society,� while adding that the love of children by the bank’s Group Managing Director also influenced the choice of the project.

He added, “Part of our mission statement is to give back to society, because we know without those communities, Access Bank will not be what it is today. “We are very grateful today to the community for allowing us to do the things we have done in the school today. “We equally believe strongly that education is the foundation of tomorrow and in Access Bank, there is something we say, ‘you take tomorrow today.’ “The Managing Director has a strong passion for children and has invested besides his resources in helping children and so this influenced our decision to do something that will help children in line with our

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2018

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 16 JANUARY 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $59.52 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $58.24 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations..

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

43

F R I DAY ˾ JANUARY 18, 2019

MARKET NEWS

All-Share Index Rises 0.4% as Bulls Consolidate Hold on Market Goddy Egene The bulls remained in control of the stock market, lifting the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Al-Share Index (ASI) further by 0.4 per cent to close at 30,583.21, while market capitalisation added N45.7 billion to close at N11.4 trillion. The market has remained uptick since the beginning of the week as investors embarked on bargain hunting following attractive valuations.

Consequently, the year-to- date decline has improved to 2.7 per cent as 23 stocks appreciated compared to 15 stocks that depreciated. While it is believed that the market will still suffer some level of volatility due to the impact of the general elections, there are high optimism that recovery will come in the second had of the year.

For instance, the Chief Executive Officer of NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema said market sentiments

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

in the first half (H1) of the year will be driven by uncertainty in the oil prices as well as the 2019 general elections.

“Accordingly, we anticipate volatility in equities market in H1 in 2019 with enhanced stability post-elections. We believe swift approval and implementation of the 2019 budget may have a positive impact on the companies’ earnings as well as consumer spending. Therefore, we anticipate a return of listings

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

during the year with an uptick in market activity during the H2 of 2019,” he said. However, some discerning investors are taking advantage of low valuations to increase their investments. The renewed demand has continued to boost prices of stocks. And buying interests in Dangote Cement Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc among other bellwethers influenced the positive performance of yesterday. But Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

led the price gainers’ chart with 9.4 per cent, trailed by NEM Insurance Plc with 9.7 per cent.

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc went up by 9.0 per cent, while Royal Exchange Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc chalked up 8.3 per cent and 8.0 per cent respectively. PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services Plc and Wema Bank Plc garnered 7.7 per cent, 7.4 per cent and 5.1 per cent in that order. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria

O F

Plc and Forte Oil Plc appreciated by 4.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively.

Conversely, Etranzact Plc led the price losers with 9.8 per cent, trailed by Resort Savings and Loans Plc with 9.6 per cent, just as Cornerstone Insurance Plc shed 9.0 per cent. NPF Microfinance Bank Plc went down by 8.1 per cent, while First Aluminium and AXA Mansard Insurance Plc depreciated by 6.0 per cent and 4.6 per cent in that order.

1 5 / 0 1 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

44

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45

MARKET NEWS

C& I Leasing Concludes Share Capital Restructuring Exercise Goddy Egene Trading has resumed in the shares of C & I Leasing Plc has commenced following the lifting of suspension placed on the company by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The suspension was imposed on the company on December 13, to enable Registrars update the register of members sequel to the share capital restructuring embarked upon by the company.

C & I Leasing had last

December applied to reduce its issued and paid-up share capital from N808.505 million, which is 1,617,010,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to N202,126, 250 share being 404,252,500 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

Following the conclusion of the exercise the NSE has lifted the suspension trading on the shares of C & I Leasing Plc resumed on the shares. With the conclusion of this exercise, the company now has total outstanding ordinary shares of

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the

404,252,500 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.

The company had explained that the reduction in number shares would be achieved through the consolidation of every four ordinary shares currently held into one new share in the company. The share capital so reduced, it said, would be added to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share premium account. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The purpose of the reconstruction is to allow the company to have enough

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 1601-2019, unless otherwise stated.

unissued shares to accommodate future plans to raise capital through the equity capital market. The additional capital will be used to finance the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansion plan, extinguish some liabilities and enhance the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital mix,â&#x20AC;? the company said.

Already ABRAAJ, managers of the Aureos Africa Fund have said they would convert the $10 million loan stock in C & I Leasing Plc to equity. The $10 million was an unsecured,

redeemable, convertible loan stock that matured at the end of 2018. According to the Managing Director/CEO of C & I Leasing, Mr. Andrew Otike-Odibi,â&#x20AC;&#x153;This development is positive for our business as it improves the capital structure of the company and helps position it favorably for additional capital raise from the market in first quarter of 2019.â&#x20AC;?

Market analysts have said the company has very bright future prospects. C & I Leasing

commenced its marine business with four patrol boats which have increased over the years to a fleet size of 22 vessels consisting of crew boats, patrol boats, pilot boats, platform support vessels and tug boats tied in mid to long term contracts for diverse offshore services.

It recently signed a 10-year contract for the provision of two harbour tugs with NLNG in addition to its existing contracts will see growth in the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earning over the next 3-5 years.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 155.42 155.52 -1.84% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 11.00% Nigeria International Debt Fund 278.91 279.07 2.11% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.84 0.85 -0.18% ACAP Income Funds 0.62 0.62 10.71% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.98% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.23 2.25 0.19% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 99.25 99.95 -1.91% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.80% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.02% Paramount Equity Fund 11.43 11.72 -2.40% Women's Investment Fund 100.32 102.89 -2.19% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.02% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 96.19 96.46 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 98.88 99.30 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.45% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.83 0.83 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.13 1.13 0.65% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 12.67% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.76% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,193.10 1,193.86 0.64% FBN Heritage Fund 140.78 141.96 -1.83% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.42% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 114.62 115.12 0.01% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 114.40 114.91 0.64% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 145.25 147.24 -3.17% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.19 1.21 -2.73% Legacy Debt Fund 3.26 3.26 0.49% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 0.20% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,930.98 2,959.33 -1.80% Coral Income Fund 2,775.60 2,775.60 1.35% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.42% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 106.70 107.04 6.31% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.18%

Vantage Balanced Fund 2.13 2.15 -1.08% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.96% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 119.91 119.09 -4.41% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.21 1.24 0.14% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,105.33 1,105.33 0.53% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.12 11.20 -3.37% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.47% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.34 1.37 5.13% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.29 12.34 0.64% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.63% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 119.60 120.13 -0.95% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.71 1.71 0.16% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,304.12 2,318.02 1.73% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 191.76 191.76 2.17% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.93 0.94 -1.58% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 248.22 248.26 2.45% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 161.74 163.55 -0.86% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.79% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,288.37 8,388.23 -0.60% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.11 1.11 2.98% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.94 11.09 2.64% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.30 12.41 2.02% Zenith Income Fund 20.88 20.88 8.37% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.32%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

6.60 140.00 51.76

-32.85% 0.00% 0.03%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.31 112.18 85.84

10.41 114.60 87.45

-2.23% -4.35% -3.18%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva GrifďŹ n 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.80 7.04 14.22 12.56 144.82

3.84 7.12 14.32 12.76 146.82

-5.00% -7.64% -4.89% 1.60% 0.89%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.13

17.03%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and FMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

46

INTERNA TIONAL

Theresa May to Miss Davos to Focus on Brexit British Prime Minister Theresa May will miss next week’s annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos to focus on Brexit negotiations, sending

ministers in her place, Downing Street said on Thursday.

“She will not be going to Davos. She will be focused on matters here,” May’s

spokeswoman said, adding that “there will be government ministers attending”.

Downing Street noted May’s absence at the yearly gathering

of world and industry leaders in the Swiss Alps resort was not unprecedented for a British premier.

Former prime minister

David Cameron also missed the 2013 and 2015 events, the spokeswoman said. The prime minister is scrambling to put together a new Brexit strategy after lawmakers on Tuesday

sparked political turmoil by rejecting her draft withdrawal agreement with the EU. Britain is scheduled to leave the bloc after 46 years on March 29.

Prince Philip Involved in Road Accident Unhurt, Says Buckingham Palace

Detained Belarusian model, Anastasia Vashukevich also known’s as Nastya Rybka (middle), leaving Thai immigration department after her arest in Bangkok…yesterday AFP

Queen Elizabeth II’s 97-year-old husband, Prince Philip, emerged unscathed after being involved in a road traffic accident near the monarch’s Sandringham Estate on Thursday, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

“The Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a road traffic accident with another vehicle this afternoon,” said a spokesman.

“The Duke was not injured.

The accident took place close to the Sandringham Estate. Local police attended the scene,” it added.

The couple spends most of the winter at the residence in Norfolk, south-east England, which continues to operate as

Spanish Government, Catalan Leaders Meet in Fresh Talks Spain’s deputy prime minister met Catalan separatist leaders on Thursday as both sides pursue complex talks on the region’s future initiated by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Despite mutual distrust and radically opposed positions on Catalonia’s right to selfdetermination, the Socialist executive and the regional government continue to meet in bid to rebuild ties broken in a secession attempt in October 2017.

Carmen Calvo met in Madrid with the Catalan government’s vice president Pere Aragones and spokeswoman Elsa Artadi.

The meeting comes close to a month after Sanchez, who took office last June, met with regional leader Quim Torra on December 20 in Barcelona.

Both then agreed to maintain “an effective dialogue which

will lead to a political proposal which has widespread support among Catalan society.”

Thursday’s meeting comes as Spain’s minority government wants to pass its 2019 draft budget through parliament, where it only has 84 lawmakers out of 350.

As a result, it needs the support of Catalan separatist lawmakers who in return are asking for a solution to the crisis gripping the region since a banned secession referendum in 2017 prompted a short-lived declaration of independence.

After that, Catalan leaders were either arrested or fled abroad.

Those who were held are due to stand trial at the end of the month or early February in what could put ties between Madrid and the

Gabon President Back in Morocco after Short Stay in Libreville Gabon President, Ali Bongo, returned to medical leave in Morocco after a brief visit to Libreville where he appeared in a wheelchair on state TV following his stroke in 2018, a government source said on Thursday.

Since Bongo fell ill in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 24, contradictory information on the state of his health and an extended convalescence in Morocco have fueled instability back in Gabon, where his family has ruled for over 50 years.

Frustration boiled over when a small band of soldiers briefly took over state radio last week and called for him to step aside.

In an apparent effort to shore up his political base after a failed coup attempt, Bongo flew back to Gabon on Monday to swear

in a new government.

From televised footage of the ceremony it was not clear if he could walk or move his right arm.

A government source on Thursday said Bongo returned to Morocco to continue his rehabilitation, but did not give further details.

The president had previously appeared in a televised New Year’s address in which he slurred his speech.

Ali Bongo took over the presidency upon his father Omar’s death in 2009.

He won re-election in 2016 by fewer than 6,000 votes amid widespread accusations of fraud, sparking deadly clashes between protesters and police during which the parliament was torched.

Catalan government to the test.

Pro-independence leaders in Catalonia are also angry over the detention Wednesday of 13 activists and separatist mayors, as well as one journalist, for cutting off a high-speed rail line on the anniversary of the independence referendum on October 1, 2018.

The Catalan government

has announced it will “file a complaint against the police actions,” saying the detentions are illegal as they were not ordered by a court.

“There is little likelihood that the draft budget will go through,” Artadi warned on Tuesday.

Sanchez took office in June after winning a surprise vote

of no-confidence against the previous conservative government with the support of Catalan separatist parties.

He has adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Catalonia than his conservative predecessor, but there is little progress over the region’s desire for self-determination.

Cohen Says He Paid to Rig Polls for Trump Michael Cohen, U.S. President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, said on Thursday he paid a firm to manipulate online polling data “at the direction of and for the sole benefit of’’ Trump.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Cohen had paid the data firm RedFinch Solutions to manipulate two public opinion polls in favour of Trump before the 2016 presidential campaign.

“As for the @WSJ article on poll rigging,” Cohen wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

“What I did was at the direction of and for the sole benefit of @realDonaldTrump @POTUS. I truly regret my blind loyalty to a man, who doesn’t deserve it.”

The attempts to influence the polls ultimately proved largely unsuccessful but shed a light on the tactics of the Trump campaign and Cohen’s role within it.

On the campaign trail, Trump frequently referred to his polling numbers to help fuel his candidacy.

Cohen was sentenced in December to three years in prison for his role in making illegal hush-money payments to women to help Trump’s campaign and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia.

Cohen has said Trump had directed him to commit the campaign-finance violations, which Trump has denied.

The Journal said Cohen

commissioned John Gauger, who runs RedFinch Solutions, to write a computer script to repeatedly vote for Trump in a February 2015 Drudge Report poll on potential Republican candidates.

The move came as Trump was preparing to enter the 2016 presidential election race, the newspaper reported.

Trump ranked fifth in the Drudge Report poll, with about 24,000 votes, or five per cent of the total, according to the Journal.

Cohen also commissioned Gauger to do the same for a 2014 CNBC online poll identifying the country’s top business leaders, although Trump was unable to break into the top 100 candidates, the Journal reported.

“The president has no knowledge of the polls being rigged,” Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani said in an interview with Reuters. Trump tweeted about a CNBC poll on business leaders in 2014, calling it “a joke” and suggested he was removed from the list because of “politics.”

Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the details of the newspaper report. Cohen did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and neither did representatives for RedFinch Solutions and the Trump Organisation.

Charles James, a lawyer for Gauger, declined to comment.

Gauger said Cohen paid him in cash out of a blue Walmart bag, although not for the total amount he was owed.

a sporting estate.

Philip, known for his forthright manner and offcolour jokes, formally retired from public life in 2017.

Born a prince of Greece and Denmark, he married then Princess Elizabeth on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London.

On their golden wedding anniversary in 1997, she said of him: “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years.”

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as DEBO ADEBOYE, now wish to be known and addressed as OJURI DEBO ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL KATE OJINMAH, now wish to be known and addressed as WAGBATSOMA KATE OJINMAH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed NNENNE as FLORENCE EMENIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as FLORENCE NNENNE UNACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SAADU BALIKIS OMAWUNMI ,

now wish to be known and addressed as SAADU BALIQEAS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I , SIMISOLA OMOSALEWA KATIBI, my name was wrongly written as SIMISOLA SOYEGE KATIBI instead of SIMISOLA OMOSALEWA KATIBI and my Date of Birth was wrongly written as 1st day of January 1950, instead of 9th day of March 1967 All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME. This to certify that OYELEKE AYOBAMI RIHANNAT and ALLI AYOBAMI RIANAT is one and the same person, and now wish to be known as ALLI AYOBAMI RIANAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as PATRICIA NKEOSEYEM ESENWAH, now wish to be known and addressed as PATRICIA NKEOSEYEM PETERSIDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ZOBEASHIA, MARY TOBECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKINWANDE, MARY TOBECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ESTHER OMETERE ALABI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ESTHER OMETERE ANYAKWO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

˾ FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

47

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Can Man Ever Be Rich? - 1 Spahic Omer/IslamiCity

O

nce while describing an aspect of man’s fundamental nature, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that the son of Adam becomes old with senility, but yet two things remain with him intact: greed and hope (Sahih al-Bukhari).

The Prophet (pbuh) also taught that when the latter two become unrestrained, taking over a person’s total being, he with his actions and decision making, in turn, becomes uncontrollable. He stops at nothing in order to try to satisfy his raging impulses. No action, or word, that comes from such a person should be seen as a surprise.

The Prophet (pbuh) thus said that if the son of Adam possessed two valleys of gold, he would long for a third one; “and nothing would fill (satiate) the stomach – or the mouth -- of the son of Adam but dust (that is, after he dies)” (Sahih Muslim).

Man can easily become a world of paradoxes.

Under the pressure of his recurring misjudgments, his inborn disposition and a myriad of external factors and forces, man can easily give in to the advances of his perennial anxieties, unfounded optimism and profligacy, relegating the transcendent power of his reason (intellect or ‘aql), as well as his primordial nature (instinct or fitrah), to the backseat.

One moment he can think and act like an angel; the next he can be like a devil.

The similar thing Satan (Iblis) had in mind when he plotted to deceive Adam and his wife Eve (Hawa) and drive them out from the Garden of Eden. He whispered to them, coaxing them: “Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?” (Ta Ha, 120).

Also: “Your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you should become angels or such beings as live forever (immortals)” (al-A’raf, 20).

Why is man intrinsically unsatisfied and greedy, and is that a bad thing in itself?

Man has been created for the splendid purpose of vicegerency (khilafah) on earth. As the pinnacle of Almighty God’s act of creation -- whom God had created and fashioned with His Own Hands (Sad, 75) and in His Own Image (Sahih Muslim) – man signifies both the essence of the creation phenomenon and its microcosm, as much physically as metaphysically.

Man exists in order to recognize the truth, embrace it and live it in every undertaking of his. This could be interpreted as being equivalent to knowledge, in which case man would have been created to know; or to productivity, in which case man would have been created to work and be productive as well as beneficial to himself and his animate and inanimate surroundings, generating cultures and civilizations in the process; or to moral integrity, in which case man would have been created in order to possess an internally consistent framework of values and principles that would ensure moral consistency in the external world of actions, decisions, methods, measures and codes.

Almighty God terms this as follows: “I have only created jinns and men that they may serve (worship) Me” (al-Dhariyat, 56). This implies, firstly, man’s cognition of the existence of his Creator and Master, and, secondly, man’s conforming of his existence to whatever he may perceive of the divine Will and Plan.

That also means that each creature is given the chance of development and progress towards the Goal, which is Allah. “Allah is the source and center of all power and all goodness, and our progress depends upon our putting ourselves into accord with His Will. This is His service. It is not of any benefit to Him; it is for our own benefit” (Abdullah Yusuf Ali).

Moreover, every living reality in the heavens and on the earth has been subjected to man and his noble existential mission. Everything partially exists only due to the existence of man, serving him and facilitating the fulfilment of his extraordinary assignments.

Consequently, God has conferred dignity on man, honoring him greatly and favoring him far above the rest of creation (al-Isra’, 70).

Man -- both the believer and nonbeliever -- easily comprehends his superior status and position, and what he has gotten. He swiftly develops a deep affection for the favors and possessions. Seeing how perfectly meaningful and beneficial they are for his subsistence, man naturally starts craving for as much of those gifts, kindnesses and provisions as possible.

In addition, seeing that he is entirely dependent on them and that no segment of his physical, intellectual and spiritual life could be extricated from and lived in isolation from the matrix of those benefits, provisions and gifts, just a thought of losing any of them, or of being unable to fully delight in them, fills man with dread.

That is why man is most terrified of the notions of death and the permanent loss of any of the granted benefits. Though death, as the destroyer of all pleasures and dreams, is unavoidable, man will never stop

fantasizing about an immortal world. As an illustration of one of the biggest paradoxes in man, man will even try to undertake some vain steps towards the actualization of such an imaginary world.

However, those feelings are natural and fully consistent with the inherent nature of man. In principle, there is nothing wrong with them. Man has been tested thereby, and the problem is not the test itself, but how man copes with it and performs.

The question is how man prioritizes his yearnings and needs, and how he adjusts them to his life undertakings.

It is completely ordinary that man wants to possess as much as possible, and that he wants neither his possessions, nor himself, to perish or “die”. However, death is as real and undeniable as man’s fear of it and his pining for immortality.

That there is no way for any sort of reconciliation between the two extremes would be unfair. There must be a way out for man to satisfy his cravings.

But what is it, and what is actually meant by being rich, wanting more, wishing for immortality, etc.?

Man is a dual being, consisting of a physical and spiritual dimension. The two are to be integrated in such a way that the latter is to be regarded as a goal and the former a means. Furthermore, the latter’s existence is at once real and ultimate, whereas the former’s is conditional and relative, existing only because of the existence of the soul and serving as its carrier.

The soul, it follows, is to be of a primary, and the body of a secondary, concern to man. The body and its requisites are to always play second fiddle to the soul and its own requisites. The soul is eternal, while the body perishes.

Thus, man’s inborn and everlasting insatiability and hopes are to be directed towards that which is also everlasting, absolute and innately appealing to the former, that is, the absolute truth and everything that goes with it. Only then will man truly feel happy and satisfied, because the two are meant for each other.

The solution is that man turns his full attention to the real and permanent truth inside and around himself, cultivating it and reaping its benefits for the good of this world and the Hereafter, leaving the perishable to the perishable to perish, lest he gets contaminated with its unfavorable repercussions and effects. Man should avail himself of the impermanent only as much as necessary for the attainment of the permanent.

It is grievously wrong that man makes relative, material and so, transitory things and experiences the target of his intrinsic and perennial “greed”. The two will never be compatible, as they are worlds apart in terms of their respective meanings, scopes and operations. Amassing and enjoying only material things will never make man truly happy and satisfied, since such a life pattern goes against the fundamental spiritual and moral laws of existence. The benefits generated thereby are nothing but illusory, temporary and superficial in character. Such a prospect by no means will appeal to an enlightened, guided and spiritually charged individual.

Thus, a greedy person with materialistic tendencies will never acquire a quantity of possessions and things which will make him feel he has enough and is genuinely rich. He will be obsessed with numbers, whereas being rich and satisfied is never about numbers, or statistics. He will be preoccupied with exteriors, forms and sheer means, whereas being rich and happy is all about the soul, and to some extent, the mind. Being rich is a state of the soul and mind. A person is rich if he feels thus, and another is poor if he feels like so.

Accordingly, the Prophet (pbuh) once explained that whoever makes this world, rather than the Hereafter, his most important matter, God will confound his affairs and make poverty appear before his eyes (Sunan Ibn Majah), so wherever he wants to look and whatever he wants to see, he will see only poverty. Poverty will become his greatest fear and the actual condition of his mind and soul. But whoever makes the Hereafter his most important matter, the Prophet (pbuh) continued: “Allah will settle his affairs and make him content in his heart and the world will come to him although he does not want it.” Similarly, a Companion Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said to him: “O Abu Dharr, do you say an abundance of possessions is wealth?” I said: “Yes”. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Do you say a lack of possessions is poverty?” I said: “Yes”. The Prophet (pbuh) repeated this three times, then he said: “Wealth is in the heart and poverty is in the heart. Whoever is wealthy in his heart will not be harmed no matter what happens in the world. Whoever is impoverished in his heart will not be satisfied no matter how much he has in the world. Verily, he will only be harmed by the greed of his own soul” (al-Tabarani; Hadith is Sahih according to al-Albani).

The Prophet (pbuh) also said: “Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods, but richness is the richness of the soul (the heart)” (Sahih Muslim). ...To Continued

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Ngige: FG to Present Minimum Wage to National Council of State January 22 Omololu Ogunmade and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has disclosed that the proposed new National Minimum Wage will be presented to the National Council of State on January 22.

Ngige disclosed this yesterday while speaking with State House correspondents after the National Economic

Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The minister said work was still ongoing on the figure, frequency of review, those to be exempted and everything about the bill before it would be ready for transmission to the National Assembly.

“The information minister told you the other day after the Federal Executive Council (FEC)

meeting that we are taking our deliberations to the National Economic Council and then we close up on the January 22 at the National Council of State.

“After that, we will be able to say where we are going.

“It is not a question of governors saying they cannot

pay N30, 000; discussions are still ongoing and will terminate on January 22 when we meet with the National Council of State.

“Governors are part of Nigeria and they are part of the government’s side of the public sector; so do not disengage

them or disarticulate them from the federal government.

“The public is the federal government and the state government, and even the local government,’’ Ngige said.

The minister, however, said that the plan was to transmit the National Minimum Wage

Bill to the National Assembly on or before January 23 in consonance with the agreement with labour.

On his part, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, said the governors were after a National Minimum Wage legislation that “could work.’’

Senate Flays Incessant Burglary, Vandalism in N’Assembly Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate has expressed concern over the incessant cases of burglary in the offices of lawmakers and destruction of valuables, including cars, in the National Assembly.

It therefore resolved to logically investigate the incidents and collapse of the Closed Circuit Television Camera (CCTV) within the premises of the assembly.

This was sequel to a motion moved to that effect by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) over the burglary of her office and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Muhammed Gausu Boyi, representing Ringim/Taura federal constituency in Jigawa State.

Raising the motion through Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, Tinubu said the burglary incident, which was discovered by her legislative aide on January 9, has made her uncomfortable in the office going by the items carted away.

According to her, though the items carted away by the burglars are law reform books and some electronic devices, thorough investigation needs to be carried out by the management of the National Assembly and in particular, the leadership of the Senate

as regards the real motive of the burglars.

According to her, “I have been in the Senate for the past eight years. Usually, we know what happens when we are on break, and that’s when a lot of things happened. We came back and didn’t find television.

“But this time, the occurrence is worrisome because this is the time we are all going for election, and right now, I don’t feel safe in my office.”

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, however, informed the senator that burglary incident that took place in her office was not an isolated matter, as offices of some other lawmakers were also burgled almost at the same time.

According to him, apart from the burglary incidents carried out in offices of some serving lawmakers at both chambers, a former senator also reported how his car was vandalised and the money left in the car stolen within the premises of the National Assembly.

He regretted that after the case was reported to the National Assembly security, they checked the footages of the CCTV cameras in the complex only to find out that the cameras were not working.

10 Persons Die in Ondo Accidents James Sowole in Akure No fewer than 10 persons early yesterday lost their lives in two fatal accidents that occurred separately in Ondo State.

While six persons lost their lives when a bus fell off a bridge that link Ajowa and Gegdegede towns in Akoko North West Local Government Area of the state, four persons also died in an accident that occurred in Akure, the state capital.

The accident which also left 10 other persons critically injured, occurred very early in the morning yesterday.

A source stated that the accident involved a Benue State-bound bus that left Ogbomoso, Oyo State, late last Wednesday.

An eye witnessed explained that it was the heavy noise of the vehicle that attracted residents of Gedegede who rushed to the scene and met the vehicle in flames. He said

men of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ikare unit and the residents of the community rushed to the scene to rescue the accident victims.

The FRSC Sector Commander for Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Adeleye, blamed the accident on the recklessness of the driver and the night journey which might affected visibility or possibly tiredness due to sleepless night and over speeding.

The Akure accident, which involved a black Toyota Camry, was driven by a young boy who also had four other occupants.

A source said two persons died on the spot while two others, including the driver, died in the hospital.

The source said the boys in the accident that occurred around 4 a.m. involved young men that were coming from night club, adding that accident occurred at St Peter Area on Oyemekun-Adesida road in the state capital.

FEEDING THE NATION…

L-R: Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Brazillian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ricardo de Araujo; and Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul-aziz Yari Abubakar, at the launching of the Green Imperative, a Nigeria-Brazil Agricultural Development Programme aimed at boosting Nigeria’s agricultural production in Abuja... yesterday

IPC Condemns Killing of Ghanaian Investigative Journalist The International Press Centre (IPC), has condemned in very strong terms, the brutal killing of Ghanaian undercover Journalist, Ahmed Husein.

According to media reports, Husein was shot by gunmen on a motorbike on Wednesday night while in his car driving home.

Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said in a statement that the journalist was reportedly shot three times - twice in the chest and another in the neck.

According to Arogundade, prior to his death, Husein had

previously made a complaint to the police after a Ghanaian lawmaker, Kennedy Agyapong, showed his photograph on a private television channel.

He promised payment for supporters who took retribution against Husein.

However, there were no measures to protect him.

IPC said it was aware that the Ghanaian Police is currently at work gathering information on the case, according to a statement from the director of the criminal investigations

department, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Dankwa.

IPC said it was calling on the government and authorities of Ghana to make concerted efforts to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators and seek justice for the crime committed.

“On average, every five days a journalist is killed across the world for bringing information to the public, therefore freedom of expression and safety of journalists as well as ending impunity for crimes committed against them are of

vital importance to ensure the rule of law and human rights more broadly,” IPC said.

“IPC appeals to the security agents to fulfill their role in protecting and ensuring an environment conducive to freedom of expression, access to information and other fundamental freedoms. This means protecting journalists against attacks by those who seek to prevent them from informing the public on corruption and other abuses of power,” the statement added.

Fani-Kayode, Odumakin Ask Court to Stop EFCC, DSS, Police from Arresting Them Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja To forestall any untoward action from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police, a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, and the National Publicity Secretary of pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, have asked the Federal High Court sitting

in Abuja, to restrain the three agencies from arresting them.

The duo, in a suit no: FHC/ABJ/C5/49/2019/ are seeking the enforcement of their fundamental human rights.

The EFCC spokesperson, Mr. Tony Orilade, had revealed at a conference of Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN) in Abuja that Fani-Kayode and Odumakin had been invited by the agency over the claim that the commission invaded

the home of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

But in the suit filed pursuant to Section 35 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, FaniKayode and Odumakin said the declaration to arrest them based on alleged spreading of fake rumours, would amount to an infringement of the applicants’ right and a breach of their fundamental rights.

They are therefore seeking an

order of perpetual injunction, restraining the agencies and their agents from “harassing, intimidating, arresting, abduction or detaining the two.”

They are equally seeking an unreserved apology to them for the infringement on their human rights and for describing them in demeaning names and an order that the respondents should pay them the sum of N20 million as damages for the unlawful threat to arrest them.

Ekiti Assembly Removes Deputy Speaker, Passes 2019 Budget Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti For the second time in four years, the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Segun Adewumi, was again removed yesterday by lawmakers for alleged gross misconduct.

Adewumi, representing Ekiti West constituency I in the assembly was elected on June 6,

2015, as number two man in the assembly before being removed in 2017 by pro-Governor Ayodele Fayose lawmakers for alleged disloyalty.

When Governor Kayode Fayemi took over in October 16, 2018, he was reinstated to his former position following suspension of the then Speaker, Hon. Kola Oluwawole; his deputy, Sina Animasaun, and 12 other

Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) members.

Adewumi was removed again for the second time having been accused of disloyalty and causing disaffection among lawmakers.

Source in the assembly said: “He was removed during the plenary for committing some offences.”

Adewumi was impeached for alleged gross legislative

misconduct at the assembly plenary in Ado-Ekiti.

Hon Olaposi Omodara representing Irepodun/Ifelodun constituency 1 was elected as the new deputy speaker by members present at the plenary.

The Leader of Government Business in the assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan, moved the motion for the removal of the Deputy Speaker.

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Immigration to Prosecute, Deport Unaccredited Foreign Election Observers Dambazau says govt can’t stop herders, farmers’ clashes Kuni Tyessi in Abuja Ahead of the forthcoming general election, the Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS) has threatened to prosecute and deport foreigners who might disguise as tourists to monitor the elections without being accredited.

This is coming as the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdurahman Dambazau (rtd), has blamed

farmers, politicians, population explosion, and non-adherence to trans-border laws for the incessant clashes between herders and farmers crises across the country, adding that it cannot be resolved by the state or federal government.

The Comptroller General of NIS, Muhammad Babandele, who said this, disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dogara Urges House to Speedily Pass 2019 Budget Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has called for an accelerated passage of the 2019 Appropriation Bill so that the business of the federal government, which lifespan ends on May 29, 2019, is not negatively affected.

He also lamented the deteriorating security situation in the country, especially in the North-east, North-west and some parts of the Northcentral, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to overhaul the Nigerian security architecture.

Dogara, who made the calls during yesterday plenary in his welcome back from holiday message to members, said the 2019 Appropriation Bill is the major assignment they must discharge as quickly as possible so that government’s business will not be impeded as the life of the federal government draws to a close.

According to him, “It is imperative in this regard that we accelerate our pace of work in all the legislative processes involved in the bill so that it can be passed in good time.

The Speaker also implored members seeking elective offices to commit time to completing their legislative duties, stressing that “we all know that the process for the 2019 general election is at its peak; the demands of the current political campaigns on our time is obvious to all.”

“While this is not new to many of us, I wish to remind us to strike a good balance between our commitment to our legislative duties and our participation in the campaigns.

In particular, those of us who are contesting elections should streamline our political timetable and schedules to make room for our attendance to our legislative duties as much as it’s expected of us.”

Although listed yesterday on Order Paper to be considered for second reading as promised last Wednesday, Dogara told the House that the second reading had to be postponed because members were yet to get copies of the budget.

“We will not take the debate on the second reading of the budget until members have copies of the budget. So, we will fix a new date,” Dogara stated.

He also noted that there are some other bills under consideration, which are critical to the development of Nigeria that should receive the concerted attention in the days ahead, adding: “We must resolve to conclude work on as many of these bills as possible for the advancement of the country and the wellbeing of our people.”

Expressing worry over the poor state of security in the country, Dogara said: “Only three days ago, scores of people were killed in Sokoto State and elsewhere; hardly any week passes without reports of mass killings and bloodletting either by terrorists or other bandits.

“This calls for drastic, urgent and concerted action and efforts to bring to a quick end of these atrocities. Our citizens are looking up to us and we can’t afford to fail them because security of lives and property is the primary purpose of government. The fight against unbridled violence is one we cannot afford to lose as we can’t do so and still keep our civilisation.

Rann Attack: 8,000 Refugees Arrive Cameroon Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Several thousands of people have fled Rann in Borno State following a violent attack by terrorists in the town on January 14, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Medicine Sans Frontiers (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders, has said.

It said the displaced persons started arriving by foot in Bodo, Cameroon, some seven kilometres across the border from Rann.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff have started providing assistance in Bodo.

The organisation said a team consisting of medical and logistics staff have been distributing food and water, and are providing emergency medical care.

“Our team in Bodo estimates that some 8,000 people arrived yesterday and we expect several thousands more may come today,” said MSF Programme Manager for Nigeria, Hugues Robert.

“We are preparing to assist 15,000 people with food, water and medical care over the coming days. Many people were in a state of shock and were clearly distressed by what they had witnessed. Now they have lost all that they have and need absolutely everything.”

It said people spent one night outdoors near Bodo as there were no shelters, noting that there were children and many breastfeeding and pregnant women among them.

is responsible for the accreditation of the election monitors, adding that only genuine monitors would be allowed access to the election venues.

Speaking at the NIS’ first quarterly forum on its preparation for the polls with Command Comptrollers and Zonal Coordinators, in Abuja, Babandede said, “If you are a monitor participating in election, you should declare it right from the beginning. We don’t want people to do counter-sign operation in the name of election.”

He disclosed that NIS had identified some hot spots in connection with the forthcoming elections, adding: “We don’t want anybody who will come and create tension and crisis in our community; so, any non-Nigerian coming in, we must know the purpose of coming.”

Babandede, however hinted that prior to the general election, entry points into the country would be closed, especially land borders, as a strategy to halt foreign participation.

He said, “If you get a visa to

come to Nigeria to do business, to do tourism, or to participate in something else other than monitoring elections and we found you monitoring election, we will charge you and deport you because that is not what you asked for.”

According to him, “It is not allowed in our country. If you come into the country for a purpose, you must remain for that purpose. If you are coming to work, work. If you are coming as a tourist, then don’t use the opportunity to participate in election in any way.”

The NIS Comptroller General also promised judicious utilisation of the N2.6 billion allocated to the Service for election monitoring and participation, and challenged Nigerians to hold them accountable if they feel otherwise.

He said the Service will among other strategies, train its officers daily on new trends that will enable them compliment the Nigeria Police Babandede promised to provide strong rapid response

team as well as ensure maximum patrol of all land borders.

“As for the N2.6 billion allocated for immigration, I promise that every officer will be paid his /her allowance.

We will fuel our vehicles, we will patrol, provide identity for election so that any officer who decides to participate in election and doesn’t have the identity he/she will be in trouble.

“We will provide food for officers so that they don’t have to leave their duty posts and all these things will be made available,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdurahman Dambazau (rtd), has blamed farmers, politicians, population explosion, and non-adherence to trans-border laws for the incessant herders- farmers’ crises across the country.

He said the problem was embedded in certain conventions, which cannot be resolved by the state or federal governments, adding that it has a regional underpinning and possibilities of being continental.

The minister spoke during a ministerial press briefing marking the achievements of the ministry between November 2015 and November 2018.

He disclosed that there had been cattle routes over the years but because of population growth and climate change, even farmers are moving from their ancestral communities and now occupying the routes created for cattle.

“Now, population growth has made it possible for people to also build homes along those routes. So, when those herders are moving, they now have to look for alternative routes. In the event, they destroy farms.

So, this is what is happening.

“And Nigeria is a signatory to ECOWAS protocol and free movement. What is happening is that we cannot stop the free movements. About 60-65 per cent of ECOWAS is here and we also move to ECOWAS countries. We move our goods to ECOWAS countries. This is why I said it is a complex issue and it is a regional issue, which must be tackled accordingly.

ACCESS TO TV…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Startimes Nigeria, Mr. Justin Zhang; Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; and Director General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, during the inauguration of 10,000 African Village project in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: Kingsley Adeboye

CAN, Muslim Community Endorse Ayade’s Second Term Bid The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Community yesterday endorsed Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State for the March 2, 2019 governorship election in the state.

CAN said it predicated its decision on the governor’s giant strides in the areas of industrialisation, infrastructural development and human capacity development.

The associations also made a

cash donation of N1.2 million to the governor to assist his campaign.

The endorsement came during an interface between the governor and the Christian body held at the main bowl of the Cultural Centre, Calabar, the state capital.

A voice vote put to CAN members at the event venue by the immediate past state chairman of CAN, Archbishop Archibong Archibong, for the endorsement of the

governor was returned with an overwhelming ‘yes’.

At the same event, the Muslim community led by the Chief Imam of the Calabar Central Mosque, Imam Abdul Kabir Olowolayemo, also endorsed the governor for the forth coming gubernatorial election.

Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of CAN and Archbishop emeritus of Calabar Archdiocese, Most Rev. Joseph Ukpo,

commended the governor for the achievements recorded by his administration.

He described the governor’s achievements as monumental, adding, “You have made landmark progress especially in the industrialising the state; construction of the garment factory, the first rice seeds and seedlings in Africa, construction of Calapharm for our pharmaceutical needs and the ongoing construction of chicken processing factory.”

INEC, 25 Political Parties Sign Peace Accord in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Leaders of 25 registered political parties in Kwara State have signed a peace accord with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of the efforts to ensure a hitch-free polls in the state.

The development, according

to THISDAY checks, might not be unconnected with the last Sunday political violence that erupted in Ilorin, the state capital, which claimed one life, and property worth several millions of naira.

The peace meeting, which was convened by the INEC, was held at the state headquarters of

INEC at Adewole area of Ilorin and was attended by leaders of 25 out of the 57 registered political parties in the state.

It was gathered that, the peace meeting was to ensure that, the incident of last Sunday in the state would not be allowed to repeat itself in the state.

Speaking with journalists after the peace accord meeting in Ilorin, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner , Alhaji Attahiru Garba, said the leaders of the parties should see themselves as a family and shun all forms of actions that may lead to any crisis before, durimg and after the polls.

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Withdraw Freezing Order on CJN’s Bank Account, Falana Tells FG Martins Ifijeh Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has called on the federal government to withdraw the freezing order it placed on the bank account of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

In a statement issued yesterday, the senior lawyer

said the government does not have the authority to freeze bank accounts or assets of any defendant who has been charged with economic or financial crimes or the contravention of the code of conduct for public officers.

Falana said he was convinced that the asset declaration charge by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) could have been handled

PDP: Abuja Town Hall Meeting Exposes Buhari’s Corruption Tendencies Kicks against simultaneous accreditation, voting Atiku decries worsening insecurity Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s outing at the Wednesday’s Presidential Town Hall meeting, in Abuja, exposed his “proclivities for corruption.’’

This is coming as the main opposition party in the country has expressed concerns on the insistence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow accreditation and voting to go simultaneously on election day This came as the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday expressed serious concern over the worsening state of insecurity in the country, calling on the federal government to show more responsibility in protecting the people.

The main opposition party advised Buhari to end what it described as “showboating as Mr. Integrity,” as Nigerians have seen through the deceptions of his presidency.

The Director of Media and Publicity of the campaign orgainsation, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, disclosed in a statement yesterday, that Nigerians were shocked listening to Buhari’s defence of the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, over videos showing the governor allegedly receiving bribe from a contractor.

According to him, “Nigerians can now see that the Buhari’s presidency is a sanctuary of corruption, where officials thrive in using faceless individuals as fronts to fritter trillions of naira and cover their trails, while Nigerians wallow in hunger, acute starvation and untold hardship.”

Ologbondiyan stressed that particularly revealing, was Buhari’s contention on whether Ganduje could not have used another person to get the money, a comment, which ostensibly exposes how corruption is being covered in the Buhari’s presidency.

He added, “Perhaps, this offers an insight into why there has been no investigation into alleged involvement of some individuals said to be close to the Buhari Presidency in the N1.032 trillion alleged corrupt acquisitions in 9Mobile and Keystone Bank PLC. “This is in addition to the muting of investigations of a former aide to the First Lady,

Aisha Buhari, Mr. Baba Inna, who was arrested in September last year, over accusations of receiving N2.5 billion from politicians, businessmen and women on behalf of the First Lady.”

Expressing worry over the failing security situation in the country, Atiku called on the federal government to show more responsibility in protecting the people.

The former vice president in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe, said that the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led federal government should stop blaming opposition politicians for its own failures.

Atiku explained that it is unhelpful and regrettable for a sitting government to be blaming the opposition for insecurity in the country instead of taking responsibility.

Reacting to the latest killing of scores of people in Gandi District of Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, he said that he was disturbed by the uncontrolled violence by bandits who continue to kill poor villagers with impunity.

He stated, “I am genuinely concerned about the large scale losses of lives in Sokoto, Zamfara and other states under siege by bandits, and I totally condemn such reckless disregard for the sanctity of life.“Our people deserve to be secure and should not be made to lose hope in the face of repeated violence from bandits who continue to defy government warning.”

Meanwhile, the PDP has expressed concerns on the insistence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow accreditation and voting to go simultaneously on election day.

Chairman of Atiku/Obi Campaign Council in Anambra State, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, expressed the worry at a parley in Awka, Anambra State recently.

Obaze said such modalities would give room for manipulation as neither parties nor observers would be able to monitor the election process effectively.

He said it would be good for accreditation and voting to go independently so that the number of those who were accredited could be determined and compared against number of votes cast at a particular location.

“Part of the guidelines issued

by INEC on Monday remain contentious, part of it is the issue of simultaneous accreditation and voting.

without throwing away the baby and the bathwater.

Falana said his he was compelled last week to call on the federal government to withdraw the charge as it was inexorably designed to end in a prosecutorial fiasco.

Falana said: “Since it has now been confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari was not taken into confidence before the charge was filed by the CCB, it is high time the federal government terminated the criminal proceedings and advised the petitioner to submit his complaint to the National Judicial Council (NJC).”

“No doubt, the federal government may not like the much cited case of Nganjiwa v

Federal Republic of Nigeria, as he has personally had cause to criticise the judgment. But until it is set aside by the Supreme Court, the discipline of judicial officers has to be conducted and concluded by the NJC before they are subjected to criminal proceedings,” he added.

Falana said since the charge against the CJN was pending before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, neither the prosecutor nor the defence counsel was permitted by law to resort to self help under the pretext of preserving the subject matter of the criminal proceedings.

“Even though the Presidential Executive Order No 6 of 2018 has been validated by the Federal High Court, it does

not authorise the freezing of the bank accounts or assets of any defendant who has been charged with economic or financial crime or the contravention of the code of conduct for public officers.”

He said it was trite law that once a charge has been instituted in a criminal court or at the CCT, the freezing of the bank accounts or seizure of the assets of the defendant has to be anchored on the valid order of the trial court based on the application of the prosecution, adding that this procedure accords with the rule of law.

He emphasised that for the umpteenth time, the Buhari administration ought to be reminded that even under a fascistic military junta, Andrew

Otutu Obaseki J.S.C. of blessed memory spoke for the Supreme Court when he said inter alia: “In the area where the rule of law operates, the rule of self help by force is abandoned. Nigeria being one of the countries in the world, even in the third world which proclaim loudly to follow the rule of law, there is no room for the rule of self help by force to operate.”

He added that, “Once a dispute has arisen between a person and the government or authority and the dispute has been brought before the court, thereby invoking the judicial powers of the state, it is the duty of the government to allow the legal and judicial process to run its full course,” he explained.

GRAND RALLY…

President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledges cheers from supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s presidential campaign rally in Warri, Delta State...yesterday

INEC Releases Final List of Candidates for Elections Excludes Rivers APC candidates from polls The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates eligible to participate in the forthcoming general election.

The electoral body in Rivers State has also released the list of presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives candidates with the exclusion of candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The list contains the names of candidates for the presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives and state Houses of Assemblies.

The information was contained on the verified Twitter handle of the Commission, @inecnigeria.

The presidential candidates’ list features 144 names comprising parties’ presidential candidates and their running mates.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) did not present presidential candidate or running mate for the election, as two persons –- a former Minister of Information, Jerry

Gana; and a former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke — are laying claim to the ticket.

Gana has been recognised by the courts, but he has not been accepted by his party.

On the other hand, Duke has been ousted by the courts but remains the acceptable candidate to the party.

There are 28 women on the list as either the candidate or the running mate.

The youngest candidate is the 30-year-old Johnson Omede, a vice presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party.

A total of 72 presidential candidates and another 72 vice presidential candidates are expected to run for the presidential election.

Others whose names appeared on the list include President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who are the candidates of the All Progressives Congress; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Governor Peter Obi

of Anambra State who are the presidential and vice presidential candidates, respectively, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Others include Dr. Oby Ezekwesili of the Allied Peoples Movement of Nigeria (APMN); Mr. Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC); Mr. Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); Mr. Sina Fagbenro-Byron of the KOWA Party; and Mr. Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN).

Others include Mr. Obadaiah Mailafia of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Mrs. Eunice Atuejide of the National Interest Party (NIP), among several others.

Meanwhile, INEC in Rivers State has finally released the list of presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives candidates with the exclusion of candidates of APC in the state.

While the list contains details of candidates of PDP , Accord Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and

Green Party of Nigeria, among others, those of the state APC were conspicuously missing.

The reason, it was gathered, was because of the court ruling asking INEC to remove Rivers APC candidates from the list of persons running for the general election.

Recall that the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Obo Effanga, had maintained that INEC would abide by the directives of the court since it was a creation of the law.

Effanga had told our Correspondent while responding to an order by a Federal High Court that INEC should expunge the names of APC candidates in the state from its list ahead of the 2019 elections.

The state REC had stated that the Commission would not hesitate to do anything it was ordered to do by the court.

No politician or party member was around when the list was published at the INEC office in Port Harcourt at about 4.15p.m yesterday.

FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

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CUPP Accuses Buhari of Trying to Avoid Presidential Debate Udora Orizu in Abuja The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has stated that it was in possession of credible intelligence on moves by the presidency and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from attending Saturday’s Presidential Debate to avoid exposing the president’s alleged unfitness.

The National spokesperson of CUPP, Ikenga Ugochinyere, in a press statement said the events

in the last few days have turned out to be very clear signals that all may not be well with the president in terms of his fitness to continue in office.

He said, “We have got it on good authority that the APC have resolved that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be attending the presidential candidates’ debate, organised by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and scheduled to hold on Saturday, January 19, 2019.

They insist that such appearance by the President will eventually

unveil all they have been hiding from the citizens about the lack of capacity, comprehension and understanding of the basic issues by the President.

“Nigerians should insist that the president must attend the debate and voice out now that if he fails to attend, the race should be over.

“In less than 24 hours after the president showed signs of physical frailties in Lokoja, Kogi State where he almost collapsed on the podium, he yet again in another faux pas while presenting a flag to Chief Great Ogboru in Delta State declared that he

was presenting the flag to the presidential candidate of the party. Though he was promptly corrected, he further referred to him as a senatorial candidate and then ‘governortorial’ candidate; whatever that means.”

CUPP described the president’s performance at a town hall meeting on Wednesday tagged ‘The Candidate’ as nothing but a lacklustre performance, national calamity and an embarrassment which made Nigerians the butt of jokes and jabs globally.

According to the CUPP, “The president clearly showed every

sign of lack of comprehension of even the simplest questions while the vice president was frantically making efforts to interject and come to his aid. How can a man who cannot comprehend a problem be the one being put forward to solve those problems?

God forbid that Nigerians are boxed into a situation where they will lament, had I known.”

It added that the cabal was doing everything to foist President Buhari on Nigerians yet again for their own selfish interests and not for any other purpose.

“This insistence should be clear

and unequivocal as we continue to wonder whose interest it will be serving to put a man through the torture of campaigns when it is clear that he is not up to it,” the opposition coalition said.

It urged all well-meaning Nigerians to rise up now and begin to speak up and join in making the demand, adding that a motley crowd of sycophants are manipulating institutions of state to foist an obviously unfit President on the nation to enable them hold onto power and continue their unbridled looting of our treasury.

Court Adjourns Suit on Borno APC Gubernatorial Primary Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri There is no reprieve for the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, as the suit objecting his victory at the party’s primary instituted at a Federal High Court in Maiduguri was yesterday adjourned till January 30.

The objection to his victory was instituted by another aspirant at the primary, Alhaji Idris Durkwa, who prayed that his election should be annulled on the ground of irregularities.

Durkwa had alleged in a suit FHC/MG/CS/55/2018 that many of the delegates were not on the party lawful list as those allowed to vote were brought in by the backers of Zulum after the qualified delegates were chased away.

The lead counsel to the plaintiff, Ibrahim Bawa (SAN), had filed an application for amendment to his originating summon for 1st and 2nd. He argued that pre- election matter is election matter that the two were not guided with the same, and prayed that his application should be granted.

The lead counsel to the defendant, Yusuf Ali (SAN),

however, opposed it, filing a motion of extension of time to filed counter affidavit and address to the main application.

Then, 1st and 2nd defendants, Zulum and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also filed a counter motion for the amendment to the originating summon.

In his ruling, Justice Jude Dagat of the Federal High Court in Maiduguri adjourned the matter to January 30, 2018, for ruling of motion and application.

Speaking to journalists after the court sitting, the lead counsel to the plaintiff said it is within their right to seek amendment under the constitution.

Bawa said: “You see, by the rule of court, the party is entitled to amendment in the case to bring proper position to the court, and that is what we have just decided to do, we exercised our right to amendment, the decision of the defendants to opposed it is also natural; the court has right, and whether we are correct or not, we will wait for decision of the court in the next sitting date.”

The lead counsel to the defendants Yusuf Ali opposed it and said it was unconstitutionally.

Na’Abba, Agbakoba, Balewa, Awolowo Lead People’s Trust Campaign Nseobong Okon-Ekong The People’s Trust (PT) has constituted its presidential campaign council for the 2019 presidential election.

The party’s National Secretary, Nasiru Kura, yesterday announced in Abuja that the campaign council would be led by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Umar Ghali Na’Abba, and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Olisa Abgakoba.

Na’Abba had recently resigned as member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees (BoT).

Also, a former Minister of State for Transport, Alhaji Aliyu Habu Fari, will serve as Director General of the party’s campaign council to be assisted by three co-deputy director generals.

They are Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, Director General of the National Intervention Movement; Dr. Dale Ogunbayo and Mathias Tsado, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of the ADP. The campaign council has

three co-Vice Chairmen-Dr. Abduljhalil Tafawa Balewa, Lady Funke Awolowo and Dr. Ojay Samuel.

A notable Nigerian in the 90-member council is the party’s National Secretary, Malam Nasiru Kura from the North-west as party representative.

Others are Dr. Segun Awe Obe from the South-west; Mrs. Ajoh Torkwase, women leader from the North-central; Mr. Abayomi Mighty, youth leader South-west; Mr. Anthony Akika, zonal representative North-central and Mrs. Temidola Job, zonal representative South-west.

Also on the list are Ibuchukwu Ezike, zonal representative Southeast; Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, zonal representative South-south; Alhaji Shehu Sambo, zonal representative North east; Chief of Staff to the PT presidential candidate, Mr.Kamal Adebayo; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Daniella Dan Suleiman; the Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Ibrahim, all state chairpersons of the party, all state campaign coordinators and allied presidential candidates/ aspirants from the six geopolitical zones

STANDING FOR COMMERCE…

L-R: Director General of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mrs. Tonia Shoyele; Vice President of the Chamber, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba; Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Abhay Thakur; and President of ACCI, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, during the envoy’s familiarisation visit to the organisation in Abuja... yesterday

INEC Likely to Disenfranchise Many Nigerians, Gbong Gwom Cries Out Seriki Adinoyi inJos The Chairman of Plateau State Traditional Council and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, has faulted the voting arrangement put in place by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the general elections.

The traditional ruler yesterday raised the alarm that if the current arrangement is not modified

by INEC to allow voters with authentic Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to vote, it will disenfranchise many Nigerians.

The Gbong Gwom spoke in Jos when members of INEC led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner

(REC), Mr. Halilu Pai, paid him a courtesy call at his palace.

The Commission had told the royal father that any voter with PVC whose name is not found on the voters’ register would not be allowed to vote.

Pai said: “We are not saying that it is the fault of the voter. On the day of election, the electoral officers will simply take note of those with PVCs but whose names are not contained in the voters register and the Commission will include their names, but they will not be allowed to vote during the forthcoming poll.”

Responding, the Gbong Gwom Jos faulted the position

of the electoral body, describing it as a plot by the commission to disenfranchise eligible voters in the country.

“We have been told by INEC that it has sorted out its voters register, including the issue of under-age voters and names of deceased persons. If it is true that the electoral body has cleared its register of abnormalities, how come the name of a voter with a genuine PVC will not be found on the voters register? Who issued the PVC to him? Is it his fault that his name is missing on the register? To expunge the names of under-age voters and to include the name of a registered voter, which one

is more difficult to do? I think if INEC is looking for a way to disenfranchise eligible voters in Nigeria, an arrangement that will not allow an eligible voter with genuine PVC to cast his ballot for no fault of his is certainly one of them.”

While calling on the Commission to reconsider its position on the matter, the Gbong Gwom Jos also appealed to INEC to take special interest on those whose properties, including their PVCs were destroyed as a result of the crisis in the communities and provide them with Temporary Voters Cards to enable them vote during the elections

COURT EXTENDS SUSPENSION OF ONNOGHEN’S TRIAL TO JANUARY 28 have been as a result of the presence of the policemen.

In a related development, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has accused Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, of being behind the plot by the federal government to destroy Onnoghen.

Addressing thousands of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters during the party’s state campaign rally at Eleme yesterday, Wike alleged that the Minister of Transportation made the confession at a meeting with an APC chieftain in Abuja.

He said: “At that meeting in Abuja last Monday, Amaechi

confessed that he is the person behind the illegal crisis facing the CJN. He bragged that he will destroy the CJN the way he brought Former President Goodluck Jonathan down.

“He wants to destroy the nation’s judiciary. This particular evil will finally consume Amaechi “.

He said Amaechi is notorious for the destruction of the judiciary, having closed down Rivers State judiciary for two years.

He wondered why Amaechi hates the judiciary, despite being a beneficiary of the vibrancy of the judiciary.

The governor wondered why Amaechi would say that PDP is a party of thieves when he was speaker for eight years under the PDP and eight years as governor under the PDP. Wike stated that Nigeria has been liberated following the retirement of former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

The governor called for an independent investigation into the murder of the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and his family through arson during the 2015 general elections. He noted that Ibrahim Idris was the Commissioner of Police

in Kano State when this ugly crime was committed.

He said: “The former IG, Ibrahim Idris, is a representative of Satan in Nigeria. He represented Satan but the prayers and fasting of Nigerians ensure he was retired despite plans to retain him.

“If Buhari has any integrity, he should investigate the killing of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano alongside his family during the 2015 general elections. Buhari must ask what killed the REC and his family while Ibrahim Idris was a commissioner of police”.

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FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Don’t Nominate Members Involved in Partisan Politics, INEC Warns VCs Says it requires 10,603 staff for elections Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday warned the Committee of Vice Chancellors (CVC) against nominating academic staff members involved in partisan politics as Returning Officers in the forthcoming elections The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the warning during a meeting between the commission and the CVC, while also revealing that the commission requires 10,603 staff members to support the various collation and declaration processes.

He said without the involvement of the country’s tertiary institutions, the commission would find it extremely difficult to conduct credible elections.

The chairman added that the collaboration between INEC and

the CVC has further enhanced the transparency and credibility of elections in Nigeria as well as public’s confidence in the process.

Yakubu stated that “for the 2019 general election, the commission would require some 10,603 staff members to support various collation and declaration processes. It is for this reason that this meeting is of crucial importance.

“We need the support of our universities to source the requisite members of interested academic staff on the understanding that this is essentially a national service.

“As in previous elections, we have requested each university for a specified number of academic staff as contained in my letter to the vice chancellors. Staff who are card carrying members or have participated in partisan politics should not be nominated.

“Similarly, those who may not be involved in partisan political activities, but are known to have obvious political leanings should not be nominated.

“The commission will carefully scrutinise the list, which must be submitted confidentially in the manner prescribed by the commission in my letter to the vice chancellors.”

Yakubu stressed that

the commission always appreciates the support of the vice chancellors and the collaboration with the universities often under strenuous circumstances.

Responding on behalf of the CVC, the Vice Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Prof. Kyari Muhammed, said the vice chancellors were committed to the Nigerian project, free

and fair elections.

He assured them that they would give the commission all the needed support to guarantee free and fair elections.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, thanked INEC for the confidence reposed in them.

He, therefore, urged the vice chancellors to take the assignment very seriously and nominated academic members that are as neutral as possible.

According to Rasheed, “We are being monitored, please save this system to ensure free and fair elections. I want to assure you sir that these vice chancellors and others who are not here will not fail this election.”

ADC Urges Voters to Reject Buhari, APC With less than four weeks to the commencement of the general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged voters to reject the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC), on account of gross incompetence, failure to provide basic security for citizens, and desperate actions geared towards killing what is remaining of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

The party also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to warn his “attack dogs” to stay away from its presidential candidate, Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, and refrain from pressurising him to betray his alliance with a travel ban.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Yemi Kolapo, the ADC noted that the recent hounding of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnogen, preluded by the selective harrassment of key figures in the opposition “bears so much attributes to the book ‘How Democracies Die’ by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, professors of government at Harvard University.”

“No doubt, the handlers of President Muhammadu Buhari have read the book and are acting the script in-toto. Unfortunately, like all the blunders the APC is known for, they copy blindly and don’t see the blind spots and even understand the thinking of the people,” the statement said.

The party said a letter was recently transmitted to the Comptroller General of Immigration by a committee, led by Oboi Okono Obla who himself is embroiled in a certificate forgery scandal, listing a number of Nigerians to be barred from traveling out of the country, with the name of ADC’s presidential candidate, Mailafia, included.

It stated, “Upon visiting their offices, he was hounded and traumatised over an allegation of missing funds in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) since 2006. Granted that time will never cover up for any crime perpetrated by anyone, the question now is: if actually he committed a crime, no matter how frivolous it is, why is the sin being punished three weeks to presidential election?

“Why are the open and underground Buharists intimidating influential ADC members, and indeed other members of the CUPP, with actions aimed at forcing them to align with a failed party, and a failed cause?”

The ADC said Buhari’s signature anti-corruption war had proven to be a mere ruse as many tainted opposition politicians, with cases pending before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, “suddenly become saints once they decamp to the APC.” “APC is a party without honour or principles. Those they condemned yesterday are suddenly whitewashed once they join the party. This is why we say the anti-graft campaign is lopsided; it is a weapon to drive formidable opposition elements underground,” it said.

The statement quoted the book, ‘How Democracies Die’, as saying, “Many government efforts to subvert democracy are “legal”, in the sense that they are approved by the legislature or accepted by the courts. They may even be portrayed as efforts to improve democracy – making the judiciary more efficient, combating corruption or cleaning up the electoral process. Newspapers still publish but are bought off or bullied into self-censorship.

Citizens continue to criticise the government but often find themselves facing tax or other legal troubles. This sows public confusion.

PROMOTING WOMEN…

L-R: Women Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, Ms. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; governorship candidate of APC in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat; and the state Chairman, APC, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, during an interactive session with market women, in Lagos….. yesterday

Ishaku Imposes Curfew on Wukari, Convoy of APC Guber Candidate Attacked Wole Ayodele in Jalingo Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Wukari following a violent attack on the convoy of the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Danladi, in the ancient town.

Several vehicles and other properties worth hundreds of millions were destroyed in the mayhem, which lasted for over two hours

In a press statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the governor, the curfew was imposed to prevent a further deterioration of the security situation in the town, which is renowned for its volatility.

THISDAY gathered that trouble started when the convoy of the APC candidate who was on his way to Ibi in continuation of his campaign tour of the state, arrived Wukari and some of his supporters were said to have fired into the air leading

to violent clashes with youths in the town.

The State police command however, confirmed that the convoy of the APC candidate was attacked by some miscreants who caused mayhem in the ancient city.

The State Police Commissioner, Mr. David Akinremi, said the situation was being contained by security operatives on ground and would be brought under control.

According to him

“information reaching us from Wukari is that some miscreants attacked the convoy of one of the governorship candidates who was heading to Ibi through Wukari for campaign. Some vehicles were burnt according to what we heard but our officers are on top of the situation” The state government, in the statement however, advised politicians to exercise restraint as they move around to campaign and ensure that thugs have no role to play during the campaigns and the election.

Religious Leaders Warn Against Impending Popular Revolt A forum convened for religious leaders to proffer solutions to peaceful, violencefree and credible elections in Nigeria has admonished Nigerians to brace up to urgently rescue the country from the “brink of disaster” in order to avert an impending popular revolt.

Worried by what the leaders perceive as “high level of brigandage” by the political elite which may result in the world’s largest black nation going into doldrums if not checked, the religious leaders at the forum organised in Abuja by Community Life

Project (CLP) under the ReclaimNaija platform and sponsored by Open Society Initiative For West Africa (OSIWA), stated that they wanted greater citizen action to “take back the country.”

According to former General Secretary, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev Father George Ehusani, who delivered one of the lead papers, “Time is running out for the Nigerian leaders and people. With the widespread disengagement, bitterness and resentment in the land, and with a violent culture already entrenching itself in several

parts of the country, there are ominous signs in the horizon of an impending popular revolt, or what is sometimes called the revenge of the poor.”

Ehusani, now executive director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation in Abuja, argued further in his paper titled: ‘The Ethical and Moral Imperative of Free, Credible and Peaceful Elections: Role of Religious Leaders and Faith Communities’ that “for indeed as presently constituted, the superstructure we have in place in Nigeria is only a

pack of cards that will soon come crashing down.

“But if today the Nigerian people, including Christian and Muslim politicians, experience the much-needed conversion and toe the line of sanity and integrity, we may yet pull back from the brink of disaster.”

He stressed that “there appears to me to be only one way out of the mess of the moment: the way of ethical and moral revolution, which naturally must be spearheaded by religious leaders, for it is better to light a candle than forever curse the darkness!”

53

F R I DAY ˾ JANUARY 18, 2019

ÜÙßÚ ÚÙÜÞÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ Duro Ikhazuagbe ×ËÓÖ duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

SPORTS

Super Falcons Lose 0-3 to China F O U R - N AT I O N T O U R N A M E N T An under-strength Super Falcons were afforded a clear view of how intense things could get at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France this summer when losing 0-3 to China in their first match of a Four-Nation Tournament ongoing in Miezhou yesterday.

China’s Steel Roses were in front after only 10 minutes and then rocked Nigeria’s net in the 65th and 92nd minutes to condemn the nine-time African champions to defeat at the Huitang Stadium.

Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, carrying on from where she left off at the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, made a number of commendable saves, but the onslaughts were relentless from a Chinese squad that played about 10 friendly games in Australia last month.

Zhang Rui got China’s first in the 10th minute, before Li Ying got a brace in the 65th and 92nd minutes to give the 13, 618 spectators joy.

Nigeria clearly missed immedi-

ate past African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, as well as left back Ngozi Ebere and power forward Desire Oparanozie who could not make it to the Far East.

Nigeria will now take on Romania, who lost by the same margin to Korea Republic earlier on Thursday, in Sunday’s third place match also at the Huitang Stadium. The match will begin at 3pm China time (8am Nigeria time).

Super Falcons coach, Thomas Dennerby said: “We are here to prepare for the FIFA World Cup and we are learning a lot. I have always said that we need to play as many friendly matches as possible.

“I believe we need to work extremely hard in the next five months before the World Cup.” South Korea goals against Romania came from three different players -- forwards Yeo Min-ji, Jung Seol-bin and Lee Geum-min -- in a breezy victory at the Four Nations Tournament.

Yeo opened the scoring in the 38th minute for her first international goal since March 2015. Yeo, the leading scorer at the 2010 Under-17 Women’s World Cup for the champions

South Korea, earned her first cap in nearly two years.

Jung doubled the lead six minutes later with her 21st career goal. Lee rounded out the scoring at the hour mark.

The Koreans are the topranked team in this tournament at 14th , followed by China at 15th. Nigeria is ranked 39th with Romania standing at 41st.

Coached by Yoon Duk-yeo, the

South Koreans are also gearing up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicking off in June in France.

South Korea and Nigeria are both in Group A, along with France and Norway.

Super Falcons lost 0-3 to the Steel Roses of China yesterday in the Four-Nation Invitational Tournament in Miezhou

NFF, NIKE Meet to Strategise for New Year Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its official kit sponsors, NIKE met yesterday in Abuja to review activities for year 2018 and plan for the new year.

Top on the agenda was the

activation of the new, robust contract signed by the two parties in Asaba, Delta State in November 2018, especially in the distribution of NIKE merchandise to ensure the products are available to consumers through several platforms across the country.

Opening of more NIKE

NWPL SUPER 4

ing and we hope to learn from the successes of last season to build new strategies to deepen the relationship going forward, for the benefit of the NFF, NIKE, football fans and other stakeholders.

“The NFF is very happy with the relationship with NIKE and we are willing to help in every

ZENITH BANK/DELTA PRINCIPAL’S CUP

Sunshine Queens in Lagos for Serious Business, Says Wemimo Sunshine Queens Head Coach, Matthew Wemimo, has said her side will not add to the numbers at the 2017/18 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) Super 4 competition.

The Owena Mermaids made the NWPL Super 4 cut together with the title holders, Nasarawa Amazons, Bayelsa Queens and Aiteo Cup winners, Rivers Angels.

The NWPL Super 4 competition which is expected to determine the Nigerian champions will hold in Lagos between January 24 and 27.

The Akure landladies are the only outsiders to the sides that competed in the 2017 version of the annual football showpiece held in Benin City, Edo state.

Wemimo said her team is determined to make a huge mark in the competition especially as it was not given a chance to ink the Super 4 spot among the several favourites by bookmakers.

“Of course, we cannot come to Lagos to make the numbers rather we are coming to the 2018 NWPL Super 4 competition to contest for the top prize.

“In fact, our aim is to lift the league crown at the expense of the favourites, Rivers Angels, Nasarawa Amazons and Bayelsa Queens.

“Last edition we worked

outlets in Nigeria to deepen the market, preparation of new designs scheduled to be launched in the summer of next year and the exploration of severally mutually beneficial strategies to take advantage of the enhanced contract were also discussed.

“We had a very good meet-

very hard to make the spot but missed the mark narrowly, we went back to our trenches, re-work our strategies and here we are in the 2018 Super 4.

“Truly, we were overlooked as possible qualifiers by the bookmakers but we proved them wrong.

“We are equally going to further prove our detractors and doubters wrong by going all the way to lift the coveted trophy.

“I have hardworking and quality players who are ever ready to prove themselves at any given time including at the highest stage to deliver the goods.

“We consider the Super 4 task a huge challenge and we have been working very hard to make it a sweet memory of all times.

“The NWPL Super 4 host state, Lagos is a familiar terrain. As a coach I have played several and fruitful matches right there.

“Of course, as a player then with the defunct Oladimeji Tigress of llorin, Lagos is a place I visited severally to prosecute matches. So I’m quite homely playing the Super 4 competition there.

“Lagos is going to be a fertile ground and I’m sure, too we will not lack the required support of Lagos fans.

Organisers Ready for Final Stages The organisers of the third edition of the Delta State Principal’s Cup football competition sponsored by Zenith Bank are all set for the final stages of the competition.

All secondary schools in Delta State are involved from the preliminary stage which started in October 2018 but the organisers are now working round the clock to tidy up all areas as the tournament return next week Monday January 21 with the zonal preliminaries.

Head of the organizing team, Tony Pemu, said the fixtures of the zonal qualifiers have been drawn as the 26 schools would compete for honours in 10 zones scattered all over the state.

The zonal elimination series will take place between January 21 and 25 with three teams

in each of the zones. Eight teams are expected to qualify for the last eight stage of the tournament.

“Everything is set. The schools are ready because we are going round to even see them in training. The sponsors , Zenith Bank, and the Governor Ifeanyi Okowaled administration are keen to have the event completed in a glamorous way.

“We are putting in extra effort to make the players enjoy this crucial stage of the competition because it is getting tougher for them,” Pemu said.

Delta State Commissioner for Basic Secondary Schools, Chiedu Ebie, is leading the monitoring team of the stage government to ensure the tournament goes as planned.

area that they want to activate the contract,” NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko told reporters at the Glass House.

Also at the meeting were NIKE’s Tina Salminen (Director, Sports Marketing, African Football) and Indrek Heinmets (Commercial Director, Sports Division of Hudson Holdings,

NIKE’s official distributors), as well as Mr. Alizor Chuks, NFF’s Head of Marketing.

Mr. Sean Harris (GM, NIKE) and Wouter van Olm (NIKE’s Strategic Account Manager, Africa) were part of the meeting from NIKE’s Netherland’s headquarters via video call.

Peter Rufai HeadsASFU Organising Committee As the much anticipated preliminary round of matches of the maiden African Students Football Union (ASFU) Championship kick off in Ijebu Ode and Ibadan from tomorrow, former Super Eagles captain and goalkeeper, Peter Rufai Has been nominated as the chairman of Main Organising Committee. According to the President of ASFU, Professor Seun Omotayo, other notable former internationals involved in the project as ambassadors include; Julius Aghahowa and Seyi Olofinjana are ambassadors.

The programme is expected to attract students from other countries especially along the west coast of Africa.

Professor Omotayo disclosed that the duo of Aghahowa and Olofinjana had donated trophies

for the highest goal scorer and that if he overall winner of the tournament. Omotayo said the championship, which is an invitational one, would be used as a qualifier for the World Students Football League which will come up later this year.

According to the organisers, Group A, has teams from Tai Solarin University of Education, Edo State University, Kenyatta University, Lagos State University and the University of Lagos.

They will play their matches at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode. In Group B which will be based at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan teams from University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Ayo Babalola University, University of Tamale from Ghana and a university from Zimbabwe.

A C C E S S L A G O S M A R AT H O N

Fadekemi OludeVows to ReclaimTitle After being beaten to the first position among Nigerian (female) runners at the 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Olude Fadekemi, has vowed to reclaim her crown at next month’s race.

Olude who is the current national record holder in the 20km Walk Race finished as the number one Nigeria woman at the 2017 Access Bank Lagos City

Marathon, but she dropped to second place in 2018; losing the crown to Deborah Pam. To reclaim the number one position at the 2019 Marathon, Olude revealed that she has since stepped up her training schedule and she was equally working extra hard to ensure a resounding victory this term.

“I was not too happy that I

could not defend my title last year, I only finished in second place but this year, I want the first position again,” she said.

Olude who had a memorable 2018 in which she represented Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and also emerged as a gold medal winner at the National Sports Festival among many other accomplish-

ments said she was keen to start 2019 brightly with a win at the Lagos Marathon.

“The year 2018 was very good for me but of course I want 2019 to be better, starting with the Lagos Marathon, I will also be competing at the All African Games and many other competitions this year,” Olude said.

54

F R I DAY ˾ JANUARY 18, 2019

FRIDAYSPORTS

NPFL...NPFL...NPFL....

Bendel Insurance: Mission Accomplished for Obaseki After gaining promotion to the Nigerian Premier League after 11 years in the lower division, Bendel Insurance will begin life in the topflight on Sunday in Sagamu against Remo Stars.

DURO IKHAZUAGBE takes a look at the team’s journey back to the top The excitement generated by the promotion of Bendel Insurance FC back to the top flight of Nigerian club football is still resonating around Edo State and beyond.

The faithful of the Benin Arsenal will be in Cloud Nine when their darling team takes on another newly promoted team, Remo Stars, in Sagamu on Match-day 3 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

It will be the beginning of another era in the history of the club which started as Vipers FC and was a powerful brand along with traditional teams like IICC (Shooting Stars), Enugu Rangers, Mighty Jets, Stationery Stores and others.

Was Insurance’s return to the top flight after 11 years in the wilderness of the country’s club an easy task? It certainly wasn’t. The credit for the new lease of life must go to Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who made the team’s promotion to the NPFL a priority.

As someone with private sector background, Obaseki saddled his deputy Phillip Shaibu with the mandate of getting the job done. He was not ready for excuses of any kind. It therefore was not a surprise to see a serving deputy governor of a state joining the football club at training and even attending and playing some of their matches when time permits as a registered member of Insurance. Of course, critics who didn’t understand the scenario playing out at Insurance took it for granted and called Shaibu’s involvement with the team as a huge joke. Now they all know better. Obaseki has fulfilled his promise to get Insurance amongst the country’s top clubs again.

However, those familiar with the club cannot forget in a hurry the circumstance that led to the relegation of the team that is the pride of the Edo people.

The team’s woes started in its first month of the 2007–08 season which was delayed because of a management dispute over who controlled the team. There was ownership tussle between the Chairman of the club Igbinowanhia Ekhosuehi and the then Edo State Commissioner for Sports Brown Ebewele.

While Ekhosuehi claimed he had the right to run the club the way he wanted because he funded it solely when previous administrations in the state left the team to die, Ebewele insisted that as a government agency, the chairman must be accountable to his ministry. There indeed, was a deadlock. While the state refused to fund the team, Ekhosuehi soldiered on with the little he could muster from his poultry business.

The team eventually hit a cul de sac when the Sports Council under Ebewele decided to have another Insurance. Then began the shenanigans of having two Insurance teams file out at Ogbe Stadium for the same match.

The then Premier league board led by Chief Oyuki Obaseki tried to resolve the matter to no avail. With Insurance missing crucial away matches and forfeiting points at home due to the matter of having two home teams for one game, it was inevitable that relegation was bound to be the final solution to deny Edo fans Premier League actions at the Ogbe Stadium.

It was the first relegation to be witnessed in the life of the club since its days as Vipers FC. That broke the heart of passionate football followers who remember the 1970s and 1980s with nostalgia. It was more painful because the other teams in the state like New Nigeria Bank FC and Flash Flamingoes had gone into extinction. Attempts to bring back Flash as Bendel United failed to fly. And so, for 11 years, without good funding to attract quality players, Insurance wallowed in self-pity in the lower rung of the country’s club football.

According to a former Media Officer of the club, Ben Ogbemudia, Bendel Insurance’s ill-fortune in the 11 locust years as underdogs, was occasioned by a mix of a lack of governance structure; lack of transparency in the management of the finances of the club; low players’ morale and

Gov. Obaseki flanked (on the left) by Deputy Gov Phillip Shaibu, officials and players of Bendel Insurance shortly after the team gained promotion to the NPFL disenchantment, a weak technical crew and management team that had no vision for the club, which ranked as one of Nigeria’s best teams for decades, winning the 1978 FA Cup. “The players used to wear tattered jerseys, no provision was made for a serviceable vehicle to transport players and officials to and from match venues.

“The team used to travel on match days and players usually were exhausted by the stress before matches. The players did not have a camp that was conducive for training,” Ogbemudia recalled in a chat with THISDAY. It was in this state of all-time low Obaseki met the team and went to work to restore the lost glory.

“Obaseki took Bendel Insurance from an all-time low period in which salaries and allowances were not paid and when paid, the salaries were irregular, to a truly rebranded Bendel Insurance FC with a knack for winning matches as we have seen in their promotion to the elite NPFL. “The players have demonstrated their appreciation to the Edo State Government for investing resources and faith in them.

“With the revamp, the players welfare is now top priority as their entitlements are paid immediately after matches. They now have a conducive camp with good beds, good food, water, a new technical team and all the things they need to excel. In fact, the players are ready to sacrifice their legs in matches now,” Ogbemudia said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the governor’s vision for the sports sector, particularly, football encompasses players’ welfare, infrastructure such as stadium, and a sound management for the club, amongst others.

According to him, “On assumption of office, Governor Obaseki declared his resolve to turn around the fortunes of the state in sports. He entrusted the task to his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, a sports enthusiast and footballer, to execute.

“You will recall that right from our days as Bendel State, we were number one in sports. The governor was clear about his vision and it was to return our profile in sports to what we were as Bendel State and surpass those achievements.

“The short, medium and long-term plans were designed to attend to all the issues that blighted the growth of Bendel Insurance

Football Club.

“The quick wins included an intervention in the welfare of the players, a new technical team, provision of kits and a bus to move the players to match venues amongst others.”

He added: “I must admit that the direct involvement of the deputy governor brought in fresh air into the team as the players saw that the Obaseki administration meant business.

“In the medium to long-term, the revamp of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the institutionalisation of reforms and the governor’s vision with constitution of a Sports Commission while the development of 20 mini-stadium in all the 18 local government areas of the state featured prominently.

“The point must be made that the successful campaign of Insurance FC to the elite football league in two years, after an 11 flip-flop performance, was not a fluke. It was the outcome of a deliberate plan, anchored on best practice.”

Interesting as the Insurance story reads, the deputy governor who executed Obaseki’s mandate of getting insurance back to the top without failing had explained his role shortly after the team won its final NNL Super 8 Playoff match against Shooting Stars in Aba penultimate weekend.

“In 2017, the state governor gave me a marching order to rebrand Bendel Insurance FC and other sporting activities in the state.

“We did a lot of rebranding in the club and we commend the governor for ensuring prompt release of the budget of the club and the payment of salaries.

“At the moment, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is being rebuilt. It will be ready for use in April. We cannot spend taxpayers’ money in rebuilding the stadium without attracting continental football to it.

“So between now and April, it would be ready for use. And not just that, we are building 20 mini stadia in the local governments of the state.”

Speaking on the long-term plan for the club, Shaibu who was registered with jersey number 40 in Insurance this past season said: “We want to make Bendel Insurance the apex football team in the state by creating feeder teams in the 18 local government areas of Edo State.

“We don’t want to be buying players for Bendel Insurance. Instead, we want to create a chain of supply of football talent for the team. We want to localise and internalise

Bendel Insurance by using our own homegrown players,” he said.

Shaibu said his participation in the club as a player does not conflict with his role as deputy governor of the state, instead he disclosed that his involvement with the club as an on-field player has served as extra motivation to the team.

“I was a player even before I was elected as deputy governor of Edo State. When I decided to join the team’s players’ rank, it was aimed at boosting their morale.

“My presence in their training sessions and matches has a way of encouraging them. The most important thing is that Mr. Governor gave us a mandate to re-brand Bendel Insurance last year which we did.

“The purpose of that was to bring them back to the NPFL and that mandate has now been accomplished,” he gushed with enthusiasm.

The governor, who could not hide his happiness at the return of Bendel Insurance to the Premier League promotion, said it was another fulfilment of his administration’s promise to Edo people and residents.

“My joy knows no bound because of what you (Insurance) have done. I congratulate you and congratulate myself. I say this because it is another promise kept. We promised Edo people that we would bring Bendel Insurance to its lofty status which we all will be proud of and make sure they go on to play in the Premier league,” the governor noted at the welcome ceremony for the team at the Government House in Benin.

He described the deputy governor of the state who led the team to gain promotion as the father of the New Bendel Insurance FC and commended him for the giant strides he made in rebranding the club.

“We have built a team and have a machinery that will win the Premier League and I urge you to go beyond the NPFL and bring home continental trophies for the state,” Obaseki charged the new improved Insurance.

How that mandate will be fulfilled begins with the first outing against equally well funded Remo Stars on Sunday at the Sagamu Stadium.

With eight teams to be relegated at the end of this abridged season to return the NPFL to its original format of 20 teams, the players and officials of Insurance cannot afford to led down Obaseki and his deputy in the drive to reposition football in the state. Coaches Monday Odigie and Baldwin Bazuaye will certainly need to go beyond what they did in the lower league to stay afloat at this level.

5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

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Friday, January 18, 2019

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MISSILE Onaiyekan to FG

“We cannot successfully prosecute a war against indiscipline by locking up innocent people for months in dungeons without legal recourse. For the same reason, we cannot hope to win the war against corruption by ignoring or bye-passing basic human rights to the rule of law.”

– Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, admonishing the federal government not to ignore basic human rights or bye-pass the rule of law in its fight against corruption

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Tinubu Tightens the Noose P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has finally ceded Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, to the former governor of the state, and the self-proclaimed national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress( APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The message seems to be “do as you wish as long as you get me reelected”.

Who says Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, the lion of Bourdillion, the proprietor of Lagos, and the godfather of the president is not winning? He has won several political battles despite experiencing some pushback. He is not gifted at oratory as he pretends to or tries to present himself. As a matter of fact, he is a poor public speaker.

At public gatherings, you struggle to make sense of his mostly incoherent mutterings. When he condemns others for one transgression or another against the system, you literally think he is Tinubu condemning himself for abuse of power, breaking the law, and manipulating and you think his star is fading, he bounces controlling the system with unbecoming back. After he was brought back from impunity. the cold last year by the president to He labels others corrupt and awards lead the APC reconciliation committee, them gold medals for corruption when Tinubu has been waxing strong. He he is more deserving of them. Humility failed miserably in that task because is not one of his strongest attributes, as one of the arrowheads of the crisis, the opposite is. With all his pompous, it was expecting too much from him insufferable, self-enthralled, clichéd and to expect any genuine reconciliation. uninspiring rhetoric, and arrogant claim Tinubu wanted power and that was all to piety, the emperor has no clothes. that mattered to him, not reconciliation.

He recently boasted that he was richer From his new position, he was able than Osun State, his home state. He to force his will on the party, forcing never told the public how he made a reversal of the tenure extension the his money. His brand of politics is party had earlier granted the party’s mercantile and he believes in primitive national executive and consequently wealth accumulation. Then of course, he ousted the then National Chairman of knows how to reward his close aides, the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, loyalists and associates who prostrate with whom he had a running battle everyday before him. and had even accused him publicly With no one willing or capable to of corruption. Not long after getting challenge him in Lagos, Tinubu is on a his wish of getting rid of Oyegun as free reign, as he continues to win and chairman of the party and installing his ride roughshod over Lagosians, nay preferred candidate, Tinubu successfully Nigerians. He has cultivated and made denied Governor Akinwunmi Ambode many of his aides rich – a particular a second term in office through a very one, he picked from a three bedroom perverse and flawed primary that left flat in Surulere, with an old Mercedez much to be desired. Even the appointee Benz (flat boot) and a Sagem mobile of the National Working Committee phone – became the occupant of the (NWC) that was supposed to supervise seat of power at Alausa. He has made the conduct of the governorship primary so many others, such that some are in Lagos had earlier urged Lagosians even ready to die or kill for him. Yes, to disregard the results of the primary, he is winning and many of us who because according to him, materials want an end to his hypocritical reign for the election had not even been are writhing in agony and pain with distributed. He later arm-twisted the each new win. We can only look on in leadership of the party into accepting disbelief and gasp for air at the rise, the result of the perverse primary and rise of Tinubu. organised by him.

He still runs Lagos from behind the Not long after, he was announced scenes despite the fact that he handed as co-chairman with Buhari of the over the reins of power as the elected president’s campaign council. But during governor he hand picked about 12 years the inauguration of the council, Buhari ago. He is even more powerful now than ceded the running of the campaign when he was as a governor. He appoints council to Tinubu on the excuse that he and dismisses as he deems fit. Just when wanted to concentrate on governance.

Now, tell me who does that? A man seeking re-election asking another man to campaign for him while he concentrates on governance? Strange things like these exist only in the APC. Not surprisingly, there was no outrage across the land. These are the new normal and everyone moved on.

Mr Kayode Egbetokun, a former chief security officer to Tinubu when he was the governor of Lagos, was suddenly appointed the Lagos State Commissioner of Police in a sudden reshuffle of the police hierarchy in Lagos, barely 30 days to the election.

It was no slur against Egbetokun to say his appointment did not pass the smell test, particularly bearing in mind there was no love lost between Tinubu and the redeployed Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal who refused to handover to Tinubu’s man because of a counter directive to stay. Egbetokun’s ties to Tinubu infuse suspicion on the motivation for his new appointment no matter how meaningless that may be.

Only recently, the Lagos State government announced the appointment of Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola as the state’s new Head of Service (HOS).

Guess who he was? Tinubu’s ex-personal assistant. To create way for Tinubu’s boy, the careers of 21 permanent secretaries in the Lagos Civil Service had to be cut short. Apparently, he was not appointed to the office on the strength of his qualifications but on the strength of his cast-iron loyalty to Tinubu. Even if got there on merit, the atmospherics aren’t good. And Tuinubu’s presence at the swearing-in of the guy made plausible deniability of his influence on Muri-Okunola’s emergence less believable.

Such is the power of Tinubu to bulldoze everyone else, to make and unmake anyone in Lagos to satisfy his whims. Some of his supporters even now believe the air we breathe in Lagos is pumped from Bourdillon.

I once asked a local government chairman installed by Tinubu what his next political position would be after his tenure as chairman. He wasted no time telling he didn’t know it was Tinubu who would decide for him.

You see, it is all happening like a slow-motion science fiction, only that it is real. There’s a distinctiveness to Tinubu’s brand of politics: his quest for power is with reckless abandon. With him, there is no better example of the saying that power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. This man lacks the swagger that inspires any virtuoso performance. His strut and sartorial style—the outsized cap should ordinarily not command a glance by now. But he is now the overlord who must be obeyed otherwise, your political

career will be in ruins.

Emboldened by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s weakness and Buhari’s “I need my second term anyhow”, he has somehow managed to blackmail the president into submission by creating an exaggerated political reach in the entire South-west. And of course we have a desperate president willing to abuse all the institutional safeguards to achieve his reelection, so long as victory is delivered, it doesn’t matter how.

Now, he holds Lagos by the jugular; appropriating everything to himself and holding everyone else to ransom. I have been surprised that some people are eager to be called Tinubu’s boys just on the material largess they benefit from him. Otherwise educated people, with critical minds now prostrate at his feet for crumbs. Listen to them rationalize his excesses and then you begin to realize that education is almost meaningless put beside material gains no matter the manner of acquisition.

A petition written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC since June last year against Alpha Beta, a company he is suspected to own a major stake in, that exposed financial crimes of monumental proportion, ranging from money laundering, tax evasion to gross abuses, has been gathering dust on the EFCC shelf.

Now consider that a petition dated January 9, 2019 against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, was investigated with supersonic speed and by January 11th, charges had been filed against Onnoghen at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, without following due process.

Nigerians should judge for themselves if this is not a witch hunt or not. The same goes for the foot-dragging that has gone on for nearly two years now over the prosecution of the former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, indicted for embezzling funds meant for displaced homeless victims of war.

But both Buhari and Tinubu’s supporters care less about the double standard that has now become the hallmark APC rule. They hate corruption when it is committed by others, and embrace it when it is committed by APC members. They were very vociferous about Change in 2015, but now all we hear is a poor defence of failure that goes like this “since the last government did this and that, APC can do the same.”

And they are sure besting every record they once condemned to the thunderous applause of their supporters. Who has bewitched these people such that they cannot differentiate failure from excellence, good from evil? What spell was cast on these people?

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