FRIDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2019

Agbakoba Sues Buhari, Asks Court to Void Onnoghen’s Suspension CUPP accuses APC of plot to frame Atiku, opposition leaders Davidson Iriekpen in Lagos and Udora Orizu in Abuja The suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, by President

Muhammadu Buhari received yet another legal challenge yesterday as a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), asked the Federal High

Court in Lagos to declare the action as unconstitutional.

Also maintaining its objection to the suspension of Onnoghen yesterday was the Coalition of United

Political Parties (CUPP), which expressed concern over alleged move by the federal government to clamp down on the lawyers of the CJN. CUPP also raised the alarm

on what it described as another undemocratic plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to frame the opposition parties’ consensus candidate, Alhaji

Atiku Abubakar, and other opposition leaders for alleged gun-running and violence. Buhari had recently Continued on page 8

Finally, ASUU Agrees with FG, Calls Off Strike... Page 10 Friday 8 February, 2019 Vol 24. No 8706. Price: N250

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SDP Adopts Buhari, Duke, Gana Kick Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja and Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

L-R: Chairman, 9mobile, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero; Executive Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta; Ag. Managing Director, 9mobile, Mr. Stephane Beuvelet; and Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, NCC, Mr. Abdulrahman Ado, during board of 9mobile’s visit to the NCC… yesterday

President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential run got a boost yesterday as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) adopted him as its presidential candidate in the February 16 contest.

The adoption took place in Abuja at the end of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC).

Continued on page 10

INEC Vows Not to Postpone Polls May extend PVC collection deadline NSA,IGpledgeadequatesecurity DHQ reads riot act to personnel FRSC deploys 20,000 personnel nationwide Adedayo Akinwale and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has foreclosed any possibility of postponing the general election scheduled to start next week Saturday with the presidential and National Assembly contests.

The Chairman, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, gave

this indication yesterday and assured Nigerians and the international community that no election would be postponed.

There are pending legal tussles arising from primaries organised by political parties, making people to suggest that INEC might have to postpone some elections.

Continued on page 8

Arise TV, CDD, Others to Launch Election Analysis Centre... Page 8

ATIKU IN KATSINA...

Mammoth crowd when the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, held his campaign rally in Katsina... yesterday

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Arise TV, CDD, Others to Launch Election Analysis Centre Udora Orizu in Abuja Th The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in collaboration with Arise TV, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers; National Democratic Institute (NDI), TheCable and some other media organisations, is set to launch an Election Analysis Centre (EAC) for the general election.

The EAC, described as a one-stop shop for analysis,

is located at Fraser Suite, 294 Leventis Close, Central Business District, Abuja, and will be officially opened on February 14.

According to the CDD Director, Ms. Idayat Hassan, the EAC will provide accurate and real-time analysis of events in the build-up to the polls, Election Day and post-election period “in a more captivating, enriching and systematic manner.”

The director, who was

represented at a press conference in Abuja, Thursday

by Mr. Shamsudeen Yusuf, said: "We will be deploying 3,500 trained observers to monitor the elections in all the 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the 774 local government areas and 2,642 political wards in the country.

"The observers are being trained to carefully observe and report back on the accreditation and voting process (including movement

of sensitive materials to polling units, the opening of polling units, setting up of polling units, and accreditation and voting)."

"The newly developed GPSenabled CDD Election Tracker will be deployed to enable accredited field observers report on the accreditation and voting processes. The tracker will also help us track where they are reporting from for quality control purposes.

The tracker is developed in a

way that also allows citizens and journalists to register and report only on incidents on the day of elections."

The Centre, she stressed, is also deploying Telerivet – SMSbased platform for reporting and documenting data relating to Election Day activities.

She said: “Our EAC shall have political scientists, historians, gender, conflict experts, data analyst and communication experts who will interrogate pre-election,

Election Day and post-election events from a contemporary and historical lens.

“For the first time in the history of Nigeria, there will be a live telecast of election analysis by a civil society organisation (CSO).

“On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, we launched our maiden television programme, tagged #Decision2019, in partnership with Arise TV – a television station available in 56 countries.”

that the cards were not printed.

“We have 14.2 million new voters; the commission printed 14.2 million cards. The commission is going to meet today (Thursday) and where it is necessary, we will review the arrangements for the collection of PVC.” He urged the transport companies to ensure that polling units receive the electoral materials at 7:30 am while voting should commence at 8am.

According to the INEC chairman, priority has been given to the elderly, visibly pregnant women and the physically challenged persons

to vote at the polling units or voting points.

He reiterated that while magnifying glasses and brails have been provided for the visually impaired to aid them to vote, form EC30 containing bold instructions on how the deaf should cast their votes are posted at every polling units as well as the voting points.

He also stated that the list of returning officers from the nation’s tertiary institutions would be vetted to ensure that partisan members of academic staff were not included.

The INEC boss said his commission had approved 148 observer groups comprising

119 domestic and 29 foreign observer groups.

He explained that internally displaced persons in other states would only be allowed to vote in the presidential election.

Also speaking on the preparations for the elections, the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, noted that the security agency has identified flashpoints in the country.

He assured the stakeholders that the police would bring such places to order.

The IG said no VIP would be allowed to move around with police escort on election days.

“No escort of VIPs on

election day, any policeman who contravenes this order would be arrested,” the IGP said

INEC VOWS NOT TO POSTPONE POLLS But speaking at the national stakeholders’ meeting of the commission yesterday in Abuja, Yakubu said the commission would not be swayed into postponing any of the polls.

He said the commission had been dragged to court 640 times and received 540 applications for certified true copy of documents.

Yakubu promised that the commission under him would continue to obey all court orders, assuring Nigerians that it would not be deterred in the discharge of its functions.

He told the stakeholders: “Court cases arising from the conduct of congress and primaries have risen to 640.

INEC has been dragged to court 640 times, we have received 540 requests for certified true copy of documents. We have received 186 petitions over the conduct of congresses and party primaries.

“It is the policy of INEC to obey court orders. People ask if the judgments from these courts are decided close to elections if INEC will postpone the elections, INEC will not postpone any elections but we will make contingency arrangements in case some of the orders come close to elections.”

The INEC chairman also assured the stakeholders that he would never fail Nigeria and Nigerians.

He stated that smart card reader would be deployed in the elections while expressing surprise that many Nigerians complained of not collecting their PVCs at the centres.

Yakubu reiterated that the commission printed 14.2 million

PVCs after voters’ registration, adding that those cards were ready for collection.

He, therefore, said the commission would meet with a view to possibly reviewing the deadline for collection.

He said: “Let me assure the nation and the stakeholders that smart card reader will be deployed in the 2019 elections.

The next big issue for us is the voter register and the availability of the PVC. “We have heard so many complaints by citizens that they have been to collection centers but we are surprised to hear that in some centres they were told to come back

DHQ Reads Riot Act to Personnel Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday read the riot act to its personnel, warning that any soldier or officer not on essential duty, but found in uniform near any polling booth on Election Day would be arrested and prosecuted.

It also reaffirmed its neutrality Continued on page 10

CALL FOR PEACE...

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd); founder, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, and former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; former Liberian president, Prof. Amos Sawyer; and Convener, National Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Kukah, during a one-day conference on Peaceful Elections and National Development organised by the foundation in Abuja…yesterday kingsley adeboye

AGBAKOBA SUES BUHARI, ASKS COURT TO VOID ONNOGHEN’S SUSPENSION suspended Onnoghen, following an exparte order by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja.

Before the order, the federal government had filed a sixcount charge against the CJN for alleged non-declaration of his assets.

But Agbakoba said the suspension of Onnoghen was wrong.

The grounds of the claim is that judicial officers, including the CJN enjoy judicial immunity and have constitutionally guaranteed tenure of office that can only be interfered with by the administrative action of the National Judicial Council (NJC) or the president acting on an address supported by two thirds majority of the Senate.

In the suit which also has the Attorney General of the Federation and the NJC as defendants, the senior lawyer stated that in the suspension of Justice Onnoghen, President Buhari did not adopt either of the procedures.

In the originating summons

and other accompanying affidavit obtained by THISDAY, the former NBA boss asked the court to determine whether by the combined interpretation of Section 153 (1) (i), paragraph 21 (b) of the Third Schedule and Section 292 (1) (a) (i) of the 1999 Constitution, Onnoghen can be suspended or removed from office except on the recommendation of the NJC or the president acting on an address supported by two thirds majority of the Senate.

He urged the court to declare that by the combined interpretation of Section 153 (1) (i), Paragraph 21 (b) of the Third Schedule and Section 292 (1)(a) (i) of the 1999 Constitution as altered, the CJN cannot be suspended or removed from office except on the recommendation of the NJC or the president acting on an address supported by two thirds majority of the Senate.

He argued: “I know that on January 25, 2019 President Buhari pursuant to an exparte order of the Code of the Conduct Tribunal purportedly

suspended Justice Onnoghen and purportedly swore in Justice Tanko Muhammad as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“I am aware that there is public outrage as a result of the suspension of Justice Onnoghen. I also know that there are different views about whether the President of Nigeria can suspend the CJN as he did.

“I know that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides for removal of the CJN and that the CJN can only be removed based on the recommendation of the NJC or an address by the President supported by two third majority of the Senate.

“I am fully aware that contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, the president suspended Justice Onnoghen, based on an exparte Order from the CCT on January 25, 2019.

“I am aware that the NJC will on February 11, 2019 determine petitions on the suspension of Justice Onnoghen and the swearing

in of Justice Mohammed as the Acting CJN. “The decisions of the NJC are purely administrative. I believe it is in the public interest for the court to declare the law as relates to the suspension or removal of the CJN. “I verily believe that it is in the national interest and constitutionalism and due administration of justice to grant the reliefs sought on this summons by the plaintiff.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing.

CUPP Condemns Alleged Clampdown on Onnoghen's Lawyers Meanwhile, CUPP has expressed concern over an alleged move by the federal government to clamp down on Onnoghen’s lawyers. The coalition also alleged that a senior lawyer, Chief James Onoja, SAN, might have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC), with his homes and offices raided.

The coalition's spokesperson, Mr. Imo Ugochinyere, in a statement, alleged that the home of another leading counsel to the CJN, Mr. Joe Agi, (SAN), was raided by the EFCC. He lamented that the dark days of Abacha were fully here, adding that the life of Onnoghen was at risk. Efforts to get EFCC’s reaction yesterday were futile as a source in the commission told THISDAY that its spokesman, Mr. Tony Orilade, who had the authority to speak on the issue was out of the country.

The counsel concerned could also not be reached at press time as calls to their phones were unanswered.

In another development, CUPP has again raised the alarm over what it described as another undemocratic plot by the APC-led administration to frame Atiku and other opposition leaders for alleged gun-running and violence. Targeted in the alleged plot to frame

opposition leaders, the coalition alleged, are the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and Senator Dino Melaye.

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Despite Power Supply Shortages, Nigeria Flares 318.7bcf of Gas Chineme Okafor in Abuja A review of the monthly operations and financial reports of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 13 months showed that Nigeria flared 318.75 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas and supplied only 291.67bcf to the power generating plants, THISDAY has learnt.

The report, which covered from October 2017 to October 2018 indicted that the 318.75 bcf of gas flared by oil companies was higher than the 291.67bcf utilised for electricity generation by 9.28 per cent.

THISDAY’s analysis further revealed that the total gas flared was almost double the amount of gas supplied to industries, which according to the report was 174.04 bcf during the period.

Data from the Advisory Power Team in the Office of the Vice

President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has indicated that shortage of gas supply has remained a dominant constraint to optimum power production by generation companies (Gencos).

For instance, the Advisory Power Team stated that on February 4, 2019, the dominant constraint of the power sector was unavailability of gas which constrained a total of 1,720 megawatts (MW) of electricity from being available on the national grid.

It equally said that on the average, 2,980MW of electricity could not be generated daily in January 2019 mostly on account of gas supply constraints.

The report stated that the average volume of electricity generated and distributed to Nigerians in January was 3,952MW, which represented a decline from what it was in

Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola December 2018, by 141MW or 3.4 per cent.

According to the NNPC report, in October 2017, 22.21bcf of gas was supplied for power production while 24.24bcf was flared.

The figures rose to 22.29bcf and 26.24bcf, respectively in

November 2017; and ended 2017 with rather higher figures of 25.66 bcf and 31.88 bcf.

From January 2018, gas supply to power Gencos was 22.66bcf while 31.68bcf was flared; it was 23.07bcf versus 27.25bcf in February; 26.49bcf and 26.88bcf in March.

However, the gas supply situation improved in April when 25.06 bcf was sent to the Gencos and 23.06 was flared.

Again, in May, more gas - 22.27 bcf was sent to the Gencos and 21.20 bcf was flared; in June, 22.33 bcf was for power production while 21.66 bcf was burnt off; in July, 22.35 bcf and 21.21 bcf were sent respectively for power production and flaring.

The supply ratio subsequently changed again in August when 20.03 bcf was used for power production and 22.42bcf sent to flare sites.

The poor gas supply situation continued in September and October with 18.44 bcf and 18.82 bcf sent to the Gencos respectively while 20.54bcf and 20.51bcf were also flared.

The NNPC report also explained that total gas supply for the period October 2017 to October 2018 stood at 3,111.04 bcf out of which 465.70 bcf and 1,340.25 bcf were commercialised for the domestic and export market respectively, adding that injected gas, fuel gas and gas flared were collectively 1,305.09 bcf.

It noted that on the average 744.06 million metric standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of gas was sent to power Gencos every day within the period, while 787.71 mmscfd of gas was flared as well, thus representing a 5.86 per cent more than the volume supplied

to Gencos. Domestic industries got 444.52mmscfd or 77.2 per cent less of the flared volume.

Experts who spoke to THISDAY on the import of the statistics, explained that it highlighted the urgent need to begin the implementation of the gas flare commercialisation programme, which the federal government recently enacted, adding that the volume of gas flared could be efficiently utilised under the programme.

The government had in July 2018, launched the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), and subsequently announced the commencement of the first bid round for the programme in November 2018, wherein it called on interested bidders from domestic and international entities to indicate their intention to participate.

Finally, ASUU Agrees with FG, Calls Off Strike Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally reached a deal to end the three-month-long industrial action that has crippled academic activities in all the publicly-owned universities in the country.

Speaking on the outcome of a meeting with the leadership of ASUU, which lasted about two and half hours, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said both sides reached an agreement on all the eight items in contention.

Ngige listed the areas as the provision of N15.3 billion to augment the shortfall in the payment of arrears of salaries, provision of another N25 billion for the settlement of outstanding earned allowances, and granting of licence to ASUU- floated firm

to operate its pension scheme.

Other items on the agreement signed yesterday by both parties also include the provision of the sum of N25 billion as the first tranche of the revitalisation fund meant to revamp the facilities in the tertiary institutions, setting up of visitation panels to carry out financial audit of various federal government-owned universities and reconvening of the Babalakinled tripartite negotiations committee to resume work on Monday and end its assignment

by March.

Ngige said: "Agreement has been reached on all the eight items in dispute; things like the NUPEMC. ASUU has collected their licence for the business of the pension fund administrators, release of N16 billion for shortfall in salaries, N15.3 billion for

universities and the remaining for other tertiary institutions. We have also trashed the issue of setting up a standing committee to liaise with state government-owned universities, ASUU and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Visitation panels have also been inaugurated and would commence work on March 2nd, with that we hope to sanitise the university system," he said.

On the issue of earned allowances, Ngige said the federal government had agreed to add N5 billion to the N20 billion released earlier to bring it to N25 billion.

He also said that the government agreed with ASUU to release N25 billion to the universities in April and that subsequently, the federal government will resume the implementation of the

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached with ASUU in 2009 on sustainable funding of universities in the country.

The minister further said that the meeting resolved the issue concerning the lecturers in the University of Ilorin, who despite having won their cases in court, did not get their salaries and allowances paid.

He said that payment of the affected lecturers had been approved.

Another area which the minister said the meeting was able to resolve was the issue of reconstitution of the Babalakin-led committee.

Ngige said that in the spirit of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on principles guiding labour negotiations, which stipulate that no one should dictate who represents any member of the tripartite

committee, it was agreed that Babalakin should remain in his position.

While concurring with the minister, ASUU President, Prof.

Biodun Ogunyemi said the union had signed an agreement on the issues in dispute.

Ogunyemi who addressed journalists at the headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja, said the union has agreed to call off the strike action.

"While we put a closure to this phase of the struggle, it is our hope and desire that the Nigerian governments (Federal and State) will play the roles expected of them in order to make the new memorandum work," he said.

He listed the issues that led to the industrial action to include funding for the revitalisation of Public Universities based on the FGN-ASUU MoU of 2012, 2013 and the MoA of 2017,

reconstitution of the current Government Team to allow for a leader and Chairman of the FG-ASUU renegotiating team who has the interest of the nation and the people at heart and release of the forensic audit report on Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).

Others, he said are offsetting the outstanding balance of the EAA and mainstreaming of same into the 2019 budget.

The ASUU president also listed the payment of all arrears of shortfall in all universities that have met the verification requirements of the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), provision of a platform by the federal government for ASUU to engage governors on the proliferation of universities, underfunding of university education and undue interference in the affairs of the universities.

on military uniform on Election Day will be arrested and face the full wrath of military justice system.

"Let me emphatically state that the Defence Headquarters has warned that all officers, soldiers, ratings, airmen and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain neutral and exhibit exceptional professionalism before, during and after the upcoming elections.

"To this end, with the exception of those on essential duties,

no military personnel should be found wearing uniform on the election days.

"Furthermore, all military commanders have been tasked to ensure adequate security in their areas of responsibility. They have also been further directed to ensure the adherence to code of conduct and rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties.”

Agim said the military would remain neutral, focusing only on threats to the election and general provision of security in

collaboration with other security agencies.

According to Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), Mr. Victor Nwokolo, who represented Oyeyemi, FRSC would be involved in forward and reverse logistics for the election.

The corps would also certify all vehicles to be used for the exercise, train and retrain drivers, ensure their suitability for the exercise, oversee vehicular movement, in addition to denying or allowing access to certain routes during and after the exercise.

to ensure their decisive victory at the polls.’’

The party also expressed regret that since the end of the National Convention of the party held in Abuja on October 6, 2018 and the emergence of Mr. Donald Duke as its presidential candidate, the party had been enmeshed in litigations, which had significantly sapped its energy.

According to SDP: “With less than 10 days before the presidential election, our great party is caught up in a web with very little room for manoeuver.

The options before us at this critical juncture are limited: we either realign our forces or we lose out completely. ‘’The NEC also noted that whatever the dangers and demerits of political alignments it

is far better than to go on alone at this point as it will, in the end, disenfranchise our members. With the multitude of parties in the race for the crucial presidency of the country, it has become imperative for engagements and strategic collaboration between and among parties that are strongly committed to the Nigerian ideal so that the future of our great country is not doomed.’’

The party said a number of political parties had approached the SDP for collaboration during the forthcoming elections, saying after extensive deliberations, NEC noted that the party that comes close to and nearly shares SDP’s ideals and values was APC. Present during the NEC meeting were National Chairman

INEC VOWS NOT TO POSTPONE POLLS in the elections, saying "the same military that was there when the opposition won the election in 2015, has not changed. Parties come and go but military remains the same."

DHQ also said it would deal decisively with groups threatening the election even as it stated that while it was investigating threats to the election, it did not align itself with the statements credited to Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Nasir el-Rufai, to the effect that

foreigners, who threatened the election would "leave Nigeria in body bags."

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Defence spokesman, Brigadier-General John Agim, said military personnel seen near polling booths in uniform would be arrested.

He said no military personnel is allowed to fraternise with politicians.

According to him: "Any military personnel who is not on essential duty that is found

FRSC Deploys 20,000 Personnel Nationwide In another development, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said 20,000 personnel would be deployed nationwide to compliment the security arrangement for the elections.

SDP ADOPTS BUHARI, DUKE, GANA KICK But in a swift reaction, the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Donald Duke, and supporters of another claimant to the ticket, Prof. Jerry Gana, objected to the NEC’s decision, describing it as unfortunate.

“For the SDP NEC to thereby endorse the APC or any other party, is rather unfortunate and betrays in my opinion, the desire of the vast majority of our party members and Nigerians credible alternatives to our nation’s leadership,” Duke said in a statement last night, adding, “Regardless and for the avoidance of doubt, I Donald Duke, remain on the ballot and the candidate of the SDP as recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

The party had in a

communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, advised all its members to vote for Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the poll.

It said, ‘’The NEC noted and expressed happiness that the party's candidates for various offices namely the State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Senate and gubernatorial offices are campaigning vigorously nationwide and their presence and impacts are being felt everywhere. ‘’NEC calls on all our candidates throughout the country not to relent but must work even harder as we approach the finishing line. NEC also promised to support our candidates in every way possible

of the party, Prof. Tunde Adeniran; Deputy National Vice Chairman North-east, Prof. Rufai Alkali; National Organizing Secretary, Mr. Emeka Atuma; National Secretary, Mr. Shehu Gabam, and the National Vice Chairman, Dr. Abdul Ahmed Ishaq, who read the communiqué.

Gana Faction Kicks But a faction of the party loyal to a former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana, yesterday dissociated itself from the adoption of Buhari.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Alfa Mohammed, in a statement made available to journalists said the soul of the party remained in the hands of those he called “SDP Patriots”

led by Gana.

Mohammed said the party would not have found itself in a tight corner if the National Chairman, Chief Olu Falae; and the National Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, had heeded wise counsel by majority of the National Working Committee (NWC) members against appealing the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which gave the party ticket to Gana.

He said Gana remained the only person that could give SDP members the direction to follow during the presidential election.

He added that the former minister would give the direction after due consultations with appropriate leaders and stakeholders.

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

We Have No Presidential Candidate, US Reassures

Insists on election free of ‘intimidation’ Oshiomhole: Foreign missions believing PDP’s lies

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Consul General of the United States to Nigeria, Ambassador John Bay, yesterday said the United States has no presidential candidate but was only interested in free, fair and credible elections in the country.

The United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has also called on the federal government and political leaders, including the military to ensure that the February 16 presidential election is free of “intimidation.”

This came as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has succeeded in hoodwinking the international community to believe the series of unsubstantiated allegations and misleading comments it is making against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari.

Bay, who restated the commitment of the US to violence-free electoral process, insisted the US was not supporting any candidate in the February 16 presidential election in the country.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor òf Bayelsa State on Media Relations Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the US Consul General to have made the comment while paying a courtesy call on the governor at the Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday evening.

The American envoy noted that his delegation was on a tour to the southern states in the country to interface with civil society organisiations, traditional rulers and other political stakeholders on the need for peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections.

He said: “The US does not have a candidate in this election. We are looking for a free, fair, credible and peaceful process, a process that

allows the choice of the Nigerian citizens to come through.

“So, we are going to spend some time with the governor and chat about different things we might be able to do to better the situation and anything we can do to help before leaving here for Port Harcourt tomorrow.”

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson commended the efforts of the International community to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in the country.

The governor commended the United States and other members of the international community for living up to expectations by taking proactive measures to forestall breakdown of law and order as well as strengthening the electoral process.

“We want to thank the US Mission in Nigeria for your services, contributions and for the building of peace as well as promotion of our nation’s democracy.

“We also want to thank you for always thinking of us and caring about what is going on here in the Niger Delta.

“I have read about the statements made by your Mission and other international partners concerning the forthcoming general elections. For me and our state, we welcome these interventions.

We believe that our country is and should be a responsible member of the international community.

“As practicing politicians, all of us should conduct the politics and affairs of our country in such a way as to respect the due processes of the law and the elections so that in the end, what we do and say should continue to promote peace and stability in various comunities across the country.

“Nigeria is a critical member of the world community. It is the largest and most populous black nation in the world.

“So, what goes on in Nigeria should rightly be of interest to the rest of the world; and the world is right by not standing by to watch

things go bad in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has also called on the federal government and political leaders, including the military to ensure that the February 16 presidential election is free of “intimidation.”

“The United States government supports a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election that reflects the will of the Nigerian people,” Pompeo said in a statement sent to Per Second News yesterday.

“Nigerian security services must provide a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their rights.

Those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be held to account,” he said.

The Secretary of State said the election offered “an opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa.”

In a related development, the National Chairman of APC, Oshiomhole, has said the PDP has succeeded in hoodwinking the international community to believe the series of unsubstantiated allegations and misleading

comments it is making against the ruling APC and President Buhari.

The ruling party has also stated that the main opposition party has failed in its attempt to demonise the President Buhari administration and in deploying intimidation and blackmail tactics against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other state institutions ahead of the general election.

APC said the PDP is troubled by the fact that imminent defeat awaits it in the coming poll.

A statement signed by Oshiomhole’s Chief Press Secretary, Simon Ebegbulem said the APC chairman spoke when he hosted members of the ECOWAS Election Monitoring Team, led by former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

According to the national chairman, while APC is committed to a peaceful election, the opposition’s language and utterances does not suggest that they want a free and fair election.

He said such antics of the main opposition party constitute a major

threat to the forthcoming 2019 general election.

Oshiomhole said the reason PDP is doing what they are doing is because they knew they have lost the elections.

He said the opposition party was overwhelmed by the kind of support President Buhari has been enjoying so far in his campaigns.

“The opposition are now in the habit of waking up and making unsubstantiated allegations just to deceive members of the International community.

“Unfortunately, you see some foreign missions believing their lies and issuing statements in support of the PDP. And, that is why some of us are worried that some persons are hiding under the guise of Election Observers to come and discredit our electoral process and also interfere in our elections and our judicial process,” he said Oshiomhole made reference to the condemnations that trailed the suspension of the country’s Chief Justice, Walter Onnoghen, saying the international community bought into the wrong impression created by the PDP.

“We observed that on the issue of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. This is a judicial officer who agreed that he erred when he did not declare some of his assets. And we have a situation whereby huge amount of foreign currencies were found in different accounts. And the PDP became the mouth piece of the CJN and they created a wrong impression before the International Community, and we saw joint statements condemning the action of the President, who was acting on the recommendation made by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

“Are you saying that if a crime is conducted on election day, and because it was an election day, the person concerned should not face the law? The President of America today is being investigated over allegation of alleged Russian interference in America election.

So, I think all these unsubstantiated allegations are not good for the forthcoming general elections and that is why we believe that the PDP, knowing fully well that they will be rejected by the people at the polls, are trying to create crisis where there is none,” he said.

FIRS Recovers N23bn from 45,000 Millionnaire Tax Defaulters EXPANDING MEDICAL FRONTIER...

45, 000 millionaire tax evaders in L-R: CEO, Reddington Hospital Group, Dr. Adeyemi Onabowale; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Group Medical James Emejo in Abuja The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Tunde Fowler, yesterday said the sum of N23 billion was realised from 45, 000 tax defaulters, who had over N100 million as turnover in their respective bank accounts.

He said the recovery followed a crackdown on defaulters which was carried out in collaboration with other stakeholders including the Nigeria Police Force, adding that another set of 40, 000 millionaire will be targeted in this year.

Speaking when he received the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, who paid him a courtesy visit, Fowler said the Service will will continue to go after wealthy tax defaulters in 2019.

He, therefore, sought the cooperation of the police to help compel tax defaulters to pay their taxes.

In a statement issued by Head, Communications & Servicom Departments, Mr. Wahab Gbadamosi, the FIRS boss noted that it had identified

2018 and recovered the sum of N23 billion through substitution of their bank accounts.

He expressed gratitude to the police for aiding the success of the crackdown and further requested for more support to enable it recover due taxes from more 40, 000 rich tax evaders in 2019.

He said: “Let me put on record that the Nigeria Police Force has been extremely helpful to FIRS. Without the Police, I doubt that the Service would have been able to achieve what we have achieved.

2018 was a successful year. The FIRS collected a total of N5.320 trillion of tax revenue. This is the highest revenue collection in the history of FIRS. “This is significant given that this collection was when oil prices oscillated between $50 and $70 per barrel. Oil price was at an average of $100 to $120 per barrel between 2012 when FIRS collected N5.07 trillion. Oil component of the N5.320 trillion is N2.467 trillion (46.38 per cent), while non-oil element of the collection is N2.852 trillion (53.62 per cent).”

Director, Reddington Hospital, Dr. O. Lalude; and CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, at the official inauguration of Reddington Lekki Hospital in Lagos ...yesterday ABIODUN AJALA

Don’t Compromise Standards, Atiku Tells Security Chiefs Stop destroying institutions, Secondus warn Buhari, APC Francis Sardauna in Katsina The presidential standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, yesterday admonished heads of security agencies in the country not to allow the All Progressives Congress (APC) use them as agents to rig the forthcoming elections.

Atiku, who stated this at the Katsina State Sports Stadium when his campaign train arrived in the state, accused the APC government of planning to manipulate the outcome of the polls through security agencies, saying he would reject any “rigged result” after the elections.

“I want to advise the security chiefs, including the Nigeria army, to avoid any attempts by APC administration to use them as

agents to rig the result of the general election. PDP as party will reject rigged results,” he said.

He reiterated his doggedness to improve the economic status of the country, adding that security, improved healthcare system and employment generation would remain his priorities if given the mandate to govern Nigeria.

The PDP presidential candidate, however, said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has failed to address the challenges of insecurity and unemployment facing the country after three and half years in office.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said negative reactions of Nigerians to the ‘Next Level’ mantra of Buhari have shown that the document was dead on arrival.

He pointed out that the president failed to articulate any solutions or clear policy direction in his “procured and pedestrian ‘Next Level’ document.”

According to Secondus, “APC has brought hunger, unemployment and insecurity to the country. They want to kill international observers and PDP members. We must refute the leadership of APC in Nigeria.”

Secondus also warned President Buhari and APC to stop destroying institutions of the state just because it’s being rejected by Nigerians and wants to manipulate the electoral process.

The PDP leader cried out that APC in its desperation and confusion is destroying institutions like Police and the military by intervening on their day-to-day running, including determining

posting of officers.

His warning came as he addressed large crowd of party supporters who thronged the Katsina State Sports Stadium, the home state of President Buhari, to behold Atiku campaign train.

Secondus reiterated his earlier position that PDP and its supporters will not accept the result of election not derived from the votes of the Nigerian people.

He told the jubilant supporters who shouted Atiku! Atiku! That their large turnout showed clearly that their son, the president, failed them, pointing out that hunger and poverty recognise nobody.

“What President Buhari and his party bequeathed the people of Katsina State and Nigeria in the last three and half years is nothing but hunger and unemployment,” he stated.

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COMMENT

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

OF ZIK, BUHARI AND OBIANO

Chris Egbuna writes that the completed Mausoleum is a fitting tribute to Nnamdi Azikiwe

“

Honour to whom honour is due” is an axiom that harps on the virtue of appreciating the truly deserved.

It holds up appreciation and thumbs down ingratitude. On a national scale, a country that appreciates its people invariably honours its great citizens. Little wonder that John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the beloved former American President, once noted that “a country is great by the people it honours”.

Honouring the truly deserved seems to sit well with President Muhammadu Buhari. Last year, Buhari, to wide national acclaim, honoured the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election, the late Chief MKO Abiola. Abiola, the victor that was denied power by a clique of military despots, was deservedly bestowed, howbeit posthumously, with the nation’s highest honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR). Buhari went a step further to declare June 12 “Democracy day”.

While the applause that greeted the immortalization of Abiola is yet to fully die down, Buhari is at it again. This time he has taken practical steps to further immortalized the acclaimed father of modern Nigeria Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe better known as Zik of Africa. Buhari’s feat this time around is in the successful completion of the decades old Zik Mausoleum inside the great Zik’s ancestral “Inosi Onira” home beside All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha. Buhari’s zeal in completing the long abandoned resting place of the nation’s founding father was ignited by the relentless intercession of the focused and history conscious Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano.

Buhari, in seeing to the completion of Zik’s Mausoleum has not only honoured Zik in death but has honoured himself.

Ditto Obiano, who was resolute in his passionate entreaties to the federal government to complete the Mausoleum, which almost became an eyesore. The Igbos, from which stock emerged Zik, have an adage that “the day a person honours the dead is the day he honours himself”. Implicit in this axiom is the truism that the honour done to the dead bears the stamp of selflessness and points to a nobility of heart that should be treasured as the honour is done with little or no material reward in mind. Now that the Mausoleum has been

BUILT TO TRANSCEND JUST A BURIAL SITE, THE ZIK MAUSOLEUM IS A NATIONAL MONUMENT. IF PROPERLY MANAGED, IT WILL GROW TO BECOME A TOURIST CENTRE

completed and inaugurated, it is believed, in Igbo Cosmology, that the great Zik, who joined his illustrious ancestors 22 years ago, can truly be said to rest in peace.

Built to transcend just a burial site, the Zik Mausoleum is a national monument that if properly managed will grow to become a tourist centre. Indeed, the challenge that the doggedness of Buhari and Obiano, in actualizing the Mausoleum, poses to future leaders both at the state and federal level is to ensure the nurturing of the Mausoleum to a world heritage centre. Such a global recognition will be a fitting tribute to Zik for his immense contribution to the political independence of Nigeria and indeed the emancipation of the black race. Born Benjamin Nnamdi Azikwe in Zungeru in the present Niger State to parents who hailed from Onitsha in 1904, Zik grew to become an instructor in Political Science at Lincoln University, USA, Editor-in-Chief of The Morning Post in Accra, Ghana, and publisher of Zik Group of newspapers in Nigeria of which the then influential West African Pilot was the flagship.

A primus inter pares and outstanding orator, Zik was the first Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, first President of the Nigerian Senate, first Governor-General of Nigeria and the first President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Described by the notable Nigerian journalist Dare Babarinsa as “the dean of Nigerian politics and a fighter of superlative merit”, Zik led the nationalist vanguard in the fight against colonialism and imperialism in Nigeria. He was a man of many parts: sportsman, raconteur, businessman, orator, intellectual, nationalist, pan-Africanist and visionary. The recently inaugurated Zik Mausoleum adds to the long list of the due recognitions accorded him by a grateful nation. At his death in 1996, the Nigerian government renamed the international Airport in the nation’s capital Abuja after him. A Federal University in Awka is named after him, a stadium in Enugu is named after him and his portrait is emblazoned in one of the highest denomination of the nation’s currency among other honours. However, the Zik Mausoleum takes the cake for it is final resting place and a unity centre of sort.

Egbuna, a Development Analyst, wrote in from Nnewi

SAVIOUR OF AILING BUSINESSES AMCON has restored the confidence of investors in our financial institutions, writes Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

I

am bold to say the future of Nigeria is bright. Our current dispensation of democracy is under 30, but we are building institutions that are at par with those built by democracies that boast of centuries of experience with similar democratic institutions. One is tempted to question why older democracies, for that matter, tend to expect much from us, despite our fledgling democracy and budding experience at institution-building. But the high expectation is the more reason why we should pat ourselves on the back for what we were able to achieve in few recent years. Nowhere are such strides being recorded in superb ways than in our financial sector of the economy.

And within the financial sector our ability to transform innovative ideas into formidable building blocks of accountable institutions is unparalled.

Reference is here made of a financial idea we toyed with 10 years ago; an idea that our leaders and financial gurus thought would restore stability in our financial system during crises times and beyond and at the same time hold our financial institution drivers accountable. It is an idea that, by extension, seeks to breed the culture of transparency in the system, thus raising the desired confidence in our financial institutions by depositors and investors at home and from abroad. It is the idea of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Ten years ago Nigeria introduced AMCON, following the global financial meltdown of 2008, as an innovative idea of fortifying our financial institutions. One of the areas focused was the banking sector.

Today, Nigerians are happier with the idea, as it has indeed stabilized the financial system and rescued them from systemic failures. It has ensured our depositors do not lose their hard earned savings; or their investors their investments. Socially the idea has saved thousands of jobs that would have otherwise been lost in the financial meltdown that affected the banks.

AMCON may have some shortcomings, but

that is expected of any new idea being experimented. But as AMCON grows in experience, such shortcomings are being addressed with perfect hands of a master craftsman.

Before the advent of AMCON, accountability in the banking sector, particularly during crisis, was something else. Who will forget how chief executives and their boards have more often than not failed to undertake stringent investigations to determine whether there was negligence on their part that led to the collapse of the banks they were managing?

At one time the collapse of banks became crooked ways of self-enrichment by the management cadre because there was no regime of accountability, while the system of oversight was weak and the framework for the regulation of their operations was equally weak.

Under those circumstances, in those years, the victims were the trio of investors, depositors and workers. They looked on helplessly as their hard-earned savings disappeared into thin air while bank managers and their pampered borrowers were sighted again and again enjoying their ill-gotten riches.

AMCON came and put an end to all that impunity. Three functions have come to define AMCON’s role, namely: financial stabilization of the system, takeover and debt recovery.

Technically, AMCON’s objectives include assisting eligible financial institutions to efficiently dispose of eligible bank assets; efficiently manage and dispose of eligible bank assets acquired by it (AMCON); and obtain the best achievable financial returns on eligible bank assets or other assets acquired by it.

Let’s take the messianic role of AMCON in more detail to better appreciate the good work the institution is doing for the nation’s economic development efforts under the able leadership of Malam Ahmed Kuru, a thorough-bred banker and its CEO. In this position, Kuru is leading a powerful team of professionals to deliver on the mandate of AMCON.

In just few years into its existence AMCON acquired about 13,774 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) worth N3.6 trillion from 22 commercial banks to save them from outright collapse. Its provision of financial accommodation of N2.2billion protected about N4.7trillion of depositors’ funds and interbank takings; as well as saved approximately 14,000 jobs.

Although the banking sector has received much of AMCON’s attention, one of the most celebrated takeovers by AMCON to date was that of Arik Air in 2017 in a fashion similar to how big banks considered “too big to fail” were saved by government bailout in the US and Europe following the subprime loans bust of 2008. Nigeria’s biggest national carrier, Arik Air, was forced into receivership because it was considered too costly to allow it to fail with a whopping N300 billion debt overhang. Like other similar interventions by AMCON, especially in the banking sector, the Arik takeover was aimed at instilling sanity in the country’s aviation sector. Before Arik, AMCON intervened to save Aero, another airline on the verge of collapse, with greater relief to the aviation industry.

Debt recovery is another function that defines the role of AMCON. I once argued that the portrayal of debt collectors as reprehensible villains out to wreck the life of a struggling debtor—individual or a business concern—belongs to the past. My reason is that over the years there has developed a body of laws to ensure fair dealings in debt collection in Nigeria and globally.

I am aware that before a statutory body in the league of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria is seen in open dispute with a debtor, it would have exhausted all options for amicable settlement of issues. This aside, if truth must be told, no company or individual is forced to borrow money in the first place.

Ultimately, if companies owe a debt, it’s because they chose to borrow money. Their lenders made that loan, or offered the credit line, contingent upon a documented pledge to pay it back. This means creditors do have

a right to their money, and a debt collector is simply trying to reclaim what is legally and ethically owed by the debtor.

The debtors AMCON is dealing with are those that have passed through all the three stages of normal debt recovery process. They have failed to settle their debts with their initial creditor’s internal collectors (bank loan recovery teams) referred to as first-party agency, which is the first stage in the process.

The second stage is when a third party is introduced playing the role of debt collector.

The third stage is for the original creditor to write off the debt and sells it, which is where AMCON comes in.

No one should lose sight of the fact that AMCON acquires the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) of the banks using tax payers’ money; so it is in the national interest that it recovers these loans from the debtors and to do so in order to return a profit on its purchase. To do otherwise is to short-change toiling Nigerian tax payers. This is the more reason AMCON collaborates with some firms that qualified as its Asset Management Partners (AMPs). The AMPs are consortiums with specialist skills required to ensure recovery and debt resolution; banking, legal, valuation and accounting.

The move is AMCON’s strategy to resolve its over 6000 accounts with loan balances of N100million and below.

Surely, in the last 10 years or so AMCON has played a saviour role on multiple levels with regard to our financial system. It has saved our financial system from systemic collapse through bail out, bridge banking and outright takeover. It has saved strategic companies in different sectors of the economy from collapse and, in the process, saved thousands of jobs of Nigerian family heads who otherwise would have been thrown into unemployment.

But, above all it has saved depositors and restored confidence of investors in our banking and financial institutions. Accountability has finally supplanted impunity.

Hassan, a financial analyst, wrote from Abuja

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

EDITORIAL Containing The Cancer Scourge Government could do more to tame the menace

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he increasing burden of cancer on Nigerians was again underlined on Monday while the World Cancer Day was being commemorated. In recent years, reported cases of people afflicted with the disease are frightening. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) some 41,000 people lost their lives to cancer out of 166, 000 cases recorded in Nigeria last year.

But even worse, WHO Nigeria Health Emergency Team head, Dr. Clement Peter raised concerns that the country might continue to experience a rise in the scourge if stringent measures are not taken by individuals, communities and the government towards addressing the drivers of the disease.

The burden of cancer in Nigeria is enormous. According to the WHO, it is feared that by 2020, cancer incidence for Nigerian males and females may rise to 91/100,000 and 101/100,000, respectively. It is also estimated that by 2020, death rates from cancer for Nigerian males and females may REGULAR EXERCISE, reach 73/100,000 and LOSING WEIGHT 76/100,000 respectively.

There are some 100 AND IMBIBING THE varieties of the disease CULTURE OF HEALTH the commonest MAINTENANCE COULD but types in Nigeria are REDUCE THE RISK BY A carcinoma of the LARGE MARGIN uterine cervix and breast for women and liver and prostate cancers for men over 40 years.

Medical experts somewhat differ on the likely causes, but there is a consensus that it is largely the consequence of lifestyle. Peter said last Monday that the key drivers of the disease are tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diets. Researches have also shown that cancer could occur more with people who eat much red and processed meat because they are known to have cancer-causing chemicals and fats.

It is bad enough that cancer is a terminal disease, it is worse that most Nigerian medical centres lack the

diagnostic capacity to quickly detect and treat cancer infections. This has greatly compounded the problem, forcing several Nigerians who can afford it to travel to countries like India, the Emirates, United Kingdom, etc., in search of treatment for the disease. The economic consequence of this is that it has led to so much capital flight while most medical experts are now agreed that the disease has become a major public health concern for the country.

F 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

urther complicating the situation is the very low awareness of the scourge among Nigerians, especially rural women. The Federal Ministry of Health and the National Orientation Agency are yet to create the level of awareness that would bring sufferers to the danger of the cancer.

We believe that the task of saving its citizens from the cancer menace remains essentially with government which has to provide both the basic facilities to combat the disease and to create the enabling environment that can facilitate the collaboration of the private sector in tackling the menace. For instance, while most countries are making stringent laws including heavy taxes on tobacco, our government seems to be encouraging it. Increased awareness campaigns, improvements in public health and increased funding for health care initiatives – by government, donor agencies, and development partners – are all likely to lead to a decrease in the incidence of this killer disease.

Nigerians themselves must also begin to imbibe the culture of regular medical check-ups so they can commence treatment of any diagnosed ailment promptly.

Regular exercise, losing weight and imbibing the culture of health maintenance could reduce the risk by a large margin.

While the alarming rate of death from cancer points to the state of medical institutions in Nigeria, it is important for critical stakeholders to understand the danger the disease poses to the future of our country. That should encourage discussions on how to fashion both preventive and curative solutions at all levels of the society.

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LAGOS AND THE QUEST FOR URBAN RENEWAL

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nforcement of Lagos Master Plan as well as model city plan has attracted prime position in the inclusive growth programme of the current administration in Lagos State. Considering its growing population and challenges, physical planning issues have been high on government agenda.

Lagos found itself in the web of illegal and unlawful constructions, haphazard reconstructions, difficulty in waste management, traffic congestion among other physical and material problems because it has developed independently of the efforts of city planners, through unstructured urbanism. Many buildings in the state are without building permits, which in law falls under unlawful construction. Other contraventions noticeable in the state include developments without planning/renovation permits, noncompliance with setbacks and airspaces, utilization of setbacks and incompatible uses, all which result in public complaints and disaffection.

Critics are quick at lamenting about the challenges of Lagos, but most time without putting their criticism in proper perspective especially in the light of what the state looked like prior to the Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration in 1979. The truth is that Lagos remains the only state in Nigeria that is listed in the Global Livability Survey of 140 cities. This is mainly due to several strides of succeeding administrations in the state, especially from 1999 till date.

Perceptive Nigerian observers who are watching what’s going on in Lagos State today would rightly agree that making Lagos a more livable city will be among contributions in the score sheet of its government. The main focus of the state government, of late,

has been geared towards formulating policies and implementing programmes which are currently changing the narrative of a city that has largely developed independently of the efforts of city planners. Currently, state government is insisting that creating functional communities required adhering to the “Operative Development Plan”.

In the course of action to reverse the unsavoury non- conforming trend, as even observed but not limited to such government schemes as Ikeja GRA, Ogudu Scheme, Ogudu Scheme Phase II, Magodo Scheme I, Magodo Scheme II, Amuwo-Odofin Scheme, Lekki Scheme I, Lekki II, Abijo Scheme, Victoria Island and Ikoyi Scheme”, the state government has directed in an Executive Order No. EO/AA01/2017 issued on January 23, 2017, that it would no longer accept distortion to the state’s master plan and model city plans.

For this, the state government has been recording success in halting the growing trend of converting residential buildings to commercial use. As indicated in the executive order, it was noted that every conversion of residential buildings contravened the state’s town planning laws and regulations, and flouted stipulated norms of parking, open spaces and public safety for building construction. For every distortion of physical structure in the state today, response of government agency is swift and necessary action is sure to occur.

In an effort to correct the distortions in the physical development of structures in the state and ensure compliance with the state physical planning law, the Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has also embarked on data collation of event centers and petrol

filling stations to complement the screening of illegal gas plants in the state. The government is concerned about the upsurge in the construction of filling stations, event centers and gas stations and has, therefore, taken steps to audit these developments to determine their approval status and the level of compliance with the regulatory laws as it applies to each of them.

The rate at which filling stations and event centers sprang up, contributed to nuisance in terms of traffic congestion and environmental degradation. Majority of the PFS rather than approaching the state government for planning permits get clearance from the Department of Petrol Resources (DPR) and construct without approval which is a violation of the regional and urban law of Lagos State.

Moreover, to turn identified activity centres within the state into vibrant and organized areas through the preparation of master and model city plans, 12 model city plans had so far been prepared. These are Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan, Badagry Master Plan, Ikoyi-Victoria Island Model City Plan, Ikeja Model City Plan, Alimosho Model City Plan, Mainland Central Model City Plan, Apapa Model City Plan and Agege-Ifako Model City Plan. Others are Epe Master Plan, Ikorodu Master Plan, OshodiIsolo Model City Plan and revised Ikeja Model City Plan.

Urbanization is being raised as the major thrust of government to provide a safe, secure, productive and functional state as an essential ingredient for the physical, psychological, social and economic well-being of the people of Lagos State in accord with the dictum of the current administration.

Rasak Musbau, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

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HIS EXCELLENCY GCFR GCF GC CFR FR R MUHAMMADU BUHARI, G

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18

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

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

PERSPECTIVE The Choice is Between Disenchantment with the Ruling APC and the Heavily Discredited PDP

Abubakar

Buhari

Lindsay Barrett

T

here can hardly be any argument offered in the annals of African public and political affairs against the relevance and desirability of the democratisation of Nigerian governance. The history of our remarkably diverse homeland is replete with tragic errors and missteps as well as with extraordinary instances of recovery and survival. While the saga of Nigeria’s unfortunate fraternal conflict, the war against Biafran secession of the late sixties, is arguably the most frightening of our national mishaps since independence it is the story of the abortive attempts at representative governance and the military interventions that overturned them that continues to reverberate and demean the hopeful narrative of Nigerian progress.

This narrative has increasingly become a saga of deep distrust and popular disenchantment especially in reaction to the events emanating from the Nation’s longest and so far most resilient experiment with democracy. Eventually, the nearest thing to true competitive electoral contestation that has been invoked by the democratic experience between 1999 and now is the hostile exchange of sentiment and abuse between the two giant parties the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The forthcoming contest will actually serve as an institutionalised commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the new democratic order and thus as a celebration of the existence and survival of the PDP whether it wins or loses.

It is noteworthy that the process of building a form of government representation based on the peoples’ will rather than on institutional privilege has been the basic motivation claimed by most, if not all, of the participants in this experiment. However the record of practical example since the installation of the democratic order in 1999 has served to undermine popular confidence in the credibility of this assertion on the part of the leaders who have emerged as the main beneficiaries of the new order. In fact the key factors of leadership that have been promoted as a consequence of the Nigerian democratisation agenda have so far been based on elitist selection rather than popular acclamation.

As a consequence while the emergence of Umaru YarÁdua and Goodluck Jonathan was brokered by a retired military leader who became civilian president, General Olusegun Obasanjo, the most remarkable event yet to occur as a consequence of the handover of power from the authoritarian military elite was the defeat of Goodluck

Jonathan, the incumbent, in 2015 by retired General Muhammadu Buhari, a former military leader who had first come to power by overthrowing a democratic government.. The fact that it was still considered relevant to look to a former military ruler to provide credible leadership for the nation, after the first attempt at installing a slate of fully civilian leaders through the ballot in this dispensation was an unfortunate, not to say incredible, phenomenon.

It has become absolutely and categorically obvious that the rhetoric that accompanied retired General Buhari’s restoration was replete with unreal anticipation. The mantra of change in the conduct of governance was largely based on a set of illusory assumptions.

The climate of corrupt and privileged regional entitlement which has often been attributed to military paternalism in office has emerged as still being a part of the fundamental nature of the government that was put in place by the new party after an unconscionable delay.

In addition, it became clear that economic and social principles for the correction of what the APC declared was the PDP’s 16year record of profligacy had neither been effectively prepared for nor aptly identified.

As a consequence, the successor government

Whether this impression emanates from disenchantment with the performance of the Buhari-led administration or is actually inspired by a critical attachment to a desire for genuine service by those who will be elected into office, the prime imperative is that this time around the reaction of the people to the results that are eventually announced might be based on increased consciousness of the methodology and data deployed during the exercise than has been the case in the past

led by an undoubtedly popular (at least in some parts of the country) former military leader was foisted onto the electorate by a combination of electoral chicanery and simple deployment of threats and irregular operational flaws. The introduction of card readers, a substantial proportion of which did not work on polling day, for example, turned out to be a profoundly erroneous decision that threw a major shadow of doubt over large sections of the exercise. Also in huge states in the North especially Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Borno verifiable complaints of irregular distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC’s) to under-age voters and even some suspected batteries of aliens went largely un-investigated. The truth is that the election of 2015 ushered in a scale of impunity and tolerance of irregularity that has tainted the expectations of large numbers of Nigeria’s potential voters.

In spite of this dire prognosis, it is noteworthy that a growing body of Nigerians from all around the country have begun to express themselves impressively on the subject of representation and accountability in their increasingly public conversations about governance. This phenomenon is most noticeable on the innumerable social media platforms that have become virtually commonplace for communication among urban youth. What this prescient development indicates is that in spite of the dire experiences of anti-democratic conduct that has been fostered by the institutionalisation of privileged leadership right from the start of the new order the average citizen has continued to nurse the hope that real democracy and truly representative stewardship of the affairs of the nation will eventually evolve from the system of governance that has been put in place. The opportunity for that eventuality to take root is what is offered by each bout of electioneering and this time around it appears that this desire for genuine public responsibility and accountability to the demands of the voting public has become more relevant to the contest than ever before.

Whether this impression emanates from disenchantment with the performance of the Buhari-led administration or is actually inspired by a critical attachment to a desire for genuine service by those who will be elected into office the prime imperative is that this time around the reaction of the people to the results that are eventually announced might be based on increased consciousness of the methodology and data deployed during the exercise than has been the case in the past. It is of paramount importance that those who are monitoring these polls whether as neutral officials or as partisan watchdogs, should

remain vigilant and conscious of the need for genuine participatory equanimity in the exercise of their right to choose. Interference in the process might be concealed but the organisers of this contest should be aware that this time around the exercise of the public right to choose might very well herald the end of authoritarian usurpation of the rights of the people, or the consolidation of the failure to prevent this usurpation from parading as the result of a popular vote. The former outcome will be hailed as a triumph for the people while the latter will be enshrined in future history as a victory for the enemies of the popular will. Unfortunately, for the former triumph to be achieved popular sentiment must overcome a strong sense of disenchantment not with the ruling APC but with the heavily discredited PDP. The oldest party in the arena must embody the spirit of renewal and attract the support of the younger generation to an unprecedented extent if the 2019 polls is to bring about the genuine change, which the younger APC promised but failed to deliver.

This is the crux of the crisis of confidence in democratisation that bids fair to make the forthcoming election, especially the Presidential race, the most complex and challenging tournament since 1999. Whereas the spectre of Northern hegemonic circling of the wagons was a profound and undeniable factor in the 2015 contest, this time around the two champions are both scions of the Northern Fulani elite. The contrast between them is based on their professional antecedents as well as on their personality rather than on their regional proclivities. It can hardly be doubted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will seek to protect the privileges and special entitlements that have accrued to his ethnic constituency over the decades of Nigeria’s existence both in the colonial era and since independence. However he has shown himself to be a bridge builder and an advocate of partnership with other occupants of Nigeria to an extent that has been missing in the sentimental arsenal of the Buhari-led APC Administration. It is this sentimental contrast that the PDP is hoping to deploy as a national asset in confronting the severe and austere image of the retired General and former military usurper of the democratic mandate in the forthcoming contest. It is once again a time of trial for our beloved and dynamic nation and the gauntlet has been thrown down for the people to overcome.

What remains to be seen is whether once again votes will be counted by the faceless denizens of privileged officialdom or whether in the true sense of representative emotion the peoples’ votes will count.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2019

19

PERSPECTIVE

Akwa Ibom Looks to a Better Future with Emmanuel Ofonmbuk Ibanga

I

n less than four years, Governor Udom Emmanuel, has recorded giant strides in the industrialisation of Akwa Ibom State, creating jobs for the people and wealth for the state. The positive turn-around in terms of establishment of industries was last witnessed in the Second Republic, when what is Akwa Ibom today was just an appendage of then then Cross River State, with the late Dr. Clement Isong, in-charge as governor. In fact, some of the industries, like Peacock Paint, which was comatose has been brought back to life by the Emmanuel administration.

When in 2015 Udom Emmanuel emerged as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, he had a clear vision on how to transform the state into an enviable one among its peers through industrialisation. And being a former investment banker, walking the talk became very easy for him.

Emmanuel has kept to his words by establishing one industry after another to better the lives of the people of Akwa Ibom State. He has also not relented in creating the enabling environment for foreign investors to move into the state. In the last three and half years, Udom has established over 12 industries in the state and the number is still counting.

Despite the progress his administration has recorded so far in transforming the state, the governor has continued in his push to move the state from being a civil service state where people solely depend on government to a state where people can be self-reliant and even become employers of labour. This is what has given impetus to the industrialisation drive, which has yielded positive results in the state within a period of three years.

It was for this reason that he tagged the state’s budget for 2019: “Budget of Industrialisation for Poverty Alleviation.” In the budget, the governor acknowledged that the industrialisation drive of his administration has yielded fruits in the number of jobs and amount of wealth created. He went further to assure the people of the state that his government will provide funding for some activities to consolidate on the gains it has so far achieved. This will be in the areas of design

Emmanuel and development of industrial estates and parks including the upgrading of facilities in Uyo Phase 2 Industrial Park; organising of export awareness campaign and export forum in a bid to promote non-oil export trade in the state.

Under the 2019 Budget, the Emmanuel administration will also fund industrial promotion programmes in collaboration with relevant agencies and private sector organisation in order to deliver, at least, three new industries by the end of 2019. That would consolidate what he has achieved so far.

One of the ground-breaking achievements of his administration is the establishment of a Toothpick and Pencil factory, the first of its kind in Nigeria. With this, the Emmanuel administration has put an end to importation of these basic products into Akwa Ibom and other states in the country. No doubt, the state will begin to generate revenue from this factory by selling the products to other states of the federation in addition to creating jobs and reducing poverty.

Located at Itam Industrial Park in Itu, where a Plastic Manufacturing Plant is also established, the factory has the capacity to generate N1 billion annually in addition to creating about 10, 000 jobs for the people of Akwa Ibom State. The money generated by this factory will

boost the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state. This is being carried out under the Akwa Ibom Employment and Enterprise Scheme, AKEES. For Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, 2018 was a remarkable year. The governor used the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state to inaugurate a multi-million Naira syringe manufacturing factory in the state, which is located in Onna Local Government Area and is owned by a Turkish firm known as VKS Group. The factory has the capacity to produce 350 million units of 2ml, 5ml and 10ml disposable syringes annually. Although the industry is a private sector investment, the government of Akwa Ibom provided land and other enabling factors to attract the foreign investors from Turkey.

Similarly, an Electric Metering factory has come on stream in Akwa Ibom under the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

The factory has the capacity to produce about one million units of electric meters annually.

This is a major boost to the nation’s ailing power sector where electricity supply and metering have been major hindrances to industrialisation.

Like the Syringe Manufacturing Company, the Electric Metering factory, located in Onna Local Government Area is also a Public-Private Partnership between the Government of Akwa Ibom State and private investors. While inaugurating the syringe and electric metering factories, Vice President, Yemi Osinbanjo, showered encomium on Governor Udom Emmanuel for his giant strides in industrialisation.

Again, the Akwa Ibom Electric Metering company is the first and largest of its kind in the country. Within its first year of operation, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, procured about 40, 000 digital meters for installation on residential and official properties within Uyo and its environs from the company.

Also, the state government spent about N526 million to reactivate the Peacock Paints Industry located at Ikot Ekan in Etinan Local Government Area. While re-inaugurating the company, the governor announced that the state had also paid off the company’s debt, arising from interest on a N30 million loan from

financial institutions. The government also entered into discussion with German investors to ensure effective management of the company and production of quality products while guaranteeing jobs for the people of Akwa Ibom.

To aid industrialisation in the state, the governor has also ensured that the Ibom Power Plant is up and running, supplying up to 20 hours of electricity to homes and commercial outfits, and in the process enabling small and medium scale industries to thrive. This has also encouraged investment in Uyo and Ikot Abasi, among others.

Further to this, within the first three years of his administration, Governor Emmanuel established the Coconut Oil Factory in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The factory has the capacity to generate about 1, 500 direct jobs and several other indirect jobs. The factory is also expected to contribute about $200 million to the state IGR. To ensure the smooth running of this factory and boost availability of raw materials for the refinery, the state government has also set aside 11, 000 hectares of coconut plantation where 2,000 stands of coconut trees have been planted, which will also generate employment for between 2, 000 and 3, 000 people.

There’s also the King’s Flour Mill in Okat, Onna LGA that would soon be commissioned.

In addition, Akwa Ibom State government has also obtained licences to operate the first state owned Ibom Airlines, which would commence flight operations in a few weeks. Already, about three aircrafts are being expected in the state for the take-off of the project.

Expected to be completed soon is the Ibom Plywood Manufacturing Company but the game changer is the Ibom Deep Seaport that the state government is awaiting the preferred bidder, Bolore China Construction Ltd, to move to site once a letter has been issued to the company by Federal Government.

With several other companies, mainly of small and medium scale, Gov. Emmanuel’s dream of industrialising the state has been fulfilled. And as he campaigns for a welldeserved second term in office, Akwa Ibom can only look better in the future.

Ibanga writes from Lagos

A Note to Dele Momodu, Purveyor-General of Deception Horatio Adurogbangba

T

here is renewed hope as expectations have become reality of the overwhelming determination of the people to get things right with the 2019 general elections at the doorsteps and the choice of new leadership to steer the country back to greatness.

Dele Momodu has once again exhibited his unique talent for spinning fables without even a thread of truth connected to his prolific eruption of words. It is his penchant to attempt turning a grain of sand into a mountain, or ants into giants.

Perhaps, too nimble with the pen while too careless with factual analysis, Momodu is more showman than journalist. He seeks sensation and attention more than veracity.

Sadly, his ego, swashbuckling pen, his passing acquaintance with the truth, all highlighted on the back page of THISDAY Newspaper, means that he is well-placed to spin false narratives that sometimes trap the uncritical reader.

More often than not, Momodu is hoisted and entrapped by his artifices.

Three examples will suffice. During the Osun gubernatorial campaigns, Momodu falsely claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had frozen seven bank accounts belonging to Senator Ademola Adeleke and his family, including popular musician Davido. Momodu later had to apologize for this flight of fancy.

However, unrepentant in his pursuit of untrue scandal, Momodu quickly moved into another fabrication: He circulated a video of an American man declaring his support for Senator Iyiola Omisore as Governor of Osun State. This video was quickly debunked by an activist, Kayode Ogundamisi, who showed that the video was clickbait created via an online platform called ‘Video Spokesperson’ that allows purchasers to create such pretend or jocular videos for $30. The third instance of

Momodu dissembling was when he falsely posited that Femi Otedola had confirmed to him that he would run for Governor of Lagos. Otedola quickly said he never told Momodu such a thing. Momodu never replied to Otedola calling out this outrageous breach of truth and of friendship. It is in this context that we should view Momodu’s recent contribution to the genre of political fiction entitled ‘Buhari, Tinubu and the Abdication of Responsibility’, published in the January 12 edition of THISDAY Newspaper. In this article, Momodu complains that President Buhari intended for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to campaign in his stead. Momodu claimed this is why President Buhari named Asiwaju Tinubu as his campaign co-chair.

Momodu went into a verbal tirade that designating Tinubu as co- chairman was a historic abdication of presidential responsibility that should automatically disqualify the president’s re-election bid. One must feel sorry for Momodu. It seems that ever creeping envy has driven the mad hatter even madder.

Momodu squanders an entire page of valuable journalistic real estate on essentially a non-issue. My goodness, every presidential campaign I have ever heard of has a campaign organization wherein someone other than the candidate manages the daily operations of the campaign. Even Momodu’s new found hero, former VP Atiku Abubakar, has people managing his futile run for office. Strange that Momodu grouses about Buhari when Atiku is guilty of like infraction. In fact, objectivity would compel one to admit that a sitting president has a lot of work to do with regard to national governance. It would seem the sitting president has a greater reason to have someone manage his campaign. Atiku, the man of rich and easy leisure, has no such demands on his time and can devote himself fully to the pursuit of what he sees as the golden chalice.

Momodu knows well that every campaign needs a proper structure and an important

reason for that structure is to create a division of labour whereby the candidate can focus on those things that only the candidate can do.

If Momodu bothered to read the President’s statement on this matter, he would have seen that Asiwaju was to oversee day-to-day operations on the president’s behalf but not campaign in his stead.

President Buhari made it clear that he would campaign. Putting a lie to Momodu’s speculation, the president, after the inauguration of the presidential campaign council, attended the January 12 campaign rally in Bauchi. Let’s be honest here. Momodu is not mad about the president attending or not attending a campaign rally. Momodu is mad that the president has been governing without making recourse to the fount of wisdom that Momodu believes only he possesses.

The president’s crime is that he did not put Momodu first. Thus, Momodu wants to put the president last. Momodu is the type of person who upon seeing a happy parade pass by rushes to call his friends that he just saw a funeral procession simply because the parade organizers were at fault by failing to designate him the grandmaster of their affair. Momodu is an interloper cum laude.

Since his paymasters have hired him to attack the president, he will do what a hired larynx is paid to do- shout at every opportunity. Imagine if the president had taken the opposite approach and told us that he is placing governance on hold so that he could focus on the campaign. Momodu would have excoriated the president to no end. Momodu would have shouted that the president was sacrificing governance of the nation in order to satisfy his personal ambitions. Now, when the president places his personal wellbeing in the back seat, Momodu claims this is an abdication of duty. I am familiar with the duties the constitution bestows on our chief executive.

I am much less familiar with any law or even moral obligation that requires a president to

campaign as Dele Momodu would have it. If such a rule exists, it exists only in the selfconceit of its author.

Yet, even in the interstices of his retreating moral conscience, Momodu must admit to himself that the president’s position that he will focus on governance but campaign as required is the most stately and appropriate stance any leader could take. Trying to turn the practice of every decent president in all democratic societies into an offense because President Buhari is involved merely shows the shallow nature of the opposition. They believe that they can turn a speck of ice into a raging fire just by screaming long and loud enough.

They may try as is their right to do, but they ought not to complain when one points out how foolish they look in attempting the futile task.

In another section of his article, Momodu takes a clumsy broadside swipe in an attempt to create disaffection between the President and Vice-President. He claimed that the president only fully allows the VP to operate when the president is out of country and the VP becomes the acting president. This argument is meretricious in the extreme. The Vice-President can only be given the powers of Acting President when the President is out of country. When the president is in Nigeria, he cannot well cede his powers to the VP. If he did such a thing, it would be abdication of constitutional and legal authority several magnitudes greater than the false abdication that gave rise to Momodu’s article and crocodile tears. How can Momodu logically rail against this imaginary abdication yet promote an abdication of a much more grievous nature?

He can do so because logic and truth mean nothing to him. He was hired to spit fire and before you spit fire you must first eat it.

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

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5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͷ, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 11.07 % ͯ​ͯ˛Ͷʹ ϱ

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

12 % 12.60 % 12.75 %

F E B R U A R Y S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

364.70 % 0.21 % 2.16 %

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

1 , 2 0 1 9 S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 2.16 % YEAR TO DATE 2.16 %

EXCHANGE RATE N306.75/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes MAN’s Rector Bags Award

COURTESY VISIT

R-L: President MESV/Board member, Roland Abonta; Chairman, Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Nweke Umezuruike; Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Ahmed Kuru; Executive Director, Mr. Aminu Ismail; Board Member, ESVARBON, Mr. Victor Alonge; Executive Director, AMCON, Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze and Group Head, Resolution, Mr. Joshua Ikioda, when ESVARBON team visited AMCON in Abuja…recently

FG Urged to Review Auto Policy Eromosele Abiodun Customs agents in the country have advocated for a total review of the Auto policy to address the shortfall inherent in the implementation of the policy that affects the economy.

The National President, Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), the umbrella body of customs agents in the country, Mr. Lucky Amiwero stated this in a petition addressed to the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed.

The automotive policy was introduced in 2013 by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan but was strengthened and re-launched by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari early in 2018.

AVIATION In many countries around the world, the automotive industry plays both a strategic and catalytic role in economic development and the objective of the national automotive policy is to restore assembly and develop local content, thus, creating employment, acquiring technology and reducing pressure on the country’s balance of payment.

However, the customs agents believe that the shortfall inherent in the implementation of the policy has resulted in unemployment, non-affordability of the local domestic production, non-availability of the local domestic production, high tariff, which is the highest in the subregion, diversion of vessels to

other West African states with our freight component, lack of mass transit system in our transport space due to high duty levied on all vehicles and the loss of lives by the Customs officers on daily bases due to the demand on Vehicles.

In the petition titled, “The Need to Review the Automotive Policy in Line with the Present Impact on the Economy and International Global Automotive Standard, “they stressed the need for a review of the policy as a result of the impact on the economy and the campaign promise of the Buhari’s government.

“The impact associated with the implementation of the Auto policy is as follows: the huge loss of Customs revenue to government that depend on the seven per cent collection from

import duty; massive smuggling due to high demand of motor vehicles in the country as a result of non-availability of affordable domestic production that is not yet in place to meet up with domestic demand; the high cost of purchase of vehicles in the country due to the increase of tariff from previous duty rate of five per cent,10 per cent 20 per cent and 35 per cent to the present rate of 35 per cent -70 per cent on all imported vehicles as against our neighbouring West African countries rate.

“The diversion of motor carrying vessels to neighbouring West African ports, as a result of the non-availability and affordability of the domestic production, lack Continued on page 22

IATA: Air Transport to Lift 4.6bn Passengers in 2019 Chinedu Eze Air transport is expected to move 4.6 billion persons from one destination to another in 2019 and also transport 66 million tonnes of cargo in the same period.

This was disclosed by the Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alexandre de Juniac, in his remarks at the CAPA Aeropolitical and Regulatory Affairs Summit recently.

He said for some countries to maximise the benefits of air transport, state governments must make and implement policies that promote air travels and lower charges in order to make airline business profitable in some countries.

Juniac, also said government must ensure that they work in

ECONOMY tandem with global standards in terms of safety, pricing and infrastructure development.

He, therefore, urged governments to consult with the industry while enunciating policies that would guide air transport operations.

“The industry’s footprint extends to every corner of the earth. Never before have we been so connected to each other. And as the density of global connectivity grows each year, the world becomes more prosperous,” Juniac said.

He said IATA has been working with governments of states directly and through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in order to produce regulations that would enable aviation to realise its global objective.

“On the one hand, that means working with governments directly and through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to produce regulation that enables aviation to fulfil its mission as the Business of Freedom.

“On the other hand, it means rallying the airlines to agree global standards that support the global system.

“To complete the metaphor, global standards and regulation work hand-in-hand to make flying safe, efficient and sustainable. And by sustainable, I mean both in terms of the environment and the industry’s finances,” Juniac said.

He said IATA encourages smarter regulations, which is a concept the organisation has been promoting for several years.

“Smarter regulation results

from dialogue between the industry and governments focused on solving real problems. That discussion should be guided by global standards and informed by a rigorous costbenefit analysis. In doing so, it avoids unintended and counterproductive consequences.

“At its best, smarter regulation is proactive. That’s how we achieved CORSIA—the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. This is a game-changing global agreement on climate change that will enable aviation to achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020,” he said.

According to him, since 2019, all airlines have been monitoring their emissions from international flights which they report to their governments.

Continued on page 22

TheRector,MaritimeAcademyofNigeria(MAN),Oron,CommodoreDuja EmmaEffedua,haswontheMaritimeCEOoftheyearawardattheNewsDirect eighthAnniversaryLecture/ExcellenceAwardsheldinLagosrecently.

TheawardwhichwaspresentedbytheDirectorGeneraloftheLagosChamber ofCommerceandIndustry(LCCI),Mr.MudaYusuf,citedthetransformation ofNigeria’sforemostmaritimeinstitutionbytheEffedua-ledmanagement asmajorcriteriafortheaward.

Someofthecriterialistedbytheorganisersoftheawardincludedreviewof MAN’scurriculumwithimputsfromtheInternationalMaritimeOrganisation (IMO), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), REFASTofGhanaandtheNigerianMaritimeAdministrationandSafety Agency(NIMASA);remodellingandrenovationofseveralclassroomsand lecturetheatresequippedwithsmartelectronicsboards;remodellingof theAcademy’sabandonedswimmingpool;remodellingoftheAcademy’s library and auditorium; procurement of several books of reference that weredistributedtocadets;reviewofcadets’standingordersandacademic regulations; organisation of training seminars and workshops for staff; OngoingnegotiationwiththeShipOwnersAssociationofNigeria(SOAN) for on-board ship training for cadets; Introduction of free mandatory short courses for cadets; Renovation of MAN, Oron medical centre; and commencementofstaffaudit.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Rector, the Acting Registrar of the Academy, Mr. Peter Nelson, expressed the desire of the Effedua-led management to bring more innovations to the institute despite limited resources at its disposal. Among such efforts was the ongoing plan to procuresimulatorsfortheacademyfromIndia

Arik Launches Valentine Promo

Arik Air, Nigeria’s major carrier is availing customers the opportunity of celebratingthisyear’sValentinewiththeirlovedonesbylaunchingaspecial promotionwhereguestscansaveupto50percentoncompaniontickets.

To enjoy this promotion, a couple needs to buy one economy class ticket andget50percentdiscountonthesecondticket.Thispromotionalticket isavailableacrossallArikAirnetwork.

The Valentine promotion is available for sale from February 1st to 14th, 2019fortravelthroughoutFebruary2019.

SpeakingabouttheValentinepromotion,ArikAir’sChiefExecutiveOfficer, CaptainRoyIlegbodusaid,“Valentine’sDayisforthecelebrationofloveand affection,thusthispromotionalofferisArikAir’slittlewayofshowingour customershowmuchwecare.

“Ouraimistofosteramemorabletravelexperienceamongpeople.”

ThepromotionalofferisavailableatanyofArikAir’sairportandcityoffices oronline.

Emirates Woos NigerianTravellers

Emirates has introduced an innovative new function on its app to allow Nigeriancustomerscreatebespokeplaylistsaheadoftheirflightandsync ittotheirseatsonceonboard.

Customers can plan their trip more effectively, and maximise their onboard experience by using the Emirates app to browse the expansive entertainmentcatalogueatanytime.Ice,Emirates’award-winninginflight entertainmenthasreachedanewmilestoneofover4,000channelsofondemandentertainment.Thecatalogueincludesover1,000movies,more than any other airline, popular television box sets, tens of thousands of musictracks,podcastsandgames.

With this, Nigerian Travellers can get to watch the highly celebrated Nollywoodmovies.

Similarly,theycangetentertainedwithotherAfricanmovies.

NigerianmusicplaylistsavailableoniceforthemonthofFebruaryinclude music by Fela Kuti, Davido’s ‘Son of Mercy EP’,WizKid’s ‘Sounds from the OtherSide’,andBurnaBoy’s‘Outside’.OtherAfricanmusictochoosefrom areDjGanyani’sHouseGrooves,BestofYvonneChakaChaka,AfricanPop Mix,andDiamondPlatnumz’sABoyfromTandale.

TravellerscansynctheirentertainmentselectionsAploaheadoftravelby first booking a flight on Emirates App, and then visit ‘My trips’ on the app to see what’s showing on ICE, after which they will be expected to scroll through thousands of movies, TV shows, music and podcasts, pick out their favourites, and add them to the playlist, and the playlist is ready to takehimonboard.ThetravellerwillthenbeexpectedtoconnecttoWifion boardandpairhisplaylistwiththeseatbackscreenafterwhichheenters theseatbacknumber.Thatway,pairingiscompleteandsohecansitback andenjoyapersonalizedentertainment.

“In a short while, I assure you we will stop anybody importing tomato paste into this country. It is going to happen faster than people think.

So, let the smugglers beware; production not smuggling; production not importation – definitely not importation of what we can produce” Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,

Audu Ogbeh

22

T H I S D AY Ëž Íś, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD FG URGED TO REVIEW AUTO POLICY of mass transit in the country and local demand on the missing link in transportation in the country; the reduction of the maritime work force by 70 per cent, which affects mostly licensed Customs agents, importers, dealers and Nigerians abroad.â&#x20AC;?

They added that the policy has led to reduction of activities by 40 per cent in the operation of terminal operators who are to pay federal government based on Cargo throughput earnings and shipping companies, that has drastically affected their activities, which result to retrenchments The policy, they added, has led to the relocation of Nigeria freight component which generates employment and generate wealth to the nation to other West African ports, that is terminal charges/other charges to terminal operators, shipping companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; charges and licensed Customs agentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; charges, which is supposed to accrue to Nigerian port operators and government.

IATA: AIR TRANSPORT TO LIFT 4.6BN PASSENGERS IN 2019

Junaic, however lamented that more people want to fly than airports have the capacity to accommodate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The solution is to build more capacity. But that is not happening fast enough. So, we have a globally-agreed system to allocate slots at capacity constrained airports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today the Worldwide Slot Guidelines (WSG) is being used at about 200 airports accounting for 43 per cent of global traffic,â&#x20AC;? he disclosed.

He said some governments have tried to tinker with the system but IATA has fiercely resisted such moves because allocating a slot at Tokyo, for example, means nothing if there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a corresponding slot available at the destination at the required time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The system will only work if the parties at both ends of a route are using the same rules.

Tinkering by any participant messes it up for everybody! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like any system, it can always be improved. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we are working with Airports Council International (ACI) on optimisation proposals,â&#x20AC;? he said.

NEWS

Peterside: Nigeria, Gulf of Guinea Safe Hub for International Trade Stories by Eromosele Abiodun

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stated that efforts by the federal government to check piracy will provide the necessary assurance to foreign investors that Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, to a large extent, is a safe hub for international trade.

Speaking shortly after the unveiling of the Nigerian Maritime Forecast 2019-2020 in Lagos, Peterside opined that the maritime sector has the potential of increasing greatly its contribution to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gross domestic products (GDP) in no distant future, as the country has the biggest market in Africa.

He noted that the country generates about 65-67 per cent of cargo throughput in West Africa, and 65 per cent of all cargo heading for these regions will most likely end up in the Nigerian market.

He stated that the maritime sector remains a pivot to the stability and growth of the economy, hence the need to provide guidance to industry players as it will attract more foreign direct investment and ultimately improve the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gross domestic product (GDP).

On the regulatory aspect of the 2019 forecast, he stated that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is expected that the Maritime Offenses Bill (Anti-Piracy) will be passed into law within the margin of the 8th National Assembly to provide a robust and detailed

framework to criminalise and punish piracy and unlawful acts in the Nigerian maritime domain as well as give further expression to the relevant provisions of the International Maritime Convention on maritime security to which Nigeria is a party. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Other Bills that would impact on the sector are National Transport Commission Bill, Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, National Inland Waterways Authority Amendment Bill, Coastal and Inland Shipping

(Cabotage) Amendment/Revised Bill and Ports and Harbour Bill.â&#x20AC;?

He said stakeholders in the Nigeria maritime sector may contend with challenges such as funding, ethnological change, supply of specialised maritime industry skill set, and efficiency of Ports and Shipping Companies amongst others in 2019.

Peterside, who observed that the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) is not adequate to handle the huge demand for maritime assets, noted that

the agency is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to push for funds at single digit interest rate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is instructive to note that the domestic conditions for the maritime sector in 2019 looks tighter considering the budgetary proposal of N8.83 trillion when compared to the approved N9.12trillion naira appropriated in the 2018 national budget. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is noteworthy that while growth in the global maritime

sector is expected to slow over the next five years with crude oil projected to decline by 0.1 per cent, containerized trade to decline by 0.4 per cent and seaborne trade by 0.2 per cent, Total fleet increase was projected at slightly over 4 per cent growth for both 2019 and 2020. The baseline forecast is based on the 2018 outcome and 2019 Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) forecast for total trade and foreign reserve,â&#x20AC;? he said.

BUSINESS EXPANSION

L-R: Former Commandant-General of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Executive Director, Business Development, FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith; Manager, Abeokuta Branch, Mr. Emmanuel Egbetade and Regional Head, South-west, Mr. Adelaja Adeleye, during the inauguration of new FCMB cash centre at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogunâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

â&#x20AC;ŚSays Multilateral Cooperation Key to Vessel Safety The Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stated that the agency created operational conditions that have prompted a turnaround in prospects for maritime safety and successful utilisation of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enormous marine resources.

Peterside stated this while delivering a lecture on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maritime Safety and Shipping Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,â&#x20AC;?at the National Defence College in Abuja.

He said NIMASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total spectrum maritime security strategy had engendered significant improvement in maritime safety and security in the country.

The other measures adopted by the agency to better the state of safety and security in the marine environment, he

said include acquisition and utilisation of marine technology infrastructure (maritime domain awareness); improved compliance monitoring and enforcement activities; training/ re-training; and conscious efforts to ensure adequate funding for the maritime sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have moved from enforcement to education and enlightenment, to get operators to understand why they should comply with the rules and the risks in not complying, as well as help them to comply, â&#x20AC;? he said Speaking further at the event, which had participation from several African countries, Peterside called for multilateral cooperation, especially among African countries, to ensure vessel safety and enhance opportunities for the exploitation of marine resources, saying maritime security is a global

problem. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shipping, perhaps, is the most globalised of all great industries in the world. Approximately 90 per cent of world trade is transported by ships. Such as the case of Nigeria, this figure is close to 95 per cen. There are over 50,000 merchant ships trading internationally today, manned by more than a million seafarers and carrying every kind of cargo. Thus, the safety of vessels is critical to the global economy,â&#x20AC;? he stated.

The NIMASA boss said maritime safety had moved from the approach of tending to react to marine incidents only after their occurrence to a proactive regime entailing the prior initiation of solutions based on risk analysis.

He said research had shown that most maritime accidents in Nigeria resulted from human

factors, stressing that industry actors have a greater role to play in the new approach to maritime safety, as they have a better control over the human elements. He said NIMASA was tackling the human factors that could imperil shipping in the country through its improved enforcement and monitoring mechanisms.

Underscoring the role of the human factor in the efforts to ensure safety of vessels, Peterside said a study of marine accidents/ incidents in Nigeria between 2016 and 2018 showed that 38 per cent resulted from collision (poor vessel traffic) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; human error; 19 per cent resulted from fire explosion; 12 per cent was due to capsize; grounding and sinking accounted for eight per cent each; and oil spill caused 15 per cent.

He identified the challenges as-

sociated with maritime safety and shipping development in Nigeria to include poor compliance with regulations, insufficient manning, professional competence issues, lack of capital, piracy, inadequate technological infrastructure, and pollution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NIMASA has continuously dealt with safety challenges in the context of operations, management, surveying, ship registration, and the role of administration.

Since international maritime safety has moved from a largely prescriptive and reactive safety scheme to a risk-based proactive regime, responsibility for safety is being placed on those in the industry to set out and create new perspectives on risk-based decision making. Hence, the way forward would be to adopt a Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) framework for maritime safety management,â&#x20AC;? Peterside stated.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lagos Transport Policy Designed to Address Challenges Plaguing Sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

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

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

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

Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Ladi Lawanson has said that the policy designed to address the challenges plaguing the transport sector of the state, which is occasioned by the rapid population growth of migrants from other parts of the country, was very vital to the growth of the state.

He stated this while speaking at a stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meeting on the proposed Transport Policy held in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The transport policy, he stated, would ensure the development of the transport sector in light of the realities of the global/ national economy and state fiscal situation.

According to him, transportation played a significant role in shaping and growing economies and hoped that the deliberations at the event would to decisions that would set the state on a better course in that regard Lawanson admonished ECommerce transporters who were not registered and licensed to work in Nigeria and did not pay tax to the government to have a rethink soonest or face the wrath of the relevant laws should they fail to cooperate with the State governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s respond in this regard.

Specifically, he said the state is bearing the weight of its 23 million population with 93 per

cent of them as active road users who made an average of 40 million trips daily.

Dean, School of Transport at the Lagos State University, Professor Samuel Odewunmi, in his paper at the event said the degree of investment in the sector would be determined by efficacy of the policy and proposed the establishment of the Transport Advisory Committee which would bring together relevant Ministries to the management of transport sector to create a comprehensive structure.

While noting that the Ministry of Transportation had to be reorganised for this responsibility

to install the needed framework to create and manage a dynamic transport system to meet the present and future needs of the state, Odewunmi said the Committee would harmonise their transportersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; operations for seamless and well-coordinated results as well as ensure continuous human capacity development while updating materials needed during this process to ensure professionalism, synergy in implementation and periodic review of the policy.

Other speakers at the forum urged the state government to explore other modes of transportation and enumerated the technicalities associated

with improving each mode of transportation, including policy strategies required to achieve the goal of Lagos State government in transportation.

In his remark, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Dr. Taiwo Olufemi Salaam, appreciated participantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for their support and contributions towards the formulation of a robust transport policy and assured them of the Ministryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment towards improving the transport sector of the state.

He also stated that the Ministry was currently negotiating with Industrial Bank for the Transport Trust Fund to help transporters meet set standards.

23

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͷ, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NDLEA Nabs Man with 77 Wraps of Cocaine Stories by Chinedu Eze The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a suspected drug trafficker in an alleged bid to smuggle out 77 wraps of Cocaine, weighing one kilogram.

Adam Abubakar Muhammed, aged 50, had ingested 77 wraps of the banned substance, but was nabbed during the outward screening of passengers of Tarco Airline to Khartoum, Sudan.

According to the NDLEA Commander of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, Ambrose Umoru, the suspect who hails from Maiduguri, Borno

State, basking in the validity of his “charms” had boasted to persons close to him that no amount of screening by the agency would expose him.

Muhammad, had initially tested negative when he was x-rayed, only for him to start excreting the illicit substance when he was kept under observation based on reliable intelligence.

Muhammed, who is only fluent in Kanuri was interpreted as confessing that he accepted the offer of N800, 000 for him to carry the drugs to enable him revive his hide and skin business.

He had equally gone into the

sale of firewood but could not meet up his financial obligations.

Only recently, the agency’s Yobe State Command intercepted 360.6 kilograms of Cannabis sativa concealed in a false compartment of a J5 Peugeot. Two suspects, Garba Mohammed and Umar Baba were in company of the consignments, which they had gone to procure from Edo State, only to be apprehended in Damaturu, the State capital of Yobe.

The suspects used the false bottom compartment to create the impression that they were driving an empty truck to up north to lift some items

Spat over Leased Aircraft

Airbus, Dassault Systèmes Embark on Strategic Partnership Airbus and Dassault Systèmes have signed a five-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to cooperate on the implementation of collaborative 3D design, engineering, manufacturing, simulation and intelligence applications.

This would enable Airbus to take a major step forward in its digital transformation and lay the foundation for a new European industrial ecosystem in aviation.

Under the MOA, Airbus would deploy Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which delivers digital continuity, from design to operations, in a single data model for a unified user experience, making digital design, manufacturing and services (DDMS) a company-wide reality for all Airbus divisions and product lines.

DDMS paves the way for breakthroughs in new product design, operational performance,

support and maintenance, customer satisfaction and new business models, as it represents a move from sequential to parallel development processes. Instead of first focusing on product performance, Airbus will be able to co-design and develop the next generation of aircraft with the manufacturing facilities that will produce them, reducing costs and time to market.

“We are not just talking about digitalisation or a 3D experience, we are rethinking the way aircraft are designed and operated, streamlining and speeding up our processes with customer satisfaction in mind.” said President Airbus Commercial Aircraft, Guillaume Faury.

“DDMS is a catalyst for change and with it we are building a new model for the European aerospace industry with state of the art technology. Our target is a robust production setup that offers a reduction

in product development lead time,” Faury added.

“Nothing exemplifies the intersection of technology, science and art more than aviation.

When we reflect on how the industry has evolved to where it is today, it’s a blend of technical prowess, digital precision and inspiration,” said Vice Chairman and CEO, Dassault Systèmes, Bernard Charlès.

“The Aerospace industry has a proven track record of fast transformation, faster than in most industries. It delivers high quality innovation and new services for operations in highly complex and regulated environments.

“The 3DEXPERIENCE platform will accelerate the digital transformation of Airbus. Airbus can capture insights and expertise from across its ecosystem to deliver new experiences that only the digital world makes possible,” he added.

Qatar, EU Conclude Negotiations on Air Transport Agreement European Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, Mrs. Violeta Bulc, has announced that the European Union and the State of Qatar have concluded negotiations for a landmark Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.

The State of Qatar and the European Union today announced that they have concluded negotiations for a landmark Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.

This historic agreement will be the first of its kind ever between the EU and a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state, providing a significant competitive edge to air carriers of both sides and a sustainable framework for future operations. As a result, all air carriers from the 28 European Union member states and Qatar now have unlimited and unrestricted access to their respective territories.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said, “Through these negotiations, both sides have demonstrated that positive engagement can build trust among nations, so they can embrace the benefits of competition. Our hope is that the success of these negotiations will encourage other trading blocs

and significant aviation markets to join in achieving a liberalised global aviation regime for future generations.

“The agreement will offer a common platform for airlines in Europe and Qatar to understand each other better, creating new opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.

“We approach the principle of fair competition very simply: fair access to markets, competing for market share based on products and services of what the customer wants and is willing to purchase.”

European Commission Director General Mobility and Transport, Mr. Henrik Hololei, said, “We are very pleased to have concluded our negotiations with the State of Qatar here in Doha today. Thanks to the strong commitment of all parties, we have managed to reconcile our differences and found common ground through honest engagement and open dialogue.”

As part of this agreement, the State of Qatar and the EU have taken bold steps by agreeing to articles on: fair competition, environment, consumer protection, social aspects, and transparency, as well as the inclusion of a doingbusiness provision, which exempts EU carriers from the obligation to hire a local General Sales Agent

in Qatar.

Through this historic agreement, which was announced during the CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit in Doha, the State of Qatar has demonstrated once again that despite the ongoing intra-regional geopolitical tensions due to the illegal blockade imposed on the nation, it remains a leader on the global stage.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of more than 230 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more than 160 destinations worldwide.

A multiple-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.

Qatar Airways has launched an array of exciting new destinations recently, including Gothenburg, Sweden; Mombasa, Kenya and Da Nang, Vietnam. The airline will add a number of new destinations to its extensive route network in 2019, including Malta, as well as many more.

DG, NCAA, Usman

Chinedu Eze Aircraft charter operator, Top Brass Aviation has been battling the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over an aircraft it leased some years ago and when the lessor went to recover the aircraft because the terms of agreement were not met, the company allegedly resisted the recovery.

But in accordance to the principles of Cape Town Convention, which enables mostly airline operators in developing countries to lease aircraft and which mandates the regulatory authority to recover such aircraft when the terms of lease are breached, the NCAA has to facilitate the lessor to recover its aircraft.

But that action enraged the Managing Director of Top Brass Aviation, Roland Iyayi, who insisted that it was the lessor of the aircraft, Seagold Investment Limited that breached the terms of leasing the equipment.

The aircraft was a Bombardier Dash 8 (Q300).

Iyayi, the Top Brass boss took NCAA to court over the matter, for helping the lessor to recover the aircraft.

But the Director General of NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman said by reneging the terms of agreement for leasing, some Nigerian airlines have damaged the image of the country in the global aviation market and made it difficult for lessors to lease aircraft to Nigerian operators.

Such bad image, he said, has also affected even the acquisition of spares and made insurance companies to be circumspect about insuring Nigerian airlines aircraft.

It has also contributed in making the global aviation community see Nigeria as a harsh environment for business.

This has reflected in the high insurance premium Nigerian airlines pay, which is the highest in West Africa and more than double what is paid in Europe.

Muhtar, noted that by helping the lessors recover their aircraft, the NCAA was merely abiding by the Cape Town Convention protocol, which Nigeria is, signatory to and also giving hope to lessor that they would always recover their aircraft if the airline that leased it defaulted on the terms of leasing.

“The aim of having the Cape Town Convention is to help, especially African airlines to be able to get leases easily and at affordable prices.

“Of course, it came with certain conditions because the people who are going to lease will always need to have some kind of comfort that if there is any default they will be able to recover their mobile equipment, aircraft, engine or anything along that line.

“Before we became signatory to Cape Town Convention, cost of leases were quite high and difficult to come by because of the difficulty experienced

by those lessors in getting back their aeroplanes whenever there were defaults from the airlines.

“Of course, Nigeria has signed, we have ratified and we have even started implementing those provisions. The only problems with the implementation which we have been working to try and remove is where the airline which has leased the aircraft will go to court and ask for an ex-parte motion or order to stop the aircraft from either being de-registered or taken out of Nigeria,” Usman said.

He said that NCAA has been working with the Judiciary through the Ministry of Justice to educate the Judiciary on the need to ensure that those Cape Town Convention provisions are maintained.

“As far as we are concerned, our own is to ensure that the airlines adhere to the rules. We help to recover the aircraft where somebody has defaulted in line with the agreement signed and we have done it with one or two airlines.

“We are working very hard with the Judiciary to remove that bottleneck so that more airlines will be able to attract and get leases at affordable prices which will translate even into lower cost to the passenger,” he added.

Reacting to the court case instituted against NCAA by Top Brass boss for allegedly tampering with the aircraft, Usman said the authority would meet the airline in court.

He stressed that NCAA had to assist the lessor in recovering the aircraft because any country that negates the recovery or repossessing principles is blacklisted and airline operators that are registered in that country would not be able to lease aircraft for commercial and even private operation.

So NCAA said it would take cautious steps to respond to allegation of aircraft tampering levelled against it by the owner of Top Brass, Mr. Iyayi.

Usman, who expressed surprise at the allegation against the NCAA, said since the case was in the court of law, he would rather keep silent and wait till it goes through the processes.

“First of all, I am not in the know of any tampering of any aircraft because the company did not put its aircraft under the watch of NCAA and I believe that as a responsible organisaiton, we should not be discussing a case that is before the court.

“I am surprised that Top Brass is being mentioned everywhere. We will respect the court. We will wait until the outcome of the judgment before we will make any pronouncement. However, Nigeria is a signatory to the Cape Town Convention, which helps especially African countries to get access to lease of aircraft.

“In the process, there are procedures, whoever that is leasing, signs an adherence, which allows the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to deregister aircraft when there are defaults,” he also explained.

24

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśË&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Fagbemi: Why We Are Restructuring NAHCO The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian Aviation Handing Company, Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi, in this interview says the move to restructure the organisation is to enhance its operations and boost revenue. Chinedu Eze brings the excerpts:

R

estructuring NAHCO Sometime in the middle of last year, we had some changes in the ownership structure of NAHCO. As a result of that change, the board of directors changed also. I joined the board as a non-executive member sometime in August. One of the things I tried to do with the former Managing Director was to look at the business review of the business itself because at every point in time, it is important for business like ours to go forward.

We cannot plan to move forward if we do not know where we are. So we had to invest and we are still investing with KPMG on a business review and as part of that review, the Board and the management went to Kigali for a strategy session and one of the things that came out of that which held in Kigali in November 2018, was that we have a new vision and mission and a new core statement and value and we decided that we will run as a group structure. If you look at the audited financial statement of our company, you will realise that we have three subsidiaries. We have NAHCO Energy and Power Infrastructure Company, NAHCO Free Trade Zone and the Mainland Cargo. All these companies were being run separately and what we hope to do is to put them together so we can get the full benefits of the business and based on that the former Managing Director resigned and I became the Group Managing Director in December 2018. Our new vision is not too far from the old vision we had, and that is to be the leading service provider and reshaping our chosen market. Our mission is to consistently provide exceptional services using professional teams, cutting edge technologies and leading practices to deliver value to all stakeholders and our differentiating competent is service excellence. We have added empathy to our core value. Our core values are safety, integrity, reliability, respect and empathy. Empathy for us is very important because we want to operate in the place of excellence so that we are not just saying we are delivering customer service but we are delivering customer service from the perspective of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;how do you feel?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and hopefully we believe that whether it is for the internal or external customer that come, it will be a great place for people to work. We want our turnover to grow by over five times and we want to grow across the Africa continent. We have a five-year strategic plan.

We are advising people to buy our shares now because in five yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time, this company by the grace of God will be different. I am not saying the journey will be smooth, but we will achieve it. Like I told every one of our staff, it is not our intention to lay off staff but it is our intention to get things right. We will do everything to improve our people. We are going to invest heavily in our people and in automation. Automation does not mean that people would be laid off. Despite automation, people will still be employed. I know usually when we have changes like this, the first thing is that people are afraid, but things will be different and we will bring more professionalism. NAHCO today is the leader in this industry and we want to maintain that leadership but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be the leader without using excellence service. We want to be the leader, driving the business with new innovations, with the right systems and right processes and using service excellence. In a nutshell, this is my story and it is very simple.

Investment in equipment and manpower development We are still fine-tuning the plan, which is why we are doing this with KPMG and we are going to set up a programme management office to drive it. We are looking at growth in the region of five to seven times which is achievable given the plans that we have.

Fagbemi

In terms of investment in equipment, in the last couple of months, we have invested about N1.9billion naira in equipment. You will begin to see the equipment by the end of the first quarter. By the end of the year, we will have spent about N3.6 billion in equipment. By September, we will have the next set of equipment coming in. That is what we are doing in terms of equipment.

We are going to have a master plan for our facilities. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give you the figure for this because it is based on what comes out of the master plan, but what we are doing immediately is to ensure that we refurbish what we have in terms of our facilities. We will make them look better and these include our buildings, the warehouses amongst others and improve on all the processes within the system. We are also drawing up a peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for our people. These things are strategic for us.

Like I told every one of our staff, it is not our intention to lay off staff but it is our intention to get things right. We will do everything to improve our people. We are going to invest heavily in our people and in automation.

Automation does not mean that people would be laid off

Wooing customers I am sure in business you lose customers, so I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say it is due to internal challenges because I have not done enough study to be able to tell you what the reasons are. What I will tell you is that we will do everything to retain the customers that we have. We will do everything to attract customers. We want to set new standards, bring professionalism into this service business. We know that as we improve on professionalism, the deserving customers will come to us.

Pricing In terms of price war, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell how much the other side is charging because they are based on agreements. The issue is that right now; we are ground handing business.

We are in a business where our customers are stronger than us. Most of them are the airlines and that is the challenge in this ground handling business. Most of these strong customers are in the cost-cutting mode.

So, essentially, there is no secret that this brings a lot of pressure on pricing. But one thing that I have begun to discuss is that we should ensure that pressure on price does not drive any company in terms of safety and security in the provision of services.

I will champion everything to ensure that the pressure on price does not compromise safety and security.

Rivalry and Lufthansaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s withdrawal of its shares from NAHCO We need to go back to the history of the two companies, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) and NAHCO and I have a fair idea of both. NAHCO was set up by the foreign airlines because there was a service gap at that time. Nigeria Airways had the Sky Power aviation handling company and they were handling Nigeria Airways and Nigeria Airways was the leader in the industry. On the other hand, there was a department in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that did some handing and so the foreign airlines were not getting as much value, so British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa all invested in the company.

They had 40 percent shares, 60 percent was for FAAN. This is how NAHCO started and most of the people that came in from the foreign side were going into NAHCO.

SAHCOL was set up strictly for Nigeria Airways and was focused for Nigeria Airways and was hardly doing business outside Nigeria Airways and maybe for the African Carriers.

As a business entity, I believe that SAHCOL took advantage of that impact that happened in the business and that fact that it was now on its own to become fully commercial.

So, SAHOL growth had started gradually from the 1990s and in fact the business environment is growing and more airlines are coming in. So, the market was getting bigger. NAHCOL and SAHCOL were getting bigger. There is no doubt that customers have left from NAHCOL to SAHCOL but also we have had customers leave from SAHCOL to NAHCO. This is the basis of a competitive environment. What you described as animosity between the two companies is actually issues of competition. There are areas of competitions and there are also areas we need to cooperate. We rent from them and they rent from us. We have areas in which we corporate.

In terms of determining price, we have to worry about the issues of trust. However, there has to be a part where we need to get the regulators to look at, such that we do not compete in such a manner that affect safety and security because that is most important thing when it comes to air transport. We need the regulators to help in ensuring that there is a rule that is clear, so I thing that if that is worked out, it will be better.

On the issue of Lufthansa, there is no problem with Lufthansa. Lufthansa is still one of our best clients. If you cast your mind back, a few years ago, most of the airlines began to divest from investment in handing companies; so it had nothing to do with Nigeria or NAHCO. It had to do with decisions taken from the headquarters for each of the airlines to say which business do we invest in and which business donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we invest in. So, each one of the airlines left NAHCO based on the decisions that were made at corporate levels to exit ground handling; not just in Nigeria but all over.

So leaving NAHCO was corporate decision taken in 2016 that finally came to this in 2018.

Managing the unions This is a unionised environment, so the best we will do is to manage the unions. As far as I am concerned, I think if the truth is told, decisions are better taken. So, for me what I have done is that everything is on the table, if you know how much we have made, then it is from what we make that we can use. Like I have told them, we have issues with our people and equipment, all these things require equipment. So, we have to put this into consideration. The negotiation for the condition of service started last year September and it went on for a while. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the issues that happened with the last Managing Director but I can confirm to you that all the basic issues in the condition of service, we have agreed on them and there is nothing that is outstanding with respect to the condition of service. We know that people always use different situations to address different other issues because when you are annoyed about something, if something happens you may react in another way. I think, as at now, there are no more issues between Union and management. We are on the same path. We have resolved the other issues and people have expressed themselves in various ways in terms of when the negotiations were going on, maybe to push the hand of management to be able to reach an agreed point but that point has been reached, so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any other thing that is going on.

So, I have the confidence and the word of the unions that they are working together to make this organisation.

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Expanding Financial Services Frontiers Over the years, the financial services industry in Nigeria has undergone various forms of transformation in terms of operations and service delivery as institutions seeks to satisfy their customers, writes Judith Obazee

I

ncreased sophistication in the lifestyle of people, changing tastes, demanding schedules, technological savviness, amongst other modern trends, have seen operators in the sector constantly reinventing the wheel to meet and satisfy the needs of the ever-dynamic environment as well as the populace.

Today, the assessment of financial institutions, particularly banks, is largely measured by their level of connection with their stakeholders and the customer-centric solutions they offer.

This fact was succinctly captured by Roy Spence, co-founder of GSD&M, a leading advertising firm in the United States, who declared that, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;every business needs to be in the business of improving customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; livesâ&#x20AC;?.

For FCMB Group Plc, a holding company in Nigeria, this declaration underlies the philosophy; serving as a roadmap in the firmsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive to attain the highest levels of customer advocacy as well as experience.

This is while also adding significant value to stakeholders.

The operating companies of FCMB Group, with Mr. Ladi Balogun as the Group Chief Executive, are divided along three business groups â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Commercial and Retail Banking (First City Monument Bank Limited, Credit Direct Limited, FCMB (UK) Limited and FCMB Microfinance Bank Limited); Investment Banking (FCMB Capital Markets Limited and CSL Stockbrokers Limited); and Asset & Wealth Management (FCMB Pensions Limited, First City Asset Management Limited and CSL Trustees Limited).

Having witnessed low and high moments in its many years of operation, the Group has continuously turned challenges to opportunities over the years to emerge as one of the leading institutions in corporate Nigeria.

This underpins the resilience, endurance, robustness and viability of the brand to sustainably deliver exceptional financial services to individuals, groups and organisations across segments. Indeed, the performance of FCMB has been on the uptick. And there is no gainsaying the fact FCMB has proved its mettle as an inclusive lender by being a big player in all sectors of the Nigerian economy. The enduring establishments are transferring prosperity by impacting on businesses and individual aspirations Business Diversification The Group successfully acquired Legacy Pension Managers Limited (now known as FCMB Pensions Limited) by increasing its stake in the company from 28.3 per cent to 91.6 per cent.

Speaking on the acquisition, Chairman of the Board of FCMB Pensions Limited and the Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;having distinguished ourselves in consumer finance over the years and gaining greater market share in retail payments solutions and savings accounts, a comprehensive suite of asset and wealth management propositions, is a natural addition to our growing base of 5 million customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have now harmonised the brand.

This will enable us create greater marketing synergies alongside other initiatives and accelerate the growth of our pensions business.

The change of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name will also entrench a single brand identity across our pensions and retail banking businessesâ&#x20AC;?.

Customer confidence in the FCMB Group remained strong, as its deposits grew by five per cent Quarter-on Quarter (QoQ), to N756 billion in September 2018, compared to N721.3 billion as the end of June 2018.

In addition, its nine months financial results saw a growth in its loans and advances, by three per cent QoQ to N601.9 billion in September 2018 as against N586 billion in June 2018, which is an indication of the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aggressive focus on financial

Balogun

intermediation and support for economic growth of the public and private sectors.

The impact of the subsidiaries on the overall performance of FCMB Group has been profound as evidenced by their solid performance.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), the retail and commercial banking-led subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc, has consolidated its position as a dominant brand by growing in leaps and bounds. The bank has continued to boost its customers acquisition drive in the retail segment of the banking industry.

It has also sustained the tempo of becoming a more convenient and accessible bank in alternate channels, with more than 800 ATMs spread across Nigeria as at the end of 2018 and over 15,000 Point of Sale (PoS) terminals deployed nationwide, while on-boarding almost 2 million customers on its electronic banking platforms. Added to these, is the strategic location of the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business outlets (branches and alternate channels) nationwide; providing prompt and convenient banking solutions as well as promoting financial inclusion in line with its values as a simple, reliable and helpful entity. So far, FCMB has 216 branches and cash centres in Nigeria Also, the bank has sustained its empowerment of customers through its reward scheme tagged: â&#x20AC;&#x153;FCMB Millionaire Promo.â&#x20AC;? Almost 50,000 customers have benefitted from the promo by winning cars, cash rewards of between N1 million and N2 million as well as gifts like television sets, power generating sets and phones, among others.

Support for SMEs In business banking, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), FCMB recorded a significant improvement in net revenue as at the end of 2018. FCMB offers several cutting-edge products, services and solutions to meet and satisfy the needs of businesses in this segment.

The lender has recently disbursed over N3.17billion to SMEs across the country under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention programme. The bank also offers free banking transactions for a period of three months to new to FCMB SME customers as well as free training and other capacity training programmes for businesses operating in this segment in partnership with private and public sector organisations, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Plans are also underway by FCMB to launch a proposition that offers zero-interest rate on loans to women-owned SMEs. In agribusiness, FCMB recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) in a move that would substantially

increase the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support to agribusiness, its value chain and overall growth of the Nigerian economy.

The pact outlines a framework to deepen agency banking, financial inclusion and savings culture in the informal and agribusiness sectors. The project involves FCMB rolling out an integrated savings account â&#x20AC;&#x201C; named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kampe Accountâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to offer financial services under phase one of its plan to 150,000 unbanked and under-banked farmers across five states through agricultural agents operating under the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agency banking proposition. The first set of states to benefit in this first phase are Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Ogun and Oyo. The plan is to reach 2 million farmers across the entire nation by year 2023.

In addition to the financial support to farmers, it is understood, FCMB is deploying its state-of-the art technology and mobilising banking solutions to drive the project mainly in the rural and sub-urban farm settlements where most farmers are based. The bank is organising capacity-building programmes for farmers, aimed at facilitating their understanding of the sector and promoting innovative ideas to make the sector more attractive, thereby facilitating job creation and in turn, impacting on productivity and income generation.

With regards to corporate banking business, the renewed liability and transaction driven approach of FCMB has seen the lender fund several projects aimed at growing the Nigerian economy. In the oil and gas sector, the bank was the major financier of the

300 million litres tank farm of Petrolex Oil and Gas Limited, located at Ibefun town in Ogun state, which was commissioned in December 2017.

The lender also provided the funds for the construction of the 66,000 metric tonnes capacity petroleum products tank farm of Menj Oil Limited in Ijegun, Lagos. Moreover, FCMB wholly financed the construction of the new 155-room Radisson Blu Hotel at Ikeja GRA in Lagos. The Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos, which is the third in Nigeria and second in Lagos, was opened in 2018.

Speaking on these developments and the outlook for the year 2019, the Managing Director of FCMB, Mr. Adam Nuru, said, the bank has a great foundation to continue to build on and being confident of its strategy, will achieve the necessary resilience. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;We know we will need constant change, innovation capability and high productivity to thrive in a progressively fierce competitive environment. Based on this, we have a renewed strong commitment to our digital transformation journey with aggressive investments in putting the right structures in place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is expected to facilitate efficiency in our operations and fuel our efforts to create the right momentum; expand our share of the market and increase our wallet-share of existing customers. We will leverage our digital capabilities to reduce our cost-to-serve; grow non-interest income; and improve our agility as a bank to deepen intimacy with our customers,â&#x20AC;? he stated.

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THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

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

Daniel Olurin: Food Has Always Been My First Love

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COVER DANIEL OLURIN: FOOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY FIRST LOVE Daniel Olurin, Executive Chef of Maison Fahrenheit, started his professional career as a chef back in London for a few years. His love for travelling and culinary expedition took him to the United Arab Emirates where he set up the first African Fusion restaurant in Dubai called KIZA. In this interview with MARY NNAH, he talks about his journey back to Nigeria where he continues to explore all things culinary. Excerpts: What do you find most challenging about your job?

We chefs go through several challenges within the industry but if I’m to pick one out, it will be that we are sometimes undervalued in this part of the continent.

There’s a misconception that says “food is food”. I stand to correct this because being a chef is not just about cooking a random meal. A lot of training and expertise goes into the art of being a chef. It’s a profession and Culinary Arts is indeed a form of art and such masterpieces must be celebrated and rewarded.

What inspired your career in culinary art?

The Arts is something I was born to do.

It’s my life, it’s my passion. From a very young age, I dreamt of living a life where my dreams would be valid and I’ll be able to evoke change within my industry. Food has always been my first love and being able to consistently merge it with total hospitality experience remains very fulfilling.

What’s your international experience as a chef?

I started my professional career as a chef immediately after completing my Chef Training and Studies in Aviation back in London, UK. I worked as a chef for a few years within the music industry where I was able to meet a host of A List music artists. This was very fulfilling but my love for travelling and culinary expedition took me to the United Arab Emirates to set up the first African Fusion restaurant in Dubai called KIZA. This was a very rewarding journey but my love for Africa brought me to Nigeria where I continue to explore and redefine.

Tell us about your engagement with the Maison brand and is there an extra motivation for clients to want their events hosted here?

Maison Fahrenheit is a unique space. The conceptual design inspiration is very avantgarde, therefore making it a space that is well sought after. We host series of events here ranging from Fashion Parties to Friday night rooftop parties to specially curated events such the upcoming Valentines threecourse dining experience. There’s always something new happening here at Maison Fahrenheit.

Maison Fahrenheit continues to maintain its position in the market as a trend setter and a one stop destination for the leisure travellers, business travellers and families who want that extra comfort, care and substance.

The reception of Maison Fahrenheit is basically as the saying goes “First Impressions are lasting impressions”. The thought behind the design is to welcome you with a few design elements that are translated as your journey through the entire hotel.

What makes your food unique?

Food is a personal affair for me and I am able to translate my thoughts, processes and feelings into the art of food. I want my guests to enjoy memorable mouthwatering experiences when they dine with me. It’s very important that I take my guests through a culinary experience, a journey that awakens their sensory glands and evoke the “Je ne sais quoi” factor.

Do your guests come here more for the food or more for the hospitality and comfort herein?

Hospitality encapsulates the total offerings of the brand and I must say that food is a muse of bringing people together.

Majority of the guests that come to Maison enjoy a total lifestyle experience of Food, Fashion and Arts.

Asides the food, what would you recommend to a guest patronising Maison?

Olurin

Maison Fahrenheit hospitality services are very personal. We make sure that every guest is personally catered to. Every department within the hotel makes it a priority to ensure that every guest remains extremely happy right from the point of checking in to enjoying the room service amenities and signature cocktails at the rooftop under the stars.

Valentine’s Day is coming; does the hotel have any plans to celebrate lovers’ day?

Valentine’s Day is a day we take very personal here and the year is going to be an amazing experience. We are doing a threecourse Lover’s Affair Dinner at La Spiga.

There will be also be a DJ till the early hours at the Rue80 rooftop where we are set to host the singles who just want to have fun in the urban trendy hotel.

How does this hotel make your job easy and fun?

For me, it is very important to align my brand with a brand that embodies my brand, my values and my objectives and Maison Fahrenheit is such brand that not only fulfils

Food is a personal affair for me and I am able to translate my thoughts, processes and feelings into the art of food. I want my guests to enjoy memorable mouthwatering experiences when they dine with me

those values and qualities, but enables me to continually discover and rediscover elements of myself and that is why I love what I do. The hotel is a brand that is continually evolving so there are always fun factors here at work.

From your experience do people prefer to eat in their rooms or at the hotels restaurants?

Guests always have the freedom of choice to dine at any of our food and beverage outlets which range from La Spiga restaurant, Rue 80 Roof and of course at “WET” which is the poolside where a range of poolside canapés and cocktails can be enjoyed. Guests who want that little extra comfort without bumping into any familiar faces normally prefer to enjoy their freshly prepared cuisine in their rooms however, guests who want to interact with our team of friendly waiters and mixologists normally prefer to dine in style at the restaurant.

How easy would it be for me to book in and have a dinner, a quality rest and an early morning breakfast before I catch my first flight out of Lagos?

The location of the Hotel is right in the heart of Victoria Island and is at close proximity to most major destinations including the international airport. All the rooms are very comfortable and promote good rest, breakfast is always served early and all our guests have the option of having their breakfast in the rooms or enjoying a beautiful array of options in the restaurant.

What is your best cuisine?

I’ve always loved being able to enjoy a variety of world class cuisines. As a chef, I have been rather partial to generally loving the African palate. Senegalese Wolof is

divine, the Kenyan Nyama Choma is epic, the Ghanaian Waakye is indeed phenomenal and my love for the Italian Pasta remains undisputed.

I know there are a few chains between purchase and the kitchen department.

But do you have an idea about where and how the food items are sourced for your store?

As an Executive Chef, it is my duty to ensure that I remain aware of where we source our produce from and to continually ensure that we work with the right farmers and suppliers. Food is a major part of our line of business so we must ensure that we have the freshest and organic produces from our suppliers. Supporting local farmers is something I am very passionate about.

How do you meet the issue of culture and diversity in food as an international hotel?

It’s important that we continually cater to our diverse range of clientele as this has been one of the unique factors guests continually admire the hotel for. Our food menu caters to an extensive range of pallets as well as special dietary requirements. All our chefs are trained and certified and continue to undergo on the job training in emerging market trends in the food industry.

Do you believe hotels should have brand ambassadors? Do you have any?

Every staff that works in the hotel is a brand ambassador. They are the voices of the hotel and they ones who do majority of the interactions with guests. They are the ones who see and hear what our guests need so it’s very important that they continue to embody all the elements of what it takes to be a brand ambassador.

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

A Grammy Win For Seun Kuti?

VANESSA OBIOHA writes that the Fela-Kuti sons, Femi and Seun have set a record as the first Nigerian blood brothers to get a nod fromThe Recording Academy Awards, better known asThe Grammys

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n Sunday, February 10, Seun Kuti will be on the rich lineup of music artistes across the globe like Diana Ross, Miley Cyrus, that will be performing at the 61st edition of The Recording Academy Awards popularly known as The Grammys. He will be performing together with Malian singer/songwriter Fatoumata Diawara at the awards prelude show.

Returning to its Staple home Los Angeles after it held in New York last year, this year’s edition will celebrate the best music acts and their works in the year under review. Considered music’s biggest night, Seun Kuti’s performance at the event will be an iconic one that will be celebrated in Nigeria and in the continent.

However, Seun is not just attending in a performing artiste capacity. He and the band he inherited from his late father, (Fela’s Egypt ‘80 Band) secured their first nomination in the Grammy in the Best World Music Album category — a category reserved for international musicians whose works are indigenous and non-Western.

Seun’s nomination is coming on the heels of his older brother, Femi Kuti who had been nominated four times in the category.

Femi’s first nomination was in 2003 for his album ‘Fight to Win’. The following year saw the Recording Academy splitting the category into two separate awards: Best Traditional World Music Album and Best Contemporary World Music Album.

Femi was nominated in the latter in 2010 for his ‘Day by Day’ album.

In 2012, Femi scored another nomination for ‘Africa for Africa’ when the Grammys merged the two separate awards again. He followed it up with another nod in 2014 for his album ‘No Place For My Dream’.

With Seun’s nomination, it will be the first time two brothers are nominated in that category. Both sons of the Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-KutiFemi and Seun have followed their father’s footsteps, taking his unique legacy to the world stage through their music and notably, the annual

Seun and Femi Kuti on stage

celebration of the legend’s life and music, Felabration.

Though Femi is yet to have the goldplated gramophone trophy, there are expectations that Seun might finally bring the trophy home. Brazilians have dominated the category since its inception with few African artistes like the Beninoise singer, Angelique Kidjo and South African, Ladysmith Black

Mambazo emerging winners.

The first Nigerian to have shared in the honour in this category was the late veteran drummer and recording artist Babatunde Olatunji. He was part of Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum projects, including the album ‘Planet Drum’, which won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album of 1991, the first year for which the award was given.

Olatunji was also the first Nigerian

to be nominated in the category in 1998 for his album ‘Love Drum Talk’.

Then came Lekan Babalola, the famous percussionist has not one, but two Grammys. His first Grammy came in 2006 for his work on the album ‘In the Heart of the Moon’ by legendary Malian guitarist, Ali Farka Toure.

Babalola got his second Grammy Award in 2009 for being on Cassandra Wilson‘s album ‘Lovely’.

Like his father, Seun is known for his uncensored thoughts on politics and other economic affairs plaguing the country. His album ‘Black Times’ which earned him a spot in the Grammys is laced with political undertones.

Released in March 2018, the opening track ‘Last Revolutionary’ signaled the activist tone the following tracks will exude. In the titular track ‘Black Times’, Seun who also featured the American-Mexican musician and guitarist Carlos Santana called for a revival of Black History, reminding his listeners why the black heritage must be celebrated and upheld. Other tracks addressed similar notions while bearing humorous innuendoes on the double standards of politicians.

For his first nomination, Seun will be contending with Nigerien artiste Bombino (he is the first artiste in his country to fetch a Grammys nod), Diawara, South African, Soweto Gospel Choir who have previously won twice in the Best Traditional World Music category and the Six Degrees Records album: ‘Yiddish Glory: The Lost Songs of World War II’.

Each of these albums carry their own message of freedom, history and revolution, making the category a tough call for the jury.

Perhaps, the odds may swing in favour of Seun which definitely will see the continent celebrating with him. His father, Fela never won the Grammy or was nominated but his music has gone far beyond the walls of his Kalakuta home (now museum) to the global stage. If indeed, Seun should emerge a winner on Sunday, it will assure the rest of the world that Afrobeat is indeed the new sound of music that has taken the world by storm, with an increasing number of devoted bands and solo artistes around the world.

In Bakassi Goes to Berlinale, Screens at Social Media Week Today Vanessa Obioha In Bakassi, a short documentary by filmmaker Joel Benson is one of the selected virtual reality films that will be screened at the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival.

The film which shines a light on the insurgency in the North-East part of the country is the first VR film to be made by a Nigerian on the effects of terrorism on Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).

Relayed from the eyes of Modu Mustapha, an 11-year-old orphan who has been living in the camp for three years, viewers are immersed into the daily struggles of survivors of terrorism as they search for hope in a place of desolation.

The film comes at a time when the effects of insurgency that has rocked the northern part of Nigeria have reached frightening levels leading to the displacement of millions of Nigerians. These Nigerians have had to find new homes in the IDP camps situated in the region.

The Bakassi IDP Camp, spotlighted in this film, is one of the most populous camps in the region,

sheltering over 35,000 internally displaced persons with half of them being children.

Many of the children in the camp are orphans and have been traumatically affected by the effects of the insurgency. Despite efforts by the government and international bodies, the living conditions in the camp are still deplorable and subpar. Benson’s film spotlights these problems and brings them to the forefront. “A lot of times when we tell stories about IDPs, people don’t believe us. What VR was able to do for us is to take people who live in Lagos, Abuja or in London, into an IDP camp so they can see, taste, smell, walk in the shoes of the little boy living there.

“It was important for us because we felt like that the more people are connected to the stories the more dialogues and discussions can be raised around this issue. One thing I have noticed is that the biggest victims of every kind of conflict are women and children; when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.B“ To see, and allow a young boy like Mustapha to fend for his family at that young age is wrong. If

discussions like this do not take place a lot of wrong will still happen.”

‘In Bakassi’ was first screened at the Cairo International Film Festival in November 2018 through the support of Imisi 3D, an African XR ecosystem builder and 360/VR film curator. The company curated the African content for the festival. It was the first time a Nigerian 360 film was screened at an international film festival.

Later that month, the filmmaker partnered with the company for the Lagos screening.

“We are excited to support and promote the emergence of Nigerian voices in immersive media” said Judith Okonkwo, CEO of Imisi 3D, who reiterated that her company is committed to providing access to resources for creatives, and partnering for co-productions.

The company is also responsible for the screening of the film at this year’s Berlinale Africa Hub which is part of the European Film Market (EFM) of the festival. ‘In Bakassi’ will be screened throughout the duration of the EFM which starts today and ends on February 13. The film festival will draw its curtains on

Joel Kachi Benson

February 17.

The film will also be screened

today at the ongoing Social Media Week Lagos.

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E-TRENDS

Davido, Cardi B, Meek Mill, Others to Perform At Belgium Festival Sunday Ehigiator Popular Nigerian singer Davido, has been listed to perform with other international artistes at the 2019 VestiVille Festival in Belgium.

The `Assurance’ crooner who recently had his first sold-out show at O2 Arena, London, would be at his top gear for the concert.

VestiVille is a brand new music festival in Lommel, Belgium.

The festival is positioning itself to become the premier hip hop and urban music experience in Europe.

The newest project from the people behind Amsterdam’s Vestival, VestiVille is bigger in every way, featuring a line-up headlined by some of the biggest names in music.

The ‘Aye’ crooner posted on his Instagram handle @davidoooficial

Davido

the notice for the three-day long festival with a caption, “Festival season 19. New level unlocked @ vestiville. #Askdavido. Money,

INEC Honours 2face, Others in Abuja

record deal, endorsement, top questions Nigerians ask Davido” The festival is scheduled to commence on June 28 with performances from 33-year-old French rapper Gandhi Djuna; 25-year-old American born singer Rodriquez Broadnax a.k.a Jacquees and Ellen. Nigeria’s Davido, Migos, Lil Pump, Niska, Boef, Saweetie, Eno and Sevn Alias would perform on June 29.

Artist to perform on June 30 include, 27-year old York born Belcalis Almanzar a.k.a. Cardi B, the group Migos, and Atalanta born Nayvadius Cash a.k.a. Future.

Others are Robert Rihmeek Williams a.k.a. Meek Mill, Niska, Lil Pump and many more.

Davido’s performance at the festival is a signal to the world that Nigeria is blessed with talented music stars.

NFVCB’S Director Donates Campaign Office for Buhari Re-election Vanessa Obioha The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB) Adedayo Thomas recently donated a building for the campaign operations of President Muhammadu Buhari who is seeking a second term under his party, All Progressives Congress (APC). The commissioned officer according to Thomas will serve as a centre and energy room for the president’s reelection campaign.

“It is open to members and voters to understand why they must cast their votes for the president.

The office will also be useful for the collation of election materials, collection of campaign materials.

At the unveiling which also featured the mobilisation of 1000 supporters for the president, Thomas expressed optimism that the president will emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.

“We are already victorious.

You can see the number of people who turn out here to support us.

Moreover, it is the first time that the country is moving democratically and drastically well over 70 per cent into the development trade that is supposed to be witnessed. You can see the impact on the creative industry. Billions of naira have been taken into the box office. There is an increased number of screens across the country. We met 35 screens when we came into power but now we have over 140 screens across

the country. Also, the number of cinemas has increased from less than 15 to 42. We are about to sign an MoU with the biggest cinema in Africa to begin operations here.”

Thomas was appointed by the president in 2015 to head the regulatory body. Since his assumption, Thomas has in his capacity tackled some of the issues that has bedridden the board in the past, though his actions were scrutinised and came under criticism by other members of the board who accused him of misappropriating funds.

However, Thomas who has the backing of some major Nollywood stakeholders has in many encounters denied the allegations, saying that his works are evidence

Afolayan Begins Talks for Acquisition of Mokalik Vanessa Obioha Prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan is known for his shrewd marketing skills when it comes to his productions. His ability to land a partnership deal with Air France which has continued to throw its weight behind some of his productions shows how business savvy the filmmaker is.

Therefore, for his latest movie ‘Mokalik’ (Mechanic), Afolayan is already talking to major investors to acquire the distribution rights of the film.

Top on the list of his prospective investors is the online streaming giant Netflix which recently acquired the distribution rights of Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’.

He recently disclosed that his company Golden Effects Pictures has already started a discussion with Netflix that will see the streaming platform also acquiring his other films such as ‘The Figurine- Araromire’; ‘Irapada’; ‘Phone Swap’; ‘October 1’; ‘The CEO’, ‘The Bridge’ and the yet-to-be- released ‘Tenants of the House’.

“We are excited about having our other films, including ‘Mokalik’ on Netflix, as that will assuage our fans who have been sending messages from all over the world, complaining of not having access to our films,” he said.

Apart from Netflix, Afolayan will also be leveraging on his partnership with Air France to have the film on French premium television channel, Canal+, which he said has showed interest in ‘Mokalik’ and

2face

Sunday Ehigiator The 2019 general elections will be for young people who constitute 81 per cent of registered voters, the Independent National Commission said in Abuja on Tuesday.

The chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, stated this during an election summit for youths, where popular musicians were given awards for helping to mobilise youths to register for the elections.

Among those given awards were ace musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as (2face), and Head of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Ketil Karlson.

Yakubu explained that another category of youths were drawn from the National Youth Service Corps and tertiary institutions to man the 119,973 polling centres in the country.

He said, “About 22.3 million or 26 per cent of those who registered are officially described as students followed by the second category called farmers and fishermen to the tune of 13.6 million, which is 16.2 per cent of the registered voters.

“But among the farmers and fishermen, the majorities are also young people. So, those between the ages of 18 and 35 constitute 42.9 million, roughly 43 million of the registered voters which is 51 per cent of the total number of registered voters in the country.

“But if you add the middleaged category of 36-50 which is 25 million or 30 per cent, young people in this country constitute 81 per cent of the registered voters in Nigeria.”

While commending 2face and others for mobilising youths to participate in the voter registration, the INEC boss urged them to continue to tell them to collect their Permanent Voter

Akiin Shuga is All ‘Shuga Coated’ in New Album Kunle Afolayan

‘Odu’ (Capsule of Tales), a TV series in the works.

The filmmaker who last week was made an ambassador of the Pavillon Afriques which will be making its debut at the 2019 Marche du Film, Cannes Film Festival, will be using the opportunity to get his film listed in the official selection of Cannes, among other major film festivals around the world.

As an ambassador on Pavillon Afriques, Afolayan is expected to join other panelists in discussing issues such as content sourcing, distribution and storytelling among other roles.

Excited about the feats attained by the filmmaker, Commercial Director of Air France/KLM, Mr. Remco Bohre said: “Our partnership with Kunle Afolayan is another way of showing how excited we are, at Air France and KLM, about Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry at large.”

Meanwhile, another

partnership deal with Canon will see the imaging and optical products company organising a media screening of the film in Nigeria sometime in March.

The highly anticipated movie weaves the story of an 11-yearold boy, Jaiye, from the middleclass suburbs who spends the day as a lowly apprentice at a mechanic workshop in order to view life from the other side of the tracks. When his father arrives to take him home, Jaiye has to make up his mind if he wants to return to school or take on his apprenticeship full time.

The film stars awardswinning singer, Simi who will be making her acting debut; Femi Adebayo, Charles Okocha, Faithia Williams, Lateef Oladimeji and other prominent actors.

Teasing audience with two trailers, Afolayan who directed the movie is confident that the film will traverse commercial and artistic ends.

Vanessa Obioha Arguably, Akinloye Tofowomo popularly known as Akiin Shuga and his Shuga Band are the most prestigious live band in the country. Having spent two decades in the music scene, the band is the top on the list for most high-octane occasions.The in-demand band is famous for its seamless crowd pleasing charm as well as its mastery of evergreen classics, contemporary music.

The band has also made cameo appearances in movies such as Chief Daddy and King of Boys.

To mark their 20th anniversary, the band unveiled its new album ‘Shuga Coated’.

The 10-track album features production credits from some of Nigeria’s finest including Cobhams Asuquo, Music Magnate, Spellz, Wole Oni and Puffy Tee. The album dishes out a rich menu of global contemporary music, which also includes the best of Nigerian music Shuga Band is known for.

Some of the tracks include ‘I Can Walk’ and ‘My Lady’; two slowtempo inspiring numbers that brings together production genius and live performer extraordinaire, Cobhams Asuquo and Akiin Shuga. Eddie Floyd’s classic song, ‘Knock On Wood’ gets a beautiful Shuga remake while ‘Jolly Money’ brings out the classic highlife side of the Shuga Band. Other tracks include ‘My Lagos’, ‘Oijefon’, ‘Ire’ and bonus instrumentals featuring Victor Ademofe.

Speaking on the release of the album,Akiin Shuga says the “Shuga Coated album captures the quintessential ingredients that has made Shuga Band the all time favourite among Nigeria’s party lovers and events of all classes and ages. All the juicy Shuga moments that you see on stage is re-lived in a recording format.”

The new album will now be available on local and international digital platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, Music Plus, Boomplay among others.

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NEWS

Fountain of Life Church Holds Discovery for Women Impartation

Stories by Mary Nnah

The Fountain of Life Church’s “Discovery for Women” rally, a twice-in-a-year power packed session of spiritual empowerment and impartation for women from various walks of life, held last Sunday, at the main auditorium of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos.

It was the first rally in 2019 with the theme, “New Possibilities” and had thousands of women throng to the church premises.

The event hosted by Pastor Taiwo and Nomthi Odukoya featured a renowned gospel music artiste, Mercy Chinwo amongst others and focused on liberating women from the mental and societal shackles that limit them, as well as empower them with renewed strength for achieving their potential.

Speaking with journalists just before the event kicked off, convener of the programme, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya said Discovery for Women aims basically to encourage women, reminding them of the reason for their creation.

“God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion ...”

Then when it came to the turn of the woman he said, “I will make for you a help meet.” That’s the one that would help you with all the tasks of your life. And so God made a woman. “ So what I usually ask my self is that why didn’t God tell the dog or goat to be a help meet to the man why did he has to go back and create a woman for the man? “So a woman was created adequately to be the support that a man needs to have dominion here on earth. We

L-R: Yewande Zaccheaus, MD of Eventful; Pastor Tosin Sowemimo; Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Senior Pastor, Fountain of Life Church, Lagos/President, Discovery for Women and Pastor Nomthi Odukoya, Associate Senior Pastor, The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, during the 2019 first rally of Discovery for Women, themed, “New Possibilities, held in Lagos

discover that even the United States today realises that and they are now giving attention to women”, Odukoya said.

He said therefore that “if you want to change the society and stabilise the community, educate a woman because they would in turn educate the children. “ They would be the ones to stand and nurture the children and that is why we are giving a lot of attention to women and help them be the best that they can be, supporting humanity and making humanity to do what God has called us to do on earth.”

Speaking on the theme for the programme tagged, “New Possibilities”, the cleric explained that, “we themed it so because life is defined by ebbs and flows, and usually when you get to

the ebbs, there is tendency for you to get stuck. But you don’t have to get stuck.

“You can have a continuous flow in Jesus name. So we want to encourage people - in setbacks, disappoints and things not measuring up as planned, that usually truncate a lot of people’s drams and drive for the future.

“We don’t want that happening to our women. We want them to know that we can suffer some setbacks and then get up again to go. So we encourage and equip them adequately with all that they need to know”.

Consequently, Odukoya’s expectations at the end of the programme was to see women that would be able to rise up above the challenges of the moment, women who would not

just rise up above the challenges but also carry the children and community along.

“I want to give an example of Rwanda, during the genocide, it is amazing that it was the women that rally round to say no; we are going to take our country back and for the first time we had a national assembly that is dominated by women.

And today, talk of development and progress in Africa; you want to point to Rwanda. “ That does not mean that they are better than men but that is what they are created for – filling in where there are gabs, help the man to realise his stand again and to go ahead and so the man goes fighting while the women help to stabilise him.

So the woman is needed”, he said.

Bikers Takes PVC Campaign to Lagos Communities

Bikers during the excercise

Ayodeji Ake Ahead of the general elections, a consortium of bikers recently stormed Lagos communities, educating electorates on the importance of the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) collection, while kicking against vote-buying.

Addressing pressmen recently in Lagos, the initiator, Chief Executive Officer, Bkleff Entertainment, Mr. Akorede Balogun noted that the group has been shouldering PVC collection and moral campaign against vote-buying to make the forthcoming election a credible one.

“The power of PVC ride is one of the best way to communicate with people getting their attention and as a biker people get attracted to the

super bike so we took that on ourselves to use bike as an avenue telling people to get their PVC. Collecting it is not enough, using it not enough but they have to use it wisely. “ I see election as an exam which electorates are to sit for. How do we expect them to do well when they are not educated? We took it upon ourselves to educate them. So we decided to take election education to the streets of Lagos” he said.

Speaking on challenges, Balogun mentioned finance as the major challenge and harnessing resources to carry out the exercise .

“The major challenge is financing. And another one is that I find it difficult to run this thing alone. I have been meeting bikers,

I have harnessing resources for them and they feel they should get their percentage, which is not coming forth” he said.

While appealing to electorates to not only collect their PVC but also vote wisely, Balogun urged politicians to also educate their supporters on free and fair election, rather than ballot-raiding and violence.

“My message is that I want everybody to educate ourselves on doing the right thing and if everyone can cultivate this habit, it will go far. When this initiative came I didn’t see for making money but I feel it should be for CSR , this is not a political organisation.

“I’m a solo biker and I don’t belong to any club but on this I had to meet the clubs

for their support. Politicians are to see to the misconduct of their supporters by telling them to vote and not fight.

“And to the electorates, we have been used to vote buying but I will urge them to take a very good decision rather than to sell their votes,” Balogun said.

Appealing for support to promote PVC collection campaign, he said “the bikers are calling on private organisations to support this initiative, already Association of Professional Online Publishers and Journalists are partnering us, but we need more support.

“In most places we have been to, the response has been massive. Many are coming to us to get educated and they are registering. We want INEC to also support this initiative”.

Odukoya stressed further that what Nigeria has to do at the moment is to go back and educate the people and particularly, the women in the North otherwise the problem that is perennial in the North will persist, adding, “So we have the problem of education and we need to educate our women”.

Speaking further on the need for women to be educated, he said, “For example, look at all the places that Boko Haram has been attacking, the men go to fight and they are dead and gone and then the women are left with the children and they are the ones that stay with the children at the refugee camps.

So we can see why God said that man needs a helper and man really needs a woman that would stand by him always.”

“So we want to preserve posterity. We want to project into the future; we want to develop an advanced mind in the woman. I am of the view that every woman should be educated and empowered.

“Every woman should be able to stand by herself and for herself before even getting married. So when she comes in, she comes in submitting to her husband, the two are one and then they have a formidable front and so you can imagine the future of their children.

“Unlike now in most parts of Nigeria, the women are just so silent and so you pack them as sardine and all they do are to make children. But when a woman is educated, she would know that she is not a baby machine. So you won’t tell a woman to go and give birth to 12 children. She has her life; she has her future and these are the kind of things that we teach them”, Odukoya noted.

The Fountain of Life Church helmsman who revealed that there was also the “Discovery for Men”, noted that the first rally for Discovery for Men will be held on March 17.

“So we run the two side by side and we have been running these programmes for about 20 years. So we talk to the men as well. As a matter of fact we are taking the Discovery for Men in stages.

“We have two rallies in the church and then we are taking it to the community to encourage our men who are already drenched to begin to rise up.

Men need to be encouraged because men are easily discouraged even much more than women”, he said.

Emphasising the role of women in nation building, Odukoya said, “When your homes are stable, your nation would be stable, when your homes are not stable, then you are looking for trouble and then we would raise children who are vagabonds. God forbid!

And then there would be no future for our children. So the women must be equipped to raise them.”

“Yes I’m interested in my children, I stay with them, I oversee what they do, but much more, my wife, I could remember when our children were growing up, some were trained here and some abroad, I’ll call them once a week, but my wife of blessed memory will call them every day, so most of the things I don’t know about them she knew everything. So we must educate and empower the women because the woman who is not educated can only take a child as far as she has.

So why don’t we educate the women.”

Church Gives Helping Hands to Rural Dwellers Cedars House of Grace, recently extended a helping hand to the people of Ilasan Community in Lekki, Lagos, when it took medical experts from various fields to the community for free medical test and treatment.

According to the Senior Pastor of the church, Niyi Eboda, the outreach was flagged off during the opening of its new branch at The Grand Atrium Ilasan, Lekki Lagos on February 3 this year.

“Part of what we were called to do in the body of Christ is to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world beyond the walls of the church. If you look at the ministry of Christ, it’s all about doing good and healing all from the afflictions of the devil,” he said.

Eboda further expressed that the primary assignment as the body of Christ is to reflect God’s word beyond the walls of the church. “We have medical consultants here who happen to be our members in Ibadan”.

They attended to over 200 beneficiaries with drugs like antibiotics, antimalarial, antihepathetis, worm expeller and syrup given to them, 200 glasses were shared among persons aged 40 and above who had difficulties reading.

Eboda, who noted that health issues is a common issue for everyone, described it as crucial, adding that if wealth is lost nothing is lost, but if health is lost, there is loss.

He said: “We reach out to the community and to those who can’t afford this quality of healthcare. Also, there are those who can afford it. They just don’t take time out to know their health statuses. So, we have come to give.”

His team pulled together medical consultants like pharmacists, Ophthalmologists, gynaecologists and more. “They are all members of our church.

We have seen over a hundred.

But we hope to see about 400 today”.

This free healthcare is part of what the gospel is about.

Eboda said, adding that they are not called to be preachers of the word but to be witnesses. “ We want men to glorify God in Heaven when they see our good works”.

Meanwhile, with branches in Ibadan, Abuja, South Africa, Ghana and more, the pastor said the need to establish the Cedars House of Grace became paramount.

“Our maiden service will hold on February 3 this year here in Lekki. It will be a banquet. We invite all to come especially those who are on transit and new in the neighborhood. This outreach to people is our joy and delight.”

Dentist and Head of Medical Team, Dr. Funmi Adeyemi, who disclosed that several beneficiaries tested HIV positive added: “We have seen different cases here today, dental problems, extractions have been done here; gum diseases; malaria, which is endemic in our environment; hypertension; diabetes; series of HIV positive we have tested here.”

Because Ilasan is a rural urban area where you have the highearned and the low-earned cohabiting, Adeyemi concluded that it gives people a façade that everyone is medically sound when it’s on the contrary.

“We have attended to over 200 persons already and a lot more are still queuing and trooping in. This shows a big picture of

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Honouring Akin Euba Yinka Olatunbosun writes that the rhythmic experimentations at the melodious night of concert in honour of the renowned music scholar, Prof. Akin Euba will echo for years

A view of the concert

T

he best place to have been in Lagos that Thursday evening after long working hours was the Agip Hall, MUSON Centre which was the venue of a special concert in honour of the Emeritus Professor of Music, Akin Euba.

Opening with the MUSON Diploma Choir, the “FESTAC Anthem’’ produced a rush of nolstagia as more sounds from the FESTAC Cantata were performed subsequently.

The honoree, Prof. Euba pioneered the concept of African pianism and popularised the term “creative ethnomusicology’’. After years of study at the Trinity College of Music, London and University of California, Los Angeles, Euba returned to Nigeria to start the Department of Music at the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 1976.

He left Ife for the University of Lagos where he was appointed the Director of the Centre for Cultural Studies and also

Professor of Music from 1977 to 1980. The centre later became the Department of Creative Arts in 1998. Though he retired in 2011, his footprints in music scholarship remain visible.

Hence, the concert was just apt in paying homage to the lofty contribution of Euba to modern music composition in Nigeria, especially with his radical departure from the works of early 20th century composers.

Featuring the University of Lagos Choir, it was a thrilling night of healthy competition and music collaborations one of which was the soulful duet by the Professor of Musicology and Director of Early Music Ensembles at the University of South Florida, John Robison (horn) and the orchestra director for Daystar Christian Centre’s Carol Concerts, Seun Owoaje (piano) who both performed Akin Euba’s Five Pieces for English Horn and Piano written in 1963. This music dialogue featured interlocking triplet

patterns in the melody.

A transfixing moment at the concert came when Ayo Bankole Jnr. performed his late father’s composition titled, “Ya Orule’’. What made the sound so compelling is its binary structure- like a rhythmic copulation of the major and minor keys, ending in a brief cadenza. Memories of the golden days of the Nigerian Broadcast Corporation returned with the “Rhapsody on an Egun Theme’’ by Ayo Bankole.

The performance of Akin Euba’s “Groove for the Master Drummer’’ came with a short and crisp end that commanded rapturous applause. It featured Ranti Ihimoyan (soprano), Adebayo Ayandare (iya ilu), Kangan Opeyemi (Omele Isaaju) and Seun Owoaje (piano).

It is possible that the humour in the Mountain Top Chorale’s classical rendition of King Sunny Ade’s “Asi ko Laye” may have been lost on those who didn’t know the original juju song. Certainly, the suspenseful performance kept many

Goethe Institut Launches Limbe to Lagos, StoryMakers’Workshop

in the audience longing for how that beautiful remix would end.

That ethnic intrusion into the night was consolidated by the baritone voice of Adedaramola Olaore in Ayo Oluranti’s “Ilu Baje o!”. Accompanied by Mofopefoluwa Onalaja’s coherent piano sound, that song nudged many in the auditorium back to reality away from the orgasm rhapsody as the lyrics referenced corruption in government.

A regular member of the MUSON Choir, Elizabeth Olaotan (Soprano) in company of the accomplished pianist, organist and timpanist, Tosin Ajayi (piano) performed three songs by Akin Euba from his Six Yoruba Songs collection titled, “Mole Jiyan Yo”, “Ore Meta” and “Mo Ja We Gbegbe”.

Akin Euba’s strong influence in music hinges on experimenting with African metric patterns mirrored by the plethora of performances at the night of tribute.

ValentineDay’sGlimpseof3SomePlay Yinka Olatunbosun

Yinka Olatunbosun This evening in Lagos, the literati will create an intellectual haven at Ouida House, GRA Ikeja as the German cultural centre, Goethe Institut Nigeria launches the book, “Limbe to Lagos: Non-fiction from Cameroon to Nigeria”.

This collection of narrative nonfiction is the outcome of the Literary Exchange project organized by Goethe Institut Lagos and Goethe Institut Cameroon in partnership with Bakwa Magazine and Saraba Magazine.

In the conversations, writers will talk about the modern African reality and share their journey on creative nonfiction and travelling around Cameroon and Nigeria.

Edited by Dami Ajayi, Emmanuel Iduma and Diekashu MacVibah, the narrative documents the inter-cultural life of the two neighboring countries, their shared values and the writers’ perspectives coloured by first-hand experiences.

This book launch is one in the series of literary events lined by the cultural organization for the city. Recently, Goethe Institut Nigeria made a call for Storymakers’ Workshop for children´s Book illustrators and authors with the aim of fostering the development of children’s literature in Nigeria.

This forthcoming workshop

The 3some play fever is in the air this Valentine season in Lagos as night crawlers will slow down the city’s tempo with quickened heartbeats at the Crave Lounge, Hamilton Hotel, Lekki where the Hamilton Valentine’s Day Strip Party revvs up from February 13 till the dawn of the Valentine’s day. Featuring the lead character in the 3some Play, Marvelous Dominion, the rare strip party is a sketch of the whole dramatic piece written

by Jude Idada. The strip scene in the psychotherapeutic play is one of the most controversial scenes in contemporary theatre today for its adult content and verisimilitude.

Clad in sheer bodysuit,

Book Cover for Limbe to Lagos

is designed for six children´s storybook authors and six illustrators from 17 to 21 March 2019 in Lagos, Nigeria. Ute Krause, one of Germany´s

best-known children´s book author and illustrator, alongside Nigerian illustrator Abdulkareem Baba Aminu, will conduct the workshop.

The project is curated to promote and support the development of authentic children’s literature that reflects the cultural and social reality in Nigeria.

A scene from the play, 3some

the character appears nude from a distant, with her anatomy teasing the minds of members of the audience. Other members of the cast will be at the lounge on the eve of lovers’ day.

Written for the purpose of strengthening marriages and relationships, the play’s fluidity of performance style will be put to test at the lounge which is an unconventional space for its performance.

The strip scene is perhaps the most difficult part of the play because it depends largely on special effects, light, sound and other technical details. Whichever way the play is executed, the titillating performer leaves little for the viewer ’s imagination.

F R I DAY ˾ Ͷ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

34

with LEKAN FATODU

Overscenes

lekantodu@yahoo.com 08060140882

Global Dimension

T

he fighting spirit and resilience of most Nigerians are, by all measures, incomparable.

Indeed, it takes an unusual capacity for survival for any human to endure continually failing governments, an unfriendly business environment and largely insensitive leadership.

In case you care to know, that’s exactly the lot of most Nigerians in a country reputed to be the biggest economy and the largest producer of crude oil on the African continent.

Yet, Nigerians, in their uncommon optimism, are looking forward to a golden destination where most of their miseries will be a thing of the past, and everything will begin to fall in appropriate places.

Really, it is doubtful that Nigeria will ever record any measure of progress as seen today without the tremendous fortitude and sense of hope inherent in their citizens.

Before 2001, when the government approved licenses of private investors for the operations of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) to improve mobile telephony in the country, there was nothing to write home about the state of telephone services in Nigeria.

The only telephone service provider then, Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), which was owned by the government, was already in total comatose.

At the time, the circumstance of non-existent telephone services in the country gave birth to the emergence of fraudulent service providers who consistently exploited the innocence of Nigerians in dire need of telephone for personal and business uses. The nebulous modus operandi of these shady operators during that period remains a dark spot in the evolution of mobile

Anthony Joshua

telephony in the country.

However, the rolling out of the operations of the private telecommunications service providers, who were largely foreign investors, in 2001 was a huge game changer and life saver for many Nigerians.

No sooner than the investors stepped

into Nigeria’s telecommunications market had Nigerians began to relish wonderful experiences of the availability of mobile phones making communication easier which in turn impacted positively on business operations.

Meanwhile if Nigerians had thought that the best of mobile communication

phenomenon was in its emergence, the introduction of pocket-friendly call plans by the first and only Nigerian owned telecommunications operator added remarkable value to the market.

Globacom, Nigerian-owned service provider, came into the mix in 2003, two years after the initial operators; and its arrival was a bang.

Its major disruption of the sector was the introduction of the “per second” billing at a time when the first operators were charging customers per minute on every call made.

The new operator, popularly known as Glo, quickly made a resounding mark in a lucrative business environment hitherto dominated by foreign players, and has continued to compete strongly as the company with the second largest subscriber base in the country.

Since inception, the telecommunications giant has made efforts to reinforce the die-hard spirit of Nigeria and inspire Nigerians to pursue their dreams with all vigour through its moving brand slogans and endorsements of Nigerians of great talent.

From “Glo with Pride” to “Glo Unlimited”, the company has been telling a compelling story of grit and gains.

Little wonder that Glo has chosen no other person than the current World heavyweight boxing champion, the British-Nigerian Anthony Joshua, as a brand ambassador.

For those who really know, Joshua’s story of rising from humble beginnings to global stardom, is a potent inspirational note for those seeking to go higher and a fitting demonstration of the Nigerian spirit.

Indeed, the ”speed, power, tenacity and the fighting spirit that Nigerians are known for”, as Joshua said in a video commercial for Glo, are remarkable.

Certainly, that’s the spirit behind the company’s focus on global dimensions in its recent undertakings.

THISDAY Shines at Wole Soyinka Female Leadership Programme Chiemelie Ezeobi Two members of staff of THISDAY Newspapers, Yinka Olatunbosun and Funmi Ogundare recently flew the banner of the flagship high by being recipients of the prestigious Fellows of Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP), the brain child of the renowned Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).

Last year, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) had called for entries from female Nigerian professional journalists who have a passion for ethical journalism, are committed to excellent professional media practice, possess great ideas to lead dynamic improvements on the practice and have at least three years experience in the newsroom.

The Female Reporters’ Leadership Fellowship is a programme supported by Free Press Unlimited to empower female journalists with the skills, finesse, support and tools to take bold steps that help position them for the highest leadership positions in their various media houses.

In addition to the overall objectives, the programme also mobilises a network of female journalists, which is oriented on leadership and creating a train-the-trainer team who better appreciate the importance of mainstreaming gender in news. The exposure entails a three-day training, three-month mentorship, two fair-shares and fellowship assignments.

For Ogundare of the education desk, in fulfillment of the fellow-

THISDAY’s Funmi Ogundare and Yinka Olatunbosun (middle) clutching their certificates

ship project, she held a seminar on ‘Harnessing New Media Tools for Effective Reporting in the Digital Age’, for female journalists.

Olatunbosun on the other hand, who is of the art desk, had focused on promoting occupational health safety for female journalists. In fulfillment of the course, Olatunbosun had in partnership with

Ethnic Heritage Centre, organised a seminar on occupational health and safety seminar, especially targeted at female journalists.

On why she chose to limit this newsroom project to women journalists she said: “I prioritise the women in my organisation because women by tradition are vested with the role of keeping children and the home safe. In recent years, there has been

an increase in the number of nursing mothers at THISDAY. Many women have to juggle their roles as mothers, wives and substitute mothers with their editorial responsibilities. Sadly, the issue of our collective health and safety had not been a subject for formal conversation like this because a deluge of other issues have eroded our zest for punctuality at the newsroom, team spirit and strategic newsroom projects.

“Our occupational health and safety is a serious concern judging by the rising reported cases of mental health disorders, lifestyle related illnesses and premature deaths. As cliché as it may sound, we are in a profession that is rated as one of the most dangerous in the world.

“In addition, the risks of getting to work safe has become higher with the continuous blockage of all major routes leading to Apapa by articulated truck drivers, turning a once-beautiful town into a nightmare and what the philosopher Thomas Hobbes would call ‘a state of war ’ in which life is ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short’. In this state of war, nothing is wrong, nothing is unjust.”

On the mentorship that was made available in the programme she said: “ The fellowship has served as an indispensable support system with its assemblage of result-driven mentors who refined us using kind words, sound knowledge of the media industry and professional nudge which manifested in different forms such as surprise phone calls and light-hearted conversations during residency.”

F R I DAY ˾ Ͷ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

35

COLLAGE EVENTS

Women’s Day: Belinda Babila Foundations Plans Big

L-R; National Chairman,Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; PDP Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar; Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife, Martha at the commissioning of Akwa Ibom Green House Farms

by Atiku during his visit to Akwa lbom

As the countdown to Women’s Day gathers momentum, Belinda Babila Foundation (BBF) alongside other NGOs are wrapping up plans to celebrate the day with widows and refugees in Nigeria.

Founder of the foundation, Dr. Belinda Babila disclosed that plans are in top gear for a health outreach and empowerment visitation to refugee camps in Nigeria in March 2019 which will coincide with Women Day. “In line with the upcoming Women’s Day, we are wrapping up plans to celebrate with the women at refugee camps in Nigeria and provide basic food items to them. We also want to buy about 500 chairs for the children’s church. The children currently attend church service and school on the floor”, she noted.

Babila disclosed that during her last visit in December 2018, her NGO did a need analysis of the refugees in order to empower them.

“The needs of the refugees are numerous. We have decided to set up an ITC training centre, tailoring workshop, acquire sewing machines for them and hold a soap making workshop among others. The objective is to empower them.”

Calling on donors to assist her NGO, Babila continued: “We are currently raising funds for our March Outreach. We implore all kind hearted and generous minded people to kindly join us in this campaign. Again we appreciate all those who have contributed.

The refugees in Nigeria and IDPs in Cameroon extend their sincere gratitude.”

Speaking further on the December visit, she said, “It was a very touching experience for us. Speaking to the refugees one-one-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 from December 13 to 16.”

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 self-declared state consisting of the Anglophone portions of Cameroon which previously comprised South Cameroons 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.

L – R; An Industrialist, Community And Religious Leader, Chief Toyin Oyewoga; Baba Ijo, United African Methodist Evangelical Church, Abule Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos. Lt Gen Oladipo Diya (Rtd) And Public Relation/Media Consultant, Aramide Tola Noibi, at the 2019 Annual National Conference Thanksgiving Service Of The Church In Lagos...Recently

A cross section of facilitators during the Belinda Babila Foundations’ visit to the refugee camps in Nigeria

Lil Kesh, Timaya, Others To Headline 2019 Europe Culture Tour Iyke Bede

L-R: Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; GMD, NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, and CEO, Global Process and Pipeline Services Limited (GPPSL), Engr. Obi Uzu during the ministerial visit to the GPPSL exhibition stand at the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIPS2019) in Abuja.. recently

L-R: Brother of celebrant, Bolaji Braithwaite; daughter of celebrant, Tamilore Braithwaite; celebrant, Mr. Kunbi Braithwaite; wife, Fumilayo, and son, Oreoluwa, at the 50th birthday of Kunbi held in Abuja....Wednesday Photo; Julius Atoi

Following last year’s successful outing with Reekado Banks on his ‘The Party 2018’ European Tour, music promoter and tour manager, Alex Ozone’s entertainment management outfit, 03 Media, announces its line-up acts for its 2019 promotional tours in Europe.

This year, YAGI Entertainment founder Lil Kesh will kick off its first leg of series of quarterly tours in the Schengen region of Europe.

The Schengen region has shown particular interest in the artiste in recent times according to the music promoter.

Opening on Friday, February 15 in Istanbul, Turkey, Lil Kesh is billed to perform in 16 cities across eight countries in Europe. The tour is expected to come to a halt on Thursday, March 21 in Cyprus.

Dubbed Culture Tour, the tour is fashioned to properly project Nigerian artistry through live performances, and also to bridge the gap that exists between artistes and their fans in the diaspora.

“Part of what we do is to promote Nigerian culture across the globe, most especially in Europe,” said Ozone as he explains the goal behind the tour. “We have been doing that for the past five to six years, and it has been successful.”

Deviating from his pattern of including just two or three acts in his yearly tour calendar, Ozone expanded on the number of acts that will take part in the tour this year. “For 2019, we are starting with Lil Kesh. It will be followed by Timaya... that will be in May. And we have Tekno on board, Patoranking, Kizz Daniel, Reekado Banks, Zoro — who is on serious demand over there — and Victor AD among others.” Ozone also remarked on the increased acceptance of Nigerian music in Europe. “People are turning up for shows unlike back in the days when artistes play in a small room.”

Thus, signifying that the vision behind the tour is gradually coming into fruition.

The tour is a collaborative venture with Afro-Euro Entertainment and Urban Entertainment.

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5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

37 ADVERTORIAL

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F R I DAY ˾ Ͷ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

POTPOURRI

Success Nuggets at Stanbic IBTC Youth Leadership Series SUNDAY EHIGIATOR áÜÓÞÏÝ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ÞËØÌÓÍ ÙßÞÒ ÏËÎÏÜÝÒÓÚ ÏÜÓÏÝ ÒËÝ ÚÜÙàÓÎÏÎ Ë ÚÖËÞÐÙÜ× ÞÙ ÏØÑËÑÏ ÞÒÏ ãÙßÞÒÝ ÓØ ÝÒËÚÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÐßÞßÜÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ØËÞÓÙØ

L-R: Head, Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami; Group Head, Human Capital, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs Funke Amobi; Founder, Pearls African Youth Foundation, Mrs Abisoye AjayiAkinfolarin; and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni

Cross section of attendees at the event

The Stanbic IBTC Youth Leadership Series might have come and gone but the lessons learnt lingers as it was an opportunity to impact in the youths on success nuggets that would give them tangible deliverables.

The facilitators were drawn from a rich pool of eggheads as they include award winning filmmaker, Kemi Adetiba; innovator, agriculturist, and entrepreneur, Onyeka Akumah and Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, programmer and a CNN Heroes award winner. These trio over the weekend in Lagos shared valuable success tips with an appreciative audience at the 2019 Stanbic IBTC Youth Leadership Series (YLS).

Stanbic IBTC, Nigeria’s leading end-toend financial services provider, said the youth empowerment motivational series was conceived as a way to energise, through deeper engagement, the entrepreneurial spirit in young Nigerians while helping to build the next generation of leaders.

Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr. Yinka Sanni, said the YLS is a platform to engage the youth, a critical and vibrant segment of the population that will not only help to drive its sustainability but

L-R: Innovator, agriculturist, and entrepreneur, Onyeka Akumah; programmer and CNN Heroes award winner, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, and award winning filmmaker, Kemi Adetiba; all facilitators at the conference

Pupils from Lagos State Progressive School, Surulere, also in attendance

also help shape the future of the nation.

“It is clear to us that sustainability of our brand is very important. However, we do appreciate that our future is closely woven with that of the energetic, innovative and hard working Nigerian youth.

“It has been from the very beginning considering that the Stanbic IBTC brand, which is 30 years this February, was set up in 1989 by an innovative and audacious 33-year old Nigerian, Mr Atedo Peterside,” Sanni said while welcoming participants to the event.

“Where others see young millennials, we see business leaders, successful entrepreneurs; we see scholars, innovators, and high profile professionals with whom we are honoured to partner,” Sanni added.

According to Sanni, Stanbic IBTC’s youthcentric focus is evident in its support for a number of initiatives directed at the youth as well as its establishment of programmes such as the YLS that help to engage the youth at a deeper level. Some of such initiatives include the Stanbic IBTC innovation lab in Yaba, Lagos, set up to support techpreneurs, financial technology firms and startups;

sponsorship of the Higher Institution Football League and being a major sponsor of the yearly Social Media Week, among other youth-oriented initiatives.

The three speakers, Akumah, AjayiAkinfolarin and Adetiba, agreed that the most important ingredient for success is knowledge acquisition through education.

Ajayi-Akinfolarin narrated how she defied her parents and risked her life in her quest to be educated.

The need to hone one’s skill(s) is also critical. Their ability to identify their passion early on and work on them propelled the trio to success.

For Adetiba, she had a flair for entertainment, despite her training as a lawyer. It was coding/programming for Abisoye and farming for Onyeka.

According to the trio, success is not instantaneous but with hard work, focus, resilience and a positive attitude, success is guaranteed. Then they also talked about the discipline required to remain grounded when success is attained.

Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dr Demola Sogunle, who gave the closing

remarks, said he believed that vital lessons had been learnt and that he hoped the youth have been inspired and motivated through the shared experiences and achievements of the three speakers.

He assured that Stanbic IBTC will continue to seek quality platforms such as the YLS to engage the Nigerian youth.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a full service financial services group with a clear focus on three main business pillars - Corporate and Investment Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Wealth Management. Standard Bank Group, to which Stanbic IBTC Holdings belongs, is the largest African bank by assets and market capitalisation.

It is rooted in Africa with strategic representation in 20 countries on the African continent. Standard Bank has been in operation for over 155 years and is focused on building first-class, on-theground financial services institutions in chosen countries in Africa; and connecting selected emerging markets to Africa by applying sector expertise, particularly in natural resources, power and infrastructure.

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SOCIAL SPENDING

WHAT IS GROWTH IF IT DOES NOT TRICKLE DOWN?

EXPLAINING NIGERIA’S POVERTY RATING Before Buhari, Nigeria’s annual growth averaged 5-6% per annum, but despite that, only the rich profited while the bottom of the pyramid got poorer.

In 2012, Nigeria had a population of 160 million people, with 112 million living in extreme poverty in spite of GDP growth of 4.28%.

In 2018,Nigeria had 82 million people living in extreme poverty.

82

112

million in poverty (60.9%)

million in poverty (42.4%)

2012

2018

So while India and China continued to pull their poor people out of poverty through social programmes, Nigeria had a non-existent social investment programme.

THE COMING OF THE FRIEND OF THE POOR But all that changed with the coming of the Buhari-Osinbajo Presidency.

In addressing the gaps, over 250 billion naira has been expended on Buhari’s social investment programmes, and these programmes include N-Power, National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, National Cash Transfer Project and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme with over 9 million children, and over 2.5 million extremely poor segments of the society benefiting, creating the largest social safety-net in the history of Nigeria.

Buhari is set to do more. We need to keep the social investments going.

Buhari has consistently kept faith with Nigeria. He is not about to join the bandwagon.

Vote for the team that is working for you!

CHANGE IS A PROCESS.

ote

Endorsed by

buhari OSINBAJO president / vice president

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F R I DAY ˾ Ͷ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

LIFE

TriumphantGatheringofSaintsasC&SLagosChapterholdsAGC SUNDAY EHIGIATOR writes that for the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, it’s annual general conference was an opportunity not just to ruminate on the state of the nation but the church as well

T

hemed “Pull down the barrier”, the annual general conference of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, recently held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. Hosted by Faith Mission C&S Church Inc. Satellite Town, the three-day conference held saw the gathering of the church faithfuls.

The event was also well attended as eminent personalities from various segments of the country turned out in their drove to attend the event. Notable amongst the attendees are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented

by Chaplain of Aso Rock Chapel, Pastor Seyi Malomo; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who was also ably represented by his Special Adviser of Religious Matters, Rev. Dr. Verralls Kolawole; His Most Eminence Baba Alakoso Solomon Adegboyega Alao – Supreme Head C&S Unification Church of Nigeria; Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Founder of Love of Christ Salvation C&S Church, London; Supt.

Apostle Emmanuel Owomoyela – Chairman National Executive Council, Special Apostle Tunde Ogunkunle; Secretary General of C&S, Lagos state Chapter Chairman, Dr. J.O Adagba amongst so many others.

Traditional rulers were also not left out as the Ayangburen of Ikorodu - Oba KabiruShotobi and his wife were part of the event, Alagbara of Agbaratown- Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade also marked their attendance. Elder Joseph Otubu, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), National Vice Chairman also attended the event. her welcome address, Her Eminence, Dr. Mariam Adeleye Akinjogunla, Founder and President of the Faith Mission C&S Church expressed gratitude to God for the event, which is the rallying point of all Seraphs in the country.

“With utmost gratitude to God and on behalf of the Elders-in-Council and all our parishes, I want to whole-heartedly welcome you all to the 2019 Annual General Conference which has become a foremost rallying point for all Seraphs,” she said.

On her part, Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, deputy Primate and General Superintendent of the Faith Mission C & S church in her keynote address and lecture titled “Pull down the Barrier” she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to host the AGC and used the occasion to call on all to make the unity of the church sacrosanct.

“As you all know, there are many who think that we are such a divided church that unity is not possible, but our youth organisations who are currently being economically empowered have all come up and said that yes, unity is possible. So, I congratulate you all. There is unity to reform, unity for progress and unity for pulling down all barriers” she said She also called on every member of the church to stand up and take the church as a heritage.

“This is a clarion call for us that we take the Cherubim and Seraphim church as our heritage, we should take it as having nowhere else to go and if that is the case, we all have to strive hard to rebuild rebrand and restore the glory of our great church” she concluded.

In his keynote address, the Supreme Head, His Most Eminence Prophet Solomon Adegboyega Alao, I thank God with all my heart for being part of this glorious event; the 2019 Annual General Conference of the Church of God and I congratulate you all as partakers on this epoch-making event. I pray God to give us the grace to celebrate more of this in the land of the living.

“My beloved Delegates and Observers to the 2019 Annual General Conference (AGC), I implore you to re-enact those attributes that made past Conferences very successful. As you ‘play Tennis’ with ideas during this conference, I implore you to go beyond the church matters and also bring to the discussion table some of the challenges facing our country today, with a view to proffering solutions to them.

“Please recall that over the years; I have challenged you over matters involving Moses Orimolade University Omu-Aran and the development of our Ecumenical Center at Maba, Ogun State. In this respect and on your behalf, I wish to thank our mother, the ambassador plenipotentiary of white garment churches, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, who came out boldly and massively to put smile on our faces.”

He continued, “I will be an ingrate if I do not also at this stage appreciate General Superintendent Yomi Sholoye; Snr. Supt. Apostle Mother Bose Oshinowo and Special Apostle Taiwo Akinsola for their selfless contributions

Supreme Head C&S Unification Church of Nigeria, His Mist Eminence Solomon Ala in discussion with Her Eminence Dr. Marian Adeleye Akinjogunla at the conference

Cross section of participants

L-R: SGRM Fola Also, Rev.Mother Esther Ajayi and Gen. Supt. Mother Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye dancing at the Thanksgiving Service for the conference

at the 2018 Maba vigils.

“They have also raised the bar of our vigil that we cannot afford to lower the standard. I praise the very God of Cherubim & Seraphim who answers prayers of his Elect for beaming the light of compassion on His church by moving the hands of His Elect to remove our tears in those key areas of our concerns. Halleluyah!”

“2018 was awesome for the church, the current year is also following that trend; issues that are hitherto tagged impossible are now wearing the toga of possibility.

“From the inner recess of my heart, I sincerely appreciate the Esthers, Nehemiahs, Ezras, Daniels in our midst and several others who laid the foundation for what we are building on today and I want to conclude this appreciation by saying that, ’Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of ‘ Hosts’ (Zech. 4:6b).”

Alao added that, “certainly what is being witnessed today in the C&S Church is divine intervention in the lives of His beloved and, ‘this is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes’ (psalm 11823). To all who had put so much at our disposal, Jehovah Jireh shall prosper you more (Proverbs 11:24)Amen.

“As massive works commence (and are on-

going) in the key areas of the church; I want to appeal to you all to find your own areas of relevance and make useful and indelible contributions as the train moves on. (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

“In this year (2019), more than before, the OIori-in-council, will embark on three key areas that are germane for church through evangelism, which is very crucial as it is the great commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ on Mt. Galilee and it is also the core mandate of the Cherubim & Seraphim Church and indeed my mandate.

In publicity, our good deeds (which represent the light in us) must be constantly publicised so that others may see the light of God in His Church and glorify His name. (Matthew 5:16).

On the Episcopal Tour, constituent churches ans state chapters will be visited this year as part of grassroots mobilisation. Where necessary, a special committee would be put in place urgently.

“As the 2019 elections draw nearer, you are implored to participate as law abiding citizens and choose those you know will add value to the lives of the citizenry. Please do not engage illegal activities; either before, during or after the elections. Do all things in the fear of God.” In conclusion, he said flowing from the theme of 2018 AGC; ‘That all may be one’ (John 1 7:21

); he noted that “the 2019 theme encourages us to, ‘pull down the barriers’ (Ephesian2:14), wherein there will be no Greek or Helene and where Paul and Apollo will work as a team.

“In 2025, we will be celebrating the centenary christening i.e. the naming (not the date of birth) of what is known as C&S. by 2025 therefore there should be no Greek or Helen anymore.

This is the period for continuous over-hauling of processes and total re-engineering within the church to, ’pull down the barriers’.

“As a church of God, let us intensify prayers for our leaders in the ministry and also in government. May the good Lord strengthen us all in the name of Jesus. Amen. I thank the host church for a wonderful show of hospitality as I also wish you qualitative sessions during the conference.”

During the course of the event, several issues that affect the growth of the church was discussed and one of such burning issues was the take-off of the Moses Orimolade University, OmuAran.

Speaking on the project, Prof SA Sanni who is the Chairman of the Building Committee, the takeoff of the project remains one of the most pressing issue paramount to him, an according to him, the project has dragged on for so long due to lack of funds.

The hall erupted in jubilation when Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, the Founder of Love of Christ Salvation C&S Church, London announced that the project will be completed in 2019 with her support and other well-meaning members of the church.

Speaking on his joy over the turn of event, Prof Sanni, said his joy knows no bound at the news he has just received.

“I am speechless at the moment. I still cannot believe my ears, this project has become a source of concern to me and so many of those we started out with has left me behind and it seems as if I am the only one left. I am so happy that the dreams that I have for this project are finally coming to fulfillment, the university will take off in 2019 by God’s grace”, he enthused.

In her speech, Rev Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi said the conference affords every member of the church to take stock, appraise themselves and be reawakened to their roles and contributions towards fostering unity and upholding the objectives of the great church of God. According to her, “This event is another occasion for us to take a chance at stocktaking, internal appraisal,and the reawakening of our roles and contributions to fostering unity and upholding the objectives of this great church of God. Our image is a very important weapon of evangelism, many people can be misled or persuaded based on our image” she said.

Ajayi who is the head Minister at the Love of Christ Generation Church, London also enjoined everyone to support and those in the drive to take the church to the next level.

The event was also an avenue for the presentation of prizes and awards to winners of the Solomon Alao Bible Quiz competition.

The third runner-up was OgoOluwa C &S Church, Iwaya, the award was presented

by Dr. Oluseye Yomi O-Sholoye. They were closely followed in third place by The Eternal Sacred Order of the C & S Church, Egbe, and the trophy was presented by Rev Mother Esther Ajayi, who also gave every member of the team a cash prize of N25, 000 each.

Second place went to King of Kings C &S Church while the competition winner was Gospel C&S Church, Orile, Iganmu to the excitement of everyone present.

Other deserving members of the church were also recognised for their long service and meritorious contribution to the growth of the church over the years.

The conference rose with a resolve to further play key and pivotal role in Christendom in Nigeria while it also took time off to discuss the state of the Nigerian nation where it enjoined President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to live up to their promises to ensure a free and fair electioneering process during the upcoming general elections while commending the president’s fight against corruption, but urged that the war against graft should be broad-based and not selective.

On Sunday, February 3, 2019, the activities of the 2019 AGC was rounded off with a Thanksgiving Service at the headquarters of the host church, the Faith Mission C&S Church, at Satellite Town, Lagos where most of the heads of the constituent churches gathered with the Supreme head to thank God for a successful conference.

5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśË&#x153; 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Bankers Seek End to Budget Delays in Nigeria The President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Uche Olowu, has called on both the executive and legislature to put an end to the perennial delay in passage and implementation of the national budget.

Olowu, said this at a roundtable session on Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic outlook that took place in Lagos, recently, According to the CIBN boss, the expectation generally was that the prospect of the country depends on the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which anchors the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrialisation.

In view of this, he called on the federal government to ensure that the ERGP is faithfully, efficiently and speedily implemented. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition, the country needs to rethink its strategy of handling some of its economic activities. For instance, according to the African Development Bank (ADB), Nigeria needs to re-orient its federal budget currently dominated by recurrent spending towards more capital expenditure and accumulating savings to sustain social spending. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Besides, delays in budget approval and signing have become predominant that it is not available for implementation in most cases in the first quarter

and rare cases a better part of the second quarter over the past 15 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Incidentally, this year is not being an exception. This has led to uncertainty in the system, affecting the delivery of projects which has profound impact on productivity in the economy. I therefore wish to implore the executive and legislative arms of government to close ranks to release the budget on time,â&#x20AC;?

Olowu said. He also urged the federal government to ratify the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) designed to create a single continental market for goods and services as well as the free movement of business persons and investments across the continent.

First Bank Partners Azuri to Boost Solar Energy Ugo Aliogo Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Peter Uzoho Azuri Technologies Limited and First Bank Nigeria Limited have concluded a partnership deal aimed at speeding up penetration of pay-as-you-go solar energy into rural communities that are lacking access to national power grid.

Under the partnership, Azuriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solar home TV product would be co-marketed and pay-as-you-go solar customers would be able to make regular top-ups for their solar through First Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Firstmonie agent network or direct from their mobile.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony in Lagos, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Azuri Technologies, Mr. Simon Bransfield-Garth, said they combined the wide reach of First Bank with Azuriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology and pay-as-you-go solar expertise to bring the next generation power to off-grid

consumers in Nigeria.

Bransfield-Garth, also said with over 10, 000 Firstmonie agents of Azuri spread across Nigeria, rural consumers would benefit from seamless financial services and easily top-up their solar systems, stressing that the deal would also result to energy, technology and financial inclusion in the unbanked and off-grid communities.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s human ATM or Firstmonie agents will be able to process payments quickly and easily for Azuri customers and will also be solar ambassadors, helping to introduce the benefits and affordability of solar to off-grid consumers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Azuri believes in having strong local partnerships and local ties to the communities it serves. That, alongside with high quality products and scalable financing are the keys to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuing success.â&#x20AC;?

Bransfield-Garth, also disclosed

that since the company started operation in Nigeria 18 months ago, it has delivered more than 20, 000 solar home lighting systems to consumers with the backing of the federal government, adding that it had also provided about 10, 000 jobs to Nigerians.

He noted that the company has three unique characteristics that set it apart in the payas-you-go solar space. These, according to him include the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology â&#x20AC;&#x201C; having Artificial Intelligence imbedded in its solar home systems, making it possible to provide reliable light to consumers even on a cloudy day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Secondly, Azuri has a distribution system that is designed to meet the needs of the consumer; Thirdly, Azuri is a leaders in the provision of receivables financing, secured on customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forward payments,â&#x20AC;? he added.

UTLTrustee Launches Online Will Writing Platform Nume Ekeghe A trustee and fund manager, UTL Trustees, has launched an online will writing service called WillPower.

The platform would serve as a means of simplifying the process of writing a will for the average Nigerian at an affordable rate.

With WillPower, Nigerians can create their wills from the comfort of their homes and so, determine how their assets will be transferred to loved ones.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Managing Director of UTL Trustees, Mrs. Olufunke Aiyepola, said the process of

creating a will has now been made easy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All an individual need to do is to create a secure account on our website, draft a will, print and sign. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dropped off at our designated couriers around the country, a legal team will review it and the will be lodged at probate in any of the 36 states chosen by the individual. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The process is seamless and the questions are easy to answer.

All wills generated on WillPower are legally valid. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Willpower is an online estate planning tool service powered

by UTL to simplify the creation

of will making, estate planning by making it accessible and affordable and available to Nigerian populace regardless of their culture and location, by securing the future of your assets and beneficiaries.â&#x20AC;?

Furthermore, on the various offerings on the platform, she added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;On this platform today, we have three offerings, the first is the simple will and this simple will is suitable for all that is young entrepreneurs from 28 and above, corporate service employees, public service employees and it would just take care of all your assets.

UP Appoints Abubakar Independent Director The Board of Directors of UP, otherwise known as Unified Payments, has announced the appointment of Mr. Shehu Abubakar as an independent non-executive director.

Announcing the appointment, Chairman of the board and Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, stated that Abubakar brings to the Board of UP, three decades of unbroken experience in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dynamic financial industry and would provide valuable insight to the Board and the Management of UP from his wealth of experience.

He further noted that the appointment was in line with global corporate governance

best practices, and one of the measures geared towards positioning UP as the most preferred E-payments services provider in Africa.

Abubakar has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry during which time he held strategic positions in different Banks. He began his career in Co-operative & Commerce Bank Plc where he served as an intern under the National Youth Service Corps scheme and worked at different times in International Merchant Bank, FSB International Bank, Fidelity Bank and Keystone Bank where he retired as an Executive Director. His banking experience covers areas such as corporate

banking, public sector, corporate finance, leasing and treasury.

His board experience includes being Director of a number of companies including Global Bank of Liberia, KBL Health Insurance and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria.

In the course of his career, Abubakar has attended many courses within and outside Nigeria including the Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School and Wharton Business School among others and has a wide range of experience in Strategy, Leadership & Executive Management, Customer Relations and Management and Corporate Finance among others.

L-R: Founder/ Chairman Dragon Africa, Obi Asika; Group Head, Online Banking, United Bank for Africa, (UBA Plc) Austine Abolusoro; Head, Of Product Marketing, Lola Obembe and Group, Chief Information OďŹ&#x192;cer, Onyebuchi Akosa, at the ongoing Social Media week held in Lagos...recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2018 Broad Money (M2)

24,303,049.86

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,912,604.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,668,378.21

---- Demand Deposits

9,244,225.90

-- Quasi Money

13,390,445.76

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

15,619,134.18

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

8,683,915.68

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,267,136.53

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,823,345.45

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

5,433,209.43

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

-1,609,863.98

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,443,791.08

--Other Assets Net

-17,583,220.85

Reserve Money (Base Money)

6,746,646.49

--Currency in Circulation

1,668,378.21

--Banks Reserves

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

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY, 5 JANUARY 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $62.07 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $62.32 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

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͷ˜ 2019

MARKET NEWS

Improved Results, Bonus Shares Excite Neimeth Shareholders Goddy Egene Shareholders of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc have commended the board and management on the performance recorded by the company for the year ended September 30, 2018 despite the challenging environment.

The shareholders, who gave the commendation at the annual general meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, on Wednesday, were

pleased with the bonus shares recommended by the board.

Neimeth posted a revenue of N2.269 billion for the year ended September 30, 2018, up from N1.534 billion in 2017.Cost of sale jumped from N604.670 million to N1.107 billion, while gross profit stood at N1.161 billion in 2018, as against N929 million in 2017.

Its finance cost fell from N84 million to N76 million.

The company ended the year

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

with a profit before tax (PBT) of N202 million compared with a loss before tax of N404 million.

It also posted profit after tax of N184 million in 2018, which is a recovery from a loss of N411 million in 2017.

Addressing the shareholders, Chairman of Neimeth, Dr. ABC Orjiako in recognition of the forbearance shown by shareholders all the years without profit, the board has recommended for your approval a script of

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

one ordinary share for every 10 held.

According to him, in 2016/17 financial year the company was challenged by adversity when fire gutted its raw materials warehouse on 7th March 2017. “ In one single year, 2017/18, we were able to overcome the crippling incident and are ready to resume our march forward.

Your Board has restarted implementation of its management reset that commenced with the

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

hiring of our former Managing Director three years ago. Her departure and the fire incident put a temporary halt to the execution of the comprehensive reset that would presage our growth strategy. We have completed the process leading to the engagement of a new MD/CEO who would join the company in the second quarter of this 2018/19 financial year. Other changes at the senior management level are in the works and

O F

would be completed soonest.

These changes are meant to drive the vigorous expansion program and growth your Board has harboured a while now. Our vision encompass increased import circumference as well as enhanced domestic manufacturing of our flagship brands,” he said.

He attributed the improved performance to board, management, staff and other stakeholders.

0 4 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

44

Friday, February 8 2019

%DQNLQJ 6HFWRU /HDGV 3RVLWLYH 3HUIRUPDQFH

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 R O X P H

7 R S * D L Q H U V T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

FO

29.70

10.0%

UB A

136.5

2.1%

0.90

9.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

63.4

7.2%

38.00

9.5%

A C C ESS

44.4

1.6%

3.49

8.4%

FB NH

31.5

0.0%

UN IT YB N K GUA R A N T Y NA HCO

T ic k er

24.45

7.2%

GUA R A N T Y

31.4

9.5%

0.75

7.1%

T R A N SC OR P

24.3

-1.5%

D A N GSUGA R

14.45

6.3%

F ID ELIT YB K

22.8

-2.1%

J A IZ B A N K

0.53

6.0%

UN ILEVER

12.9

0.0%

10.9

4.3%

6.3

0.0%

ST ER LN B A N K

2.50

5.9%

FCM B

ET ER N A

4.55

5.8%

ST A N B IC

7 R S / R V H U V T ic k er

(A Dealing Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange)

P ric e C hg %

A IIC O

Z EN IT H B A N K

Afrinvest Securities Limited (RC 603 315)

Vo lum e

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 D O X H

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

M C N IC H OLS

0.38

-9.5%

Z EN IT H B A N K

1485.4

7.2%

T R A N SEXP R

0.63

-8.7%

GUA R A N T Y

1148.4

9.5%

R OYA LEX

0.26

-7.1%

UB A

987.1

2.1%

LEA R N A F R C A

1.40

-6.7%

D A N GC EM

575.2

1.1%

N EM

2.30

-6.1%

UN ILEVER

478.6

0.0% 0.0%

GUIN EA IN S

0.20

-4.8%

ST A N B IC

295.0

SOVR EN IN S

0.20

-4.8%

A C C ESS

277.9

1.6%

C UT IX

1.90

-2.6%

FB NH

236.3

0.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

2.35

-2.1%

N EST LE

131.1

0.7%

T R A N SC OR P

1.28

-1.5%

F ID ELIT YB K

54.5

-2.1%

Investment Research

Brokerage Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde |

Bolaji Fajenyo | bfajenyo@afrinvest.com

Jolomi Odonghanro | jodonghanro@afrinvest.com

romotunde@afrinvest.com

45

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ΀˜ ͺ͸͹ͷ

MARKET NEWS

GTBank Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Banking Judith Obaze

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Guaranty Trust Bank GTBank) Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje has said the bank is committed to building a strong robust banking platform to drive financial services and accommodate the effects of disruptive technology in Nigeria. Agbaje said this at the 2019 edition of the Social Media Week in Lagos recently.

Speaking at the event with

a theme:“Building the Bank of the Future”, Agbaje said that digital technology through the fourth industrial revolution has disrupted different economic sectors ranging from retail trade to healthcare.

He said that the economic outlook for Nigeria in the area of banking still leaves room for improvement as not all citizens are financially included. He therefore, called for a level playing ground between banks and telecommunication

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

companies for more Nigerians to enjoy financial services.

According to him, “People need banking and not banks and financial institutions that operate in the traditional mode, current paradigms will not last for too long. That is why we are building single trusted integrated platform in the financial services industry in Nigeria.”

He said: “I am always very optimistic about Nigeria. I am not one of those who

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 06Feb-2019, unless otherwise stated.

are worried about elections.

The outlook for the Nigerian banking industry is always going to be up, until we reach a mature stage. We are only banking 33/34 million people in a country that has about 190 million people. It is by no means mature. So there is still a lot of upside. This was why GTBank evolved a leading innovation and disruption platform in the financial services market space through products like the USSD (737),

Quick Credit for customers, GTWorld, GTMobile and a few others.

On the recent decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria to create “Payment Service Banks” Agbaje called for a level playing field for different operators from the telcos.

“We welcome competition.

The only thing we ask is that, there be a level playing ground between the banks and the telcos.”

The chief executive also

gave further explanation on the recently launched “Habari App” which provides unique services to customers, from their play experience, to messaging, e-commerce and payments.

“Habari App provides a platform and infrastructure for them to reach out to multiple customers at the same time.

GTBank’s CEO reaffirmed the commitment of the bank to increasing coverage of communities while servicing 15 million existing customers.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 0.85 0.86 0.85% ACAP Income Funds 0.62 0.62 11.33% 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 N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 16.37 16.86 -1.33% ARM Discovery Fund 354.41 365.10 -0.62% ARM Ethical Fund 28.59 29.45 1.25% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.28% 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 101.27 101.98 0.08% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.14% 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 14.35% Paramount Equity Fund 11.53 11.82 -1.56% Women's Investment Fund 101.08 103.67 -1.45% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.68% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 98.67 99.02 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 99.56 100.05 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 13.34% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.83 0.84 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 1.56% 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 12.49% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.98% 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 1,206.20 1,206.97 1.75% FBN Heritage Fund 142.72 143.98 -0.48% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.36% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 147.65 149.81 -1.57% 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 -2.33% Legacy Debt Fund 3.28 3.28 1.20% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 0.45% 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 2,952.98 2,981.72 -1.06% Coral Income Fund 2,795.43 2,795.43 2.07% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.25%

Vantage Balanced Fund 2.15 2.17 -0.01% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.93% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 121.08 121.26 -3.08% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.15 1.17 0.80% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,084.74 1,084.74 1.43% 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 11.19 11.28 -2.73% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.54% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.35 1.38 5.92% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.40 12.46 1.60% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.52% 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 119.64 120.24 -0.88% 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 1.01 1.01 1.27% 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 2,318.97 2,333.16 2.38% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 191.33 191.33 1.94% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.94 0.95 -0.53% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 249.99 250.04 3.17% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 161.54 163.33 -0.98% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.05% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,338.83 8,440.59 0.00% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.11 1.11 3.34% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 11.07 1.22 4.09% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.32 12.44 2.49% Zenith Income Fund 20.86 20.86 8.34% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.14%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.95 118.46 51.87

-39.35% 0.14% 0.03%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.45 112.00 86.94

10.55 114.41 88.58

-0.92% -4.51% -1.93%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.98 7.08 14.40 12.56 147.19

4.02 7.16 14.50 12.76 149.19

-0.39% -7.06% -3.65% 1.58% 2.52%

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

46

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Russia Detains More Jehovah’s Witnesses Amid Crackdown Russian authorities have detained Jehovah’s Witnesses in the central region of Mordovia, police said on Thursday, as part of a crackdown

which the UN warned was setting a “dangerous precedent.”

Russia brands the US evangelical Christian movement a totalitarian

Britain, EU to Hold Further Talks on Brexit

European Union leader, Jean-Claude Juncker and Prime Minister, Theresa May, on Thursday agreed to hold further talks on Britain’s withdrawal from European Union (EU) after what they described as a “robust” meeting.

EU negotiator, Michel Barnier, will meet Britain’s Brexit Minister, Stephen Barclay, on Monday in Strasbourg, France while May and Juncker will meet again before the end of February.

In a joint statement issued after May met Juncker at EU headquarters in Brussels, they both confirmed that the EU leader had warned the British Prime Minister that the Brexit withdrawal deal cannot be renegotiated.

But he “expressed his openness to add wording” to a parallel political declaration laying out ambitions for future EU-UK ties if London wants to seek a “more ambitious” closer relationship after Brexit.

May, however, urged that the withdrawal agreement itself be changed. She reminded Juncker that

the British parliament had mandated her to seek “a legally binding change to the terms of the backstop.”

There is a clause in the withdrawal agreement, signed in November 2018, that would keep Britain in the EU customs union even after a post Brexit transition period if no way is found to keep the Irish border open.

“The discussion was robust but constructive. Despite the challenges, the two leaders agreed that their teams should hold talks as to whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK Parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the European Council,” the joint statement read in part.

If no agreement is reached on the withdrawal deal, which has yet to be approved by either the British or EU parliaments, Britain will crash out of the union with no follow-on trade arrangements on March 29.

sect and in 2017 designated it as an extremist organisation, ordering its dissolution in the country.

On Wednesday, a Russian court sentenced Dennis Christensen, a Danish Jehovah’s Witness, to six years in prison for “extremism” – the first adherent of the movement to be sent to prison in Russia.

The same day, several Jehovah’s Witnesses were detained in Mordovia, police said.

“The large-scale operation” was conducted by the FSB security service together with police and other law enforcement agencies, police said.

“An investigation is underway,” police said in a statement.

The sentencing of Christensen provoked an outcry, with rights

groups comparing Moscow’s pressure on the group to the persecution of the Soviet era.

The UN on Thursday condemned what it called a “dangerous precedent” and criticised the “criminalisation of the right to religious freedom.”

“The harsh sentence imposed on Christensen creates a dangerous precedent, and effectively criminalises the right to freedom of religion or belief,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.

The UN called on Russian authorities to revise federal laws that too vaguely define extremism and also release those being held for exercising their rights to religion

or belief.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that originated in the United States in the late 19th century and preaches non-violence.

Since 2017, a Russian crackdown on believers has intensified, with more than 20 Jehovah’s Witnesses in custody, awaiting trial on extremism charges, while 25 are under house arrest.

Christensen was given the lengthy prison term even though Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December that Jehovah’s Witnesses should not be seen as terrorists.

Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday the Kremlin could not comment on the court ruling but added that officials

would be looking into the issue.

“This will be happening. This is a process. This is not an easy subject,” he told reporters.

Asked whether the Jehovah’s Witnesses were an extremist or religious organisation according to common sense, Peskov said: “We cannot be guided by the notion of common sense for state purposes.”

Foreign governments have said they were concerned by Christensen’s sentencing.

“We agree with President Putin that persecuting peaceful believers is utter nonsense, and call on Russia to respect freedom of religion,” Andrea Kalan, a spokeswoman for the US embassy in Moscow, said on Twitter.

10 Separatists Killed, Six Soldiers Wounded in Cameroon’s Clash Cameroon Army said on Thursday that ten Armed separatists were killed and six soldiers wounded in a clash in Ndawara, a locality in Northwest.

Ndawara, is one of the country’s two strife-torn Englishspeaking regions.

“Secessionist terrorists ambushed a military truck in Ndawara.

“They stood on a hill and started rolling down stones to hit the vehicle. Six soldiers were wounded, among whom three were seriously injured,” the army said in a statement.

The army regularly refers to armed separatists as “secessionist terrorists.”

On Tuesday, armed separatists began what they called a “10-day lockdown” banning all sorts of activities in the two war-torn Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest from Tuesday to Feb. 14.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUWATOSIN ADISA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWATOSIN OLANIYAN. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I DARAMOLA OLUGBENGA BUKOLA is one and the same person as DARAMOLA OLUGBENGA B. Former documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank and general

I formerly known and addressed as OSEMEKE BLESSING JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYENWENU BLESSING JOY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADENIYI MUINAT ADEOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABOSUPALA MUINAT ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ABUBAKAR SADIQ, now wish to be known and addressed as ABAKAR SODIQ. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ZAINAB FISAYO OSINAIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ZAINAB FISAYO AKALA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUCHUKWU FAITH EZELIORA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUCHUKWU FAITH OKORO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ANNA OKWUDILICHUKWU NWANNE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANNA OKWUDILICHUKWU CHIBUIKE. All former documents remain valid.The general public should I formerly known and addressed as MISS AFFIONG SOLOMON EKWERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AFFIONG JOSEPH HENRY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as INEGBENOSE CHRISTIANA OMONIGHO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHRISTIANA OMONIGHO BADRU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as VENKE UERONICA F., now wish to be known and addressed as VENKIE VERONICA FANKU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

Prime Minister, Theresa May (left), and European Union President, Jean-Claude Juncker, after a meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels…yesterday

Zimbabwe Churches Try to Broker Dialogue after Opposition Snubs Mnangagwa Talks Zimbabwe’s Churches on Thursday sought to broker talks between the government and its opponents over a political and economic crisis they said had left the country “angry and traumatized.’’

This incident happened after the main opposition snubbed a meeting with the president.

The southern African nation had hoped to shake off its divided past after a 2017 coup forced long-time leader, Robert Mugabe from power, but 2018’s disputed election won by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, only deepened political rifts.

Critics say that under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe revisited

the authoritarianism that was the hallmark of Mugabe’s regime.

There was a security crackdown on post-election bloodshed in August and another one in January, which was against violent protests.

Mnangagwa skipped the meeting after initially indicating he would attend.

He was represented by Defence Minister, Oppah MuchinguriKashiri.

The main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, politicians from smaller parties, diplomats, business leaders and several cabinet ministers attended Thursday’s meeting, the first of such gathering

since Mnangagwa first came to power in November 2017.

Church leaders said they had stepped forward to mediate and reconcile political parties, which would lay the basis for the recovery of an economy battling a severe dollar shortage that has sapped supplies of fuel and medicines.

“Zimbabwe is clearly hurting, angry and traumatised nation,’’ Bishop Ambrose Moyo, who heads the Ecumenical Church Leaders Forum, said during a prayer meeting with politicians.

“Such a dialogue as initiated by the churches will help us to do some serious

introspection as we speak to one another. “ We stand committed to this process, set up by the united church to build peace, unity and prosperity,’’ Moyo said.

Some ruling party officials have accused Chamisa and his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) of only seeking talks to be accommodated in government, which the opposition denied.

The last time the MDC held talks with the ruling ZANU-PF in 2008 resulted in the formation of a unity government that ushered in a period of political and economic stability.

Trump Describes Democrat’s Probe as Presidential Harassment US President Donald Trump lashed out Thursday at Democrats for investigating his dealings with Russia, saying his opponents are “going nuts.”

“Presidential Harassment!

It should never be allowed to happen again!” Trump tweeted.

He said that an expansion of the probe by the intelligence committee in the Democrat-led House of Representatives was unprecedented.

Adam Schiff, the congressman

heading the committee, said it will look into suspicions of collusion between Trump and Russia and also broader allegations of financial wrongdoing in Trump’s inner circle.

READ ALSO: Trump Vows To Outspend Russia Without New Missile Pact The powerful committee will be working in parallel with an already well-advanced probe by special prosecutor Robert Mueller into alleged links between Trump and Russian agents during his 2016

election campaign.

“Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so. Never happened before!” Trump tweeted.

Trump has repeatedly declared his innocence, claiming that the growing investigations, which also include probes by federal prosecutors in New York, are

politically motivated.

However, Mueller alone has already brought charges leading to indictments of six people with ties to Trump in the Russia collusion probe.

And critics say the secrecy around the financial workings of Trump’s real estate empire and his years of interest in doing business in President Vladimir Putin’s Russia make a troubling backdrop that requires deeper probing.

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ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS PLOT 781 HERBERT MACAULAY WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ABUJA ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AND VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES, THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO THANK AND FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT OF ALL THE MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN GIVING THEIR BEST IN THE VARIOUS CAMPAIGN DIRECTORATES SINCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS. WHILE IT IS APPRECIATED THAT MANY COMMITTEE MEMBERS HAVE RECEIVED THEIR LETTERS, A FEW OF THEM ARE YET TO COLLECT. BELOW IS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF ALL THE MEMBERS. THOSE WHO HAVE STILL NOT COLLECTED THEIR LETTERS MAY DO SO DIRECTLY FROM THEIR DIRECTORATES AT THE CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS LOCATED AT PLOT 781, HERBERT MACAULAY WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, ABUJA. A. CONTACT AND MOBILIZATION COMMITTEE: 1.

Hadiza Bala Usman 2.

Victor Eboigbe 3.

Senator Bashir Nalado 4.

Amb. Lawal Mumi Mni 5.

Maj. Gen. Garba Audu 6.

Alh. Ibrahim Marmara 7.

Alh. Sanusi Baban Takko 8.

Hon. Umar Farouk Ayawa 9.

Hon. Bashir Mohammed 10.

Hon. Sherif Modu Barki 11.

Abinye Alex-Hart 12.

Hon. Radinson R. Uku 13.

Hon. Tamunotonye O. Longjohn 14.

Mr. Ngoji Warmate 15.

Envang. Caroline Nagbo 16.

Senibo Chris Finebone 17.

Hon. Gilbert Fiberisima 18.

Chief Joel Amadi 19.

Mr. Austine Ebenezer Pepple 20.

Mrs. Belema Martines 21.

Hon. Patty Enenneh 22.

Brig. Gen Lawal Ja’afaru Isah(RTD) 23.

Engr. Hon. Ali Gambo Maina 24.

Amb. Musliu Obanikoro 25.

Amb. Obed Wadzani 26.

Hon. Mohammed Kumalia 27.

Hon. Ali Bukar Wurghe 28.

H.E. Ali Abubakar Jatau 29.

Hon. Abba Sadiq 30.

Chief Utum Eteng 31.

Hon. Ben Inah 32.

Com. Edibi Okem 33.

Freedom Bassey 34.

Prof. Frank Enor 35.

Thomson Bai

6LU 0DXULFH (IÀZDWW 37.

Hon. Alloysius Ene 38.

Dr. Chris Valentine Ogar Eneji 39.

Eko O. Bassey 40.

Hon. Muhammed Abba Liman 41.

Hon. Babagana Buhari 42.

Hon. Babagoni Bolori 43.

Hon. Abba Jato 44.

Dr Emaka Wogu, CON 45.

Ibrahim Khalil 46.

Alh. Umar Sani Marshal 47.

Hon. Abdusalam Jogana 48.

Usman Maulud Ibrahim 49.

Bello Bakori 50.

Usman Isa 51.

Sen Aloysius Etuk 52.

Otuekong Sunny Jack Udo 53.

Obong Godwin Afangide 54.

Mr. Sonni Anyang 55.

Dr. Chris Enoch 56.

Hon. Uwem Udoma 57.

Dr. John Harry 58.

Dr. Akpan Micah Umoh 59.

Engr. Ben Ukpong 60.

Arc. Out Ita Toyo 61.

Engr. A. Ekpenyong 62.

Ahmed Abdurrahman 63.

Sanusa Musa Hong 64.

Hon. Saraki Abubakar 65.

Alh. Umar Yusuf Yakasai 66.

Hon. Sule Mambo 67.

Mahmuda Aliyu Song 68.

Bawuro Buba 69.

Alh. Muktar Fague 70.

Hon. Mahmoud Tofa 71.

Hon. Sharif Usman Babanlungu 72.

Gloria Izonfuo 73.

Julie Okah Donli 74.

Chief Sonme Ogilogi 75.

Chief Godknows Powell 76.

Chief Innocent Kaku 77.

Hon. Nadu Karibo 78.

Eddy Orubu 79.

Deinyabofa Dimaro 80.

Sambo Ralph 81.

Robinson Ottis 82.

Prince Ebitimi Amgbare 83.

Williams Barezi 84.

Mohammed Hadi Zarewa 85.

Dr. Kabir Azzubair 86.

Abba Othman Tofa 87.

Nasiru Garba Mohammed 88.

Hajiya Aisha Waziri Ibrahim 89.

Abba Hayatu Jere 90.

Sen. Bello Maitama 91.

HE Ali Sa’ad Burnin-Kudu 92.

Zaharaddeen Abubakar 93.

Hon. Ahmed Garba 94.

Dr. Nath Dortie 95.

Mr. Isaac Oguorimuo 96.

Engr. Ben Oduonu 97.

Barr. Jesutega Onokpasa 98.

Mr. Godwin Anaughe 99.

Dr. Veronica Ogbuagu 100.

Evan Johnson Boro 101.

Dr. Otive Igbuzo 102.

Barr. Alex Onwadiamu 103.

Mrs. Blessyn Brume 104.

Hon. Paulo Oyiborume 105.

Alh. Ahmed Gurgu 106.

Musa Shu’aibu Guri 107.

Alh. Ali Magashi 108.

Hon. Baba Santali Aliyu 109.

Nuhu Sani Babuba 110.

Hon. Habibu Sale Minjibir 111.

Alh. Usman Rabiu 112.

Dr. Maikudi Chigari 113.

Hon. Jamilu Mustafa 114.

Hon. Nasiru Labaran 115.

Mr. Edwin Osa Ogunbor 116.

Prince Austin Eweka 117.

Efosa Aguebor

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Opeyemi O. Osakue Com. Godwin Erhahon Dniel Iruero Omolola Osaye Airen Igbinedion Dorcas Ehioghae Eyo Okon Osaye Dr. Ibrahim Omokpae Hon. Celestine Egbaruara Yahaya D. Mohammed Lamin Albishir Hindu Jafaru Hama Aliyu G/Malam Ali Barakat Ambassador Jafar Jafar Mahmoud Garba Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Barr. Sa’ida Sa’ad Hajiya Fatima Dala Melville Ebo Chief Azubike Okafor Yuvonne Kogolo Joe Amene Sunny Okezie Uju Egemole Chiejina Ebo Frank Osaji Ifeoma Okeke Hon. Adaobi Russell Chief Mrs. Ifyugo-Okoye Bashir Maisango Hajiya Aisha Danzago Hon. Aminu Ta’al Hon. Ado Yakubu Baso Mal Ibrahim Baffu Hon. Nasirukundila Nura Sauna Rabiu Nuhu Jamilu K/Mata Mustafa Sauda Chief Jude Ejiogu Sir Peter Gbujie Sir Frank Ibezim Chief Kodichi Anamekwe Mrs. Ruby Emele Hon. Mike Ohia Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri Chief Mrs. Adaku B. Agbugbaerueke Hon. Chika Madumere Dr. Celest Izunobi Abubakar Mohammed =DKDUDGGHHQ $JDPDODÀ\D Aminu Dabai Kabiru Sauna Rabiu Warawa Hadiza Tarauni Sharu Ali Bala Badawa Abubakar Danfulani Auwalu Ibrahim Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele Engr. Mike Adeyanju Mrs. Janet Febisola Adeyemi Mr. Pius Osunyikanmi Hon. Mike Omogbeyin Hon. Kolawole Babatunde Hon. Oyebo Aladetan Mr. Olaitan Ayeni Mr. Austin Pelemo Hon. Oluwatuyi Tukana Mr. Dele Odewumi Yusuf Tohir Adeniyi 1DÀX %DGDZD Sadik Badawa Ibrahim Balagu Shuaibu Mohammed Adamu Mohammed Mujahid Zaitawa Mohammed Ali Baba Hon. Burum Goni Mohammed Abdulhamid Abbas Hassan Rasaq Mahmud Azeez Salman Rafai Akanbi Abdulwahab Agbaje Amuda Seriki Abdulwahab Adesina Aliyu Abubakar Ibrahim Hajiya Ronke Nasiru Henry Olatunde Chief Bode Jebba Rev. Bunmi Olusona Hon Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande Hon. Wadan Kawu Hon. Baba Aminu Baba Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Hon. Baba Wuro Eleisha Gyang Gen. India Garba Hon. Emmaneul Ekeme Haruna Sumbuka Audu Tuba Alwan Hassan Abdulhamid Umar Mohammed Abatti Bukar Abba Suleiman Alkali Sen Barata Ayuba Audu Aisha Ahmed Waziri Alh Salisu Zakar Hadejia Alh Manniru Uba Gumel Alh Babangida Umar Gantsa Alh Musa Garba Kila Hon Musa Sule Dutse Alh Abdulrazak Kazaure Kabiru Badamasi Gora Madobi Sulaiman Dandauda Kura Hajiya Amal Goni Mohammed Salisu Mansur G/Malam

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Sen. Abubakar Umar Gada Barr. Ahmed Gulak Gambo Lawan Sen Said Kumo AIG. Mohammed Hadi Zarewa(RTD) Mohammed Albishir Hon Sule Mambo Alh Yusuf Umar Yakasai Hon Mahmoud Tofa Alh Mukhtar Fagge Hon Sarki Abubakar Hajiya Zarah Bukar Mohammed Fugu Abdullahi Alh Grema Bukar Sani Ali Sen Yusuf Abubakar Yusufh H.E. Sani Danladi Abubakar Bar Ibrahim Tukur Elsudi Gen Ishaya G Bauka Engr Ahmad Yusuf Amb Hassan Jika Ardo Hon Josiah Kente Mi Yetti.

Alh Ahmadu Jijji Dr Abdullahi Dauda Bellel Uba Mohammed Mohammed Hassan Turaki Engr Iliyasu Hameed Engr Abdulazeez Abatemi-Usman Alhaji Adams Yakubu Alhaji Abdulkarim Mohammed Michael Ogbodo Yusuf O Mohammed Baana Alhaji Mala Ali Bukar Usman Ibrahim Goni Adamu Alhassan Bature Garba Maizabuna Mrs Yetunde Oriolowo Engr Potun Puta Attahiru Ibrahim Ibrahim Sheriff Farouk Saruk Hon. Garba Barambu Hon Garba Bala Sabo Nanono Hon. Garba Yusuf Abubakar Mus Bichi Dadisu Bubari Hon Usman Ibrahim Cafra Caino Engr Mohammad Jamil Ahmad Haj Zainab Bashir Haj Saratu Abdulaziz Sen. Usman Jibrin Wowo Mohammed Angulu Loko Hussaini Musa Wasa Alh. Sanusi Alh Isah Babajo Alh Sani Hamza Maza Alh Ibrahim Isah Rabo Shamsuddeen Dambazau Alh Sadiq Gwarzo Col. HS Aliyu(RTD) Hashimu Kachako Kedengs Dan Zaria Isyaku Miloniya Nabahani Gambo Aminu Dahiru Sanho Ibrahim Unguwar Dabai Isyaku Dankidigal Abba Talle.

Ali Yahaya Yusuf Uba Aminu Dukiya Siddique Hassan Gwarzo Mustapha Hassan Gwarzo Abbas Bello Isa Bayero Mohammad Sani Abdulkadir Isa Abubakar Balarabe Baba Mustapha Yunusa Aminu Yunusa Alh Yusif Mai Biredi Rt. Hon Ado Alhassan Doguwa Hon Aminu Jaji Hon Saheed Fijabi Hon Muktar Betara Aliyu Hon Austin Chukwuekere Hon Kayode Oladele Hon Mohammad Usman Hon Sulayman Yahaya Kwande Hon Babangida Ibrahim Hon Sarki Dahiru Alh Aminu Dabo 3URI +DÀ] 5LQJLP Alh Bala Gwagwarwa Gen Danjuma Danbazau(Rtd) Sen Isa Zarewa Alh Babangida Sule Garo Engr Muazu Magaji Hajiya Halima Saleh Hajiya Balaraba Ibrahim Stegert Hajiya Amina Tagwai Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa Abubakar Baba Misau Ibrahim A. Ubandi Ibrahim Ibrahim Bashir Ibrahim Farouk Bamusa Ibrahim Jafaaru Godwin Olowu Gbenga Olowu Maureen Ekhoragbon Alh Sanusi Baban Takko Hon Rifkatu Samson 6HQDWRU $EXEDNDU 0DLNDÀ Bashir Rimin Zaya Alh Muhammadu Mai Bulangy Hon Garba Bala Hussain Jarma

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Musa Bichi Bello Isa Bayero Sabo Nanono Ahmadu Dan Zago Shehu Dalhatu Bashir Ibrahim Prof Garba Shehu Prof Munzali Jibrin Hon Balarabe Wakil Hon Jazuli Imam Comrade Adamu Abdullahi Mrs Elizabeth Ajoko-Oshoffa Mubarak Danlami Haruna Arc Paul Gimbason Hon Venessa Ogenyi Hon Ibrahim Tukur Zango Barr Bashir Sale Abdu Comrade Isah Mohammed Biu Comrade Yunusa Akuetiemhe Hon Mackson Kurama Hon Kafayat Olaribigbe Evangelist Oluwafemi Oshin Hon Emeka P. Nnabugo Hon Henry Ekefelu Hon Bashir Sheriff Hon Jibir Babale Alh Buba Buni Alh Bello Al-Adam Farouk Salim Bello Waziri Hon Abdulaziz Ahmad Bamalli Hon. Naziru Yakubu Sabon-Birni Ishaq Zubairu Gwambaza Comrade Habib abubakar Hon. Habib Sani Emelia Richards Amina Ibrahim Gamawa Shehu Shamshideen Giwa Ya’u Darazo Shehu Mu’azu Umar Isah Kailani Mohammed Col Abdullah Mustapha (RTD) Dr Nasiru Ladan Hon Bala Yanusa Mallam Ibrahim Sheikh Umar Dauda Daura Ibrahim Abubakar Ali Dahiru Hajiya Fatima Kakanna Alkali Abdullahi Amb Ahmed Kashim Amb Baba Ahmed Jidda Senator Azu Agboti Chief Femi Okeowu Mukaila Akande Azeez Dr Garba Abari Mr Boniface Bebia Mr Joseph Shima Tarka Miss Maureen Agbo Sen Abubakar Gada Alhaji Sanusi Nasarawa Alhaji Gambo Rizi Hon. Musa Zubairu Hon. Isiyaku M. Zurmi Hon. Sani Gyalange Gummi Alh. Abbas Hassan Alh. S. L. Abubakar Garba Yusuf Abubakar Hon. Garba Bala Hussaini Jarma Bello Isa Bayero Sabo Na Nono Ahmadu Dan Zango Shehu Dalhatu Bashir Ibrahim Prof. Garba Shehu Prof. Munzali Jibrin Hon. Balarabe Wakil Hon. Jazuli Imam Bello Waziri Sanusi Musa Hong Mohammed Albishir

B. BUHARI SUPPORT GROUPS COMMITTEE 1.

Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar 2.

Felix Idiga 3.

Com. Garuba Musa Bello 4.

Chief Solomon Edebiri 5.

Amb. Fatima Adams 6.

Prince Ebunola Martins 7.

Ezedinma Nonso David (TP) 8.

Finidi K. Jahldess 9.

Mr Emmanuel Durugbor 10.

Mrs Doris Osuagwu 11.

Engr Ime Mbom 12.

Dr. Opara M.A 13.

Hajiya Halima Ibrahim 14.

Dr. Fatima M. Goni 15.

Hon Junaidu Idris Kadi 16.

Obinna Vincent 17.

Abdulrazak Joshephine 18.

Lady Ebere Umeh 19.

Ndubisi Nwagbara 20.

Elder Moses Ewepuh 21.

Pretty Karibo 22.

Dr. Soye Asawo 23.

Eze Chidi Enwere 24.

Olujonwo Obasanjo 25.

Negedu Henry O. 26.

Haruna Abubakar 27.

Maryam Danjaki 28.

Babatunde Osinbajo 29.

Hon Musa Kabir 30.

Hamza Ibrahim 31.

Mrs. Victoria Simon Michael 32.

Comrade Frank Ramsey Ezike 33.

Hajia Ramatu Abubakar Sadiq 34.

Fatima Omale 35.

Bolanle Olorunfemi

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Abubakar Usman. A Abdulrauf Olaiya Sarafadeen Barr Juliet Agunbiade Osuagwu Dr Ibrahim Baba Alh Mohammadu Abubakar Barrister Mrs. Lilian Dongo Ibrahim Ayoola Taofeek Amoo Abel O. Engr Nuhu Daura Barr. Saidu Aliyu Hon. Abdullahi Mohammed Maiturare Muyiwa Gbeleyi Emmanuel Nkpubre Alh.Umar Danasabe Dr. Abdullah Bala Isa Comrd Usman Isa Justice Onimisi nasirudeen Tohir Yusuf Alh. Abdullahi Bala Isah Okoro N Okoro Shehu Mitui Babatunde Haj. Aisha Mariam Ubah Ahmed Abdulsalam Baba Sani Abubakar Obinna Nwaka Brown Chioizie attamah Abass laji Uchechukwu Aniezechukwu Rev oganto Tom Ohikere Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim Sarik Abba Ahmed Balogun Hassan Maijama Hajia Wada Musa Mohammed Raji Musa Nasiru Abubakar Yakubu Sarafat Tijani Comrade Maishanu Auwalu Ladan Hon. Yusuf Baba Dr Aminu Isyaku Kadiri Aruna Edidiong Bassey Abdulmalik Yakubu Ojinimi Hon. Ezedimma Hassan Al-Hussain Ogochukwu Ezeaku Haj. Amina Kuta Alh. Usman U. Mfawa Usani, Mrs Garba Ahmed Tijjani Alh. Adamu Umar K. Hon. Mrs. Adeyemi Yusuf muyideen Fatima Joshua Prince Edozie Ugo Hamidat Busari Mr. Kabiru Hamza Alh. Shuaibu N. A. Zainab Abubakar Haj. Hajara Ismau Imam Wali Opara Obinna Hon. Ngene Chinomso Hon. Ciroma Bashir Shauib Cord. Usman A. Shuaib Abubakar Hamidu Mohammed Bilal Osita Okereke Arc Rahamat Auta Umaru Musa Bashir Ya’u Hajiya Ibrahim Aisha Dr. Sadique Okoli Haj. Mariam Hon Usman Ali Maitsi Dau Mohammed Raji Yunusa Engr Edidiong okon Dr. Kingsey Iyadi C Abdulwahab Ekehide Mohammed Usman Joseph Izunya Philip Kachikwu Amb Fatima Adams Dr. Charles .C. Chukwu Sani Mohammed Pastor Mrs Jane Nikwocha Dr. Muyiwa kayode Chizi Nyeomasila Jamilu Jafaar Manga Mudassir Dahiru Com Muhammed Abdullahi Shifau Yusuf 0HUF\ 2IÀRQJ 'U Hon. Ifeanyi Chukwu Oluseyi Sunday Hon Yahaya Galadima Onaho Augustine Abdulrazak Josephine Dr. Salma Anas-kolo Prince Edozie Ugwu Hajara Ismaila Ifeoma Izuchukwu Zuwara Bakori Hajia Rabil Bello Mr. Uba Vincent Godknows Victory Bala Mohammed Remigius Nwaonu Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Alh Babayo A. Umar Saliu Mohammed Luth Tayo Fashogbon Garba Samson Haj. Aminu Bature

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To Reverse Medical Tourism, Reddington Unveils another World Class Hospital Martins Ifijeh As part of contributions towards addressing the rising incidence of medical tourism in Nigeria, Reddington Hospital Group has unveiled another world class healthcare facility in Lekki axis of Lagos State.

The hospital, which focuses on primary care, emergency medicine, diagnostic and multi-specialist care, aims to bring healthcare access closer to residents of Lekki and its environs.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Executive Officer of Reddington Hospital Group,

Adeyemi Onabowale, said the facility is equipped with state-ofthe-art facilities and world class specialists to give quality care experience to patients.

He said: “We have continued to expand our reach so as to contribute our quota to universal health coverage because we want to ensure there is improved access and quality of care irrespective of locations or traffic situation in Lagos. This has spurred us since 2006 to establish various facilities across the state.

“The Reddington Hospital Group is a leading international healthcare provider in West Africa

having been the first independent hospital in Nigeria to be awarded full international accreditation on quality by the Council for Hospital Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA), an international healthcare accreditation body in South Africa.

We have again been re-accredited for another three years.”

He emphasised that the hospital group has over 40 consultants and specialists on full time with over 50 specialist consultants on part

time, adding that Reddington is the largest independent hospital in Nigeria.

In her remark, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Idiat Adebule, said Reddington has continued to be a dependable ally in the state in areas of quality healthcare provision, adding that “with increased population, it is clear that the government cannot do it alone.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) is key to addressing issues around

healthcare.”

The Chief Medical Director, Reddington Hospital Group, Dr. Olatunde Lalude, said with Nigeria’s healthcare indices still rated 187 out of 190 countries globally, the hospital saw it as a need to reverse such narrative through the provision and expansion of qualitative and accessible healthcare.

“The location of the Reddington Lekki Hospital is strategic because we want residents of Lekki and

its environs to have unfettered access to medical care,” he added.

The Medical Director, Reddington Lekki Hospital, Dr. Misbah Oleolo, said the highly affordable healthcare facility would give patients the world class experience Reddington Group is known to offer.

Oleolo, who has spent 20 years in the UK’s National Health Service, returned to Nigeria in 2016 to take up a position in Reddington Hospital Group.

Our Soldiers Fighting Sophisticated Terrorists, Say FG, Defence HQ Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The federal government and the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday appealed to Nigerians to show understanding and rally round the military in their current war against terrorists, saying they are fighting “wartested, well-trained and highly sophisticated terrorists,” who have fought in Liberia and other war-torn countries.

They also revealed that a faction of Boko Haram has aligned with the global terror group, ISIS, to form the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), saying ISIS now has a strong foothold in West Africa - with Nigeria in the forefront of the battle against them.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Defence Headquarters’ Director of Information, Brig.

Gen. JA Agim, made the appeal in Abuja while launching the national campaign in support of the Nigerian Army.

The Defence spokesman particularly appealed to the Nigerian media to work closely with the Nigerian Army in the war against terrorists, advising against media reports that tend to support and promote the deadly activities of the terrorists and demoralise the nation’s soldiers whom he said “stay awake day

and night to protect and defend” the nation’s territory.

Earlier while speaking at the event attended by directors of information of Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army, the minister said the launch of the campaign became necessary because the men and women in uniform who are risking all, including making the supreme sacrifice, to keep the nation safe “deserve the support and prayers of all Nigerians, not vilification, insults and other acts” that are capable of dampening their morale.

“Recall that on January 8, 2019, we announced that we would soon launch a campaign to seek the support of the citizens for our troops, especially in the fight against insurgency. Today marks the fulfillment of that promise as we are here to formally launch the national campaign in support of the military.

“Why are we launching this national campaign in support of the military? Because we believe that the men and women in uniform who are risking all, including making the supreme sacrifice, to keep us safe deserve the support and prayers of all Nigerians, not vilification, insults and other acts that are capable of dampening their morale,” the federal government’s spokesman explained.

HND Holders Must Undergo Conversion, Oyo-Ita Insists Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoS) Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, has shed light on the controversy trailing the dichotomy between BSC degree holders from the university and HND holders from the polytechnics.

The HoS, who addressed journalists yesterday on the achievements of her office under the change agenda from 2015 to 2018, said many people still appeared confused on the position of the federal government on the dichotomy.

She said though the Federal Executive Committee (FEC) resolved that HND graduates and Bachelor degree holders would be on the same level at entry point in the civil service, HND holders will still have to undergo conversion before they can attain the salary grade

level 17.

Oyo-Ita insisted that HND holders employed in the civil service will only peak at SGL 14, except they acquire relevant degrees that will convert them to the officer cadre.

“I think the issue of this HND/BSC dichotomy came up at the last FEC meeting. It is something a lot of people are still confused about, and it should not be so.

“The issue of where they (HND) stop will still remain at SGL 14 unless they are able to acquire additional relevant degrees that can now covert them to officer cadre. We have explained this several times, but when people heard that BSC/HND dichotomy had been cancelled, everyone was jumping for joy as if automatically that HND will get to level SGL 17 in the public service,” Oyo-Ita said.

EX...

L-R: Director General, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group (BOSICG), Mr. Tayo Ayinde; wife of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; her husband, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Deputy Director General, BOSICG , Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, during a meeting with professionals, artists and other groups, at BOSICG Office, in Ikeja GRA, Lagos...recently

ACPN Rejects Ezekwesili’s Explanation on Campaign Funds Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has said it was not satisfied with the account by its former presidential candidate, Oby Ezekwesili, on the donations received during her short-lived presidential campaign.

The party said it still urged the former presidential candidate to return all the monies generated during her short stay in the party, threatening to seek for order of mandamus if she refuses to

comply.

Both the party and its presidential candidate have engaged in the war of words following the candidate’s withdrawal from the race and the subsequent endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari by the party.

Ezekwesili who is one the founders of #BringBackOurGirls#, last year joined the ACPN to pursue her presidential ambition but later withdrew.

Addressing a press conference,

yesterday in Abuja, in response to some allegations made against the national leadership of ACPN

by Ezekwesili, the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima, said the party “reject in entirety everything she submitted.”

The party reminded the former minister that a political party is different from a charity organisation or the #BringBackOurGirls where she belongs too.

“So, we are rejecting everything

she submitted in entirety; we wanted to know all the content of the accounts and see the accounts because at the end of the day it is not the presidential candidate that INEC will hold responsible, according to the law but the party, and whatever any candidate generated for his or her campaign belongs to the party.

“We are expecting that she will respond at the appropriate time but if she doesn’t, we may be compelled to go to court to seek for order of mandamus.”

Court Issues Worldwide Order for Arrest of Ex-NIA DG Oke, Wife Davidson Iriekpen The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the arrest of former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General, Ambassador Ayodele Oke, and his wife, Folasade.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke made the order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, told Justice Aneke that the defendants could not be found.

He said the couple also refused to pick calls from EFCC operatives.

“I have carefully considered the oral application for the arrest of the person mentioned herein and I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the said application is meritorious.

The judge ruled; “Accordingly the application is hereby granted as prayed “It is hereby ordered that Ambassador Ayedele Oke and wife, Folasade Oke, be arrested anywhere they are been sighted in world.

“This application is not without merit,” the judge ruled.

He adjourned the case to March 8, for report of arrest.

The EFCC had instituted a

four-count charge against Oke and Folashade.

It had intended to arraign the defendants before the judge in connection with the sums of $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 (totalling N13billion) removed by the EFCC from Flat 7B Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos linked to them.

When the case came up yesterday the EFCC counsel, Oyedepo, had informed Justice Aneke of his intention to make an oral application, seeking the issuance of bench warrant against the sacked NIA DG and his wife.

But the judge during the proceedings had stated that he had not seen the case file.

But the registrar of the court informed him that the case file was already before the court.

This prompted Justice Aneke to declare that he needed to go through the case file before entertaining any application.

The judge then adjourned the case to yesterday for the commission to move its oral application seeking for bench warrant against Oke and his wife.

Before then, Oyedepo had urged the judge to reschedule the planned arraignment of the sacked DG of NIA and his wife because of the failure of the anti-graft agency to produce the duo before the court.

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Jonathan Saved Nigeria from Political Crisis, Says Abdulsalami Former president challenges INEC, security agencies on fairness

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) has applauded ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for saving the country from descending into political crisis in 2015, and for further strengthening the growth of democracy not only in Nigeria but on the African continent and the world.

Jonathan had conceded defeat to

incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential poll, the first sitting Nigerian leader to lose an election.

Speaking in Abuja, yesterday at a-one day peace conference with the theme, ‘Peaceful Elections and National Development’, organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Abubakar said: “Allow me to on behalf of all Nigerians to once more thank former President Goodluck

Arewa, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, IjawYouths Endorse Atiku Threaten to drag el-Rufai to ICC Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja A coalition of all ethnic nationalities’ youth bodies, made up of Arewa, Afenefere, Ohanaeze and Ijaw Youth Councils have resolved to support the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the February 16 election.

The youths operating under the coalition of Nigeria’s Ethnic Nationalities Youths Organisation, has also condemned the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai, over his alleged hate speech against foreign observers, threatening to drag him before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Regarding the forthcoming election, the group said they are in full support of an earlier stand by the leadership of the various ethnic nationalities to endorse Atiku’s candidacy.

Addressing journalists at a joint press conference in Abuja yesterday, the leaders of the coalition, said they were in support of Atiku’s position to restructure Nigeria if elected.

The youth leaders also berated el-Rufai over his statement threatening the international community.

While reading out the resolution of the coalition, the President of Ijaw Youths Council, Worldwide, Mr. Owellami Peretubo, said they were concerned about disturbing developments regarding the conduct of those in the corridors of power who have been making statements that tends to create tension and disgust ahead of the forthcoming elections. “ As members of the Ethnic Nationalities Forum, we shall resist any attempt to short-change the electorate in the forthcoming elections. We expect nothing short of free, fair and non-violent elections in 2019 and we have since commenced the mobilisation of our members to support only a presidential candidate genuinely concerned about restructuring of our nation.

Peretubo said they were urging Nigerian youths to support a leader who understands the link between national development and harmonious blending of the diverse ethnic nationalities across the various geopolitical zones of the country.

The coalition also said they were aware of the deep-rooted fears among the electorate about a possible manipulation of the election, adding that the concerns became more rife with the attempt

to emasculate the judiciary.

“This unwarranted, Gestapostyle expectedly drew the anger of the international community, notably the European Union, United Kingdom, United States and African Union. The move has ridiculed our international image, creating more doubts about our sincerity regarding the second leg of a civilian-to-civilian transition. “ We will no longer support any leader with less clear understanding of his responsibility to our national currency that will keep the Naira at an embarrassingly weak value level for whole four years, without any sense of remorse. “ We wish to reiterate that the above positions were borne out of genuine concern over the worrisome levels of under development and stagnation of our nation, “the coalition said.

Speaking at the press conference, the leader of the Arewa Youth group that once issued the controversial quit notice to the Igbos in the north, Shettima Yerima, said members of the coalition are bent on ensuring that voters’ right of choice is unequivocally respected during and after the forthcoming elections, adding that they will work with all relevant stakeholders to preempt any undue interference from whatever quarters.

He also said the youths were united behind the leadership of the ethnic nationalities in the decision to endorse Atiku.

On the hate statement credited to the governor of Kaduna State, the Arewa youth leader described it as unwarranted outburst capable of igniting violence during the elections.

He said that as far as the Arewa youths body is concerned, nobody will be allowed to use the young people to perpetrate violence during the election in the north.

Also, the President, Yoruba Council of Youths, Aremo Oladotun, said the coalition will drag the Kaduna governor to the ICC over hate speech.

“The statement credited to el-Rufai is highly seditious, treasonable and capable of throwing the entire nation into chaos and we are not going to allow that one man to bring the country into collision with the outside world. We, on our part, will take adequate legal action to report el-Rufai to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we will not watch him stir the country into crisis with this careless statement,” he said.

Jonathan for saving the country from falling into political crisis and in further strengthening the growth of democracy not only in Nigeria but in Africa and indeed the world.”

Abubakar, who is the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, said that African countries are the hotbed of election controversies.

According to him, “African countries are usually tensionsoaked because of the very cut-throat competition involved.

Africa indeed is a hot bed of election controversies. In African countries like Kenya, Cote d’ Ivoire and the Gambia, we have seen the serious implications of electoral tension to national security and development.”

Abdulsalami stressed that Nigeria has historically had its fair share of election violence, even dating back to pre- independence era, noting that Nigerians have witnessed the destruction that took place and retarded development.

He stated, “general elections where the doomsayers were predicting the balkanisation of Nigeria but thank God through the action of Nigerians and the then president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, they were proved wrong because this gentleman kept his word that his presidency is not worth the blood of any Nigerian and he graciously conceded defeat at that election.”

Also speaking at the event, a former Liberian president, Prof.

Amos Sawyer, stated that the role of Nigeria in Africa and especially in West Africa makes elections in the country critical to the sub-region.

Sawyer stressed that a democratic Nigeria strengthens security in the sub-region, adding that many observers had noted the importance of the forthcoming elections, being the first in many respects.

Sawyer described the elections as the first in which the electorate is dominated by a generation that has come of age since the end of military rule, stressing that it is a generation that comprises slightly more than half of the electorate.

Referring to Jonathan, he stated, “I remember your statement that your ambition was not worthy of the blood of a single Nigerian.

These are immortal words. Your concession distinguished you as the leader who brought Nigerian democracy to full maturity” On his part, Jonathan said that he had promised that upon leaving office as president in 2015, he would be channeling his energy towards serving humanity in another form which is no less edifying. This , he stated, fall along the lines of the focus of his life’s struggles, personal philosophy and ideals.

He stressed that the birth of the

Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), a not-for-profit organisation, was the fulfillment of that promise, adding that the search for solutions to Africa’s seemingly intractable challenges is at the centre of the Foundation’s interest on the question of leadership and good governance.

The former president noted that it was a known fact that Africa’s relatively slow growth and poor performing economies are linked to the preponderance of conflicts.

He pointed out that what many patriotic Africans would also not deny is the fact that at the root of most of the conflicts ravaging the continent is the desperation that often characterise the struggle for power.

The former president stated, “No doubt, there is a strong nexus between the struggle for power and national development. There is a vicious cycle in Africa where the struggle for political power leads to conflicts that bring up poor governance and creates hardship which fuels the struggle for change of leadership; thus, creating further conflicts and poor leadership”.

The ex-president said, “I urge the electoral umpire and the security operatives to be fair to all during elections. This will inspire patriotism, ensure good conduct among the citizenry and propel good governance which will catalyse growth for the good of all. There is

no doubt that once these institutions are either compromised or perceived to be biased, their activities will serve as a recipe for crisis.”

In his remarks, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Kukah, stated: “What we call electoral violence is actually nothing but a contestation between poverty and opportunity. This is why we may have all the electoral violence in Nigeria but there will be no electoral violence in Asokoro, Victoria Island.”

Kukah noted that people invest so much emotionally in elections, pointing out that Nigerians must pay attention, Africa must pay attention that election may deliver the best form of government but cannot guarantee the outcome.

Also, the panelists at the event said that the country cannot afford the consequences of electoral violence, hence the need to respect the rule of law, while also calling on the security agencies to be neutral as their allegiance is to the country and not to an individual.

One of the panelists, and the Editor (Daily) of THISDAY Newspaper, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, insisted that while the media should continue to provide the platform for politicians to express themselves, it should, on the other hand, not publish stories that would endanger the peace of the country.

IMPROVING PERSONAL CARE…

L-R: Vice President, Personal Care Solutions, BASF, Dr. Dirk Mampe; Director of Industry, Lagos State, Mr. Lekan Ogunbowale; Consul General, German Embassy, Lagos, Dr. StefanTraumann; Head of Sales, Emerging Europe, BASF, Mr. Donato Sudati; Director, Drug Evaluation and Research, NAFDAC, Mrs. Ijeoma Nnankwo; and Managing Director, BASF, West Africa, Dr. Jean- Marc- Ricca, at the inauguration of BASF personal care application technology laboratory in Ilupeju, Lagos… yesterday ETOP UKUTT

Ortom: APC Leaders Shameless in Trying to Change Benue Narrative George Okoh in Makurdi Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has described as shameful the statements made by Senator George Akume, Governor Simon Lalong and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders at the recent party’s presidential campaign rally in Makurdi, the state capital.

He equally raised the alarm over a plot by the APC to create a state of

insecurity so that election in the state would be declared inconclusive.

The governor made this known yesterday while speaking with journalists at Government House, Makurdi, while responding to accusations made by Akume that he was arming militia for the election.

Ortom dismissed the allegation, stating that he has not armed livestock guards as alleged by Akume.

The governor alleged that Akume and other APC leaders were only trying to change the narrative of the herders attacking the state.

He accused Akume of arming people and playing on the sensibility of President Muhammadu Buhari to allow him use security agencies to rig the election.

“I remain a very peaceful person. You can go round the town and see how they destroyed my billboards and

we did not react. They also, destroyed my billboards on Lafia road and even in Gbajimba, my own home town. They are responsible for the shooting that took place in the area. All these while, I am just reporting to security agencies. I do not want anything that will create violence in the state because that is what the APC want as they have lost the support of the people.

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Police Redeployment: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Accuses Buhari of Marginalisation Martins Ifijeh Following the recent massive shake-up and redeployment of police officers by the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of marginalisation of Igbos.

In a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday and signed by the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, the group said the posting of commissioners of police to states throughout the country indicates obvious lopsidedness in both the number of Ndigbo affected and their states of posting.

He said: “The whole of the seven Igbo-speaking states in the country have only two commissioners of police while

some single states have two or more and some geopolitical zones more than six or seven.

“President Buhari came on campaign to Anambra State and insulted Ndigbo by saying that his postings were based on merit and that is why the South-east zone is completely absent in the security apparatchiks of the country.”

He said what this signifies was that “no Igbo man or woman is intelligent or brilliant enough or has his confidence to head any of the security apparatus of Nigeria, and to buttress his point, only two Igbo officers are ‘meritorious’ to be appointed commissioners of police in charge of states.”

He said the only two officers were posted to the most hazardous war-torn areas of the north -

Zamfara and Borno States.

He noted that Ndigbo has always formed the majority of soldiers posted to war zones and that men from the region have paid their dues, including

producing a worthy general officer commanding troops.

Nwodo explained that while the Nigerian/Biafra war ended almost 50 years ago, Buhari’s administration has continued

to marginalise the region.

“This kind of discrimination should not be lost on Ndigbo, especially at this period of reckoning and payback.

“If Mr. president loves

Ndigbo as he is canvassing, why didn’t he try to balance the glaring absence of Ndigbo at a table where the security of this country is decided?” he queried.

Ezekwesili’s Red Card Movement Adopts Atiku Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Red Card Movement (RCM) yesterday adopted the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as its candidate for next week’s presidential election.

The group’s co-Chairman, Dr. Tony Akabuno, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja, where he also revealed that the former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili had resigned from the group before she declared to run for the presidency under the Action Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

Akabuno said the forthcoming election would be a defining moment in the political history of the country, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari has failed in all his cardinal programmes of improving the economy, provision of adequate security and fighting corruption. He has instead been playing politics with corruption.

He noted that the country cannot perform experiment with

the presidency, adding that this is not about Buhari but about the future of the country.

“Atiku is a successful businessman that understands governance because he learnt a lot from one of our great presidents, Obasanjo. And he has a running mate in the person of Peter Obi, that has practicalised character, competence and capacity.

We are convinced that Atiku- led regime will assemble a good management team and ultimately restructure Nigeria.

“Atiku’s policies will take Nigeria out of the woods and put the country back on track.

Atiku’s promise of restructuring the nation and provision of jobs for the unemployed are key to a nation’s development and the Red Card Movement is ready to lend our weight behind the PDP candidate in order not to have a repeat of the 2015 scenario. We are on the same page with Atiku and whatever we do, we do it well.”

FG to Repair Expansion Joints of Leventis Bridge in Apapa Bennett Oghifo The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has said it would rehabilitate the widening expansion joints of the ApapaLeventis Bridge now that it has been reopened to vehicular traffic.

The ministry reopened the outward bound stretch of the Leventis Bridge in Apapa last Wednesday, after it was closed for about eight months for repairs.

The reopening of the bridge is expected to reduce the congested traffic in and out of Apapa through that axis, the Director, Highways South West, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Funsho Adebiyi, who declared open that stretch of the bridge, said.

“Hopefully, the gridlock will end today.

When we started construction works about eight months ago, the gridlock became a source of concern for everybody, and we appreciated the inconvenience associated with it but by the grace of God, the gridlock should

end today (on Wednesday) as this section will be open so we can have the two-way traffic,” he said.

That section of the bridge was shut for repairs after an unfortunate fire caused by illegal occupants of its underbelly weakened the slabs at the Leventis end of the bridge, according to Adebiyi.

“Some of our citizens live under the bridge illegally and carryout a lot of commercial activities and they do sales of petroleum products, and in the process, there was fire outbreak which became so severe that it affected the structural integrity of this bridge and a section started failing,” the director said.

He appealed to those doing business under the bridge to relocate and that the appropriate law enforcement agencies would be contacted to enforce their evacuation and that barricades would be built to prevent reoccurrence of the unfortunate incidence.

EXECUTIVE HOST...

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (right), and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Emuere, the parents of the baby girl delivered recently at the PDP campaign ground in Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, at the Government House Asaba...yesterday

Taraba Govt Berates APC over Attack on Ishaku’s Convoy, Death of Five at Buhari’s Rally President promises to complete Mambilla power project Wole Ayodele in Jalingo The Taraba State Government has berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the attack on the convoy of Governor Darius Ishaku, and his deputy, Alhaji Haruna Manu, by hoodlums.

This is coming as President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the people of the state that the Mambilla Hydropower Project would be among the key projects he would execute if re-elected president of the country.

The state government has equally condemned the death of five persons who lost their lives at the APC presidential campaign rally held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, yesterday.

Ishaku, who had accompanied President Buhari after the rally in company of his deputy, the state Commissioner of Police and other top government functionaries to the Danbaba

Suntai airport had his convoy attacked by hoodlums who were armed with dangerous weapons.

Addressing journalists after the incident, Senior Special Assistant to Ishaku on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu, condemned the attack, saying it was unprovoked and unwarranted.

Dan Abu described the attack as part of a delibrate plot by the APC to cause mayhem in the state ahead of the general election to achieve its motive of causing a postponement of the gubernatorial election in the state.

“Governor Darius Ishaku’s convoy was also attacked on its way out of the airport where the governor and his deputy and other senior members of the government had gone to see off President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The deputy governor’s car and several other cars in the convoy, including that of the

state Commissioner of Police and a special adviser to the governor were damaged.

“What happened today is a big contrast with the PDP presidential flag-off on February 5, 2019 in Jalingo, which attracted a larger crowd but recorded no incidence of crisis and death.

“Taraba State Government hereby condemns this unfortunate bloodletting that has become the character of the APC in Taraba State and we want to state that the state government will no longer fold its arms while innocent people are being killed and maimed” Meanwhile, the remains of the five persons that lost their lives at the APC rally had been deposited at the mortuary of the State Specialist Hospital in Jalingo.

The Public Relations Officer of the Hospital, Dorcas Philemon, told Journalists that five dead bodies and another injured person with bullet wounds were brought

to the emergency/accident unit of the hospital.

In a related development, President Buhari has assured the people of the state that the Mambilla Hydropower Project would be among the key projects he would execute if re-elected president of the country.

The President, who addressed a mammoth crowd that thronged the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Hausa language, stated “the Mambilla hydropower project is the main project that will bring accelerated development not only in Taraba State but the entire country.

“It will generate enough electricity for you to do businesses and improve your living standard, which I will complete if reelected as president.”

Buhari also promised to sustain his fight against corruption as well as ensure that the fight against insurgency is fought to a logical conclusion.

HausaYouths Pledge Support for Ugwuanyi’s Re-election Youths of Hausa extraction resident in Enugu State have pledged total support for the re-election of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the March 2 gubernatorial election.

Speaking yesterday during a solidarity visit to Ugwuanyi, the youths who converged on the Government House, Enugu, in very large numbers, described the governor as a detribalised leader who treats everyone equally regardless of religion and ethnicity, and equally commended him for developing the state “like no one had ever done”.

“Most of us were born and brought up here in Enugu and don’t know anywhere else as home,” Alhaji Hamza Buba, leader of the Arewa Youths

explained, amid cheers from the excited crowd.

According to him, youths in the Hausa community in the state have been in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and will always remain in the party.

“PDP is a party for democracy and for everybody. There has never been any governor since the return to democracy who has shown concern for our welfare like you have done. You visit us when there is need.

“We remain loyal to you because you are our father. Our votes will be cast entirely for you and the PDP. We will definitely ensure we return you to Lion Building,” he said, adding that they would be going into the streets from the Government

House to campaign vigorously for him.

A former youth leader, Alhaji Danladi Abubakar, who also spoke at the gathering, praised Ugwuanyi for enthroning an inclusive policy that gives every resident a sense of belonging and lays a firm foundation for peace.

“You are the first to give the position of chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board to us. No governor has ever done that. We are with you one hundred percent.

You visit us during our period of fasting, you assist widows, you assist women, you assist everybody,” Abubakar, who is also the chairman of New Artisan Market, said.

They also lauded the governor for the magnanimity he displayed

in bringing former governor of the state and Enugu East senatorial candidate of PDP in the state, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, back to reckoning. “We’re very happy that you have brought back our father, Senator Nnamani. We shall all be here on May 29 to celebrate your victory,” he stated further, noting that it shows that the governor “is for everybody”.

Responding, Ugwuanyi thanked the group for the solidarity visit, the support they have always offered his administration, and for the prevailing peace in the state.

He also pledged to continue to work with them for the development of the state.

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Fayose: Judge Threatens to Arrest Obanikoro Davidson Iriekpen Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday threatened to order the arrest of former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

Obanikoro, who is testifying for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, was absent in court.

EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs

(SAN), said Obanikoro took ill and was admitted in a hospital.

But the judge did not believe him.

She said the medical report produced by Jacobs was not convincing because it appeared unprofessionally done.

“If I want to pursue it, the medical doctor may lose his licence for issuing this report,” she threatened.

She said she would not hesitate to order Obanikoro’s

arrest should he fail to appear at the next adjourned date.

“If he fails to appear, he’ll be sent to jail and they’ll be bringing him with Black Maria,” the judge said.

Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving N1.2 billion and $5million from the Office of the National Security (ONSA) in 2014 through Obanikoro.

The alleged offence contravenes the Money Laundering Act.

NCC Suspends DND to Enable Operators DisseminateVoter Education Information Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), considering the upcoming general election, has decided to temporarily suspend its direction to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on Do-NotDisturb (DND) in order to enable the MNOs disseminate specific information on voter education on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The NCC said in implementing the suspension, MNOs are to be mindful of existing directives

regarding the timing and regularity of such messages and the fact that the temporary suspension is only with regards to the specific messages on voters’ education.

The NCC had issued guidance to all MNOs and Value Added Service providers to the effect that: “MNOs should ensure that their facilities are not used to disseminate political or religious contents which are abusive, insulting, intimidating and harassing, and/or which incite violence, hatred or discrimination against any person or group of persons.

“MNOs shall provide service to participants in the political process, only to the extent that their licence and the regulatory process permit.

“MNOs shall maintain the principle of neutrality in all their dealings regarding all the political process “They shall at all times seek and obtain the approval of the commission at all times.”

Meanwhile, NCC has expressed its readiness to strictly monitor the activities of the MNOs for the duration of the temporary suspension.

Fire Guts IDPs Camp in Borno Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri A mysterious fire has engulfed an internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in Monguno, Borno State.

Though details of casualties were yet unknown as at press time yesterday, some residents of the town told our correspondent that some children who were

sleeping during the fire incident were roasted by the fire.

A witnessed, Abba Yusuf, said the inferno raged from about 11.30 a.m till 12.50 p.m at the Stadium Camp, Monguno.

He said everything in the camp was razed down by the fire, which also burnt some children who were asleep.

Yusuf said: “Till now, number of

children burnt, unknown and the cause of the fire are unknown.”

When contacted the spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the national headquarters Abuja, Sani Datti, confirmed the incident, stressing that the officials on ground in the state were compiling the details.

Army Spokesman, Usman, Proceeds on Voluntary Retirement The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, has voluntarily retired from the army.

A statement personally signed

by Usman, said he had proceeded on terminal leave for toward his retirement on Friday.

He said although a new director had not been appointed, he was handing over to Col. A.A. Yusuf, the Chief of Staff, Directorate of

Army Public Relations.

The outgoing army spokesman thanked all those who had assisted him over the years to reposition the “Directorate of Army Public Relations to enviable height.’’

“I also wish to thank the Nigerian nation for the wonderful opportunity to serve the country and humanity in various capacities for over three decades.

“I am leaving highly fulfilled after

contributing my best to national development, the Nigerian Army, gaining great wealth of knowledge, experience, inestimable network of friends which I will treasure forever.’’

He also thanked the army for giving him opportunities and work exposure to practice public relations to the point of being a Fellow of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR).

Group Lauds IG for Lakanu’s Appointment as DIG Ugo Aliogo The Police authorities lead by the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IG) Muhammed Adamu, have been commended for recommending the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Taiwo Lakanu to the position of Deputy Inspector General (DIG).

According to a statement by CrimeWatch and endorsed by the Director General, Timothy Abulhimen, the group said the appointment of Lakanu has vindicated him as a hard working policeman and consummate crime buster.

The statement noted that the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Adamu, recently appointed six

new Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, from the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police.

The elevated AIGs were Usman Tilli Abubakar, who joined the police from Kebbi State in February 1986; Abdulmaji Ali, who joined the police from Niger State in February 1986; Taiwo Frederick Lakanu, who joined the police from Lagsos State in February 1986; and Godwin Nwobodo, who enlisted in the police from Enugu State in 1984.

The other two new DIGs who were elevated from the rank of CPs are: Ogbizi Michael, former Abia State Police Commissioner, and Ibrahim Lamorde, who was a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission (EFCC), from Adamawa State. Before his latest appointment, Lakanu was the Force Secretary.

Abulhimen in the statement explained that “AIG Lakanu who was enlisted into the Nigeria Police as a Cadet ASP has served in various Commands, Formations and Departments, including Operation, Investigation and Administration.

“As Head of the Special Anti Robbery Squad in Lagos, he earned the Inspector- General of Police gallantry award for his contributions to reducing the spate of crime in Lagos from where he was later appointed as the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the IG.”

54

T H I S D AY ˾ FEBRUARY 8, 2019

ÜÙßÚ ÚÙÜÞÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ Duro Ikhazuagbe ×ËÓÖ duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Eagles Drop Two Places in First FIFA Rankings of 2019 Nigeria’s Super Eagles dropped two places to the 46th position in the first FIFA Rankings released yesterday. The Three-time African champions however retained their last month’s fourth spot in Africa.

The drop was expected as the Nigerian senior national team was not involved in any activities to warrant any improvement in the 44th spot they ended the year with.

With two matches lined up for Eagles in March, Nigeria is expected to rank better in the next edition of the grading scheduled to be published by the world football governing body on April 4.

Even with nothing at stake for Nigeria in the dead-rubber last AFCON 2019 qualifier against Seychelles in Asaba next month, Eagles stand to reap points with good display.

Few days after the clash with Seychelles, Super Eagles will begin their

TOP TEN AFRICAN TEAMS 1) Senegal 2) Tunisia 3) Morocco 4) Nigeria 5) DR Congo 6) Ghana 7) Cameroon 8) Egypt 9) Burkina Faso 10) Mali

Mohamed Salah will not be available for the Pharaohs as they take on the Super Eagles in Asaba next month

AFCON 2019 preparations with a high-profile clash

No Salah for Nigeria, Egypt Friendly in Asaba Next Month Femi Solaja áÓÞÒ ËÑÏØÍã ÜÏÚÙÜÞ Liverpool and Egypt mega star, Mohamed Salah, has been confirmed to miss the much-anticipated international friendly against the Super Eagles scheduled for March 25 in Asaba, Delta State.

Salah in the Egyptian line-up was supposed to be a boost for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s policy of using sports tourism to drive more patronage to Delta State. It is against this backdrop that the state offered to host the high-profile international friendly as well as the Seychelles dead-rubber.

The match is scheduled to hold three days after the last Group D AFCON qualifying clash with Seychelles at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

But according to UK’s Daily Mirror yesterday, Liverpool FC and Egypt Football Association (EFA) have reached an agreement to excuse the 2018 African Footballer of the Year from the inconsequential matches to enable him concentrate on The Reds’ quest to wrestle the English Premiership trophy from Manchester City in the ongoing season.

The Liverpool forward will also not be part of the Pharaohs’ last group match against Niger Republic on March 21.

Daily Mirror quoted Egyptian FA boss, Ahmed Shobier, as confirming that Salah will not be involved in the two matches. “Mohamed Salah will not play the Niger game in the AFCON qualifiers or the Nigeria friendly.”

The no-show in Asaba will come as a major boost to the

26-year old forward because he is going to have rest enough before Liverpool’s trip to Fulham on March 17 and a potentially season-defining clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 31.

The Reds dropped to second in the Premier League table on Wednesday after Manchester City’s win over Everton, but they have a game at hand.

After his 32-goal Premier League campaign last term Salah has again been crucial to Liverpool’s title challenge in 2018-19.

He has scored 16 goals and provided seven assists in 25 league appearances in the on going season and his combination with the duo of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane is regarded as one of the most potent in world football today.

After taking as much as eight-point lead, Liverpool have wobbled in the recent matches to surrender their the summit on goals deference to defending champions Manchester City although with a game in hand. The team is also looking to win its first league title since 1990.

They have drawn back-toback games against Leicester City and West Ham United and need to get back to winning ways against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Given how key Salah is to Liverpool’s success, as well as the packed schedule the Reds have up to the end of the season, it will be a big boost for the Merseyside outfit that their key man will have some time off international duty for Egypt in March.

with Pharaohs of Egypt at the same Stephen Keshi

Stadium in Asaba.

Both Seychelles and Egypt

are ranked 189th and 57th in the world respectively.

Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top five countries in the CAF region.

Similarly, there were no changes in the top 20 of the global ranking with Belgium, France, Brazil, Croatia and England the top five teams in that order.

AFRICAN U-20 TOURNAMENT

Flying Eagles Aim for Outright Win against Junior Mena Head Coach of Nigeria’s Under-20 team, Paul Aigbogun, has said that his squad will go for nothing less than outright victory when they confront tournament host Niger Republic in their final group phase at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations today.

Aigbogun, alongside assistants Abdu Maikaba, Hassan Abdallah and Suleiman Shuaibu, took the seven-time African champions through their last training session before the game yesterday evening, at the National Technical Centre, Niamey.

Aigbogun insisted that focus would be on scoring the goals that would earn Nigeria a FIFA Under-20 World Cup ticket.

“This is our most important match of the tournament so far.

There would be no looking back.

We are playing the host team but our minds are made up to go all out. Only a win can guarantee us a place in Poland.

“Of course, we noticed a few things in the first two matches we played. The corrections we have made would help us greatly in Friday’s match,” Aigbogun told NFF’s media at the tournament venue in Niamey.

The Flying Eagles have to be at their very best against a home

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team that requires an outright victory as well to be in with a chance of qualification, as they trail Nigeria by two points and are level with South Africa.

Needing the minimum win possible to snatch a World Cup ticket early when they took on South Africa on Tuesday, Aigbogun’s wards made hard work of it, with the match ending 0-0, rather handing the Amajita a chance to remain in the tournament if they overpower Burundi in Maradi today.

Thursday’s training session was high on ball work and diligence.

Goalkeeper Olawale Oremade is likely to keep his place between the sticks, as defenders Mike Zaruma, Ikouwem Utin, Igoh Ogbu and Valentine Ozornwafor.

Their alliance is still unbreached in the championship. Jamil Muhammad and Afeez Aremu could remain in the midfield with Alhassan Adamu in front of them, though Aigbogun may tinker with the strike force, with Ibrahim Abubakar, Aliyu Ibrahim, Nazifi Yahaya, Effiom Maxwell, Adeshina Gata and Sweden-based Onyekachi Paschal all in good shape.

The Group A is delicately

poised and goes to the wire.

With four points, Nigeria top the pool ahead of Niger and South Africa, with two points each, while Burundi has only one point.

A draw against the Junior Mena would see the Flying Eagles through to the semi finals and a spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup in pocket, and in this case victory for South Africa over Burundi would also see the Amajita through.

Yet, victory for the host nation over Nigeria, and victory for South Africa against Burundi, would eliminate the seven-time champions.

Also, if Burundi secures a high-margin win over South Africa, and the Junior Mena overpower the Flying Eagles, Niger Republic and Burundi would go through to the last four and to Poland.

First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi, who is at the tournament as a Member of the CAF Committee on Youth Competitions, visited the Flying Eagles at training yesterday.

He charged them to go all out as it is never wise for any team to play for a draw.

Coach Aigbogun and assistants have the benefit of having played the Nigeriens previously. Both teams fought to a scoreless statement at the WAFU Cup Tournament in Lome, Togo in December 2018. And on Tuesday, following their 0-0 draw with South Africa, Nigeria’s technical team stayed behind at the Stade Seyni Kountche to watch Burundi come from 1-3 behind to draw with the Junior Mena.

The Flying Eagles have an extra motivation to put on their best on Friday, as officials confirmed to thenff.com that Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr would arrive in Niamey in time to watch the clash with Niger.

Rohr has promised to include one or two of the Flying Eagles in the senior team’s squad for the 2019 AFCON qualifier against Seychelles and the prestige friendly against Egypt, both coming up next month.

As it is, all four of Africa’s flagbearers at this summer’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland would be known today.

Senegal, who play Burkina Faso in Maradi on Saturday, have already picked a ticket while the Burkina are eliminated after two losses in as many matches.

Barcelona Preparing for Life without Messi Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has said that the club’s transfer activity is an indication they are preparing for life after Lionel Messi.

Barca last month confirmed the £65m signing of 21-year-old midfielder Frenkie de Jong from Ajax.

Messi, 31, has scored 581 goals in 664 games for Barcelona.

“I know one day Lionel will

say he’s retiring,” Bartomeu told the 5 live Football Daily Podcast’s Guillem Balague.

Messi still has another two years left on his current contract and Bartomeu said that Messi’s retirement was “a while away yet”.

However, the 25-time La Liga champions are looking at signing players to take the club into a new era

to ensure their continued success.

“We have to prepare the club for the future,” added Bartomeu, who is due to step down as president in 2021.

“We are bringing great young players to the team because we need to continue this era of success. That’s our responsibility.

5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

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Friday, February 8, 2019

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MISSILE INEC to APC

“What the commission has done is that it has taken a position in relation to the issue of Rivers. If anything changes we will meet as a commission and also take a decision” – INEC insisting that it has not reversed its decision that APC in Rivers State has no candidates in the impending general election.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Just Before Dawn or Dusk “About a year ago, the Deputy Governor, Barnabas Bala, told me that he was going to contest the senatorial election, I was in a dilemma to get a replacement for him. At that point, and as usual of us, when we are taking serious decisions, we consult President Muhammadu Buhari, because he is the only person I know that has worked in the army, he has been governor, minister and president. So, when I told him, he said anyone older than me should be dropped. Then one name was dropped, remaining two men and two women, then he said ‘since you are interested in a woman, pick the best woman’. That was how I picked Hadiza, because she was the best. The people that have criticised me most on this are people who never voted me in the first place. So, are they not supposed to be celebrating it? In their own opinion, I have made a wrong choice. Then, why are they mourning? - Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, rationalising his preference for Muslim/Muslim governorship ticket in the forthcoming general election.

“Those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that will come and intervene. They will go back in body bags because nobody will come to Nigeria and tell us how to run our country”Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State.

B

ack to the el-Rufai outrage. The best way to understand the wherewithal of the above incendiary statements is to situate them within the framework of the political model introduced by the Presidency of General Muhammadu Buhari.

The dominant political personality trait of Buhari runs the gamut of a rabble-rousing propensity for political polarisation and the deepening of extant cleavages within the Nigerian polity.

He is so remorselessly wedded to chauvinism and division that you can invariably count on him to invent a cleavage where one does not exist. Within the first term (and hopefully the last) of his presidency he has demonstrated a unique capacity for infinite regression into the profile of an ethno regional bigot.

While expressing a routine disappointment with his naked display of Northern/Muslim parochialism the other day, I was quickly cautioned by a supposed beneficiary of this identity category that Buhari has rendered those of them outside the Kano/Katsina/Kazaure loop the latest victims of his penchant for parochial discrimination. This was about two years ago. If we are not there yet and given his record, there is the distinct possibility that he is ultimately headed towards converting Nigeria into a Daura dominion writ large.

As it is well known, I have a chronic allergy to Buhari’s brand of toxic politics-predicated on tribalism, hypocrisy and primitive demagoguery. I have a fundamental and longstanding opposition to his assumption of the Nigerian Presidency.

My opposition is rooted in the conviction that any political leader who rose to prominence on the wings of dividing the people of this country should never be rewarded with the Presidency of Nigeria. It is a contradiction in terms to propose that a politician sworn to pseudo jihadist vision of Nigeria should be entrusted with the role of fostering an enduring Pan-Nigeria consensus and unity.

el-Rufai

He is as undeserving and incapable of rising to the occasion as Donald Trump is incapable of uniting America. The dangerously divided state of Nigeria under Buhari’s watch is a reflection of the caution that you cannot give what you do not have. Unity and national harmony are not in Buhari’s DNA and his natural instincts tend towards fractional conquest and political subjugation.

To the regret of many critical stakeholders who supported him to win the 2015 presidential election, the reasoned counsel that you cannot know Buhari more than what the man has shown of himself was discountenanced. They were blinkered by the non-strategic focus on the

Is there no sequential logic tying this development to the orchestrated subversion of the judiciary via the subterfuge of scapegoating a light fingered Chief Justice? Why all this desperation and impotent rage?

Haven’t Obasanjo and Jonathan proven that there is life after power?

disappointment with the Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency. But, again, as the saying goes, to every disappointment, there is a blessing-and that there could be a hidden utility in the costly miscalculation, afterall. Were he to be denied the presidency and remain untested Buhari would have gone down in the history of Nigeria as a martyr of messianic proportions and handily break the record of the contemplative status of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the best President Nigeria never had.

Yet if only the unwary had exercised greater caution and listen more carefully to the rhythm blowing in the air they would have detected the premonition of his romance with the dollarised rogue governor from the North, in the blind exoneration that ‘Abacha did not steal any money’. They would have made the inference of misplacement of belief in his capacity to secure Nigeria from the antecedence of being swept away like a forlorn obdurate child by the Ibrahim Babangida coup of 1985. The speculation that he was not in charge of the mandate entrusted to him by the Nigerian electorate was ultimately confirmed by his wife. This is also an echo from his past incumbency as military head of state where it was common knowledge that it was his deputy, Babatunde Idiagbon, who was the indispensable power behind the throne. It certainly was no coincidence that his removal from office was timed to coincide with the absence of Idiagbon in the country.

There is no doubt the chemistry of a godfather/ godson relationship has bonded Buhari and El Rufai. Shortly after the Kaduna State governor drove a bulldozer to demolish the residence of a political foe in Kaduna he paid a visit to Buhari in Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Upon sighting him, the choleric president broke into a wide smile and approvingly hailed his protégé ‘the bulldozer governor’ or something to that effect.

It is not exactly clear how the characteristic low scale intensity of the interminable violence that has bedeviled Kaduna escalated into genocidal proportions but the degeneration coincided with the assumption of office by both men in Abuja and Kaduna in 2015.

The fact that el-Rufai saw nothing wrong and was in fact spitefully gloating over the joint Muslim/Muslim governorship ticket in a state that is defined by religious dichotomy and conflict is an indication of a mental indisposition to seek a meaningful amelioration and healing of the fraught religious divisiveness that has predisposed the state to perennial violent upheaval. What is more chilling is the precise information provided on the guardian angel role of President Buhari in deliberately aiding and abetting the institutionalisation of a formula he knows will encourage rather than discourage the deepening of the divisive volatility in the state. Is a winner takes all formula the best instrument of fostering the spirit of consensus, cooperation and harmony among contending pluralistic groups? Would the governor and president have similarly found nothing wrong in the orchestration of a joint Christian/Christian ticket? How does this decision promote confidence building among the warring communities? Take note that this was a decision taken in the thick of the rampaging genocidal bloodletting in the Middle Belt provoked by a similar fractious and callous identity politics.

And then as if intent on reminding Nigerians and the international community of a Nigerian potential to relapse into the international pariah status fostered by the Sani Abacha military dictatorship era, el-Rufai launched a seemingly mindless attack on the international community.

The million naira question is what does he know that we don’t? Was this what President Olusegun Obasanjo was warning us about? Are these people preparing for a free and credible elections or large scale brigandage? Was the siege on the National Assembly a while ago an isolated incident and a sole lunatic overreach of a rogue security chief? Is there no sequential logic tying this development to the orchestrated subversion of the judiciary via the subterfuge of scapegoating a light fingered Chief Justice?

Why all this desperation and impotent rage?

Haven’t Obasanjo and Jonathan proven that there is life after power?

And just when you think it cannot get any worse, Buhari springs a new trick on you.

Given to stretching and breaching the delicate thread that ties Nigeria together he is always to be found in the laboratory experimenting with fissiparous tendencies. He was neither the Sultan nor the Grand Khadi yet it was him who became the chief missioner for renewed Sharia agitation once he spotted the negative potential to rally the Muslim North against the Obasanjo government and the rest of Nigeria- “I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria.

God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country”. As we were made to believe, he was neither the founder nor leader of Boko Haram, yet he was the one nominated as the group’s representative in an abortive mediation proposal. The backdrop to the recognition was his divisive and inciting demonisation of his predecessor’s military engagement with the terrorist group ‘as tantamount to injustice against the North’.

Now our president has become the first Nigerian leader to invite leaders of another country for political mobilisation against his fellow nationals. “Tomorrow, it will be officials from Togo or Benin or even Equatorial Guinea dictating to us. Indeed, international intelligence agencies recently confirmed heightened influx of tonnes of persons into Nigeria from Niger.

Everyday thousands are entering Kano, Katsina and Jigawa axis. What is going on?” laments a concerned Nigerian.

What a way to reciprocate the statesmanship of his predecessor who rose to the occasion in 2015 in a rare African display of enlightenment and adult comportment. Were the potential winner of the election not a personality who shares the same ethno-regional identity with the incumbent only God knows the extent to which Buhari would have exploited the attendant cleavages to drive Nigeria to the precipice. At the end of the town hall meeting (featuring Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi) hosted

by Kadaria Ahmed in conjunction with NTA, I received the following message from a senior colleague “I am thrilled by Atiku’s superlative performance. Northern youths are elated that Atiku has redeemed the image of the North”.

Why do people like Buhari and his cabal always give the North a bad name?

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