WEDNESDAY 27TH MARCH 2019 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

To Spur Economic Growth, CBN Cuts Interest Rate to 13.5% Obinna Chima in Lagos and James Emejo in Abuja After keeping the benchmark Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) unchanged for 33 months, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) caught

analysts and investors off-guard yesterday as it announced a reduction in the MPR from 14 per cent to 13.5 per cent. The CBN hinged its decision on the need to boost economic growth. The MPR is the baseline for

interest rate in the economy. CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, announced the MPC decision at the end of a two-day meeting in Abuja. The committee, however, retained the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 22.5 per cent and Liquidity Ratio at 30 per

cent. Emefiele pointed out that the rate cut does not necessarily indicate an end to the monetary tightening cycle. Emefiele said banks would be expected to adjust to the loosening in MPR so that its

positive impact could be felt by customers. He also said the reduction in MPR had a “reasonable” correlation to lending to the real sectors of the economy. The CBN governor said: “Now, having been on this path, particularly the MPR

at 14 per cent since July 2016, and with the relative stability we have seen in the macroeconomic variables over the last two and a half years, we just think that this should be the next phase where we Continued on page 8

Zamfara: INEC Suspends Certificates Presentation to Gov, Assembly Members-elect... Page 6 Wednesday 27 March, 2019 Vol 24. No 8752. Price: N250

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Trouble Looms as Ndume Opposes Lawan’s Adoption as Senate President

APC threatens disciplinary action against former Senate leader PDPCaucus: Leave Saraki out of your jostle, says N’Assembly leadership open to all legislators

Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may face a major crisis in the election of the leadership of the ninth National Assembly as one of

the aspirants for the office of the Senate President, Senator Ali Ndume, yesterday faulted the adoption of the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, by the party leadership. On its part, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senate Continued on page 6

Adamawa Supplementary Election Holds Tomorrow APC rejects extra poll date Daji Sani in Yola Following the nod given by the Adamawa State High Court yesterday to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to proceed with the supplementary governorship election in the state, the commission has fixed tomorrow for the poll. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Kassim Gaidam, announced

this yesterday during a chat with newsmen at the INEC state office in Yola. He said the decision was taken after due consultation with the INEC headquarters in Abuja. He said efforts were being made with the various security agencies to ensure that the violence, which characterised supplementary election in Continued on page 8

IG Laments Poor Police Funding… Page 8

THE ANOINTED ONE… L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole; and President Muhammadu Buhari, during a presidential dinner with returning and newly elected APC senators at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja… Monday

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Zamfara: INEC Suspends Certificates Presentation to Gov, Assembly Members-elect Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the presentation of Certificates of Return to the governor, deputy governor and State House of Assembly members-elect on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State. The commission also added that the judgement of the Court of Appeal would also impact the Certificates of Returns already issued to the senators and House of Representatives members-elect from the state. The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto had on Monday set aside the judgment delivered by the Zamfara High Court,

allowing the APC to field candidates in the 2019 election. A Zamfara High court had recognised the primary election that produced governorship, state and National Assembly candidates held by the APC faction loyal to Governor Abdulaziz Yari and ordered INEC to accept the partyâ€™s candidates for the elections. But dissatisfied with the ruling, the appellants, led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Kabiru Marafa, and 129 others, approached the appeal court, challenging the decision on the ground that the state high court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit among others.

Delivering the lead judgment, which was adopted by two other judges, Tijjani Abubakar and Jamilu Tukur, Justice Tom Yakubu, held that the lower court failed in its duty to properly evaluate the evidence before it. Yakubu said judges have the legal power to produce judgment and reach decisions with reason, noting that in the instant case it was not done. He held: â€œI am convinced that the lower court has failed to evaluate the evidence before reaching the decision. The appeal court has power in law to access pieces of evidence on appeal, which we have done. â€?Based on available facts the respondents did not

contradict the INEC evidence on conducting the said primary election.â€? Yakubu added that federal, states and FCT high courts have jurisdiction to entertain such matter. The judges agreed that the judgment should serve as â€œbitter lessonâ€? for political parties as they ought to follow legitimate guidelines and rules. The judges added: â€œDomestic affairs of political party activities must act within the confines of the law in dealing with party members and elections.â€? But the electoral body yesterday twitted from its verified Twitter handle that, â€œINEC has been served with the judgment of the Court of

Appeal Sokoto concerning the sponsoring of candidates by the APC in Zamfara and is studying same. Consequently, the presentation of Certificates of Return for the Zamfara Governorship and State House of Assembly scheduled for Wednesday 27th March 2019 has been suspended.â€? Also, INEC National Commissioner, Mr. Festus Okoye, told THISDAY yesterday that the commission has been consistent and would remain consistent in obedience to the orders of court. He insisted that the commission would not issue Certificates of Return to the governor and deputy governor-elect from Zamfara

State, as well as state assembly members-elect. Okoye stated: â€œThe decision of the commission is predicated on the judgement of the Court of Appeal Sokoto judicial division. The commission will continue to obey the orders of court and will take a definitive position in the next few days.â€? Asked if the commission will withdraw the Certificates of Return already given to the senators and House of Representatives members-elect, Okoye stated categorically that, â€œthe 9th National Assembly has not been inaugurated. The import and implications of the judgement will determine the fate of the certificates already issued.â€?

APC Threatens Disciplinary Action against Ndume

status bound to comply with what the party has decided. â€œWhen you go against that position of the party, it amounts to indiscipline and our rules are clear on the supremacy of the party.â€? Explaining how the party arrived at the decision to endorse Lawan, Onilu said consultations were made at the highest level of the party's leadership caucus. He said that after consulting with top leaders, the party also had to present its position to the president for his input and advice. According to him what happened was that all the leadership organs including the governors elected on the party platform were consulted before the decision to endorse Lawan was taken. Regarding PDP's position on the choice of National Assembly leadership, Onilu said that if the opposition party has any objection to APC's decision it has to wait to defeat it on the floor of the legislative chambers. "And what that means is that the party that produced a majority in the National Assembly also will produce leaders in the place. So all the positions that are due to the party, with majority belongs to APC, and PDP has no role whatsoever to play in choice of the Senate president, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other leadership positions in the National Assembly,â€? he stated.

TROUBLE LOOMS AS NDUME OPPOSES LAWANâ€™S ADOPTION AS SENATE PRESIDENT Caucus yesterday said every senator-elect is constitutionally empowered to aspire to be Senate President, when it is inaugurated in June. Also, the main opposition party has described as â€œlaughable and empty grandstanding,â€™â€™ President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomholeâ€™s posturing, suggesting that the presiding offices and committee chairmanship of the National Assembly were exclusive rights of the APC. Ndume (APC Borno South) told newsmen at his Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja that the disclosure by the APC national chairman, on Monday night, endorsing Lawan as president of the 9th Senate and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives was not only embarrassing but unconstitutional. He said: "What took place at the presidential dinner in Aso Rock on Monday night, where Oshiomhole as party chairman, announced Senator Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as president of the ninth Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively was very shocking to me and many of my colleagues. "Oshiomhole in making the announcement or endorsement, did not even allow myself or senators Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) and Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West), widely known to be in the race for the position to say anything.

"More disturbing was the fact that even Senator Lawan endorsed for the position, was not allowed to make any comment in form of acceptance speech or soliciting for support from other interested senators." According to him, such endorsement is at variance with provisions of Section 50 (1a) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The provision of the constitution states: "There shall be a President and Deputy President of the Senate who shall be elected by the members of that house from among themselves.â€™â€™ He emphasised that by provisions of the Constitution, neither Oshiomhole nor Buhari or any party leader, has the right to force on elected senators or members of the House of Representatives, their presiding officers. Ndume added that the party that was expected to have learnt her lessons from the June 2015 experience is threading the similar path. According to him, since 1999, there was no time leadership was imposed on any of the chambers of the National Assembly without repercussion. He said: "If you look at the history of the National Assembly, such action, normally do not go down well with members. In 1999, Evans Enwerem was imposed, he did not last. After that Wabara was also imposed and he did not also last. The PDP that was then accused of impunity did not do what the APC did yesterday.

â€œIn 2003, PDP showed wisdom by opening up the contest by just zoning the position to the North-central and that led to the contest between David Mark and George Akume. Because that process was democratic, David Mark lasted two terms peacefully. I donâ€™t think what happened yesterday has improved on the process but rather, worsened it. "For the sake of cohesion and stability among party members as regards aspirations for such positions, what was expected from the party leadership, was to just zone the positions and allow contenders within each of the zones to sort it out either through consensus or shadow election. â€˜â€™The 109 elected senators and 360 House of Representatives members are the constitutional kingmakers as far as the emergence of presiding officers of both chambers are concerned and not national chairman of a ruling party or even the president." Ndume said he has a vision for the Senate because the Senate had drifted and is drifting to a position where it will not be able to serve its purpose. "The Senate is supposed to be an institution of 109 senators to fashion out ways of stabilising the polity. It is not fair for somebody to appoint a leader for leaders. The leaders are supposed to appoint who should be their leader. The Senate president is supposed to be the President of the Senate not senatorsâ€™ president. Now,

we are again getting a senatorsâ€™ president; but this country needs a senate president,â€™â€™ he added. Ndume, a former Senate leader, however, said his loyalty to the party and in particular, Buhari, has not been affected by the unpopular decision of Oshiomhole. He said: "I don't even believe that President Buhari was in the know of what Oshiomhole did because he didnâ€™t make any comment on leadership of the ninth Assembly at the dinner but only greeted us before the organizers of the programme hurriedly called for rendition of the National Anthem. "We all left the place in shock and disbelief but my commitment and loyalty to the party remains." He further explained that he would consult with party elders from his home state, Borno, and his colleagues, who encouraged him to join the race on the next line of action, saying: "It is not over until the Almighty Allah makes final decision on who becomes President of the 9th Senate on the day of inauguration.â€™â€™ "I am now leaving this for God and for my people that elected me. I am going home (Borno State) right away to consult with the elders who encouraged me to vie for the position. So, I will engage in consultations before I take the final position. But, I want to say that the party has taken a position and I ultimately await the decision of the Almighty God and that of my colleagues.â€™â€™

Meanwhile, the APC has said it would invoke disciplinary measures on any of its members found opposing or working against the decision of the party on the choice of the National Assembly leadership. Speaking to THISDAY on the statement issued by Ndume, rejecting the party's endorsement of Senator Ahmed Lawan for the Senate presidency post, the partyâ€™s National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu said any such move would attract sanctions. APC also reacted to another statement by the PDP that it would not accept imposition of National Assembly leadership, saying that the opposition has no choice in the matter. The APC spokesman said the party does not expect any of its members to oppose its position on the zoning of leadership positions in legislative chambers. He said: "If Ndume actually understands democracy, with due respect to the number of years he has spent in the National Assembly as a lawmaker, he should realise that we are practicing presidential system of government. "That would amount to indiscipline and our party's constitution is very clear on indiscipline. The party has taken a position and anybody we presented for election and who has won an election on the platform of the APC is duty bound, morally bound and

Continued on page 46

TO SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH, CBN CUTS INTEREST RATE TO 13.5% should begin talking about consolidating growth. â€œThat this should be the next phase where we should be talking about how do we create more jobs and reduce the level of unemployment in our country for people.â€? He added: â€œAs a matter of fact, what you will find if you go through the trend is that the banks themselves have already started dropping their rates somewhat marginally. In fact in this case, I will say that we are following them. â€œThat is why we say that we are signaling. I am sure in the course of time, you will see that this will permeate the entire banking system and people will be able to see its positive impact.â€? He said the CBN would continue to seek moderation

in inflation rate as well as exchange rate stability. Emefiele said the rate cut would not put the local currency under any form of pressure, adding that the country is nevertheless prepared to withstand any threat to the naira. â€œWe will withstand any pressure. We went through it in 2015, 2016 and into 2017. With the support of everybody, our management, MPC members were able to overcome those challenges. â€œAnd I do not think that there is any challenges that MPC or any management of the CBN cannot surmount. We will surmount them.â€? Continuing, Emefiele stated: â€œTo a reasonable extent there is a relationship between lending to the SMEs and not

just SMEs to the agriculture and manufacturing sector- the real sectors of the economy and our decision today. â€œThe reason being that if you consider the fact that for instance, January 2017, inflation had attained the level of 8.72per cent, by October 2017, as a result of the pressure in the global market, reserves had dropped to about $23 billion. â€œBy that same month, even what was being accreted into central bank dropped to about just $500 million from as high as over $3 billion sometime in August 2013/2014. â€œIf you also recall, that sometime in February 2017, exchange rate as a result of the pressures had accelerated to as high as N525/$.

â€œBut that if you compare those numbers with where we are today- inflation at 11.3 per cent, reserves at close to $45 billion and we feel this trend will continue, exchange rate converging in all the markets between N358 to N360, GDP effectively I will say being in positive trajectory in consecutive for almost five to six quarters, then you would agree with me that there has been a relative stability and we have proved that there is a sustainability in the level of stability in the macroeconomic indices in Nigeria.â€? He said: â€œWe believe this should be the next phase where we should be talking about how do we diversify the base of the Nigerian economy and that in doing this, we will continue to keep our

eyes on the stability that we have achieved so far in the macroeconomic environment.

â€œI mean, continue to do what we are doing that is keeping inflation low, continue to do what we are doing that is keeping the exchange rate stable, continue what we are doing to ensure that reserves remain on positive trajectory, at least, comfortable level to be able to sustain the level of growth in our economy but at the same time there is need for us to say, listen, we need to consolidate on what we have achieved so far and that is that we need to begin to look at growth again. â€œAnd looking at growth again also meant that while Continued on page 8

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IG Laments Poor Police Funding Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, has lamented the underfunding of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), saying it is the main malady confronting the force. Adamu, who made the disclosure yesterday while defending the 2018 police budget before the Hon. Lawal Abubakar-led Committee on Police Affairs, urged the lawmakers to expedite action on the Police Reform Trust Fund Bill pending before the National Assembly as a way to bridge the funding gap. While he underscored the fact that the primacy of the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in internal security matters is being challenged by inadequate funding, Adamu who reinstated that he is committed to restoring the dwindling primacy of the police within the

internal security architecture of Nigeria, stated that the desire required the support and understanding of all stakeholders especially members of this House of Representatives. According to him, â€œIt has been realised that the quantum of funds required to address the operational and administrative needs of the force can hardly be met through normal annual appropriation. In this regard, therefore, the long awaited Police Reform Trust Fund Bill pending before the Notional Assembly is aimed at bridging the gap. I therefore urge the 8'" National Assembly, to as a matter of urgency, consider and pass into low the Police Reform Trust Fund Bill. He stated that out of the N324,220,893,212 appropriated for the Police, N25,197,675,020 was appropriated for Capital projects, but only N5,019, 767,502. 47 representing

301,772.177 appropriated for overhead while N288,721, 446,064 was appropriated for the payment emolument, including statutory deductions such as funding for Compulsory Pension Scheme and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). â€œI wish to crave your support and cooperation in the task of repositioning the police to be able to carry out its statutory responsibilities of maintaining law and order amongst others. Your commitment at this point in time is very vital and I believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.â€? He assured Nigerians that â€œThe Nigeria Police is blessed with officers and men who are not only intellectually gifted and exceptionally dedicated but professionally sound enough to surmount the security challenges facing the nation. He stressed that

â€œthese personnel require appropriate level of funding to be equipped with the necessary resources to carry out their responsibilities." In another development, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, announced 11.6 per cent budget performance, a development condemned by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and other members of the committee. The minister told the lawmakers that although N26.9 billion was appropriated for capital projects by the ministry in the 2018 budget, a paltry N3.1 billion, which represents 11.6 per cent, were released. According to him, â€œThe sum of N2,998, 641,889.62 representing 96 percent has so far been expended as at March 15.

Finance and Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said the move was the right response to inflation which had been on a decline in recent months. He told THISDAY: â€œThe reduction in MPR by 50 basis points signals the CBN's desire to relax monetary policy to support economic growth. Obviously, it is a right response to the declining inflationary pressure and the relative stability in exchange rate which have prevailed for quite some time. â€œMoreover, on the external front, crude oil price has stabilised around 65 dollars per barrel while the US interest rate normalisation has slowed down. All these must have combined to influence the MPC decision which is expected to increase the flow of credit to the real sector.â€? According to him: â€œThe reduced MPR will also be positive for the capital market as some of the increased liquidity that will ensue will flow into the equities market. Also, it will be cheaper

for the government to issue bonds, given that part of this year's budget deficit will be financed through domestic borrowing.â€? But the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said the decision by the MPC was for â€œsignalling purpose, so it depends on whether the economic agents would react to the signal. â€œBut I think this should have been done almost a year ago, as a stimulant. But we are where we are and they say it is better late than never.â€? To FXTMâ€™s Research Analyst, Lukman Otunuga, the move by the MPC would support growth. â€œThe central bank reduced interest rates from 14 per cent to 13.5 per cent as inflationary pressure eased and macroeconomic conditions stabilised during the first quarter of 2019. â€œTodayâ€™s move by the CBN may open the doors to further rate cuts in the future, especially if macroeconomic conditions continue to improve and inflation cools further,â€? he

added. On her part, the Managing Director/Chief Economist, Africa and Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, said the MPC decision, â€œraises important questions about the governmentâ€™s broader reform intent. First, the MPR cut comes following Senate approval of a sizeable minimum wage increase. Second, what does it suggest about the likelihood of an imminent VAT hike or fuel price deregulation? Both are pressing, much-needed reforms - but the CBNâ€™s rate cut today appears to suggest that these reforms, which may both exert upward pressure on the price level in the short-term, may not necessarily be imminent. This would be disappointing, especially for investors hoping for stronger reform impetus post-election. â€œThird, with the CRR â€“ a much more important determinant of the policy stance of the CBN - still unchanged, it is not clear that a modest policy rate cut on its own will do very much to boost bank lending.â€?

The party alleged that INEC had removed its logo during the election. Reacting to the order vacating the order, counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Okechukwu Udeze, commended the judge for reversing himself in the interest of justice. On his part, counsel to the PDP governorship candidate, Alhaji Umaru Fintiri, Mr. JK Gadzama SAN, poured encomiums on the judge, saying his ruling was in order because only an elections tribunal has the jurisdiction to give an injunction against INEC and not a conventional court. Gadzama said he was happy that the judge understood the

issues involved and decided to allow INEC to go ahead with the conduct of the election in Adamawa State.

the election would be held tomorrow. It said: â€œINEC failed to consult with political parties involved in this election before going ahead to fix a new date for the re-run. â€œWe, therefore, became suspicious due to rumours in town earlier that supplementary election would be conducted on Thursday and it turned out to be true. â€œWe are not afraid of re-run election, but INEC should have done the right thing. â€œHow can you fix an election on a working day? Are civil servants not going to participate in the election? â€œWe are going to forward our protest on the matter to INEC,â€™â€™ he said.

Police IG, Mohammed Adamu

19.92 percent has been released and cash-backed as at today while the balance of The N20,177,907,517.53 is yet to be released. The amount released and cash-

backed to date has been utilised for the payment of completed and on-going projects. Also, N8,917,942,925.37 was released out of the N10,

TO SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH, CBN CUTS INTEREST RATE TO 13.5% keeping our eyes on all other parameters, let's see whether we can signal a direction from the monetary policy, in the direction of supporting and really accelerating growth in the country. â€œAccelerating growth effectively means that we have to push harder to consolidate GDP, we need to push harder to make sure we create jobs. Doing this will naturally mean that we are softening gradually. But I repeat and I shouldn't be misunderstood, that we will continue to do what we are doing, what we have done in the past keeping inflation at moderated levels, and exchange rate stable. We will continue to do so. I think we are moving in the right direction.â€? Emefiele said the slight interest rate reduction was â€œMeant to signal and what that meant is that, all factors held constant... what we were doing that macroeconomic remains strong, we need to signal that there is a need for us to slightly, not change course, move course a little further because while you are talking about a low inflation rate regime, you are

looking at a stable exchange rate regime, strong reserves management...naturally you will also expect that growth should grow stronger and to do so means that we need to begin to look at money supply, liquidity, interest rate and issues like that to see that we push effectively towards growth.â€? Meanwhile, the CBN also called for the speedy passage of the other aspects of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to fast track the development of the value chain in the sector and create employment. The committee also welcomed the passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill by the National Assembly and called for its speedy implementation in order to boost domestic aggregate demand. Nonetheless, in arriving at the decision to reduce interest rate, Emefiele who read the committeeâ€™s communique at the end of the meeting, noted that the MPC decided by a vote of six out of eleven members to reduce MPR by 50 basis points. The committee, among other things urged the federal

government to strengthen its current revenue mobilisation efforts as well as explore additional sources of revenue in order to improve fiscal buffers. Specifically, the CBN urged the federal government to sustain its implementation of the ERGP, while ensuring that growth is all inclusive and further reiterated the need to concentrate effort on addressing the problem of weak power infrastructure, as well as support domestic manufacturing. The committee also called on all relevant institutions of the government to address the menace of smuggling and dumping of goods into Nigeria; and encouraged the apex bank to continue to explore available scenarios to deal with the activities of economic and policy saboteurs, including those involved in dumping and smuggling, in a bid to accelerate domestic production of goods in the country. Analystsâ€™ Reactions Reacting to the rate cut by the CBN, a professor of

ADAMAWA SUPPLEMENTARY POLL HOLDS TOMORROW some other states, does not repeat itself in Adamawa. He added that to facilitate a hitch-free process, only voters with permanent voter cards (PVCs) will be allowed into voting centres in the places where the supplementary election will hold. The governorship election in Adamawa remains inconclusive weeks after INEC halted the process on the basis of insufficient margin of win between the two leading candidates of APC and PDP. The supplementary governorship election in the state had been scheduled for 44 polling units in 14 local government areas but it could not hold on March 23, which it was originally scheduled

following a court injunction against it. Similar supplementary polls held in five other affected states last Saturday. The states are Kano, Sokoto, Benue, Bauchi and Plateau. The decision by INEC to hold the rerun tomorrow followed the vacation of the order against the election by the Adamawa State High Court at a sitting in Yola earlier in the day. After the conduct of the governorship election on March 9, the candidate of the Movement for the Restoration and Defense of Democracy (MRDD), Rev. Eric Theman, went to the court to allege omission of the MRDD logo from the ballot paper, and

asked the court to annul the election and stop the rerun already announced for units where voting was cancelled. The court immediately granted an injunction to stop the rerun and continued proceedings to rule on arguments raised at subsequent sittings, including the courtâ€™s jurisdiction over the case. At the sitting yesterday morning, the court presided over by Justice Abdulâ€™Aziz Waziri ruled that it has the jurisdiction to hear the case. The court fixed today for hearing of the originating motion by MRDD asking the court to nullify the first Adamawa governorship election conducted on March 9.

APC Rejects Extra Election Date Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has rejected the decision of INEC to hold the extra election tomorrow. The Organising Secretary of the party, Mr. Ahmed Lawal, announced the partyâ€™s decision in an interview with newsmen in Yola. Lawal said INEC did not consult the party before fixing the new date for the poll. He alleged that information had filtered out earlier that

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

Acting CJN: Military Must Act Within the Laws, Critical to Democracy Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Against the backdrop of its role in the 2019 general election, militarisation of some parts of the country and allegations of human rights abuses in its operations, the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, yesterday declared that the military must act within the law during military operations. But the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadidue Abubakar, insisted that the Nigerian military was guided by the law of armed conflict. Speaking as a special guest of honour at the 2019 Law of Armed Conflict Retreat for

Nigerian Air Force legal officers held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters in Abuja, Justice Muhammad said the military institution was critical to the success of any democracy and must act within the laws during military operations. “I want to reiterate that considering the asymmetric nature of the type of war we now engage in, the military cannot function effectively without public support. “If we juxtapose this with the increasing focus and criticisms of military operations at both local and international levels, the need to act within the laws during military operations therefore becomes undeniably imperative,”

he said. The acting CJN said the military was critical to the success of any democracy. “For me, the military is very critical to the success of any democracy. After all, of what use will our great wealth be if not well defended?” He said. In his remarks, Air Marshal Abubakar said the military was guided by laws of armed conflict. He said the law of armed conflict formed part of both domestic and international humanitarian laws that regulate the conduct of armed hostilities and covers overlapping areas such as the Hague Rule, the Geneva Law as well as the two additional protocols of 1977.

He added that the military, in carrying out its tasks, is focused on the features of the protocols which were designed to protect defenceless people and property that are not connected with hostilities. Abubakar explained that the retreat was aimed at providing NAF legal officers with the opportunity to meet and interact with their colleagues within and outside the service, adding that it was designed to equip field commanders with current and emerging legal trends as well as issues associated with human rights in the conduct of internal security operations. He said: “Retreats on LOAC have become recurring activities in NAF calendar of events

because of our realisation that the success of any institution depends largely on the understanding and application of the laws under which it is established. “To this end, the NAF has since 2016, organised annual legal retreats for its legal officers, fighter pilots and field commanders. This year’s edition is particularly unique because we have invited not only our legal advisers, field commanders, academicians, the diplomatic community as well as the judiciary under the same roof but we have also invited the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria as the special guest of honour.” Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Administration, NAF,

Air Vice Marshal Kingsley Lar said fighters ought to know the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and ensure that the laws are respected and obeyed, adding that decisions made in the heat of battle must comply with LOAC. He added that as an institution created by law to operate and function in a democratic and constitutionally governed nation, it was imperative and obligatory that the NAF conducts its activities, even in the simplest situations in accordance with the law. Lar said the experiences over the years had shown that there was always a legal perspective to all issues and a legal question to answer in all matters.

SERAP: Corruption Still High Despite Buhari’s Efforts A civil society organisation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) yesterday said that the level of corruption in Nigeria was still high in spite of the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that SERAP made the claim at the launch of the results of a report of a national survey entitled “Nigeria Anti-Corruption Performance Assessment Survey”. The event took place in Lagos. SERAP came up with the 57-page report in collaboration with UKaid. It said that corruption was prevalent in the country in spite of some significant measures by the president toward addressing it. According to SERAP, some of the measures are the establishment of the Treasury Single Account, Whistle-Blowing Policy and constitution of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption. The national survey conducted in November 2018 and December 2018, targeted a total of 2,655 respondents selected from seven states spread across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria and Abuja. The survey also covered five sectors – police, judiciary, power, education and health – in order to assess the state of corruption in public law enforcement and service provision. It said: “There was a 63.7 per cent probability that an average Nigerian would be asked to pay a bribe each time he or she interacted with the police. “There was a 49.1 per cent probability in the power sector, 27.7 per cent in judiciary, 25.6 per cent in education and 20.5 per cent in the health sector. “The police and the judiciary had the largest proportion of total bribes paid at 33 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively. “The average amount of bribe paid by the respondents

was highest among those who paid to the judiciary at about N108,000. All the other institutions ranked lower on this variable.” SERAP recommended establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to conduct a transparent, comprehensive and impartial investigation into corruption in the five sectors. It also suggested legislative and constitutional reforms including amendment of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act to ensure public access to the asset declarations of public officials. It equally urged prosecution of liable individuals without delay and according to international fair trial standards, adding that there should be improvement in financial oversight of the five sectors. SERAP also urged publication of quarterly budget execution reports by the sectors. The Chairman of the occasion, Akin Oyebode, a Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, lauded the report. “We now have a reference point to assess how much we have done in the fight against corruption. The consciousness of corruption cannot be erased. “We have accepted corruption as the way of conducting business via kickbacks, bribes or dash. The police who are to sanitise the system are complicit. “SERAP is putting Nigeria on the stand as regards what needs to be done as it is not very often you see organisations coming up with a scorecard,” Oyebode said. Earlier in his address of welcome, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, the Executive Director of SERAP, thanked the Government of the United Kingdom for supporting SERAP in conducting the Survey. “I will like to point out importantly that the views expressed in the SERAP report does not reflect the views of the UK Government,” Mumuni said.

BE OUR PATRON...

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), receiving certificate of Patron from the President of the Chartred Institude of Taxation of Nigeria, Chief Cyril Ikemefuna Nwobodo, during the visit of the Leadership of Chartered Institute of Taxation in Nigeria to the Presidential Villa, Abuja ....yesterday

FG to Review NERC’s Extant Regulations Sets up committee to harmonise oil, gas revenue

The federal government has commenced steps at reviewing the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) extant licences and regulations to accommodate new entrants in the power generation and distribution chain. The move is aimed at increasing competitiveness and performance in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as relate to operations of Generating Companies, (GENCOs) and Distribution Companies (DISCOs). The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the sixth top management retreat of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, which also resolved to accelerate reform initiatives aimed at strengthening and repositioning the sector for efficient service delivery. The seminar with theme: ‘Re-Inventing Governance for National Prosperity’, also resolved to support the merger of agencies and parastatals whose functions are duplicated for greater efficiency and productivity. The communiqué stressed

the need for officers to take ownership of responsibilities assigned to them to positively affect the lives of Nigerians through efficient delivery of services. According to the communiqué participants “advocated the importance of polite service delivery with a smile in order to earn the trust and acceptance of members of the public. It urged participants to always be proactive and plan well ahead on how to deliver efficient services in anticipation of the impact of the rainy season on construction projects and power generation.” The communiqué further directed the Director, Public Buildings and Housing Department to coordinate all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to implement a uniform standard of building and facilities maintenance under the National Infrastructure Maintenance Programme. It urged stakeholders in the ministry to collaborate and build a sustainable training culture for each sector’s growth. Meanwhile, the federal

government has also set up a committee to harmonise oil and gas revenue and production data of government earnings from all sectors of the economy. Mr Tim Okon, Technical Adviser to the Minister of state for petroleum Resources Dr Ibe Kachikwu at the inaugural meeting of the committee in Abuja, yesterday said they would ensure that policymakers have access to reliable data. He said that access to consistent set of data would facilitate enlightened decision to take place for growth and development. Okon added that the petroleum fiscal consistency network was driven by three federal ministries; Finance, Petroleum Resources as well as Budget and National Planning. He added that the team would be working with a number of government agencies to ensure the collection and presentation of accurate fiscal data. “It would involve the different entities that are involved in collecting information or collecting revenue as the case may be and making sure that

there is a consistent basis for the data collected and presented. “The agencies we are dealing with include collection agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and various other entities,” he said Okon further noted that the network would look at the manner of the workings of key sectors of the Nigerian economy and the way in which they were modeled fiscally, as well as the manner in which the results are presented to decision makers. “The team would look at how consistently we gather information, analyse the information and how we present the result of the analyses to aid policy makers. That is the essence of the committee. “It is part of generally, reforms in the oil and gas sector. It is consistent with reforms that are going on; whether it is enhancing economic growth or just making sure that we make decisions based on analysis of information,” he added

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COMMENT

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

UMARâ€™S THREAT TO JAIL JOURNALISTS Sonnie Ekwowusi writes that respect is reciprocal

ast week the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) Danladi Umar threatened journalists with 28 years imprisonment. Umar accuses journalists of publishing the concocted and discredited proceedings that transpired at CCT on March 18. Said Umar, â€œI will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law heavily on the personâ€ŚThe journalist will languish there (prison) and may remain there until I retire â€“ that is about 28 years from nowâ€ŚThe person will be summarily sent to prison because that is contemptâ€Ś.â€? According to Umar, on Tuesday March 19, 2019 some Nigerian newspapers published the following: â€œOnnoghen accuses FG of mutilating his asset declaration formâ€?, â€œDrama as Onnoghen accuses FG of tampering with asset formâ€?, â€œOnnoghen accuses FG of doctoring asset declaration formâ€?. Umar states that whereas Onnoghenâ€™s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN only complained that Onnoghenâ€™s asset declaration forms were in loose form but the journalists maliciously went ahead to report that the federal government mutilated and tampered with the asset declaration form. I have read and re-read the above reproach issued by Umar to Nigerian journalists and the Nigerian press as a whole. There is no doubt in my mind that any spoken word or act done inside or outside of a court room or a newspaper publication of the proceedings of the court which is intended or likely to prejudice a fair trial of conduct of proceedings of a court or intended or likely to interfere with or obstruct the fair administration of justice or intended or likely to impugn the integrity of the court or judge is punishable by imprisonment or fine as criminal contempt. Additionally, a misquoting of court proceedings or a publication of court proceedings which is calculated to affect or influence the evidence which a witness may give in court is punishable as contempt. Trial of judges through irresponsible newspaper publication is capable of undermining the independence of the judiciary. Small wonder Lord Hailsham once felt able to say, while speaking at a banquet in London, that there are dangers in trial of judges through irresponsible newspaper comments. Justice, he said, is not a cloistered virtue, let there be some self-discipline, let criticism be well informed, well researched and temperately expressed. In Due Process of Law, Master of the Rolls Lord Denning writes that judges in particular should be respected and honoured. Once, Denning decried the case of a man who threw a rotten tomato on a judge during a court session. Having said this, the intimidating tone of Umarâ€™s reproach is unconscionable. The power to punish contempt is not a power to be recklessly deployed to assuage the tyrannical and vindictive feelings of a presiding judge. A judge should not intimidate, harass, abuse and insult journalists before the court. Ever since 1859 Rev. Henry Townsendâ€™s Iwe Irohin Yoruba (the first newspaper in Nigeria) made its debut, the print media has effectively been performing its traditional function as societal watchdog in Nigeria to the best of its ability. Given its role in constitutional democracy, the press is dubbed the Fourth Estate of the Realm, after the legislature. In common parlance, the press is simply referred to as the watchdog of the society. Therefore the press is not a societal nuisance. Nigerian journalists come within the purview of the law and their activities are governed by law. Judges and tribunal chairs should learn to season their pronouncements in open court with the

JUSTICE IS NOT A CLOISTERED VIRTUE, LET THERE BE SOME SELF-DISCIPLINE, LET CRITICISM BE WELL INFORMED, WELL RESEARCHED AND TEMPERATELY EXPRESSED

ingredient of mortification. In the case of Salami V Ifenekwe (1996) 5 NWLR (Part 450) at 564 at 586 Uwaifo JCA (as he then was) and Musdafer JCA (as he then was) viva voce stated that a court of law must be run in a solemn and dignified manner because it is the temple of justice. No intimidation. No threats. The court â€œis not a pandemonium from which insultsâ€? are hauled at perceived enemies. A judge should keep his cool at all times. In the words of Hon. Justice Kayode Eso, JSC (of blessed memory) â€œA Judge should never be rude, as a result of, or over-sensitive to remarks made even against him in courtâ€?. Lord Denning advised judges to desist from talking too much in open court. Quoting Lord Eldon L.C, Lord Denning said that truth is best discovered by powerful short statements. In any case, is chair Umar empowered by law to imprison journalists for contempt as he threatened above? With the greatest respect, he is only empowered to a certain extent. In the first place, the CCT is an inferior court. It is not a superior record as envisaged in section 6 (3) and (5)(a)-(i) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). The CCT is not included in sub-section 5 (a)-(i) of same constitution as one of the superior courts of records in Nigeria. Inferior courts lack the jurisdiction to convict for contempt. Therefore the CCT cannot convict for contempt. But even if it can, it can only convict contempt that is committed in facie curiae (in the face of the court). Contrary to Umarâ€™s threat, the CCT cannot convict for contempt committed ex-facie curiae (outside the court room). In Chief Dibia v. Chief Ezigwe (1998)9 NWLR (Pt.564) 78 the court held that contempt committed ex facie curiae should be tried by another judge to avoid the presiding judge becoming a judge in his own cause. More importantly it is not every newspaper publication that is contemptuous of the court. A publisher cannot be punished for contempt unless the publication truly and really constitutes a clear and present danger to the administration of justice. In Daniel V Federal Republic of Nigeria (2013) LEPLR 22148 (CA) the court held that a publication is incapable of interfering with the administration of justice unless it is directly willed and directly calculated to impede the administration of justice by swaying the public opinion in a manner that is adverse to the justice system. In Akinrinsola V. A.G. Anambra State (1980) 2NLR 17, the court heldâ€œthat a publication of a general comment on a matter, which is related to a court proceeding presided over by a judge and without any specific reference to the court trial, cannot be held to be contemptuous of the courtâ€?. In Sunday Okoduwa & 6 Others v The State (1986) 2 NWLR (Pt 76) 333 at 335 ratio 1.7, Nnamani, J.S.C., (of blessed memory) stated as follows: â€œIt is not a contempt of court to criticize the conduct of a Judge or the conduct of a court even if such criticism is strongly worded provided that the criticism is fair, temperate and made in good faith.â€? In sum, judges and chairmen of tribunals must be respected and honoured by journalists and all. However unguarded balderdash and flippant conducts of a judge or a tribunal chair in an open court or tribunal are capable of whittling down the respect and honour due to a judge or a tribunal chair. After all respect is earned not commanded or decreed. Certainly a judge or a tribunal chair who relishes in abusing others cannot earn any respect. Respect is reciprocal. Respect begets respect. Honour begets honour.

GOOD GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGEMENT The public sector needs to be democratised, argues Chalya Miri-Gazhi

he public sectors are those parts of the economy that are either under state ownership or under contract to the state, regulated or subsidised in the public interest. The public sector is also recognised as the worldâ€™s biggest service provider. It is however, traditionally perceived to be inert and reactive on the delivery of public service to its customers. This has led disgruntled customers to seek improved quality services within the private sector. Thus, anywhere there was better competitive service, customers would flock towards that direction. The Nigerian Public Sector Management has been basically traditional. It has been slow moving, rule bound and inflexible, some would say, even anti-democratic. Various administrations have undertook various public sector reforms to combat the inefficiencies in the sector and to reorganise government institutions to mimic private sector management by introducing the administrative principles of new public management triggered as a result of the external pressures that brought about strict regulations from financial institutions, generally, the Bretton Woods institutions. Privatisation and deregulation were encouraged by the government. Downsizing government work force was also encouraged. Consequently, an integrative approach had private sector business knowledge and experience mixing with public sector bureaucracy to improve management of government organisations. The objective was simple: to improve the ways in which government resources were managed and to deliver better services to the public stressing on the 3Es â€“ efficiency, effectiveness and economy.Despite the efforts made to bring up the standard of service delivery in Nigeriaâ€™s public sector,

it still faces the following issues: one, problems of policy formulation and implementation. Government policies were always good on paper but these policies were hardly implemented according to plan due to several factors. A good example was the monetisation in the Nigerian public sector. The monetisation policy was introduced to curb the escalating cost of governance. Before monetisation, the government was solely responsible for the provision of almost everything to the civil servants: transportation facilities, residential accommodations, medical services, utilities like water, electricity and telephone, etc. This led to reckless and blatant misuse and mismanagement of government resources but the monetisation of housing, vehicles, furniture, all helped to reduce maintenance and running cost. It encouraged a certain degree of discipline and prudence in the use of public resources since civil servants were now required to pay for these services. Unfortunately, as aptly put by THISDAY Newspaper: â€œTo copy civilised standards without civilised culture is unjust.â€? This meant that while it was easy to introduce Western reforms that were suited to the cultures of the developed Western world which comprised of probity, transparency and accountability with strict adherence to the rule of law, the Nigerian public service still had to battle with a work culture that was very much patterned after the traditional public service with bureaucratic bottlenecks limiting any flexibility in the implementation of new public management (NPM) policies. Two, political interference with public service reforms. From this writerâ€™s experience, the main catalyst for the introduction of public sector management reforms is in most instances, the change agents who come in as the minister of a government

organisation and the consultants. They would usually have to overcome almost insurmountable obstacles like oppositions from political stakeholders of the reform. Sometimes, obstacles would come from the federal legislature themselves. Since they are vested with the power to amend or support a law through presentation of bills, change agents will have to convince them on all reform measures before it is even carried out and many times, these convictions were gotten after some form of financial inducement were given. Lack of political backing or support from politicians therefore meant a bill or law may not sail through which automatically renders any reform initiative redundant. A case in point was the Gender Equality Bill. At times, corrupt politicians with vested interest in the reform areas may influence non-passage of a highly important bill which is intended to facilitate policy for positive change and development within the public sector. Three, problem of the re-organisation of the public sector: cutting down long hierarchical processes and introducing shortened hierarchies would lead to shorter time in service delivery. It would also devolve managerial responsibilities for achieving performance targets and make individual managers responsible for their actions. Four, developing performance indicators. There is a need to design a competent system that measures work place performance. Many civil servants do their work with laxity. It is important that an essential and acceptable method that is effective at evaluating, comparing and rewarding individual performance be put in place. Five, setting the 3Es criteria of efficiency, effectiveness and economy. Being able to allocate and use

resources in a responsible and accountable manner. Capacity building and staff development in Nigeria public services are inadequate. Large numbers of staff are unqualified or under qualified which places the use of government resources in many times, incompetent hands which have led to prevailing waste and mismanagement in the public service. Six, changing the Nigerian civil service culture. There is a need to develop a public service orientation to be more focused on responding to the needs of the customers. Most times, attitudes among civil servants to task and duties leave much to be required. Incessant complaints and grievances against civil servants are not properly addressed because there are no proper instruments to be used by customers to direct their dissatisfaction. Seven, developing a strong human resource management in public sector. Having a proper human resource management would develop policies that would motivate employees and stimulate support and commitment to continuous structural and organisational changes. Eight, combating corrupt practices within Nigeria public sector. Corruption is the use of public office for private gain. It is an attempt, whether successful or not, to persuade someone in a position of responsibility to make a decision, not based on the merits of a case, to advance personal or group interest. Some of the reasons why corruption thrive in Nigeriaâ€™s public sectors include underpaid and exploited workers, lack of a reward and punitive system to encourage good behaviour whilst discouraging bad behaviour, etc. Proper checks and balances need to be put in place through accountable and transparency measures. Princess Miri-Gazhi is of Prompt Impact Solutions

T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

EDITORIAL Before The Power Sector Collapses The stakeholders need to think and act more boldly to stem the crisis

he report last weekend that the national power grid lost 1,770 megawatts in two days, causing power generation to deteriorate below the 3,000mw benchmark should worry all Nigerians. The implication is that after decades of investment, reforms and efforts, pretty little seems to have been achieved. Last Friday, the total available electricity generation in Nigeria fell to 2,938.5MW. Two days earlier, it was 4,708.3MW. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) put Nigeria’s installed generation capacity at 12,910.40MW, available capacity at 7,652.60MW, transmission wheeling capacity at 8,100MW while the peak generation ever attained at 5,375MW. It is clear that the power sector in the country is on the verge of collapse except there are meaningful interventions. As we have said repeatedly on this page, it is a crying shame that almost six years after the privatisation of the power sector, there is hardly any part of the country that does not experiWE WILL SEE A ence power failure on FURTHER DROP IN THE a regular basis. All we keep getting from GENERATION AS THE RAINS START BECAUSE the authorities are megawatts of excuses THE TRANSMISSION that neither address AND DISTRIBUTION the challenge at hand NETWORKS ARE VERY nor point to the way BAD forward in a very critical sector. At a stakeholders meeting in Abuja last December, Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, advised electricity consumers in the country to direct their complaints about poor power supply to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) and generation companies (GENCOs). “If you don’t have electricity, it is not the federal government’s problem, take the matter to the people who are operating the power sector, generation and distribution companies”, said Fashola who added: “There are problems without a doubt and we must deal with them…all of the assets that the Ministry

of Power used to control power have been sold by the last administration before I came. And so, if you don’t have power, it is not the government’s problem”. But the operators of both the DISCOs and GENCOs disagree with the minister on where the problem lies. In explaining the current situation last weekend, for instance, the Executive Secretary, Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr Joy Ogaji said the limitations of the transmission and distribution networks as well as a lack of payments to Gencos account for the drop in generation. “The guarantee (in the power purchase agreements) has ended. Up till now, there is no plan for payment to Gencos, apart from the 26 per cent the Discos are paying. Gas suppliers are not ready to accept 26 per cent payment for the gas they sell to Gencos”, said Ogaji who highlighted several of the problems that plague the sector.

T 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

o compound the challenge, according to Ogaji the rainy season would complicate things the more. “A lot of the networks are very weak. We will see a further drop in the generation as the rains start because the transmission and distribution networks are very bad,” he said. The question is, what are the authorities doing to avert that while addressing other challenges? With everybody supplying their own electricity, Nigeria is one of the toughest places in the world to do business. Lack of electricity has over the years limited access to healthcare, education and other opportunities, including running their businesses for majority of Nigerians. There are other serious implications. Many small and medium scale businesses have been crippled due to the prohibitive cost of generating their own power. Even the big business ventures, particularly the manufacturing ones, are also feeling the biting effect of energy poverty with consequences stretching to every part of the economy. Painfully, in the midst of all this, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) are trading blame over who is to provide meters to consumers. It is sad that this is still the best that the power sector can offer.

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LAGOS AND REGULATION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS

he involvement of young school children in the recent ‘Ita Faji’ building collapse has understandably elicited widespread public comments in many quarters. Naturally, blames have equally been fairly apportioned in some cases. The avoidable tragedy is regrettable and our hearts genuinely go out to all victims of the sad episode. We commiserate with the family of the deceased and wish those recuperating speedy recovery. It is common knowledge that the challenges in the management of private schools in Lagos State are enormous and hydra-headed and the state government has been tackling them technically and systematically. Considering the population of school age children in the state, studies have shown that the 1,010 Public Primary Schools and the 670 Public Senior Secondary Schools in the state are not sufficient to provide access to the kind of quality education that the state government envisioned. At the inception of the current administration, under the guidance of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who also superintends the education sector, a need assessment of public schools was conducted. This led to the discovery that the sum of N69 billion was required to fix the public schools in the state. In view of the enormity of funds required, it was decided that it is logical that the intervention is done in phases. Given this scenario, government sees private sector operators as partners in progress. Hence, it reviewed previous tactics deployed to regulate the proliferation of private schools in the state by previous administrations. It, therefore, resolved to interface more closely with education service providers in the state. Based on this, government

decided to regulate, advise, educate and enlighten the operators on the benefits of voluntary compliance with regulations, the need to raise standards and deliver quality education. Additionally, the three decades old education policy of the state was reviewed by the current administration towards improving education service delivery while issues bothering on private schools operation were equally extensively dealt with in the policy. This is to ensure that the state operates a contemporary education policy that is also in tandem with global best practices. Subsequently, interactive sessions were held with stakeholders while guidelines for registration which hitherto was shrouded in secrecy was published and made public. The process of registration was made less strenuous and seamless; transaction became more transparent and rackets of extortion broken. It is to the credit of the current administration that the private schools and special programme department was separated from the quality assurance directorate. This was to ensure transparency, introduce checks and balances; reduce corruption, extortion, indiscipline, recklessness and impunity. In order to ensure seamless interaction between the state government and private schools operators, proprietors of private schools were encouraged to organize themselves into associations which government now relates with regularly, apart from the quarterly stakeholders meeting it holds with them. To further encourage and empower them, the associations were introduced to the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to enable them access soft loans to improve their facilities and enhance quality of service. It is important, at this point, to stress that the guidelines on the establishment of private schools in the state is not by any means

cumbersome. The first step is to go for name search in order to ensure that there is no identity clash amongst schools already operating in the state. This is followed by site inspection which was designed to advise and guide intending proprietor on what to put in place to meet the approval criteria. The approval inspection is conducted to ascertain that the conditions for registration have been complied with. It has always been the policy of the current administration to ensure that this process is not in any way compromised. As a result of the level of interaction between government and proprietors, most of them were encouraged not only to register their schools, but to also ensure that they embrace best practices at all times. Consequently, the current administration has registered more private schools since its inception. For instance, of the 5302 schools so far registered in the state, 1574 (representing 30%) were registered under this administration without compromising standards. It is, however, imperative to emphasize that this figure does not include the over 6000 applications that are at varying stages of approval process. In order to ensure that the process is flawless and less complex, the state government recently recruited 122 Education Officers who are now involved in monitoring and evaluation. The major goal is to ensure wide and effective coverage. With this, monitoring and evaluation becomes easier and some schools found to be operating under unacceptable conditions were shut down. But then, it must be stressed that government is not favourably disposed to schools closure in a country with alarming rate of out-of-school children and unemployment. Adesegun Ogundeji is Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Education, Alausa, Ikeja

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

Buhari Blames Incessant Building Collapse on Greed, Negligence Vows to punish culprits Omololu Ogunmade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja lamented cases of incessant building collapse in Lagos and other parts of the country, blaming the trend on incompetence, greed and professional negligence, and vowed to make culprits face the wrath of the law. Buhari, who issued the threat when the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) led by its President, Mr. Obafemi Onashile, paid him a courtesy visit in the State House, warned against

FG inaugurates inter-ministerial committee to tackle menace

losing innocent little children to building collapse as a result of greed and incompetence of some unpatriotic citizens. A statement by the president’s media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari told members of the institute that the recent tragic incident in Lagos and many others across the country, were reminders of the need to strictly adhere to quality standards on construction projects. ‘‘Young innocent lives must never be lost due to incompetence and greed. Simply put, no corners must be cut. I want to assure you that those responsible for such incidents

42 Parties in Kano Reject Results of March 23 Rerun Election Forty-two political parties in Kano State under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have rejected the results of the re-run governorship election on March 23. They alleged that the process was characterised by gross irregularities. The state CUPP Chairman, Mohammed Abdullahi-Rahi, made the position of the group known while addressing a news conference in Kano yesterday. He alleged that the supplementary election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was marred by violence, over voting, intimidation and voter disenfranchisement. According to him, thuggery and voter-intimidation were reported in almost all the

polling units where the re-run election was conducted, with reports of loss of lives, open vote-buying and other electoral malpractices. ”It was clear that the level of violence recorded during the March 9 election that led to cancellation of results of some polling units is by far less than what was recorded during the March 23 election, yet the electoral body turned a blind eye on the happenings by accepting and announcing the results. ”We are at this juncture, debunking the illegitimate declaration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as governor-elect in the just concluded March 23 re-run elections in Kano due to gross irregularities and electoral fraud committed before, during and after the elections.”

of professional negligence will feel the full wrath of the law,’’ he said. According to Adesina, the president welcomed recommendations and suggestions from the institute on how to enhance the construction industry and advised them to make a formal submission to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing as soon as possible. He also said Buhari told his guests that dark days of impunity were gone for good, assuring Nigerians that his administration would remain focused and committed to creating an inclusive and diversified economy. ‘‘Let me start by thanking you for your kind prayers,’’ the President told members of the Institute, who came to congratulate him on his re-election and pledge their solidarity with his administration. ‘‘Nigerians have clearly spoken of their desire for the country to move forward. On

our part, we remain committed to the Change Agenda. By the grace of God, and with your continued prayers and support, the dark days of impunity are gone for good,’’ he added. According to the statement, the President of NIQS, Onashile, in his presentation, appealed to the federal government to create a Directorate of Quantity Surveying and Projects Costs Management to address the issue of unclear delineation of professional functions amongst construction professions within the government. It also said Onashile also made a case for quantity surveyors to be mandated and allowed to undertake cost management of projects of all forms on behalf of government, among others. It added: “The Institute while congratulating the President on his well-deserved re-election, expressed its support and ‘total confidence in his administration and leadership direction which have brought hope, progress and stability to Nigeria.’

“A highpoint of the visit was the conferment of the Fellowship Grade of the NIQS-the highest cadre of membership- on President Buhari. The President was also honoured with the ‘Life Champion of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria Award.’” Meanwhile, following the recent spate of building collapse in some parts of the country, the federal government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee as part of its commitment to find a permanent solution to the menace. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, while inaugurating the committee yesterday in Abuja, said the administration of President Buhari is determined to do everything humanly possible to stop building collapse because of its toll on human life. In a statement yesterday by the Assistant Chief Information Officer, Mr. Edet Etuk, the minister stressed that the federal government was taking necessary steps to

find permanent solution to the recurring disaster. According to him, “It is important that every building collapse should be investigated to secure human life and protect our environment. The committee should put the interest of the country first in its assignment.” In his remarks, the Chairman of the committee and the acting Director-General/CEO of NBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna, said the impact of collapsed building affected the entire human fabrics, causing psychological trauma, loss of lives and property, loss of government revenue, with victims being rendered homeless apart from suffering permanent disabilities He said: “Most of the building collapse has been linked to man-made mistakes which could be avoided and eradicated completely. There is urgent need to stop this ugly trend by investigating the root causes of the problems and make appropriate recommendation.”

Tribunal: Ogun APM, Akinlade Hire Adeleke’s Lead Counsel to Tackle APC Ugo Aliogo The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ogun State, Adekunle Akinlad, and his party have hired Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN as their lead counsel for their petition at the election tribunal. Ikpeazu is the lead counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2018 Osun State governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke. Ikpeazu led Adeleke’s legal team at the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal, which eventually declared Adeleke winner of the September 2018 election on March 22, 2019. Ikpeazu, on behalf of Akinlade and the APM in the state yesterday, urged the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Ogun State to give an order mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant them access to the documents used for conduct of March 9 election in the state. The motion, which was filed by Ikpeazu was supported by five-paragraphs affidavit and a written address. Ikpeazu will be leading other three SANs — Mamman Osuman, Sebastine T. Hon and

Ahmed Raji, alongside other 12 lawyers. In the motion ex parte, Akinlade and the APM are the first and second petitioners, while INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Dapo Abiodun, are first, second and third respondents respectively in the application. The petitioners in the motion ex parte marked EPT/06/ GOV/01/2019, said the inspection became imperative to allow them institute a petition before the Tribunal. The INEC had declared Abiodun winner of the March 9 governorship election in Ogun State, having polled 241,670 votes to defeat his arch-rival and candidate of APM, Akinlade, who scored 222,153 votes. While filing the application on 11 grounds, the petitioners submitted that without a formal order from the Tribunal, the respondents would not avail them the required documents for the purpose of instituting their petition. The documents sought to be inspected, they said, “are indispensable for the purpose of instituting and maintaining the said petition.”

FACTS BEHIND THE FIGURES...

L-R: Group Company Secretary, Transcorp Plc, Helen Iwuchukwu; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema; President/CEO, Transcorp Plc, Valentine Ozigbo; Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Hotel Plc, Owen Omogiafo; and Executive Director, Transcorp, Plc. Chris Ezeafulukwe, during the closing gong ceremony by the Management of Transcorp Plc as part of their Facts Behind the Figures presentation at the NSE in Lagos...yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Army: We’ll Be Fair to All in Our Investigation of Abonnema Violence Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Nigerian Army has assured the people of Rivers State of fairness in its investigation of the killing of soldiers and civilians in the violence that erupted in Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state during the last presidential and National Assembly elections. It, however, vowed to bring to justice those involved in the killings. The army made the assertion in Abonnema when the investigative committee set up by the army to probe the killing of its personnel during the violence visited the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bob-Manuel. The team was led by Major-Gen. Taritimiye Gagariga.

Addressing the people, Gagariga said the military would remain fair in its judgment on the incident, adding that anyone found culpable would be punished severely. Gagariga said: “Don’t worry, all those that caused the problems in Abonnema, will be caught and punish them for justice to take its cause. “Rest assured no harm will be brought to anybody. The Nigerian Army will not come to start causing problems for you, we have our constitutional mandate in security, safety of lives and property, supporting the police and civil authorities. “We are here on a fact-finding mission, we are not here to throw any blame or cast any aspersions on anyone. We are just here to find out the truth.” He urged people of the area

to support the team with useful information that would guide them in doing justice to the matter, stressing that no one would be witch-hunted in the cause of justice. He said: “If you have any information for us, that will help us to unravel the circumstances, please let us know. “I came with a team to investigate and look into the remote and immediate issues regarding the presidential elections violence. “I know some of you have lost brothers, husbands, fathers and colleagues, even the Nigerian Army, lost its officers and soldiers who also lost loved ones, may the souls of the departed rest in peace.” However, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, Bob-Manuel, sued for calm among youths of the

area as the military investigates the incident, urging people of the area to avail the army information. He said: “I need the youths to remain calm, I know that this incident that just happened is saddening. Let the youths remain calm and continue to trust the military and I know that those who are guilty will definitely be punished. “If youths have any information you can pass it on to me or the fact-finding committee. I have been informed that those who give information towards the resolution of this issues will not be victimised. “Those planning to still run away from the Abonnema should change their minds, as the military is ever more determined to protect all in Abonnema.”

5 ) * 4 % ": t WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

NEWSMAKER Kano Governorship Election Result Buries Uncertainty Ibrahim Shuaibu writes that despite a couple of incidents of violence, the supplementary governorship election in Kano, won by incumbent Governor Abdullahi Ganduje was well-managed by security agencies

Yusuf

Ganduje

he commercial city of Kano and its 44 local government areas was tense last weekend during the supplementary elections in 207 polling units of 28 local government areas after the declaration of first ballot in the governorship election as inconclusive. The announcement of the result and the peaceful atmosphere recorded in all the areas of the state buries the uncertainty that rocked the mind of many people who anticipated crises after the supplementary election. The supplementary election was the first of its kind in the history of governorship election in Kano. The election was a serious battle between Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Abba Kabir Yusuf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). At the end of the day, Governor Ganduje was declared winner of the governorship election. Ganduje, defeated his closest rival, Yusuf. On the eve of the supplementary election, some thugs wielding weapons dispersed electorates at Suntulma Gama Primary School in Nassarawa local government area. The thugs brandished dangerous weapons freely and dispersed the electorates including journalists on election coverage. Before the declaring the result, representatives of the PDP walked out of the collation room. Chairman of the party in the state, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi described the result as sham and rejected it. Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini, a serving PDP member of the House of Representatives called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the results from Nasarawa LGA in the supplementary election because it was marred by violence and intimidation of voters. “INEC cannot be fair if it declares a doctored result when Gama ward result was cancelled due to violence in the last election and now accepted amidst the same violence in the rerun election,” Gini said. Also, the Collation Officer representing All Peoples Party (APP) Hon. Fatima Abubakar Abdullahi, complained that no election took place at Kibiya local government area, one of the affected LGAs, but INEC received and collated results from the area. She insisted that the rerun election was not free and fair and should be cancelled. The state returning officer, Professor Bello Shehu, said Ganduje of APC scored 1,033,695 to defeat the candidate of the PDP Yusuf who scored 1,024,713. Shehu added that the margin of votes was 8,982, while a total of 50,861 votes were rejected in the exercise due to violence and over-voting. The atmosphere at the collation centre became heated as agents of some parties including the PDP wanted INEC to address the irregularities that marred the election before declaring the

result, but the electoral umpire declined their request. On the side of the security agencies, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the rerun election in Kano, Mr. Anthony Agbizili Micheal dismissed allegations that the police aided thugs in molesting voters to favour the APC. “If thugs have taken over any polling units, INEC will not feel comfortable to bring out their materials and conduct the voting process. It was a secret ballot so we didn’t know which party they voted for. The police was never involved in the conduct of the election but in providing security for its smooth conduct. To accuse the police of complicity, is unfair” the DIG stated. Agbizili was deployed to the state to take charge of the supplementary election, prompting the PDP to become suspicious over the role played by the police in the election. The police dismissed as baseless rumours that some people were killed during the election. He announced the arrest of 10 people for trying to disrupt the process. The former Governor of Kano state, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has called on INEC to conduct fresh re-run elections in the state, saying there was no elections in Kano state. Kwankwaso, who spoke at his residence condemned the alleged role of the police under the command of Agbizili, who he accused of providing back-up for armed thugs to perpetrate violence and massive rigging. He said the widespread violence and rigging of the supplementary polls took place in all the 28 local governments that the rerun took place. “All the polling units in the rerun areas were overtaken by thugs. Of greater concern was the role of the police under the leadership of the DIG who actually backed-up thugs, supported by the leadership of the Kano state government. It was a very sad day for all of us and a very sad day for democracy. “There are very few places where elections took place. In the city, there was no election because they were overtaken by thugs. People were going round with ballot papers and result sheets, writing what they wanted and submitted them to the INEC officials. “Our prayer is that this elections should be canceled and re-scheduled so that we can have a better, free and fair elections in Kano. It is unacceptable,” Kwankwaso said. The Senator representing Kano North on the platform of the APC, Barau Jibrin argued that the process of the collation should be respected by the PDP saying all complaints of irregularities should have been addressed at the polling units and wards not at the state collation centre where final submitted results were collated. He added, “Whosoever is not satisfied with the result should seek redress at the Election Tribunal.” The Acting Chairman of the PDP, Rabiu Sulei-

man Bichi insisted that there was no election in Gama ward. The party rejected the declaration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as winner of the Kano governorship poll. Bichi who was also an agent of the PDP at the collation centre frowned at the exercise, describing it as a shame on democracy. He addressed journalists immediately after INEC declared Ganduje re-elected, saying the party was not satisfied with the outcome of the rerun in Gama, Nassarawa and Dala councils. He accused INEC of encouraging thuggery, violence and irregularities which violated the Electoral Act. The PDP leader and close associate of Kwankwaso also accused security operatives of abating multiple voting across the polling units. He insisted that the heinous crimes were perpetrated under the watchful eyes of the security men at the centres. Rabiu also lamented that the results were doctored, mutilated and signed by APC agents. Also reacting, Chairman of APC in Kano, Prince Abdullahi Abbas described the outcome of the election as a landmark victory to the people of Kano. Also speaking, the federal lawmaker representing Dala federal constituency Hon. Ali Madakin Gini observed that the embattled Gama Ward in Nassarawa local government witnessed incidence of number violence. Election observers, however, called on INEC to work with the Nigeria police to investigate electoral offenders and apply measures to sanction any person or group of persons found culpable. The leader of the group, Dr. Ibrahim Baba of Center for Intervention who spoke on behalf of others, noted that any person or group of persons involved in electoral offences should be punished to serve as deterrent to others. Baba, added that despite reports of violence and intimidation, the overall political climate in the state during the rerun election remained peaceful and conducive for the conduct of democratic elections. “The collaborative relationship between INEC and Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCS), contributed to the generally peaceful atmosphere in the state. “We give kudos to the security agencies for maintaining the highest level of professionalism before, during and after the conduct of the supplementary election.” The group, however, called on the winners and losers to respect the rule of law and caution their supporters to remain peaceful and law abiding. They called on politicians to refrain from disseminating false information and channel their electoral complaints and grievances through established legal processes. The group congratulated the people of Kano

state for their, “resilience, dedication, steadfastness towards this great democratic venture.” However, Kano Concerned Citizens Initiative (KCCI) urged aggrieved politicians to shun violence and seek legal redress so as to sustain the peace in the state. The chairman of the group, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa who was presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) reiterated to reporters in Kano the need for peace in the state. “Now that the result have been officially declared by INEC, those who experienced disappointment over the outcome should take the opportunity of the adequate windows provided by the laws to redress any type of wrong. “We urge that those opportunities be used. There is no reason whatsoever for anybody to resort to illegalities as means of seeking redress.” “The greater responsibility of ensuring that peace reigns in Kano lies on the shoulders of those who are declared winners. They must shun vindictiveness in whatever in whatever form. “They must embrace all as one family and treat all as equals so as to pursue an agenda for development. They need to be magnanimous in victory. “We acknowledge and appreciate Governor Ganduje in this regard for making a call for peace in Kano.” He also hailed the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II for his persistent calls for peace in Kano throughout the election period. They also commented the good work done by security agencies, while adding that, there was a need to sustain it. In his acceptance speech after the victory, Ganduje thanked the people of Kano for reelecting him. “The success is not mine alone or my deputy’s, but for the entire people of Kano. “I might have won your votes but it is you people that have won the election,” the governor stated. He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and promised to continue to work with him for the progress and development of the country. Ganduje promised to do more on agricultural development, free education and women empowerment to move the state to the next level. He also called for calm and understanding among Kano citizens as he pledged to continue introducing developmental projects to the state. However, he warned that the government will not condone trouble making and intimidation while he called on people to celebrate peacefully and embrace one another. “Don’t mind the blackmailers, Kano is in peace” he said. He thanked the traditional and religious leaders in the state as well as security and INEC for their roles in ensuring peaceful election.

T H I S D AY ˾WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019

ANALYSIS

No Stemming the Rivers of Trouble Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress and the African Action Congress have been trading accusations over the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to resume suspended collation of the governorship and state house of assembly election results in the state

ivers State has earned for itself the unfortunate reputation of a theatre of enduring violence, which increases in dubious proportions during political campaigning and on election days. It is arguable which seed forceful activities took root first. What is clear is that criminal activities have become attractive to many young persons in the state. From deploying dangerous weapons to aid their fight control of natural resources, particularly, oil, the state became a haven armed gangs that created little, but thriving fiefdoms and held her hostage. Wrestled to submission, the state government under Dr. Peter Odili began to engage the militants, but not from a position of strength. In many stances, the state turned a blind eye to these criminal gangs that engaged in illegal bunkering. As the violent mob grew in influence, government started to set aside huge sums of money, ostensibly to pacify them and to buy protection. The pack of robbers were now emboldened to move from criminal activities like armed robbery and kidnapping to seek legitimacy. Since they were largely responsible for installing politicians into offices, after a while, the leadership of the gangs were not satisfied with just getting monies from politicians, they sought to represent the people themselves. A couple of them were quietly introduced into governance. The situation in Rivers was also obtainable in states like Delta and Bayelsa that shared a common history of militant struggle. However, the Late President Umaru Yar ’Adua achieved a milestone breakthrough with rehabilitation of militants when he got them to renounce armed struggle in exchange for a presidential pardon and an opportunity to acquire useful skills. However, former President was said to have taken the rehabilitation effort to a new ridiculous level when he, for instance, conceded the nation’s maritime security to a reformed militant, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo. While the situation in Bayelsa and Delta may have been moderated by the caliber of leaders in the states, Rivers State has consistently defied every attempt to get the warring parties to become modest. Every election year, the orgy of violence in the oil-rich state continues to reach alarming proportions. Long before political campaigns for the 2019 elections began, the tension in Rivers was already worrisome. The leading political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had taken hardline positions and were not willing to retrace their steps to find peace. Having prevailed over the immediate past governor of the state and now Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who was forced to quite to exit the PDP, Governor Nyesom Wike took full charge of the state and has left no one in doubt that Rivers State is in his firm grip. Amaechi and the APC have put up a spirited fight to snatch the state from Wike. They may not have succeeded, so far because the APC has been unable to manage its own inconsistencies. The most telling blow the APC unwittingly dealt on itself is the refusal of the Senator Magnus Abe camp to shift ground and dialogue with Amaechi. This obstinacy cost the party its right to candidates in the 2019 national elections. Though he may not be held directly accountable, Wike was accused of being behind the troubles of the APC in Rivers, in order that he stands in good stead for re-election, having no challenge from a weak or non-existent opposition. The APC in Rivers has since openly aligned with the African Action Congress (AAC). It was under this arrangement that it went into the March 9 governorship elections, but it does not

Protesters on the March... saying Obo Eﬀanga, Resident Electoral Commissioner In Rivers State must go.

look like this is of much comfort. The Rivers State governorship and state assembly election is the only unresolved matter of its kind by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). All eyes are on INEC to see how it will resolve the electoral impasse. Expectedly, the PDP, APC and the AAC have been trading accusations over the matter. The elections were held, but crisis erupted during collation. INEC suspended collation, claiming that it had been disrupted. INEC later claimed that it will resume collation of results on April 2 and it will last till April 5. The commission’s fact finding committee reported that the polls have been concluded in 21 state constituencies and for governorship, INEC declared that results had been collated in 17 of 23 constituencies. But these constituencies were not mentioned. APC Publicity Secretary Chris Finebone said alleged that Governor Nyesom Wike had violated the collation by invading the centre at his native Obio/Akpor Council headquarter, Rumuodaya, Port-Harcourt with security agents. But, PDP chairman Felix Obuah is hopeful that the resumed collation will result in the favour of his party. According to him, the PDP has the support of the people of Rivers State. The situation in Rivers is assuming interesting angles with intervention of well-meaning persons and groups. Recently, thousands of Rivers people took to the streets to protest against what they see as INEC’s decision to halt the electoral process without credible and verifiable reasons. Led by civil society groups who carried placards, some of which read, “We Want Awara”, the protesters swept through major routes in the capital city on their way to office of the Directorate of State Services, DSS. Our correspondent reports that protesters headed for the INEC headquarters in Port Speaking to newsmen, Dr Jackson Omenazu, President of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights warned that Rivers State would degenerate into serious crisis if INEC continues with its manipulation of the electoral process. “We call on Nigerians and INEC National

Leadership to hold Obo Effanga responsible for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State. A partisan electoral umpire is a catalyst to anarchy. “The abuse of section 26 sub section (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, and the ignoble actions by the Rivers State REC must not go unpunished. When an agent of state (INEC) collaborates to undermine the State, such agent must be treated as felon”, Jackson Omenazu stressed. He said prior to the suspension of the Rivers, “It is on record that only 7 LGAs have officially been announced by INEC Rivers State.” “INEC has cited widespread violence and disruptions as reasons adduced for the suspension of the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State. “Why is it that those who ochestrated the violence (as with the case of Obio/Akpor collation centre) were not reprimanded in the report of the INEC Fact Finding Committee? He said INEC told a bewildered State five days after the suspension that it has 17 LGA election results in its custody already collated. “In one breath elections were marred with widespread violence; in another breath 17 LGAs were already in their kitty”, he stressed. According to him, the INEC claim suggests that 75% of the result has been collated in circumstances that are not convincing. Jackson noted that due to INEC’s action, coupled with the delay weeks after the election to collate the results, Rivers people have developed doubts about the credibility of the results that INEC claims to have. Across the State, an increasing number of angry natives reckon INEC is attempting to skew the outcome of the gubernatorial elections held on March 9. Organisers of several processions billed for this week who belong to civil society groups stress that the wave of popular dissatisfaction which has greeted INEC’s intervention is growing by the day. This, the organisers reveal, is why they have resolved to march through the streets of the state capital to register their protest.

The Director of Strategic Communications of the Tonye Cole Campaign, Mr. Tonye Princewill pointedly accused INEC of bias against his party in particular and the people of Rivers state in general. He said, “What the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shown in its attitude towards members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State (and the people of Rivers State in general) through the statement on March 15 was that the commission may not have been able to resist the allure of big money. Many of us said as much, but our allegation was dismissed. Now that people have heard from an institution with even more integrity, the biases of INEC and its underhand tactics have been laid bare for everyone to see. INEC is not the first to succumb and will not be the last, but thanks to the current anti-corruption trend in the Buhari administration, the world is watching them dance naked in the market square. The recent terse statement made by the Nigerian Army exposed a wide gap in the relationship between the “independent” umpire and the security agencies. Coming from the same institution that supposedly provides a conducive environment to INEC, this is interesting. What is striking in the statement released by the Army is not that they simply dented INEC’s credibility, but that they called them out in a key aspect of their qualification that leaves them in tatters - their expected independence. How INEC recovers from this remains to be seen, but suffice to say that they can no longer speak with the freedom of the benefit of doubt they have been enjoying, from not only Nigerians but from the international community as well.” Princewill further said, “We in Rivers state know that there was no widespread violence that called for the total suspension of the entire electoral process in the whole state. If there was, how did INEC get results in 17 out of 23 LGAs? We know that widespread violence leaves a trail of death and destruction, if that was the case, how come INEC was able to declare results for Presidential elections when death and destruction was validated, but not for the governorship election when death and destruction was unconfirmed?”

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍˇ

FEATURES

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

NAF Special Forces: Bridging the Gap Between Air Projections and Force Protection Chiemelie Ezeobi writes on the establishment of a Special Forces unit by the Nigerian Air Force to undertake covert, counter insurgency and unconventional warfare, thus bridging the gap between air power projections and force protection

lobally, Special Forces (SF) are units of a country's armed forces, who undertake covert, counter insurgency, and other specialised operations. NATO went further to define such special operations as "military activities conducted by specially designated, organised, trained, and equipped forces, manned with selected personnel, using unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment. According to Wikipedia, special forces emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War, when "every major army involved in the fighting" created formations devoted to special operations behind enemy lines. Thus, depending on the needs of every country, special forces may perform functions including airborn operations, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defence, covert operations, direct action, hostage rescue, high value targets/manhunting, intelligence operations, mobility operations and unconventional warfare. For the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), it is no different. Their NAF Regiment and Special Forces (SF), has in the course of four years blossomed in strength and training. The resultant effect is itâ€™s capability in conducting specialised operations, thus bridging the gap between air power projections and force protection.

NAF Special Forces known as The Panthers

The Panthers Known as the â€˜Panthersâ€™, the NAF SF are 1,000-strong well trained, kitted and motivated force capable of conducting specialised cover and counter operations in concert with sister services. Like the panther, whom they are named after, these SF are expected to have good hearing, extremely good eyesight, and a strong will. All attributes that are expected to come to bear in real life situations. While unveiling the new accoutrements and insignia of the NAF Regiment as well as the new nickname of the SF â€“ â€˜the PANTHERSâ€™ at a recent gathering, the Director of Regiment HQ NAF, Air Commodore Babatunde Phillips, highlighted how the specialty had been transformed over the past four years with massive capacity building initiatives. He said that the transformation had resulted in raising the number of NAF SF personnel from less than 300 in 2015 to a well-trained,equipped and motivated force of over 1,000; along with 44 SF instructors also recently trained. He noted that the PANTHERS, who were currently deployed for internal security operations in 14 different states across the country, would continue to be models of professionalism displaying courage, valour, strength, swiftness, agility, adaptability and tenacity in the discharge of their duties.

Documentary Already, plans have been put in motion to

Since 2015, we have tripled the number of our Special Forces personnel to a 1,000-strong, well trained, kitted and motivated force capable of conducting specialised operations, either independently or in concert with other services. They are currently operating in internal security operations in 14 states

A visibly excited Chief of Air StaďŹ€, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, smiles at the prospects showcased by the special forces launch the special documentary on the activities of the special forces. In the few minutes video, which showcased the activities of the special forces, from the simple to the outrightly dangerous, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, also spoke, thus giving the greenlight to the entire project. He said: â€œWe focused more on AirPower projection at the expense of AirPower protection, hence our decision to pay special attention to force protection training, which involves protection in critical air and ground environment personnel as well we special forces environment.â€? While keeping it simple and short, NAF Director of Regiment, Air Commodore BP Philips said: â€œWe first protect in order for the air force to force project.â€? Speaking on the documentary, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said: â€œAll is set for the unveiling of an interesting documentary on the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Regiment and Special Forces (SF), scheduled for release later in the week, as part of events ushering in 55th NAF Day Celebrations. In the past four years, the NAF has significantly boosted the capacity of its Regiment Speciality and more than tripled the strength of its SF personnel to a 1,000-strong well trained, well kitted and well motivated force

capable of conducting specialised operations in concert with sister services. â€œThe NAF SF, which now has a new name - the PANTHERS - as well as distinct accoutrements and insignia, have successfully bridged the gap between Air Power projection and force protection. They are currently deployed for Internal Security (IS) operations in about 14 states across the country. They have been working very closely with sister services adding value in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality, while also improving NAF Base Defence and force protection capability.â€?

Regiment Training Centre The teaser for the documentary came just days after the CAS was at the Regiment Training Centre (RTC) Kaduna, for the graduation ceremony of Special Forces (SF) Course 4/2019, comprising 175 personnel; the first set to be trained by NAF SF Instructors. Expressing his delight at how far they have come in their quest to revolutionise the NAF Regiment speciality (the BULWARKS) into a formidable element of the service for the effective defence of NAF bases, as well as the protection of Nigerian Airports and other Critical National Assets, he said: â€œSince 2015, we have tripled the number of our SF personnel to a 1,000-strong well trained, kitted and motivated

force capable of conducting specialised operations, either independently or in concert with other servicesâ€?. Disclosing that they are currently operating in internal security operations in 14 states, he said in just four years, they have successfully bridged the gap between Air Power projection and force protection, adding that their capacity building initiatives have repositioned the Regiment, SF and other NAF elements for effective defence of Nigeriaâ€™s territory and protection of Nigerians. On his Twitter page, the DOPRI had also revealed that the event featured â€˜Krav Magaâ€™ (unarmed combat), weapon handling and Research and Development (R&D) displays, plus a simulation of coordinated assault on an enemy location by the graduating SF, adding that new accoutrements and insignias for NAF Regiment and the new name of NAF SF â€˜the PANTHERSâ€™ were also unveiled. He wrote: â€œIn the past four years, NAF has significantly boosted the capacity of its Regiment speciality and more than tripled its SF strength, thereby enhancing operations in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality while also improving Base Defence/force protection.â€? In his speech at the event, Air Marshal Abubakar, said the graduands were to boost Internal Security operations in the country, adding that the 175

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FEATURES graduating students of SF Course 4/2019 had successfully completed the 10-week rigorous and intensive training in asymmetric warfare at the RTC, Kaduna. Significantly, he said this is the first time in the history of the NAF that SF personnel would be trained wholly by NAF Instructors, thereby actualising one of the key drivers of the Chief of the Air Staffâ€™s Vision of â€œreinforcing a culture of self-reliance and prudent management of resourcesâ€?. Before now, he said the NAF had engaged the services of an Israeli company; the Four Troops Team, to train NAF SF personnel, aside overseasâ€™ training in various countries such as Belarus, China and Pakistan. He further stated that in the last four years, the NAF had made deliberate efforts to reposition the service into a highly professional fighting force, with the training of over 1,000 SF personnel as part of the overall strategy for its capacity building initiatives. While promising to sustain the training of SF personnel to enhance NAF force projection posture, while also improving its Base Defence/ force protection capability, Abubakar, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of the training, noted that NAF SF personnel were making huge impacts in the fight against terrorism and armed banditry across the country. According to him, examples of these achievements include the recent arrest of armed bandits at Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State as well as the professional conduct of NAF personnel deployed to support the Nigerian Police in providing security during the recently concluded General Elections. These performances, the CAS said, were indications that the efforts of the NAF toward building an efficient force structure, with the NAF SF as a vital component, were yielding positive results. Abubakar charged the graduands to be prepared to do their best in all circumstances as their future assignments would require courage, good judgement and commitment. The CAS also emphasised the need for the SF personnel to rededicate themselves to duties and conduct themselves in accordance with NAFâ€™s core values of â€˜Integrityâ€™, â€˜Service before Selfâ€™ and â€˜Excellenceâ€™. He commended the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, as well as the Commandant RTC and his team of instructors for their tireless efforts in molding NAF Regiment personnel. He also assured the centre of the support of Headquarters (HQ) NAF to enable it effectively discharge its responsibility of training elite fighting personnel for the NAF and the nation. While concluding his remarks, the CAS thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for the priority attention given to the requirements of the NAF. He said: â€œThe support provided by the Federal Government has no doubt positively impacted on the NAF and led to increased aircraft serviceability and availability as well as improved training and enhanced facilities.â€? Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant RTC, Wing Commander Stephen Sekegor, noted that the rationale behind the localisation of SF training was to ensure prudent management of resources while still ensuring qualitative training. He thanked the CAS for his visionary leadership which had resulted in the phenomenal enhancement of the capacity the NAF Regiment Specialty to better conduct base operations in both conventional and asymmetric warfare environments. He also assured the CAS that RTC would continue to provide the requisite specialised training to meet the contemporary security challenges facing the nation. Highlights of the graduation ceremony included unarmed combat, weapons handling and Research & Development displays by RTC as well as the

This is the ďŹ rst time in the history of the NAF that SF personnel would be trained wholly by NAF Instructors, thereby actualising one of the key drivers of the Chief of the Air Staffâ€™s Vision of reinforcing a culture of self-reliance and prudent management of resources

How the SF are trained

The SF during one of the simulations

Another simulation simulation of a coordinated assault on an enemy location conducted by the graduating SF personnel to the admiration of guests. Also, certificates and awards were presented to students who distinguished themselves during the course. The CAS also commissioned a newly-constructed SF Command Training Shed as a joint user facility for the Military Training Centre (MTC) and RTC. Present at the ceremony were the Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army as well as the Air Officers Commanding Air Training Command and Ground Training

Command, amongst many other serving and retired senior officers.

Airlift Capabilities The CAS also appreciated the efforts of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF who participated in various airlift and other support activities during the recently concluded elections. Their achievement, he said, was a major logistics feat. According to him, the airlift provided by the NAF in support of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other agencies was excellent. He highlighted that the NAF used

eight aircraft to airlift a total of 628,298kg of election materials to 31 different locations in the country flying about 348 hours in a total 334 sorties. NAF Ground Support Equipment in several locations were also use to load and offload the materials from both NAF and non-NAF aircraft involved in the exercise. This, the CAS said, was a clear testament to the improved support provided to the NAF by the Federal Government to the improved airlift capacity of the service, which was made possible by the serviceability status of the eight aircraft involed in the exercise.

5 ) * 4 % ": t WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T

REPO 14.83% 14.25%

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

110.50% 12.25% 13.10%

M A R C H S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

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

2 2 , 384.96% 0.27% 0.78%

2 0 1 9

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

7.84% 7.84%

EXCHANGE RATE N306.90/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes IFAD to Improve Farmersâ€™ Income

DEEPENING PARTNERSHIP

L - R: Associate Regional Manager, International Banking, Oddo BHF, Ă‰tienne Grangeat; Director, International Banking, Alfred Idialu; Executive Director, Corporate Planning and Compliance, Unity Bank, Usman Abdulqadir, Director and Head of Compliance, Oddo BHF, Michaela Lorenz; Treasurer, Unity Bank, SunnyBakwunyeandManagingDirector,InternationalBanking,OddoBHF,FlorianWitt,duringameetingtodeepentherelationshipbetweenbothbanksthat tookplaceinFrankfurt,Germanyâ€Śrecently

Planned Amendment of Margin Lending Rules Excite Operators Goddy Egene Some capital market operators and investors have hailed the move by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to amend the rules guiding margin lending, saying it will go a long way in providing liquidity and boost activity in the capital market. Margin loan is a type of investment loan that lets operators and investors to borrow money to invest in shares, managed funds and other approved financial products. Margin lending was very

ECONOMY prominent during the capital market boom days prior to the meltdown in 2008/2009. Following the losses suffered by operators and investors as result of margin lending, SEC and the CBN had issued rules on margin lending in 2010. Since then, there have been zero activity regarding margin lending, hence SEC and CBN are making moves to review the rules and make them flexible and attractive. Reacting to the development, operators said it would be a very

positive thing for the market. A broker, who spoke to THISDAY on the condition of anonymity on Monday said: â€œMany people have not been attracted to margin lending despite the fact the rules have been in existence since 2010 because they are not flexible enough. SEC and CBN brought out the rules with stringent conditions due to what happened in 2008/2009.â€? â€œBut the situation has improved considerable, which has necessitated a review and it is good that the two regulators are planning to do so now,â€? the broker added. An investor, Mr. Moses

Igbrude, said while margin lending is good, it was abused in the past hence many people got their fingers burnt. â€œBut now that SEC and CBN want to review the rules and make them more attractive, investors would be encouraged to use margin loan to beef up their portfolios and it will be good for the market in general,â€? he said. The Acting Director General of SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, had explained that the commission was working with CBN in order to review the rules and include banking shares in the margin list. Continued on page 24

Analysts Highlight Key Diversification Opportunities for Nigeria Obinna Chima Analysts at the Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC) have identified five key areas where the federal government and its agencies should focus to make a significant impact on revenue generation. These include improving tax administration; sales and leasing of public assets; intervention in other mineral resources; encourage the production of semi-processed commodities and investment in power and infrastructure. The Lagos-based firm stressed in its latest economic bulletin that deepening non-oil revenue would help the country achieve sustainable economic growth. Tax is less than 12 per cent of federal government revenue, which is a reflection of the leak-

ECONOMY ages in the tax administration system. To guard the loopholes and curb the effect of oil shocks on government revenue, the report stated that avenues for higher tax income such as improving tax compliance, employing necessary and appropriate technology, introducing other indirect taxes to capture a greater share of the non-formal economy and increasing the effective tax rate for the elites through VAT on luxury goods should be put in place. Furthermore, it pointed out that an effective way to reduce deficits in the economy was by following the footsteps of some developed countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia

by selling and leasing some government assets. â€œFGN can harness revenue from financial assets by securitising the governmentâ€™s minority equity holdings in Joint Ventures (JVs) and non-financial assets by commercialising idle lands and buildings and also, privatising state-owned enterprises. â€œNigeria has many discovered and proven solid minerals but a very small portion of them are currently mined. These untapped mineral resources will not only generate revenue but also create jobs and wealth for Nigerians. An enabling environment would also attract much-needed investment in this industry. â€œAgriculture was the mainstay of the economy and Nigeriaâ€™s main export before the oil boom, and it remains one of the largest employers of labour. The major

impediment of this sector is the lack of various seedlings, storage facilities, and inadequate farming techniques. â€œAside from the different agricultural programmes/ funding schemes provided, measures need to be taken to ensure the provision of various seedlings, storage facilities and most importantly mechanised farming tools to genuine farmers. â€œNigeria has a comparative advantage in some Agric products such as tomatoes, rice, and groundnut in SSA. Harnessing necessary investments to these commodities will not only make the commodities sufficient for domestic consumption but also enough to generate export earnings. â€œThe agricultural sector, if Continued on page 24

About 10,000 cocoa smallholder producers in Liberia will beneďŹ t from a new US$47.6 million project that aims to improve their food and nutrition security and raise their incomes by modernising cocoa farming, increasing production and developing markets. The ďŹ nancing agreement for the Tree Crops Extension Project II (TCEP II) was signed by correspondence by the President of IFAD, Gilbert Houngbo and the Minister of Finance and Development Planning of the Republic of Liberia, Samuel Tweah. Project ďŹ nancing includes a $11.9 million loan and $11.9 million grant from IFAD. The project would be co-ďŹ nanced by the private sector ($3.4 million), the Government of Liberia ($2.5 million) and the beneďŹ ciaries themselves ($1.8 million). IFAD is working to ďŹ ll the ďŹ nancing gap of $16.2 million with climate ďŹ nancingandadditionalco-ďŹ nancingforruralroadsintheprojectarea. â€œTCEPIIwillfocusonenablingpoorruralwomenandmentoovercome poverty,â€? the Director of IFADâ€™s West and Central Africa Division, Lisandro Martin said. â€œIt will promote economic empowerment that provides rural women withequalopportunitiestoparticipateinâ€“andbeneďŹ tfromâ€“proďŹ table economic activities in the cocoa value chain.â€? Agriculture is the primary livelihood source for more than 60 per cent of Liberiaâ€™s population.Traditionally, tree crops including cocoa, rubber and timber have been one of the countryâ€™s largest sources of employment, as well as an integral part of its social fabric. But during the countryâ€™s civil wars, the tree crop sector was devastated and many farmers were displaced.

Weather OďŹ€ers Mixed Prospects for Cocoa

Above-averagerainfallinIvoryCoastâ€™skeycocoaregionslastweekwill boost the April-September mid-crop, but dry spells in the countryâ€™s centre have raised concerns, farmers said on Monday. Ivory Coast, the worldâ€™s top cocoa producer, is entering the rainy season, which runs from mid-March to late October. â€œRainfall will be more abundant in the coastal and southern regions startinginApril,â€?agovernmentmeteorologisttoldReuters.Hedeclined to be identiďŹ ed as he was not allowed to disclose the information. Farmers said plenty of big pods on trees were ripe and should make for a healthy harvest in April and May, and that a good rainfall this week would help the crop. Current deliveries from the bush contained large quantities of small beans,farmerssaid.Buyersandexporterswereseekingtheremoval of small beans before sale, they added. In the western region of Soubre, farmers said many pods would be harvested in the ďŹ rst half of April before a small break for Easter. â€œMany farmers are harvesting at the moment. They hope the midcrop price will stay at 750 CFA francs ($1.3) per kilogram,â€? said KoďŹƒ Kouame, who farms near Soubre. Data collected by Reuters showed rainfall in Soubre, including the regions of Sassandra and San Pedro, was at 23.3 millimetres (mm) last week, 8.2 mm above the ďŹ ve-year average. Rainfall last week in the southern regions of Agboville and Divo and in the eastern region of Abengourou was above average.

New Documentary Set for Unveiling

Actor and entrepreneur Beverly Naya, who was named by Forbes as one of Africaâ€™s most promising entrepreneurs under the age of 30, has produced a new thought-provoking documentary titled â€˜Skin,â€™ under her production company Be Naya Limited. The documentary premiere, which is sponsored by Nivea, is set to take place in Lagos this Sunday. The Managing Director, Beiersdorf, Godwin Harrison, while commenting on the initiative, said: â€œNivea, the worldâ€™s Number 1 skincare brand is proud to support this ďŹ lm as an extension of the buddingpartnershipbetweenNiveaandBeverlyNaya,whocontinues to inspire millions of young women with her values of hard work and courage to succeed. â€œAs a company, we exist so people can feel good in their skin. We believe that everyone should love and care for their skin irrespective of its shade, and we invest a lot in research and innovation to oďŹ€er the best products to meet the needs of our teeming consumers.â€?

â€œI think the future of the sector is very bleak. We are not seeing technical improvements from a technical market based approach. We have no capacity growth, but flash in the pan improvement. We have not seen qualitative improvements even in regulatory perspectiveâ€?

A former chair, NERC,

Dr. Sam Amadi

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PLANNED AMENDMENT OF MARGIN LENDING RULES EXCITE OPERATORS The 2010 rules excluded all publicly traded banking securities from margin list. They also excluded securities offered through private placements whether for a private company or by a public company prior to a listing by introduction and securities where the average trading volume of the companyâ€™s shares on a securities exchange over a three-month period demonstrates low active demand for those securities among others. Uduk said: â€œAfter the meltdown, in 2010, the SEC and CBN came up with rules on margin loan but after the issuance of that rules, we found out that there was zero activity in respect of margin loan and that is why the market suggested that it appears the rules on margin loan is very stringent. â€œIn coming up with that rule, probably due to the experience of the past, we excluded banking shares from margin list. We found out from other jurisdictions that you can be given loans to buy banking shares, so, because of that, we started engaging CBN.â€? ANALYSTS HIGHLIGHT KEY DIVERSIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR NIGERIA given the required boost, would improve its share of government revenue, create more jobs for the unemployed youth, reduce the countryâ€™s reliance on imports of processed food products and boost exports,â€? it explained. In addition, it recommended the investment in power and infrastructure, saying operational capacity was less than 40 per cent of installed capacity of 12,522MW. â€œAlthough there has been an improvement in power generated in the past few years, large challenges remain in all phases of the power value chain. â€œTherefore, substantial funding is required to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this sector. â€œAlso, good roads should be built and existing ones should be properly maintained. This would facilitate inter-state commerce and mobility, attract investments and encourage industrialisation.

526 Farmers to Benefit from Anchor Borrowerâ€™s Scheme in Imo James Emejo in Abuja The Nigeria Incentivebased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Plc has said over 526 smallholder farmers in Imo State will benefit from agricultural input supply under the Anchor Borrowersâ€™ Programme (ABP) of the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) which is currently being administered by NIRSAL. The beneficiaries cut across Mbaitoli, Ideato North and South, Nwangele, Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, Oru West, Isu and Okigwe Local Government Areas of the state. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the ABP inputs distribution for the 2019 Wet Season which took place in Owerri, the Head of NIRSALâ€™s Project Monitoring, Reporting and Remediation Office (PMRO) in the state, Mrs. Nkechi Osuji, said the ABPâ€™s overall objective was to create economic linkages between smallholder farmers and reputable companies involved in the processing of specific agro-commodities with a view to increasing agricultural output and achieving food security. She said NIRSALâ€™s focus was to address the various bottlenecks in the cassava value chain in the south-east of the country. Osuji, said the ABP would address the problem of lowquality inputs, pests and diseases, poor agronomic practices and other challenges facing smallholder farmers. In a statement by NIRSALâ€™s Head, Corporate Communica-

tions, Anne Ihugba, the PMRO head said the reason why NIRSAL was providing the farmers with improved cassava stems, fertilisers and, most importantly, crop protection chemicals, was to help them boost their production and achieve high yield at the end of the farming season. However, the cassava farmers under the Aloha ABP ticket, who had in the past suffered weed, disease and

pest infestations on their farms, can now rest assured that a solution to their challenges has come, she added. Osuji said the solution would be far-reaching since the ABP thrives on assembling several smallholders and harnessing their collective capabilities for large-scale farming. Also speaking at the event, the President of Aloha Integrated Services, the aggregator for the Imo

Cassava ABP 2019 wet season, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, said that NIRSALâ€™s support has enhanced the capacity of the farmers through training on good agronomic practices and the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices by its PMRO. â€œFarmers under our ABP ticket have been provided with certified, high yielding cassava stems, fertilizers, and crop protection chemicals

which will ensure a boost in our output,â€? he said. â€œSo far, a total of 525 cassava farmers from the various cooperatives, cultivating on 525 hectares of land across the state, have benefited from the input distribution. â€œInputs received include herbicides (pre and postemergence), NPK, crop protection products (Altrazin and Gramozin) and mechanisation.â€?

CAPACITY BUILDING

LL-R:Secretary,NBASectiononBusinessLaw,AdeoyeAdefulu;ExecutiveDirector,InternationalLawforAfrica(ILFA),CynthiaLareine;NBA-SBLMediaand Communications Committee Chairman, Theodora Kio-Lawson; Chairman, NBA Section on Business Law, Seni Adio and NBA-SBL Committee Chairman, Banking, Finance and Insolvency, Dr. Tominiyi Owolabi, at the opening ceremony of NBA-SBL/ILFA Banking and Finance Academy for lawyers in Lagos... recently KOLAWOLEALLI

Nigeriaâ€™s LPG Market to Boom with NLNGâ€™sTrain-7 Project, Says NCDMBâ€™s Chief Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, has predicted a boom in Nigeriaâ€™s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market with the anticipated addition of a seventh train to the existing six Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trains of Nigerian LNG (NLNG). The NLNG plans to expand its production capacity to 30 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) with the Train-7 project whose planned final investment decision

(FID) is intended for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2019, and Wabote, whose NCDMB recently signed off the Nigerian content plan for the train, explained in Abuja that within the next couple of years when the train comes on stream, it would boost the countryâ€™s domestic LPG market. â€œThis is a base for other projects that are coming in. We have created a template. It is setting the pace and legacy for others to follow. In the next couple of years, with the gas commercialisation programme of the government, I can tell

you that the LPG area is going to boom very soon. There are opportunities within the funnel. â€œProduction of NLNG will also see production and increase in LPG. What you are seeing is that NLNG is been leading in the production of LPG for a long while. I can say, their challenge is utilisation, not the production. â€œThe Train-7 will also increase the capacity of LPG production in the country,â€? said Wabote. He added in this regards: â€œAnd, like they said, it is no longer the value chain, it is more about the value network: how

do you also produce and get the communities and other stakeholders bolted along the value chain you have just created? LPG production will also spike equally.â€? With regards to the Nigerian content plan the NCDMB signed with the NLNG for its Train-7 project, Wabote stated that the gas company was setting the pace for other companies in Nigeriaâ€™s midstream oil and gas sector, adding that its commitment to developing the Nigerian content in the industry was worthwhile. â€œWhen the board introduced

the concept of Service Level Agreements (SLA) as one of the tools to enhance the reduction in the long tendering and contracting timelines, NLNG was the first to embrace the idea. â€œThe SLA between the board and NLNG was signed in May 2017 and today, NLNG holds the title as the first operator to jointly sign SLA with NCDMB. â€œThe SLA has greatly contributed to the ease of doing business between NCDMB and NLNG with several requests and approvals completed within record timeâ€?.

Report: Growth in PE Fundraising Highlights Bullish Outlook Group Business Editor

ĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă‹

Peter Uzoho

Capital Market Editor

A report by the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) has revealed that African private equity (PE) has remained robust with the total value of fundraising increasing to US$2.7 billion in 2018, up from US$2.4 billion in 2017. This, was an indication of investorsâ€™ ongoing confidence in African PE. According to the report, the total value of African PE fundraising between 2013 and 2018 was US$17.8 billion and the median size of final closed

Ă™ĂŽĂŽĂŁ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă? AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

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

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

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

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; Ă¤Ă? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?Ă”Ă™ (Finance) ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ™Ă”Ă“ (Insurance) Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ě™(Energy) Reporters

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

funds over the same period was US$123 million. The data shows that 1022 reported deals worth a total of US$25.7 billion took place from 2013 to 2018. While the value of PE deals dropped marginally in 2018 to US$3.5 billion, from $US3.9 billion in 2017, the number of PE deals encouragingly reached a six-year peak of 186 in 2018. In terms of sectors, Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples accounted for almost half the total number of PE deals last year, reflecting the attractiveness of businesses that

capitalise on Africaâ€™s growing consumer market. â€œNotably, Information Technologyâ€™s share of deal volume has significantly grown in recent years, nearly doubling to 19 per cent in 2018, from only 10 per cent two years prior. â€œMeanwhile, Communication Services and Utilities were the largest sectors by value in 2018. â€œIn total 273 exits were reported between 2013 and 2018. There was a slight decline in exit activity between 2017 and 2018, with the number of exits dropping from a high of 52 to 46, with this being attributed to uncertainty in

South Africa, which saw its share of exit volume decline from an average of 42 per cent between 2013 and 2017 to 20 per cent in 2018. â€œExits to trade buyers accounted for the largest share of exits at 39 per cent in 2018, up from 25 per cent in 2017. â€œMeanwhile, the growing trend of exits to PE & other financial buyers, which emerged in 2016, persisted in 2018, accounting for 37 per cent of exits,â€? the report added. Commenting on the report, the Chair of the AVCA Board and Co-Founder and Managing Director at Alitheia Capital, â€˜Tokunboh

Ishmael noted: â€œAs the 2018 Annual African Private Equity Data Tracker shows, private equity activity on the continent has remained relatively stable in 2018. â€œWe have witnessed strong and sustained growth in the consumer-driven and technology-focused sectors and anticipate this trend to persist over the next few years.â€? Also, the Director and Head of Research at AVCA, Enitan Obasanjo-Adeleye added: â€œAfrican PE continues to present exciting developments and we are encouraged by the increase in fundraising in 2018 relative to the previous year.

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NBCC, NAFDAC to Foster Partnership Hamid Ayodeji In furtherance of its commitment to securing strong partnerships whilst also addressing issues and challenges faced by its members, the President of the NigerianBritish Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Akin Olawore, recently led a delegation from the chamber to pay a courtesy visit to the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye at her office in Lagos. The visit to NAFDAC followed series of strategic engagements by the NBCC to key stakeholders within the Nigerian and British business community. It was intended to form collaboration, strengthen partnerships whilst also extending the commitment and support from the Chamber. Speaking during the visit, Olawore was quoted in a statement

to have thanked the NAFDAC team led by Adeyeye for receiving the chamber at her office. He stated that the visit would further foster the relationship between both organisations by highlighting the continued importance of the role they play. He used the medium to call for the continued support for NAFDAC in the fight against adulterated drugs in the Nigerian market which considering its effects, has a negative impact on competitiveness and margins of legitimate businesses within the country. Olawore pledged the Chamberâ€™s support in the fight against adulteration. On her part, Adeyeye pointed out that in ensuring the small and medium scale businesses thrive, the agency had reduced their registration fees. The move was to encourage more

registration while also engaging in training for such businesses. She also stated that, a support system had been set up on its online and offline platforms, to engage more with prospective and operational businesses and ensuring for a greater understanding of NAFDAC procedures within the Nigerian Market. According to her, the agency was aware of the scourge of adulterated products which had infiltrated the Nigerian market and was working on strengthening regulations in the market by introducing nationwide monitoring systems to combat the problem. She used the medium to call for the support of businesses in the affected industries to efficiently do this through its whistleblowing channels which is readily available to the public.

Consumers Commend New ChivitaTea Pack Oluchi Chibuzor Chivita Ice Teaâ€™s recently unveiled visually disruptive packaging design is helping the brand stand out in a competitive marketplace. A cross-section of consumers who offered their perspective on the new look Chivita Ice Tea noted that they were excited by the brandâ€™s new positioning under the Chivita Masterbrand. Its new package design, according to a report, was a bold statement of its premium quality, health benefits and consumersâ€™ benefits that has made the product appealing to consumers as it maintains its front shelf space and preference. For Tomiwa Adeleke, a Lagos based lawyer, the rebrand of Chivita Ice Tea was an innovative strategy that connects with consumers because of the packâ€™s unique imageries which is visually attractive and differentiating from competing brands.

â€œFor me, its great taste and unique blend of natural tea leaves and real fruits, as well as health benefits, make it a preferred choice for rejuvenation and refreshment. The brighter and bolder rebranded product pack was a pleasant surprise to me and is triggering positive product enquiries from my friends who are excited about its renewed appeal,â€? he said. Agatha Eromosele, a mother of four, who works as a nurse in the Lagos General Hospital stated that the new look Chivita Ice Tea is a welcome development. â€œThere is no ambiguity as the new design means the product announces itself from afar on the shelf. Itâ€™s refreshing benefits are well captured by the persuasive imageries and content on the new product pack. As a health conscious consumer, I love the exciting blend of premium natural tea leave extracts with real fruits

which makes Chivita Ice Tea a natural choice for me and others who care about their health,â€? she said. Commenting on the product rebranding and the positive feedback from consumers, Marketing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Probal Bhattacharya stated that it was pleasing to see consumers resonate with the productâ€™s fresh visual identity, which keys it into the Chivita Masterbrand. The new design also reinforces its promise of rejuvenation through more appealing elements that evoke its refreshingly natural goodness. â€œThe objective for rebranding Chivita Ice Tea was to communicate the brandâ€™s core value of rejuvenation and natural refreshment with strategic imageries that are attractive and differentiating. â€œWe are excited about the response so far and look forward to growing consumer franchise and affinity with the new pack,â€? he said.

FXTM Secures Licence from FSC As part of its continued international expansion strategy, the FXTM has announced that it has added another licence to its growing portfolio of regulated entities with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the Republic of Mauritius. â€œFXTM holds the continual offering of excellent trading conditions at the heart of its values and the company is thrilled that this development represents another milestone in its international growth strategy,

while also emphasising the brandâ€™s commitment to operating to the highest regulatory standards,â€? the firm explained in a statement. It added: â€œIn order to continue delivering the highest possible standard of service to its customers, FXTM not only constantly re-evaluates its product and service offerings, but also the jurisdictions under which it operates. â€œMauritius is fast becoming an internationally recognised Financial Supervisor

with a strong legal framework, providing protection to the public in non-banking financial products. â€œThe FXTM brand is also regulated through the FCA, CySEC and the FSCA which are amongst the most stringently regulated financial authorities.â€? It noted that international customers would now have the opportunity to receive services through Mauritius. Clients will continue to enjoy the same great service they have come to expect from FXTM.

SuzukiTakesVehicle Plant to Ghana The Japanese Multinational automobile manufacturing company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, has resolved to set up a production unit in Ghana. The company intends to make Ghana the hub of its operations in sub-Saharan Africa. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Suzukiâ€™s General Manager in-charge of Middle East and Africa, Koichi Suzuki, to have disclosed this when he visited President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in Accra. Suzuki said the company, which joins four other automakers- Volkswagen, Nissan, Renault and Chinaâ€™s

Sinotruck-who have planned the assembly plants for Ghana, intends siting its distribution and after-sales service centre in the country in partnership with Compagnie FranĂ§aise de lâ€™Afrique Occidentale (CFAO). He said the company, which has over 50 percent shares in the Indian automotive industry, in collaboration with Toyota Tsusho, the trading arm of the Toyota Group that has the largest distribution network in Africa, intends to â€œfind a next India on the African continentâ€?. Suzuki said with the Government of Ghana introducing a new automotive policy, â€œWe are highly

interested to participate in the initiative made by the Ghanaian government to start production here to expand it and to grow it.â€? â€œWe firmly believe that our next growth will come here in Africa,â€? he stated, adding, â€œwe want to contribute to the further development of African countriesâ€ŚOur vision is with Africa and for Africa.â€? Suzuki produces annually 3.3 million affordable but reliable, safe and fuel-efficient vehicles, with engine capacities less than 1.6litres via its production plant in India that churns almost half of its global production.

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Marie-Therese Phido

When Cheating Becomes the Norm I recently facilitated a cohort of mid-level professionals and was saddened. In this particular class, assignments are given as well as tests to determine classification in a particular area for evaluation and was required to enable the teaching of certain concepts. These tests and evaluations must be done by all and we rigorously adhere to this standard, nobody is allowed to escape. To date, until this last cohort, nobody gets left behind. However this set, was bent on escaping the requirement. Additional time was given two days in a row, for these tests to be done. These concessions have never been given before, and they still did not do it. On the day the results were required to be used, 3 people had still not done them. They then attempted to cheat right in front of me. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. The effort that was desired from them was not a lot, but they just could not be bothered to put in the extra exertion required to pull through. We see these cheating phenomenon in so many aspects of life today. The recent one, was the cheating scandal in the US. Where about 50 affluent parents were discovered to have paid millions of dollars to put their children who would not have had a chance in prestigious schools. A thorough investigation was conducted and the parents have been arrested and will answer to their misconduct. Parents paying crooked teachers and administrators have occurred many times in Nigeria, we have all heard stories. But personally, I have never heard that a parent or a teacher was caught and persecuted. This nonchalant behavior to doing what is right continues to destroy the moral and legal compass of Nigeria. Letâ€™s look at some cheating scandals and behaviours: â€œThe UK government has once more discovered that cheating is flourishing in the university system. Earlier this year, the Department for Education warned that it was considering implementing a crackdown on students buying essays online. Not only would it fine students who submitted commercially produced essays as their own work â€” it was also considering giving them criminal records and have gone on to define guidelines to address the issue.â€™ â€œIn 2015, Volkswagen admitted to creating a device that allowed the companyâ€™s vehicles to cheat emissions tests in the United States. The following year, Wells Fargo revealed that 5,300 employees had secretly opened millions of phony accounts in an attempt to hit sales targets and receive bonuses. More and more, employees are bending the rules at work to get ahead.â€? What are the other types of cheating behaviours we see at work? We see employees taking credit for othersâ€™ work to actually changing production numbers to appear more effective or better at their jobs, manipulating numbers for self-gain, like falsifying time cards, expense sheets, retirements, exploiting others, such as taking credit for work or stealing coworkersâ€™ ideas. In Nigeria, all of these above is the norm. Many are also saying the recent elections is a case in point. Talking about how we can solve the larger societal problem where somebody trying to cheat you is the norm, will be a herculean task. Letâ€™s focus on how we can try to help organisations solve this problem. â€œThe researchers, Maureen L. Ambrose and Robert Folger from the University of Central Florida and Noel F. Palmer from the University of Nebraskaâ€“Kearney, found that cheating behavior was more likely to happen in organizations where employees were pressured to perform at a high level,

especially when there were punishments for not achieving those levels. Lack of supervision and other support also contributed to cheating environments. The risk factor and the threat is really the explanation for why cheating occurred. Itâ€™s that the employees feel the need to protect themselves,â€? But the researchers say their findings donâ€™t mean that companies need to be soft. â€œItâ€™s a really tough balance as a manager because research has demonstrated that if you donâ€™t pressure your employees, their performance stagnates, and then thatâ€™s not beneficial for organizations because exerting a bit of pressure is a motivator,â€? Mitchell says. Explicitly stating the organizationâ€™s expectations with regard to ethical behavior is a critical step. Many organizations do not overtly state such parameters, which may leave employees feeling like it is okay to cheat as long as the end result was met, Baer says. Fostering an environment where employees can safely express their concerns about work demands without fear of retribution allows them to signal when expectations may be beyond their ability to achieve without cheating. In addition, working with employees to ensure that theyâ€™re given stretch goals, but that the goals are still attainable, is useful, Mitchell says. A key question to ask is, is everyone in the organization open to cheating or aware that cheating is taking place?â€? Probably not â€“ at least not directly. But everyone in the company bears responsibility, and hereâ€™s why: A culture where lies and deception seem like viable options doesnâ€™t just spring up overnight. Itâ€™s developed over time, and not by anyone saying â€œgo ahead and cheat on that testâ€? -- not really,â€? says Joel Garfinkle. â€œSuch a culture is created when the consequences for being truthful seem worse than sweeping something under the rug and ends up breeding a culture of dishonesty and circumventing the rules in your organizationâ€?. What can you do? According to Joel Garfinkle, Build an open culture where the team is free to discuss their work, they tend to catch small issues and come up with solutions before the problem really has a chance to develop. His advice is to do the following: r 'SFRVFOU DIFDL JOT BOE DIBUT XJUI ZPVS team r *OGPSNBM HBUIFSJOHT BOE JEFB TIBSJOH r.BLF CVJMEJOH QPTJUJWF XPSLJOH SFMBUJPOships a priority r 3FHVMBS TUBUVT DPNNVOJDBUJPO XJUI BMM levels r 3FXBSE UIF SBJTJOH PG JTTVFT BOE SJTLT r 0QFOMZ UIBOL PS QSBJTF UIPTF XIP CSJOH items forward r &ODPVSBHF UBMLJOH UISPVHI BOE FYQMPSJOH all avenues for solutions r 'PDVT PO UIF MFBSOJOHT GSPN NJTUBLFT instead of mistakes themselves r 1SPWJEF GSFRVFOU POF PO POF GFFECBDL and coaching r $IBMMFOHF ZPVS UFBNT UP MPPL GPS QPTTJCMF risks before they become problems r 5IBOL UFBN NFNCFST BOE SFXBSE IBSE work to pull through an issue As leaders in our organisations and society, letâ€™s work on stamping out cheating. Itâ€™s destroying our value system and the values of generations unborn if not checked.

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

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UBA: Focus on Sustainable Growth With 40 per cent contribution from its other African subsidiaries in 2018, with a strategy to focus on sustainable growth, shareholders of the United Bank for Africa Plc are assured of a robust future, writes Goddy Egene United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc decision to operate in many other African countries some years was seen as a big risk given the experience of some financial institutions. Considering the challenging operating environment across the continent, going beyond Nigeria to other market has not really yielded the desired fruits for many businesses that took that route. Some banks, for instance, had to either close down or reduce their operations in other African countries. However, with a strong vision and well thought out strategy, UBA Plc decided to spread its operations to other countries. And going by the audited results of the bank for the year ended December 31, 2018, UBA reaping the benefits of that strategic decision. Besides, the bankâ€™s Nigerian business is benefiting from its product and operational focus, gaining market share. The bankâ€™s increasing penetration of its retail offerings is reassuring as it aligns with its strategy of focusing on sustainable growth. Financial results The bank posted gross earnings of N494 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, showing a growth of 7.0 per cent compared to N461.6 billion recorded in 2017. Net interest income stood at N205.646 billion in 2018, compared with N207.632 billion in 2017, while fees and commission income rose to N93.997 billion, from N82.937 billion the previous year. Impairment charges declined from N32.895 billion to N4.529 billion in 2018. Profit before tax (PBT)stood at N106.8 billion, a 2.4 per cent growth, compared to N104.2 billion in 2017 financial year. Profit After Tax rose by 1.4 percent to N78.6 billion, compared to N77.5 billion recorded in 2017. Due to lower foreign exchange trading income, operating expenses grew by 4.1 per cent to N197.3 billion, compared to N189.7 billion in 2017 Shareholders are to receive a final dividend of 65 kobo per share, bringing total dividend for the year to 85 kobo, having already paid an interim dividend of 20 kobo. The bankâ€™s total assets grew by 19.7 per cent to an unprecedented N4.9 trillion for the year under review. The bankâ€™s total assets also grew significantly by 19.7 per cent to N4.9 trillion. According to financial analysts, the results largely demonstrates the benefits of the groupâ€™s pan-African footprints with continued growth in market share in key countries of operation across Africa. They said the contributions of subsidiaries ex-Nigeria, which was 40 per cent, confirmed the strong footing of the groupâ€™s franchise in Africa. Bank Explains Performance Commenting on the result, the Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA, Kennedy Uzoka said the year 2018 was important for the group, as it gained further market share in many countries of operation. â€œDefying the relatively weak economic growth in Africa, earnings were positive and we grew our balance sheet by 20 per cent, driven by the 23 per cent growth in our deposit funding. In a period of economic uncertainty, we have focused on retail deposit mobilization, with exciting results. We recorded a 48 per cent year-on-year growth in retail deposits and improved our CASA ratio to 77 per cent, optimizing our funding mix, which will enhance our net interest margin (NIM), over the medium term,â€? Uzoka said. He expressed confident that the bankâ€™s performance would be even stronger in the years ahead and shareholders would enjoy even greater dividends, as the group is well positioned to take advantage of imminent fiscal reforms across many economies in Africa. Uzoka added: â€œOur operations in the United Kingdom now offer end-to-end trade, treasury, structured finance, wholesale deposit taking and ancillary services. With this development, we are better positioned to fulfill our aspiration of deepening trade and capital flows between Europe and Africa. We are also pleased with the market acceptance of our new operation in Mali.â€? Having said this, I am excited by the profit-

medium-term target. â€œOur balance sheet is being positioned to take full advantage of market swings and our strong 25 percent capital adequacy ratio provides headroom for growth, even under a BASEL III scenario. As it stands, UBA has started the year on a good note and should sustain the momentum, as we work towards improving our Return on Average Equity (RoAE),â€? Nwaghodoh said.

Kennedy Uzoka

ability of our ex-Nigeria subsidiaries, which now contributes an impressive 40 percent earnings to the Group. At the moment, our Nigerian business is benefiting from our product and operational focus, gaining market share - most importantly, the increasing penetration of our retail offerings is reassuring, as this fundamental progress aligns with our strategy of focusing on sustainable growth.â€? In his comment, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Ugo Nwaghodoh said that the improving

mix of the bankâ€™s funding base and asset pricing, reinforce a positive outlook on net interest margin(NIM) and broader balance sheet efficiency. â€œWhilst considerable investment in people, digital transformation and channel enhancement masked cost efficiency gains within the year, with cost-to-income ratio at 64 percent, we are convinced that our diligent execution of new initiatives will ensure the reduction of cost to income ratio(CIR) towards our

Analystsâ€™ assessment Looking at the results of UBA, analysts at Afrinvest (West Africa) said gross earnings expanded by seven per cent to N494 billion, which was lower than their forecast of 11.4 per cent. â€œThe expansion was driven by an 11.4 per cent growth in interest income to N362.9 billion, in line with our estimate of 12.1 per cent. Interest income was supported by a strong 35.4 per cent increase in income from investment securities to N156.5 billion while interest income from loans contracted 3.0 per cent to N198.6 billion despite a moderate expansion in the loan book by 3.6 per cent. â€œNonetheless, the group compares well with other tier-1 banks which mostly recorded a contraction in interest income due to a moderation in yields in first half(H1) of 2018 and poor risk asset growth due to the fragile macroeconomic environment,â€? they said. The analysts noted that the groupâ€™s operating income sharply moderated by 5.6 per cent to N308.2 billion following the decline in non-interest income, while they saw a 4.6 per cent expansion in operating expenses to N197.3 billion which management attributed to statutory costs upon an increase in the size of the balance sheet. â€œThis pushed cost to income ratio (ex impairment charges) to 64.0 per cent from 57.7 per cent in the prior year and signals a marked deterioration in efficiency, considering the bankâ€™s medium-term target of 50 per cent. Hence, profit-before-tax increased marginally by 2.4 per cent to N106.8 billion while profit-after-tax rose by a paltry to N78.6 billion,â€? they said. Assessing further, Afrinvest said nonperforming loans ratio showed improvement, declining to 6.5 per cent from 6.7 per cent in the previous year. Lower impairment charges due to improving asset quality also translated to a marked reduction in the groupâ€™s cost of risk to 0.3 per cent. â€œWe expect the cost of risk to be contained at around 1.0 per cent in the short-term, due to managementâ€™s guidance as well as broad-based improvement in the economy. â€œAlthough the group took a hit of N48.0 billion due to IFRS 9 implementation, which affected retained earnings, capital adequacy improved to 24.0 per cent from 22.0 per cent in the previous year. Liquidity ratio at 50.0 per cent remained well above regulatory threshold of 30.0 per cent and 2017 levels of 40 per cent, reflecting the reduced scope for risk asset creation during the year. â€œWe note that the loan to deposit ratio of the bank moderated to 51 per cent in 2018 from 61 per cent in the prior period, mainly due to slow loan growth and a rapid expansion in deposits by 22.9 per cent,â€? they analysts said. Looking ahead, the analysts said the Group is well positioned to expand earnings by 12.8 percent to N525.1 billion in 2019, noting that loan growth is expected to expand by double-digit based on managementâ€™s guidance while investment securities would remain attractive. â€œNon-interest income is expected to return to positive territory, as the group reaps gains from prior investment and efforts in Q4:2018. We also expect improved cost efficiency as cost of risk is contained around 1.0 per cent and cost to income around 60 per cent. We used a blend of absolute valuation (Gordonâ€™s growth Net asset value (NAV) residual income and dividend discount models) to arrive at a target price of N13.09 per cent share, up from N12.90. This translates to an upside potential of 67.8 per cent. Hence we maintain our rating on UBA at â€œBuy,â€? they said.

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Unlocking Economic Benefits of Gender Diversity Sustainability is increasingly becoming important for businesses and regulators all over the world, especially in the financial sector, writes Obinna Chima As part of efforts to ensure that the ecosystem is preserved, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had, few years ago, rolled out guidelines on the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP). The NSBP guidelines are aimed at integrating environmental and social policies into decision making processes in commercial banks, discount houses and development finance institutions. The guidelines were also aimed at minimising or mitigating negative impacts of financial institutionsâ€™ operations on the environment and local communities where they operate. The NSBP consists of nine over-arching principles for managing environmental and social risk in business decisions; managing the banksâ€™ own environmental and social footprint; safeguarding human rights; promoting womenâ€™s economic participation/empowerment; promoting financial inclusion of communities and groups with limited or no access to formal financial sector; meeting the imperatives for good governance, transparency and accountability; supporting capacity building in the sector; promoting collaborative partnerships to accelerate sector progress; and reporting to take stock of sector progress and attendant needs. According to the regulator, for the successful implementation of the principles, financial institutions would be required to develop a management approach that balances the environments and social (E&S) risks identified with the opportunities to be exploited through their business activities. The CBN stressed that the adoption of the principles would not only help banks in mitigating the E & S risks associated with their business operations and those of their clients, but also help them to achieve greater efficiencies and better position them to take advantage of opportunities in the global market place where environmental and social issues are becoming increasingly important. Besides, the central bank had said banks would also enjoy higher productivity, higher staff morale, lower turnover and absenteeism due to strong employee relations and workplace practices. CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had assured them that the central bank would continue to work towards the implementation of the Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principles, the achievement of the United Nationâ€™s sustainable development goals and the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Also, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) recently urged banks to consider also other issues around sustainability, before lending. Managing Director of NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim said banks should ensure that activities of companies that pollute the environment were not financed. He said the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through its UNEP Financial Initiative on the Environment and Sustainable Development at the Earth Summit in 1992, placed it as pertinent concern for financial systems across the world. According to him, sustainable banking in Nigeria, therefore, should focus on energising the influence of the banking sector (being financier of economic and social activities) towards transforming the longer term interest of environmental preservation and societal balancing into key parameters for allocation of capital. Also, at the recent launch of Nigeriaâ€™s Green Bond market development programme, which is also part of efforts to promote the sustainability principles, the Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna said the initiative would contribute significantly to the economic growth of Nigeria and the broader African continent â€œWe recognise that a better and prosperous future is linked to the well-being and health of our planet. Thus, the protection of the environment is relevant to us. This encourages us to continue to invest in innovative technologies and techniques that promote the efficient use of resources and address sustainability issues when managing risk. â€œWe continue to impact lives positively and responsibly in communities across Africa. Through this, we are able to continually contribute to the socio-economic development of these communities and help to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the years, our areas of focus in community investment have included gender equality, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership, education, health, arts, and sports.â€? Sustainability and Gender Diversity Over the years, one issue that has been gaining

more attention is gender equality, given its critical importance in human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the clear business benefits from increasing gender diversity. According to analysts, gender inequality harms women and also correlates with discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. According to a report titled: â€œWomen on Boards and Financial Performance: Evidence from a European Emerging Market,â€? promoting gender diversity policies raises complex issues, particularly in the business sphere, where the need for their financial sustainability is more poignant. It noted that increasing the number of women involved in managerial decisions should not penalise companies but preferably enhance their financial performance, which could materialise in corporate incentives rather than legal/political constraints. Also, a separate report noted that equal opportunity in the workplace is a basic human right. â€œThe Lehman Sisters hypothesis has been put forward, arguing that the banking crisis would not have occurred if there had been more women at the top. Females bring different characteristics to boards where they are perceived to have a more participative, democratic and communal leadership style. â€œThis may lead to improved board effectiveness as a result of the improved quality of board deliberations and better supervision of the firmâ€™s disclosures,â€? a report by the University of Wollongong stated. The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, said the corporation remains committed to investing in both her female employees and their male counterparts. The corporation, he stressed, has continued to train â€œour women and also encourage them to put in more efforts into self-development for effective capacity building.â€? While commending the efforts of other groups

The Lehman Sisters hypothesis has been put forward, arguing that the banking crisis would not have occurred if there had been more women at the top. Females bring different characteristics to boards where they are perceived to have a more participative, democratic and communal leadership style

who have pushed for more women participation in the financial industry, he commended associations contributing largely in taking the message to the grassroots, which have encouraged more female participation including young girls in these areas. Nigeriaâ€™s financial services industry is fast expanding, he noted, just as the population is growing, meaning that over the next decade there would be critical need for skilled professionals in the sector, and that women must play a significant role in ensuring that these needs are effectively met. He called on parents to educate the girl child to enable them stand the opportunity to compete with their male counterparts in the financial services industry and other fields of employment hitherto dominated by men. Similarly, a report by McKinsey, showed that if womenâ€™s economic participations were at the same level as men, $28 trillion could be added to the worldâ€™s economic growth by 2025. In the same vein, the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report 2018, noted that there is an average of 32 percent gender gap that needs to be closed, and going by the trend, the overall global gender gap will close in 108 years. A 2018 study by the International Monetary Fund showed that greater inclusion of women as users, providers, and regulators of financial services have benefits beyond addressing gender inequality, noting that narrowing the gender gap would foster greater stability in the banking system and enhance economic growth. It could also contribute to more effective monetary and fiscal policy. The study also found that the gender gap in leadership does make a difference when it comes to bank stability. Banks with higher proportion of women board members had higher capital buffers, a lower ratio of nonperforming loans, and greater resistance to stress. Similarly, the Managing Director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, pointed out that adding one more woman in a firmâ€™s senior management or corporate board-while keeping the size of the board unchanged, was associated with an 8â€“13 basis point higher return on assets. â€œIf banks and financial supervisors increased the share of women in senior positions, the banking sector would be more stable too,â€? she added. In Pursuit of Gender Diversity The CBN had directed that 40 per cent and 30 per cent of top management and board position in banks be reserved for women. In line with this directive, the Governor of the CBN recently said the regulator itself has made remarkable progress in closing the gender gap in the institution. Speaking at the 2019 CBN Commemoration of the International Womenâ€™s Day (IWD) with the theme: â€˜Investing for Equality, Balance for Betterâ€™, the apex bank boss, however, noted that despite overwhelming evidence that gender

equality remained a driver for economic growth and prerequisite for achieving the 2030 global development agenda, progress in gender parity had been slow. He said research findings had spotlighted the significance of gender equality in economic development. He said: â€œIt is heartening that today, women represent 29.0 per cent of CBN staff and 29.0 percent of directors are women. Eight departmental directors and one Director General of WAMZ as against 26.0 per cent of staff and 25.0 percent of directors in 2014. Similarly, three out of 11 board members are women (27 percent).â€? Emefiele submitted that although gender diversity in central banks had improved over the years, a lot more still need to be done to achieve parity. He said: â€œWe are celebrating a milestone today because of the progress made to address gender disparities in CBN. Actions taken by the bank to advance equality in the workplace include training and skills development, increased employment and leadership positions for women, diversity and inclusion initiatives, supporting female employees to balance work and family life (through child care support, extended maternity leave among others), coaching and mentoring programme to increase knowledge and skills that are necessary for achieving our organisational goals and objectives. â€œWe have done well so far making sure that we empower women in our environment. At the CBN, not just at the CBN, in our homes, we must recognise that the woman is very important. â€œThe woman is a sister, a wife and a mother. So they play a major part in our lives, and we need to continue to take them very seriously and increase their participation in every sphere of life as we move on in our journey through life.â€? Also, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said government must make conscious policies and regulations that affect women. The minister, among other things, said budgeting processes needed to be gender-sensitive going forward. She said gender-based budgeting is an area she planned to build on by engaging her colleagues in the public sector to properly accommodate the concerns of women during the budgeting process. Ahmed said: â€œThe needs of women are peculiar and different. So, if we donâ€™t consistently ask ourselves that these policies we are making, how will they affect women and girls? Then, we will be failing up to 50 per cent of our population.â€? The foregoing clearly shows that gender diversity is more than just an equal rights issue, but has economic implications as it can enhance the entire organisation from workers to customers to other stakeholders, as well as prospective employees. In addition, gender diversity can transform an organisation, bolster engagement levels as well as financial performance.

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Insurers Charged on Innovation, Change in Business Strategy Ebere Nwoji Insurance operators at this yearâ€™s edition of their annual chief executivesâ€™ forum held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, deliberated much on how to build stronger insurance institutions with enhanced performance. At the end of the forum, the operators arrived at a conclusion that there was need to accord innovation and growth a prime place in their businesses. The insurers, were told that to build stronger institutions, there was need for retooling and change in their business thinking. Delivering a paper titled: â€˜time for a make over,â€™ Managing Director Accenture Financial services, Tolu Leke, said at this

stage of customer awareness in all businesses, insurers should realise that risk-averse culture had become a block and that historical processes, lack of knowledge about customersâ€™ desires and a shortage of skills needed for future success were limiting their ability to rising customer expectations. She observed that insurance has perennially lagged potential and impact by failing to connect with the primal human need for safety and hope. â€œThere is a fatal tendency in all human activities for the means to encroach on the very ends which they are intended to serve. â€œPerfection of means and confusion of goals seem, in my opinion to characterise our age caring about customers and

seeking to serve them well is not a new concept,â€? she added. Emphasising the need for insurers to devote more attention to customer satisfaction, Leke quoted Henry Ford of Ford Motors to have said: â€œA business absolutely devoted to customer service will have only one worry about profits. They will be embarrassingly large. â€œWe see our customers as guests to a party. Itâ€™s our job to make every aspect of the customer experience better.â€? She insisted that companies that are rated high in customer experience significantly outperform others, adding that this comes down to deeper connections with customers who are then willing to pay more, willing to buy more and willing to spend more

frequently. She observed further that customer expectations were changing due to a behavioural shift, adding that key trends and objectives showed that trust and confidence are essentially emotional factors. â€œGen Dâ€? is a large and emerging behavioural (not demographic) segment enhancing the role of digital and social channels, disruptors are challenging traditional elements of the value chain to offer greater convenience, information access, and collaboration to cater to new expectation. Comparing the performance of the sector in terms of customer satisfaction, Leke, said customers were moving at a faster speed than the operators. â€œCustomers are comparing

their interactions and experiences not just with other insurers, but every kind of company with which they do business. Insurers in neutral are not keeping up to their expectation.â€? These, according to her have remained obstacle to growth. To overcome such challenges, Leke said, â€œPath to stronger innovation and enhanced performance must start with the C â€“ Suite which according to her is homogenous.â€? In her analysis, the expectations of insurance customers are changing rapidly and insurers need to adapt. She noted that new personalised experiences for customers required C- Suite to identify with an increasingly broad and diverse customer

demographic. She said to get serious about innovation and growth, insurers must tune to a diverse leadership, be able to enthrone into the industry the regime of executive team with diverse backgrounds and experiences and review the composition of the board, too. She said, â€œthey must Look through the lens of customer experience through challenge of current processes; they must make innovation core to the enterprise; foster an innovative culture with events, processes and actions designed to attract and reinforce diverse thinking. â€œInsurers, must remove the hurdles to progress by empowering the workforce to learn new skills and adapt so that people can embrace innovation and not fear it.â€?

Leadway Assurance Launches New Product Leadway Assurance Limited has launched a funeral expenses insurance policy tagged â€œFamily Benefit Plan Plus(FBPP) The Leadway FBPP provides customers covered under the policy with the benefit of having Leadway meet the burden of specified funeral expenses for their loved ones covered under the policy. The company, however, said children cannot be covered by the policy as it is not good omen for parents to celebrate the burial of their children. The company said the policy covers maximum of six people namely the spouse, their parents and parent in-laws. Speaking at the product launch in Lagos recently, the General Manager of Leadwayâ€™s Life Division, Tinashe Muyambo, explained that, â€œthe new Leadway FBPP is now designed to provide more than just the funeral benefits upon the death of any of the assured lives.â€? He said the â€œpolicy has in addition to this, added some additional benefits built into it as a compensation package for the surviving and grieving loved family members of the

Policyholder.â€? Tinashe, revealed that the sum assured on the plan for the policyholder and spouse was unlimited but can be specified in accordance with their preferences for parents and in-laws up to maximum limit of N5 million. â€œThis Leadway FBPP plan has other unique benefits including; payment of a sizable amount for entertainment expense in the event of any of the assured life named in the policy and additional monthly payment for six months in form of family income in the event of death of the Policyholder only. â€œThe plan also has a waiting period before any claim can be made for policy holder and spouse it is six months while for parents and parents in-law it is nine months,â€? he added. Speaking on age limit for eligible insured, Tinashe explained that a policyholder and the spouse must be less than 65 years old to get enrolled on the plan while the maximum entry age for Parents/Parent-in Laws on the policy is 75 years old. He said the policy runs as long as the â€˜Assured Lives.â€™

PTAD Executive Secretary Wins Awards The Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Sharon Ikeazor, has won this yearâ€™s Africa Pension Personality of the year, CEO Leadership Category award. Other nominees for the award included the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA), South Africa; Metropolitan Pensions Trust Ghana Limited, Ghana and Axis Pension Group, Ghana. Other corporate organisations declared as winners in other categories included Modion Communication, Propertymart, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc and STL Trustees. According to the award organisers, AFA 2019, the selection was done with input from Pension industry analysts, corporate executives and finance experts from six African countries (Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon and sierra Leone) who selected winners

in all categories of awards including CEO Awards, West Africa Award etc. Ikeazor was adjudged winner in recognition of her contributions to the development of the industry and positive changes she brought to PTAD. Ikeazor, was appointed Executive Secretary of PTAD by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 26th of September 2016. She brought with her the legacy of integrity, passion for service and humanity. She was able to identify areas in need of critical changes in PTAD and took appropriate measures which have changed the negative story of pension administration under Defined Benefit Scheme to a positive one today. She introduced efficient payment platform, painstaking I.T driven verifications with empathy and anti-corruption crusade with the inauguration of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

REWARDING CUSTOMER LOYALTY

L-R: Executive Director, Technical Operations, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Jude Modigliani, Award winner, Mr. Peter Aghedo and General Manager/Divisional Head, Finance & Corporate Services, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Kayode Adigun, during the presentation of the prize to the winner of the radio trivia question at the companyâ€™s corporate head oďŹƒce in Lagosâ€Śrecently

Continental Re Posts N34bn Gross Premium Continental Reinsurance Plc said it recorded Gross Premium Income of N34.19 billion in its full year result for the 2018 financial year. This represented 15 per cent growth from what the company achieved in 2017. Announcing the achievements of the company in the year under review, Group Managing Directorof Dr Femi Oyetunji, said Continental Re, during the period grew its pretax profit by 22 per cent, while underwriting profit stood at N1.18 billion. He said the companyâ€™s pretax profit rose to N4.36 billion in 2018, up from N3.57billion in 2017, just as its investment income grew by 44 per cent to N5.36billion. He said given the potential cyclicality of reinsurance underwriting business, the composition and structure of earnings reflected the benefits of the companiesâ€™ geographically diversified operations that gave it flexibility in generation of top-line, enabling it to offset the impact of localised adverse claims experience with better

quality premiums from other regions, broad asset mix and investment management prowess that smoothens the volatility of underwriting earnings. â€œMarket and business-cycle insight are key. Itâ€™s about deploying the right strategy and having the right operational balance. â€œWe have resources with deep local knowledge of the diverse environmental dynamics across Africa who marry their insights with strong technical capabilities to achieve sustainable positive outcomes in both our underwriting and asset management activities. â€œI must say that our Group has once again shown resilience with our teams optimising production and maximising return on investmentsâ€?, said oyetunji. He explained that the continental Re Group topline growth was driven by its deepening pan-African presence. â€œFrom a segment perspective Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, Central Africa and Francophone

Western Africa grew at strong double-digit rates of 48 per cent, 25 per cent, 24 per cent and 12 per cent respectively, whilst Northern Africa and Anglophone Western Africa grew by six per cent and four per cent respectively,â€? the continental Re boss explained. He further pointed out that the companyâ€™s experience in product mix remained stable, with fire and engineering accounting for 54 per cent, followed by General Accident at 16 per cent, Life at 12 per cent, Energy at eight per cent, Marine at seven per cent and liability accounting for five per cent of the gross written premium. He said going forward, they company would continue to focus on strengthening its regional operations with focus on continuous renewal of its talent base, solutions offering, operating model, core processes and the technology it deploy, adding that in order to embed the assimilation of the continental Re

brand and its distinctive value proposition into the evolving, and increasingly sophisticated African market. According to Oyetunji, in 2018, Continental Reinsurance completed the incorporation and capitalisation of a subsidiary office for its CIMA region. He noted that based on strategic priorities, it had so far successfully rolled out fully fledged subsidiaries in three regions with initiatives underway to execute in the remaining one. â€œLocalisation has hitherto facilitated better synergies and market strength and translated to strong growth. We expect this to be replicated in the CIMA region. â€œThe company manages its Anglophone Western African business through a branch office in its head office in Nigeria, its subsidiary based in Botswana handles its Southern African operations, the Kenya subsidiary handles the Eastern operations, while its Tunis office caters for the Northern African/ Maghreb region.

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Otunuga: Why Interest Rate Cut is Necessary With the general elections over, ResearchAnalyst at FXTM, Lukman Otunuga, in this interview speaks on his expectations from the Nigerian economy. Obinna Chima presents the excerpts: With the elections over, what are your expectations from the Nigerian economy? Prior to the election, markets were predicting that President Muhammadu, may not get a second term and that there might be another leadership. But now, Buhari has been given a second chance to elevate Nigeria. In the first four years that he was in power, we actually saw some interesting changes. There is a perception that Nigeria is still weak and that the economic fundamentals are still fragile. But when we look at the macro-economic data in recent months, there have actually been some improvements. For example, if you look at the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the final quarter of 2018, that was the highest growth we have seen since 2015. That was quite impressive considering how the global economy fared. If you look at the global economy, economies such as the United State, China and other major countries, are actually facing a lot of headwinds. So, the fact that Nigeria was able to record 1.93 per cent in 2018, despite all the negativity, is still something to cheer about. When we look deeper into the economic data, inflation seems to be moderating despite the perception that increased government spending would cause inflation to jump. There seems to be some stability in the foreign exchange market, despite multiple exchange rates. Finally, if you look at the foreign exchange reserves, it is actually slowly moving up. So, when we put all these things together, you will see that Nigeria still has the foundation to actually extend growth in 2019. The government has predicted growth of 2.28 per cent and the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are also predicting growth around same region. But, what I would like to see in 2019, is for the government to have a stronger push on the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and with that I want to see a stronger push in infrastructure development, more roads and I will be expecting more support for small and medium scale enterprises. These are expected to push Nigeria higher. Finally, we have talked about the need for diversification several times. It is becoming an old story, but that is something Nigeria needs to put forward. Nigeria has a youthful population and a fertile land and I think the answer for Nigeria to hit its growth target this year would be a proper investment in agriculture because if the country has food security, it would have the opportunity to export its produce and enable the country break away from its heavy reliance on oil. What type of reforms will you like to see in the oil and gas sector? To my knowledge, I believe with the Dangote

it macroeconomic conditions and diversify its economy, it will positively impact the stock market. So, right now even though they are trading at very weak level, this may be an entry opportunity for investors. But investors need to see more transparency in the market. Even though the multiple exchange rate in Nigeria has provided short-term stability, to some foreign it still creates some layer of uncertainty. So, this is going back to what we have been saying if it wouldnâ€™t be best to let the naira float? This is a very touching question in the sense that if we allow the naira to float, naturally it would crash and the consequence on everybody in Nigeria would be unimaginable. But at the same time, if you allow the naira to find its true value over time, this could be one of the forces that would attract foreign investors and there would be transparency in exchange rate. Another thing that can probably drive investment is for foreign portfolio investors to see a greater push in infrastructure development. For example, there is need to fix the roads and we need to see a push in electricity generation rather than the use of generators. What do you think is responsible for the slow loan growth? It is a combination of many things. I read a report that showed that business confidence seems to be improving, while consumer confidence is still quite shaky. Probably if there is an improvement in economic condition in the country, we would probably see an improvement in loan growth. If loan growth improves, that would be positive for the economy as it would show that businesses and consumers are willing to take the risk to borrow and invest.

Otunuga

Refinery, a major reform we want to see is that instead of Nigeria being an economy that exports crude oil and imports refined petroleum products, I think the first step is for Nigeria to be able to do this itself. Once we are able to do this, it would save trillions of naira and it would be the first step for the country to succeed. Looking at the equities market, what do you foresee? The equities market has been very interest-

ing. We saw what happened when the election results were announced and the stock market depreciated. It was very easy to come to the conclusion that the market found Buhariâ€™s victory as negative and I think it is very dangerous to easily jump into conclusion like that. Probably the depreciation was the case of profit-taking. If you look at several reports, there are projections that Nigeriaâ€™s equities market is one of the worst performing in the world. But if the goals and steps are taken for Nigeria to stabilise

What are your expectation for monetary policy this year? The last time the Central Bank has done anything regarding monetary policy was in July 2016, which is almost three years. So, the conditions then, compared to now have changed and you canâ€™t blame the Central Bank of Nigeria. We had a situation of fall in oil prices, Nigeria slipped into recession and rising inflationary pressure and they wanted to avoid any external shocks. But, what I am saying right now is that with conditions slowly stabilising, I believe that the next move for the CBN to take maybe a rate cut. I believe there should be a rate cut because inflation is moderating and we need to see cut in interest rate to encourage consumers and businesses.

NLNG May Face Sanction over Alleged Nigerian Content Policy Violation Stories by Sylvester Idowu in Warri A Niger Delta based Oil Servicing company, Macobarb International Limited will any moment from now, drag the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd.(NLNG) to Court over an alleged violation of the Nigerian Local Content policy and malicious contract termination. The Managing Director of Marcobarb International Limited, Mr. Ogboru Shedrack, while

speaking at a media briefing recently, said his company was resorting to legal action against NLNG over oil and gas related malpractices. He accused NLNG of maliciously strangulating Macobarb on a security related project it awarded in appreciation of contractorâ€™s competence, but disobeyed the contractual agreement by persistent payments failures and avoiding dispute resolution mechanism of the contract. Shedrack said NLNG insistence

on the court option was a timebuying gimmick. â€œItâ€™s a disservice to the federal governmentâ€™s efforts at fighting corruption when these elements portray Nigerian Court as dumping ground to buy time by offending parties or a place where justice is for sale to highest bidder, as NLNG who violate contract they crafted, boastfully ask abused contractor to go to court. This indeed, is a disservice to Nigeria.â€? He said Macobarb International would

be demanding for an Order of Court directing Nigeria LNG Ltd to pay his firm the sum of NGN957,676,562.50 being the standing-by costs incurred by the Claimants during downtime/ standing-by counting from 1st August, 2014 to 10ath February, 2016 when Nigeria LNG Ltd belatedly fixed a date and time for the contract close-out after which the demobilisation of all management, administration, personnel, equipment, plant, transportation, tools, machinery,

materials, services, utilities, attendances, et cetera on downtime was performed by the Claimants. The company, he further said, would be demanding, amongst others, for a declaration that the letter of termination of contract dated 27th November, 2015 with which Nigeria LNG Ltd terminated the contract of Macobarb Intâ€™l LTD relying on the notice of default and termination daated 20th November, 2015, is ineffectual and otiose. â€œAn Order of Court setting aside the said

letter of termination of contract dated 27th November, 2015 and directing that Nigeria LNG Ltd pays the Claimants the sum of N200,000,000 as damages for breach of contract and unlawful termination of contract. â€œAn Order of Court pursuant to Order 35 Rule 4 of the Rivers State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2010 that Nigeria LNG Ltd pays the Claimant 20% interest rate per annum on the judgment sum counting from the date of the judgmentâ€?, he added.

ship that tends to benefit both parties,â€? he further asserted. Onuesoke, further called on the National Assembly to consider giving legislative backing to CSR implementation, thereby making it mandatory and compulsory for oil operators to make their policy priority for CSR implantation in their respective host communities.

He argued that the need for the legalisation of CSR was paramount due to the heavy damage done to the environment of the host communities by oil operators. â€œNigeria can take an example from India which is the only country in the world with legislated CSR under the India companies Act 2013,â€? he said.

Expert Calls On National Assembly to Legalise CSR A Niger Delta based Oil and Gas expert, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has called for a legislative framework by the National Assembly for the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This, he said would make it a legal and enforceable commitment on the part of oil operators in host communities.

Onuesoke, who is the Chairman of DAS Energy Services Limited, Effurun, Delta State, made the call during a presentation at a seminar in Port-Harcourt, on Host communities relationship with oil operators. He said: â€œThe fact that there is no legal backing for accessing CSR by host communities from

oil operators, gives room for inadequate and lackadaisical implementation of CSR.â€? The oil and gas expert further opined that a legalised CSR in the country would ensure that the host community are entitled to such claims. He said the position of such oil operators/CSR would help smoothen and

oil the relationship between host communities and the oil operators in ensuring the continuous flow of input from both parties. â€œThe environment of business operates an open system, therefore the relationship between oil operators and host communities ought to be a symbiotic mutual relation-

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Towards Self-sufficiency in Oil Palm Production The Central Bank of Nigeria recently reeled out measures to address challenges that had stifled the growth of the palm oil industry. Jonathan Eze writes that such intervention will support the countryâ€™s quest to diversify its revenue

Nigerians, especially palm oil farmers and investors heaved a sigh of relief last week when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced a single-digit funding support for oil palm sector. Prospective investors, both local and foreign, had at different fora identified the factors preventing investments in the sector to include, among others, difficulty in acquiring farmlands and the dearth of long term funding sources at affordable costs. With this new intervention, the country is expected to take its vantage position as the largest exporter of palm oil as it were in the early 50â€™s and 60â€™s. The central bank said the move was aimed at identifying â€œpromising approachesâ€? to revitalise the sector and enable the country regain its position as one of the leading global producers of palm oil. Speaking during the meeting with the governors of the South-south and South-east states, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, noted that Nigeria still expends close to $500 million on palm oil importation annually. He also said the CBN would in due course address challenges in the cocoa, cassava, beef/ cattle ranching, dairy and fish sectors. He said: â€œWe are determined to change this narrative. We intend to support improved production of palm oil to meet not only the domestic needs of the market, but to also increase our exports in order to improve our forex earnings.â€? Emefiele, further disclosed that the central bank would work to encourage viable off taker agreements between farmers and large-scale palm producing companies, adding that loans would be granted through the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) and the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) initiatives at not more than nine per cent interest per annum to identified core borrowers. He said with an estimated three million hectares of land under cultivation, abundance of suitable arable land, the cooperation of state governments in the oil palm producing zone is desired to make land available to investors with proven financial and technical capabilities, who will be able to support developments of large scale palm oil plantations in the country. He, however, disclosed that all the states in the South-south and South- east regions have already agreed to provide at least 100,000 hectares for the

initiative, which is also designed to accommodate the small holder farmers. The CBN boss also emphasised that the renewed focus to support improved growth in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors was â€œclearly in line with the federal governmentâ€™s determination to diversify the base of Nigeriaâ€™s economy away from a reliance on crude oil, so as to insulate the economy from the vagaries and shocks associated with volatility in crude oil prices.â€? He also reiterated the resolve of the bank to deal with unrepentant smugglers who are bent on frustrating its efforts to revive key sectors of the economy as well as create jobs for Nigerians. He said: â€œLet me stress that we are not unmindful that our current focus to make life difficult for smugglers of the products being targeted under our intervention will be resisted by unpatriotic and recalcitrant beneficiaries of the status quo. â€œWe will not be deterred by their criticisms but will appeal to Nigerians to support these initiatives. No doubt, there will be initial pain caused by this new focus, but the medium and long run benefits remain unassailable and glorious for our dear country.â€? Stakeholdersâ€™ Reactions The National President of the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria, Henry Olatujoye, was elated at the news of the CBN intervention.

We are determined to change this narrative. We intend to support improved production of palm oil to meet not only the domestic needs of the market, but to also increase our exports in order to improve our forex earnings

He urged all investors and palm oil farmers to seize the challenge and re-strategize to increase its market share in the global oil palm industry. In the same vein, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, made a case for the revival of the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) to strengthen the countryâ€™s capacity to produce quality, high-yielding seedlings and boost oil palm production. He said the revival of NIFOR would improve investment in research and production of quality oil palm seeds. Noting that the state government had extended support to oil palm production companies in the state to boost production, Obaseki said Edo State was currently cultivating oil palm on about 70,000 hectares of land. Also, the Country Representative of Solidaridad, Stephen Babajide, identified best agronomy management practice and yield intensification technology as key way to boost oil palm production in the country. Speaking during a dissemination workshop on the Sustainable West African Palm oil Programme (SWAPP) in Abuja, he maintained that the country can quadruple its current production if oil palm producers are trained on how to adopt best management practice on their farms. According to him the market potential for oil palm is very huge and can successfully replace crude oil if government is ready to give the commodity the same attention given to crude oil and cocoa production in the country. Babajide, revealed that while about 80 per cent of oil production in Nigeria comes from small holder farmers, there are a lot of potential for development of the crop especially in the rural areas If government can give the necessary attention in that area, so as to help in creating employment for young people. He further revealed that â€˜about 50 percent of oil is lost during processing due to inefficient machinery used in processing, disclosing that Soilidarida through SWAPP have been able to provide oil producers in the focal states with cold pressing equipment that could bring their oil extraction rate from around nine per cent to 17 per centâ€™. He also agreed that one of the ways Nigeria could emerge as a world leader in crude palm oil production was to adopt best management

practices in its already established palm oil fields as these would help increase the national average yield per hectare, from about five tonnes to about 20 tonnes, maintaining that opening new fields could lead to deforestation and subsequently climate change. He highlighted best management practices to include making circles around the palms, appropriate pruning, fertilizer, regular harvesting. He said they have been able to move the yield of the farmers they are working from 5-8tonne per hectare. â€œAdopting this approach, we are able to get four times the volume of CPO we are getting from the same field without necessarily opening up new fieldsâ€™, he explained. The Enugu State Government too has keyed in into the oil palm revolution plan with its distribution of 20, 000 oil palm seedlings to farmers for upcoming planting season to enhance oil production and boost its Internally Generated Revenue. Mr. Chijioke Egbo, the Head, Oil Palm Seedlings Distribution, Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture made the disclosure in an interview in Enugu. Egbo, said seedlings that were ready for distribution were special improved species of palm oil fruit which would take only four years to mature. According to him, the seedlings are ready to be distributed having stayed in the nursery site for a period of nine months which is the proper number of months for nursing oil palm seedlings. The agriculturist said the government was ready for the distribution before now, adding that it was waiting for the rain to set in properly before the distribution to enable the seedlings to survive when planted by farmers. He called on farmers not to be deceived by the first rain but wait till April for the proper rainfall to set in before embarking on full time farming. Egbo, urged farmers who were interested in the seedlings to apply to the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture for approval as over 50 farmers had already indicated interest. He said distribution of the seedlings was aimed at encouraging people to go into oil palm farming in the state and to boost local palm oil consumption and exports.

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CorporateTaxationinGlobalEconomy Christine Lagarde Our issue today is international corporate taxation. Albert Einstein once said that â€œthe hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.â€? It may be difficult, but it is possible to create a corporate tax system that better reflects the changes in the global economy. I believe we need new rules in this area. Why? The public perception that large multinational companies pay little tax has led to political demands for urgent action. It is not difficult to see why. A New Approach Let me highlight three reasons why a new approach is urgent. First, the ease with which multinationals seem able to avoid tax, and the three-decade long decline in corporate tax rates, undermines faith in the fairness of the overall tax system. Second, the current situation is especially harmful to low-income countries, depriving them of much- needed revenue to help them achieve higher economic growth, reduce poverty, and meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Advanced economies have long shaped international corporate tax rules, without considering how they would affect low-income countries. IMF analysis shows, for example, that nonOECD countries lose about $200 billion in revenue per year, or about 1.3 percent of GDP, due to companies shifting profits to low-tax locations. These countries need a seat at the table. The Platform for Collaboration on Tax, a joint effort by the IMF, World Bank, OECD and the UN is helping on this front. Third, an impetus for rethinking international corporate taxation stems from the rise of highly profitable, technology-driven, digital-heavy business models. These business models rely heavily on intangible assets, such as patents or software that are hard to value. Lagarde They also demonstrate that assuming a link between income and profits and physical presence remain. has become outdated. This in turn has sparked fairness concerns. IMF Role Countries with many users or consumers of What about the IMF? I believe we have a role digital services find themselves with little or in helping countries craft a solution that offers no tax revenue from these companies. Why? stability and fully incorporates the interests of Because they have no physical presence there. So, we clearly need a fundamental rethink of international taxation. Yet this means countries must work together. Making progress requires coordination among all, and in the right direction. This is difďŹ cult, but possible. The primary vehicle for coordinating multilateral work on international tax is the OECDâ€™s Inclusive Framework, which now includes over 125 country members. This is impressive progress on multinational participation, but vulnerabilities

Advanced economies have long shaped international corporate tax rules, without considering how they would affect lowincome countries

developing countries. New IMF research published two weeks ago analyzes various options in the context of three key criteria: better addressing profit-shifting and tax competition; overcoming the legal and administrative obstacles to reform; and ensuring full recognition of the interests of emerging and developing countries. The paper also gives a broad review of leading options, along with empirical analysis that can inform the critical discussions now underway. How else are we helping? We also give technical support on tax issues to more than 100 countries every year. We also have expertise to assess the economic impact of tax reforms. Perhaps best of all, we have a near-universal membership, which gives us an understanding

of the particular problems facing developing countries. I would like to leave you with a single, clear clarion call for your discussions. The current international corporate tax architecture is fundamentally out of date. By rethinking the existing system and addressing the root causes of its weakness, all countries can benefit, including low-income nations. At the same time, we can restore faith in the fairness of the international tax system that has eroded over the years. We can restore much needed trust. Lagarde, who is the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund delivered the speech at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Washington, D.C, on Monday

Nigeria Losing 63% of Potential Human Development, Says Awolowo

Golden Sugar Coy Wins Award, AfďŹ rms Commitment to Growth

Stories by Jonathan Eze

The Golden sugar company which is one of the subsidiaries of the Flour Mills of Nigeria, (FMN), Food and Agro- Allied Group has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the sugar value chain in line with the federal government backward integration policy regarding the mandatory upstream operations requirement for sugar processing. Basking in the euphoria of winning the 2019 Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) awards in France, the company expressed a desire to continue in setting the pace for more global recognitions and with consumersâ€™ satisfaction as its goal. The Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Maniatis Ioannis John, noted that the journey through the global market programme has been truly inspirational and rewarding. He said: â€˜â€™We know that sugar is enjoyed by millions of Nigerian families every day, so this is just

The Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo has said Nigeria is currently experiencing a 63 per cent loss in potential human development as a result of gender inequality. Awolowo, who disclosed this at the ITC SheTrades in the Commonwealth Forum, pointed out that only 30 per cent of the countryâ€™s female population was employed in Nigeriaâ€™s formal economic sector. However, he noted that with the informal sector, female labour force recorded an increase of in 78.2 per cent in 2017 alone, according to National Bureau of Statistics. He recalled that the Council in partnership with ITC had launched the SheTrades Initiative in 2016, with a commitment of

connecting 200,000 women entrepreneurs to the global market by the year 2020, as part of the broader United Nations goal of bringing 1 million women to the market by the same year. The success of the initiative, Awolowo said, has led to a more ambitious target of taking three million women to the market by 2021, adding that one of the major objectives of the NEPC is to create value addition particularly for female entrepreneurs who are involved in exports of finished products and services. According to him, â€œThe Commonwealth SheTrades project has made huge strides in enabling the increased participation of women-owned businesses in international trade not only here in Nigeria but across other Commonwealth nations including Ghana, Kenya and Bangladesh.â€? He disclosed that the Council conducted a mapping exercise of

4,000 women entrepreneurs and surveyed 400 women businesses nationwide to gather valuable data on the challenges facing women businesses while a monthly e-commerce master class training for women-owned businesses have also instituted as part of measures to expose the women to latest trends in international business. According to Awolowo, with women entrepreneurs, present at the Abuja Forum, from apparel and textile industries, outsourcing businesses, information technology other enabled service companies, â€œIt is clear that women are the ones leading in the structural transformation of our economy. â€œWe are looking to create more value addition in our businesses, and it is female businesspersons who are leading this with their exports of finished products and services.â€?

one of the many initiatives that we have put in place to assure them of our commitment to quality and safe food for all.â€? John, added that with an installed capacity to process 7,500 metric tonnes of sugar production per annum, the company is poised to take advantage of the backward integration programme. He said the industry must be properly incentivised to stay competitive. He further stated that the smuggling of sugar into the country had affected the growth of its production along the value chain, given the challenges, thereâ€™s grappling of export and fall in price. Smuggling slows down the backward integration programme. The award, however, was in recognition of safety standards and it intends to strengthen the diversity of food safety around the world from Africa, Asia, America and Europe.

The key performance index revealed that GFSI reviewed benchmark for the assessment of food implementation, food defense, food assessment and the dangers of food fraud on consumers and end users. The Chairman of the GFSI Board, Mike Robach, said: â€˜â€™The global markets Award 2019 recognised the commitment of companies all over the world to their food safety journey.â€? According to him, this year, the selection committee focused on the efforts and innovations the companies had made in creating an environment for food safety and a culture of continuous improvement. Addressing journalists during a factory tour in Lagos, the Quality Assurance Manager, Mrs. Veronica Kalu-Ufe, said the award was a motivation for hard work and a great task to take the lead among other competitors in the industry.

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EDUCATION Nigerian Value System Must be Restored, Says Oyeniyi Mrs. Adeola Oyeniyi is the Education Director, Citacard School, Magodo, Lagos, she explained to Funmi Ogundare why everyone must work together to bring back the Nigerian value system; and the need for the government to come up with laws that would ensure that pedophiles face death penalty

hy your interest in education? I have been in the school system for almost three decades now. I started off as a class teacher and as a management staff in other schools. I have always had the interest of children at heart. Initially, I never thought I was going to have a school because I believe every teacher must not end up having a school, but when the opportunity came and this school was made available to me to take over, I grabbed the opportunity and still continued to do what I have always loved to do which is to make sure that every child has what it takes to be outstanding in life. I love children and I always believe that there is no child that cannot succeed. It depends on the environment the child finds himself and I am always happy to find children around me and give them the best I can offer to them. Citacard School has been in existence since 20 years ago, but you took over its running 10 years ago, what led to the take over? The former owner who happened to be a friend, relocated out of Lagos and she needed a competent hand to take over the school and I had to put in my interest and that is why I am here today. What impact have you been able to create in the lives of the children since you took over the school? Thank God I have been around here for 10 years, it wasnâ€™t so easy at the beginning because as at the time we were coming in, probably the way the information was handled concerning how the school was taken over, majority of the children had left. I took over 78 children precisely and after we took over, parents realised that what they had then was nothing compared to what we have now. What were the changes before and after the take-over? There has been an improvement in learning, the crops of teachers around here are more qualified and the experience I gained over the years has made a lot of difference. I have had experience as a teacher in a lot of international schools and the trainings and the kind of exposure I have had, have given an edge over many of the schools around here. This has also given the children the opportunity to learn better under this management. What makes your school stand out among others in its category? We run the Nigerian curriculum, but we embellish it with a bit of British curriculum in the sense that whatever is good in any other curriculum, even if it is not available in the Nigerian curriculum, we ensure that our children are not left out which makes them to be balanced. So our children are balanced and whatever is expected of them internationally, they have the opportunity to have it. What makes our school stand out in this environment is that if you mention Citacard School, the children are outstanding physically, psychologically, mentally and educationally, as well as ensuring a total child. We also pay special attention to discover, develop and nurture our pupilsâ€™ talents in sports, ICT, music and dance. We give every child a solid foundation and maximize their potential. What initiatives are you embarking on to impact your immediate community? By Godâ€™s grace, next term, we want to start a science exhibition. With the practical that our children have learnt in sciences, they can build a steam engine, even though they are in their primary level having been given that standard training. We will want other schools around here to come and learn from what the children

Oyeniyi have experienced. We have been able to wet their appetite to venture into science education even when they get to the tertiary level. So they would be able to exhibit such practicals and want other children come around to see that within the level of what they have been taught here. Do you envisage your school facing any challenge by doing so? I do not foresee any serious challenge because the truth is that parents are very supportive. I believe every parents love what their children are receiving and they have that value for their money. There is hardly anything we ask them to do that they are not ready to support because they always see the evidence. So in terms of practicals or any aspect of learning: cognitive, psychomotor, affective learning that makes a child to be total, the parents love what they see, so I am not envisaging any problem to succeed in that area. It will be a regular thing that we will be doing henceforth. Do you follow up on the students you have graduated over the years? We make sure we get in touch with them, majority of them are in higher institutions and they are doing fantastically and have made us proud. Anytime they are on holiday, whether in the university, I invite them to any of our functions. We recently held our inter-house sports competition and we invited them for old studentsâ€™ race. With the recent building collapse in Lagos Island, what is your view about the proliferation of private schools in the state? I want to believe that the government should be held responsible because no school is allowed to run illegally. They are aware that there are illegal private schools, but there must be a policy that will make people to do the right thing. For instance, if somebody is producing something that is dangerous to the society, are we going to close our eyes to it and allow innocent people to be destroyed? As a government, we owe our

children the right to protect them. So when we know that the children are not safe there, why did we allow such school to run? I still believe that the government has not done enough. Fingers were pointed at that school that it was not good and the building marked for demolition. Now the innocent children are dead! What are we going to do about that? It has given us an opportunity to look around for deadly structures around the state. Government should do something about it, everybody should be safe. The world recently commemorated the International Womenâ€™s Day, what is your view about the promotion of girl-child education in Nigeria? In our time, every child is given an opportunity to go to school. Most importantly, the government should focus on education closely like it is done everywhere in the world. Education should be made compulsory to every child of school age, it is part of their rights. Government should look into it and ensure that education of our children is focused. I believe that every child, irrespective of gender, should be able to go to school as no sex is superior. The whole world has begun to celebrate women in different fields and professions. There is nothing any man can do that a woman cannot do. Individuals should be aware that every child can succeed whether male or female. The Nigerian value system seams to have been eroded, what role can the school play in ensuring that students imbibe this for the betterment of the country? The value system has been eroded, everyone of us can attest to it. The school must continue to play its role in the life of every child and parents must also be supportive. In the past, communities raise children meaning that an individual cannot conveniently raise the standard that you want in the life of your child as far as value is concerned, but these days, things are not the same anymore. Some parents believe that they are the only ones that have authority over their children and that

the school should not interfere. Honestly, I want to see a situation where the parents and the school will collaborate because we are both stakeholders in their lives. Whatever the child is doing at school should be what the parents should be proud to showcase anywhere and also whether at home, the parents should be conscious of what the children are supposed to do. So, as a community, we are supposed to come together to build the moral standard that we want to see in our children such that wherever the child finds himself, he will know that adults are there to correct him if he makes any mistake. Such a child will not grow up with the mentality that it is only his or her parents that could correct him/her. These days, you see parents going to fight the teachers in school if they correct their children anyhow. We could attribute such problem to westernisation, but as Christians, the bible says we should train up a child in the way he should go so that he would not depart from it when he grows up. There is a level that a child must be made to know that there is a punishment for committing an offence. Our leaders must also play a good role in ensuring that they do what they want their children to emulate. In a situation where a father is dubious, the child already knows that. So how do you want to preach to that child? Everybody must maintain moral standard before their children which will make them to sit up. A Yoruba adage says, â€˜a good name is better than gold and silverâ€™, but now, people seem to prefer gold and silver to a good name. Children go out and buy stuff, but their parents will not challenge them on where they got the money. We are only interested in celebrating mediocrity and how they got money does not matter. We have various vices around us and our leaders are not helping matters. Everyone of us must go back to the drawing board and be determined to give the children what they need to see. Child molestation is on the increase in the country, what steps do you think the government can take in ensuring that those who commit this shameful act are brought to book? The issue of sexual molestation of our children is very sensitive. The children need sex education as long as the child can talk, there is a level of education we should give them that will create an awareness in them so that they can identify those pedophiles who go about molesting children. In this school for instance, every last Wednesday of the month, which we have tagged â€˜family circleâ€™, we gather children from the nursery to the primary levels according to their sexes in the class. We separate the boys from the girls and we talk about how to identify pedophiles and what they should do. We discuss issues that relate to them and some of them will talk to us about how their parents deal with them; who should touch their private parts and who must never go near them. A teenage girl must never sit on the laps of any male adult especially if it is not their parents. And if anybody must see their nakedness, probably it must be a medical doctor and it must be in the presence of their mothers particularly, so nobody have access to their private parts. They sing it as songs and we talk to them about it and everybody know their boundary. Every child must be educated along that line so that any adult that is coming in will know how close they are to these children and they will know their boundary. Once any adult is coming close to them, they know what to do next. We need to educate our children on how to protect themselves and the government and society can help us on how to deal with such pedophiles whether to give them life jail or even hang them. Most of the time, they destroy the lives of these children at the end of the day, so they should face death penalty. It is as serious as that because eventually some of these children die after being molested.

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EDUCATION

Ebiti, Others Honoured as Crescent Varsity Celebrates 13th Founderâ€™s Day The founder, Ibeji Foundation, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, alongside three others, were honoured with the prestigious Bola-Ajibola Community Award at the Crescent Universityâ€™s 13th anniversary, held in Abeokuta; in recognition of their contributions and support for quality education and patriotism to the Islamic religion across Nigeria. Sunday Ehigiator reports

ntegrity in leadership as a moral compass for societal development was the centre of discourse at the 13th Founder â€™s Day Lecture of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State to mark its founders day. The occasion was also used to honour four distinguished Nigerians who have been of help to the society and humanity. One of the awardees was the Managing Director of Istabaraqim Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, whose Ibeji Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, founded in memory of his father in 2010 has been directly involved in the education of several indigent students at Crescent University, providing opportunities for empowerment and entrepreneurial development for Muslim youths, access to quality education, research and vocation, contributions to the promotion of Islam and economic and social welfare of every mankind he is opportune to meet, among others. The occasion, which coincided with the 85th birthday of the founder of the university and eminent jurist, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, was attended by several dignitaries including the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yewande Onanuga, the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III, Prof. Dawud Noibi, Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, among others. In his welcome address, the ViceChancellor, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila described the 13th founder â€™s day as a major scale for the university. â€œAt the start of 2018, we had about 12 programmes that were deemed for accreditation. Indeed, by the end of the year and the start of this year, we are very proud to announce that all our programmes scored 100 per cent, and we got accreditation for all. This is an important recognition of the quality of our university at the very best.â€? Delivering the founderâ€™s day lecture titled â€˜Integrity in Leadership: A Moral Compass for Societal Developmentâ€™, Professor of Law, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Mashood Baderin stressed the need to build human capacity for development in all spheres. According to him, â€œgovernment must be about integrity if they want to bring about development. Because, development is about people and that is the only criterion for measuring its ultimate success or failure; it is what is it done to enhance the lives of individual human beings. In my constituted opinion, for Nigeria and indeed Africa, effective societal development must reflect an actual human development which facilitates freedom and opportunities for ordinary people, leading to actual improvement in their general well being. â€œHuman development is about empowering ordinary people to decide who to be, what to be, and how to enjoy an adequate standard of living as enhanced by the concept of individual and collective capabilities. What people can do, and what they can do now, are necessary equipment for realising a path to follow. The don added that opportunity for human development will not pass a society that delivers necessary basic human capabilities including access to good health, access to good functional

L-R: The founder, Crescent University, Bola Ajibola, SAN; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila; Alhaji Ibrahim Marmara; and 2019 Community Awardee and Managing Director, Istabaraqim Nigeria limited, Alhaji RaďŹ u Ebiti receiving his award at the event

public education, a decent standard of living and human security, other capabilities centred on human development including ability to participate in decisions that affect oneâ€™s life, to have control over oneâ€™s immediate environment and freedom from violence. â€œIn advancing human development, I propose that the following germane areas must be prioritised to enhance effective societal development in most African countries including Nigeria. Namely, promoting and ensuring respect for human dignity, pushing human rights and enablement, advancing good and functional public education and capacity building for all, promoting and ensuring human security.â€? Eulogising Ebiti, the universityâ€™s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Idris Katib described him as a man of sterling character. â€œHe is a man of sterling character who sees life as an opportunity to seek the pleasure of Allah and prepare well for the life hereafter, protect the weak and advance the course of Islam and humanity to the best of his ability. He is man naturally endowed with the spirit of altruism, fellowship, co-operation, empathy and regards for others. â€œHe is a hardworking individual that gives a hundred and one per cent to whatever course he believes in. He strives to encourage the progress of others and frequently contributes to the development of his community. A philanthropist of no mean measure who is well known and appreciated in the Muslim communities where he seeks to spread the knowledge and practice of Islam and foster the spirit of the Islamic brotherhood.â€? In a brief chat with THISDAY, Ebiti said he was overwhelmed by the recognition â€œTo say that on a daily basis you can make a difference; well, you can. One act of kindness a day can do it. You have nothing until you can affect

your immediate environment with the little Allah has given you. I derive joy in giving back in any way I can, and that is what has kept me going. I will implore everyone to render a hand of help to all the needy out there, only then can the world be a better place. And I am grateful to this university for counting me thus worthy of this prestigious award.â€? His wife, Alhaja Rafiat Ebiti attributed her husbandâ€™s recognition to Allah, while expressing how proud she is of her husband. â€œI thank almighty Allah for today, for his mercies over my husband, and for making today a hitch-free day and making all the programmes to go on well. I thank the university for the honour bestowed on him today Allah continue to give him strength, good health and prosperity to be able to continue to help the needy. And I am very proud of him because he is a very compassionate person, so kind hearted and someone that skips food to take care of the needy. He is not just a good man, but a nice husband and a good father to all his children and those around him.â€? One of his sons, Dr. Abdulrasaq Ebiti said he was not surprised at the honour as he described his father as fantastic. â€œKnowing the quality of Alhaji and how earnestly he works for youth development and education, I am not surprised. He is hardworking, tireless, and an enthusiastic supporter of Islam and education. We pray for more grace and blessings.â€? Old friends of the awardee, Y.K.O Abdulkareem and Mobolaji Abdulfatai simply described their friend of over 30 years as deserving of the award a million time. â€œHe is a philanthropist and man of the people.â€? Also, two students, Kamorudeen Kehinde and Abdulsalam Ibrahim, among several others, whose education at the university are being sponsored

by the foundation, thanked Ebiti for his kind gesture. After graduation from the popular University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ebiti bagged the fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 1992. He is a seasoned accountant, administrator and an entrepreneur of note. He started his professional career with an internationally renowned firm of chartered accountants, KPMG, where he handled large and medium sized audit of companies in different sectors of the economy. He gained vast knowledge and skills in the areas of accounting, taxation, secretarial practices, auditing, investigation, business management, receivership and liquidation. He left KPMG after about five years to join the management team of COMERINT Nigeria Ltd (Subsidiary Company to Agip of ENI Group) as an accountant. During this period, he acquired vast experience of the operational workings and dynamism of the oil and energy sector. He is presently the CEO Istabaraqim Nigeria Limited, a company with strong association with many of the major chemical processing companies in Nigeria. He is also a Senior Partner at Adisa Ebiti and Co., his practice Firm and Chairman EM Technical Services Ltd, an Engineering Firm. Ebiti belongs to many organisations and has won many meritorious awards. He is a founding member and Chairman, Finance and Business Committee of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the umbrella organisation of all Muslims in the south-west Nigeria; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduatesâ€™ Association, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ebuta-Meta branch, ViceChairman, Forum for Islamic Education and Welfare, among others.

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Hopebay College Old Boys Mourn Departed Member In spite of the efforts made by the Hopebay College Old Boys Association 1998 set to raise funds for the kidney transplant of Oluseun Adebayo Ojo, he lost the battle on March 14, leaving the members in mourning. Chris Asika reports It was with heavy hearts that members of the Hopebay College Old Boys Association, 1998 set (HBC 98) received the news of the death of their member, Oluseun Adebayo Ojo (popularly called Bayo), who died on March 14, 2019, the same day THISDAY Newspaper published a story titled â€˜Hopebay College Old Boys Solicit Financial Help to Save a Memberâ€™s Lifeâ€™ soliciting financial support from well-meaning individuals and groups to fund his kidney transplant operation. Bayo 39, was diognosed of kidney failure two years ago (not long after he lost his mother, who was his only surviving family member). For over a year, he was undergoing dialysis to remove excess urine in his system until he finallycollapsed in

last month after attending a friendâ€™s social function and was taken to Dializer Specialist Medical Centre where a complete kidney transplant was recomended by the doctors to save his life. The members made efforts, including personal contributions, newspaper publication, opening of pages on social media platforms all in the bid to raise funds for a successful kidney transplant, but Bayo lost the battle before the transplant was performed. A service of song and wake keep was organised on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 in honour of the late Ojo by the group and his church members in FESTAC Town, Lagos where he lived, which was well attended by members from all walks of life to pay their last respect. He was laid to rest at the

Ikoyi Cemetry on Thursday, March 21, 2019. In a chat with THISDAY, one of the old boys, Mr. Joseph Okoli, in an emotionladen voice, regretted that despite all the efforts made to save his life, Ojo had to go. â€œIt is so sad that he had to go, we love him, but God loves him more. We really would have hoped that he stayed a while so that we can effect his treatment, but man proposes and God disposes. All we can do is to thank God for a life well spent and give glory to God. The news of his death came as a shock to me because just as we posted it that same day on the dailies, that same day by 3:06 pm he gave up. It came as a shocker to everyone of us.â€? Okoli called on Nigerians to create awareness on

kidney-related diseases especially among youngsters. â€œNigeria should try as much as possible to reach out to people that have kidney issues because kidney issue is becoming rampant among youths of nowadays. I want to advice that the youths should stop drinking and smoking and whatever they are doing should be in moderation. â€œNigerian doctors should try to create more awareness about kidney issues and things youngsters should do to avoid kidney failure because if you look at it critically it is mostly youngsters that have kidney problems. I really hope that the federal government and the private sector will do more to help those that have kidney problem in Nigeria,â€? he said.

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

BESPOKEâ€™YOUR PLAN Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă™ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂšĂ?Ă™ĂšĂ–Ă? Ă’Ă&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ–Ă? ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă“Ăœ ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă Ă“ĂžĂŁĚ‹ĂšĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă?ĂŽ Ă—Ă&#x;ĂŽĂŽĂ–Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă— ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™ĂŒĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ‹Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă˜Ă™ Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă™Ăœ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂœĚ‹Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂšĂ?Ă™ĂšĂ–Ă? ËŠĂ?Ă“ĂžĚ‹Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžËŞ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă“Ăœ ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ“Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă— ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™ĂŒĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ‹Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ĂšĂ™Ă™ĂœĚ‹Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă‘ĂœĂ?ĂžĚ‹Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă– Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă™Ă–Ă&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă™ ĂĄĂ’Ă‹Ăž ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă?Ă? Ă‹ ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–ĂŁ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂŽËŁ Ă™ Ă—ĂŁ Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽËœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă—ĂŁ ÍłÍŽ Ă™ĂŽĂŽ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂŒĂ™Ă‹ĂœĂŽ Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă‹Ăž ËŞĂŽ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă– ĂšĂœĂ“Ă™ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?ĂŽĚ‹ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂšĂ™Ă?Ă?Ë› ËŠ Ă&#x;ĂœĂšĂ™Ă?Ă?ËŞ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂšĂ™Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ë? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă?Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂšĂœĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă”Ă™ĂŒĂ?Ëœ ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ě‹ Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂŽĂŁËœ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ëœ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ę¨Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă“ĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă™Ăœ Ă™ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă™Ăœ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?ĂšĂ‹Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă?Ë› Ă™ĂžĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂŽ ËŠĂ˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽËŞ Ă‹Ă? Ă–Ă™ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂšĂ?Ă™ĂšĂ–Ă?Ë? Ă‹Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŽĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹ĂŁËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽËœ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă™ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ę¨Ă Ă? ĂžĂ“ĂšĂ? Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă”Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ËŠĂ˜Ă™ĂžĂ?Ă?ËŞ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă–ĂŁËœ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă™ĂœĂž Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ?Ë? Ëž Ă“Ă—Ă“Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ&#x;Ă–Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂžĂŁ ĂžĂ™ Ă‹ĂŒĂ?Ă™Ă–Ă&#x;ĂžĂ? Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă—Ă&#x;Ă— Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–Ă?Ë› Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœËœ Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă’Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă?Ëœ ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă?Ă˘Ăž Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă?Ë› Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă‹ Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă–Ă™Ă™Ă• Ă‹Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă‘Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ Ă‘ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;ĂšĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ĂšĂœĂ“Ă™ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?Ë› ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă‹ Ă?Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă? ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă‘Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă? ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă? ĂžĂ™ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă‹Ă?Ë? ĂšĂ?Ă™ĂšĂ–Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?Ëœ Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂŁËœ Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ ĂžĂ™Ă™Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă– Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂŁ ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă?ĂžĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă”Ă™ĂŒË› Ëž ĂšĂšĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‘ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă•Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă&#x; Ă—Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ‹ĂœĂ• Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ëœ Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂ™ Ę¨Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂ Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ Ă“ĂžË› Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ“Ă?ĂŽĂ™Ă— ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ë› Ă? Ă“ĂžËŞĂ? ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ˜ Ă‹ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ? ĂžĂ™ ĂŒĂ? ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ë Ă™Ă—Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ ĂŒĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă‹ĂŁĂ?ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă– Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ“ĂžĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă“Ăœ Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă Ă?ĂŽË› Ă™ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă’Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă™ĂĄĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?ĂšĂ‹Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă?Ă™ Ă‹Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂžĂ™ ĂĄĂ?Ă‹Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă™Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËœ Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœË› Ëž Ă“Ă–Ă– ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂžĂ™ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžË› Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ĂŽĂ™ Ă“ĂžË Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă“Ăž ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă”Ă™ĂŒË› Ă? Ă‹ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă‘ĂœĂ“ĂžĂŁËž Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™Ăœ ĂĄĂ™Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂŽĂ?Ë› Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă—Ă‹Ă˘Ă“Ă— Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă&#x;Ă? ĂžĂ™Ëœ ËŤĂ?Ă&#x;ĘĽĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜Ă”Ă™ĂŁ Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂœË›ËŹ Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă? Ă™Ę°Ă?Ă˜ Ă‘Ă™Ă™ĂŽ ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂ’Ă™Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ‹Ă“Ăž ĂŒĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ę°Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ™Ă“Ă– Ă™Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ™ Ă—Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹ ĂŽĂ?Ă‹ĂŽĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ë› Ă™ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă? ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă“Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă™Ăœ Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂŽĂŁËœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă“Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă“ĘľĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂšĂ™Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂžËŞĂ? ĂšĂ™Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂšË Ëž Ă Ă™Ă–Ă Ă? Ă‹ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ ĂžĂ™ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă™ĂĄ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂŽĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? ĂŒĂŁ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ě‹Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ë› Ă?Ă™ĂšĂ–Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‘Ă™Ă™ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ ĂžĂ’Ă‹ĂžËœ Ă“Ă? Ă’Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŒĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂšĂž ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă? ĂšĂ?Ă™ĂšĂ–Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă˜Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă? ĂŽĂ‹Ă—Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ĘĽĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?Ë› Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ˜ Ă’Ă™ĂĄ ĂžĂ™ Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂŽ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă—Ă™Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ&#x;Ă— Ă™Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ™ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂšĂ™Ă?Ă?Ë› ĂœĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂžĂ™ Ă”Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ă’Ă™ĂĄ Ă?Ă‹Ăœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă—Ă™Ă Ă?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂžË› Ëž Ă™ ĂžĂ™ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂŽĂŁ Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă• ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™Ă˜Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂ Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă Ă?ĂŽË› Ă?Ă–Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă‹ ĂŽĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă•Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ Ă‹ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂĄĂ™ ĂžĂ™ Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă™ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă‹ ĂžĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžË› Ă™ĂĄĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă•Ă?Ă?Ăš Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–Ě‹Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă“ĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂžĂ™ ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂšĂ™Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă?Ă–Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă Ă?ĂœËœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă? Ă™Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă‘ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂžĂ™ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂž ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ë› Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ĂŽĂ™ Ă“ĂžË

Mrs Kehinde Omoru writes from the UK

Members of the Hopebay College Old Boys Association, 1998 set during the wake keep of their departed member, Oluseun Adebayo Ojo

Greensprings Campuses Unite for Sports Day Uchechukwu Nnaike It was fun and excitement all the way as the three campuses of Greensprings School, as well as its newly established school for special education, Anthos House recently converged on the Lekki Campus of the school for the 2019 Sports Day. The students, grouped into six houses- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (blue); Enahoro (green); Queen Amina (red); King Jaja of Opobo (Orange); Moremi (purple); and Nnamdi Azikiwe (yellow), competed among themselves in various sporting activities like 25m, 50m,75m,100m, 200m, 4x100m races; agility bean bag; sack race; catching the train, among others. There was also a colourful march past by the houses. At the end of the competition, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa House emerged the overall winner with 47 gold, 20 silver and 23 bronze

medals; Moremi House came second with 29 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze medals; while Nnamdi Azikiwe House came third with 23 gold, 14 silver and 22 bronze medals. Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Mrs. Lai Koiki said sports day and the days leading up to it, create opportunities for students to build their gross motor skills which are useful in many ways. â€œTeam spirit is always high as each member of the community is rooting for their team to be victorious while appreciating the skills of all the other competitors.â€? While stating the importance of sports to youth development, she said sports takes a lot of focus and practice and it is usually the same set of students that are doing well in class that are leaders within their space and are the sports people because they are focussed and they want to lead in

every sphere of life. She urged the winning the team to keep practicing and continue to do better and they should know that nobody wins all the time. Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Education, Dr. Barney Wilson reiterated that the school believes in developing the whole child, adding that the students are strong academically as well as outside the classroom. On the relevance of sports to academics, he said: â€œSports teaches you to come together as a team, it teaches you about collaboration, it teaches you motor skills and so your brain is connected to your physical body; when you are totally in shape it means you are in shape in terms of sports and you are in shape in terms of the classroom.â€? As Nigeriaâ€™s first thinking school, he said â€œthinking on the track and field is as important as thinking in the classroom. Our students are prepared to solve problems

so they work together, learn together and learn to love each other.â€? The IB Diploma Principal and coordinator of the sports day, Mrs. Jennifer SuukanmiQazzeem said the event was unique because for the first time all the campuses came together and it will continue that way. She said the school takes sports seriously and will continue to build the social skills of the students through sports. While emphasising the importance of sports, a parent, Mr. Oladipo Adeola called for a sports policy in the country to enable youths make a career out of sports because it is a thriving industry. The best male and female athletes Kaima Oditah of Balewa House and Tofunmi Olojede of Moremi House said they engaged in constant practice and more competitions and were supported by their parents and the school.

Vega, Orange Academy Organise Workshop on Strategic Brand Leadership Africaâ€™s first Practical School of Integrated Brand Experience and Idea Management, Orange Academy, in collaboration with Vega School, South Africa will hold a five-day, seven-session practical workshop dedicated to the strategic models and tools of meaningful brand building. This workshop, the third in a series, focussed on Strategic Brand Leadership, will hold from May 20 to May 24, 2019 in South Africa. Vega School is a brand of The Independent Institute of Education and offers qualifications in design, brand and business studies. Participants at the workshop will have the opportunity to experience the learning environment at The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) Vega School in Cape Town, South Africa. The Vega-Orange Academy partnership will present employees with the opportunity to learn, imbibe and apply pragmatic leadership culture when challenged to provide their organisations with practical solutions that work. According to the spokesperson

for Orange Academy, â€˜Femi Odukoya, â€œit is in line with our aim to re-engineer employeesâ€™ school of thought and attitude to work that we have partnered with Vega School to provide a unique learning experience with some of the finest workshop facilitators that Africa offers. â€œLeading the team of facilitators at this workshop are Dr. Carla Enslin, Thys de Beer and Mike Perk. Enslin is a founding member of Vega School and serves as its Head of Strategy and New Business Development, while Thys de Beer is a senior lecturer and supervisor to third year and postgraduate students in the fields of Brand Strategy and Innovation and Business Management, and is also the Manager for Academic Projects and Collaborations at The IIE Vega School. â€œMike Perk is the CEO of WWC, a â€˜people-focusedâ€™ digital transformation advisory. Perk is also a founding partner in Heavy Chef, an inspiration platform for innovators and leaders in the digital space.â€?

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍˇ

Lagos Private Schools Regulation: Setting the Records Straight Adesegun Ogundeji

In a nutshell, this government had preoccupied herself with reforming and managing the private sector participation in education service delivery. It is the belief of this administration that whatever it could not complete in the sector will be accomplished by the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwa-Olu, who is also passionate about education. A fulfilled Adebule said â€œwhat the government has done significantly was to fast-track approval of private schools and to ensure that unscrupulous personnel no longer use the instrument of office to extort members of the public to satisfy their greed. I have no regret doing that and I will fight such until my last day in office as the suprintendent of the education sector in Lagos State.â€?

he involvement of young school children in the recent â€˜Ita Fajiâ€™ building collapse has raised the bar in public comments and blames apportioned fairly in some cases. The avoidable tragedy is regrettable and our hearts go out to the victims of the collapse. We commiserate with the family of the deceased and wish those recuperating speedy recovery. It is common knowledge that the challenges in the management of private schools in Lagos State are enormous and hydra-headed and this government has been tackling them systematically and in phases. Considering the population of school age children in Lagos State, the 1,010 public primary schools and the 670 public senior secondary schools are not sufficient to provide access to quality education, a mantra of this administration. At the instance of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who also superintends the education sector, this administration upon assumption of office conducted a need assessment of public schools and discovered that N69 billion was required to fix the infrastructural and other ancillary needs of schools. It therefore decided to embark on the intervention in phases. Given this scenario, the government sees the private sector operators as major/crucial partners in progress. It reviewed the tactics deployed by former administrations to regulate the proliferation of private schools. It resolved to interface with the education service providers with a view to regulate, motivate, educate and enlighten the operators on the benefits of voluntary compliance with regulations, raise standards and deliver quality education to the pupils. Furthermore, the three decades old education policy (last reviewed in 1988) of the state was reviewed under this administration towards improving the quality of education delivery and issues bothering on the private schools were extensively dealt with in the policy with their co-operation. This is to ensure that the state operates a contemporary policy that is also in tandem with global best practices. Quarterly interactive session was instituted and held regularly with stakeholders. Guidelines for registration which hitherto was shrouded in secrecy was published and made available on the ministryâ€™s website for the general public. The process of registration was made less strenuous and seamless; transaction was more transparent and rackets of extortion were broken. It is also to the credit of Adebule that the private schools and special programme department was separated from the Quality Assurance Directorate. This was to ensure transparency, introduce checks and balances; reduce corruption, extortion, indiscipline, recklessness and impunity. This administration encouraged operators and owners of private schools to form formidable associations which the government relates with when the need arises apart from the quarterly stakeholders meeting. To further encourage them, the associations were encouraged to benefit from the Employment Trust Fund (ETF), to enable them access soft loans to improve their facilities, employ qualified

-Ogundeji is the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Education

APWEN, NNPC Host Girlchild Education Initiative Adebule teachers and ultimately get necessary approvals for their schools. The guidelines for the establishment of private schools include name search to ensure that there is no identity clash amongst schools operating in the state. This is followed by site inspection which was designed to advise the intending proprietors and guide them on what to put in place to meet the approval criteria. The approval inspection is conducted to ascertain that the conditions for registration have been complied with. This process has been followed diligently in the last four years. The various levels of interaction encouraged them to come out of their cocoons to register their schools. Of the 5,302 schools registered in the state today, 1,574 (representing 30 per cent) were registered under this administration without compromising standards. It is imperative to note that this figure does not include the over 6,000 applications at varying stages of the approval process. Recently, 122 education officers were recruited by this administration to serve in the various sectors including monitoring and evaluation ensure spread and effective coverage. While few schools found to be operating under unacceptable conditions were shut down, government is not favorably disposed to school closures in a country with alarming rate of out-of-school children and unemployment rather the ministry is disposed to ensuring that such schools comply with the approval requirements. It is on record that many schools have been sanctioned for examination malpractice and the scourge has greatly reduced given the many measures that have been introduced to the conduct of examinations in Lagos State.

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), in partnership with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), will on March 30, host the 6th edition (for North Central Zone) of the â€˜Invent It, Build Itâ€™, a girl-child educational initiative, at the LEA Primary School Ofugo Ankpa, Kogi, North Central The programme will be in honour of the President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Mr. Kashim Ali, who has been described as an enigma, a role model, an engineering icon and one of the best in the engineering profession. The President of APWEN, Mrs. Felicia Agubata in a statement, said the overreaching objective of the programme is to ignite passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in young girls and to showcase the socioeconomic value and application of engineering in everyday life. â€œThe target group is girls aged 8-10 years (classes 5 and 6) in the upper primary school in Nigeria. APWENâ€™s Invent It,

Build It programme has been hosted in the five geo political zones in the country with the maiden edition held in Misau, Bauchi State in April 2018.â€? During the programme, she said experiments will be performed by the pupils with guidance by APWEN members along with an interactive/ sensitisation session for parents, guardians and teachers to inspire positive attitude and support for females in the pursuit of STEM. â€œAPWEN is confident that early contact with the target group will indeed spark off a desire and an ambition of the girl-child to study the sciences and ultimately pursue engineering as a profession. As the girls begin to imagine great careers in engineering and diligently demonstrate passion and with the right guidance, the sky will be their limit. APWENâ€™s role is to mentor, point the way forward and partner with the would be champions to midwife their careers by way of providing learning aids, seminars, scholarships at some points and above all inspiration,â€? Agubata said.

UNESCO, ABE Target 1.2m Youths for Capacity Building

NTI Trains Teachers on Moral, Queenâ€™s College Principal Calls for More Girlsâ€™ School HIV/AIDS Awareness

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Read and Earn Federation and Association of Business Executives (ABE) are targeting a total of 1.2 million Nigerian youths in three core areas: intellectual capacity building, leadership capacity building and economic capacity building. The project, which is set to last for 10 years and is expected to end in 2027, will enhance the improvement of youths in the three aforementioned critical areas towards forestalling brain drain and opening multiple avenues which will enable youths to live up to their full potential. The President, UNESCO Read and Earn Federation, Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu, who revealed this during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Business Executives, UK, said the programme will encourage the youths to learn and understand the dynamics of approaching and dealing with international markets. â€œThe synergy will accelerate the provision of such improved competences and capabilities.

We have today committed the ABE, UK to deliver internationally recognised programmes, certificates and two international memberships with the Institute of Leadership and Management and ABE for Nigerian youths to enroll.â€? In his remarks, the UNESCO REF Public Relations Officer, Dr. Mark Abiye said the three components of the programme will address why Nigerian degrees are not recognised in several parts of the world, as well as why Nigerians find it difficult to achieve their full potential within the country, but are the best in several fields globally. â€œNigerians have the best students around the world and yet struggle to cope in Nigeria. Why are Nigerian degrees not recognised in most parts of the world? Why do we have to leave the shores of Nigeria to achieve our full potential? â€œBrain drain in the country led to the project aimed at building the capacity of Nigerian youths. The three components are contributing to the United Nations sustainable goals 4,8 and 9, which are quality education, decent work and economic growth, as well as industry and infrastructure.â€?

The National Teachersâ€™ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, in collaboration with Faith Based Awareness Initiative has trained teachers in the country on moral and HIV/ AIDS awareness. According to a statement by the Public Relations Department of the NTI, the four-day workshop held simultaneously in Katsina and other zones across the country. The statement said the workshop was part of activities under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The statement quoted the Director General of NTI, Prof. Garba Azare as saying that the programme was timely, considering the efforts being made by government at all levels to combat HIV/AIDS. He said teachers are in a better position to educate the youths on the deadly disease because of their role in teaching morals and moulding the youths to be good citizens. Azare said the NTI has the capacity to organise teacher professional development on any theme that may be desirable because of its

long years of experience in developing teachers, adding that the institute has a pool of human and material resources ready to organise any training for the Nigerian teachers. He commended the federal government for being sensitive to the aspiration of its citizens, which seeks to cater for their training needs and intellectual capabilities. The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Badamasi Charanchi, while commending the NTI for the role it has continued to play in developing the capacity of teachers, called on the management of the institute to organise more workshops in the areas of drug abuse, violence in schools, cultism and examination malpractice. In his remarks, the Chairman of the NTI Governing Council, Senator Kaka Mallam Yale, represented by Dr. Mansur Liman, said the current administration is committed to the provision of quality education and good health programmes. He said the federal government is willing and ready to eradicate the HIV/AIDS in the country.

The Principal, Queenâ€™s College Lagos, Dr. Tokunbo YakubuOyinloye has called on the federal government to establish more girlsâ€™ school as part of efforts to enhance girl-child education in the country. Yakubu-Oyinloye, who stated this in Lagos recently during the schoolâ€™s 57th inter-house sports competition, said the establishment of such schools especially in Lagos, will reduce the number of people subscribing to Queenâ€™s College. â€œI want to say that the federal government has done well in increasing access to education especially girl-child education, just as it has ensured qualitative education in its 104 unity schools especially Queenâ€™s College. â€œThat is why most parents desire to enroll their girlchildren into Queenâ€™s College, the flagship for girl education in Nigeria every academic year. â€œTo ensure that these parents also get this qualitative education that they are craving for, I will therefore appeal to the federal government to consider establishing more girlsâ€™s secondary colleges to cater for the needs of the girl-child, be it education, skills acquisition, sports, and other areas of learning.

â€œCurrently I will say we are not yet there when it comes to girl-child education. We have to do more to empower the girl-child through education and I feel government can do this by looking at establishing more of girlsâ€™ colleges especially in Lagos, considering its large population.â€? This she said can be easily achieved if the state government and the private sector can collaborate with the federal government in ensuring that the dream is realised. â€œWe must strive to deploy every thing in our disposal to encourage and support girl-child education, boost their confidence and help them to realise their potential. Let us begin to train them to be future presidents, governors, senators and other public holders, rather than be wives of presidents, governors and all others,â€? she said. The principal also appealed to the federal government to urgently intervene in the posting of more teachers to the college to replace the retiring ones. According to her, the college is currently facing dearth of teachers in key subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Hausa Language.

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍˇ

CITYSTRINGS

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Fostering the Ideals of Service to Humanity Sunday Ehigiator writes that the core objective of Rotary Club worldwide is to foster the ideals of service to humanity; an ideal which is also at the core of the Ikeja chapter, but bound by strong principles and common values

President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Rot. Adeniyi Adelaja (left); past President Simi Fasehun; past District Governor, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, and newly-inducted Ebede Chukwuka and wife

hen the word rotary is heard, what first comes to mind is a circle of old but sociable retirees or a social club of elites with a simple goal to merry. Some others would even argue that it is a very influential, but secretive association who seek common good, but only for the initiated. These above assumptions are far from reality and entirely false.â€? These were the words of Ikeja Rotary International President, Adeniyi Adelaja, at a recent media parley aimed at changing the misconstrued narratives some may have of rotary. According to Adelaja, â€œthe objective of rotary is to encourage and foster the ideals of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and in particular, to encourage and foster the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service, to foster high ethical standards in the business and professions; the personal recognition of worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarianâ€™s occupation as an opportunity to serve society. â€œThe application of the ideal service in each Rotarianâ€™s personal, business, and community life. And fourthly, to foster the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. â€œOur principles are pegged on the â€˜Four-Wayâ€™ test. The four-way test is a non-partisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their

personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at the club meetings. â€œIt simply says that, of the things we think, say or do, we must ask ourselves, is it the â€˜Truthâ€™?, is if â€˜Fair â€™ to all concerned?, will it build â€˜Goodwillâ€™ and â€˜Better Friendshipâ€™?, and will it be â€˜Beneficialâ€™ to all concerned? These are

The objective of rotary is to encourage and foster the ideals of service...Many people have a very wrong impression about what we are and what we are not. First, the world must know that Rotary is not a secret cult gathering, a social or political group. In fact we are apolitical. We are only concerned with humanitarian works

moral questions that if we all imbibe all through the whole world, there wonâ€™t be crime. And there would be love and unity. â€œMany people have a very wrong impression about what we are and what we are not. First, the world must know that Rotary is not a secret cult gathering, it is not a social group and it is not a political group. In fact we are apolitical. We are only concerned with humanitarian works. Yes, you may call it an elite club but we are beyond that. We are about giving and bettering our immediate environment. â€œWe comprise of experts in different fields that could use their resources, time, and expertise to help the needy. For instance when we needed to build blocks of classrooms, we have Rotarians who are professional building and structural engineers, hence we donâ€™t have to employ another on a paid labour for survey or building plans. That is taken care of voluntarily by them. And all our meetings are always opened to observers. â€œWe meet once in a week, particularly every Monday in Ikeja Airport Hotel just for an hour and our meetings are always in the open. Maybe why people have the impression that we are like a secret society is because we are selective about our members and we have our own doctrine just as every group should. â€œIn fact, I became a Rotarian out of curiosity. I once had the same mindset. I have this very close client who is a Rotarian and sometimes when we are together he would be hurrying to go for meetings. So I was forced to ask him one day that I want to come observe

what they do there. And he said to me if I have a suit or a complete native attire because in Rotary meetings, we donâ€™t dress anyhow. â€œIf you are on suit, it must be complete, and if on native it must be full native. Behold, I followed him there subsequently and I was amazed by the calibre of people I met there. Rotary is practised internationally and didnâ€™t even start in Nigeria till so many years after it started in California in 1905 at Unity Building by Paul Harris. And was brought to us by Rotarian Joseph Harold, whom coincidentally is the owner of Ikeja Airport Hotel where we hold our meetings till date. Though it was not until 1961 it began in Kano . So I came in, observed for a while, then I joined. And I have spent over 14 years being a member. â€œMembership is opened to everyone. Though you must have steady means of income and at least be a top professional doing considerably well in your line of trade before we can consider you worthy of membership, because in as much as you love to help, it must be convenient for you to do so without stress. It is capital intensive to be a Rotarian, So that is one reason people have that wrong notion.â€? Also speaking, an old Rotarian, Prince Julius Adewusi said Rotary is committed to service at home and abroad through five avenues which are the foundation of the club; vocational, club, community, international and youth service. He thereby concluded by stressing out some of the projects as carried out by Ikeja Rotary Club, which includes providing an ambulance for Ikeja General Hospital management, among others.

T H I S D AY Ë¾ Í°ÍµËœ Í°Í®Í¯Í·

CRIME&SECURITY

Alleged Serial Cultist, Four Others Arrested in Lagos Chiemelie Ezeobi " OPUPSJPVT DVMUJTU *CSBIJN "CEVM MBIJ BLB 5JOZ XIPTF OBNF TFOET TIJWFST EPXO UIF TQJOF PG SFTJEFOUT PG 4BUFMMJUF 5PXO -BHPT XBT BSSFTUFE TIPSUMZ BGUFS NJEOJHIU PG .BSDI BU IJT IJEFPVU JO UIF *KFHVO &HCB BSFB PG UIF UPXO 5IF TVTQFDU XBT QJDLFE VQ EVSJOH BO PQFSBUJPO MFE CZ UIF %JWJTJPOBM 1PMJDF 0GÃ DFS %10 PG 4BUFMMJUF 5PXO %JWJTJPO $41 $IJLF 0UJ UP SJE UIF DPNNVOJUZ PG UIF WJPMFOU BDUJWJUJFT PG DSJNJOBMT 5IJT SBJE XBT JO BDDPSEBODF XJUI UIF EJSFDUJWF PG UIF $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF -BHPT 4UBUF $1 ;VCBJSV .VB[V XIP IBE FBSMJFS MBTU XFFL DIBSHFE BSFB DPNNBOEFST %10T BOE 5BDUJDBM 6OJU $PNNBOEFST JO UIF TUBUF UP DMBNQ EPXO PO DSJNF CZ SBJEJOH BMM JEFOUJÃ FE DSJNJOBM

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CRIME SITUATION REPORTS

SECURITY TIPS (PART 57) r#F BXBSF PG ZPVS TVSSPVOEJOHT BOE XBML XJUI DPOGJEFODF r5SVTU ZPVS JOTUJODUT JG B TJUVBUJPO NBLFT ZPV GFFM VODPNGPSUBCMF HFU BXBZ BT RVJDLMZ BT QPTTJCMF r5SBWFM JO HSPVQT PG UXP PS NPSF UIF CVEEZ TZTUFN r#F BXBSF PG QJDLQPDLFU TJUVBUJPOT TVDI BT DSPXEFE BSFBT MJLF USBJOT BOE CVTFT r$BSSZ IBOECBHT PO B TIPSU TUSBQ BOE DMPTF UP UIF CPEZ $BSSZ XBMMFUT JO B GSPOU USPVTFS QPDLFU r"WPJE XFBSJOH IFBEQIPOFT BOE VTJOH QFSTPOBM FMFDUSPOJD EFWJDFT r5SBWFM JO XFMM MJU QPQVMBUFE BSFBT BOE BWPJE TIPSU DVUT r8IFO USBWFMJOH QMBO ZPVS SPVUF JO BEWBODF BOE EP OPU DBSSZ MBSHF BNPVOUT PG DBTI r$POTJEFS VTJOH QVCMJD USBOTQPSUBUJPO r*G B DBS BQQSPBDIFT ZPV BOE BTLT GPS EJSFDUJPOT TQFBL XJUI UIF PDDVQBOUT GSPN B TBGF EJTUBODF OP NBUUFS XIBU 4PVSDF 4BGFUZ BOE 4FDVSJUZ

CONTACT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRE KADUNA You can now access the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofar - Gaya, Zaria. $POUBDU QIPOF OVNCFST

Source: Ministry of Justice, Kaduna State

POLICE STATIONS IN LAGOS WITH FAMILY SUPPORT UNIT From left, Ibrahim Abdullahi, a notorious cultist who allegedly murdered three persons and had been on the run ever since

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The Lagos State Police has released an update on police stations in the state that have Family Support Units (FSUs)/Gender Unit/Juvenile Welfare Centre (JWC) and phone numbers to reach them on. "EFOJKJ "EFMF -BHPT *TMBOE *TPLPLP *MVQFKV 'FTUBD "MBLVLP #BEBHSZ "KBI *LPSPEV *HCPHCP ,FUV *LPUVO (FOEFS %FTL 1PMJDF $PNNBOE (3" *LFKB %JWJTJPOBM 1PMJDF 4UBUJPO +8$ "MBLBSB SOURCE: Lagos State Police Command

The new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 11 Osogbo Osun State, Leye Oyebade (second right); the Oloko of Oko Land, HM Oba Solomon Olagoke Adisa Akinola Oyeyode 111 (third right); Bobagunwa of Oko Land, Chief Solomon Ojedayo (right), and others in a group photograph with the new AIG

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍľËœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Experts Outline Benefits ofAfCFTA Chris Uba Some experts have advised the federal government to sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) treaty, saying Nigeria stands a great chance of enlarging foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows through the pact. The experts who spoke yesterday in Lagos, at the fourth Annual Bullion Lecture organised by the Centre for Financial Journalism (CFJ), stressed that the AfCFTA would create opportunity for African economies, including Nigeria, to take over from China as the Worldâ€™s manufacturing hub. The President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, who was guest lecturer at the event, said the event would be beneficial to Nigeria. Oramah said: â€œWhether or not Nigeria joins the treaty, it will in one way or the other be impacted given its size and geographic location in Africa.â€?

The Afreximbank president said as at date, 49 out of 55 African countries have signed the agreement while 20 countries have ratified the deal. He pointed out that 16 countries have deposited their instruments of AfCFTA ratification with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission just as an additional four countries have received parliamentary approval for ratification, adding â€œwe expect additional two ratifications by April 2019 for the AfCFTA to come into force. Negotiations have commenced on tariff offers received from the different countries with the objective of having the agreed tariff schedules the Rules of Origin at the AU Summit in July 2019. On the potential impact of the AFCFTA on Nigeria he said â€œIt is understandable that Nigeria has not yet made a decision regarding signing the AfCFTA, because entering into such an agreement must not be taken lightly.

â€œIt is important to carry everyone on board. Broad consultation is most critical for the success of the AfCFTA at national and continental levels. While there are various interest groups, including labour, whose concerns need to be understood and accommodated, a survey of the business community by the Nigerian Government shows that 69 per cent of Nigerian businesses believe AfCFTA would be advantageous to the country. â€œThe top three advantages identified were better business environment, promotion of local business and business growth and expansion.â€? Overall, according to him, 78 per cent of firms believe that AfCFTA will make a positive impact on local businesses while 56 per cent of the polled respondents believe the country does not have the infrastructure necessary to reap those benefits and gains.

L-R: Public Sector Manager, Mantrac Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alex Nwoko; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, during the inauguration of 33 excavators purchased by the government to boost agricultural production in the state, at Ibadan... recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

Issuing Houses Set Agenda for Buhari Obinna Chima Ahead of its first business lunch meeting expected to hold in Lagos tomorrow, the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN), has identified four key areas President Muhammadu Buhari should focus on in the next four years in order to lift the capital market. These areas include policy reforms that promote market economics; liberalisation of the oil and gas sector; power sector reforms and private sector-led infrastructure development. Speaking with journalists, the President of AIHN, Mr. Chuka Eseka, noted that across various aspects of the economy, the federal government must be committed to promoting market-based ideologies as indispensable tools to liberate the economy from the shackles of inefficiency. â€œMost industrialised and leading economies and capital markets around the world operate on sound market principles. Nigeria cannot and must not be different if the capital market would help raise the necessary finance needed for growth and development,â€? he said. According to Eseka, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Vetiva Capital Management Limited, a low hanging fruit

to enhancing capital market growth would be liberalising the upstream and downstream operations of the oil and gas sector, saying when the economics is right, the capital market can easily provide the funding needed to grow the sector. â€œIn addition, the capital market can serve as the avenue to attract both local and foreign capital essential for driving private sector-led growth and development. â€œThe power sector is in dire need of funding that the sector cannot attract in its current state. Critical market reforms, most especially in the areas of tariffs, are needed to re-focus the sector and drive it to reach its full potentials. â€œFor instance, if the entire value chain including transmission is decentralised and opened up to the market, GENCOs and DISCOs can get listed to raise capital by way of IPO. â€œThis sector is crucial in our capital market agenda setting in the next four years. â€œThrough PPP arrangements, the private sector can help expand the countryâ€™s infrastructure stock levels which has been estimated to require up to US$50 billion annually over the next 60 years. â€œThis is a capex level that the governmentâ€™s revenue and

borrowing capacities cannot shoulder. Therefore, if infrastructure gap must be bridged, the capital market must be central to the strategies deployed,â€? he said. The AIHN boss pointed out that the world over, capital market remains the barometer for measuring the health of the economy and in Nigeria, the case is not any different. According to him, following the global financial crises of 2008/2009 and the severe economic shock Nigeria suffered in 2014 with oil price crash, capital market activities for Initial Public Offerings, rights issue, secondary offer, etc, have been significantly affected. From Equity Capital Market (ECM) perspective, the last five years has been tough,â€? he explained. On his part, the First Vice President of the association, Mr. Ike Chioke, pointed out that urgent reforms are required in the power and oil and gas sectors. â€œWe need to spend about $20 billion every year in the next 10 years in order to close the infrastructure gap and without taking decisive steps to address this, we would never get there. â€œSo, this our roundtable coming up in Lagos tomorrow, is critical and the right time to hold it is now.

Buhari to Launch Micro Pension Scheme Ebere Nwoji President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow launch the Micro Pension Scheme in Abuja. The Micro Pension plan, which is an initiative of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) is aimed at the provision of pension services to self-employed persons in the informal sector and employees of organisations with less than three staff. PenCom, the regulatory institute for pension sector said the micro pension launch is part of the initiative to bring financial inclusion to all working Nigerians. It noted that the informal

sector constitutes an estimated 69 million work force in the country and represents an estimated 88 per cent of Nigerian workers that lack pensions and safety nets for their old age. PenCom, said the goal of the Commission was to achieve coverage of 30 million people in the informal sector by 2024. PenComâ€™s Head of Communications, Peter Aghahowa, said the formal launch would officially unveil the scheme and attests to the objective of the current administration to provide ample opportunities for financial inclusion and economic stability for more Nigerians in the informal sector.

â€œThis initiative gives the self-employed professionals, entertainers, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, artisans, casual workers, etc, opportunity to save for pensionâ€?, he said. According to Aghahowa, the launch signifies the commencement of activities that would culminate to the full implementation of the scheme. He said to make the scheme work, the National Pension Commission and the pension operators would continue the education and sensitisation of the public through robust campaigns across traditional, social and digital media, while registration of contributors would follow in subsequent months.

(MILLION NAIRA)

NOVEMBER 2018 Money Supply (M3)

31,794,803.44

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

6,333,064.28

Money Supply (M2)

25,461,739.17

-- Quasi Money

14,773,076.98

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,688,662.18

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,711,763.59

---- Demand Deposits

8,976,898.59

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

18,990,400.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,804,402.66

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,062,986.22

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,980,229.66

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

7,093,619.43

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

-4,144,571.43

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

23,082,756.56

--Other Assets Net

13,258,583.57

Reserve Money (Base Money

6,811,192.37

--Currency in Circulation

2,100,129.91

--Banks Reserves

4,366,259.05

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ Ă™Ă–Ă“Ă?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ÍŻÍąĎą

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT MONDAY, 25 MARCH 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $66.19 a barrel on Monday, compared with $66.67 the previous Friday, 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

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍˇ

MARKET NEWS

Merger: Diamond Bank Shareholders Set to Receive Consideration Goddy Egene DShareholders of Diamond Bank Plc will soon receive consideration of cash and shares following the its proposed merger with Access Bank Plc. The bank entered into merger agreement with Access Bank Plc late last year. The merger would involve Access Bank acquiring the entire issued share capital of Diamond Bank in exchange for a combination of cash and shares in Access

Bank. Based on the agreement reached by the boards of the two financial institutions, Diamond Bank shareholders will receive a consideration of N3.13 per share, comprising of N1.00 per share in cash and the allotment of two new Access Bank ordinary shares for every seven Diamond Bank ordinary shares held as at the Implementation Date. Immediately following completion of the merger, Diamond Bank would be absorbed into Access

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Bank and it will cease to exist under Nigerian law. Also, the current listing of Diamond Bankâ€™s shares on the NSE and the listing of Diamond Bankâ€™s global depositary receipts on the London Stock Exchange will be cancelled, upon the merger becoming effective. In notification to the NSE yesterday, Access Bank Plc has urged shareholders of Diamond Bank to forward their accurate personal details so as to get receive the consideration.

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

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â€œFollowing the court sanction of the scheme of merger between Access Bank P lcand Diamond Bank Plc, the shareholders of Diamond Bank Plc will receive the scheme consideration of cash and shares as stipulated in the scheme document. The shareholders of Diamond Bank Plc are therefore required to take the necessary steps to ensure the accuracy of their personal details (full name, address, email address, mobile number and

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

BVN) with the registrars of Access Bank Plc,â€? the bank said. Shareholders of the Diamond Bank had approved the merger early this month. Commenting on the votes by shareholders, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie, said: â€œI am happy that the shareholders of Diamond Bank have supported this merger. The merger will bring together the complementary retail and corporate banking capabilities of

O F

two of Nigeriaâ€™s leading banks, creating Africaâ€™s largest retail bank by customer base and Gateway to the World.â€? Meanwhile, the Nigerian equities market closed the second trading session of week almost flat as the NSE All-Share Index declined marginally by 0.01 per cent to close 31,038.86. Thus, the month-to-date and the year-to-date return has declined by 2.14 per cent and 1.25 per cent respectively.

2 1 / 0 3 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

5 ) * 4 % ": t WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

VAT Designed to Support Poor Nigerians, Says Fowler The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Tunde Fowler, has stated that Value Added Tax (VAT) was designed to support poor Nigerians and not to create hardship for them, as it is charged on consumption and capacity to consume. The FIRS boss made the clarification in Lagos at the weekend at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Tax Outlook (NTO) Stakeholders Roundtable Series organised

by Nigeria Taxpayer Hub. He noted that the revenue generated from VAT is channeled towards assisting the poor by providing basic amenities. “When you don’t consume certain categories of goods and services, you are not liable to pay VAT charges on those items. VAT is not charged on all medical and pharmaceutical products. It is not charged on basic food items. It is not charged

Unpaid Salaries Killed Kogi’s Judicial Officer, Say Colleagues Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja The death of Mr. Zekery Aguye, a Magistrate and Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation) with the Kogi State judiciary, has led to unease in the service with colleagues attributing his demise to backlog of unpaid salaries. Aguye reportedly died last Tuesday at the National Hospital Abuja after a protracted battle with prostate cancer. He eventually died at the National Hospital, where he was initially being treated before discontinuing treatment due to alleged inability to offset his medical bills. The Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Mr. Yahaya Adamu, who confirmed the sad development, described Aguye’s death as pathetic. He described the deceased as one of the best hands in the state judiciary. “I am very sorry to say that even as we subscribe to the will of almighty Allah, who gives and takes life, you and I know certainly that sometimes there are deaths that are evitable. “In this particular one, we feel it may have been further delayed if we had continued to manage his ailment as we were doing in the past before the judiciary was financially grounded,” he said. According to him, Aguye’s illness surfaced two years when he was diagnosed of the disease. He pointed out with quick response and the concerted attention of the family and judiciary, the deceased received the proper medical treatment. Adamu added: “He was taken

to the National Hospital where he was treated, to the extent that he even started driving his car by himself, having survived the critical period of the illness also affected his spine. “When it all started, we thought it was one of those usual ailments. But when it became obvious that he needed to be handled by specialists, we headed for the National Hospital. “You will agree with me that treatment there is highly capital intensive. So, in conjunction with the family and other wells wishers, he was revived. “He was subsequently placed on drugs and periodic examinations by the hospital, which we consistently complied with. “This processes costs between N400,000 and N500,000 monthly, depending on the result of the tests. “By the grace of God and with the cooperation of the family and others we were coping with the management of the illness. “However, we started having problems with his treatment as from the middle of last year when the Kogi State judiciary started facing funding crises. “At this point, his salary, allowances and even the little assistance the judiciary was giving him ceased to come anymore. “His care suddenly became the exclusive responsibility of the wife and the family alone. “You’ll surely agree with me that, coupled with the children’s demands, it will be difficult for the wife to bear this enormous burden.

Supreme Court Judge, Bage Emerges New Emir of Lafia Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia A Supreme Court Justice, Justice Sidi Bage, has emerged as the new Emir of Lafia following the demise of the former Emir, Isa Mustapha Agwai, about two months ago in an Abuja hospital. The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Haruna Osegba, announced the emergence of Justice Bage as the new Emir of Lafia while briefing journalists shortly after a meeting Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura held with traditional rulers at the Government House, Lafia. The commissioner continued that the Supreme Court justice contested for the stool of the

Lafia Emirate Council with Musa Isa Mustapha of Dala ruling house where the jurist, who is from Ari ruling house, polled four votes to emerge winner of the contest. Bage, according to the commissioner, was appointed justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in December 2016, and has his selection as the new Emir of Lafia by the college of selectors approved by Governor Al-Makura. Similarly, the governor has approved the selection of Isa Abubakar Umar as the new Sangarin of Awe, and Usman Dodo as the new Oso Kadako of Kadarko following their selection as by the various selectors of their respective traditional domains.

on books and educational materials. It is not charged on baby products, fertilizers, locally produced agricultural and veterinary medicine. VAT is not charged on farming machinery and farming transportation equipment,” he explained. He equally explained that VAT is not charged on all exports, plant machinery and goods imported for use in Export Processing Zones and free trade zones, provided that 100 percent production of such company is for export. According to the FIRS boss, other services exempted from

VAT are medical services, services rendered by community banks, mortgage Institutions, plays and performances conducted by educational institutions as part of learning and all exported services are exempted from VAT. Fowler also clarified what he told the Senate Committee on Finance last week, saying what he called for was an increase in the number of Nigerians and companies paying VAT and not a 50 per cent increase in VAT rate. He also called for a reduction in Companies Income Tax (CIT) rate for small

businesses so as to improve compliance. “Some people got it a bit wrong. Let me clarify some things. I understand that some people misunderstand what the VAT is. VAT is a consumption tax. If you don’t have money to purchase certain categories of goods and services and you don’t consume them, then VAT is not your problem. VAT is used to assist the needy. VAT provides support for the needy, not a hardship on them. Eighty-five per cent of VAT collected is shared among states for them to provide free education, free

health services, provide basic amenities among others,” he stated. He added that if countries like United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, which are rich in oil resources would be laying emphasis on taxation, Nigeria should also emulate them. At the event, experts in tax practice, administration and tax consultants from KPMG, Pedabo, Deloitte, Ascension, PWC, Anderson Tax, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Drudge among others pointed ways forward for tax practice in Nigeria

APC CHIEFTAINS...

L-R: Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; and National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, during the Progressives Governors’ Forum meeting with the APC Chairman at Nigeria Governors’ Forum secretariat in Abuja...Monday

Imo Deputy Gov Urges APC Members to Celebrate Okorocha’s Humiliation Amby Uneze in Owerri The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, has called on the leadership and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united, charging them to join hands to rebuild and reposition the party, adding that they should celebrate because the party did not lose election rather the governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha lost. He made the assertion while addressing a cross section of APC faithful from his Mbaitoli local

government area. Madumere commended his party members for their resolute to rid the party of unpatriotic elements, including Rochas Okorocha who he described as a man who after ‘eating a meal served him by the people of Imo state, chose not to say thank them but instead broke the plate they served him the food’. The deputy governor who is the leader of the party in the state insisted that APC never lost any elections in Imo but that the party was “more interested in producing a leadership that would stand for the people, empathize with the people

and ultimately change their situation from worse to better”. “The truth is that we did not lose any election. Posterity will remember us well because we said no to bad leadership. We are on the side of the people. Our people surely will be appreciative of our effort in the journey to liberate our state from hands of the Emperor. It is true that we are not on the saddle today but we are rest assured that our people would always remember what we had to do to ensure they are not perennially enslaved and that their spirits are conquered by whims and caprices of just one man with

his family”, he stressed. Madumere therefore advised all the members not to leave the party, saying that the party remains in the mainstream having won the presidency and also in strong control of the National Assembly, adding “with what the party will achieve, it is easy to bounce back in the state”. He also hinted that he will join hands with other forward looking leaders of the party to rebuild and reposition the party against future elections, insisting that APC was the best thing that had happened to Nigeria by its policies.

Court Orders EFCC to Charge Lawyer, Ex-senator by March 28 The FCT High Cour in Apo, Abuja yesterday ordered the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to charge an Abuja-based lawyer, Monday Ubani and a former senator, Christopher Enai to court or release them on bail on or before March, 28. Justice Silvanus Oriji gave the order after listening to the submissions of the applicants in an ex-parte motion filed by their counsel Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN). The judge also in alternative

granted bail to the applicants in the sum of N50 million with two reasonable sureties, who must be civil servants on level 15. The court had also ordered that the applicants must deposit their international passport. Ozekhome, counsel to the applicants, in the motion exparte, prayed the court to order the EFCC to grant the applicants bail on self-recognisance or liberal terms pending arraignment. He also prayed an order of the court to direct the EFCC to immediately release the

applicant on bail pending formal arraignment of applications before a court. He also asked for an order of the court directing the respondent whether by themselves, their agents ,employee, operatives, detectives, investigating officers to produce the applicants before a court on next adjourned date of this matter. The senior advocate also stated that the applicants have been detained beyond the constitutionally provided

limit by the EFCC. Ubani, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch and Enai, ex-senator representing Bayelsa were invited and detained by the EFCC operatives on March, 19. The applicants were detained for standing as sureties for Ngozi Olejeme, who once served as the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) from 2009 to 2015. They are yet to be charge to court by the EFCC.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

$1.2bn Tax Assessment: AGF Asks Court to Strike out MTN’s Suit

Davidson Iriekpen

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) yesterday asked a Federal High Court in Lagos to strike out a suit by MTN Nigeria Communication Ltd, challenging a N242 billion and $1.2 billion import duties and withholding tax assessments. The AGF, represented by his counsel, Mr T.A Gazali, also prayed the court to decline jurisdiction in the suit, dismiss or strike out same, for being statute barred, while arguing his notice of preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case. MTN instituted the suit by a writ, dated September 10, 2018, challenging the legality of the AGF’s assessment of its import duties, withholding tax and value added tax in the sums of N242 billion and $1.2billion. The plaintiff is seeking among other reliefs, a declaration that the AGF’s demand of the sums of N242 billion and $1.2 billion from MTN, is premised on a process which is malicious, unreasonable and made on incorrect legal basis. At the last adjourned date on February 7, the court had fixed yesterday for hearing of the preliminary objection by the AGF, after parties informed the

court of service of their various processes. When the case resumed yesterday, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), appeared for MTN, leading other senior counsel, Gazali, a Chief State Counsel from the Federal Ministry of Justice, announced appearance for the AGF. Adopting his notice of preliminary objection, Gazali told the court that the motion dated November 5, 2018 and filed on November 7, 2018, was brought pursuant to the provisions of sections 28 of the Public Officers Protection Act. He said that his motion was supported by a written address of same date, and he adopted same in urging the court to decline jurisdiction in the suit as same was statute barred. He said that consequent upon the plaintiff’s response to the objection, he had also filed a reply on points of law dated March 22 and filed March 25. He said: “The action of the plaintiff arose, following a letter written by the AGF to MTN, asking them to pay taxes which in my opinion, they evaded.” He argued that the plaintiff instituted the suit more than three months after the said letter was served, adding that same rendered it statute barred.

Besides, he argued that it is the prerogative of the AGF to seek payment in cases where government is “short changed”, adding that the question whether the Public officer acted within the scope of his office, can only be determined if the suit is filed within three months. He said that once there is such failure to file within stipulated time, then the suit is of no significance. Gazali urged the court to decline jurisdiction, strike or dismiss the suit as it pleases the court. In response, Olanipekun adopted plaintiff’s written address in response to the defendant’s notice of preliminary objection. He argued that the defendant by his application is not arguing that the action is statute barred

but simply justifying its action, adding that certain paragraphs of its application is misleading. He argued that the Public Officers Protection Act only protects officers acting within the ambit of the law, and that it is the plaintiff’s case that vest the court with jurisdiction. Drawing a distinction between two letters written by the AGF in May and August, Olanipekun argued that in the May letter, the demand sum was stated as N114 billion and 854 million dollars. He, however, said that in a subsequent letter of August, the sum was now stated as N242 billion and 1.2 billion dollars, describing same as amounting to about 100 percent increase. He said that following defendant’s noticed to plaintiff

of its intention to initiate processings against it, plaintiff consequently, filed an action in court. Olanipekun argued that the matter is a live action, it is extant, it is continuous, adding that the defendant’s letter of August supercede that of May, and has not abated or been withdrawn. He urged the court to dismiss the defendant’s notice of preliminary objection. After listening to respective submissions of Counsel, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke reserved ruling on the preliminary objection until May 7. In its writ of summons, MTN is seeking declaratory reliefs on the following grounds: That the purported “Revenue assets investigation” allegedly carried out by the Federal

Government on MTN, for the period of 2007 to 2017, and its decision conveyed through the office of the AGF by a letter dated Aug. 20, violates the provisions of section 36 of the constitution. A Declaration that the AGF acted in excess of its powers, by purporting to direct through its letter of May 10, a “self assessment exercise” which usurps the powers of the Nigerian Customs Service to demand payment of import duties on importation of physical goods. A Declaration that the AGF acted illegally, by usurping the powers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, to audit and demand remittance of withholding tax and value added tax.

Ninth Senate: Gumel Laments Depletion of Ranking Senators A member of the National Assembly, Senator Abdullahi Gumel, has expressed concern over the decline in the number of Senators returning to the 9th Senate. Gumel (APC-Jigawa) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview yesterday in Abuja that the continuous turnover of lawmakers to the National Assembly, particularly the Senate had negative implications. He said the development had led to loss of experience in legislative activities and waste of the nation’s resources, among others. He stressed that the country often spent a lot of money training and retraining lawmakers to master the act of effective lawmaking, only to stay for four years or at most eight years. According to him, only few senators have been in the national assembly since the return of democracy in 1999. “In developed democracies you see someone spending 30 to 40 years in the parliament, gathering experience and not wasting the nation’s resources. “In every set of the legislature the lawmakers undergo capacity building in terms of training within and outside the country and the nation spend a lot to build their capacity. “Unfortunately, in every election we lose such talents and we have to start all over again,” he said. Gumel hoped that Nigeria would learn from other countries by ensuring that lawmakers won their re-election bids as many times as possible. He, however, urged lawmakers to live up to

expectations in order to gain the support of their constituents to get re-elected to the national assembly as many times as they wanted. On beliefs in some quarters that former governors who are first timers in the national assembly are not novices in matters of legislation, Gumel argued that they might be experienced in governance but not lawmaking. The lawmaker pointed out that they still needed extensive training to carry out the mandate of the legislature, which is the second arm of government. “The experience they have is executive experience not legislative experience. The legislature is a world of its own and its rudiments must be learnt,” he said. Gumel, who lost his reelection bid to return to the senate for the second time, hinted that he was retiring from elective politics. “I have paid my dues. I have been in politics for the last 40 years. I am satisfied and proud to say I have been in politics for this length of time. “I have reached the pinnacle of my ambition which is to become a senator. I do not have the attraction of being a governor and I will be too old to start seeking to be president. So far, only 43 serving senators out of 109, have been cleared to return to the Senate. With this, not less than 60 new lawmakers will make it to the ninth Senate and it would take them a while, in spite of their experience in various fields of endeavor, to adjust to the legislative environment.

APC AFFAIR...

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode; Wife of APC National Leader, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senator Olalekan Yayi; Senatorelect, Opeyemi Bamidele; and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, during President Muhammadu Buhari’s dinner with APC NWC members, returning and newly -elected senators in Abuja...Monday

Alleged Campaign Financing: Court to Hear Suit Seeking to Disqualify Buhari, Atiku on May 7 The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until May 7, a suit seeking the disqualification of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar over alleged excess spending on campaigns. The presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement, (NRM), Mr. Usman Ibrahim-Alhaji, dragged the duo to court alleging that they both spent over N1 billion each on campaign expenses in the presidential elections. Ibrahim-Alhaji prayed the

court to invoke Section 91(2) of the Electoral Act, 2010 to nullify the participation of Buhari and Atiku in the Feb. 23 presidential election for allegedly violating the Electoral Act 2010. The plaintiff through his counsel, Mr Ezekiel Ofou alleged that by spending over N1 billion each, Buhari and Atiku violated the electoral law and were liable to be removed as contestants in the election. At the resumed hearing yesteday, Ofou informed the court that he had served the processes on Buhari and Atiku

through substituted means as was ordered by the court on March 5. He, however, acknowledged that even though they were yet to respond, according to the law, had up till 30 days within which to respond. He added that since they were served on May 22, they had until April 22 to respond, thereby asked the court for an adjournment to enable the defendants file their responses. The trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed agreed with the counsel and adjourned the matter until May 7 for further mention.

Mohammed said that since the defendants were still within time to respond, it could not be adjourned for hearing, but rather for further mention. On the last adjourned date, Ofou had told the that he found it extremely difficult to serve the court papers on Buhari and Atiku, who were the main defendants in the suit because of the retinue of security around them. Ofou then moved an ex parte motion in which he prayed the court for an order of substituted service on the two major defendants which was granted by the judge.

Zamfara Police Confirm Abduction of Expatriate Doctor The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed that the missing expatriate, Dr. Jeng Sunail, might have been abducted by bandits. In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Mohammed Shehu, the police said Sunail was reported missing at the Tsafe Divisional Police office

by one of his colleagues, Dr. Li Dong. “On March 26, Dr. Li Dong reported to the police that his colleague, Dr. Jang Sunail, was missing from his apartment which he shares with three other colleagues from the hospital,’’ Shehu said. He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Celestine

Okoye, had dispatched officers from the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and Anti Kidnapping Squad team to commence investigation and a search and rescue operation. An eye witness in Tsafe town Mustapha Magazu, told journalists that bandits

invaded the town at around 9:00 p.m. on Monday and went straight to Sunail’s room and took him away. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the victim, a Korean, is one of the expatriate doctors engaged by the government on contract at the Tsafe General Hospital as a Physiotherapist.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Wike Never Offered AAC’s Guber Candidate N3bn to Drop Ambition, Says Commissioner Davidson Iriekpen The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah, yesterday stated that Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) never offered the governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Biokpomabo Awara, N3 billion or any sum to drop his governorship ambition. Okah, who doubles as the Director of Information and Communications of PDP Campaign Council in Rivers, alleged that AAC’s standardbearer had mastered the art of telling lies, since the All Progressives Congress (APC) adopted his party in the state. The 40-year-old Awara, an engineer, who hails from KulaKalabari in Akuku-Toru Local

Government Area of Rivers, while addressing reporters in Abuja, disclosed that he earlier turned down N3 billion that Wike offered him “some days ago,” through the governor’s associates, but he maintained that his running mate, Akpo Yeeh, 67, an Ogoni, resigned on Monday and defected to PDP, after he collected Wike’s N200 million bribe. Rivers information commissioner said: “The allegation is childish and ridiculous. Does he know the weight of N3 billion? Where will the governor get such money to give anybody as bribe to win an election that he has already won? What did Awara do or will do that will make the governor offer him such money? Is it for the lies he tells or the election he contested and failed? Even

though lying is part of the APC, Awara is running faster than his masters in learning the art of falsehood. “Awara stands before history to elect between darkness and light and whichever course he chooses will have political implication for the rest of his life. Awara is advised to toe the

line of honour mapped by his deputy, Elder Akpo Bomba Yeeh, and free himself from the yoke of standing before history to answer questions which his inordinate ambition has inflicted on the state. “How will Awara explain to God and men of goodwill that he does not care about

those that died during the governorship and House of Assembly elections; robbing Rivers people their right to choose the governor they like and indeed, the huge economic toll the state has to bear as a result of his recklessness in wanting to serve the wrong master at the wrong time and

at all costs?” Okah also assured AAC’s governorship candidate that unless he responds in full to the weighty issues raised during Monday’s news conference by his defecting running mate, a huge burden would continue to hover over his (Awara’s) head.

Ondo: Birth Certificate Now Condition for Enrolment in Schools James Sowole in Akure Ondo State Government said yesterday that presentation of Birth Certificate would now be a condition for enrollment of pupils into primary schools. Similarly, the government said presentation of same document is now a pre-condition for children under the age of five to access free medical treatment in the state. The state Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, stated this at stakeholders meeting on Accelerated Birth Registration, an initiative of his wife Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu in Akure. The governor said the steps became necessary to assist the state in planning for the future of the children. “We will provide policy statements that will ensure effective registration of children so that they can have better lives. He said lack of well functioning birth registration system had made it impossible for both federal and state governments to adequately plan for its citizen, especially young children. Akeredolu said birth certificate would provide documentary evidence required for relevant occasion, such as school enrolment, voting and graduation saying this will give right of identity to the children. He therefore called on community leaders to play positive role in ensuring that

new birth are registered in their communities. The governor called for synergy with the National Population Commission (NPC) and Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Board to ensure accelerated birth registration in the state. Wife of the governor, Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, said that little attention was being paid on birth registration in the country adding that government had shown little commitment to ensure that no child is deprived of the right. “It is very sad to note that in our country, Nigeria, the birth of more than half of children under age five are not registered while only one woman out of four women who has a child under age five knows the process of registering the birth of that child. “More saddening is the fact that Ondo State has one of the worse birth registration coverage in South-west as only 68 per cent of our children are registered. Health commissioner in the state Wahaab Adegbenro said one million children in the state are unregistered noting that parents wait till their children wanted to travel or gain admission before seeking to register them. The UNICEF field officer in the state, Tejinder Saidhu lauded the progressive initiative of the wife of the governor and pledge support of UNICEF for its success.

Supreme Court to Hold Special Session for Justice Chukwuma-Eneh The Supreme Court of Nigeria will tomorrow hold a Special Court Session in honour of late Justice Christopher Chukwuma-Eneh. A statement by Mr. Akande Festus, the court’s Director of Press and Information, said that the Supreme Court justice died on February 26 in Enugu, his home state.

He said that the special court session would be presided over by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad. Justice Mohammad would also customarily pay tribute to the late Justice ChukwumaEneh alongside other major stake holders in the nation’s justice sector.

BUDGET DEFENCE...

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and Senator Lanre Tejuosho, after 2018 Budget defence session by the minister before the Senate Committee on Land Transport in Abuja ....yesterday Julius Atoi

Focus on Development Issues, Not Campaign of Calumny, Ajimobi Admonishes Opposition Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has advised the incoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration to focus on developmental issues instead of its renewed campaign of calumny against his person, family and administration which are aimed at tarnishing his image and rubbishing his eight-year selfless service to the state. The governor spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji, yesterday. More than two weeks after the elections have produced winners and losers, he said that the opposition parties

ought to start talking about their plans for the state and how to build on the foundation of development laid by his administration instead of carrying on with their acrimonious campaign, laced with outright falsehood and innuendoes and hatred. Ajimobi said that he was appalled by the unprovoked media attacks by the opposition parties, especially sympathisers of the PDP and its governorship candidate, who were still practising politics of bitterness that Oyo state, under his tenure, has since left behind. The governor appealed to the traditional and online media

practitioners to be circumspect in churning out unverified information being supplied to them by their unscrupulous sources, who were bent on spreading inflammatory rhetoric. He said available information revealed that these purveyors of falsehood have recruited some online medium to carry out some of their nefarious activities. Ajimobi said, “It is disheartening that more than two weeks after the election, the opposition parties, especially the PDP have carried on as if they are still campaigning. “Now that elections have been won and lost, there should

be an end to acrimonious and incendiary comments. Political discussion has moved from the pre-2011 era. Our focus is on politics of issues and development. “That is what we expect from them, not personal attacks and falsehood-laced statements indicating their unpreparedness for governance. “I’m not unaware that during campaigns some politicians adopted the campaign of calumny as strategy believing it would give them undue advantage, but such does not last. What the electorate expects is to be educated on their blueprint for the development of the state.”

Dickson: Why States Should Own Oil Blocks Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Seriake Dickson, yesterday argued that aside investing in the power sector, states should also be allowed to own oil blocks. Dickson said the initial plan after jointly acquiring some shares in the power sector was for the states to go further and invest in the oil industry. A statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said Dickson spoke at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where business and political leaders from across Africa and other

parts of the world gathered for a two-day conference. To achieve this, the governor maintained that all the states in the South-south must resuscitate the BRACED commission to effectively coordinate such huge projects. “In the South-south, we have the BRACED Commission comprising Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta. The reason for such a regional bloc is that if the states came together, those things we cannot do individually, we may be able to pool our resources. “For instance, we had the regional body encouraging all our states to invest in the

power sector when Nigeria introduced privatisation. Now we have the 4Power Consortium Limited, which is jointly owned by Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states. “We used the company to acquire assets in the biggest power company in the region, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, which we jointly own. “The thinking was that we were going to proceed from that to invest in oil blocs. My state, and indeed my region, is where you have the oil assets in Nigeria and it has been so for over 60 years” he said. He however said some-

times politics and political considerations affect well-intended programmes everywhere you have such blocs. He added that his administration focused on investing in critical infrastructure that drive economic growth in order to attract investors to the state. “I keep saying that investment in education is the ultimate. We have built a lot of schools, schools and yet more schools, from primary to secondary. We have also built two universities - the University of Africa and the Bayelsa Medical University as well as a state polytechnic and college of education.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Police Launch Manhunt for Abductors of Catholic Priest as CAN Tasks Govt on Insecurity John Shiklam in Kaduna The police in Kaduna have launched a manhunt for the abductors of Rev. Fr. John Bako Shekwolo, the Parish Priest of St. Theresa Catholic

Church, Ankwa Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, by unknown gunmen. The Catholic priest was reportedly abducted by gunmen on Monday at about 8a.m. at his residence.

It’s Not Your Interest to Appeal, Osun PDP Tells Oyetola Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday advised Governor Gboyega Oyetola to “salvage his eroding integrity”, by choosing not to appeal against the judgement of the tribunal panel that sacked him as governor of Osun State. By accepting the option of not appealing the judgement, the PDP said Oyetola would be seen as a hero, the development that may offer him even bigger political opportunity in the future. The PDP, in a statement signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Diran Odeyemi, copies of which were made available to newsmen, also urged Oyetola to search his conscience and ask himself if he truly won the September 22governorship election. Odeyemi in the statement said, “We are aware that the sacked governor of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, professes Islam which like other religions teaches fairness, equality, peace and truthfulness he should search his conscience and ask this pertinent question “did I truly win the governorship election”? “Sentiment apart, Alhaji Oyebola is a refined gentleman, very religious but whose gubernatorial election was favourably manipulated by

APC and INEC to discredit his person and personal belief and we believe he will not want his integrity to be dragged into the mud” “The whole world as represented by International observers knew how INEC and security agencies colluded with the APC to rig the poll including the rerun and we knew it would not stand” The PDP spokesperson further told Oyetola not to succumb to the pressure from the people that want to use him to have continued access to Osun’s treasury. “Oyetola should remember that he will continue to bear the moral burden of sitting on another man’s mandate, he should remember that history will continue to recall him as a beneficiary of a stolen mandate.” “But the judgement delivered at the Tribunal presently offers him a rear chance to restitute and tow the part of honour as we are aware that INEC is unwilling to appeal the unambiguous conclusion of the judges” Odeyemi added. He then commended the judiciary for standing for the truth and warned APC against further disrespect for the judiciary and the Constitution of the country by attempting to circumvent the course of justice.

Court to Resume $406.7m Oil Shipment Suit against Shell on June 6 A Federal High Court in ALagos will on June 6 resume trial in a suit filed by the federal government against Shell Western Supply & Trading Limited over alleged 406.7 million dollars deprivation in crude oil shipment. The suit numbered FHC/L/ CS/336/16 was filed in Lagos by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN) on behalf of the federal government. Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nig. Ltd. and its subsidiary, Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd. are defendants in the suit before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun. The trial was stalled on Tuesday following absence of the judge who is said to be on another official assignment. In the suit, the federal government is claiming the sum of 406.7 million dollars from the defendants as shortfall of money paid by them into the federal government account. The money was said to be for crude oil lifted by the defendants in 2013 and 2014. The government said that the Anglo-Dutch company did not declare or under-declared crude

oil shipments during the period. It said that forensic analysis of bills of laden and shipping documents showed that Shell cheated Nigeria with regard to the revenue. According to the government, experts tracked global movement of Nigeria’s hydro-carbons, including crude oil and gas, and identified that the companies engaged in practices that led to missing revenues from crude oil sales and gas export to different parts of the world. The federal government said that the tracking also revealed discrepancies in the export records from Nigeria with the import records at U.S. ports. It averred that the undeclared shipments from January 2013 to December 2014 brought the total value of the entire shortfall to 406.75 million dollars. It also alleged that the defendants failed to respond to its letter seeking clarification as regards the alleged discrepancies. The federal government, is therefore, seeking a court order to compel the two companies to pay the 406.7 million dollars.

The gunmen were said to have forcibly took him away to an unknown destination as they fired gunshots to scare people in the community. Spokesman of the state police command, Yakubu Sabo, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the gunmen abducted the clergy man at about 8a.m. on Monday. He said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kachia, alongside operatives from the command’s anti-kidnapping unit were promptly mobilised and were combing the general area with a view to rescue the clergy man and arrest the criminals.

Sabo said the police were doing everything humanly possible to track down and arrest the criminals. The statement called on members of the public to assist the police with relevant information that could help in curbing the menace of banditry and kidnapping in the state. Meanwhile the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the abduction the Catholic priest. In a statement on Monday, state chairman of the association, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, lamented that kidnapping was becoming a big business in

Kaduna state and appealed to the abductors release Shekwolo without hurting him. “While we note with pains that kidnapping in Kaduna State has become a big business, we appeal to the consciousness of the kidnappers to kindly release Father Shekwolo unhurt. “It is sad that Kaduna State has become centre of kidnapping with government doing almost nothing to stop it. “This shows there is governance failure as far as security of lives and property is concern. “Unless we stop playing lips service to issues of security, the evil of kidnapping and other

insecurity problems will not stop,” the statement said. Hayab called on the government and security agencies to wake up to their full responsibilities of protecting lives and property of the citizens which is the essence of government existence. “To the kidnappers, CAN appeal to them to please release the poor and innocent Priest unhurt to the waiting hands of the church and his family. “I am appealing to all faithful and lovers of peace to continue to pray for Father Shekwolo and for God to touch the hearts of the kidnappers,” the statement said.

ANOTHER HONOUR FOR GAIDAM...

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (right), receiving a Diamond Excellence Award for supporting NAFDAC from the Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, during the 25th anniversary celebration of the agency at the State House in Abuja ....yesterday

N8bn CBN Scam: Court Dismisses Defendant’s Objection to EFCC Evidence Justice Nathaniel AyoEmmanuel of the Federal High Court, Ibadan yesterday dismissed the objection raised by the second defendant, Muniru Olaniran, in the N8 billion CBN currency scam case. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Olaniran had in a trial within trial objected to the documentary evidence tendered against him by Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on grounds that “the investigators had threatened, torture, intimidated and harassed him if he refused to lie against himself.’’

Ayo-Emmanuel held that the defendant had not proved why the court should reject the evidence tendered against him by the EFCC. “I am convinced that Olaniran voluntarily answered the questions put to him and I am also convinced that he voluntarily signed the statements. “It is instructive to note that I have delivered a similar ruling in the objection raised by the first defendant, Kolawole Babalola, involving the same set of statements on Feb. 19. “Consequently, the objection

raised by Olaniran is overruled and all the statements tendered by EFCC are admitted,” the judge ruled. At the resumed trial, Mr Saliu Kadir, an EFCC investigator, had told the court that 49 boxes meant to contain N490 million was found to be containing only N79 million, leaving a shortage of over N410 million.Kadir said this while testifying before AyoEmmanuel. The EFCC witness also said that Babalola and Olaniran, the first and second accused persons, received the boxes from commercial banks on

behalf of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the duo also made false presentation to the apex bank that the boxes indeed contained N490 million through the slip found in one of the boxes. NAN reports that Babalola and Olaniran with others had since 2015 been facing multiple charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful conversion, forgery, stealing and recirculation of mutilated currency at Ibadan branch of CBN. Ayo-Emmanuel adjourned the case till March 27.

Kaduna Records 4,023 New TB Cases A total of 4,023 new cases of tuberculosis were recorded across Kaduna State in 2018, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Dogo, has said Dogo however said at a news conference on Tuesday in Kaduna to mark the World Tuberculosis Day 87 per cent of the new cases were treatment successfully. He attributed the high number of new TB infections to low level awareness of its causes and insufficient gene Xpert machines used for detecting the disease in the state.

Dogo said that the state would scale up access to prevention and treatment, build accountability and ensure sufficient and sustainable financing for TB treatment and research. “We hope to promote an end to the stigma and discriminations, and promote an equitable rights-based and people-centered TB response,” he said. The commissioner said the state would sustain its houseto-house search for new active cases of tuberculosis to raise

the detection rate in the state. According to him, the state government will increase the number of Gene Xpert machines from 11 to 23 and strengthen its tuberculosis surveillance department to track all cases. He added that the government would make it mandatory for all private health care providers to report tuberculosis cases and improve the participation of the media in raising awareness on tuberculosis and leprosy. “Currently, there are 444 health centres carrying out

the TB control and treatment activities in the state and we urge the residents to visit any of the health centres.” The commissioner explained that testing and treatment of TB was was free and urged those having running cough for two weeks to go for test in any of the health centres. In his comments, the Director, Public Health, Dr Ado Zakari urged the state government to scale up its awareness programmes as many residents are not aware that the disease was curable.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

National Assembly Election: Tribunal Receives Four Petitions in Ondo James Sowole in Akure The Election Petition Tribunal set up to address complaints from the National Assembly and House of Assembly Elections Tribunal received only four petitions on elections held in Ondo State.

The petitions comprised of three House of Representatives and one for senatorial election held on February 23, 2019. In the House of Representatives election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ilaje/ Ese Ondo Federal Constituency,

FG Acted Wisely on AfCFTA Consultation Agreement, Says Afreximbank Boss President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, has said the federal government acted wisely in broadening consultation as regards the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Oramah said this at the 2019 Bullion Lecture with the theme: ‘Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement for Nigeria’s Economic Development’, organised by the Centre for Financial Journalism in Lagos. He noted that such consultations with all interested parties would strengthen the federal government in negotiating tariff and other concessions. According to him, when Nigeria finally decides to join, such consultation should be rapidly concluded so that the country can join the trading bloc at the inception stage. This, Oramah said, would afford the country the opportunity to participate fully in the consultations on a number of key parameters. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the AfCFTA is a trade agreement between 49 African Union member states with the goal of creating a single market followed by free movement and a single-currency union. NAN also reports that AfCFTA was signed in Kigali, Rwanda, on March 21, 2018 and the signing of the agreement was yet to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area. ‘’It will function as an umbrella to which protocols and

annexes will be added; once all documents are concluded and ratified by 22 states, the free trade area will formally exist. ‘’Adjustment in domestic policies and incentive structures should be made to boost domestic production capacity in the country,” he said. The Afreximbank boss said the agreement would also allow the country to take advantage of the large continental market. Oramah expressed optimism that the agreement would go a long way in transforming Nigeria and Africa as a whole economically if leveraged on the enormous opportunities that AfCFTA offers. He said: “It cannot be realised without the participation of all economies, particularly Nigeria. ‘’The issues surrounding trade treaties can be complex benefits, and can sometimes come slowly and chances are that there can be sudden disappointment. “That’s why we believe that the Nigerian government acted wisely in broadening a consultation with all interested parties.” Oramah also noted that signing the AfCFTA agreement could create the opportunity for Nigeria to take over from China as the world largest manufacturing hub. “China today exports as much as 45 billion dollars of manufactured exports to Africa. “Free movement of goods and services among countries can further create a lot of jobs and in fact Nigeria stands a very good chance because the country has head start into many opportunities.

Oba of Benin Calls for Sanctions for Perpetrators of Human Trafficking The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to step into the fight against human trafficking and the rehabilitation of victims. The Oba of Benin made the call yesterday when he received the United States Charge d’ Affairs, Mr David Young, in his palace in Benin. Oba Ewuare urged the foreign body to work out sanctions for syndicates who were involved in human trafficking as well as the receiver countries. The monarch said there seems to be high demand for trafficking persons in Europe, hence the illegal business was thriving. He noted that if there is no demand, there will be no

supply. He however assured the United States Charge d’ Affairs of his readiness to work with them to combat the scourge of human trafficking. The Benin Monarch solicited for grant to Oba Ewuare II Foundation to enable it rehabilitate the victims of human trafficking. The Oba of Benin thanked the United States of America for its approach to combating the scourge which included prevention, protection and prosecution. He said that the palace has succeeded in stamping out the activities of Community Development Association (CDA) which hitherto constituted a clog in the will of progress in Benin Kingdom.

Mr. Donald Ojogo, challenged the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Kolade Akinjo, as the winner of the election. Counsel to the petitioner, Mr. Isaacs Kekemeke, hinged the petition on the grounds that the declaration violated 2019 regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections and asked the court to declare the election inconclusive and called for supplementary election in the constituency. In another petition, Mr. Albert Akintoye of the APC challenged the declaration of Mr Ikengbolu Gboluga of the PDP as the winner of the Okitipupa/ Irele Federal Constituency.

Akintoye in the petition filed on his behalf by Yinka Orokoto, said he gathered the majority of the lawful votes cast in the election but was manipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in favour of the PDP candidate. Akintoye was therefore seeking an order setting aside the certificate of return issued by INEC to Gboluga and declare him as winner of the election. Similarly, the PDP candidate for Ileoluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency, Mr Abayomi Akinfemiwa, challenged the return of Hon Mayowa Akinfolarin of the APC as winner of the election The petitioner through his

counsel, Mr Olumide Ogunja, submitted that election in some of the wards such as Odigbo, Ore, Oniparaga and Koseru were characterised by irregularities against Electoral Act as amended. Ogunja argued that Akinfemiwa having scored highest number of lawful votes ought to have been returned and should be returned as the winner of the election. In the fourth petition, the Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN) is challenging the declaration of Senator Ajayi Boroffice as senator-elect for the Ondo North senatorial district in the National Assembly election. Counsel to the MPN, Mr.

Remi Olatubora, submitted that INEC erred by unlawfully excluded the MPN from the ballot list and called for nullification of the election and order for fresh election in the district. The tribunal headed by Justice Nuhu Adi and has Justices V.U. Okorie and K.M. Alabo as members, is yet to commence formal sitting. Meanwhile the tribunal Secretary, Mr Livinus Ugwu, noted that the court has granted interlocutory applications for an order directing INEC to present for inspection materials used for the conduct of the elections and to make certified true copies available to the petitioners.

WELCOME TO EDO STATE...

Acting Governor, Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu (left), presenting a souvenir to the Charge d’ Affairs and Deputy Chief of Missions United States Embassy in Abuja, David Young, during a courtesy visit by the US envoy to the Government House, in Benin City....yesterday

CAC Registers 3,098,193 Companies in 28 Years The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) yesterday said it had registered 3,098,193 companies and firms in Part A, B and C categories from its inception in 1990 to March 21. The Acting Registrar General of CAC, Mrs Azinge Azuka, disclosed this at the commission customers forum in Abuja. Azuka said that in the last three years, the statistics on registration of firms and companies under Parts Limited Liability Company (A), Business Name (B) and Incorporated

Trustee (C) was 618,309. She explained that in 2016, the council got the sum of 175,098 from the LLC (A), 193,194 from Business name (B) in 2017 and 252,035 from Incorporated Trustee (C) in 2018. Azuka said the number of Annual Returns filed under the Parts A,B and C in the last three years was 190,078. According to her, the major thrust in the present administration is to revamp the Nigerian economy though

the support of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). She said the commission remained resolute in reviewing its processes regularly, in a bid to improve service delivery. “In that regard, work is at advanced stage to amend it enabling law, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) in collaboration with the National Assembly. “This seeks to ease starting and growing businesses in Nigeria , ensure more appropriate regulation for

MSMEs. “Enhance transparency and shareholders engagement align regulate framework with International best practices and make Nigeria an investment destination of choice,”she said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CAC was established by the Company and Allied Matters Act, which was promulgated in 1990 to regulate the formation and management of companies in Nigeria.

Edo Grants Clemency, Parole to 84 Prisoners The Edo State Government has granted clemency and parole to 84 inmates in various prison formations in the state, in alignment with the Federal Government’s commitment to decongest prisons across the country. The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, said the move has the backing of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Salihu Isah, with the aim of tackling

overcrowding in Nigerian Prisons. Prof. Omorogbe said the state government in conjunction with the Attorney General of the Federation and a donor agency raised the sum N9 million to secure the release of the prisoners, who could not meet their bail conditions due to their lowly status. According to her: “the high number of inmates awaiting trial for crimes ranging from stealing, breaking and

entering and other minor offenses, are the major causes of overcrowding. The state government is working hard to decongest and improve the living condition of prisoners as well as ensure proper rehabilitation of the inmates. Edo State Controller of Prisons, Mr. Joseph Esu Usendiah, said 23 inmates were being released from the Benin prisons, while 61 inmates are to be released across the various prisons in Edo state, bringing the total

number of those affected to 84. He said the move will help decongest the already overcrowded prisons, as it would help the Ministry properly manage resources for the welfare of the remaining inmates. One of the affected inmates, identified as Mr. Efosa, who has been in prison since 2016, thanked the Edo State Government for coming to their rescue. He said he is now a changed man and promised to lead a crime-free life.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Coalition of 28 Political Parties Rejects Tambuwal’s Victory A coalition of 28 political parties in Sokoto State yesterday rejected the victory of Governor Aminu Tambuwal at the governorship election in the state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared Tambuwal winner of the election after Saturday’s supplementary polls with a narrow margin of 342 votes, The Chief Collation/ Returning Officer, Prof. Fatima Mukhtar, said that Tambuwal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured the highest votes of 512, 002, defeating his close rival Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu of APC, who polled 511, 660 votes. Addressing a news conference in Sokoto, the coalition leader, Alhaji Musa Aliyu of the Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP), rejected the declaration.

Aliyu, the NEPP governorship candidate in Sokoto State, said that the process was flawed with irregularities and characterised by acts of violence which contravened the nation’s electoral laws and the Constitution. “Our decision was rightly informed by the glaring fact that the elections were hugely marred by myriad of flaws, which had rendered the result of the polls null, void and unacceptable. “We observed that the elections were characterised by massive vote-buying, intimidation, non-use of card reader machines as well as the duplication of voting in polling units where the polls were earlier conducted. “The coalition, therefore, deemed it necessary to unravel these infractions on the Electoral

Act 2010 as amended, as well as INEC’s Electoral Guidelines. “We are also in total and formidable support of All Progressives Congress (APC)

action to seek legal redress,” he said. He appealed to supporters and the entire people of the state to remain calm and law

abiding, “while we patiently await the outcome of the litigation on the polls”. Some of the delegates at the conference included Mujjitaba

Aminu of MPN, Muhammad Shehu of GPN, Lawali Haliru of UPP, Dan-Ali Kasarawa of LP and Bello Ibrahim of DPP.

Ship Owners to Engage FG on Disbursement of Carbotage Fund, Says President The newly-elected President of Shipowners’ Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Dr, Mkgeorge Onyung, has promised to ensure the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessels Finance Fund (CVFF) to maritime operators. Speaking after his election in Lagos on Tuesday, Onyung said that the association would engage the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Federal Ministry of Transportation over the disbursement of the fund. He said that the intervention fund was created for the benefits of shipowners and it must be disbursed for the purpose. “The CVFF is created for the benefit of indigenous shipowners and the fact that it had not been disbursed means something needs to be fine tuned. “So, I will come back with my team to look at what are the possibilities and what is the real nagging problem so that we can address it for a win-win situation.” “It is not my job to ensure CVFF is disbursed but I believe government is working on the disbursement but we will create a team that will address all issues that affect our members and the CVFF is one of them,” Onyung said. He said that its executive members would look at the best way to ensure that CVFF is disbursed to our members. Onyung said that the task ahead the new executive is enormous, adding that it’s members would support NIMASA’s five years waiver cessation plan for the actualisation of Cabotage Act. The newly elected president also promised to build an association that would engage stakeholders in the sector constructively to enable Nigeria become the hub in the West and Central Africa region. “The task for the future is very enormous, I want to see a very smoother relationship with our stakeholders and regulators.

“The shipping industry to be moved to the next level and creating a formidable team that will engage stakeholders. l will work with them and engage them positively.” Also speaking, the immediate past president of SOAN, Greg Ogeifun, expressed regret on the non disbursement of the CVFF by the government. He said the non disbursement had affected activities of shipowners to compete favourably in the sector globally. “I think Nigerian maritime sector has grown tremendously and the Nigerian content act is working with NIMASA to give opportunities to Nigerians who want to be ship owners. ”The challenge still remains that the funds that is statutorily designed to help the acquisition of ships by Nigerians is still being locked up by NIMASA and the ministry of transport. “That fund has to be released to be able to allow Nigerians acquire the ships and be able to take their rightful position, otherwise the opportunities for foreigners will continue to be there,” Ogbeifun said. He pledged to dedicate his contacts, time and resources, to the success of the incoming leadership. Revered Returning Officer, Mrs Margaret Orakwusi who declared the absolutely free and fair election results, announced Dr Mkgeorge Onyung as scoring 12 votes, to beat his co- contestant, Engr. Alfred Okoigun, who polled 10 votes. Members of SOAN newly elected executive are: Eno Williams (1st Vice President); Sonny Eja (2nd Vice President); Babalola Adefarati (Financial Secretary/ Treasurer) Others are Lucky Akhiwu (Chairman, Technical Committee); Wisdom Nwagwu ( Chairman, Training and Capacity Building Committee; ) Dr Louis Ekere as Chairman, Ethics and Privileges Committee Iroghama Obuoforibo Chairman, Finance and Membership Committee.

CSR IN ACTION...

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, Dame Winnie Akpani; Manging Director/CEO ProvidusBank, Mr. Walter Akpani; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; and Executive Director, Wole Soyinka Foundation, Mrs. Folake Soyinka, during this year’s World Poetry Day event hosted by ProvidusBank in honour of the Nobel Laureate in Lagos....recently

TROUBLE LOOMS AS NDUME OPPOSES LAWAN’S ADOPTION AS SENATE PRESIDENT PDP Senate Caucus Says All Senators-elect Can Contest Senate Presidency But the PDP Senate Caucus yesterday added its voice to the issue saying all senators-elect are eligible to contest for the position of Senate president, when the ninth Senate is inaugurated in June. The caucus in a statement jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, and the Chairman of Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Dino Melaye, explained that it is the right of every senator to aspire to the position as stipulated in the 1999 constitution (as amended). According to the statement, it is the duty of all senators in the Ninth Senate to elect their Senate President and other leaders, saying nobody from outside the Senate has such powers. The caucus also advised APC to stop dragging the name of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, into the scheming by senators-elect of the ruling party over the leadership of the 9th Senate. It warned that such surreptitious attempts to drag Saraki into the issue that does not concern him would not augur well for the smooth take-off of the next Senate and could only create suspicion and ill-will among the incumbent senators and the incoming ones. The statement added: “We have noted with regret and surprise how some senators who are interested in becoming the next Senate president and those seeking to occupy various leadership positions

in the next Senate have been busy dragging the name of the Saraki, into their schemes for fulfilling their ambitions. We believe those involved in this dirty game are only afraid of the shadow of the Senate president. “Such people should know that Dr. Saraki is not interested in their plots, schemes and manipulation. His concern now is to continue to provide leadership to the Eighth Senate and to ensure that the Senate achieves as much as it is possible in the remaining two months of its tenure. “It is obvious that many senators and even senatorselect still defer to Saraki. And this is understandable because he is a national leader of the PDP. He is a respected senator, who has also provided solid leadership for the Senate. So, those who are afraid of his influence should find a positive way to deal with that, not sponsoring falsehood in the media.” PDP: All Lawmakers Can Contest N’Assembly Leadership Positions Also reacting to the issue, the main opposition party, PDP, said yesterday that its elected senators and members of the House of Representatives are constitutionally eligible and can seek election into any presiding office of both chambers of the National Assembly The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said that Buhari and Oshiomhole should wake up to the fact that the National Assembly belongs to no political party but to all Nigerians, who exercise their

control through their elected representatives. He stressed that the PDP does not only have a constitutional say in the process of the emergence of the leadership of the ninth National Assembly, but would, as a matter of constitutional right, field candidates into presiding offices of both chambers, if need be. According to him, “It is therefore laughable and amounts to empty grandstanding and selfdelusion for President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to posture as if the presiding offices and Committee Chairmanship in the National Assembly are exclusive rights of the APC.” The PDP cautioned Buhari, Oshiomhole and the APC to respect the independence of the legislature, end their imposition plot and sowing of seeds of discord among the lawmakers, as such is directly against our overall national interest. The party stated: “The position of the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives as well as the Deputy Senate President and the Deputy Speaker are not the exclusive preserves of any political party, but a constitutional right of every elected lawmaker in both chambers. “For emphasis, Section 50 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is clear in providing that there shall be: (a) a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected

by the members of that House from among themselves; and (b) a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves, “Section 92 (1) makes the same provision for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of State House of Assembly. “The PDP wishes to remind President Buhari and Oshiomhole that the APC had in the past benefited from the provisions of section 50, with the defection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal from the PDP to the APC, in October 2014, without relinquishing the speakership of the House to the PDP; a development that was applauded by President Buhari, as then opposition leader as well as the APC, through its then National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed.” Ologbondiyan stressed that the former Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, echoed the constitutional provision that “the constitution requires only that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves.’’ He explained further that in June 2015, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange and Hon. Peter Azi, both of APC, were elected Speakers of Benue and Plateau State Houses of Assembly respectively, though their party, the APC, was minority in both Houses.

T H I S D AY Ëž MARCH 27, 2019

ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Duro Ikhazuagbe Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

New Boy,Onuachu Scores Nigeriaâ€™s Fastest Goal as Pharaohs Fall Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles new boy, Paul Onuachu scored worldâ€™s second fastest goal in football history yesterday as Nigeria defeated Pharaohs of Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly in Asaba . The victory is first for Nigeria against Egypt at international level since 1990. The full capacity fans at the Stephen Keshi Stadium were just settling into their seats when the Midtjyland of Denmark front man neatly controlled the pass from John Ogu, weaved past three Egyptian players to riffle home a fierce volley just eight seconds into the Grade A friendly. Only formerGerman international, Lukas Podoskiâ€™s sixth second strike against Ecuador in an international friendly in 2013 can rival Onuachuâ€™s early goal in just his second game for Nigeria. The gangly lad made his debut for Eagles in last Fridayâ€™s last AFCON 2019 qualifier with Seychelles here in Asaba. Eagles were. clearly the better of the two teams despite the fact the seven-time African champions came to Asaba with a weakened team that was without their talismanic Mohamed Salah. Gernot Rohr wards took

their performance beyond the insipid outing recorded against Seychelles four days ago. With what looked like a synergy happening between Onuachu, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and Henry Onyekuru upfront, the Pharaohs looked ordinary as the Nigerian forward ceaselessly took their defence apart. Eagles central defence manned by the â€˜Oyinbo Wallâ€™ of William Troost Ekong and Leon Balogun also combined well with the full backs of Shehu Abdullahi and another new boy Jamilu Collins. With this Daniel Akpeyi had no problems beyond a few incursion that were not really threats . Even when the Pharaohs had possession, they struggled to carve out openings as an experimental side failed to prove their worth, producing another lackluster performance following a 1-1 draw at Niger in a dead-rubber Nations Cup qualifier last Saturday which ended the teamâ€™s perfect run under new coach Javier Aguirre. The Mexican, who tasted his first defeat in charge of Egypt, gave debuts to Zamalek keeper Mahmoud Gennesh and central defender Mahmoud Alaa as

Super Eagles players before the lone goal win over Pharaohs of Egypt at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba........yesterday

well as Smouha left-back Ahmed Aboul-Fotouh and Dakhleya winger Islam Gaber. There were few familiar faces, including winger Mahmoud Trezeguet and Zamalekâ€™s no-nonsense defensive

midfielder Tarek Hamed. The visitorsâ€™ forwards were unable to make their presence felt until late in the game when Greek-based winger Amr Warda and striker Ahmed Kouka were introduced.

Nigeria toTackle Sudan for Final AFCON U-23 Slot Sudan have emerged as the last opponents Nigeriaâ€™s Olympic Eagles will face to get a slot to the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in November this year. An impressive defensive display coupled with time wasting from the visiting Sudan helped them hold Kenyaâ€™s Emerging Stars to a goalless draw and qualify for the 2019 Africa U2-3 Cup of Nations third round qualifiers. With Sudan winning the first

leg last week by 2-0, they thus advance on aggregate score line for the final round scheduled for June. The aggregate winner will book a ticket at the eight-team tournament in Egypt November this year. Nigeria had on Monday saw off Libya. Nigeria will be away to Sudan on June 5 before hosting the final leg on June 9. In qualifying to face Nigeria, Sudan put up defensive strategies to overcome Kenya. They were

coached by former Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards Croatian coach, Zdravko Logarusic. â€œMy boys were motivated, thatâ€™s the spirit I instil in my teams, but Kenya is a very good team,â€? Kenyaâ€™s The Nation quoted the Sudan coach, Logarusic to have said. â€œIn this tournament you must score at home and that was their main undoing, they had three clear chances which they shouldâ€™ve put away,â€? he added.

His opposite number Francis Kimanzi was disappointed after his charges failed to put the ball behind the net after 180 minutes. â€œCompared to the first leg, I think today we created so many scoring chances but were unlucky not to convert,â€? he said. â€œOf course the boys looked to be a little bit under pressure because we were chasing the game,â€? added the Mathare United coach.

PwC Chess4Change Grand SlamTourney Kicks off in Style The opening ceremony of the PwC Chess4Change 2019 Grand Slam Tournament kicked off on Tuesday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere with 22 participating schools across four Lagos State Education Districts. The students having undergone a three-month intensive chess tutelage and two mini challenge competitions leading up to the tournament put up a splendid performance yester-

day. Participants competed in both the individual and team categories across 12 rounds using the Swiss-system format to determine the winners. In a chat with THISDAY, Chairman Lagos State Chess Association, Tokunbo Fagun, he said the tournament is a great exposure for the participants and it will create awareness for chess, which will invariably attract corporate organisation to get more involved in the game of chess.

â€œWith several tournaments like the PwC Chess4Change 2019 Grand Slam, it would not take long before Nigerians start ruling the world stage in the game of chess,â€? Fagun noted. Esiri Agbeyi, Partner at PWC said the developmental championship is a corporate social responsibility of Pricewaterhouse Coopers aimed at contAributing to youth development. â€œI think a strong motivation for us is our value as a busi-

ness, our primary purpose which is to solve important problem in the society and we believe that human capital development is a major area that we need to invest in for the country. We think that is where we can build the right crop of leaders to drive our nation to the level that we want it to be at the moment,â€? said Agbeyi. The tournament ends on Thursday after which winners will be presented with gifts and prizes.

Real Madrid Football Academy Ready by May, Says Wike Ernest Chinwo Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž Real Madrid Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt will be completed and inaugurated in May, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has announced. Speaking with journalists after inspecting the project yesterday, Wike said the academy would groom

international football stars. The governor said the project would create talented soccer players and manpower that would positively impact the economy of the state. His words: â€œThis project will be completed and commissioned before the end of May this year. As you can see, the facilities are almost set. â€œThis facility will create International soccer stars

and develop the economy of the stateâ€?. Wike said contrary to propaganda by the opposition, the Real Madrid Football Academy has been developed since it was initiated. â€œAlready 12 coaches are in training in Madrid to work at the Academy. This academy will help the state,â€? he said.

He noted that so many soccer enthusiasts have applied for admission into the Academy. Governor Wike also inspected the cinemas at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. The facility will be completed before May ending. â€œThis cinema will develop tourism across the region. We will build a five-star hotel in Pleasure Park,â€? he said.

The first meaningful effort fell to Kouka on 82 minutes when he was released by a through pass but he dithered on the ball to allow his challenger to make a sliding tackle and thwart his attempted shot.

Gaber then created Egyptâ€™s best chance, with his longrange thunderbolt drawing a fine save from Eagles substitute goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa. He also saved the follow up effort.

Betway Excites Nigerian Basketball Fans with NBA Predictor Promotion For basketball lovers in Nigeria, Betway is making the experience of watching and following NBA games extra special. The leading online sports betting giant is rewarding basketball fans with a promotion where users of the platform stand a chance to win cash prizes of up to NGN 4,000,000. The NBA Predictor promotion is an opportunity for Nigerian basketball enthusiasts to predict seeding and winner of the NBA playoff series up to the Championship finals in June, 2019. The promotion, which began on Friday, 1 March 2019, is now very popular among young and savvy basketball fans in the country. For some of them, the chance to win big while watching one of the most exciting sports in the world

is too good a deal to pass on. Speaking on the promotion, Betway Country Manager, Lere Awokoya says â€œWe recognise the growth in popularity of basketball, l am particularly amongst young Nigerians who religiously follow the NBA. The NBA Predictor Promo is our way of connecting with these fans and rewarding them for their love of the game.â€? Betway continues to reward Nigerians with mouthwatering cash prizes through various features and promotions like 4-To-Score, Money Back, Book-A-Bet, amongst others. The NBA Predictor promotion, however, will end on Monday, 31 March 2019. For more information on the NBA Predictor promotion, visit www.betway.com.ng/ nba-predictor.

NFF Names Osun FA Office after Ogunjobi The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has decided to honour the late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi by naming the mini secretariat being constructed for the Osun FA in Osogbo after the late football figure. Ogunjobi was a former international footballer and administrator who died on February 11, the 35th anniversary of his international debut for Nigeria. Sports Village Square recalls that Ogunjobi was one of the players that featured in the goalless outing that Nigeria

had in the Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying match with Morocco in Lagos. He was buried in Ibadan on March 15, 2019. According to a media release by the NFF, the Executive Committee endorsed a pronouncement of the President of NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick to christen the Mini-Secretariat being constructed in Osogbo, Osun State capital as Taiwo Ogunjobi Football House. Ogunjobi was the chairman of Osun State FA when he died.

Wednesday March 27, 2019

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Yeeh to Amaechi “I was forced to sign an undated letter of resignation as the Deputy Governor of Rivers State to pave the way for Rotimi Amaechi to nominate another person as deputy governor.” – The deputy governorship candidate of AAC in Rivers State , Chief Akpo Bomba Yeeh, alleging that the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, is plotting to run the state through the governorship candidate of the AAC, Biokpomabo Awara, when elected.

FEMIFALANA GUEST COLUMNIST

Impact of Nigerian Content Law

t is an undeniable fact that it was the struggle of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as well as other patriotic forces for the indigenization of the oil and gas industry which culminated in the enactment of the Nigerian Content Act, 2010 by the Federal government. Although it was enacted eight years ago, the positive impact of the law has not been felt by Nigerian people due to ignorance of its provisions of the law and lack of commitment on the part of the Federal Government to indigenise the oil and gas industry. In spite of the fact that oil was discovered in Nigeria over 60 years ago the federal government has not made conscious efforts to control the petroleum industry. Hence the Indigenization Decree, Petroleum Act, Petroleum Technology Development Fund Act, National Office of Technology Acquisition Act and Petroleum (Drilling and Production) Regulations have failed to give effect to local content in the oil and gas industry. According to Akin Delano, a firm of legal practitioners, “the ‘Nigerianisation’ process in the lucrative upstream has been comparatively negligible. Research done in 2008 concludes that although oil and gas industry accounts for 90% of Nigeria’s revenue, it contributes less than 38% to the Nation’s G.D.P. In real terms the upstream industry has for decades functioned as an enclave economy with minimal impact on the wider industry.” There is no doubt that the control of the oil and gas industry is part of the foreign domination of the peripheral capitalist economy of Nigeria. Hence, such foreign control has not been challenged by any government despite the duty imposed on the State by Section 16(1)(c) of the Constitution, to “manage and operate the major sectors of the economy” to the exclusion of any other person or group. Apart from setting up ad hoc committees to exercise the so called oversight functions the national assembly has refused to establish a body “for review, from time to time, the ownership and control of business enterprises operating in Nigeria…” in line with the provisions of Section 16(3) of the Constitution. In fact, under the pretext of attracting and protecting foreign investments in Nigeria the government has allowed the IOCs to operate without complying with extant regulations. The control of the oil and gas industry by the IOCs has even reached an embarrassing situation whereby they are allowed to influence the appointment of the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the heads of the management departments of the regulatory bodies in the industry. In other words, the operators have since become the regulators of the industry! It was therefore not surprising when it was recently reported that President Buhari had refused to assent to the Petroleum Industry Bill. The decision of the President to withhold his assent to the bill is a major victory for the IOCs, as it has to do with new fiscal terms in favour of Nigeria, increasing local ownership of the oil and gas industry, and strict control of industrial waste and pollution of the oil producing communities. The primary objective of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 is to provide for the development of Nigerian Content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, supervision, coordination, monitoring and implementation of Nigerian Content and for related matters. Accordingly, all regulatory authorities, operators, contractors, sub-contractors, alliance partners and other entities involved in any project, operation,

Buhari

activity or transaction in the Nigerian oil and gas industry shall consider Nigerian Content as an important element of their overall project development and management philosophy for project execution. Specifically, Nigerian independent operators shall be given first consideration in the award of oil blocks, oil field licences, oil lifting licences and in all projects for which contract is to be awarded in the Nigerian oil and gas industry subject to the fulfilment of such conditions as may be specified by the Minister of Petroleum Resources. The Nigerian Content Monitoring Board (NCMB) shall be established as the regulatory body responsible for monitoring, coordinating and implementing the provisions of the Nigerian Local Content Act. The NCMB has also been given the mandate to certify companies to ensure compliance with the Local Content Act. This Nigerian Local Content Act takes precedence over all other existing enactments and regulations in respect of all matters pertaining to Nigerian content in respect of all operations and transactions in the oil and gas industry and the functions of the NCD as well as all other Nigerian content regulatory bodies shall be taken over by the Board to be established under the Act. For instance, Section 2 of the Act requires Nigerian content to be considered as an important element in the overall project development and management philosophy for project execution. Operators are mandated to comply with minimum specifications for Nigerian content as contained in the schedule to the Act. The schedule specifies certain criteria to be followed which includes the number of Nigerian man hours utilized in relation to the duration of project, tonnage, size and volume of certain goods, level of certification obtained and the total amount of local expenditure in relation to the procurement of local goods and services. Nigerian content shall be a major factor in bid evaluation and where bid tenders are within 1% of each other, priority shall be given to the bid containing the highest level of Nigerian content provided such Nigerian content is at least 5% higher than that of the closest competitor. At this juncture, it is worth examining the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Content Act for job creation and security of employment as well as the planned indigenisation of oil and gas industry as follows: Prior to carrying out of project in Nigeria, an operator shall be required to establish a project

office in the catchment area where the project is to be located, managed by approved personnel who shall exercise decision making powers to the satisfaction of the Board. The operator shall locate, within the project office, personnel with decision-making authority in accordance with a list of personnel to be approved by the Board. The Board shall have power to require an operator to maintain an office in a community where the operator has significant operations. Nigerians shall be given the first consideration for employment and training in any projectexecuted projects by any operator or project promoter in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The Board shall ensure that the operator or project promoter maintains a reasonable proportion of employees from areas it has significant operations. Foreign professionals employed in the oil and gas industry shall be registered with the relevant professional bodies. Where Nigerians are not employed due to lack of expertise the employer shall provide a succession plan for Nigerians to understudy the expatriates for a maximum period of 4 years. All investors in the oil and gas industry shall insure all insurable risks relating to oil and gas business, operations or contracts with an insurance company, through an insurance broker registered in Nigeria under the provisions of the Insurance Act as amended. Operators and other investors are restricted to retain the services of only legal practitioners or a firm of legal practitioners located in Nigeria. All operators shall submit to the Board, every six months, its Legal Services Plan (LSP). Operators and other investors in need of financial services shall retain only the services of Nigerian financial institutions or organisations, except where, to the satisfaction of the Board, this is impracticable. Operators must also submit a bi-annual report to the Board detailing the nature of the services so utilized, annual budget for the past one year in Naira and foreign currencies and projected expenditure for the services covered. Within sixty days of the beginning of each year, operators shall submit to the Board their annual Nigerian Content Performance Report covering all their projects for the year under review. specifying its employment achievements in terms of hours or days worked by Nigerian and foreign workers and their status. To facilitate proper monitoring and verification of the reported activities, operators and their contractors are required to allow access to their facilities and provide relevant documentation to the Board and its designated agents. It is pertinent to draw the attention of the workers in the oil and gas industry to the relevant provisions of the Presidential Executive Order No 5 for harnessing domestic talent and development of indigenous capacity across all sectors of the economy. By virtue of the Order, the Minister of Interior has been prohibited from giving visas to foreign workers whose skills are readily available in Nigeria. Thus, by the combined effect of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act, 2010 and the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 of 2018 Nigerian employees shall be given first consideration in the oil and gas industry. Pursuant to the Petroleum Training Development Fund Act a Fund shall be established to give scholarships to qualified Nigerians to acquire requisite knowledge in petroleum technology. Since the oil and gas industry requires skilled labour in many areas both the NUPENG and PENGASSAN should invest in the training of

their members to acquire the requisite knowledge in petroleum technology. The Act has provisions for sanctions for failure by operators, contractors and sub-contractors to comply with the provisions of the Act in their operations. Thus, it is an offence punishable by a fine of 5% of the project sum for each of the projects in which the violation occurs or the total cancellation of the project. It is noteworthy also that operators’ eligibility for the award of licenses, permits and other interests in petroleum operations would be based on the operators’ compliance with provisions of the Act. The law is quite comprehensive in scope. There are 107 Sections of the Act. This presentation has been limited to the provisions relating to the Nigerian content with respect to employment in the oil and gas industry. It is our view that if the relevant provisions of the Act on Nigerian Content with respect to employment, training, technology transfer and services had been properly enforced by the Board the indigenization of the oil and gas industry ought to have been completed. In other words, since the law which came into force in 2010 provides for a maximum period of 4 years for replacement of expatriates with Nigerian employees the indigenization of the oil and gas industry should have been completed in 2014. Conclusion The law is quite comprehensive in scope. There are 107 Sections of the Act. This presentation has been limited to the provisions relating to the Nigerian content with respect to employment in the oil and gas industry. It is our view that if the relevant provisions of the Act on Nigerian Content with respect to employment, training, technology transfer and services had been properly enforced by the Board the indigenization of the oil and gas industry ought to have been completed. In other words, since the law which came into force in 2010 provides for a maximum period of 4 years for replacement of expatriates with Nigerian employees the indigenization of the oil and gas industry should have been completed in 2014. We therefore call on NUPENG and PENGASSAN to compile a list of expatriate staff in all oil and gas industry companies operating in Nigeria and submit it to the Board without any further delay. With respect to the enhancement of the capacity of Nigerian employees both NUPENG and PENGASSAN should henceforth monitor the activities of the Petroleum Training Development Fund with a view to assuring that scholarships are given to deserving Nigerians to acquire the requisite knowledge in all areas of oil and gas. The success or otherwise of the provisions of the Act would thus be substantially influenced by the rigour and political will exercised by the Board in carrying out its task. Therefore, unless the workers and the Nigerian people are prepared to ensure the enforcement of the Nigeria Content Act and other relevant legislations and policies the foreign control of the oil and gas industry will not cease. Both NUPENG and PENGASSAN are advised to monitor the activities of the Board and the Minister of Petroleum Resources with a view to ensuring strict compliance with the provisions of the Act. Finally, NUPENG and PENGASSAN should liaise with relevant professional bodies to ensure that expatriates are not employed to perform services, which can be provided by Nigerians. The power of Minister of Petroleum Resources to approve the continued recruitment of expatriate staff where there is inadequate capacity in Nigeria should be properly monitored.

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