FRIDAY 29TH MARCH 2019

Analysts Foresee Stronger Naira after Rate Cut Obinna Chima with agency report Following Tuesday’s 50 basis points cut in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s

(CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), from 14 per cent to 13.50 per cent, analysts have predicted that the naira will appreciate in the coming days.

Analysts anticipated that

the naira would follow the trend that was seen in the Egyptian pound after the country’s central bank slashed interest rate earlier this year.

While the naira closed at N306.95 to a dollar on

the official forex window yesterday, it closed at N360.80 to a dollar on the investors’ and exporters’ window.

But Bloomberg in a report pointed out that for investors considering the fate of naira

after the central bank’s unexpected rate cut, Egypt may be a better guide than Ghana.

Both Egypt’s and Ghana’s central banks had cut their main interest rates earlier this

year, surprising most analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

But their currencies reacted differently.

The Egyptian pound has Continued on page 8

Senate Worried over Low Performance of 2018 Budget...

Page 10

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PDP’s Fintiri Deposes APC’s Bindow in Adamawa Wins all 44 units in 14 LGAs, 29 RAs extra election held Daji Sani in Yola It was sweet victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday as its candidate in the Adamawa

State governorship tussle, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, finally subdued the incumbent governor, Alhaji Jubrilla Bindow of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winning

all the 44 units in 14 local government areas and 29 registration areas where supplementary election was held in the state.

The Returning Officer,

Professor Andrew Haruna, said Fintiri scored 376,552 votes to beat Bindow, who garnered 336,386 votes.

“Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP, having satisfied the

requirement of the law and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner and returned as elected governor of Adamawa State,” he said.

He said the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Abdulazeez Nyako, Continued on page 10

Increase in VAT will Hurt Economy, Tinubu Warns FG

Says Nigeria requires bold reforms to survive looming economic crisis Omololu Ogunmade and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, yesterday in Abuja warned the federal government against the planned move to increase Value Added Tax (VAT), saying doing so would reduce people's purchasing power and further slow down the economy.

Tinubu gave this warning while making his closing remarks at the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium, in commemoration of his 67th

birthday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), with the theme: ‘Next Level, Work for the People.’

According to the former Lagos State governor, the timing of the proposed VAT increase is wrong, advising the government that instead of increasing VAT in this moment of economic upheavals, the government should rather broaden the scope of tax collection with a view to making more people pay and thus put paid to any planned Continued on page 8

Dickson Accuses IOCs of Causing SIXTY-SEVEN HEARTY CHEERS… Wife of the vice president, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the celebrant, Senator Bola Tinubu; and High Infant Mortality Rate… Page 8 L-R: his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during Tinubu’s 67th birthday celebrations in Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

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Dickson Accuses IOCs of Causing High Infant Mortality Rate The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has accused multinational oil firms in the oil- rich state of causing high infant mortality rate in the state and indeed, the Niger Delta through their activities.

The governor accused the multinational oil firms of brazenly destroying the Niger Delta environment without adherence to international best practices in their activities.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, in a statement yesterday, quoted the governor as saying that a UN survey revealed that

crude oil spillage causes the death of over 16,000 infants within the first month of birth in the Niger Delta.

Dickson noted that the Niger Delta environment was in turmoil with the livelihood of the people in peril because of the insensitive degradation of the environment by international oil firms who are driven solely by a quest to make money.

He said the flagrant abuse of the Niger Delta environment as clearly shown by available statistical evidence, which indicated that about 40 million barrels of crude oil are spilled into the damaged environment

of the Niger Delta as opposed to four million barrels in the United States.

He lamented that oil production had reduced life expectancy in Bayelsa and other oil producing states in Nigeria by 10 years below the national average.

The governor said that the state government under his leadership would intensify proactive measures to attract necessary attention to what he called the mindless destruction of the Niger Delta environment and the people’s means of livelihood by the oil firms.

Meanwhile, the governor

has inaugurated a 10-man Commission of Inquiry on Environmental Degradation under the chairmanship of the Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu.

The governor noted that the panel of highly reputable local and foreign experts had a ninepoint mandate to investigate “the environmental, health, socio-economic, cultural and human damage caused by operations of both local and multinational oil companies.�

Dickson noted that the panel was set up to hold oil firms accountable to the imperative to adopt international best practices in

their oil exploration activities.

He added that the IOCs had a responsibility to adopt the same operational standard to the environment of Bayelsa as Norway, Scotland and the United States.

The commission has a mandate to hold public and private hearing and submit the report of its finding in nine months.

In his remarks, Sentamu promised a holistic investigation into the impact of oil spillage in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta.

He expressed shock at the detrimental effect of oil spillage and called on the

international community to give priority attention to the protection of the environment which he described as the collective heritage of mankind.

The committee comprises of a former president of Ghana, Dr. John Kufour, Baroness Valerie Amos, Prof. Engobo Emeseh; Dr. Anna Zalik, Dr. Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou (Secretary); Prof. Roland Hodler and Prof. Michael Watts.

The immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kemasuode Wodu, is the commission’s legal counsel.

Appeal Court Affirms Fayemi’s Election as Ekiti Governor Alex Enumah in Abuja The Court of Appeal in Abuja yesterday affirmed the election of Dr. Kayode Fayemi as Governor of Ekiti State.

A three-man panel of justices of the court led by Justice Stephen Adah, in a judgment dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kolapo Olusola and his party, for lacking in merit.

The Ekiti State Election Petition Tribunal, which sat in Abuja, had in a unanimous judgment delivered on January 28, 2019, dismissed the suit filed by the PDP and Olusola.

The tribunal held that the various allegations raised against the elections by the petitioners were not proved as required by law, adding that worthless documents were dumped on the tribunal.

The Chairman of the tribunal Justice Suleiman Bolaji Belgore, said contrary to the claims of the petitioners, Fayemi was duly and lawfully returned as winner of majority votes by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In dismissing the PDP and Olusola’s petitions, the tribunal specifically said that Fayemi scored 197,459 as against 178,121 votes scored by Olusola in the election conducted by

INEC on July 14, 2018.

The tribunal further said that the plaintiffs failed to establish the allegations of corruption, malpractices, ballot box snatching, nonaccreditation, over voting and deliberate voiding of votes, made against the defendants.

Justice Belgore noted that the petitioners only called 71 witnesses as against 926 listed to be invited to testify for them, adding that the 71 witnesses

were scanty and insufficient to establish the fact of the various issues raised in the petition.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the tribunal, the PDP and Olusola approached the appellate court to reverse the decision of the tribunal and declare them winners of the July 14, 2017 governorship election.

However, delivering its judgment in the suit marked: CA/A/139/2019, barely three

days after counsel to the parties in the suit adopted their brief of argument, the panel said after a careful look at the submissions of parties, “all seven issues raised by the appellants were resolved in favour of the respondents. “Appeal is lacking in merit and it is hereby dismissed and the January 28 judgment of the tribunal is hereby upheld.

No order as to cost,� Justice Adah held.

Tinubu also counselled the federal government to reposition the economy more effectively in a way that it can meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians, saying in ideal situations, economies are positioned to meet the legitimate desires of the people.

He further advocated the need to redefine the economy to reflect moral values with the overall goal of improving the long-term welfare of the people and consequently guaranteeing sustained, productive and full employment of the factors of production.

The former governor added that the government must play decisive roles that can lead to the development of market opportunities if it wants to pull the country out of poverty.

According to him, "This

dominant train of thought has made the people servants to the dictates of abstract economic theories. In a more effective system, the economy would be fashioned to serve the concrete needs and legitimate aspirations of the people.

"Our economy must be redefined to be an efficient yet moral social construct with the primary goal of optimizing the long-term welfare of the people through the sustained, productive and full employment of labour, land, capital and natural resources...

"To pull the nation from poverty, government must play a decisive role. It must at times direct and even develop markets and opportunities. This is nothing novel. I am only restating what the established economies did when they were

young and assumed their trajectories toward growth."

On power, Tinubu canvassed what he described as affordable and reliable power supply to drive industrialisation that will result in job creation and production of needed goods and services for Nigerians.

Submitting that doing so would end years of darkness and bring the country into a brighter experience, he said he expected the federal government to devote its next administration to increasing electricity transmission, distribution and generation by over 50 per cent.

"I believe the second Buhari administration will work to increase electricity generation, transmission and distribution by more than 50 percent within the next four years," he stated, Also speaking at the occasion, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo paid tribute to Tinubu's

configuration of the financial system and financial intermediation actions are not in tandem with poverty reduction goals, economic inclusion and the job creation objectives,� it added.

However, Moody’s Investor Services, in a one-paragraph note yesterday, pointed out that the “rate cut had been expected as real interest rates have remained positive for almost a year. However, its potential impact on growth is likely to be limited since its transmission to the real economy and to lending rates is weak in Nigeria.�

To analysts at Lagos-based CSL Stockbrokers Limited, following the MPC decision, investors in the fixed income secondary market adjusted their quotes to reflect the rate reduction as yields in both the bonds and t-bills markets compressed by about 12 basis points and 18 basis points respectively.

In the bonds market, the 2027 bond through to the 2036 bond witnessed some buying interest as the yield on each bond fell by no less than 15

basis points each.

In the Treasury Bills market, select maturities recorded different degrees of buying interest. “Although we saw renewed bullish sentiment in the fixed income space yesterday, investors were still cautious with their trades- particularly the bond investors who were focused on the outcome of the bond auction held by the Debt Management Office (DMO),� the investment firm stated.

Nevertheless, the performance of the stock market has remained sluggish as investors continue to weigh the impact of the policy on their investment.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market capitalisation which dipped the previous day, appreciated marginally by 0.01 per cent yesterday to close at N11.594 trillion.

After keeping the benchmark MPR unchanged for 33 months, the MPC on Tuesday reduced it from 14 per cent to 13.5 per cent.

The CBN hinged its decision on the need to boost economic growth.

INCREASE IN VAT WILL HURT ECONOMY, TINUBU WARNS FG increase in VAT rate.

He said: "Consumer spending is slipping and this is where I will stop and appeal to Professor Yemi Osinbajo and his team to put a huge question mark on any increase of VAT please. If we reduce the purchasing power of the people, we can further slow down the economy. Let's widen the tax net.

"Those who are not paying now, even if it is inclusive of Bola Tinubu, let the net get bigger and take more taxes and that is what we must do in the country instead of additional layer in taxes."

Tinubu also said the world was at the verge of another economic recession, saying Europe was already grappling with unfavourable economic experience, adding that the

forecasters had predicted another round of recession within the next 12-18 months.

He advocated the need to heed this global warning and swiftly rise up to confront it by cogitating and working harder to put the imminent economic crisis under check, pointing out that he was not raising alarm but rather doing the needful by making the information at his disposal available so that Nigeria could proactively evolve necessary policies.

Tinubu explained: "Even without Brexit, the EU itself has entered a rough patch.

The Euro zone may already be in recession. Stock markets experience wild swings that speak to an underlying weakness and pessimism about the immediate future.

"Forecasters are predicting

a global recession within the next 12-18 months. I render these observations not to frighten anyone but because they ring true. Wisdom requires that we accept reality instead of obscuring it under the cloak of wishful thinking.

"We must build policies that interact with the world as it is and not with the world as it should be. We must recognize these harsh economic tidings as advance warnings to the wise. Hence we must think deeper and work harder for our people in Nigeria.

"I would be a most wicked friend if I knew a storm was approaching yet convinced you to ready your family for an outdoor picnic under the tallest tree. The truth is always a more valuable guardian than fantasy."

ANALYSTS FORESEE STRONGER NAIRA AFTER RATE CUT since strengthened against the dollar and is one of the world’s best-performing units this year. Ghana’s cedi has tanked.

The naira has the potential to go the way of the Egyptian pound, analysts stated.

Among the key factors that would drive the currency, they said, are the steep rise in Brent oil prices this year to almost $70 a barrel and the $6 billion that has flowed into the Nigerian fixed-income market since last month’s general election.

Nigeria’s reserves, at $44 billion, are the highest since September, giving central bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, plenty of firepower should he need to defend the currency.

Like Egypt, Nigeria’s yields remain attractive.

The central bank has kept rates high for the past months or so using short-term instruments known as openmarket operations to rein in liquidity. Average yields on naira bonds of 14.4 per cent are the fourth-highest among large emerging markets, according to

data compiled by Bloomberg.

Ghana’s carry returns are juicy too. But it is battling perceptions that it won’t manage its finances properly after a four-year bailout with the International Monetary Fund ends next month.

They stressed that for Nigeria, the signs so far are positive.

Meanwhile, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has welcomed the decision of the MPC. It said: “This is in consonance with the clamour by the private sector for a relaxation of the tight monetary policy regime in the light of weak consumer demand, fragile economic growth and high rate of unemployment. “We acknowledge that this reduction is not materially significant, but it has a symbolic and signalling value.

It is gratifying to note the shift in policy focus by the Central Bank of Nigeria from stability to growth. This is the appropriate policy choice at this time. “The reality is that the economy is currently

characterised by fragile growth at 2.3 per cent; unemployment at 23.1 per cent and youth unemployment at 36.5 per cent; high dependence on crude oil export; weak diversification and high poverty incidence.

The economy needs both monetary and fiscal stimulus at a time like this.�

The Chamber, in a communiquĂŠ signed by its Director General, LCCI, Muda Yusuf, pointed out that economic policies are typically characterised by tradeoffs, adding that policy choices are driven by what is utmost economic objective at a given point in time.

It stressed that the priority at this time should be to stimulate growth, adding that it was also important to address misalignment between the banking system activities, stimulation of economic growth and promotion of economic inclusion. “A prosperous banking system in the midst of a stagnating real economy is not a good commentary on the quality of economic management. The current

Continued on page 10

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NGN NGN 0.72 7.99 1.80 20.00 6.00 68.00 0.07 0.80 0.04 0.49 NGN 0.02 0.22 0.50 6.60 0.04 0.71 CCNN 1.00 19.00 PZ 0.50 9.50 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,498.00 Volume: 1.918 billion shares Value: â‚Ś2.804 billion Deals: 2,807 As at yesterday 28/3/19 See details on Page 43

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Senate Worried over Low Performance of 2018 Budget Says some MDAs got as little as 10 per cent FG blames late passage of budget, revenue constraints

Deji Elumoye and James Emejo in Abuja The Senate yesterday expressed deep concern over low release of the 2018 Appropriation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), saying some of the agencies received as little as 10 per cent of the approved allocation during the period under review.

But the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, attributed the low performance of the budget to its late passage by the National Assembly as well as revenue constraints encountered by the Muhammadu Buhari administration amid fluctuation in global oil price at its inception.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Suleiman Adokwe (PDP Nasarawa South), who raised the alarm yesterday during the 2019 budget defence of the Federal Ministry of Information, decried the poor implementation of the 2018 budget and blamed the executive arm of government for not releasing adequate funds that could enable the federal agencies to execute developmental projects.

According to him, “Before the budget defence exercise, we have

done oversight functions and noticed that releases for capital projects were quite low. Most of the agencies that we visited received between 10 and 15 per cent releases. “Based on our interactions with the various agencies of government, we have discovered that capital releases are still very low. So far, the highest I have seen, the highest release is 67 per cent. “Releases to some agencies are hovering between 40 and 45 per cent. So, the 2018 budget implementation, in our opinion is not very encouraging, and capital releases are what really ginger the economy.�

Adokwe said since it is the expenditure arising from capital provisions that put money in the system, which has been very low, only salaries have been paid up to 100 per cent.

He added: “Overhead releases have not been up to 60 per cent in many cases and even most agencies received just for six months for the 2018 financial year, which is not good enough. “If you look at the 2018 total budget of N9 trillion; it sounds like a big money until when you do a quick conversion in dollars that you will discover that it is actually about $25 billion.�

Senate Saraki

President,

Bukola

Nigerians, he explained, are not feeling the impact of government because of the failure of the executive to adequately fund the budget.

Adokwe, therefore, advised the executive to release all the funds that would be appropriated in 2019 for the various ministries, departments and agencies if it wants Nigerians to feel the impact of government. “The revenue being generated yearly by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Nigerian

Customs Service and other collection agencies are even higher than what we are talking about; so, why are we experiencing poor releases?� he queried.

Responding, the committee Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, asked the minister to furnish the committee with detailed breakdown of the budget.

The committee, he said, believed that the revenue capacity of the sector should be raised for the country to benefit, adding that steps should be taken to position the sector to take its pride of place in the scheme of things in the country.

The ministry proposed N20,480,057,749 as its budget estimate for 2019.

Out of the amount the sum of N8,559,365,940 is for personnel cost, N1,726,419,857 is for overhead while N10,194,271,952 is for capital projects.

FG Blames Low Budget Performance on Late Passage, Revenue Constraint Meanwhile, giving reasons for the low performance of the 2018 budget, the Udoma told the Senate Committee on Finance that the late passage

of the 2018 budget by the National Assembly and revenue constraints encountered by the administration amid fluctuation in global oil price at its inception were responsible.

According to him, the overall revenue performance was only 55 per cent of the target in the 2018 budget.

The minister, in a document he presented to the Senate committee, a copy of which was made available to THISDAY yesterday by the minister’s spokesman, Mr. James Akpandem, further explained that “Of the total appropriation of N9.12 trillion, N7.24 trillion had been spent by December 31, 2018. This represents 79 per cent performance. “Debt service and the implementation of non-debt recurrent expenditure, notably payment of workers’ salaries and pensions were on track.�

He said: “Capital releases only commenced after the signing of the 2018 Budget on June 20, 2018. As at January 11, 2019, a total of N1.226 trillion had been released for capital projects. “Spending on capital has been prioritised in favour of critical ongoing infrastructural projects in the power, roads, rail and agriculture sectors.

“Implementation of the 2018 Capital Budget will continue into 2019 until the 2019 Budget is passed into law,� the document stated.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, had described as unfortunate, how the federal government and many commentators always ignorantly accuse the National Assembly of delaying the Appropriations Bill.

He said it was very unfair for the executive to consistently and repeatedly blame the National Assembly for delaying passage of the budget while failing to address the issue of late budget submission on its part.

He said that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 provides that the Appropriations Bill be submitted not later than September of the preceding year, which will give the parliament ample time to process the document and pass it in good time.

Unfortunately, he said, the 2019 Appropriations Bill was submitted on December 19, 2018, just 12 days to the end of the year and the earliest time an Appropriation Bill has ever been presented to the National Assembly in this dispensation was on November 7, 2017.

NNRC Warns of Imminent Recession over Depleted ECA Says oil price drop may worsen situation

Chineme Okafor in Abuja According to the NNRC, The Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) yesterday in Abuja warned that Nigeria could slip into another economic recession if the price of crude oil goes on another free-fall.

It explained that this was possible with the depletion of the country’s Excess Crude Account (ECA) which now has just about $183 million left in it.

According to the NNRC, which is the Nigerian version of a global initiative designed to help governments and societies effectively harness the opportunities created by their natural resources, Nigeria currently do not seem to have a stabilisation fund to help her through the rainy days if oil prices suddenly drop.

On November 25, 2018, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, reportedly disclosed in Kaduna that the balance in the ECA was about $2.319 billion.

However, during the December 2018 meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Mahmoud Isah-Dutse, reportedly disclosed that the balance in the ECA was $0.631 billion as at December 19, 2018, adding that a decision was taken that the final payment for the Paris Club loan refund to states be drawn from the account.

The ECA is a special account established to warehouse excess revenues from the prevailing crude oil prices at the international market, and oil monies gotten above the approved crude oil benchmark price in Nigeria’s annual budget are saved in the account which has the three tiers of government and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as its withdrawal approval authorities.

Speaking however at the official launch of Extractive 360.com – an online news media focused on reporting

Nigeria’s extractive industries, the Programme Coordinator for NNRC, Mr. Tengi George-Ikoli, explained that such development called for an urgent reform in Nigeria’s oil sector.

He warned: “A little dip in oil prices is all that is required to transition us back into a recession. With savings in our excess crude account of $183 million as reported by the Director, Funds in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, yesterday March 27, 2019, Nigeria has no ‘rainy day’ fund to stabilise her economy when; and it is “when� and not “if� the monsoon hits. “Nigeria must therefore, use all her natural resources to develop other sectors of her economy such that her revenue base is independent of cyclical nature and fluctuations associated with commodities like crude oil,� said George-Ikoli.

She said it was necessary for Nigeria to consider the situation

in Venezuela which has one of the world’s largest oil reserve, and push for reforms in the industry which could unlock her enormous natural gas potentials. “Let’s not only have the best jollof rice in Africa, let’s be the “best�, in reality. Let’s drag those 187 million estimated poor Nigerian’s out of poverty.

Countries like the United Arab Emirates have reduced their dependence on crude oil such that its services sector is so developed, that it has become a top holiday destination where many Nigerians are seen to visit. “Qatar has moved from being an oil producing nation to a gas producing nation, focusing more on harnessing its huge natural gas resources to produce renewable energy and also building the world largest natural gas hub. It even left the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),� she added.

According to her, Shell; ExxonMobil; Chevron; Total;

INCREASE IN VAT WILL HURT ECONOMY, TINUBU WARNS FG perceived uncom mon qualities, revealing how he acted on his instruction to hire 63 foreign forensic experts, which according to him exposed how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) allegedly rigged the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) out at the 2007 governorship elections in the South-west.

According to Osinbajo, it was the first time in history that an army of 63 foreign forensic experts would be lined up for only one purpose following his trip to the United Kingdom.

Osinbajo said Tinubu came up with the suggestion against the background of the belief that the ACN governorship candidates in the South-west states at the 2007 elections were rigged out through multiple

voting and how it was only through the identification of fingerprints that the alleged rigging could be exposed.

The vice-president, who said he had earlier argued with Tinubu on the impossibility of his suggestion, added that his position was only echoed by a renowned forensic expert, Adrian Forty, when he got to the United Kingdom, explaining how Forty laughed off his idea when he first discussed with him.

He said the forensic expert told him that in about 40 years of his forensic expertise, he had never captured 4,000 fingerprints and wondered how it could be possible to audit over 1 million ballot papers as suggested to him.

However, Osinbajo said the

breakthrough later began when Forty called him for discussion over the matter later, saying reopening discussion on the matter resulted in the eventual assembling of 63 forensic experts including 10 of them from the UK Police.

Osinbajo further disclosed that eventually, when the 63 experts began to work, the fingerprint audit they carried out showed how each voter cast his/her vote within five seconds when ordinarily it could not have taken a voter less than five minutes to cast his/her votes.

The vice-president added that it was the forensic audit which helped the ACN to reclaim its alleged stolen governorship mandates one after the other in the South-west

with Osun State being the last state recovered from the PDP three years after.

In his welcome address, the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, described Tinubu as a man of high political dexterity, courage and political acumen, saying his birthday anniversary this period was timely, coming at the time he just "stirred the party to victory at the general election."

According to the governor, now that the APC has spread its tentacles across the country through the output of the elections, people now look towards the next level, adding that the development makes the theme of the occasion appropriate.

Continued on page 52

British Petroleum (BP) and Eni have embraced alternative energy resources at Silicon Valley by backing energy-technology start-ups to signal that they are, “casting around for a new strategy outside oil.� “The biggest investor-owned oil companies are putting their money into ventures probing the edge of energy technologies. The investments will go beyond wind and solar power into projects that improve electricity grids and brew new fuels from renewable resources. They are poised for the inevitable transition. Are we?� George-Ikoli asked.

Also in her remarks, the Editor of Extractive 360.com, Juliet Alohan, explained that the web-based publication will provide factual, reliable and upto-date reports on issues within Nigeria’s extractive industries as well as related development across the world.

Alohan noted that: “Our objective is to help deepen the implementation of the

transparency and accountability principles of the EITI and related frameworks being championed by other global extractive industries actors such as the Natural Resource Charter, in Nigeria, to amongst others, shape conversations that could transform the way Nigeria’s oil, gas and mining sectors are managed.�

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr. Waziri Adio, who was represented by NEITI’s Director of Legal, Mr. Peter Ogbobine, explained that NEITI would partner with the web-based news outfit to educate Nigerians on the workings of the country’s extractive sectors.

Adio said: “As a transparency watchdog, NEITI will always stand with any organisation, medium and platform that strive to deepen the implementation of transparency and accountability principles as championed by the EITI.�

PDP’S FINTIRI DEPOSES APC’S BINDOW IN ADAMAWA came third with 113,237 votes, while the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Emmanuel Bello, scored 29,792 votes to clinch the fourth position in the race.

Haruna explained that the total number of registered voters was 1,973,083; accredited votes were 905,346; total valid votes were 871,307; rejected votes were 27,790 and total number of votes cast was 899,097.

Fintiri’s journey to victory was abbreviated on March 9 when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the contest in Adamawa State inconclusive, saying his margin of lead over the incumbent governor was less than the total number of cancelled votes spread over 14 LGAs and 29 RAs where

elections were cancelled due to violence and sundry electoral issues.

But at the resumption of proceedings yesterday, Fintiri put his supremacy beyond doubt, winning emphatically all the 44 units the extra election was held.

His party quickly congratulated him this morning, saying though the victory was delayed, the outcome of the supplementary polls showed he was the clear choice of the people. “We congratulate our Ahmadu Fintiri on his victory,� the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, told THISDAY, adding: “It is an outcome that we have always known to be certain.�

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COMMENT

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A POLITICAL TITAN

Akintola Benson Oke pays tribute to Bola Tinubu, politician, administrator and national leader of APC, at age 67 “A return to ďŹ rst principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an inuence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.â€?

-Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli

I

f there was any doubt as to his earnestness and political astuteness, he put such doubts to rest in the 1990s when, in a most admirable fashion, his entry into the Lagos political landscape beautified it with a dazzling and colourful fresh paint of politicking.

If any doubted that he means what he says and whether he has the courage of his own convictions, he banished such doubts when, between 1993 and 1999, he led the valiant struggle to dislodge the entrenched Nigerian military from Nigeria’s political space.

If any sneered at the possibility of him going beyond high-sounding political rhetoric to blazing the trail in effective governance, he disappointed such cynics when, as the Governor of Lagos State, he turned around the state’s fortunes, laid the foundations and drew the map that placed Lagos State on the path of excellence, which effort earned him the enduring moniker of ‘the Pathfinder.’ If any branded him as a man who simply wants a fiefdom in Lagos State or in western Nigeria, such a one ate the humble pie when, in a political masterstroke hitherto unseen in Nigeria, he reached out across gulfs and built bridges over schisms in 2014/2015 to build the most robust, most effective, and most enduring political alliance that dislodged the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), thereby scoring a political and historical first on many fronts.

And if any doubted his staying power, his resilience, and his full mastery of the ethos and nuances of the political space in Nigeria, he forever dispelled such unbelief with his masterful leadership of the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2019 general elections.

Born on March 29, 1952 and thus celebrating his 67th birthday today, here’s an ode to a political titan and historical colossus and my tributes to a primus inter pares.

Indeed, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu played key roles in Nigerian politics long before he became Governor of Lagos State. He was elected to the Senate from the Lagos West constituency with the highest votes in the country in the short-lived Third Republic. In the Senate he was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance and Appropriations. In that capacity, he initiated a far-reaching probe of the finances of the National Assembly that set him at loggerheads with the legislative bureaucracy and the military regime at the helm of affairs at the time.

Asiwaju was also at the forefront of Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s campaign for presidency in 1993. When the June 12, 1993 election, described as the freest and fairest in the country’s history was annulled, he emerged as one of the fiercest opponents of the annulment. As the arrowhead of the struggle to actualize Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s mandate, the military junta reached out to him severally to jump ship and come over to their side. He was offered juicy appointments and contracts to no avail. He refused to betray his principled commitment to the sanctity of a free and fair election. Exasperated by Tinubu’s intransigence, the military viciously went after him. He was detained. His house was fire-bombed. He eventually had to flee the country for his dear life.

His wife, now Senator Oluremi Tinubu and her children had to be smuggled out into exile. Tinubu, while in exile, remained steadfast in his commitment to the pro-democracy struggle, making great personal and financial sacrifices towards this effort. A pseudo democrat would rather enjoy the transient benefits of economic and political power rather than risk his life fighting for truth and justice but not Tinubu who remained steadfast.

He started on the path of courage and earnestness early in life. In his youth, and with a heart brimming with unrelenting determination to achieve his dreams, he picked the gauntlet, battled the challenges of his rather traumatic

AND IF ANY DOUBTED HIS STAYING POWER, HIS RESILIENCE, AND HIS MASTERY OF THE ETHOS AND NUANCES OF THE POLITICAL SPACE IN NIGERIA, HE FOREVER DISPELLED SUCH UNBELIEF WITH HIS MASTERFUL LEADERSHIP OF THE RE-ELECTION OF PRESIDENT BUHARI IN THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS

and difficult youth with the type of courage only attributable to the lionhearted and left Nigeria for the United States of America in 1975 in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece. On his arrival in the U.S. in 1975 and with the support of an ever-adoring mother, this courageous youth, faced with an unflinching zeal to succeed, took on such menial jobs as dishwashing, night-guard assignments and cab-driving to see himself through the initial difficulties of school at the Richard Daley College, Chicago, Illinois.

As proof of his brilliance from early life, he made the Honours’ List of Richard Daley College. He subsequently transferred to the Chicago State University, Illinois, graduating with honours in 1979 and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Accounting and Management).

During his first year in Chicago State University, young Bola was given the rare privilege to partly teach other students of his Faculty remedial tutorial classes. Most of his colleagues and contemporaries at the university attributed their improved grades to his tutorial lectures. Throughout his undergraduate years, young Bola was on the Dean’s List and was honoured with the Outstanding Student’s Award, the University Scholar’s Award and the Certificate of Merit in Accounting and Finance. He was also awarded the prestigious Sumna cum laude for scoring 3.54 out of possible 4.0 GP. With his successful academic profile, young Bola contested and won his first political election as the President of the Accounting Society of the institution in his final year at the university. Upon graduation with honours and several awards, Bola Tinubu cut his professional teeth at the American-based Arthur Anderson, Deloitte Haskins and Sells (now called Deloitte Haskins and Touche) and GTE Service Corporation - the largest Communication and Utility Company in the United States of America.

Meanwhile, at Deloitte Haskins and Sells, Bola broadened his experience by participating in the auditing and management consultancy services of General Motors, First National Bank of Chicago, Procter and Gamble, International Harvester, GEC and other Fortune 500 firms. On his return to Nigeria and with his international experience in Financial Management, young Bola joined Mobil Producing Nigeria as a Senior Auditor before he retired as the company’s treasurer.

As a pragmatic, charitable, grassroots’ person, Asiwaju Tinubu saw communal service as a veritable tool for social development. He never hesitated to serve his community, spearheading several financial contributions and fund-raising for community development programmes in Lagos State. He played a key and leading role in the Primrose Group, a political action organisation pushing for fundamental changes in the politics of Lagos State. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu opted fully for public service in exchange for his lucrative job at Mobil. His first foray into active politics was as a founding member of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) on the platform of which he was elected in 1992 as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic Nigeria to represent Lagos West Senatorial District.

With the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Nigerian presidential election and the consequent renewed militarization of the Nigerian politics, Asiwaju Tinubu became a founding member of the famous pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) which, for several years, engaged the military for the very soul of Nigeria. Subsequently, Tinubu suffered many arrests and detention, harassments and constant threats to his life forcing him to flee Nigeria for his personal safety. He, however, did not give up the struggle as he joined NADECO abroad to continue the agitation for a restoration of democratic governance and the rule in the country.

In 1998, Asiwaju Tinubu returned to Nigeria to heed the call for all Nigerians to join in the National Reconciliation and Development. A year later, he began his two-term public service as an elected Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Asiwaju Tinubu has always been a man with a clear vision, and he brought this attribute to bear on his work as Governor of Lagos State right from the day he assumed office.

Dr. Benson Oke is Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions

AYES TO THE NORTH CENTRAL

The North central is in a better position to produce the speaker of the House of Representatives, argues Ahmadu Dunhu

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ith the heightened race for the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly, it is pertinent for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to take the right decision to avoid a repeat of the 2015 mistake. Because, being politically correct in this regard will not just help in ensuring the party’s stability, but it will also assist our President, Muhammadu Buhari in realising his noble objectives for our country.

Mr. President has not left anyone in doubt about his determination to correct some of the acknowledged errors, which he observed, had been made at the onset of this first term of the APC administration.

It is common knowledge that the shenanigans orchestrated by some disloyal party members then, stemmed from the inability of the APC to draw up an equitable power sharing formula that caters for all the six politically identified regions of the country. A major consequence of this was the big slap on the party’s face by two of its then members - Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara- who spurned its bid to determine those who emerged as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives in June, 2015.

Although Nigerians have witnessed a slightly

different tendency this time around, there are still palpable threats of a repeat scenario, given the display of various aspirations, some even weird, for the Senate Presidency and the Speakership of the House. We have seen, for instance, members-elect from Adamawa, which is in the North East, Abia State, which is in the South East, Lagos, which is in the South West, among others, declaring interest in emerging as speaker. This could surely lead to another round of kata-kata, if not properly handled. Ditto for the slot of Senate President, where aspirants from the North East, North Central and South East are also jockeying. Notwithstanding the scheming, and in fact, grandstanding by some of the members-elect, it is necessary to commend Mr. President for galvanising the elected 9th National Assembly members, through the party, towards avoiding those snares of 2015. This was surely what the induction sessions held last Monday by the APC leadership for the just elected lawmakers sought to achieve.

But again, another danger seems to be lurking in the corner for the party. The reported pronouncement by the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that the slot of Speaker of the House of Reps will go to the South West bodes tempest for the party. This is because, concretising such an arrangement

amounts to a great injustice, which Mr. President seeks to correct. Why would we have the number two citizen of this country, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo come from the South West, and yet, the number four person also emerge from the same zone? It is pretty obvious, for instance, that some ranking members of the House from the North West would wish to vie for the Office of Speaker but for the fact that Mr. President hails from the same zone. This call for a rethink is further anchored on the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which says: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies shall be carried out in a manner as to reflect the Federal Character of Nigeria, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few ethnic or sectional groups in that Government or any of its agencies, in order to command loyalty and peaceful coexistence�.

It is pertinent at this juncture, therefore, to task the APC leadership to redirect its attention to the North Central geopolitical zone instead, for the 9th House of Reps Speaker. The APC should remember that the North Central made its most impressive contribution to candidate Buhari in 2015, the highest ever since he started vying for the Office of President in 2003. The

records are there for whoever wishes to confirm. The popular expectation was that the president will win much more votes during the just concluded elections than he garnered in 2015, had the party deliberately narrowed its zoning of certain positions to the region.

Although some would argue that the outgoing Senate President, Bukola Saraki is from the North Central, it is well known that Saraki emerged No.3 Citizen against the wishes of Mr. President and the APC. Thus, though President Buhari did not win the 2019 presidential election in Plateau and Benue, for instance, it would be a great act of statesmanship for him and the party to grant the request of the people of the North Central to produce the Speaker of the Ninth House of Representatives. This is especially so since the North East has been cleared to take up the Senate Presidency. That way, Mr. President would have taken a huge leap towards healing the wounds inflicted on the various peoples inhabiting the region, due largely to the herder-farmer crisis. Equally, President Buhari would have convinced millions of citizens about his avowed commitment to ensuring inclusiveness in his second term in office, and also created a significant path to enhancing the unity of Nigeria.

Dunhu wrote from Abuja

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EDITORIAL The Tuberculosis Scourge The authorities should do more to contain the epidemic

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death rate will continue to be high. Again, there is the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTLCP) which was established in 1989 but officially launched in February 1991, with a mandate to coordinate tuberculosis and leprosy control activities in the country. From Alemu’s perspective, while millions of Nigerians could access healthcare in private hospitals, only 14 per cent of these health institutions in Nigeria actually collaborate with the NTLCP to tackle the disease.

he United States Centre for Disease Control said recently that no fewer than 18 people die in our country every hour as a result of Tuberculosis. This makes Nigeria the first in Africa and the sixth globally to suffer such affliction. Indeed, late last year, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative for Nigeria revealed that on a daily basis, no fewer than 420 fatalities are recorded in our country as a result of the highly preventable and curable disease.

What this suggests is that we are on the brink of a major health crisis. There is therefore the urgent need for more commitment from all stakeholders to tackle the TB burden.

This is a major public health issue that needs to be addressed especially when it is fuelled by large undetected and missed cases. According to Alemu, out of every 400,000 cases in Nigeria, only 100,000 are WE MUST INTENSIFY detected while the EFFORTS TO FIND remaining 300,000 are missed. To ALL MISSED CASES compound the OF TUBERCULOSIS IN problem, tubercuNIGERIA FOR PROPER losis in Nigeria has MANAGEMENT been made worse by the issues of drug resistant TB and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Alemu said the highly infectious disease is most often transferred from undetected cases because those that have been detected have the potential to be successfully treated while a missed case has a potential to infect 15 other persons per year. This is frightening especially when it is considered that the 300,000 reportedly undetected cases could infect as many as 4.5 million people annually.

Given the foregoing, we must underline the need to intensify efforts to find all missed cases of tuberculosis in Nigeria for proper management. Until we are able to find and treat missed TB cases, the prevalence of the disease and the

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he real mandate of the NTLCP is to help significantly reduce the public burden of the two diseases. The NTLCP is also part of the Federal Ministry of Health which controls most of the funding for work on the disease in Nigeria. But clearly, the figures and facts show the NTLCP is challenged to undertake its responsibilities and we will like to see it strengthened beyond what exists at the moment.

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

Again, the health authorities in Nigeria must do well to conclude work on the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control which aims to provide Universal Access to Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment by 2020 in line with its commitments to the WHO. Of course there are challenges of inadequate funding and technical capacity, but that is where collective participation of both the public and private sectors comes into play.

Religious and traditional institutions should be educated to further enlighten people on the need to report potential cases of tuberculosis for treatment. Active house-to-house case searching should also be initiated to educate the public and detect potential cases, while people living with HIV, children and urban slum dwellers, prisoners, migrants from conflict-ravaged communities; internally displaced people and facility based health care workers should be monitored intensely to ensure they are fit and free from the disease.

Unless proactive measures are collectively taken, we may continue to have high death rates from tuberculosis.

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Letters to the Editor

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

HOW ART MIGHTY INSTITUTIONS FALLEN!

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’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it once more: I feel so lucky that I was born and raised in the army barracks because of the strong perceptive pedestal upon which my life has been built. I can’t hate, I’m not superstitious, I appreciate and advocate for orderly living spaces that is boxy in elegance, I appreciate fully the blessings of being born a Christian, I appreciate my school foundation with its heavy dose of Warri native wisdom, etc.

The Nigerian Army (NA) was a mighty institution to be revered then; oh, now, how art this institution amongst many others fallen lately into inconsequential overfed toothless bulldogs!

The NA that should be set in battle array to fight Boko Haram and put everlasting fear into its dark soul is now ever poised to snatch ballot boxes and kick unharmed civilians in their butts; it was a big shame to read in the papers

about a couple of soldiers whimpering, lying in bruised pride on hospital beds complaining that Gov. Nyesom Wike sent policemen to “deal with them.” Tu fia kwa! Is this soldiering? For the sake of dignity of soldiers, these whimpering babes should be vasectomised for good so they do not produce offspring to pollute our military bloodlines. Instead of tasking generals of Northern extraction to come up with battle plans for a more effective military and urging them to lead the push against Boko Haram, these generals are sequestered in cowardly comfort in the South of Nigeria where they lead the charge against oil-pipe vandals whilst growing fat and developing well-rounded backsides. It is said that some of them speak a modicum of Ijaw.

Na wa o.

Sunday Adole Jonah Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

FCT AND THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

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he recently concluded presidential election has been acclaimed as one of the best ever witnessed in the FCT. The election was generally fair and peaceful. This accolade has made the FCT an example of how elections can be held without the meddling of major players and the government of the day.

It is disturbing however that instead of applauding this feat where people voted freely and peacefully without intimidation and inducements, some were critical of the minister of the FCT Malam Mohammadu Musa Bello for not employing dirty tactics in winning the elections for the ruling APC and President Muhammadu Buhari. This could be seen from comments, statements and even press releases by some disgruntled politicians who are for the old order of things. When results of the presidential and parliamentary elections began to trickle in and it was confirmed that the APC lost the majority votes in the FCT, alarm bell quickly went off in some quarters fingering the minister of the FCT as being responsible for the APC’s defeat.

The claim was that the minister’s reluctance to approve money in contravention of the change mantra of the Buhari administration for the purposes of elections may have ruined the chances of the APC in the capital city.

The minister in conformity with the democratic wish of the present administration to deepen the democratic process allowed the wish of the people to prevail irrespective of the fact that the ruling party is a participant in the election.

I have not seen anywhere in the world that a leader is criticized for doing the right thing. Bello has been a respecter of the rule of law and all extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is exemplified by his creation of the enabling environment to make our democracy grow.

I want to state clearly that what happened in the FCT is that the will of the majority was allowed to prevail in a very peaceful atmosphere as the minister promised before the elections. It is a promise made and fulfilled to the glory of God. Jamila Musawa, Abuja

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T H I S D AY Ëž FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2019

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

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

The Legal Debacle over ‘Employee’ in the Oni versus Fayemi Case Otunba Ben Oguntuase

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he judges at the Appeal Court, in their judgement on February 12, 2019 in the Segun Oni vs Fayemi case, said, “The Chambers Dictionary defines the noun employee as a person employed for wages or salary.� Wherever they got this from, let it also be noted that The Chambers Dictionary in its most current edition also defines the noun employee as “a person who works for another in return for payment.�

The Justices concluded that, “a Minister is not employed for wages or salary� and therefore “a Minister, even though, in the Public Service of the Federation was not an employee in the Public Service�. Their own reference dictionary, Chambers, states that an employee is “a person who works for another in return for payment.�

According to Collins English Dictionary, “an employee is a person who is paid to work for an organization or for another person.�

Even an employee on temporary contract is still an employee!

According to Wikipedia, “salary is the periodic compensation received for work done usually on monthly basis.�

Wikipedia extensively defined wage as, “a wage is monetary compensation (or remuneration, personnel expenses, labour) paid by an employer to an employee in exchange for work done. Payment may be calculated as a fixed amount for each task completed (a task wage or piece rate), or at an hourly or daily rate (wage labour), or based on an easily measured quantity of work done.

Wages are part of the expenses that are involved in running a business.

Payment by wage contrasts with salaried work, in which the employer pays an arranged amount at steady intervals (such as a week or month) regardless of hours worked, with commission which conditions pay on individual performance, and with compensation based on the performance of the company as a whole. Waged employees may also receive tips or gratuity paid directly by clients and employee benefits which are nonmonetary forms of compensation. Since

Oni

Fayemi

wage labour is the predominant form of work, the term “wage� sometimes refers to all forms (or all monetary forms) of employee compensation.�

Employment is a relationship between two parties, usually based on a contract where work is paid for, where one party, which may be a corporation, for profit, not-for-profit organization, co-operative or other entity is the employer and the other is the employee.

Employees work in return for payment, which may be in the form of an hourly wage, by piecework or an annual salary, depending on the type of work an employee does or which sector she or he is working in.

Employees in some fields or sectors may receive gratuities, bonus payment or stock options. In some types of employment, employees may receive benefits in addition to payment. Benefits can include health insurance, housing, disability insurance or use of a gym. Employment is typically governed by employment laws, regulations or legal contracts.

It should never have been difficult to understand that Article 2 of the 2014 Guidelines was never intended for civil servants but political office holders at executive level. Political parties don’t usually set the rules for civil servants. It was clearly meant for politicians on full

time appointments.

On the provisions of the Constitution and the Party Guidelines: The Constitution in Section 182 (1) states that: r/P QFSTPO TIBMM CF RVBMJà FE GPS FMFDtion to the office of Governor of a State if (g) being a person employed in the public service of the Federation or of any State, he has not resigned, withdrawn or retired from the employment, at least, 30 days to the date of the election; or similarly, the party in Section 2 of its Guidelines titled Minimum Requirements prescribes that: r"OZ BTQJSBOU TFFLJOH QVCMJD PGà DF PO the platform of the party shall not have: r#FFO DPOWJDUFE PS TFOUFODFE GPS BO PGfence involving dishonesty or found guilty of contravention of the Code of Conduct within a period of 10 years before the date of the election. r3FNBJOFE BT BO FNQMPZFF PG UIF 1VCMJD Service within 30 days preceding the date of an election. r#FFO DPOWJDUFE GPS FNCF[[MFNFOU PS fraud by a Judicial Commission of Inquiry or a Tribunal set up under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act, or any other Law by the Federal or State Government which conviction has been accepted by the Federal or State Government.�

The Constitution and Party Guideline in this respect are virtually the same as far as intention is concerned. It is clear that what

the party did was to repeat the provision of the constitution in its Guidelines with the Guidelines emphasizing “aspirant� meaning that the election under reference is the primary election which features aspirants and not candidates.

Recognizing that election is a process, the Constitution does not make any explicit distinction by way of reference to either aspirant or candidate. This provides sufficient latitude for the parties to be more explicit in their Guideline without being in conflict with the provisions of the constitution.

The Constitution says “30 days to the date of the election�. There are two elections – the Primary and the General.

The 1999 Constitution (as amended) did not state which election it refers to but we can deduce it is referring to the general election because of the use of the word “candidate.�

It is in the same token that we can deduce that the Party Guideline refers to the primary election because of the use of the word “Aspirant.�

The Real Intention of the framers of the Guideline: It is inconceivable that the party will be making laws solely for political participation for Civil Servants whose employments are governed by Civil Service Rules.

Civil Servants participation in politics are well covered by these Rules. Who the framers of the Guidelines had in mind could only have been those appointed into public office. Elected officials are not included because their tenure have been specifically provided for in the statutes. Other Public Servants have their provisions in their code of employment and could not have been the category intended by the framers of the Guidelines.

For example, a Commissioner of Police is a Public Servant whose employment is regulated by the Police Service Rules which clearly specifies what steps he/ she has to take to participate in electoral politics and this is without prejudice to whatever internal requirements a political party may impose.

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

Tribute to a Quintessential Diplomat Akin Fayomi, Yemi Dipeolu and Ayo Olukanni

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irst, we heard of the crash. Then we were told that there was no /JHFSJBO POCPBSE 5IFO XF IFBSE UIBU UIFSF XBT POF /JHFSJBO only to learn to our great sorrow that there were two of them and that our ‘Egbon’ and quintessential diplomat, Ambassador Abiodun Olufemi Bashua, was one of UIF /JHFSJBO WJDUJNT 0VS CFMPWFE A#SPUIFS Biodun’, as we all fondly refer to him, is no more with us. He was one of the victims of the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines jet that crashed a few minutes after take-off outside Addis Ababa that fateful Sunday, March 10, 2019, a day that will live in infamy.

Death came calling, in its usual surreptitious manner, and took Brother Biodun and 156 loving souls.

Such is the life at the Foreign Service Office that very few of our compatriots knew about Ambassador Bashua. Some were even wondering whether he was a /JHFSJBO VOUJM SFNJOEFE UIBU #BTIVB JT B proud Lagos name. Those who have lived in Surulere, Lagos certainly know of Adisa Bashua Street.

For those of us writing this tribute, he was a big brother, a mentor and, above all, a good friend. Ambassador Bashua joined UIF /JHFSJBO 'PSFJHO 4FSWJDF JO BGUFS studying at the University of Lagos and TFSWJOH JO UIF QJPOFFS TFU PG UIF /BUJPOBM :PVUI 4FSWJDF $PSQT /:4$ )F TFSWFE

in Tehran, Iran during the revolution that overthrew Shah Reva Palavi and had a very good understanding of Iran and its proud history as well as of the Iranian people and the causes of the revolution. Ambassador Bashua went on to serve in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire and later on, in Vienna, Austria from where he was seconded to serve at the International Atomic Energy Agency, also in that city.

It was, however, through his stint at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters that most of us came to know him. He served in the International Economic Cooperation Directorate under the inimitable Ambassador Ade Adekuoye, fondly called ‘Headmaster’. If Ambassador Adekuoye was Headmaster, Brother Biodun was Senior Prefect. He was then Counsellor but related very well with all the First, Second and Third Secretaries serving in the Department.

He also served as Director in the Permanent Secretary’s Office under Ambassador Judith Attah which, in those days, was the powerhouse of the Ministry, especially relating to administrative matters. The junior officers who served with him then testify to his calm, unruffled demeanour in the face of the extreme pressure of work in that Office. Our relationship with Ambassador Bashua was that of a guardian and his wards. He it was who helped us to navigate and make sense of the maze the ministry was, and still is. For us rookie diplomats then, Brother Biodun was a welcome sight. He was our advisor, confidante, teacher, big brother and, most

importantly, a friend.

Ambassador Bashua’s leadership was unique in several ways. He guided and mentored junior officers from across the length and breadth of the country, too numerous to mention including now retired ambassadors. He patiently taught junior officers how to draft diplomatic corresponEFODF JODMVEJOH UIF BMM JNQPSUBOU /PUF Verbale. He also taught them the essence of diplomacy, patience, tact, and discernment which were essential prerequisites for successful negotiations. Above all, he insisted on self-improvement and thinking analytically. Brother Biodun was so bright that he was one of the few senior officers at that time to gain admission to the Harvard MPA programme on his own merit. He was unable to go mainly due to financial constraints but he polished his knowledge through extensive reading and application of the mind to professional situation and challenges.

Such was his versatility that after he KPJOFE UIF 6OJUFE /BUJPOT IF XPSLFE JO agencies with very different and quite complicated mandates like the International "UPNJD &OFSHZ "HFODZ UIF 6OJUFE /Btions Framework Convention on Climate Change, and in various peacekeeping assignments. He became a talented multilateralist, well-respected by his peers and colleagues. He jaw-jawed with warlords in Sierra Leone and parlayed with Janjaweed NJMJUJBT JO %BSGVS /PUBCMZ IF SPTF UP become the Deputy Joint Representative

PG UIF 6/ BOE "6 JO %BSGVS 4VEBO GSPN where he retired. He was much admired BOE JO TVDI HSFBU EFNBOE CZ 6/ BOE "6 authorities that he was often called upon to assist in several assignments after retirement. Indeed, it was on one of such that he perished. Brother Biodun was not just a EJTUJOHVJTIFE /JHFSJBO EJQMPNBU IF XBT B diplomat of global reckoning, a peacemaker and a peacekeeper.

For those of us penning this piece in his honour, Brother Biodun was special because whenever he came to headquarters while still in active service, he would bring us together for a social evening in which the discussion was always serious and centred around recent developments in the domestic and international arena. There was never a dull moment with him, as he was extremely humorous and able to douse tensions through witty remarks. He was a good man, and he will be sorely missed.

We commiserate with his wife and children, the immediate and extended Bashua GBNJMZ IJT GPSNFS DPMMFBHVFT JO UIF /JHFSJBO 'PSFJHO 4FSWJDF JO UIF 6OJUFE /BUJPOT system, at the African Union, and across the globe. A fitting tribute to his memory is the continuous search, through robust and effective diplomacy, for a peaceful and just world, to which he dedicated his entire life.

Good night, Brother Biodun.

-Akin Fayomi, Yemi Dipeolu and Ayo Olukanni are Diplomats and retired career ambassadors of Nigeria

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2019

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PERSPECTIVE

A Plea for Righteous Intervention in Rivers State Tonye Patrick Cole

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good friend once told me as I pondered my journey into the world of politics that if there is one thing that drives politicians the world over, it is fear. Politicians, he said, are afraid of losing elections, they are afraid of becoming unpopular, they are afraid of the people who vote, they are afraid of not being relevant in the scheme of things, they are afraid of tomorrow.

That fear, depending on how it manifests, will drive the desperation with which they will pursue their mandates and will determine to what lengths they will go in order to win an election. That fear, if left unchecked, is potent and permeates through every fabric of an electoral process leaving behind, a trail of destruction that is hard to hide and difficult to repair.

I set out determined that I must find an answer to the malaise and a solution that would spare us as citizens, the death and destruction that unbridled fear brings. The challenge in itself seemed insurmountable when even before a single vote was cast, the byword in Rivers State was insecurity and violence but to not face the challenge wasn’t an option and to not seek a solution was cowardly to say the least and so I embarked on a journey to entrench peace into our politics and to instill hope in the hearts and minds of the people.

Hope - this word and emotion was driven home to me by a study that showed human behaviour is driven by the two extremes of fear and hope, with multiple combinations of both in between. I reasoned that even though fear was a dominant short term emotion that delivered immediate results for the benefit of a few, hope was a far better long term emotion that delivered lasting results for the benefit of the majority, so I chose to anchor on hope to bring the Rivers People the succour that was so desperately needed.

Fast forward to Election Day. My candidacy had since been halted and the platform from which I could speak on ‘The Politics of Peace and The Power of Hope’ had been sidelined.

The prevailing voices being heard were those that sowed fear for a living and the state had turned into a battleground of accusations and counter accusations. The voice of the people had long receded into the distant background as had hope for an outcome that would

Cole

serve the true aspirations of the people.

One side accused the security agencies of conspiring to steal the elections while the other side was accused of using the independent electoral institution to hijack the electoral process and steal the mandate. In the wake of the accusations, all driven by what politicians fear the most, which is FEAR itself, we saw death visit us as a people and destruction lay siege on our communities.

Like politicians are want to do, each side was quick to blame the other where the one with more money and influence with the media ends up shaping the narrative that the world sees, hears and ultimately believes.

So what is the truth?

It seems to me that the truth is no longer relevant in the blame game that has now characterized the election of March 9th and the subsequent suspension that followed.

Whose truth is one willing to believe in any case? Is it the truth of African Action Congress (AAC) that Awara won or that of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Wike won? Is it the truth of the military that their intervention was to save lives or that of the Rivers State Government that it was to take lives?

Is it the truth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that their political machinery backing a little known

politician delivered a shocking defeat to an incumbent or that of the PDP that an unknown politician, backed by an ‘unballoted’ party was run over by a sitting governor? Is it the truth that as at the time of suspension only 7 LGA results had been declared and others were still being collated or that 17 LGA results had been collated and awaiting declaration? Is it the truth that collation was suspended for wide scale violence when there was relative peace or that collation was suspended in spite of the peace to enable one party rewrite the results?

In the scheme of things, the truth has been buried very deep under a mountain of half-truths and lies, which leaves very little room for anyone to claim the legitimate right to the crown.

Where does that leave us?

I am constrained by the choices before me to take a stand on something. An oft-quoted saying by Edmund Burke goes, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. The situation we find ourselves in Rivers State is extremely dire and having initially participated and then taken a ringside seat in the elections for Governor of the State, I have seen plenty and have gained substantial knowledge to know that staying silent at this time is akin to doing nothing so evil

can and will triumph.

If there is one thing that I am certain of, it is that the entire election of March 9 is totally and completely compromised from head to toe. There are no results that would be announced today that would reflect the will of the people in any form or manner. There are just as many people who do not trust and will not accept an election that delivers PDP today because of the belief that the umpire has granted unfettered access to the result sheets and a yeoman’s job has been done on the collated results that is guaranteed to withstand any scrutiny through the election tribunals or any court of law thereafter just as there are as many people who will not accept a result that delivers the AAC because of the belief that the election day results were structured to favour them by the direct involvement of the military as insinuated by the PDP. In neither of the scenarios above is the voice of the people heard nor are the pains and toils taken to come out and vote considered. Indeed, if there is any evil to contend with, it is this rape of democracy that completely ignores what the general voter thinks, says or does simply because politicians genuinely fear that outcome. Politicians will rather emerge with contrived results that stills their fear of losing elections, of becoming unpopular, becoming irrelevant in the scheme of things and most of all the fear of what tomorrow brings.

What must we do?

This is a pivotal period for Rivers State and indeed the entire political institutions in Nigeria. Our state has always been at the epicentre of political affairs, most often hugging the limelight for all the wrong reasons. We are the only State that the courts silenced almost all political opposition to an incumbent, nearly making way for a walkover election. We are the only state that is yet to conclude an election three weeks after voters went to the polls. We are the only state that armed militants and the military faced off violently. We are the only state that continues to be a cause of deep concern to the international community. We are the only state that the electoral body is being brazenly accused of unparalleled bias. We are the only state that is openly labeled as electorally violent.

We are sick and tired of these negative headlines.

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The Punch that Eradicated PDP from Gombe Muhammad Baba Gombe

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f the lies of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State were stored, we would have run out of space eight years ago because from the inception of the administration, nothing has been more certain than the lies told at every platform which they never envisaged would resurface in manners such as we now have it. It is often said that he that takes alcohol should be ready to become his own lawyer when he gets sober. For years, the PDP in Gombe had claimed to be developing the state while they were busy helping themselves to the wealth of the state in an alcohol-like manner but today they are busy looking for lawyers to defend them before the court of the people which even consumed the senatorial ambition of Gov. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.

By the definition of democracy, it is supposed to be a blessing as in saner climes but in Gombe, the PDP has made democracy disgustful, distasteful and almost a taboo to many who

love our darling state. The self-democracy of Gov. Dankwambo has resulted to more disasters than development as many have termed his administration the worst in the history of the state especially with the recent happenings that provided the newest evidence to kick-out the PDP with the kind of ballot-knock-out punch that was given to the party during the presidential election and the recent governorship result where the PDP was only able to win his Local Government Area through vote buying.

Evidence abound to prove beyond doubt that Dankwambo’s eight years of decep-cracy (coined from deception and democracy) administration is the worst looking at the available records in terms of debt profile, educational failures, please disregard Dankwambo’s first, second and third priority claim for education because the results from external examinations have debunked that, health disaster, political mayhem and outright declaration of war on citizens of Gombe and civil servants in the state as well as the white elephant projects.

By debt profile, many will remember how well-meaning Gombites have written on the debt profile but the ‘please’ man of the governor, Junaidu Abubakar: who seem to have run out of lies to feed the make-believe administration, was busy denying.

But today, the issues are more glaring than the clouds, so no one can defend the governor anymore, not even the ‘please’ man who is on a political sabbatical.

When, we talk of debt, Gombe State is one of the most indebted states in Nigeria, all thanks to the one who seem to know a lot about figures, yet the state has a debt burden 63.89 billion naira in 2016 and 41.9 billion in 2017 as domestic debts while the foreign debt stands at 38.5 million dollars. The N30 billion bonds collected is not part of the debt. Also, to note, the Gov. Dankwambo has left an accumulated gratuity of N10 billion with some pensioners yet to be paid for seven or eight years. On 10th of December, 2018, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced that Gombe airport has been grounded,

listing it as one of the four airports, with a debt profile of N2.6 billion.

Surprisingly, Gombe state, was alleged a debt profile of N607 million.

The same government claimed to have constructed more roads and infrastructures than all the administrations put together but the roads linking many of our villages were those put in place by previous administration. With such claims by Gov. Dankwambo, the roads to several villages would have been sorted but a journey of 10 or 15 minutes will probably take 2 or 3 hours especially along Nafada and other rural locations in the state. The Gombe airport has been left un-attended to, the same with the Pantami stadium, the water project by the Goje’s administration and many others. Apart from the wasteful project in the International Conference center that the state government claimed it spent over N4 billion to build what else has been built?

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5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019

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T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱ͡, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

M A R C H

REPO 14.25 % 14.83 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

10.50 % 12.25 % 13.10 %

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

2 2 , 2 0 1 9 384.96 % 0.27 % 0.78 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 7.84 % YEAR TO DATE 7.84 %

EXCHANGE RATE N306.90/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Delta Marks Lagos-New York Anniversary

125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

L-R: Group Chairman, FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Oba Otudeko; Chairman, Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola; Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; his wife, Mrs. Olanlesi Mamora; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin EmeďŹ ele and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, at a gala night to commemorate the 125th year anniversary of FirstBank, held in Lagos‌recently

Nigeria to Save N2bn Annually from Airlines’ Domestic Maintenance, Repair Chinedu Eze Nigeria can save more than N2 billion annually if the country has well equipped Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hanger, an industry expert has said.

Presently all scheduled commercial airlines conduct their major maintenance checks overseas and spend huge amount of foreign exchange. But the expert stressed that substantial amount of this sum could be saved, jobs created and foreign exchange preserved if the country has a major maintenance facility.

Precisely, the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, said Nigeria can save

AVIATION over N2 billion annually with local maintenance facility if it has well developed and equipped MRO. He said currently it costs Aero Contractors between $500, 000 to $800, 000 to maintain one engine of a Boeing B737 aircraft, noting that this could cost less if it were done locally and would also fetch about 30 per cent discount. “If we do the maintenance here about 30 per cent of the cost would be slashed and that gives you 30 per cent discount.

This is for a comprehensive MRO that has complement

of good workshop and this would also save the country foreign exchange,� he said.

Sanusi, however said such major facility needs huge capital outlay to take off so it usually requires long-term loans with single digit interest, just like the loans needed to finance airline operations. “Such project needs heavy capital to set up and it takes sometime before it will begin to yield profits. So most MROs require some grants to take off. They provide long term profit but they require heavy investment to start off,� he said.

Sanusi, also disclosed that ECOWAS has plans to establish such facility in Nigeria and it

wants to partner with Aero, which already has maintenance facility for Boeing B737 Classic up to C-check.

He noted that ECOWAS was already attracting funding from World Bank and Afreximbank at very low interest rate, noting that if ECOWAS finally decided to site the facility in Nigeria, the Nigerian government would give it incentive by providing land for the facility. “ECOWAS can partner with Aero and develop big MRO with defined share capital in a very transparent manner for the sub-region and industry Continued on page 22

FG Tightens Security on Nigeria’s Waters Eromosele Abiodun The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has reiterated the federal government’s determination to rid the Nigerian territorial waters of criminalities through the Integrated Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure (ISWPI), otherwise known as the Deep Blue Project.

The minister disclosed this in Lagos during the graduation ceremony for participants of the C4I Intelligence System Operator Course for the Deep Blue Project.

Amaechi stated that the 853km long Nigeria coastline and the country’s location in the Gulf of Guinea made it strategic for both maritime activities and security issues.

According to the minister, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dajuma Dauda, “The length of our coastline, our

MARITIME exclusive economic zone, as well as our strategic location on a major shipping route, which is the Gulf of Guinea, means that we cannot afford illegalities, such as piracy, oil theft, sea robbery, and other crimes.� “The Deep Blue Project is a conscious effort towards addressing illegality in our territorial waters and, indeed, the Gulf of Guinea,�he said.

In his welcome address, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the Deep Blue Project would drastically reduce criminalities in the Gulf of Guinea. Peterside, explained that the project was multifaceted and involved the training of selected officers from the various strata of the security services and NIMASA as well as acquisition of assets to combat maritime crime.

He said: “The Deep Blue Project is a multipronged approach towards tackling insecurity in our territorial waters and the entire Gulf of Guinea. What we are doing is fulfilling the training aspect of the project and this will also be complemented by acquisition of assets, such as fast intervention vessels, surveillance aircraft, and other facilities, including a command and control centre for data collection and information sharing that will aid our goals of targeted enforcement.�

The NIMASA boss added, “The Deep Blue Project is geared towards building a formidable integrated surveillance and security architecture that will comprehensively combat maritime crime and criminalities in Nigeria’s waterways up to the Gulf of Guinea.�

Peterside stated that the agency, in collaboration with the National Assembly, was taking steps to ensure that the

Antipiracy Bill was passed soon.

He said NIMASA was involved in both regional and domestic collaborations to ensure that maritime crimes in the country’s waterways were reduced to a bare minimum, if not completely eliminated.

In his remarks, the best graduating student among the 21 course participants, Abdul Razaq Lawal Mohammed, said the course exposed participants to security challenges being faced in the Gulf of Guinea region and the possible solutions. He promised to bring his experience to bear in efforts to make the Nigerian maritime space safe for investment.

The participants were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police, DSS, and NIMASA. NIMASA had earlier in the year graduated 24 C4i system Continued on page 22

DeltaAirLineshasmarkedasuccessfulfirst12monthsofflyingbetween LagosandNewYork.

Thenon-stopflightstartedonMarch26,2018andoperatesthreetimes aweek.Deltaalsofliesnon-stopbetweenLagosandAtlantafourtimes aweek,meaningNigerianshaveadailyconnectiontotheUnitedStates.

Overthepastyear,therouterecordedaverageloadfactorof84percent, astheairlineairliftedabout60,000passengersandbecamethemost popularonwardconnectiontoBaltimore,Dallas,ChicagoandBoston “NigeriaisanimportantmarketforDeltaandofferingthechoiceofflying toeitherNewYorkorAtlantaenablesustobetterserveourcustomers.

Flyingnonstoptothesehubsoffersawealthofconnectingoptionsacross theUnitedStatesandbeyond,�saidDelta’sCommercialDirectorEast andWestAfrica,BobbyBryan. “DeltahasservedNigeriafor11yearsandwe’reproudtocontinuebeing theonlyU.S.carrierflyingbetweenournations,�headded.

The airline noted that Delta’s flights from New York and Atlanta are convenientlytimedtodepartattheendofthedayenablingcustomers to maximise their time in the United States. The flights are operated usingDelta’sAirbusA330fleetwithupgradedinteriors,includingflatbed seats in the Delta One business class cabin.The airline also offers premiumcustomerscomplimentaryloungeaccess,plustheabilityto choosetheirmealinadvanceoftheirflight.

Emirates Incentivises Travellers

Emirates has announced that it is enhancing the travel experience of Nigerian travellers by offering them complimentary hotel stay with a newspecialofferacrossitsfirst,businessandeconomyclasscabins.

The offer also includes Skywards bonus miles. The special offer commenced on March 26th and would last till April 3rd 2019, while traveldatesisscheduledforApril1sttillJune30th2019.

NigeriantravellersdepartingfromLagostoDubaicanavailthemselves aroundtripticketfor$8,963onFirstClass;$3,229onBusinessClass, and$799onEconomyclass;andfortravellersdepartingfromAbujato Dubaitheroundtripticketis$8,963onFirstClass;$3,229onBusiness Classand$629onEconomyclass.

EmiratessaidNigerianEconomyClasstravellerswouldenjoyonefirst nightaccommodationinaRoverRoomattheRoveDowntown,RoveCity CentreorRoveHealthcareCity,includingbedandbreakfast,whileFirst andBusinessClasstravellerswouldenjoyafirstnightaccommodationat the5-starJWMarriottMarquis,Dubai,includingbedandbreakfast.The FirstclasstravellerswouldenjoyanExecutiveroom,whiletheBusiness classtravellerswillenjoyaDeluxeroom.

Air Peace Introduces Larger Aircraft

Air Peace on Wednesday deployed a Boeing 737 aircraft to service its Asaba operations, saying the development was in response to the yearnings of members of the flying public for a bigger-capacity equipmentontheroute.

TheBoeing737aircraftwillsupporttheairline’s50-seaterEmbraer145 jets,whichhadbeenservicingthecarrier’sLagos-Asaba-LagosandAbujaAsaba-Abujaroutes.Theairline,whichrelauncheditsAsabaoperations aboutfivemonthsagoonOctober8,2018,aftertheAsabaAirportwas fixed,saiddemandforairtravelontheLagos-AsabaandAbuja-Asaba routes was already outstripping the capacity of its Embraer 145 jets.

It said its acceptance on the Asaba route was an endorsement of the qualityofitsflightoperations.AstatementissuedbyAirPeaceCorporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the deployment of a Boeing737aircraftontheroutewouldaffordairtravellerstheadvantage ofabiggerspace.

Ethiopian Wins Award

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Africa has won the prestigiousA ‘ fricanChampionoftheYear’awardattherecentlyconcluded AfricaCEOForuminKigali.Theforumistheleadinginternationalconference dedicatedtotheprivatesectorinAfricaandhoststhecontinent’stop CEOs,internationalinvestors,expertsandhigh-levelpolicymakersevery year.Everyyear,theAfricaCEOForumawardsrecognisescompanies andinvestorsthathaveshapedtheyear.

Whilereceivingtheawards,GroupChiefExecutiveOfficerofEthiopian Airlines,Mr.TewoldeGebreMariamsaid,“Wearehonoredtobeawardedas Africanchampion.Thankyouverymuchforthestrongvoteofconfidence thatAfricahasgivenusevenatthemostchallengingtimeinourhistory.

“We are not interested in making mega profit now; we are interested in developing efficient maintenance facility for our customers�

CEO of Aero Contractors,

Captain Ado Sanusi

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BUSINESSWORLD NIGERIA TO SAVE N2BN ANNUALLY FROM AIRLINES’ DOMESTIC MAINTENANCE, REPAIR

stakeholders will key into it. The MRO will serve the whole sub-region. You know we don’t have such facility in the sub-region so the facility is necessary,� he said.

On the maintenance organisation already developed by Aero Contractors, Sanusi said, “The MRO is doing very well, I am very happy about it. They say charity begins at home. We have done three C-checks in-house. “That means we have done C-checks on three aircraft for Aero Contractors. We have done a couple of 18-months check for our customers, Nigerian airlines. We are about to do a C-check on another airline.

We have a couple of Nigerian airlines that are lined up for C-checks. “We are not interested in making mega profit now. What we are interested in is to develop the place and to ensure that we serve our customers. We want a situation where the Nigerian airlines are very comfortable bringing their airplanes here and we want to deliver their airplanes better than what they get outside the country.�

He also disclosed that that Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has approved that aircraft registered in that country could come to Aero to conduct major checks. “We are happy to inform you that the Ghana Civil Aviation has given us the authority to do checks in the aircraft that are registered in their company and we have done a lot of major maintenance for their aircraft.�

FG TIGHTENS SECURITY ON NIGERIA’S WATERS

operators and also, recently, 300 officers of the Nigerian Army who were trained on the Basic Infantry Course, all under the Deep Blue Project. The Intelligence System Operator Course, with 21 graduates, is an aspect of the training that focuses on intelligence, data gathering, and information sharing towards a targeted enforcement approach.

The project provides both land and air based surveillance capabilities with command and control centres located across the country for data gathering and information sharing.

Group Business Editor

NEWS

Ship Owners Push for Disbursement of $100m Cabotage Fund Stories by Eromosele Abiodun As the federal government continues to falter on its promise to disburse the $100 million (N36 billion) Cabotage Vessels Finance Fund (CVFF) in the first quarter of 2019, ship owners in the country have pledged to fight for the disbursement of the fund.

The fund, which is domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is meant to be used to help indigenous operators acquire vessels to gradually take over from the foreign operators who dominates the business.

Newly elected President of Shipowners’ Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mkgeorge Onyung, while speaking to journalists in Lagos, said the association would constructively engage the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Federal Ministry of Transportation over the disbursement of the fund.

He said the intervention fund was created to aid Nigerian ship-owners to boost operational capacity and compete strongly in cargo freightage and that the fund must be disbursed for that purposes.

He said: “The CVFF is created for the benefit of indigenous ship-owners and the fact that it had not been disbursed means that something is definitely wrong somewhere. 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 squarely for the benefit of the country. “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.�

He said executive members would look at the best way to ensure that CVFF is disbursed to our members.

Onyung, said the task ahead for the new executive was enormous, adding that its 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.

He added: “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 ship-owners 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.

HONOUR WELL DESERVED

L-R: Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema; Mr. Oluwasegun Fatonade and Head of Training, Capt. Ndubisi Ekwempu, during the decoration of Fatonade as a captain at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos‌ recently

FG Directs MDAs to Patronise SON for CertiďŹ cation The federal government has directed all its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to henceforth patronise the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for the certification of their management systems and processes in accordance with international best practices.

A circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, informed all MDAs of the attainment of international accreditation for the SON Management Systems Certification (MSC) services.

According to the circular, the scope of the accreditation covers four of the International Organisation for Standardisation

(ISO) standards namely: Quality Management Systems (QMS) Standards, Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Standards, Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) Standards and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) Standards.

The SGF thus urged all MDAs to take optimum advantage of the SON Management Systems Certification services in line with the Presidential Executive Order 4 on support of local content.

According to him, patronage of SON MSC would lead to huge savings in foreign exchange hitherto expended by some MDAs in procuring such services from foreign organisations.

Commenting on the SGF’s directive, SON Director General, Osita Aboloma, said the accreditation has brought his agency at par with its contemporaries in Europe, America, Asia and some parts of Africa.

He said SON’s international accreditation of its MSC services was on the heels of a similar attainment for its training services which focuses on development of National capacity in international management systems standards.

He recalled that the SON Training Services (STS) Centre received certification by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and the International Register of Certified Auditors (IRCA) as an Approved Training

Partner (ATP) in 2018. “The Centre thus became the first CQI and IRCA approved Training Centre in Nigeria and the West African Region to offer certified courses by the two international institutions,� he said.

Aboloma, disclosed that the MSC accreditation and STS international recognition form part of the overall repositioning of the agency’s services for global competitiveness as well as promoting ease of doing business in the public and private sectors in Nigeria.

The SON’s chief executive stated that concerted efforts were ongoing to attain international accreditation for the organisation’s other service offerings for global acceptance

and promotion of international trade with, and investment in Nigeria.

Aboloma, reiterated that over 300 private sector organisations and institutions in Nigeria were already certified by the SON MSC in addition to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), with visible benefits in higher productivity, efficiency and responsiveness.

He listed the SON-MSC quality objectives as including: “to achieve efficient and prompt service delivery to clients, ensure prompt resolution of all complaints as well as regular updating of its auditors’ knowledge and skills.’’

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

Goddy Ogene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ äĂ?

Comms/e-Business Editor

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

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NIMASA Pledges Enhanced Training for Cadets The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has restated its commitment to partnerships with international institutions for sea time training of Nigerians under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said this in Lagos during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the agency and the Maritime Academy of India for on-board

sea time training of some graduates of the programme. “This MOU will help reduce the amount of cadets awaiting sea-time by clearing up the first 60 of the backlog in three batches of 20 each,� he stated.

He congratulated the 20 trainees under the first batch of the scheme and tasked them to be dedicated, disciplined, and committed to making the best use of the opportunity to develop themselves and aid national development. “We are proud that you

will be joining the global merchant fleets. Be sure to represent Nigeria positively.

We are determined to get all of your mates the much needed sea-time. Under the current leadership of NIMASA, we are working very hard to provide sea-time for all that have gone through our NSDP,� he added.

He expressed NIMASA’s determination to explore and use appropriate avenues to ensure that Nigerian seafarers got the right exposure and training to excel in the global maritime

space, saying in the near future Nigeria would be a supplier of qualified seafarers to the rest of the world.

Peterside said the agency was in negotiation with other academies with access to ocean going training vessels in countries like Turkey and United Kingdom, among others, to secure sea time for Nigerians.

He said he wanted to replicate in Nigeria the progress recorded under similar partnerships in a country such as Philippines, in the area of

providing seafarers to the international market.

The Maritime Academy of India was represented at the MoU signing ceremony

by Managing Director, TMC Shipping Pvt. Limited and the Maritime Academy, Neeraj Kumar.

In his remarks, Kumar appreciated NIMASA’s effort to develop the seafarers and commended the NSDP initiative. TMC is India’s leading maritime education, training and recruitment company.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Aero Reduces Airfare to Yola Stories by Chinedu Eze Aero Contractors has reduced airfare to Yola as it begins flight operations to the capital of Adamawa state.

The airline, which is repositioning its scheduled and fixed wing operations as it increases aircraft in its fleet, marked its inaugural flight to Yola via Abuja on Tuesday with high load factor.

The airline’s Boeing 737500 aircraft touched down at the Yola International Airport at exactly 6:00 pm, to a ceremonial water salute by the airport firefighters and excited passengers who lauded the efficiency of the nation’s oldest carrier, known for its goodwill and safety record.

The aircraft had departed Lagos to Yola enroute Abuja on the flight commanded by the airline’s Chief Pilot, Capt. Imoleayo Adebunle.

The airline said its Yola flight departs Lagos 3:20 p.m daily, arrives Abuja 4:35 before departing for Yola at 5 pm and arriving at 6:10 according to the Lagos-Yola schedule.

According to passengers

who travelled with the flight, the coming of Aero has deepened flight options to travellers desirous of seamless connectivity from Lagos or Abuja to the North Eastern state. To attract potential passengers who travel regularly on the route, the airline has also started with a promo fare of N18,500 for Yola to Abuja and N20,000 for Yola to Lagos which is a two-hour flight.

Interim Station Manager for the airline, AbdulMalik Musa, said the airline has decided to make it a night stop in Yola and early morning departure to enable business people meet their morning schedule in Abuja and Lagos.

He said it was a deliberate business strategy as Aero is the only airline out of the three other carriers operating to Yola doing night stop in Yola and morning departure.

The station manager assured that the airline would continue to provide on-time and excellent inflight service on the route. “We are fully prepared for this service. As you can see the aircraft is on ground on

schedule from Lagos down to Abuja. That is how we want to keep it. “The schedule is morning departure. We commence boarding at 7 am and by 7:30, we are out of this place. “We decided to pick this time for the numerous passengers in Yola because some of them are business people and working class people. “They can be able to be in Abuja at 8:30 a.m to meet the office hours and their business schedule as well as in Lagos at 10:30 a.m and be able to come back if they wish,� Musa said. “There are four airlines operating into Yola including us. So the competition is there. We have to come into the market with a new strategy. “So we decided to make it a night stop. We started with a promo fare of N18,500 to Abuja and N20,000 to Lagos.

I’m sure no airline can beat that. It is an opening for the youths,� he added.

Aero contractors marked a significant turnaround in less than two years with an MRO facility and more aircraft in its fleet.

Air Peace Decorates Two New Captains Air Peace has elevated two members of its flight crew to the rank of captain, urging them to sustain the high safety standards the carrier is reputed for.

Speaking during the decoration of Mr. Oluwasegun Fatonade and Mr. William Devine as captains at Air Peace Corporate Headquarters in Lagos, the carrier’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Allen Onyema, said he was proud that they scaled the tough tests for donning the four-bar epaulette. The rigorous requirements the new captains were subjected to, he insisted, were necessary to ensure they were qualified for the high quality of the airline’s flight operations.

He assured that Air Peace would continue to reward excellence as a pro-staff organisation and ensure that its workers were promoted without regard to ethnicity

and favouritism. “I’m one of the happiest persons today. I take pride in seeing people grow. We are pro-staff. In our own little way, we try to ensure that staff enjoy their time here. Anyone can become anything they want to be here without discrimination. “I don’t meddle in matters involving selection and elevation of our flight crew.

It is strictly on merit. For the flight crew training team to have adjudged the new captains worthy of flying for Air Peace, they really must be good. It says a lot about their quality. The tough tests they passed through before being selected for elevation as captains was necessary to ensure the sustenance of the high standards of our flight operations. “It’s not everyone that was tested that made it. I urge the new captains to continue to work hard to

sustain the high quality of our flight operations.

The position of a captain is one that comes with huge responsibility, but I have no doubt they will excel in their new roles,�

Onyema said.

On his part, Air Peace Head of Training, Captain Ndubisi Ekwempu, who presented the new captains to Onyema for decoration, described them as hardworking and dedicated members of the flight crew.

Their elevation to the left seat, he said, was well deserved.

He, however, urged Fatonade and Devine not to rest on their oars.

He commended Air Peace chairman for giving the training team the liberty to do their job uninfluenced.

Ekwempu praised the flight crew training team for working hard to produce the new captains.

...Lifts Pharoahs of Egypt to Asaba Air Peace has also announced that it airlifted Egyptian national team, the Pharaohs of Egypt from Niamey, Niger Republic to Asaba in Delta State for the friendly match with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The airline, which is currently pursuing a vigorous network expansion project on the West Coast of Africa, has become very popular on the Accra, Freetown, Monrovia, Dakar and Banjul routes.

Air Peace said its vision is to create seamless flight connectivity, assuring that it would soon expand its

regional flight network to at least nine routes, including Niamey.

The Boeing 737-500 aircraft operated by Captain Remilekun Etta, First Officer Callistus Ifeanyi and their crew lifted a total of 114 passengers on the entourage of the Egyptian team.

Speaking on the development, Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah, said it was a vote of confidence on the quality of the carrier ’s flight operations.

He assured that the airline would continue to make Nigeria proud in

Africa with its regional flights. He added that Air Peace would soon prove to the world that Nigeria had something valuable to offer in aviation with its long-haul flights to Sharjah, Dubai, London, Guangzhou, Houston, Mumbai and Johannesburg launching soon. “We are quite pleased with the acceptance of Air Peace at all destinations we currently operate to.

Air Peace is now the airline of choice in Nigeria and on the West Coast of Africa. This boldly speaks to the quality of our flight operations,� he said.

Ethiopian Plane Crash and Western Media Coverage

Gebremariam

Chinedu Eze If there were no Lion Air crash Flight 610 involving Boeing 737MAX, the same aircraft type that was also involved in the Ethiopian Airlines, there are indications that the attention would have been more on the maintenance culture of the African airline rather than on the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) generally believed to be responsible for the two accidents.

But despite what has been identified as the common cause of the accidents, there are still desperate moves in some quarters, especially in the US media to indict Ethiopia Airlines and question the integrity of its safety standards.

Reuters was quoted alleging that the pilot in command of the ill-fated flight, Yared Getachew, was not trained for the aircraft type. The allegation was attributed to the late pilot’s colleague. Few days go also, major US cable network said Ethiopia Airlines had good record until the crash.

Reacting to the allegation that Captain Getachew was untrained, Ethiopia Airlines said it was not true; that the pilot was well trained for the job.

The East African carrier said the late pilot in command and the flight officer underwent Boeing recommended and US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved differences training from the B737-NG aircraft to the B737-MAX. As efforts are being made to rope Ethiopia Airlines into the accident beyond what has been agreed to be the cause of both its and Lion Air accident in which 346 persons died, the Group CEO of Ethiopia Airlines, Tewolde Gebremariam reminded the aviation industry and the world that Ethiopia Airlines is a highly reputed carrier to come out of Africa, emphasising that despite the accident, the airline still maintained its good safety record. “As a state-owned airline and the flagship carrier for our nation, we carry the torch for the Ethiopian brand around the world. In a nation that sometimes is saddled with negative stereotypes, accidents like this affect our sense of pride. Yet this tragedy won’t define us. “We pledge to work with Boeing and our colleagues in all the airlines to make air travel even safer. As the largest aviation group on the continent of Africa, we represent The New Spirit of Africa and will continue to move forward. “We are rated as a 4-star global airline with a high safety record and member of Star Alliance. That will not change,� Gebremariam said.

He said that the airline would fully cooperate with Boeing and other concerned authorities in the investigation of the accident. “The investigation of the accident is well underway, and we will learn the truth. At this time, I do not want to speculate as to the cause.

Many questions on the B-737 MAX airplane remain without answers, and I pledge full and transparent cooperation to discover what went wrong. “As it is well known in our global aviation industry, the differences training between the B-737 NG and the B-737 MAX recommended

by Boeing and approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration called for computer-based training, but we went beyond that. “After the Lion Air accident in October, our pilots who fly the Boeing 737 Max 8 were fully trained on the service bulletin issued by Boeing and the Emergency Airworthiness Directive issued by the USA FAA. “Among the seven Full Flight Simulators that we own and operate, two of them are for B-737 NG and the B-737 MAX. We are the only airline in Africa among the very few in the world with the B-737 MAX full flight Simulator. Contrary to some media reports, our pilots who fly the new model were trained on all appropriate simulators. “The crews were well trained on this aircraft. Immediately after the crash and owing to the similarity with the Lion Air Accident, we grounded our fleet of Max 8s. Within days, the plane had been grounded around the world. I fully support this. Until we have answers, putting one more life at risk is too much,� he said.

Gebremariam, made a clear statement, saying that Ethiopia Airlines believes in Boeing because the aircraft manufacturer has been the airline’s partner for many years. “More than two-thirds of our fleet is Boeing. We were the first African airline to fly the 767, 757, 777-200LR, and we were the second nation in the world (after Japan) to take delivery of the 787 Dreamliner. “Less than a month ago, we took delivery of yet another new two 737 cargo planes (a different version from the one that crashed). The plane that crashed was less than five months old. Despite the tragedy, Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines will continue to be linked well into the future.

Gebremariam further said the airline would work with investigators in Ethiopia, in the US and elsewhere to figure out what went wrong with Fight 302. “We resolve to work with Boeing and others to use this tragedy to make the skies safer for the world,� he added.

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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Threats to Travel Agencies Thousands of jobs may be lost in the downstream sector of the aviation industry as technology, poor policy implementation threaten the existence of travel agencies in Nigeria. Chinedu Eze writes that without urgent intervention by government, the country will lose the multi-billionnaira market to foreign operators.

A

bout 20 years ago, a travel agency may have about 10 to 20 workers who canvass for customers, book flights for them and sensitise would-be travellers. Bigger travel agencies had more than the average number of workers and travel agencies dotted the major cities in their thousands with full bloom in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abuja and other places. But today, thousands of those workers have been lost to technology.

With Global Distribution System (GDS), flights emanating or coming to Nigeria could be booked from any part of the world.

THISDAY learnt that poor regulation by government agencies has also opened the door wide for illicit travel operators who ubiquitously hijack the jobs and services of genuine travel agencies, book tickets for people and most often disappear with the money paid by the travellers. This erodes confidence in the business and the interlopers have free reign because the sub-sector is not closely monitored by the regulatory agencies.

It is estimated that over N2 billion is lost annually to these illicit operators who shortchange travellers and those who book Nigerian flights from overseas, taking advantage of the GDS. So the sub-sector is characterised by poor regulation, neglect of the downstream sector of the aviation industry, infiltration of the industry by all and sundry and poor application of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules.

Challenges In a breakfast meeting last week, organised by the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), an aviation think-tank, in Lagos, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agency (NANTA), Bankole Bernard encapsulated the problems faced by Nigerian travel agencies in a presentation titled, ‘Challenges of Travel Agencies in Nigeria.’ He lamented that the air travel sub-sector has been eroded by impersonators who were neither members of NANTA nor are registered by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and who damage the image of registered and recognised travel agencies in the country because they issue fake travel tickets, defraud travellers and because they are not registered they cannot be traced.

He said the New Generation of IATA Settlement System (New Gen ISS) introduced by IATA allows anyone in and out of Nigeria to issue tickets, thereby depriving the government its five percent remittances, and revenues meant for local travel agencies, noting that these challenges have continued to drive genuine travel agencies out of market.

Bankole said while IATA promised that the system would be faster, safer and more cost effective, the reality was that the system is only killing local travel agencies and increasing the level of fraudulent activities by impostors across various countries.

The NANTA President stressed that all these challenges may not have emanated in the first place if the NCAA had put in place laws to protect the downstream sector. “IATA should not come into our country and dictate for us how to run our business.

There must be laws put in place for IATA to adhere to. We don’t want foreigners coming into the market and taking over our businesses,�

Bernard added.

Effective Regulation He advised that to properly regulate the sector, travel agencies would have to register with NCAA and NANTA, so as to properly monitor activities of the travel agencies, adding that concerned government agencies should create enabling environment for the growth of the downstream sector of the aviation industry.

Bernard, insisted that there should be proper regulation of the industry through

the growth of travel agencies, stressing that travel agencies create employment, adding, “In those days we had those employed as marketers who interact with possible travellers and seek their patronage. We have to note also that the increase in the value of dollars in 2015 affected the aviation industry, so we plead that government does not allow further fall of the value of the naira; otherwise, it will kill the industry,� the Medview boss also said.

A senior official of British Airways, Adetutu Otuyalu, while reacting to the challenges faced by travel agencies currently, noted that the operators are very important to British Airways because over 50 per cent of passengers for the airline come from travel agents, so BA cannot underrate them. “But there is always multiple booking for passengers from different travel agents but at the end, one travel agent would sell the ticket. “This makes airlines to lose money. We know that corporate organisations move from one agency to another, an attitude that only happens in Nigeria, but BA will continue to support travel agencies but we hope that there should be stronger regulation put in place to check the stated excesses,� Otuyalu said.

Regulation

Bernard

local rules, creation of a data bank to keep record of activities, introduction of policies that protect consumers and practitioners, emphasis on local content law to protect and reserve the downstream sector for citizens of the country.

He also suggested regular stakeholders meeting on issues affecting the industry. “The downstream sector of the industry is critical because without travel agencies airlines will not have passengers to fill their airplanes so we play important role to ensure that airlines are flying. Travel agency business should be profitable in the long run. It is not so these days due to poor regulation of the sub-sector.

So we demand more effective regulation of the downstream by NCAA,� the NANTA President said.

Economic Downturn The President of Aviation Round Table and also the regional President of Sabre Travel Network,

The downstream sector of the industry is critical because without travel agencies airlines will not have passengers to ďŹ ll their airplanes so we play important role to ensure that airlines are ying.

Travel agency business should be proďŹ table in the long run. It is not so these days due to poor regulation of the sub-sector

Dr Gabriel Olowo, in his presentation, ‘Declining Air Booking by Nigerian Travel Agencies’ said in addition to other factors, economic downturn in the last four years had adversely affected the sub-sector. He said in 2014, travel agencies recorded 4, 057, 645 bookings, which decreased to 3,789, 210 in 2015, representing a downturn of seven per cent.

In 2016, it upped a little but still lower than 2014, by rising to 3, 995, 196, recording increase to 5 per cent compared to the previous year and in 2017 it slumped further to 3, 781, 256 with 5 per cent loss and went further down in 2018 to 3, 598, 526 with a loss of 5 per cent of the market. “Nigeria business trend since this present regime (2015) has been downward and it may continue,� said Olowo whose Saber Network is one of the largest GDS in the world.

He noted that in the past major pre-occupation of travel agencies was selling of tickets but now they sell hotel and destination, adding also that in the past airlines see travel agents as trusted partners but the airlines don’t give that recognition to them anymore. “This has affected ticket sales. Nigeria accounts for 50 per cent of all the bookings in West Africa but there is increasing decline in ticket sales since 2015. This means that the downstream sector is becoming extinct. 2019 has started with challenges. But election has ended so we go back to business,� Olowo added.

Facing Extinction The Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, who also owns a travel agency and whose agency predates his airline business, said the threat to travel agencies was real and noted that in the past those who wished to retire in the aviation industry established travel agencies which engaged in honest and transparent business. “NCAA needs to know that apart from licensing and regulating travel agencies and airlines, it is also their responsibility to encourage them to grow. Our airlines used to be 26 in number but today many of them are gone.

Revenues are dwindling, there are too many challenges; travel agencies should form alliance and work together instead of working at cross purposes,� Bankole advised.

He appealed to the regulatory authority to seriously look at the problems inhibiting

Speaking on behalf of the regulatory authority, the Director of Air Transport Regulations, NCAA, Group Capt. Edem Uyo Ita (rtd), remarked that there are at least 600 travel agents on the portal of IATA, while only 200 of them were NANTA members and just 157 are on the registry of NCAA. He insisted that IATA was violating the country’s law through its conduct, noting that the regulatory body could not regulate an agency, which doesn’t register with it.

Ita, however, admitted that the NCAA regulations needed to be tightened in order to plug all the loopholes in the system, especially among the travel agents in the country. “We agree that we are poor with our regulations, but we have to take up IATA too for violating Nigeria law and NCAA regulations.

IATA doesn’t consult with NCAA when coming up with charges or new regulations for the travel agencies. “Yes, NCAA has not been forthcoming in its regulations because people don’t report things to us. Before IATA can admit anyone into its platform, it should first of all ask them to show proof or registration with NCAA.�

IATA ClariďŹ cation The International Air Transport Association (IATA) in a statement made available to THISDAY has clarified that the NewGen ISS (New Generation of IATA Settlement Systems) is not a program that is specific only to Nigeria. It represents the modernization of the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) used by more than 50,000 IATA-accredited travel agents around the world. NewGen ISS is being rolled out progressively to all 180 BSP markets. “IATA worked collaboratively with travel agent representatives to introduce NewGen ISS. Forums such as the Passenger Agency Program Global Joint Council (PAPGJC) and Agency Program Joint Councils (APJCs) enabled IATA’s travel agent partners to contribute to the development of NewGen. “Among the benefits of NewGen ISS is strengthened protection against fraud through an enhanced risk management framework for travel agents. Furthermore, NewGen ISS offers travel agents three levels of accreditation, which allows them to choose the level that best matches their business model. “The new accreditation models are making it easier for local Nigerian travel agents to become IATA-accredited through a lighter option (GoLite). This model operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, thereby minimizing financial risk, while facilitating accreditation for small and mid-sized businesses,â€? the global body said.

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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Why Nigeria Customs Service Needs Urgent Reform Eromosele Abiodun writes on the need to urgently reform the Nigeria Customs Service

L

ast year, Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo accused officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of not coming to office on time for examination of cargoes thereby frustrating the ease of doing business policy of the federal government.

Speaking at a public lecture on the ease of doing business with the theme: “The Gains and Challenges of the Presidential Order on Ease of Doing Business in the Nigerian Maritime Sector One Year After� organised in Lagos, Osinbajo had said the Police and Customs have become stumbling blocks to the order.

Osinbajo, who was represented by an official in the Presidential Environmental Business Enabling Council (PEBEC), Mr. John Oboh, agreed that there were challenges in carrying out the presidential order on ease of doing business, identifying some customs operatives and the Police as not helping matters.

He criticised the Customs for incessant interception of goods cleared at the ports, saying it is against international best practices. According to him, there is no reason why operatives of the Customs should be stopping containers on the way, particularly within few meters after the port gate for another round of checks.

Also last year, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi accused the NCS of frustrating the National Single Window(NSW) project meant to hasten cargo clearance process at the nation’s ports.

The NSW is a platform meant to integrate all agencies involved in the clearance of cargoes at the ports with view to ease the inspection calculation and payment of all import duties, levies and other charges on line.

Amaechi had made the accusation during the inauguration of the Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence System, a marine operation and surveillance centre, at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos.

Speaking to representatives of the Controller General of the NCS, he had said: “Please the Comptroller General of Customs has to agree and the Customs, need to be connected to the NSW to make our ports more effective. All we are doing now is manual; it will not last for long. “Very soon Nigerians will protest against the seaports. People are already importing through Benin republic. Everyone has a single window. Niger who used to import things through Nigeria is doing so through another country. This is because we are charging both official and unofficial charges.

Goods in Nigeria are too expensive.�

With the above damming accusations by top government officials, one would have expected a change or reform in the manner in which the NCS carries out its duties.

That has not been the case. As it is customary with most government agencies, the NCS has since the accusations become worse with allegations of aiding smuggling and killing of innocent Nigerians flying in the face of the service. While authorities at the service has made effort to deny some of these allegations, the recent threat by clearing agents to shutdown the ports over multiple customs checkpoints at the port show that the current customs authorities do not care as long as revenue target is reached. The threat by the clearing agents is coming few weeks after importers and manufacturers of chemical substances in the country accused the NCS of abuse of End User Certificate, clearing agents have raised the alarm over slow evacuation of cargoes from Apapa port due to the activities of customs officers.

Clearing Shutdown

Agents Threatens

to

Last week, angry freight forwarders operating in the Western Zone issued a 72- hour ultimatum to the federal government to call the Comptroller General of

there as coordinating minister, she came to the port on physical inspection and she addressed us.�

End User CertiďŹ cate Abuse

Col Hamid Ali, (rtd.)

the NCS, Col Hameed Ali (rtd.) to order and address the multiplication of Customs task forces at the ports.

The customs agents threatened that if the situation is not reversed, the freight forwarders in the western zone will withdraw their services.

At a joint press briefing in Lagos, various associations which include: the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), lamented that the customs boss had allegedly deployed a team from Abuja to checkmate activities of the various commands.

The freight forwarders identified 10 various units of customs constituting bottlenecks inside the port, some of them, they disclosed, include: CG Strike force, compliance team, Federal Operations Unit, Monitoring, Special Force, CG Task Force, Information Team, Customs Police.

The agents added that the latest development which spiked tension in the port was the recent deployment of a special team

Custom ofďŹ cials presently exploit this requirement as they request the certiďŹ cate for all chemical imports.

Some clearing agents and importers have fallen prey to such practices by giving out various sums of money to be allowed to go with their goods. Some importers who have resisted such ploys are made to suffer higher demurrage bills due to the unnecessary delay tactics employed by the custom ofďŹ cials

from Abuja to inspect third party cargoes at the port.

Speaking at the meeting, Tin Can Chapter Chairman of ANLCA, Segun Oduntan said the CG committee was sent to Apapa port under the guise of inspecting some third party containers. He, however, said that the team has taken over the job of resident customs officers.

He claimed that cargoes were now being detained inside the ports while agents were made to pay exorbitant demurrage to terminal operators. He stressed that 24 -hour cargo clearance is now a mirage as a result of this anomaly.

Also speaking, Western Zone Coordinator of NAGAFF, Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim said that agents have complained to the customs area controllers who appeared powerless and subsequently directed the operators to channel their complaints to the CG in Abuja.

Tanko alleged that, “Last week, we saw officers from Abuja who said they were sent to the terminals to inspect some third party containers. But since then, they have remained permanent inside the port. “They now randomly select ‘C’ numbers of containers and after cargoes have been released, they would ask you to reposition it for examination and we are made to pay for re-examination.�

On his part, Chairman of Tin Can chapter of NAGAFF, Azubuike Ekweozor lamented the activities of shipping companies and terminal operators in addition to the excesses of Customs.

He complained that vessels coming into Nigeria to discharge containers are supposed to return with the same number of empty containers but that rather than obey this law, the vessels carry export to other countries.

In the same vein, Apapa Chapter Chairman of NAGAFF, Ndubuisi Uzoegbo urged the customs CG to build trust in his officers on the field.

He also said that freight forwarders should be carried along by the customs whenever they make policies affecting their operations.

He said: “Many containers have been abandoned in Apapa because of high tariffs and demurrage from Shipping companies and terminal operators, most offices in Apapa today are empty, shipping companies have forced many of our colleagues back to the village. “The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo should come over and address all these issues, he is the one in charge of Ease of Doing Business, when Okonjo Iweala was

Before the clearing agent’s ultimatum, importers and manufacturers of chemical substances in the country had recently accused the NCS of abuse of End User Certificate leading to a loss of over N200 million monthly to demurrage on imported chemicals for paint and some pharmaceutical products.

THISDAY Investigation revealed that some customs officers demand End User Certificate on products that are not on the list of chemicals that requires the certificate issued by the office of the National Security Adviser.

For instance, THISDAY investigation revealed that the NCS demand End User Certificate for Titanium Dioxide which is not on the list of chemicals that requires the certificate.

Also, some importers told THISDAY that they have not been able to clear Glycerine, a chemical used for making cough syrup, cosmetics, paints and coatings making and also used by oil and gas companies for drilling operations.

An End-user certificate is a document used in international transfers, including sales and arms provided as aid, of weapons and ammunition to certify that the buyer is the final recipient of the materials, and is not planning on transferring the materials to another party.

THISDAY findings also revealed that several containers have been trapped at the ports in Lagos as a result of the customs refusal to generate Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) for importers to clear their goods.

An importer who does not want his name mentioned for fear of persecution told THISDAY that prior to obtaining Form M for importation of these chemicals, they are not informed that the products require end user certificate. “Nobody told us that Glycerine, a nonexplosive chemical has been included upon obtaining Form M. It was when we got to the bank to make payment for our goods to be cleared that we were told the customs has refused to generate PAAR because the chemical is now requires end user certificate,� he said.

An official of Resin Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), whose members are majorly affected by this development told THISDAY that they have complained to the Manufacturers Association of who has promised to look into the matter.

In a position paper set to the sent to MAN and obtained by THISDAY, the group stated, “We wish to state some negative impact of the requirement of end user certificate on further regulation of our importation of chemical raw materials. We acknowledge the wisdom and motive behind the requirement as a mode of combating especially terrorism that seeks to destabilise peaceful habitation of our country. “However, our business has been injured by the extension of the frontiers of this requirement in the following manners: .Some chemical raw materials that are known not to be related to arms or explosives production are now under this requirement.

Such materials include Glycerine and Caustic Soda. Chemical raw materials that were not under this requirement are continually being pushed into the category without adequate information to the importers. The result is that an importer becomes aware when his products arrives the ports and clearing agent is asked to produce the certificate.

Since this certification takes between two to three months to be issued, demurrage bills gets beyond any profitability threshold.�

They added:�Custom officials presently exploit this requirement as they request Continued on page 26

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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Akwa Ibom Airport as Vehicle for Economic Growth Amos Akpan

M

astercard recently introduced a new sonic brand. What informed that decision?

For Mastercard, this a very important moment because we are launching a new dimension of our brand. I think that you will agree with me that consumers, nowadays, are asking for more and mfor every single market and that is the beauty of music. That is a bit of the journey that we are going through.

The airport in Uyo, known as Victor Attah International Airport has been superintended by three governors in fifteen years now.

The airport seems to be continuously experimenting with business development strategies.

An airport with that magnitude of investment should be a platform for economic growth in Akwa Ibom state.

As it stands today, the airport cannot be identified with a specific business module, and we cannot point to the direction it is growing in the aviation industry.

That airport is not a hub for passengers and cargo. It is not a maintenance and repair station because there is no Fixed Based Operation (FBO) or a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport.

The airport was conceived, designed, and the construction initiated by the administration of Obong Victor Attah as a maintenance, repair and overhaul center for aircraft. Chief Godswill Akpabio’s administration completed the runway, the control tower, and built the passenger lounge. He made sure the airport was opened for domestic flights and he operated pilgrimage flights to Jerusalem from there.

Akpabio could not follow through to deliver on Obong Attah’s maintenance facility concept. He needed to equip the hangar, secure patent from established MRO, linked partnership with aircraft manufacturer, and train would be maintenance personnel. Currently governor Emmanuel Udom is establishing a domestic airline based in Uyo airport. This means we have witnessed three different directions.

An FBO - Fixed Base Operator is a mini airport within an airport. FBO provides aeronautical services to private aircraft operators. They make air travel easy and comfortable for owners and passengers.

Their services include fueling,

Udom

hangaring, tie down and parking, light maintenance, passenger processing, flight clearances, planning and dispatch.

An MRO - Maintenance Repair OrganiSation - a facility certified by the state or the regional aviation authority.

A certified MRO is called approved maintenance organisation (AMO).

The approval conveys authority on the facility to carry out maintenance categorised as A, B, C, and D, depending on the capacity demonstrated by the organisation during the certification process.

An example is the Aero Contractor AMO which is certified by NCAA to perform up to category C maintenance on B737-300/500.

The airport in Uyo has the framework for MRO but it has to move beyond where it is now.

The reality is that the Uyo airport is not generating sufficient revenue to

cover its maintenance and operational cost. Currently, the average monthly revenue to the Uyo airport is between N28 million and N30 million; while the monthly recurrent expenses is between N32 million to N34 million.

This excludes calendar maintenance, recalibration, retraining, equipment overhaul and upgrades. The airport was not intended to be subsidised with funds from the state government’s purse after twelve years into commercial operations.

As wear and tear sets in, the maintenance and operational cost will be higher.

Akwa Ibom state government needs to reposition for aggressive drive to attract partnership from private investors.

The first hurdle in this concern will be that the private investors need to have confidence in the process. They need to be assured that successive

administrations of the state government will honour the existing private public partnership agreement. This issue of confidence beyond current regime causes apprehension in the decision making process of private investors. When the government is able to cross this hurdle, they should re engineer the business strategy by carving out portfolios that will attract the interest of various investors.

The location of the airport at the trigger of the Bight of Benin gives it the geographic position advantage in the aviation sector. For instance, they could approach ExxonMobil in Eket to establish aviation fuel tanks with sufficient capacity to serve intercontinental flights. They should make Uyo airport the preferred refueling tech stop station. Lots of flights crossing the African continent currently refuel in Accra, Dakar, Benghazi, Nairobi. Uyo airport should be preferred refueling station if fuel is available at same price.

They could make Uyo airport the preferred station for air cargo coming into southeastern Nigeria. To make it viable, provide storage and packaging for export of our organic farm produce like pineapples, mango, tomatoes, banana, and vegetables. These will form return cargo for the freighter instead of returning empty.

Partner with FEDEX/REDSTAR, DHL, IMNL to make Uyo airport their redistribution center for Bight of Benin axis inclusive of Libreville, Bata, Malabo, Doula, Brazzaville, Sao Tome.

The current move to establish Ibom Air is plausible. But lots of clarifications would be good: what is the level of government’s involvement? What is the ownership structure? What the personnel managing the airline? Their choice of aircraft seems appropriate, but what is the rationale to bring them in on foreign register? The aircraft are currently parked incurring expenses in Uyo. Before they can operate schedule passenger flights, they will be deregistered, re registered, certified airworthy, even as the airline pursues license and certification to operate with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Like our Governor said, let us use what we have in the aviation sector to better our state’s economy. The elections are over; let’s get involved in developmental issues.

-Akpan, who is the lead consultant with ETIMFRI group, wrote in from Lagos

Why Nigeria Customs Service Needs Urgent Reform the certificate for all chemical imports.

Some clearing agents and importers have fallen prey to such practices by giving out various sums of money to be allowed to go with their goods. Some importers who have resisted such ploys are made to suffer higher demurrage bills due to the unnecessary delay tactics employed by the custom officials.�

When contacted, Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Joseph Attah told THISDAY that the end user certificate does not emanate from the NCS. When asked on the abuse of the requirement on by custom officials, he said importers should insist on clearance from the office of the NSA before making any payments.

Lateness to Examination Bays Late last year, clearing agents operating at the Apapa Port accused the Apapa Command of the NCS of lateness to examination of cargoes.

The Apapa chapter Chairman of the National Council of Managing Directors

of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Emeka Enwelu, said that examination of cargoes at Apapa has gone down from 300 to 200 containers per day due to the officers’ attitude to work.

According to him, “Customs officers come for examination around 12p.m-1p.m daily; that is the actual time they come for examination and we have discussed so much on the need for them to come early for examination to know what to be done, and for us to get our cargoes out in good time. Instead, we spend a whole day on examination before coming the next day for release. That is not trade facilitation, except they can start by 10a.m as advised by the government.�

Enwelu further stated that because of the delay experienced, clearing agents find it difficult to examine and release goods the same day. He said that agents are forced to return the following day for the release of their consignments, thereby causing increase in storage charges. “If customs conducts examination and write the report, we can get our cargoes,

but when they start late they find it difficult to write the report because the whole day has already been wasted. “If they start by 12noon, they can never cover up. They used to do 300 containers but now it is less than 200 containers per day because of the three-hour delay by customs examination officers,�he said.

Another clearing agent, Chijioke Ebuka, however, urged the federal government to ensure that customs adhere strictly to the implementation of the executive order.

He also stated that delay experienced at the examination bays affect the number of cargoes released daily.

He said: “Doing away with delay is part of the vision of PEBEC but the Apapa Customs officers are making the gains disappear.

We want officers to come in good time so that goods can be released same day after examination.�

He alleged that customs had written to be exempted from the executive order, stating however, that, “customs cannot be bigger than the country and the law of the land because they are a creation of the law.�

Meanwhile, the Command Public Relations Officer of the command, Nkiru Nwala, refuted the claims, stating that for the avoidance of doubts, the examination bays are not owned by the customs but the terminal operators, just as there are other federal agencies involved in the cargo examination process.

Specifically, she said: “As the custodians of the examination bays, the terminal operators position the cargo for inspection and notifies the customs, which in turn informs other relevant agencies to assemble for examination. “This has been particularly so since the implementation of the Executive Order on the Ease of Doing Business at the Ports, which empowered customs to coordinate the other examining agencies.�

Nwala explained that there are many terminals in the Apapa Port Complex, wondering how the agents came about the statistics being bandied about that released containers dropped from about 300 to 200 allegedly because customs officials do not arrive early for inspection.

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

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

Patience Maseli: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

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COVER PATIENCE MASELI: BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING

Mrs. Patience Maseli retired from the Department of Petroleum Resources as the first female deputy director of Upstream Division after 35 years of meritorious service.The first child and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Akpokene, Maseli holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from the University of Benin and a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Although an Amazon in the oil industry, Maseli who operated in a male-dominated terrain, had to work twice as hard to break the glass ceiling in order to reach the pinnacle in her career. Now a consultant in the industry, the highlight of her career was the christening of a drillship West Capella in South Korea, which has her name inscribed on it. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she laid bare her sojourn in the industry. Excerpts: You recently retired from the Department of Petroleum Resources after 35 years of meritorious service, how do you view retirement?

I am retired but certainly not tired. I am still full of energy and have a lot more to contribute to the petroleum industry. For now, I will like to take a break and get recharged for the next phase and catch up on things I could not do because of my hectic work schedule. I am also spending time with my family who are spread all over the world.

aspiring for the ďŹ eld? How can they navigate through the male-dominated and challenging endeavour?

For students in secondary institutions, they have to take some of the STEM subjects. Those already in the field, I will advise they must be hardworking, professional, focused, dedicated and committed and also develop themselves without relying solely on the organisation.

They should make their voice heard, contributing at meetings, putting their opinions across and not allow themselves to be relegated to the background.

Can you talk about your childhood and the role your parents played in your accomplishments?

I am from Ibrede town located within Ndokwa East Local Government area of Delta State. Ibrede community originally was situated in Isoko North Local Government Area but was relocated to Ndokwa East LGA arising from boundary adjustment using the River Niger. Ibrede community belongs to Isoko tribe.

However, I didn’t grow up at home. My parents lived and worked in Benin City for the most part of my early years, and as such primary, secondary and tertiary education was acquired in Benin City.

I had a beautiful childhood, especially coming from a background where both parents were educationists. That meant we had to study a lot especially after school hours and as the first child of three siblings and in particular, the only female, a lot of attention was focused on me to ensure I was well groomed both domestically and educational wise for the future. My parents indeed provided a good foundation for me, which shaped me, the outcome is the accomplishments so far.

How did you get into the Oil and Gas Industry? Tell us about your journey so far and especially in the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)?

My journey into the industry began in 1982 after my graduation from the University of Benin. I was deployed to Rivers State for the mandatory National Youth Service Programme. My primary assignment was in NNPC, Research and Development Division, where I worked as a palynologist within the geology laboratory.

My performance earned me employment into the organisation in 1983 and I was deployed to the Petroleum Inspectorate Division in which today is the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). With a career spanning 35 years, through diligence, hard work, and grace of God, I rose through the ranks from Petrophysicist in 1983, Senior Geologist in 1992, Chief Geologist 2003, Assistant Director 2006 to occupy the position of Deputy Director and Head, Upstream in 2017 up till November 2018 when I attained the mandatory retirement age.

Upon my promotion as an Assistant Director in 2006, I was responsible for the Resources Management Branch of the Upstream Division of DPR. In 2014, I was redeployed to the Exploration Branch and also doubled as the National Data Repository (NDR) where all oil and gas industry data is kept in safe custody. It’s actually called the Industry data bank.

One of the remarkable achievements is that under my leadership the standard of the facility was raised to international standard. In 2015, I was thereafter deployed to the Domestic Gas Obligation Branch of the Gas Division to strengthen the regulation and monitoring of the domestic gas sector.

How do you intend to transfer your experience to the younger generation?

I have mentored many females both in DPR and the wider industry. I have given talks at women events in the industry on how to progress in their career and achieve a work-life balance that was why I joined in forming WiGE because few women ascend to top management positions in this industry. Its objective is to assist women to navigate their careers to the top. WiGE is affiliated to NAPE and at the annual conferences, there is a side event where both young and old participate.

We bring in motivational speakers drawn from and outside the industry to educate the young ones. We have achieved a lot since we were established over five years ago. We also plan to visit secondary institutions to guide female students on choice of subjects if they plan to join the industry You hail from the Niger Delta area.

Tell us how you have been able to empower the women in your area?

In my personal capacity, I have granted educational assistance to students both males and females within my community.

I have paid for the training programme for some students in Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) in Delta State. Companies operating in those areas were also advised to grant scholarships to students from the Niger Delta as well as employ the skilled and unskilled.

Maseli

During this period, the domestic sector went through a commendable level of gas revolution in alignment with the seven big wins programme. This gave rise to the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation project, which will be a big leap towards actualising the flare down programme by the Petroleum Minister.

Having effectively established the Domestic Gas Branch, I was then redeployed to Head the Upstream Division in 2017. Within these periods, I have represented DPR in many forums, locally and internationally - Norway, France, UK, US, South Korea, Italy etc. It’s been an interesting experience. You can say for sure that I have done extremely well as a geoscientist in a male-dominated field.

I also pioneered alongside other women and served as the first steering committee chairperson for Women in Geosciences and Engineering (WiGE).

What challenges do women in that ďŹ eld face and how were you able to surmount them to get to the peak of your career?

To get to the peak in a male-dominated industry, glass ceilings have to be broken down. When I was recruited, women hardly went to the rig because the infrastructure was not gender sensitive and we were relegated to the office, this was disadvantageous as young Engineers and Geologist were expected to be in the

field and build capacity.

We pushed for the change and today women are in there with the men.

The modern rigs have been built to accommodate both genders. Also getting a female mentor was a challenge since the women were few and I had to cope with challenges of having male mentors.

Women had to work twice as hard as the men to get to the top. That was tough because as a woman you had to take care of the home as well. So, there is no doubt that women must work hard for relevance in male dominated field. So, I was at the drilling site when Shell’s Agbada 59 and 60 wells were drilled and did one week on and off in the late ‘80s. That experience helped me a lot in my career. Navigating to the top required hard work, DPR sent me on several training programmes locally and internationally in addition to self-development.

I belong to several professional bodies like the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationist ( NAPE) where I am a fellow, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS),American Association of Petroleum Geologist (AAPG) and Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). A lot of capacity is built from participating in the technical meetings of these associations and attending international conferences as well.

What is your advice for women

What would you say is your secret for the smooth balance between family and work, seeing that you have excelled in effectively managing both?

I would say effective planning, family support especially from my spouse, my mother, domestic wards and God’s grace.

Some say life begins at 40, others say 50, but for you, it seems life begun at 60 because you still look young and energetic It takes a lot of discipline to be healthy and fit. The secret lies in eating fresh foods, fruits, and vegetables, exercise, avoiding frizzy drinks and packet juices, active for God, for instance, I have been singing in the choir right from primary school till date from Church of God Mission - the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa’s Church, and the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Promised Land Parish, that brings a lot of refreshment to the body. I am also happily married, that takes a lot of stress off me.

What about fashion sense?

It was inherited from my father of blessed memory. Singers are usually stylish too, that put together and having very good designers projected my fashion.

What next after retirement?

Mostly consulting and taking care of my grandchildren; living a relaxed life, exploring the world and places which hitherto I couldn’t see. Above all to continue with the service of the Lord.

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Paradigm Initiative Trains Advocates on Digital Rights

Participants at the workshop

Adedayo Adejobi As parts of its capacity building project, the panAfrican digital rights group, Paradigm Initiative held a digital rights workshop for rights advocates in Kano, Nigeria.

The workshop, which held on March 19 and 20, 2019 with support from Macarthur Foundation and Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), under its social and accountability project in Nigeria, had 50 participants in attendance.

The workshop looked at many important subjects around Digital Rights. Participants were introduced to topical issues around Digital rights such as Gender Perspective to Digital Rights and the Challenges Women Face online, Tackling Hate Speech and Fake

News; Navigating the Grey Areas while respecting Rights to Free Speech, Digital Rights and Media Advocacy as well as Basic Digital Security Tools and Practices.

The Digital Rights Workshop is part of Paradigm Initiative strategy to employ a proactive approach to ensure that organisations and individuals, whose work depend largely on the openness of the Internet, as well as those who engage the government through online activism, understand the human rights dynamics on the internet. Paradigm Initiative has hosted more than 10 editions of the workshop in diverse locations across Nigeria and many African countries such as The Gambia, Uganda, Cameroon and Zambia. The workshop has now held two times in North West Nigeria. In March 2015, an edition was hosted in Kaduna, Nigeria.

Mo Benjamin Debuts With Sink Or Swim

Mo Benjamin

Vanessa Obioha A graduate of the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, Mo Benjamin, makes a bold appearance into the Afropop and alternative music scene with this heartfelt, thoughts provoking song produced by the ace music producer, Mela.

Titled ‘Sink or Swim’. The track, which comes with a video, is gradually enjoying airplay. The video was directed by the astute Nigerian filmmaker, Blessing Uzzi, of Eccentric Media and the brain behind Cobhams Asoquo’s ‘Starlight’ video. ‘Sink or Swim’ reveals Mo’s artistry and creative intelligence which is not always associated

with a newcomer in the scene.

His lyrics show the two multifaceted choices life and its hurdles throws at us. With his critical music studies and consciousness, the talented singer understands what good music is and is here to contribute his style and knowledge to the rising scene of alternative musicians in Nigeria.

With his emergence into the bustling music industry, his good blend of acoustics, a night gale voice, and amazing song writing, Mo has indeed come to stay. Born on February 7, 1993, Moses Ibrahim, who performs under the name Mo Benjamin, is a Nigerian born singer-songwriter, dancer and choreographer. He

describes his music as alternative Afro-Pop/Soul. He discovered his talent and love for performing at an early age, as he was raised in a musical family. Growing up, he watched his uncle perform concerts in his country Nigeria, and that greatly impacted his pursuit for a music career. He started performing in school musicals, and then decided to move to Los Angeles to hone his musical craft and follow his dream as a solo artist.

Mo graduated from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, with a degree in vocal performance. In lieu of the raising music industry in Africa, Mo decided to move back to Nigeria and continue pursuing his musical dreams.

BOOK REVIEW

The Cross of Jesus Christ , It’s Message and Power Author: Chukwugoziam Onianwah Book Reviewer: Josiah A. Bolarinwa, PhD (Director of Research and Development, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, International Headquarters, Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria).

The Cross of Jesus Christ: It’s message and power is a beautifully printed book with Paper Back Cover, spot laminated with a picture of a wooden Cross gorgeously adorned in scarlet. It is a reader-friendly book with bold print. The contents, which cover 150 pages is written with references only in the Holy Bible of King James (KJV), New International (NIV), Amplified Bible (AMP), New King James (NKJV), New Living Translation (NLT), The Living Bible (TLB) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) versions.

After the preliminary formalities of Commendations, Acknowledgements and Introduction, this book is divided into six chapters with an average of four sub-titles.

From the dedication, the author hints his readers on the truth he intends to pass across as he dedicates the book to Jesus Christ, who he describes as the One ‘who gave himself for me and saved my soul.’ This is equally revealed in the foreword to the book, written

by Johnson Odesola who describes the book as containing insights into what Jesus did for them to be saved as well as equip the believer in Christ with requisite information in order to share their faith in Christ with others.

In the same vein, one of the writers of commendations on the book, The Most Revd. Dr. Ignatius C. O. Kattey (JP), the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) contrary to some concepts that the cross is a piece of precious metals used to adorn our necks, writes to say that, “The Cross was an instrument of immense suffering. The victim of the cross was fastened by nail or rope with arms outstretched.

This is to say that the price of the Cross was of high premium that paid for our sins. Another Clergy who commended the book was Revd. Msgr. Dr. Pius Kii of the Department of Canon Law of the Catholic Institute of West Africa.

He noted that the book is a rallying call on contemporary Christians who loathsomely reject the cross and its varied implications as ‘not their portion.’ [p. 15].

According to him, “The story of the cross, which this book highlights, forewarns us all that God’s glory comes not by going around the dark valley, but through it.�

The author, himself, does not mince words right from the Introduction to tell his readers that the Cross is a symbol of suffering, mockery, degradation and its concept is foolishness to those that are perishing. In spite of these, however, Pastor Onianwah affirmed that this gory story of the passion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the gospel message.

This book deals with the most significant foundation of the Christian faith. It is not just one of the books because it is upon the subject it treats (the cross of Jesus Christ) that the hope of the human

race rests. This book is unique in the sense that it does not combine many themes of the Christian faith but addresses the most important one of them all.

The reader is not saddled with the responsibility of having to be sorting out the multiple plots and themes of the narratives before he or she can understand the objective of the book. In other words, the author gets his mission right from the beginning to the end and there is no ambiguity in his use of language and message he is passing across. The illustrations through his personal testimonies as a believer in the cross and practitioner of the Christian faith drive home his points and they are refreshing.

Through this book, the author has succeeded in educating the world that the cross of Jesus Christ is more than a piece of metal that people wear on their necks as a decoration or a long crucifix being hung on the wall of a living room as a sign of being Christian or being carried about in front of the priests during liturgical procession from Sunday to Sunday. Its significance is profound, refreshing, assuring that with the Cross believers can live victoriously here on earth and in the world to come, eternal life.

Answering the question that says: What is the message of the cross? in Chapter four, the author says that the message of the cross is the information or the idea, which the cross communicates to the entire humanity. This information or idea when received, produces power to become children of God in the believer according to John 1:12 and consequently brings about the redemption of man from eternal damnation. Unfortunately, this message of the cross, more often, sounds foolish to the unbelieving minds according to 1 Corinthians 1:17-18. Moreover, other messages of the cross include love, forgiveness, hope, all-round blessings including healing. Thus, the destruction of the works of the devil which was foretold by Jesus in John 10:10 was fulfilled and completed and victory and peace became the inheritance of those who believe in the cross of the Lord.

As the author draws the ‘curtain’ of his treatise on the book in chapter six, the closing chapter, he announces the way to gain access to the power of the cross using certain keys including the key of salvation, which is obtainable only in the cross of Jesus Christ.

The major weakness of this book is that it lacks citations from previous works on the subject of the cross of Jesus Christ hence it has no section of references. It could have been more robust in scholarship if a chapter is devoted to the efforts of previous authors who did not only write but also believed in what they wrote on his subject of enquiry.

The author sparingly makes references to one or two authors. A more in-depth review of previous works could have revealed the gap which I personally believe that this book has successfully filled when compared with previous writings on the subject of the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

However, this book is highly recommended to all genuine enquirers on the subject of the cross of Jesus Christ and the atonement which brings man back to God’s eternal fellowship.

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MUSIC SHOWBIZ

‌Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

A Wake-up Call on Art Preservation in Nigeria Vanessa Obioha

A

palpable hush gripped the audience at the screening room of Freedom Park, Lagos as Prof. Jonathan Haynes delivered nail-biting points on the poor preservation of Nigerian creative works particularly in television and films. It was the first official day of the just concluded iREP International Documentary Film Festival and Haynes was picked to deliver the keynote address.

Titled ‘Storylines, Nigerian Filmmaking and the Liberal Arts’ the academician plumbed the different issues bedevilling the film industry. Starting from the warped concept of storylines in a Nigerian setting, Haynes traced the provenance of African stories from the colonial era to present day.

To be sure, Haynes is no newcomer to Nollywood. He is very familiar with the terrain of the industry since his first visit to Nigeria as a Fulbright lecturer in the 90s. A chance meeting with film aficionado Onookome Okome further stirred that desire, which eventually led to an academic research on the history of the film industry in Nigeria.

Haynes’ argument is punctuated with relevant findings from researchers like himself who have taken keen interest in the evolving film industry. Their findings exposed the poor documentation of Nigerian creative works. For instance, he bemoaned the unavailability of archives of Nigerian TV content during its nascent stage.

Television in Nigeria at inception served as a voice of the government but when it merged with other television broadcasters across the country in 1977 to form the Nigerian Television Authority, the need to produce more local content for entertainment and education became more clamant.

The late 70s and 80s therefore witnessed a wave of drama comedies and soap operas such as ‘The New Masquerade’, ‘Mirror in the Sun’, ‘Behind the Cloud’ among many.

This era evoked national pride and identity as filmmakers thrive to tell stories through the sound and sight medium.

However the lack of documentation of these early productions according to Haynes is responsible for the poor cultural representation in today’s Nollywood films. “When you are talking about television heritage, film celluloid heritage, most of those things seems to have gone forever. Nobody had ever carried out a

Vanessa Obioha Students of University of Lagos and Lagos State University were among the selected persons who were invited recently for the masterclass with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band.

Held at the rooftop of The Lekki Coliseum, Lekki, Lagos, the excitement and euphoria of the students were so palpable as the soldiers garbed in their uniforms and carrying different musical instruments posed for their first performance. As the hall erupted in a melodious rendition of ‘The Black Horse Troop’, written by American John Philip Sousa in 1924, the audience which included members of the Nigeria Trumpet Group and the Eko Brass Band revelled in the harmonious sounds of saxophone, trumpet, bass, cymbals among other instruments.

Assistant Director of the band, Lt. Matthew Anderson, who also doubled as the conductor, welcomed his guests and gave a brief introduction of their band. “We are based in Italy and this is all we do,� he said referring to their musical talents. He delved right into the essence of the masterclass which was on wood and percussion instruments,

Artists at work at AAF Exhibition

comprehensive research to find out what might be left somewhere. Virtually nothing has been done to rescue them. In 10 years, it will be virtually impossible to piece together an adequate history.�

While commending the Nigerian filmmakers who have documented the arts of Nigeria, he however remarked that very few documentary does justice to what Nollywood means as a dimension of Nigerian culture.

For the American author, new technologies and distribution outlets such as multiplexes which ordinarily would have helped in shaping the African narrative are instead altering the culture.

He stressed the significant role filmmakers as well as other stakeholders play in determining the best content for the audience.

Haynes found out that most times, the content being distributed to the Nigerian audience lacked authenticity and is heavily influenced by the Western world.

At the root of these issues, what Haynes pointed out is the lack of integration of film education. “Nigeria is bad at preserving what it

creates. And film is a good way to preserve other art forms be it music or dance. There is no institution to provide a context of cultural heritage.�

He bemoaned the proliferation of film schools which do not offer a robust curriculum on filmmaking, rather a branch of it. Though he praised Nollywood for its resilience, he however admonished the lack of advanced education by filmmakers.

For Nigeria to be saved from this cultural trap, Haynes proffered that film studies be institutionalised in some ways so that the cultural heritage of Nigeria television and films is kept alive in the present and the future.

He however praised the founders of iREP for taking the conscious step to preserve the legacy of Nigeria’s culture through establishing initiatives like the festival and Freedom Park, and more recently the MultiChoice Talent Factory where young creatives are being groomed across select countries in Africa on the art and business of filmmaking.

The ninth edition of iREP also had robust discussions revolving around ‘Storylines’ derived from its grand theme ‘Africa in

Self-Conversation’.

In his opening remarks, the executive director and co-founder Femi Odugbemi said that “The idea of stories are not just a narrative that is linear but where also cameras are involved the the story process, both forward and backward. “Our goal has been to be able to interest young persons to develop passion for documentary storytelling as they have for Nollywood. We also hope that someday a cinema will be willing to screen documentaries.� iREP was also the first film festival to use the new theatre rooms at the Nigerian Film Corporation in Ikoyi.

This year’s edition enjoyed impressive turnout as film aficionados and intellectuals gathered to experience the various film screening which reflected the theme. Odugbemi remarkably noted that this year’s saw the highest number of Nigerian documentary films screened which included films like Beverly Naya’s ‘Skin’ and Tunde Kelani’s’ documentary ‘Yoruba Without Border’ which was shot with a smartphone.

When US Navy Band Visited Nigeria

The US Naval Force’s Europe Band performing

educating them on different ways to render a song with their musical instruments.

By the time Anderson was done with his tutorial, the seven-man band known as Topside were ready to wow their audience. From performing popular hits such as ‘Waka Waka’ the official song

of 2010 FIFA World Cup by Colombian singer Shakira and South African Freshlyground; to inviting members of the audience to join them on stage as they sampled more songs, the masterclass turned to a theatrical soiree of horns, bass and cymbals.

The band’s visit to Nigeria is part of

its efforts to strengthen ties with partner nations across Europe and Africa. For this visit organised by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General Lagos is to support the ongoing 2019 Obangame Express, an annual multinational maritime exercise on the Gulf of Guinea.

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TheSituation intheCountryInspiredMe to Sing ‘Be Happy’

Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ SUNDAY EHIGIATOR, Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă? ×ÚËĂ?Ăž ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽ Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ?Ă– Ă™ĂĄĂ˜Ă?ĂœËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŁĂ“ Ă™Ă–Ă‹Ă‘ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂšĂ“ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă— ÞÙ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂžĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă?Ëœ ËŠ Ă? ËÚÚã˪˛ âĂ?Ă?ĂœĂšĂžĂ?Ë? creates room for creativity.

Who is Oluseyi Solagbade?

I am an inspirational musician who has made a landmark in the music world.

My music cuts across a combination of the rough and tough aero-smithian rock character with the smooth and romantic mien of a balladeer. The critic says of me that I am mean and soft, tough and smooth, non-descript and the Futuristic Nigerian Artiste. I have over 35years experience as a professional musician.

How long have you been in the music industry?

I started music at a very young and tender age, like I revealed earlier. Let’s just say it is 38 years ago since I entered music.

And it has been a wonderful experience Tell me about you new-single ‘Be Happy’?

Be Happy is an inspirational music for the soul, and to relieve the mind out of stress and disappointments. No matter what you have gone through last year 2018, all you need is to be happy and move forward. Make plans and never say die. The light has come. Never worry just b Happy; because only God knows what tomorrow will bring.

How was growing up?

To me, growing up was a great experience for and also full of challenges.

I virtually spent all my childhood in church because my dad was a clergy.

So my whole life was wrapped up with church activities. From a tender age, much responsibility was entrusted to me, so by the time I was 17, I had already become a professional musician.

What inspired you to sing the song?

Looking at our present situation in the country we can see how people are facing the reality of hardship. So this is what inspired me to use my music to open our minds to reality.

Tell me about your educational background?

I went to Seven Days Adventist Primary School Abule Oja, St Timothy College Iwaya, before proceeding to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife to study music fully.

How did you come about music?

I started music from the church. Music has been part of me since my childhood.

I had the opportunity at the early stage of my life to work alongside professional musicians and notable musicologist and through these various experiences, I was able to solidify my musicianship to be more futuristic in my music production.

What inspires your music?

Originality is a basic phenomenon

Solagbade

in music. That’s my inspiration. I just wanted to play my music the way we are as an African to the rest of the world. And that makes my music unique.

who wanted to break all barriers, by putting different genre together to make one sound. And I am glad I could do so.

What genre of music do you do?

My genre is called Eathnojazz. Most call it afrobeat. I am an inspirational musician

And how has it been in the industry?

The industry is very competitive right now and that makes it interesting, which

It’sanIbejiiAffair Vanessa Obioha Twins has always been a cultural phenomenon and no one understands this better than the alternative folklore artiste Ibejii. A twin himself (though his other half is late), the charismatic singer coined the Ibejii Day concert to celebrate the uniqueness of twins.

Through publicity messages, an impressive number of twins turned out at the concert venue, The Ethnic Heritage to mark the day.

Known for his folkloric attributes, guests were invited to sit on the colourful mats as the concert picked momentum.Opening the floor was the poetic icon – Akeem Lasisi who serenaded the fans with tuneful ewi in Yoruba dialect. Wale Wall soon followed suit with his mesmerizing guitar skills to further take the swayed audience on a journey of extraordinary goodness.

Refreshed by Guinness Africa special, the

Are you under any record label or your own one ?

I have my own record label. It is called Huge Impact Records. And it has been doing amazingly well in the music industry and entertainment in general.

audience could not get enough of Ibejii’s extraordinary art of skilful storytelling embellished with folklore, metaphor and vernacular. He explored traditional Yoruba folk, jazz, dance, RnB, Juju among other genres, entertaining fans with numerous hit tracks across his studio albums among which were ‘Eda’, ‘Aye’, ‘Itiraka’, ‘Solape’, ‘Ife’, ‘Bamidele’ among others.

Once in a while, he walked into the crowd, serenaded a twin and often times encouraged them to share their own stories.

For his last performance, Brymo Olawale joined him on stage to perform ‘Omo Buruku’.

Since he made his debut in the music scene two years ago, Ibejii has continued to ride on a wave of success following its carefully written script of mystery persona.

His released his third offering in just over a year, ‘Tribal Marks’, to critical acclaim.

The music star is poised to revive the art of folklore storytelling through his music.

What is your advice to upcoming entertainers?

They should always try to be focused and be original. Only then will the sky be a starting point for them. They should shun crime and see music as a voice for solving worries and helping the nation grow.

TopeOshintoProduceNewMTVShugaSeries Vanessa Obioha Nollywood producer and director, Tope Oshin is the latest to produce the awardwinning MTV Shuga series. Known for setting the pace for female directors in the Nigerian movie industry, she has earned accolades for her amazing portfolio, featuring movies including, ‘Relentless’, ‘Fifty’, ‘Wedding Party 2’, ‘New Money’, ‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’, and most recently, ‘Up North’. The drama series which is returning to Nigeria following the recent premiere of the new season of MTV Shuga Down South in South Africa and the announcement of upcoming campaigns in Cote D’Ivoire and India is seeking new and fresh faces.

The new campaign will kick off with open auditions on Thursday, April 4 at the Classique Event Centre, Ikeja Lagos. Last season attracted over 1700 hopefuls. The brand is looking to increase that number this year. The would-be actors will be judged by a diverse range of industry experts and selected based on their acting skills and originality. “We are excited to bring back the public auditions for the new season of MTV Shuga Naija. Our aim is to continue using relatable storytelling to educate and empower young people about social issues like contraception, sexual health, family planning and gender-based violence. We can’t wait to discover amazing new talent to join the MTV Shuga family!� enthused Executive Director of the MTV Staying

Tope Oshin

Alive Foundation, Georgia Arnold. MTV Shuga has been at the forefront of attracting and developing new acting talent including Timini Egbuson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Bukola Oladipupo, Helena Nelson and Jemima Osunde. It continues to champion conversations about real issues affecting young people using relatable characters and stories that revolve around contraception, sexual health, family planning, gender-based violence and other social issues. Over five seasons, the drama has crossed the continent from Kenya to Nigeria and onto South Africa. The multi-sectoral partnership is led by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and is supported by MTV Base Africa, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and NGOs.

JaypinkReturnswithAnotherSingle Okpuzor Ezekiel The Nigeria music industry is about to experience another hit single, by upcoming female most talented singer in Nigeria “Jaypink�. Jaypink who started her musical career back in 2015 is now drawing attentions nationally and internationally by her latest released titled “Home�. Disclosing this at a media briefing in Lagos, she said she engaged into music because of her passion for singing.

Some of her previous singles include Bounce, Nija jollof, Na God and several collaborations.

According to Jaypink:, “I got my inspiration Ibejii with Twins

from musical beats and this helps me to pass a message of hope to the people and my fans, locally and internationally�.

She said:, “I started singing when I was a kid. I wrote my first song when I was in primary four, but I officially started my career in music 2015. “Simi is my role model, I love her kind of person and her style of music. I love her voice. Simi always has a message to pass, I have a strong desire to have collaboration with her.� According to her, some of the challenges she has faced in the course of her career has been inadequate funds to push her songs to the world.

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NEWS

CloseupFetesCouplesin#GiveLoveAChanceCampaign Stories by Mary Nnah Adebola Williams, the cofoCloseup, the leading toothpaste brand in Nigeria, from the stable of Unilever Nigeria Plc., recently treated 10 couples to an all-expense paid dinner date as part of its commitment towards celebrating closeness through its #GiveLoveAChance campaign.

The #Giveloveachance campaign is geared towards inspiring young adults and encouraging them to act on their desire to give love a chance regardless of the barriers they have to overcome.

The winners were selected based on their unique #Giveloveachance stories which reflected the power of their relationship to withstand barriers that came their way such as distance, age difference, social class and ethnicity.

Speaking at the couple’s date event, Closeup Brand Manager, Titilope Kola-Banjo stated that the campaign is an opportunity for young adults to turn their mutual attraction into action, be free from self-doubt and judgement of others on the basis of ethnicity, age difference, distance and social class. “We are excited to host the couples because the stories they all shared really inspired us.

Closeup believes that nothing replaces the thrill of being close, but barriers can stop people from acting on their instinctive desire to move closer. “The brand urges young adults to be courageous, dare to move

Couples at the Closeup #GiveLoveAChance campaign event

closer, give love a chance in their relationship or marriage and break love barriers despite all odds�.

Also at the event, the Category Manager, Oral Care, Toluwaleke Salu, stated that “as a brand, we are always happy when young adults stay committed and true to themselves despite the odds, which is primarily the essence of the #GiveLoveAChance campaign. “It’s even more exciting and inspiring to read the stories shared by the couples. Closeup will continue to encourage our consumers to be courageous

while also delivering that long lasting freshness they desire.�

Mrs Daniella Odukomaiya, one of the guests expressed her appreciation whilst commending Closeup for their kind gesture. “Thanks to Closeup for this date. It feels really good to be here to celebrate with others who, like my partner and I, have given love a chance. “We were both scared at first considering that we are from different ethnic groups and our parents may feel very uncomfortable with our relationship, but we gave it our all and now we are happily married,� Odukomaiya

said.

Closeup does not pigeonhole getting close, as the brand is for the confident, shy, first move makers, strangers, couples, and perfect matches. It is a major catalyst that moves people closer whilst also delivering superior long-lasting freshness that gives the confidence to #GiveLoveAChance.

Closeup toothpaste focuses on the youth, possibilities and on what matters to them – the confidence to get close. Closeup’s winning gel formulation has anti – bacterial mouthwash that guarantees 12 hours fresh breath

and micro shine crystals for strong white teeth. These combined benefits give users the confidence to get close.

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day.

Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Omo, Lux, Dove, Knorr, Domestos, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Wall’s, PG Tips, Ben & Jerry’s, Marmite, Magnum and Lynx.

WhenUSConsulateTookTopsidetoTheLekkiColiseum It was a time for good music, laughter, banter and fun when the Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General, Lagos, held a master class on wood and percussion instruments, featuring the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band, Topside, at The Lekki Coliseum (TLC), the avant-garde events and conference center in the heart of Lekki Phase 1, last Thursday.

Based in Italy, Topside is involved in efforts to strengthen ties with partner nations throughout Europe and Africa. The band is currently in Nigeria to support the ongoing 2019 Oban game

Express, an annual multinational maritime exercise on the Gulf of Guinea.

The participants, including established and upcoming musicians as well as students of the University of Lagos and Lagos State University, were not only wowed by the sophistication of the music and the expertise of the percussionists but also the elegance of the TLC environment.

According to one of the participants, “the marriage of the quality music and the ambience provided by The Lekki Coliseum made the event a master class indeed.

The US Consulate made the right choice of venue.�

U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band, Topside, performing at the event

BBNaija:DStv,GOtvSubscribersCanVoteOnlineforOneMoreHousemate MultiChoice Nigeria has announced the commencement of online voting for its BBNaija online auditions, which held from February 25 to 27. Contestants were expected to record a two-minute video of themselves stating why they should be picked to become housemates in this year’s Big Brother Naija.

The online auditions were an unprecedented move by MultiChoice Nigeria and a way of giving voice to the audience, by giving them the power to vote a housemate into the house.

10 contestants were selected from the online auditions and the voting portal (https://africamagic.dstv. com/show/big-brothernigeria/audition) opened on Thursday for DStv and GOtv subscribers to vote daily for the personality they would like to see in the house from March 21 - March 31, 2019.

Voting is open to only active DStv and GOtv subscribers and official voting rules apply. Subscribers may vote

BBNaija host, Ebuka Obi Uchendu

in 10 voting round(s) across the voting period.

Voting rounds are open from 9am to 11pm on March

21 and from midnight to 11pm from March 22 to March 31.

To vote, simply register on https://africamagic.dstv. com/ sh ow/ big- broth ernigeria/audition using your Twitter of Facebook username, enter your smartcard, phone number, and accept the official voting rules.

Once that is done, a voter will be taken to the audition page where to meet the 10 candidates. The voter can then select the preferred candidate and will receive a verification message.

MultiChoice Nigeria CEO, John Ugbe believes that the online auditions democratises the BBNaija process. “The online auditions are a way of involving our subscribers in the decision-making process of who gets to go into the house. “They are the reason the show remains popular, always rooting for their favourite housemates. Also, just thinking about the people who turned up for the physical auditions, we thought to give them another opportunity.

“Big Brother is a fun show and rejigging things a little bit shows that there is no predetermined script even though it continues to follow the international format,� he said.

Subscribers on the different bouquets are allowed to vote for one contestant in every voting round. On verification of the subscriber ’s package, the contestant will be allocated points, which will contribute to the contestants final score.

The premium bouquet carries 100 points, 75 points for Compact+, 50 points for Compact, 25 and 10 points for Family and Access bouquets. For GOtv subscribers, GOtv Max carries 25 points, while GOtv Plus carries 10 points.

Voters are assured that all votes will be duly compiled and verified with a reputable audit firm to determine the final contestant for the show.

This year’s edition is sponsored by Bet9ja.

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ART WEEKEND

‌For pure art enthusiasts

Wad to Wit: Inside Story of Soyinka’s Poetry Party in a Lagos Bank The Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, in company of his wife, son, friends and associates turned the Providus Banking hall in Victoria Island, Lagos into a high-profile poetry lounge last Thursday to observe the World Poetry Day. YINKA OLATUNBOSUN reports It was long after the close of business.

Many passers-by were curious to see vehicles and persons arriving in trickles at a bank at that time of day. That evening was set aside to celebrate life and ideas that are embodied in poetry. Prof Wole Soyinka and the young poets at the event came to demonstrate that poetry is not an obsolete art form through their creative expressions.

Since 1999, March 21 has been adopted as the UNESCO recognised World Poetry Day to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry and to restore a dialogue between poetry and other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting.

A commune of literati was built using white and custard yellow theme for the chairs and the platform for performance.

Publishers as well as staff of the bank shared the therapeutic experience that had five leading poets as headliners.

Sammy Sage Hassan, Iquo Diana Abasi, Adebola Afolabi otherwise known as Rez Tha Poet, Salamatu Sule and Uche Uwadinachiwere selected from different ethnic backgrounds to give varied voices at this flagship event of the Providus Bank Poetry Cafe.

Designed as a youth-centred initiative, poets were also drawn from four leading poetry communes in Lagos namely Poets in Nigeria, LOUDTHOTS, AJ. House of Poetry and Bariga Poets Collective.

Dafe Ivwurie gave the opening remarks before handing over to the culture advocate, Jahman Anikulapo. Ivwurie stated that the event is the bank’s support for contemporary literary arts in Nigeria. He mentioned too that Soyinka was actively involved in selecting the performers.

Soyinka who was introduced as the ‘Prime Minister of Ijegba’ gave a very brief introduction to the event, capturing the general mood of the nation. “This is a very ugly time for this nation,� he said without any particular reference

A cross-section of poets with Prof Wole Soyinka at the World Poetry Day in Lagos

to any event. Of course, in Lagos, several children were killed during a building collapse at Itafaji, a foremost literary scholar based in Canada, Pius Adesanmi died in a plane crash at 47, and there were reports of several lives lost during the general elections nationwide.

It took no genius to understand the background to the poet’s lamentation.

He expressed optimism that at the end of the show, the young poets would have recharged the collective spirit.

That they did. Tobi Samuel performed “I� which tore at the heart of Africa as the opening act. Juliet Nnaji in her poetry, “If The Country is A Book� used the chapter imagery to articulate the barrage of challenges plaguing the Nigerian nation and secured a rapturous applause from the audience.

Lending a global voice to the night was

Public Affairs Officer for the US Consulate in Nigeria, Russell Brooks who read Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird.� The audience was moved Joy Chinye’s conversational delivery of the soft-toned poetry with a thought provoking line, “Leaving is not always a bad thing.�

Uche Uwadinachi, the ultimate crowd pleaser, kicked off his performance on a romantic note. His satirical poetry is a hybrid of English and pidgin English.

With a petite banker as his model, and a rose in hand while on his knees, his poetry juxtaposed the inner and outward beauty using the imagery of power supply, mobile phones with a background sound. It was magical and absolutely comical.

An ethnic atmosphere engulfed the banking hall with IquoDiana Abasi’s call and response performance which tapped from the Ibibio folkloric tradition. Her

Duke Asidere’s Sketches andTherapy OpensTomorrow in Lagos Yinka Olatunbosun Sketches and Therapy, an exhibition of sketches by Duke Asidere opens tomorrow, March 30 at the Hourglass Gallery’s new gallery space along Saka Jojo street, Victoria Island, Lagos The exhibition which opens by 4pm will be complemented by a book on sketches compiled by Dosie Igweze, who owns the gallery.

On until April 6, the exhibition features 150 sketches by the artist who is better known for his paintings. These sketches which are by no means preludes to bigger works are fully formed works of art by their own rights.

They were produced during the artist’s two-year stint at the Delta State Polytechnic in Ogwashi-Uku whose staff he joined in 2004. Asidere who was going through a period of emotional turbulence saw the job as an opportunity to unburden himself and his new creative energies. “He sketched the Asaba Expressway, the inner roads of Asaba, Ogwuashi-uku and Ubulu-Unor; the people he met in his perambulations; the models in his art classes and his students,� Igweze explained.

Born to a father who was a sailor with the Elder DempsterCompany in Lagos in 1961, Asidere grew under

Bitter Orange

the early influence of his mother who ran the household. This early influence rubbed off on his art and explains the depiction of women as strong,

powerful figures.

Also, the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-trained artist who was also weaned under the tutelage of late Gani Odutokun, obviously his aversion to conformity traces its origin to the intellectually vibrant atmosphere of the ABU art school.

At the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, he lectured alongside the renowned artist, Sam Off with and late Ben Osaghae. With these artists, he played a major role in engraving the Auchi Art School in the collective consciousness of the contemporary Nigerian art public.

Moving on to Lagos in 1995, Asidere set up his art studio in one of the megapolis’ mainland neighbourhoods. From this studio, he would produce works that are not only documenting the energy and chaos of the streets of Lagos but also works that decry the insanity of politics, the decrepit infrastructure and the subtle degradation of the society.

In a constant homage to his mother, his paintings have always explored the strength and bravery of the women around him. This wouldn’t be his first collaboration with Dozie Igweze. Indeed, this exhibition and the book of sketches is their latest collaboration in a relationship that have lasted two decades.

poem, “We did not inherit her� focused on the oil exploration and exploitation ofthe Niger-Delta whilst finishing off on a more optimistic note with “Girl Conditioning�a powerful female empowerment poetry which elicited responses from the female audience.

Her graceful arms and feet bore the simulation of the beautiful Ekombi dance; perhaps the actual costume would have stolen the show.

From Abuja came Salamutu Sule who preferred to read her poem instead of performing it. A good ambassador of Northern Nigeria, she read a poem that captured the life in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps.

Sage Hassan’s first poem for the evening, “We Don’t Need No Prophets� was a venomous attack on religious hypocrisy. He slid into a near-rap delivery with “Your behind is messing with my mind.�

Rez tha Poet created both contemporary and traditional appeal with the performance of “Lines of a Young Man’s Wrinkles� and “Who are you?� respectively.

Soyinka wrapped up the night with his poem titled, ‘Stop Press: One said ‘No’ from his new collection of poetry, “A Humanist Ode for Chibok, Leah� which evoked sad memories that provoked some tears from the Nobel Laureate.

Light-heartedly, he later vowed not to read the poem in public after his emotional reaction to it.

Other distinguished guests at the event include MD, ProvidusBank Walter Akpani; DMD, Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo; a major sponsor of the Study Abroad in Lebanon programme, Dr.Habib Jafaar; CEO, Bookcraft Publishing, Bankole Olayebi; Founder, Rainbow Book Club, Koko Kalango; fashion icon,Adeola Sagoe; Former Secretary-General Commonwealth, EmekaAnyaoku; Makin Soyinka; and poets such as Toni Kan, SegunAdefila, A.J. Dagga Tolar and Victor Ehikhamenor.

J.P Clark’sTheWives’ Revolt Hits the StageThisWeekend Yinka Olatunbosun

NA frontline development communication non-governmental organisation, ARDA, with over 20 years experience in changing norms and behaviours through drama and entertainment, is set to celebrate International Women’s Month with the production of The Wives’ Revolt, a feminist play by the literary icon, Prof. John Pepper Clark. Oxygen Concepts will give a command performance of the play scheduled for tonight, March 29, and two public showings on March 31 at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The plot is woven around an oil-rich community in the NigerDelta which receives pay-out from the oil company exploringtheir land. The money is to be shared three ways among the elders, men and women, with the community elders getting the lion’s share.

The women, who have long suffered injustice and marginalisation, complain about the unfairness of the arrangement. They argue that the elders are also men, thus constituting two-thirds in the pay-out sharing fraction.

The women’s complaints are silenced by counter-accusations of witchcraft by the men. When

these accusations lead to further hardships on them, including loss of livelihoods, the women embark on a revolution in a most unorthodox way.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Month with thetheme #Balanceforbetter, ARDA uses The Wives’ Revolt, to reiterate issues of marginalisation of women, gender inequality and the injustices they face in life as they affirm their humanity.

According to the Producer and Executive Director, ARDA, Data Phido, “The play seeks to highlight the ignorance and unconsciousness behaviour of men on certain issues that remain important to women, and calls attention to them with empathy in an emphatic way.�

It has been four decades since The Wives’ Revolt was first stagedbut the underlying themes have remained relevant against our sociocultural contexts.

Directed by Toritseju Ejoh, the play features some of Nigeria’s finest theatre exports, Toyin Oshinaike (as Okoro), Zara UdofiaEjoh (as Koko), Albert Akaeze (as Idama), with OladotunOlagbadebo as the stage manager.

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with DR. KEMI AILOJE Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Website: lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580

DIMINISHED OVARIAN RESERVE (part 2)

L

ast week we began the topic diminished ovarian reserve , this week we will be concluding with how can we measure a woman’s ovarian reserve,tests involved ,impact on infertility and its management

HOW CAN WE MEASURE A WOMAN’S OVARIAN RESERVE? : Anti-Mßllerian hormone (AMH) is another test that can be done to measure a woman’s ovarian reserve. AMH is the protein made by the cells that surround each egg. The level of AMH in a woman’s blood is stable throughout the menstrual cycle henceyour blood can be taken at any point in your cycle for your AMH test. There are standard AMH levels for dierent age groups, and like your number of eggs, your amount of this protein will also decline as you age. That makes it a good indicator of fertility when considered along with the other tests.

HOW IS DIMINISHED OVARIAN RESERVE TREATED? The approach to treatment in women with IMPACT OF DIMINISHED OVARIAN RE ĂŽĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂžĂŁË› Ă“Ă—Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ăž SERVE ON FERTILITY factor in the management. Early diagnosis and Ëž Ă“ĘŠĂ?Ă&#x;ÖÞã Ă‘Ă?ĘľĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜ĂžË? ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă? ÞÙ ĂšĂ™Ă™Ăœ quality eggs, which may fail to fertilize and even treatment may increase your chance of being able to have your own genetic ospring. when they fertilize may fail to undergo normal Your fertility physician, using clinical judgembryo development and implantation thus making achieving pregnancy almost impossible. ment determines the best approach to helping you achieve desired pregnancy and live birth. Ëž Ă“Ă‘Ă’ ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă• Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă—Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă?Ë? ÞÒĂ? Ă Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă“Ă—Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“Ă?Ă•Ă?Ă?Ăž process by which eggs grow and mature in our and most reliable treatment option. ovaries is called folliculogenesis. This process allows eggs to drastically grow in size and start ÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂžĂœĂ?ËÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ ĂŒĂ? producing energy which enables it separate explored includes: and produce copies of chromosomes. If this Ëž Ă Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ åÓÞÒ ÞÓ×Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? process goes wrong which often happens or Intra uterine insemination in women with diminished ovarian reserve Ëž Ă˜ Ă Ă“ĂžĂœĂ™ Ă?ĂœĂžĂ“Ă–Ă“Ă¤Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ Ěš åÓÞÒ Ě‹ Ëœ abnormal chromosomes would be formed. Poor Ě‹ Ëœ Ě‹ egg quality with chromosomal abnormalities eventually develops into an embryo and fetus In some cases of diminished ovarian reserve åÓÞÒ Ă?Ă’ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ù×ËÖ Ă‹ĂŒĂ˜Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? åÓÞÒ ÖÓʾÖĂ? Ă™Ăœ

Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ĂžĂœĂ?ËÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž no chance of surviving. option. Individualized treatment is tailored for

their ovarian reserve. This often means that higher doses of stimulation medication may be used in protocols speciďŹ cally adapted to the patient. Ù×Ă?Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‘Ă™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ åÓÞÒ Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ eggs and using certain prenatal vitamins and anti-oxidants such as coenzyme 10 (CoQ10)4 , melatonin, N-acetylcysteine, Ě‹Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ×ãÙ̋ Ă˜Ă™Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ™Ă–Ëœ Ě‹ Ă’Ă“ĂœĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ă™Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ™Ă–Ëœ Ă‹ĂœĂ˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă&#x;Ă—Ëœ Ă“ĂžĂ‹Ă—Ă“Ă˜ Ëœ Ă“ĂžĂ‹Ă—Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ù×ÚÖĂ?Ă˘Ëœ Ă“ĂžĂ‹Ă—Ă“Ă˜ ÚÖĂ&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă“Ă&#x;Ă—Ëœ Ù×Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ Íť ÚÙÖãĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ëʾã Ă‹Ă?Ă“ĂŽËœ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ chance for higher pregnancy rate and live birth as compared to women who did not. ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă?ÞÓĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ě™ ĚšË? Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂœĂŁĂ™Ă? Ă™ĂŒĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ be subjected to genetic screening; this is a high technology in reproduction. It entails Ă™ĂŒĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂœĂŁĂ™Ă? Ă™Ă˜ ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Íť or day 5 of culturing. Embryos with genetic ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ę¨Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽË› Ă?Ă˜Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ normal best quality embryos are transferred back to the womb. This process helps to

with LEKAN FATODU

Overscenes

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prevent certain genetic diseases or disorder from being passed to the ospring, which subsequently improvespregnancy rate as well as life birth. Ù×Ă? åÙ×Ă?Ă˜ åÓÞÒ Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ ĂŒĂ? Ă–Ă?Ę° åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă‘Ă‘Ă? Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ ĂœĂ?spond very poorly to ovarian stimulation even with very high doses of stimulation injections.

In some cases, eggs retrieved following ovarian stimulation may not be able to fertilize,implant or progress to fetus. Hence your physician may counsel for the use of donor egg so as to improve your chance of a life birth. Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ăž ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ’ĂŁ Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž women are not comfortable with the use of donor egg is the fact that resulting ospring may not look like the mother or may have some diseases. Although the resulting o spring does not have the same genetic make-up Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?ÓÚÓĂ?Ă˜Ăž ×ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœËœ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ? usually ensures that donors are matched to the recipient by strict criteria’s such as: physical appearance ,race, skin color, height, , blood group and genotype etc. Egg donors must be properly screened to ensure they do not have any infection or genetic abnormalities that may be transferred to their offspring.

It is also reassuring that when the husband’ssperm is used the resulting offspring also has a fair chance of resemblance to their genetic fathers. Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂžĂ&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ ÞÒËÞ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž 10% of women seeking fertility treatment have diminished ovarian reserve which simply put means that they have decreased number and quality of eggs as compared to other women of similar age. Ă?ĂœĂžĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă?ĂŁ if you fall within this 10% of population ,and with proper management and treatment, it is possible for your dream babies to be achieved despite the diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve.

lekantodu@yahoo.com 08060140882

The Call for Renewed Nigeria-British Partnership

he long anticipated Nigerian presidential election has come and gone. And a winner has finally emerged.

Even though the first runner-up in the election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has claimed that he was robbed of victory and will stop at nothing to reclaim the coveted mandate through the court, President Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the winner, has proceeded with the conduct of the affairs of the nation.

Indeed, the president has got no reason to further delay to take on the task ahead.

This includes mending fences that were almost pulled down due to tension arising from election campaigns and building bridges across party lines as well as reassuring Nigeria’s international friends on his government’s will to build a greater Nigeria and also calling for their support in many areas of development.

I’m sure Buhari must be very grateful that the election, predicted by some to be characterised by violence, turned out to be largely peaceful.

No doubt, Nigeria still has so much to improve on in the management of her affairs and particularly her electoral process. It is really unfortunate that some of the familiar problems with Nigerian elections such as unimpressive planning by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), inadequate training for commission’s staff, paucity of staff, ineffective security and other embarrassing inadequacies also featured in the 2019 election.

That’s why the international observers, who commended the process to be free, fair and largely peaceful, couldn’t hide their disappointment over some of the prevent-

Mustapha

able limitations as stated above.

That said, it’s pleasing to note that the government is alive to other areas where it needs to seriously improve performance; and to reach out for more support.

In 2015, President Buhari campaigned on three development points namely to fight corruption, build economy and strengthen security. Although the government consistently talks about its achievements on these priorities, many are doubtful of claims to significant successes in those areas.

So, much still needs to be done to tackle those critical social-economic troubles and to deliver on the agenda for the Next Level of prosperity that just won Buhari a second term in office.

I’m glad that the Buhari administration through the Secretary to the Government of

Laing

the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, has indicated that the fight against corruption requires more vitality and more advanced support, which is why the Nigerian government has called on the British Government to build the capacities of anti-corruption institutions in Nigeria.

Mustapha, who made the call in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs Catriona Laing and the Director for Africa, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK, Ms Harriet Mathews, affirmed that fighting corruption without putting up measures to prevent the scourge would not yield expected results. ‘‘We believe that if the institutions are strong and have adequate capacities, they will be able to work efficiently and effectively to prevent corrupt practices.

‘‘We will record substantial success if we deal with corruption from the roots by preventing it from happening,� he said.

Similarly, the SGF has called on the British Government to help in the repatriation of looted funds from Nigeria.

He said that most of the funds were laundered and kept in banks outside the shores of Nigeria, and suggested that it will require tremendous commitment from the UK government and other friendly nations to assist in returning the slush funds to Nigeria to be used for various developmental projects.

Mustapha, obviously trying to use a stone to kill many birds with the august visitors, also pleaded with his foreign partners for the flexibility of British laws to allow for easy flow of capital from its government and financial institutions into Nigeria. ‘‘The institutions in the UK still run commercial lending which Nigerian economy cannot absorb. ‘‘We believe that the way your country may be able to redeem some of its lost relationship is to make its laws flexible to allow easy flow of capital to Nigeria,� he added.

In her remarks, the British High Commissioner, Liang, expressed satisfaction with the Nigerian government’s commitment to fighting corruption and tackling other socioeconomic challenges while pledging the commitment of the British Government to continue to support Nigeria to ensure that its areas of priority were achieved to sustain the long-term relationship between both countries.

Hopefully, Nigeria will fully grab this opportunity of a renewed partnership to unlock greater opportunities in the international community.

35

F R I DAY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

COLLAGE EVENTS

SirleafJohnson,AishaBuhari,500Othersto HeadlineAfricanWomeninLeadershipConference Adedayo Adejobi

L-R: Lead Pastor, The Elevation Church, Lagos, Mr. Godman Akinlabi; Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action/celebrant, Mrs. Bekeme Olowola; CEO Zenera Consulting Ltd, Mr. Meka Olowola;and CEO, Enyo Retail and Supply, Mr. Yomi Awobokun; at a reception hosted to celebrate Bekeme on her new appointment as a Board Member, Global Reporting Initiative of Amsterdam, Netherlands in Lekki, Lagos...recently

L-R: Daughter of the celebrant, Folake Olusola Olowoporoku; her friend, Kemi; Omowunmi Olowoporoku; celebrant, Mrs. Oluwakemi Olasupo-Olowoporoku and Mrs. Olabisi Olowoporoku, after a thanksgiving service to celebrate Mrs. Oluwakemi’s 53rd birthday anniversary at Christ Apostolic Church, Chariot of Fire, Ile-Ife, Osun State...recently

L-R: General Overseer, Chapel of Holiness, Aboru, Rev. Adeshina Sanyaolu; Mr. Tosin Amusan and Hon. Bola Ilori, presenting a recognition award to Sanyaolu, during Amusan’s birthday celebration at Celestial Church of Christ, Council Parish 1, Idimu, Lagos‌ recently

L - R: President & CEO, SMART Expos & Fairs; B. Swaminathan; Chief Operating OďŹƒcer, SONA Group, Ashok Manghnani; Chairman, SONA Group of Industries Arjan.K. Mirchandani during the inauguration of International Complete Plastics Exhibition on March 19, 2019 at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos

Every year African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) holds its annual African Women in Leadership Conference. For the past 11 years, AWLO has delivered conferences as part of its developmental mission, hosted by countries in Africa and the Diaspora.

This year’s African Women in Leadership Conference is hosted

by Rwanda in recognition of its gender development strides and registered achievements in women empowerment and leadership. “We are proud of a HeforShe Champion, Paul Kagame, whose administration has not only brought women closer to leadership but also facilitated structures for sustainability of his impact. “These progressive values are aligned with ours, and we are beaming the light on the country’s development through African Women in Leadership Conference,� Dr. Elisha Attai, AWLO founder said.

African Women in Leadership Conference (AWLC) is an annual meeting for strategies and capacity building to advance women’s leadership. It engages key decision makers to generate solutions, implement best practices, and build partnerships for women’s development.

Since AWLO believes that effective strategies originate from women, it engages them as its primary stakeholders to increase their leadership participation.

This year’s conference, which will be held at the Kigali Marriot Hotel Rwanda from April 4 to 5, 2019, is themed ‘Empowered for Sustainability’.

During the last Women’s Empowerment Principles Forum held by the United Nations, AWLO participated as a signatory of the UN Global Compact. At the forum, the unique essence of women’s empowerment was found to be very key in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

In view of this, ‘‘AWLC will be gathering 500+ women and stakeholders to: capture solutions and stakeholders’ opinions on sustaining women’s empowerment in politics, economy, business, workplace culturally and socially. “It would also model case studies of enterprising African women with a focus on their strategies and competencies and collate the valued opinions of women in leadership to guide decision making processes as it affects women in all areas. “The conference seeks to build the capacity of women to upscale skills and individual competitive advantage for Leadership and to generally, create opportunities for women through exposure to international networks, business to business networking, and showcase,� Attai enthused.

This year’s expected delegates are government officials in Rwanda, development partners , women professionals and entrepreneurs, women in public service, International NGOs, Religious Based Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, philanthropists, women associations, female youths, and other stakeholders including politicians, first ladies, heads of government agencies and diplomats.

The Keynote address will be delivered by President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson. Other Speakers include; H.E Jewel Taylor, Vice President of Liberia: Dr. Violet Arene, President of AWLO: Charles O’tudor, International Brand Strategist; D. Yvonne Rivers, Creator Of DC Shark Tank USA; Macdella Cooper, Philanthropist & Politician Liberia; Yewande Austin, USA Cultural Ambassador; Mary Akpobome, COO HBCL Investment Services Nigeria; Nathan Kwabena Anokye-Adisi, CEO EIB Network and Empire Group of Companies; and Johanita Suretha Schoeman, CEO Valunett Global.

Expected dignitaries and special guests include; Aisha Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria; Rebeca Akufo-Addo, First Lady of Ghana; Isuara Nyusi, First Lady of Mozambique; Samira Bawumia, wife of the Vice President of Ghana; Paulita Wie, Deputy Minister of Urban Affairs Liberia; Chief Dr. Opral Benson, AWLO Board of Trustees Chairperson; Caroline Mchome, wife of the Governor of Kakagame County Republic of Kenya; Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady Of Sierra Leone; Chantal Biya, First Lady of Cameroon; Isaura Nyusi, First Lady of Mozambique; Auxillia Mnangagwa, First Lady of Zimbabwe; Dominidue Ouattara, First Lady of Cote D’ivoire and Hon. Amb. Soline Nyirahabimana, Minister of Gender and Family.

The major features of African Women in Leadership Conference Rwanda 2019 are; Plenary Sessions and Presentations, Leadership Workshop, B2B Networking Events, Enterprising Female Leaders Showcase and Women in Leadership Congress.

Women leaders of African Descent are urged to take this opportunity that seeks to: set women up for outstanding leadership performance and promotion, consolidate voices to represent the interest of women across board, model enterprising African women case studies and also give over 400 female participants access to empowering networks and information. The registration for African Women in Leadership Conference is ongoing at awlo.org/awlc

Attai

36

F R I DAY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

POTPOURRI

Customs Donates 30,000 Bags of Rice, Relief Materials to Orphanages The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has donated 32,576 bags of rice, 1,794 kegs of vegetable oil, 329 bales of used clothes and other relief materials to some orphanages in Ogun and South-west states.

The distribution of relief items to orphanages in Zone ‘A’ was carried out by the Sub-committee Chairman, Comptroller Yakubu Salihu, who announced this at the kick off of the donations in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Saturday.

He said the exercise is in line with a presidential directive aimed at bringing succour and ameliorating the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and orphans. Salihu said that “immediately after the inauguration of the committee, we swung into action identifying and verifying all IDPs and orphanages in all the states and the federal capital territory. “The sub-committee under my leadership kick-started this important assignment in Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos on Tuesday 12 February 2019. “Three weeks into the exercise, we are happy to announce that a great im-

The bags of rice donated to orphanages

pact has been made in the lives of orphans in the zone in line with the Federal Government intention to alleviate the suffering of the less privilege citizens. “So far, we have been able to distribute 32,576 bags of rice, 1,794 kegs of vegetable oil, 329 bales of used clothes, 24 bags of loosed sugar, 47 bags of sugar, 2,675 pairs of used shoes, 98 cartons of tomato

paste, six cartons of seasoning, 13 cartons of soaps/ detergents and 11 bags of foreign flour- 11.

He added that donated relief items were distributed to a total number of 134 orphanages with a cumulative number of 7,350 orphans in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States.

The orphanages that benefited include; Little

Saints, Raco Child, Vigilant Heart, Jesus Kids, Stella Obansanjo Children Home, among others. Salihu in a statement sent newsmen said, “In carrying this assignment, we are strictly guided by the directive to ensure that these items are given to only recognised homes. “The allocated items are escorted with landing certificates which must be

signed by operators of the homes upon receipt of the items. This is to ensure that all allocated items get to intended recipients. “Apart from being official assignment, we see this exercise as being spiritually rewarding and appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), for considering us worthy of carrying out activities that

positively impact on the lives of orphans. “As noble as the intention of Federal Government is, we have discovered that some unpatriotic elements are cashing on this exercise by going to orphanages pretending to be working for the service, collecting documents supposedly for the committee.

The obvious criminal intention to extort money or some of the items for “facilitating� the allocation is not lost on us. Already two people impersonating the committee have been arrested and detained at Seme border. “For the avoidance of doubt, the service has not permitted any person or organisations to contact orphanages, IDPs or indeed any vulnerable group on belief of the committee. “We have our own way of identifying and verifying such homes or groups that qualify for the ongoing distribution.

As the Sub-Committee moves to Zone B, Kaduna and other north western states of the country in this ongoing distribution, we are determined to ensure that those that fall within our mandate get these items in a transparent manner.�

World Water Day: Groups Ask Sanwolu to Halt Ongoing Privatisation Plans Chiemelie Ezeobi The Our Water, Our Right Movement led by the Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has cautioned Lagos Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwolu, from continuing on the path of previous administrations in the state, that set in motion plans to privatise water in Lagos.

In a statement issued to mark the 2019 World Water Day, the movement said that even though Lagos is surrounded by water, most of its citizens still lack adequate and safe drinking water and sanitation which predisposes them to illnesses such as dysentery and cholera with grave implications on productivity.

They however frowned at the fact that in tackling the water challenge, previous administrations including the outgoing Governor Akinwunmi Ambode have not consulted Lagos citizens, and instead, advanced false solutions including the globally-discredited Public Private Partnership (PPP) model of water privatisation.

The letter, signed by Chair of the Board of

ERA/FoEN, Nnimmo Bassey, noted that: “Lagos residents are victims of a system that has failed them for years due to lack of political will and lack of sustained budgetary allocation to the water sector. Lagos does not need to experience social conflicts, drown in debt, or hand our right to privatisers to tackle the water crisis. “Evidence abounds that countries that have experimented the PPP and other models of water privatisation have learnt bitter lessons and opted out by re-municipalising – another word for taking back privatised public services and putting it where it should be -under public control. “Remunicipalisation of public water has spread across the world from Buenos Aires to Berlin, Ghana, Gabon, Jakarta, Mozambique, Paris, Tanzania, and lately nearby Cameroon.�

They groups further warned that the PPP is anti-people because it is difficult for cities to exit, despite rate hikes, service cutoffs, and unfulfilled infrastructure promises.

Continuing, they said that reports that the outgoing administration has begun conces-

HP,AMDLaunch New ProcessorintoNigerianTechMarket Rebecca Ejifoma AMD, in partnership with HP, has officially launched its new processor device, Ryzen Pro, into the technology market in Nigeria to satisfy high-value-seeking users with high performance quality delivery.

The AMD Ryzen, which was unveiled in Lagos at the weekend, is an improved processor that enables faster results and the right level of productivity among other features.

The Managing Director for Nigeria and Central Africa for HP, Mrs. Ify Afe, expressed satisfaction. “AMD and HP have partnered over the years in delivering the best-in-class devices. This is just one of many�. She, however, noted that Ryzen was recently launched across the world

about a year ago. “The fact that we are launching it today doesn’t mean that we are just adopting the technology a year later or whatever the case is�.

Afe continued that their aim was to ensure they have these devices into the space of their customers and partners. “This is really a technology in making and we are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish with the AMD�, the MD said. Rating the processor device as very powerful, Afe said its speed is remarkable owing to the fact that it goes into specific spaces or course in terms of graphics design.

She added: “This is really a product that cuts across a wide variety of users.

It is also budget-friendly.

You get the right level of productivity, which is good

at Ryzen.�

Reacting to some misconceptions that HP is for the elite, Afe explained the reasons HP products are for all. “It will be foolhardy for us to focus on a specific group of users. Then what is the point if we are saying ‘Changing the World’. I don’t think the tagline is changing the world for a few. We have devices for all�. She further beckoned on HP users and Nigerians as a whole to help them grow. “Let us grow together.

We are here for the people who use us and the people who don’t use us. We are here for everybody�.

Meanwhile, one of the panelists, IT Head, Shoreline Group, Mr. Oluseyi Ogunrinde, commended the device for its high performance quality with a reasonable price, reliability and security.

sion talks with Veolia, Metito and Abengoa, which are transnational corporations with track-record of corruption and human rights abuses are even more worrisome, adding that, they had protested this move to the current State House of Assembly and compiled findings on the multinationals in a document – Veolia, Metito, Abengoa Cannot be trusted with Lagos Water, which has been made available to the state government for it to backtrack.

In its recommendations to Sanwolu who assumes office from May 2019, the groups demanded a halt to concession talks or agreements entered into with transnational corporations like Veolia, Metito, and Abengoa; and need to fully uphold the human right to water as an obligation of the government representing the people. “Also, integration of broad public participation including that of women in developing plans to achieve universal access to clean water, and a review the recent Lagos Environment Law and removal of all the remaining provisions that open the doors for PPP and other privatisation forms. “Others are: rejection of allcontracts

designed by or involving the IFC, which operates to maximise private profit; Building the political will to prioritise water for the people by investing in the water infrastructure necessary to provide universal water access, which will create jobs, improve public health, and invigorate the Lagos economy; “Increasing budgetary allocation to the water sector; and Institution of a Water Trust Fund that will expand public financing of the water sector,� they added.

The groups said they have a blueprint on how to address the current crisis in the water sector in the document – Lagos Water Crisis: Alternative Roadmap for Water Sector.

Co-signatories to the letter include the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Joint Action Front (JAF), Peace and Development Project (PEDEP), Child Health Organisation, and the Africa Women Water Sanitation and Hygiene Network (AWWASHNet), among others.

LagosCountryClubUnveilsAnniversaryLogo Ugo Aliogo The Lagos Country Club has unveiled it’s anniversary logo as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the social institution.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos recently, the Director-General of Lagos Country Club, Chief Babatunde Okunuga, noted that the club has evolved from a humble beginning in 1949 to become a prized institution. “The club success today is not a happenstance, for this great club has been blessed with leaders who tilled the ground and rolled up sleeves to give us a befitting place we have prided as a second home. Little wonder we are rolling out the red carpet,� he noted.

He also stated that the anniversary marks an age of introspection and inner

wisdom, adding that the club understands the social and recreational needs for improved physical, “and emotional wellbeing of members and has done this in the past 70 years.�

Speaking on the rationale for the logo, Okunuga said the club has used gold and black because they are associated with illumination, love, compassion, courage, passion and wisdom.

He added that the club celebrations span different spheres of life germane to humanity, adding that the club would be having activities under the broad spectrums of business, social, fitness, religion, corporate social responsibility and awards.

According to him, “This logo shows that for 70 years, we represent strength and authority which make us a force to be reckoned with.

Our anniversary is a time to look back at the good times

and a time to look ahead to live our dreams together.

We are a club defined by diversity of people and strong values. “Our club promotes recreational and social interests of members; as well as inter-ethnic and inter-racial understanding amongst people. “That is why in these past 70 years, distinguished leaders, business moguls and political leaders are among the eminent personalities who have graced the grounds of Lagos Country Club and have affirmed that we are indeed a ‘model in sports and social harmony. “The club celebrations span different spheres of life germane to humanity, adding that the club would be having activities under the broad spectrums of business, social, fitness, religion, corporate social responsibility and awards.�

37

F R I DAY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

ENTREPRENEUR

Olatunde Macaulay: We’re Changing the Narrative in Real Estate Business Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ù×Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă—Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ Ă‹ ĂœĂ?à ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ĂœĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă?ÞËÞĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă’Ă™Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? ÞÙ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ă? ËŠ ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă’Ă? Ă&#x;ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?ËŞË› Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ MARYNNAHËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœËš Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă? âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?ĂœËœ Ăœ Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂŁËœ Ă™ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ÓÞ˪Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’ ÞÓ×Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă?ÞËÞĂ? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™ Ă‹Ă? ÞÙ Ëà ÙÓÎ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ÙÖÖËÚĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÓ×Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‘Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă™Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă?ÞËÞĂ? Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă? ÞÙ Ă?ÙÖÖÙå Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?Ăž Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂŒĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ ĂŒĂ™ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂžĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÚÖËĂ?Ă?Ë› âĂ?Ă?ĂœĂšĂžĂ?Ë?

T

ell us a bit about ReďŹ n Homes?

Refin Homes is a real estate company. We set out to provide alternative home solutions; to make as many people as possible to be able to afford a house using flexible payments system based on one’s capacity. We came into the real estate market to focus on providing alternative housing solutions that add value to lives, especially the under-served middle to lower end spectrum.

Refin Homes Limited was established with the aim of bridging the housing gap in Nigeria. Our key focus is providing affordable housing for middle-class income earners without compromising quality. We are the community builders, set to establish, develop, strengthen and increase economic activities within identified localities.

How long have you been in existence and what are the projects you have executed so far?

We are going to two years now, and we have executed several projects prior to setting up this company and as a company.

You have been around for close to 24 months now. What has been your success story?

We have a lot of people who have keyed into our scheme. You know there is a time frame and you are contributing for 36 months. So we have a whole lot of people who have been contributing consistently with the goal of getting a house of their own in 36 months and we would ensure that we provide the houses for them in 36 months.

In addition to that, it is a national housing fund which a lot of people do not know exist or some even know about but do not know how to access it. We would assist you in accessing the national housing fund, so that you can combine that with whatever you have contributed to be able to afford a house. So it is a process. People want to buy a house immediately but do not have the capacity to do that. So if we come with a plan where individuals pay on a monthly basis, it will take just 36 months for us to be able to provide a house of your choice to you and at the price that you have requested.

What are you doing to avoid the incidence of collapsed buildings in Lagos and other parts of the nation?

We at Refin Homes have a cordial relationship with all regulators concerned with buildings. You have to ensure that you follow strict guidelines and procedures to avoid incidence of collapsed building and buildings with inferior quality materials. We go through the process of building materials testing and getting the right approval before we put up any structure. It is also worthy of note that for over 15 years, a 17 million housing deficit has been bandied around in Nigeria. The government cannot handle this deficit alone, so private institutions such as ours should assist the government in reducing this huge deficit as quickly as possible.

What category of people are you looking at?

We are looking at the middle to the lower end of the spectrum because we believe there is huge market – underserved market at that level.

Where are your tentacles?

You see, when people ask me where we execute our projects, I feel it is a traditional way of asking real estate questions but we are trying to change that narrative, so we build based on where you want, so I don’t go to specific locations because I feel that I should go there but I go there because you have said that you want a house there. If I assess you and know that you have the capacity, I would go there. So we build anywhere as long as it makes sense, you can afford it and then you won’t lose money in doing that. So we can build anywhere. So when you put us in the spot and ask where, you are trying to limit us and so we are trying to change that narrative and perspective – don’t think

Managing Director of ReďŹ n Homes, Olatunde Macaulay

ReďŹ n Homes Team L-R: Head, Building Dept. Akanbi ‘Lekan; Group Head of Marketing, Goke Fatogun; Company Secretary, Ronke Mustafa; Deputy Managing Director, Kazeem Owolabi; Managing Director, Olatunde Macaulay; Team Lead, Marketing, Debola Okechukwu and IT Administrator, Dipo Olowe at the ‘Create The Future’ breakfast event in Lagos

about where but think about what you want and what we can do for you to get what you want.

I must also quirkily add that for now, Refin Homes is starting with Lagos and hopes to expand to other states soon. When people see that what we are saying is possible and then a lot of people benefit from this, then we can expand to other states. And when you say we should come and build a house for you in your village, it has to make sense to us as an institution and to you as an individual.

Don’t forget that as I am building for you, I have to also consider others who have similar requests at that same place and put your request together. So, I am not going to build only for you in that location that is either in your village or any other place, but I would be building for you and all other people that have similar requests, By so doing, I can lower cost and also take advantage of the economics of scale and sell to you at the right price. So it is an individual thing, in that you tell me what you want but don’t forget that it is housing and that you want a flat in a particular location, trust me, there would be 20 to 40other people that want in that location too. So all I am doing is building for all of you that want in that location.

What does it mean to “Create the Future�, based on the theme of your discussion today? “Create The Future� is a strategic platform that calls the attention of all Nigerians on the need to plan ahead today by putting in place modalities that ensure a solid roof over their heads. “The future is not somewhere distant, the future is now, and we want to sit with Nigerians to plan based on your desires and capacity to give you the home of your dreams With “Creating the future�, we are saying that the future is not somewhere

distant, the future is now. We want to sit with Nigerians to plan based on your desires and capacity to give you the home of your dreams, so we have to put things in the right perspective; you have to visualise what you want in the next five to 10 years and then you have to begin to plan for those things now.

So what we are trying to do in terms of creating a future for our clients - hard working Nigerians, is to say, you want a house, come and sit down with us and plan and when we plan with you, you would get that house that you desire in 36 months if you are disciplined and then you follow the plan that we agreed on from day one.

There are lots of real estate ďŹ rms around, so what stands yours out?

We are different because we build based on your capacity and we give you flexible terms of payment and we are particular about affordability and quality. So, we don’t build and say come and buy, but we build based on what you have requested within your capacity.

How affordable are you?

Like I said, I am not giving but you are telling me, I want a bungalow at XYZ location, and then I would assess and tell you if it is visible or not. And if it is not visible, I would tell you that this is the alternative and then we would plan together. I am not forcing it on you but you are telling me what you want, then we work towards that. We believe that in the long term, the Nigerian economy will become the biggest beneficiary of a system that makes it easy for people to own quality and affordable homes.

Refin Homes Limited is committed to providing affordable quality housing solutions that meet customer satisfaction and consistent with our context and strategic

direction, applicable requirements and interested parties. We continually improve our quality management system to help us stand out, gain competitive edge and grow to become influential in the society.

How do you handle defaulters in terms of payment?

We have processes and procedures we put in place to address that. First of all, you must come to us and let us understand what has caused the default. Is it job loss? Is it your company that is not doing well? Then we can sit down and agree on a plan. If at all that you do not have the capacity to go on with your initial plan we can downgrade on the plan depending on your current situation, instead of you losing everything. So there is an option of downgrading and worst case scenario, if you cannot move forward, your property would have appreciated, so we sell it and your equity would have grown, so you may be able to key into something else or you key into one of our products and start paying again to get to where you want.

One of our core values is inclusiveness, so when you come to us, we would find somewhere for you to be able to benefit – so that if you cannot afford a house, you can then go for just a parcel of land first. And we would be able to provide you a flexible payment scheme that would enable you acquire a land. And we would encourage you not to sell that land when you finish paying. We would advise you to hold onto it because there is value in appreciation. Do that circle for three years and in three years you can sell two portions of the land or the three and buy a house or again key into one of our products. So there is always something for everybody. Even if you do not want to buy a house, you can also invest in the real estate projects.

38

F R I DAY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

METRO

‌Your city life in print

A Life Changing Win NUME EKEGHE ĂĄĂœĂ“ĂžĂ?Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ×Ù×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂ&#x;Ă• Ă&#x;Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă—Ă?ĂŽËœ Ă‹ Ă?ËÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ Í˝Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Î Ă—Ă™ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă‘Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™

F

or Faruk Muhammed, his recent ascent into the league of millionaires was met with initial disbelief. But by a stroke of fate and goodwill on the part of 9mobile, his fortunes have changed for good.

Prior to his recent win, Muhammed said he had never even seen N500,000. The father of five was recently catapulted into the realms of delight as he received his N5million cash prize at the ongoing Magic Hour Promo.

Receiving his N5 million cash prize in Abuja, Faruk Muhammed expressed delight at being singled out of the millions of subscribers who participated in the promo daily.

The excited father of five said; “I had not even seen N500,000 in my life let alone N5 million. It sounded unbelievable at first when I was told. I have always made 9mobile my network of choice any time, any day; for me, this is more than a reward. “When this promo started I tried to load up to N100 everyday so that I could at least win something, but this prize completely blew my mind!�

After recently splashing its Lagos customers with stunning prizes in the ongoing 9mobile Magic Hour promo, a new set of winners emerged in and around Abuja, carting home fabulous prizes on Friday, March 22.

The event which held in Abuja was in continuation of the prize redemption events of the promo, organised by the most innovative and customer-friendly telecommunications company, 9mobile.

The prize redemption, which took place at the Mall Atrium, Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, also witnessed a surprise shopping spree in which many participants, who had accompanied the promo winners to the event as friends and loved ones, went home with amazing items which they purchased from the mall free of charge courtesy of 9mobile.

Just like the Lagos edition, 9mobile customers who participated in the promo won many fantastic prizes including free airtime, smartphones and cash prizes running into millions of naira as part of the rewards given out by the telco under its customer reward scheme, Magic Hour Promo, in celebration of customers

L-R: A.g Managing Director, 9mobile, Stephane Beuvelet; N5million prize winner of 9mobile Magic Hour Promo, Faruk Muhammed; Director, Regional Sale North, Tosin Olulana and Vice President, Marketing, Adebisi Idowu both of 9mobile, during the presentation to prize winners of the 9mobile Magic Hour Promo at the Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja

for their loyalty to the network over the past 10 years.

Speaking at the prize presentation, the Acting Managing Director of 9mobile, Stephane Beuvelet, said the Magic Hour Promo is one of the ways the telco is fulfilling its promise to make this year as fulfilling as possible for its subscribers. “This promo was introduced by 9mobile to mark its tenth anniversary and a way to reward the loyalty of our customers. This is very much a recognition initiative from 9mobile as we want to change the lives of our customers; we

created this opportunity to make an impact in their lives which you all are seeing today. “This is very significant, and we are very happy with it. With just N100 our customers can do extraordinary things which they ordinarily wouldn’t have been able to do. We designed the Magic Hour Promo to reward our customers, every day, every week and every month till the promo ends�, he said.

Beuvelet, while commending customers in Abuja for being among the most active participants in the promo, assured subscribers

of more loyalty initiatives even as he reaffirmed the telco’s commitment to raising the bar of quality of service and adding value to its customers.

The Magic Hour Promo which kicked off on February 11 will run for 90 days; the promo is 9mobile’s way of celebrating and rewarding its customers for their unwavering loyalty and brand affinity.

Some lucky customers have already moved up the social status ladder by becoming millionaires courtesy of the promo, as draws hold across key cities in Nigeria.

Prizes still up for grabs include

the grand prize of N20 million for one winner at the end of the promo, and N5 million cash to be won by two lucky customers.

Also, one lucky customer will win N250,000 every day, while fivev customers will each win N50,000 cash daily throughout the duration of the promo.

Other fantastic prizes are five smartphones to be won per week.

To stand a chance to win big in the Magic Hour promo, all new and existing customers can simply recharge a minimum of N100 or text WIN to 88808.

Yeye Cabaret Set to Celebrate Mother’s Day Sunday Ehigiator

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ith the theme, ‘To Love a Woman’, Yeye Cabaret; a leading platform for celebrating mothers in Nigeria, is set to hold its sixth edition of Mother’s day celebration on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

The program which is scheduled to start by 6pm and last till 8pm, will be holding at Havilah Events Center Plot 6, Chief Yesuf Abiodun Street, Oniru, VI, Lagos.

Addressing journalists on the event, the Curator Executive Producer, Yeye Cabaret, Mr. Ogundipe Ayodele said it is a mother’s day event which they have been hosting for the past five years.

According to Ayodele, “this is the sixth edition. It was designed to be the highlight of mother’s day. It is the go-to destination of mother’s day. “What inspired Yeye Cabaret was about six years ago when on a mother’s day, mum showed me a gift that she was given in

L-R: Producer Yeye Cabaret, Mr. Alaba Adesokun; Curator/Executive Producer, Mr. Ogundipe Ayodele; and Visual Director, Yeye Cabaret, Mr. Rotors Babalogbon, during the press conference for the forthcoming Mother’s Day

church and that was it. And I was wondering within myself if there was an occasion or mother’s day event one could take his or her mum too, and there wasn’t really anything out there, and that was what brought about this idea. “So over the years, we have grown from a showcase of about 60 people to 400 participants.

What we aim to achieve is to make Yeye number one mother’s day plan. Such that we have a slogan that say’s ‘Think Mother’s Day, Think Yeye Cabaret’. “On that day, what we have is a lineup of activities; so apart from the red carpet, we have a photobook where you and your mum or sister can take pictures with the

props and put up on instagram.

Then we have the mini-shopping experience. “The question here is, what are you doing for her on a mother’s day? A lot of people are not quiet sure of what they are doing for their mum or that other special woman on a mother’s day. Some would give us answers that they

will take her to the cinema to see a play, or to a restaurant, or take them shopping. “So, all those answers are the things we put up together that make up the idea for the day. So we have the shopping experience were we invite vendors to showcase their wears. And the beauty of that is, it gives them the opportunity to engage with their direct market; mothers. So we have people who are into jewelries, hat making, food, beauty products e.t.c. “The main event itself is a production. So we have theater, music, spoken words; performing arts essentially, which are all live.

And after the production, we have the highlight of Yeye Cabaret which is the ‘Iya Ni Wura’ segment. Iya ni Wura means mother is gold in Yoruba language. And what happens is that there is a surprise tribute to a mother in the audience. “The theme for this year ’s event is ‘To Love a Woman’.

The theater, music, ambiance and the entire experience come Sunday, March 31, will be about how to love a woman.

To participate, Just get a ticket for regular, VIP or Deluxe at N5,000, N10,000, and N20,000 respectively at Afritickets. com.�

39

F R I DAY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

CRIME&SECURITY

Honour for an Army Colonel

CRIME SITUATION REPORTS

RANKS OF OFFICERS IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY t4FDPOE -JFVUFOBOU This is the ďŹ rst rank in the ofďŹ cer hierarchy. They have one silver star on each of their shoulders. t'JSTU -JFVUFOBOU These ofďŹ cers have two vertically aligned silver stars on their shoulders. t$BQUBJO This is the highest rank among the tactical troop organisation.Captains have three vertically aligned silver stars on their shoulders. t.BKPS This is the lowest ďŹ eld ofďŹ cer rank in the Nigerian Army. Majors have a silver eagle on each shoulder. t-JFVUFOBOU $PMPOFM It is a mid-level rank among the ďŹ eld ofďŹ cers. They have vertically aligned silver star and a silver eagle on each shoulders. t$PMPOFM These ofďŹ cers are at the top of the ďŹ eld ofďŹ cer hierarchy and at the bottom of the commissioned ofďŹ cer hierarchy.They are responsible for the regiments.Colonels have two silver stars and a silver eagle (all vertically aligned) on each shoulder. t#SJHBEJFS These ofďŹ cers are responsible for commanding brigades.Brigadiers have three silver stars that form a triangle with a silver eagle on top. t .BKPS (FOFSBM This is a mid-level commissioned ofďŹ cer rank.They have a golden emblem of the crossed sword and baton below a golden eagle on each shoulder. t-JFVUFOBOU (FOFSBM This is the third highest rank in the Nigerian Army.

These ofďŹ cers have the vertically aligned emblem of the crossed sword and baton, a star and an eagle, all in gold and on both shoulders. t(FOFSBM This is the second highest rank, which, on practice, is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army. The General has vertically aligned crossed sword and baton, two stars and the eagle, all in gold and on both shoulders.

Colonel Ahmed

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The 2019 general elections might have come and gone, but some security personnel stood out for their non partisanship. For the Nigerian Police, Muhammed Wakili, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, stood out.

In Akwa Ibom State, Colonel Mohammed Ahmed of the Nigerian Army, displayed same non partisanship, thus earning him a commendation letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a letter personally signed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Mike Igini, which the Nigerian Army had displayed on its Facebook page, Ahmed was commended for his examplary leadership, but particularly for his nonpartisanship during the elections.

The letter read thus: “I wish to and hereby convey my personal and that of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Akwa Ibom state appreciation and commendation to the above officer of the Nigerian Army for his distinguished and professional conduct, efficiency and exemplary non partisanship in the discharge of his duties and the command of officers during the conduct of the 2019 elections in the state. “His outstanding performance was noted and commended by all key stakeholders. In all circumstances where election integrity was under threat, he promptly ensured that the constitutional brief of the Nigerian Army was discharged with professionalism, unquestioned respect to the Nigerian Army and its officers in the 2019 election in Akwa Ibom State. “This officer showed no partiality to any side but discharged his duties with firmness and fairness, mak-

ing it possible for voters and other stakeholders to freely participate in the elections in an unfettered and secured ambiance. “For this excellent professionalism, I commend and recommend him highly for distinguishing himseif and his troops and bringing esteem and respect to the Nigerian Amy. I wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.�

Although the commendation was laudable on so many fronts, but for those, like this reporter, who have followed his career, from Owode in Ogun State back in 2013 to his present posting, the commendation was not in any way surprising. While holding the helm of affairs at 192 Battalion, Owode as the Commanding Officer, Ahmed, who was a Lieutenant Colonel then, was instrumental in quelling so many community uprisings.

In April 2013, the Adodo Community in Ogun State, a mix of agrarians, traders and civil servants, had on a certain Monday swooped on their traditional ruler, the Olofin of Adodo, Oba Lateef Akanni and beat him to a pulp over perceived injustice constantly received at his hands.

However, that he was beaten to a pulp was not as shocking as the realisation that even the king makers had endorsed the treatment meted out to the ruler.

In traditional societies, king makers are usually the backbone of any ruler and a revolt against their ruler often spells doom, as was the case of Adodo community where both the kingmakers and the people were against the king.

Indeed, but for providence and the timely response of the Nigerian Army led by Ahmed, the traditional ruler barely escaped being lynched by whiskers as the community revolted against him in an unplanned coup.

Declaring the traditional ruler persona non grata, the community had descended on him, beat him up and burnt the palace with his wife and kids locked up inside the building despite their cries for help. Asides beating the traditional ruler and setting the palace ablaze, the community also burnt about three cars that were in the compound, just as they also vandalised the entire property.

THISDAY had reported then that Ahmed had stormed the palace with a retinue of soldiers and rescued the queen and her kids.

Months down the line, June to be exact, Ahmed’s expertise was again displayed when he quelled another uprising. This time around though, some custom officers stationed at the Ilase Custom Checkpoint, along Owode-Idiroko Road from the Federal Operating Unit (FOU), Owode-Idiroko, shot a heavily pregnant female passenger, Alhaja Fausat Ayode, to death and absconded for fear of the irate mob.

The mob had gone on rampage, destroyed and set the checkpoint on fire before Ahmed was contacted and he immediately stormed the scene with his men to quell the situation and restore peace.

From Owode, Ahmed has since taken on greater tasks and deployments. THISDAY checks revealed that from Owode, he was moved to Liberia NIBATT 35 in 2014, after which he was deployed to Gwoza, Maiduguri, as part of Operation Lafiya Dole in 2015. Thereafter he went to Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) as Chief Instructor in 2016. In 2017, he was deployed to 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza as the Chief of Staff (COS). From there he was posted to Headquarters 6 Division, Port Harcourt in 2018 and finally to 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the just concluded general elections.

t"SNZ 'JFME .BSTIBM This is the top rank of the whole Nigerian Army, although nobody has thus far worn this tank.Army Field Marshal has an emblem of the crossed sword and baton surrounded by two branches and with an eagle on top, all in gold and on both shoulders.

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F R I DAY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

LIFE

The Victory Celebration in Edo Adibe Emenyonu writes that it was celebration galore in Edo State as Governor Godwin Obaseki and the All Progressives Congress held a thanksgiving service for a violence free election, as well as the triumph of the party at the polls, having cleared all 24 seats in the just concluded house of assembly elections

L-R: Chairman, Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Anselm Ojezua; former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; his wife, Maryann; Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Sta to the Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele, during the Inter-denominational Thanksgiving Service organised by the Edo State Government to commemorate the successful 2019 general elections, in Benin City

Cross-section of appointees of the Edo State Government at the Inter-denominational Thanksgiving Service

Governor Obaseki (second right); his wife, Betsy (right); Rt. Hon Shaibu (left) and his wife, Maryann (second left), during the thanksgiving reception

A cross-section of clergymen at the thanksgiving service

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hen the All Progressives Congress (APC) party in Edo state was faced with defeat during the presidential and national assembly elections, it never expected a turn around in the state assembly polls. However, when the results came, it was a triumphant one because the party did not expect to win so overwhelmingly. When the results began to tickle in, to their uttermost joy, the party won 24 of the 24 seats.

It was on this basis that the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, led members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress in the state, to a thanksgiving service to acknowledge the role of God in the violence-free event and celebrate the triumph of the APC at the polls.

In his sermon taken from Psalm 135: 5-6, the Archbishop of Bendel Province Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Friday Imeakhai, commended the governor for relying on God and making it mandatory to always give thanks to God. Represented by Venrable Joseph Osueni, Archbishop Imeakhai, said the victory of the party in the election was divine as no party in the history of the state has won all the seats in the state House of Assembly.

He also said: “I want to commend the governor for his prompt payment of workers’ salaries and outstanding pension arrears.�

Imeakhai however urged the governor to do more in other sectors such as agriculture, education and in the provision of more infrastructural facilities.

On his part, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Edo State Chapter, Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure, commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state.

He noted the speed with which the governor is sustaining the state’s development and urged him to sustain the developmental tempo.

He added, “You should keep the fire of development believing God will stand with your administration to serve the state and nation well.�

Speaking at the thanksgiving service held at the Samuel Ogbemudia College Benin City, Obaseki said with the massive support given to candidates of the APC in the general elections,

particularly in the state House of Assembly election, there is no excuse for non-performance on the part of the party.

According to him, “Every achievement made by my administration so far has been divinely directed as God directs my everyday activity.�

This victory, he stressed, “throws up a lot more responsibility as the victory in the election shows the people trust our administration and we can’t afford to fail them. “All the 18 local government chairmanship seats in the state are occupied by members of the APC. All the newly elected 24 Edo State House of Assembly members from various parts of the state are APC members�.

Against this premise, the governor pledged to rededicate himself and his administration to make life better for the citizens and inhabitants in the ancient Kingdom. “With our party’s dominance of the political space, we have no excuse not to deliver. I want to rededicate myself and this administration, and reinforce our earlier promise to put Edo people first at all times and to make life more comfortable and better for them�, he said.

He noted that there was a lot to thank God for, as all the elections held in the state since he became governor have been violence-free, with no life lost.

The governor who frowned at cult-related activities in the state, vowed to deploy a mix of strategies to stamp cultism out of the state and called on parents to urge their children and wards to stay away from cult-related activities as no one will be spared if caught in the act, adding that the necessary laws on cultism which were passed by the state House of Assembly will be effectively used. “Anti-cultism is my next priority and we have a law on cultism in place which we will use to punish offenders. With the assistance of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, we will set up a special squad on cultism, to deal with offenders and render it history in the state,� he said.

Obaseki also acknowledged and applauded the support and prayers of the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, whom he said have played a vital role in the success of his administration. “I thank the Oba of Benin for his support and prayers which have led to the several suc-

L-R: Sen. Doming Obende, Former Gov., Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor; Deputy Gov Philip Shaiibu and wife Maryann; Gov. Obaseki and wife, Betsy Obaseki, and Chairman Edo CAN, Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure at the reception

cesses that this administration has recorded. I thank all the past governors and their deputies for their support and I urge them to sustain their support for us, so that we can complete the good work we are doing for all Edo people and residents. Our mothers and sisters in the markets, the labour unions; TUC and NLC, are not left out,� Obaseki stressed.

Also at dinner organised for the newly elected legislators at the state and national levels, Obaseki and the elected legislators mulled new template to evenly spread developmental projects across the length and breadth of the state Also, both the governor and the elected legislators agreed to deepen synergy between both arms of government to ensure projects are not duplicated across the state.

Addressing members and supporters of the party at Government House, Obaseki stressed that his administration will no longer accept boreholes and toilets as constituency projects from members of the national and state assemblies. “I will not accept boreholes and VIP toilets as constituency projects any more. Edo people have spoken that they want real change and we must deliver the change to them. “For the elected members of the House of Assembly, every constituency you represent must have something meaningful in the budget on a yearly basis. “I will not accept N40 million constituency projects, if you are not able to appropriate between N500 million to N1 billion, then you are not working for your constituency,� the

governor said.

He added that duplication of projects would not be allowed, to ensure for the efficient use of the state’s resources.

Obaseki further said that he would be holding interactive sessions with the party members in the national assembly on a monthly basis to review their projects, noting that the elected APC legislators have no reasons not to deliver good governance to Edo people who gave them the mandate to serve.

Responding, Hon. Peter Akpatason, the House of Representatives member-elect for Akoko Edo Federal Constituency, thanked the governor for the massive support he gave all candidates of the APC during the elections, adding that Obaseki spurred them to victory.

Akpatason who is elected for the third time, promised to attract the support of the federal government to the state and said that a better synergy between the state house of assembly, national assembly, state and local governments on project execution will ensure the judicious use of the state’s resources.

Speaking on behalf of the newly elected state House of Assembly members, Hon. Washington Osifo, said they would ensure the executive succeeds in its endeavour. “I want to assure you that you will enjoy our support and you will be happy at the end of the day that you have all the 24 seats in the state assembly. We will ensure that as you are working for the good of Edo people, we will give you all our support,� he said.

5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019

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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Concession of Independence Building in Final Stage,Says FG Nume Ekeghe The federal government has disclosed that the concession of the abandoned Independence Building currently managed by the Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board (TBSMB), Lagos, is now in its final stage.

The Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Chidi Izuwah, who disclosed this, said the move was in line the federal government’s drive towards creating a private sector led development economy.

He also said the government plan to establish a National Trade and International Business Centre.

Izuwah, said this yesterday on the sidelines of an inspection

of the independence building in Lagos yesterday. The building is 25-storey structure situated in the Lagos Central Business District and occupies a land area of 8,100 square meters, with a large separate parking provision of 2,650 square meters and has been idle for 25 years.

He said: “This independence building is a national asset that was built I 1961, and the ICRC has a mandate for pre-contract and post contract compliance monitoring and this building has not been yielding an economic value to the government and it is in strategic place, in the centre of Lagos. “The intention of government is to concession this asset for it to become the national trade and international business centre that would drive

value to Nigeria. “So we are here to understand the challenges of the transaction and what would be the regulatory requirements to reap its full potential.�

He further added: “The idea is to make sure that everything that belongs to Nigerians, held in trust is put into the best use through partnering with the private sector because the president believes in a private sector-led economic growth. “We are not doing this with government funding so we are going to select a competent private partner who has the technical and financial capacity.�

He noted that since the announcement to bid, three contractors have been selected and they are in final stage to select the contractor.

FIRS Discovers 55,000Tax Defaulters Omolabake Fasogbon The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has disclosed that it recently discovered not less than 55,000 tax defaulters from the bank accounts substitution initiative that it embarked upon earlier this year.

The Chairman of the Service, Babatunde Fowler, made the disclosure at a stakeholders’ forum and the official presentation of the ‘Nigerian Tax Outlook 2019,’ that took place in Lagos.

Fowler, while highlighting the achievements of the service ,especially as its recorded N5.3 trillion revenue in 2018, the highest in the history of Nigeria, he stated that the feat was made possible by the various innovations and initiatives introduced

by the FIRS. “We had the tax amnesty in 2016 and we were able to generate N96 billion from people who had not declared or paid their taxes, there is also the VAID, which equally threw up declaration of N92 billion, we also organised the stakeholders meeting requesting all to come forward, register and pay their taxes. “At the meeting, we were able to identify over 3,700 companies that have banking turnover of one billion and above annually for three years, with no tax ID and payments. “We went further to the banking sector earlier this year to find businesses and operators of bank accounts with a N100 million turnover, but no tax identity. “Surprisingly, we were able to

discover 55,000 non-compliance and non-tax payers among us,� he divulged.

The FIRs boss also made some clarifications on the purpose of Value Added Tax (VAT), which he said had generated controversies recently. “VAT simply means consumption tax. A lot of people have been saying VAT is a hardship on the poor but I say that it is a support to them. “An increase in VAT would definitely translate to a better life to the vulnerable in the society including the poor, needy and less privileged.

If you don’t have money to consume, VAT is not your problem, you first of all need to have the ability and disposable income to spend, before you can be charged VAT.�

S&P Affirms Access Bank’s Ratings Following the merger between Access Bank Plc and Diamond Bank, one of the global rating agencies, Standard and Poor’s (S&P), yesterday announced that it has discontinued its ‘CCC+/C’ long- and short-term issuer credit ratings and its ‘ngBB/ngB’ Nigeria national scale ratings on Diamond Bank.

At the same time, it affirmed the ‘B/B’ long- and short-term issuer credit ratings and ‘ngA/ ngA-1’ Nigeria national scale ratings on Access Bank and assigned the bank a stable outlook.

According to S&P, the affirmation of its ‘B/B’ ratings on Access Bank was based on its view that short-term acquisition risks were likely to be offset by the bank’s track record and orderly approach

to mergers and acquisitions. “Access Bank has demonstrated its ability to identify and select accretive assets, and it successfully integrated Intercontinental Bank after acquiring it in 2011. We believe the Diamond Bank deal will cement Access Bank’s market leading position in the top-tier of the competitive Nigerian banking sector. “The combined entity has total assets of about N6.1 trillion, representing almost a 20 per cent total market share. The combined entity boasts the largest franchise by customer base, loans, and customer deposits. “We believe the deal could expand Access Bank’s customer and loans base compared with peers, underpinning stronger revenue stability during an economic

downturn in Nigeria (relying on its non-interest revenues base) and earnings growth as Access Bank deploys its scalable banking platform effectively,� it added.

According to the report, over the medium term, the deal would help Access Bank strengthen its franchise and revenue generation capabilities. “Access Bank’s corporate franchise will also benefit from the bank’s more competitive positioning as well as Diamond Bank’s deposit franchise, which will likely lower its cost of funding. Diamond Bank’s retail focus enabled the bank to build a low-cost (2.7% in 2017 compared with 4.7 per cent on average for peer banks) and stable retail deposit base.

Shareholders Approve Coronation’s Divestment from Subsidiaries Shareholders of Coronation Merchant Bank Limited, yesterday endorsed the decision of the board of directors of the bank to divest from its subsidiaries – Coronation Asset Management Limited and Coronation Securities Limited.

However, the move would be subject to the approval of relevant regulatory authorities.

The shareholders gave the approval at the bank’s fourth Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

In his review of 2018, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Coronation Merchant Bank, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, said the bank continued to

invest significantly in digital and information technology infrastructure, with a focus on ensuring that its systems and processes are both efficient and resilient.“To be the preferred financial services provider of tomorrow, we have to constantly refine our processes to meet customers wherever they may be – whether it is on a mobile device, an internet enabled platform or a remote office location – they expect us to always be there for them, when they need us to always be there for them, when they need us and where they want us. “Fuelled by this conviction,

in 2018, we became the first merchant bank in Nigeria to introduce a fully interactive and digital responsive call centre – Coronation Resolution Centre,� Jimoh added.

He expressed optimism that despite challenges in the economy, the bank would deliver improved results to shareholders.

Also, the Chairman, Coronation Merchant Bank, Mr. Babatunde Folawiyo, said, “going into the future, we must remain nimble, but fully committed to the values of innovation, excellence and teamwork.�

L-R: Company Secretary, Transcorp Plc, Ms Helen Iwuchukwu; CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; President/CEO, Transcorp Plc, Valentine Ozigbo; Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Hotels, Mrs Owen Omogiafo and Executive Director, Transcorp Plc, Mr. Christopher Ezeafulukwe, during the closing gong ceremony at the NSE in Lagos‌recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(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

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Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 27 MARCH 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $67.15 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $67.03 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela) SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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MARKET NEWS

EGM Stresses Importance of Fintech, Innovation in Markets Goddy Egene Eagle Global Markets (EGM) has stressed the importance of innovation and financial technology (fintech) particularly in a developing economy like Nigeria’s.

The award winning fintech firm noted this recently when representatives from the Enterprise Innovation Hub and Technology Services units of the Nigerian Stock Exchange

(NSE) paid courtesy visit its office in Lagos.

In today’s financial world, the advancement in technology has helped bridge international boundaries, making the whole world behave like a single market.

EGM, through its next generation ‘Cloudtrade’ Platform and MT4 Terminal gives access to competitive prices on thousands of markets in United Kingdom, United States, Australia, China

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

and Europe and more using our local currency (Naira). “It was a pleasure having the NSE at our office in Ikoyi and they were highly delighted to have the opportunity to present EGM to other Indigenous Brokers as investing in the Global markets provides alternative viable options for Nigerians in general looking to diversify their investment portfolio,� said Director of Operations at EGM, Temitayo Sanusi.

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According to Sanusi the importance of innovation and technology in our industry cannot be stressed enough and they look forward to having a beneficial business relationship in the near future.

Speaking in the same vein, Chief Market Analyst at EGM, Uchenna Minnis, said: “We are quite aware that aside the enormous amount of opportunities in investing in the global markets, there is the mandatory

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

essence for investors and traders alike to understand the dynamics that drives the valuation of asset price.� “EGM provides one of the Best Educational services in the industry with frequent in-depth market analysis and update for the provision of efficient and effective support services to interested clientele,� he added. “Trading the global markets in Naira is quite a cuttingedge innovation as it brings

O F

convenience, comfort, flexibility and reachability for investing Nigerians�, Head of Technology Services at NSE, Abolaji Oyebo.

Similarly, Head of Enterprise Innovation Hub at NSE, Nsikan John, said: “We are highly impressed with the innovative Cloudtrade Platform as it provides immense opportunities for the Nigerian clientele as they get to trade global financial instruments in their local currency, Naira.�

2 1 / 0 3 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

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5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019

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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Afriland Properties Posts N1.3bn Revenue, Pays N69m Dividend Goddy Egene

recorded, representing 26 per cent increase compared with N19.8billion in the corresponding period of 2017.

The board of directors proposed a dividend of N68.70 million,that translated to five kobo per share, which was approved by the shareholders.

Addressing the shareholders at the annual general meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

Afriland Properties Plc has reported a revenue of N1.30 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with N1.28 billion in the corresponding period of 2017.

The company posted a profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) of N915 million and N682 million in that order. A total asset of N24.9billion was A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (ExchangeTraded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares.

Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the floor of

of Afriland Properties Plc, Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe said: “After the recession, the halt in economic recovery negatively impacted the real estate industry. However, our revenue increased to N1.30 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The board will continue to execute on its key strategies and initiatives to deliver our intent and yield better results in the years

the Nigerian Stock Exchange A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 28Mar-2019, unless otherwise stated

ahead. We recognise the need to foster innovation and respond quickly to opportunities in the real estate industry and have taken appropriate measures. We will also invest in new processes and technology in line with our purpose of improving lives.”

In address, the Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc, Emmanuel Nnorom said: “The 26 per cent increase in our assets is attributable

to the upgrade of our investment properties. Increasing shareholder value and boosting returns remain top priorities for Afriland Properties Plc and we are committed to this cause. Each shareholder will receive fice kobo per ordinary share held as at the qualifying date, translating to N68.70 million total dividend payout.”

“In our pursuit of continuous business growth and excellent

financial performance, we are working closely with the management team to ensure that the company delivers on its promises and targets.”

Afriland Properties Plc is a property management, investment and development company, offering end-to-end services along the real estate value chain, from management to joint-venture investments.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return NAV: is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 158.61 159.30 0.36% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 8.11% Nigeria International Debt Fund 281.07 281.95 3.03% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.85 0.86 1.34% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 12.55% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.71% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.28 2.31 2.86% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 16.58 17.08 -0.04% ARM Discovery Fund 358.38 369.18 0.49% ARM Ethical Fund 28.86 29.73 2.20% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.74% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 101.95 102.67 0.75% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.72% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.58% Paramount Equity Fund 12.08 12.18 2.28% Women's Investment Fund 105.31 105.87 1.65% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.99% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 101.19 101.21 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 102.07 102.64 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.82% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.84 0.84 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.17 1.17 4.37% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 12.21% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11.68% invest@fbnquest.com FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 0.00 0.00 -100.00% FBN Heritage Fund 144.96 146.19 1.08% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.13% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 116.81 117.21 2.56% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 116.77 117.18 2.78% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 149.22 151.40 -0.52% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.19 1.21 -2.30% Legacy Debt Fund 3.34 3.34 2.85% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 1.13% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,004.30 3,037.04 0.71% Coral Income Fund 2,843.86 2,843.86 3.82% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.30% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.18 2.21 1.60% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.43% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 125.04 125.29 0.12%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.16 1.18 1.64% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,103.16 1,103.16 3.10% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.38 1.40 7.67% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.37 12.42 1.30% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.90% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 126.88 127.62 5.16% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.03 1.03 3.32% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,366.92 2,380.57 2.28% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 196.66 196.66 3.43% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.96 0.97 1.58% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 253.98 254.01 2.76% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 164.64 166.45 0.91% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.06% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,382.74 8,484.42 -1.25% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.12 1.12 1.46% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.22 1.22 1.51% United Capital Bond Fund 1.65 1.65 3.72% United Capital Equity Fund 0.70 0.72 -0.75% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 14.81% United Capital Eurobond Fund 109.40 109.40 1.99% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.12 1.12 2.28% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 11.10 11.26 5.39% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.20 12.33 2.01% Zenith Income Fund 21.40 21.40 11.05% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.47%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.95 119.47 52.08

-39.35% 1.48% 0.66%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.46 112.31 88.21

10.56 114.71 89.85

-0.82% -4.25% -0.51%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.05 6.92 14.42 12.44 153.12

4.09 7.00 14.52 12.64 155.12

1.22% -9.16% -3.53% 0.68% 6.63%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.24

17.42%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

46

5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019

5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019

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FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2019˾ T H I S D AY

WORLD OF ISLAM

INTERNA TIONAL

May to Hold Third Vote on Allah Did Not Consult Me Brexit Deal in Spite Opposition Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

By: Tom Bassanoof/IslamiCity Allah Almighty offered “Trust” for being independent to mankind, and ignorantly and arrogantly they accepted their independence for doing what they want. The purpose of this article is to explore being independent and determining our choices freely. Before being conceived and prior to my parent’s marriage, Allah purposely planned my creation, my birth, my death, and granted me the privilege of making my choices.

My choices are mine, and I am responsible for my good deed as well as my evil deed.

Purpose and Choices

Purpose Though I can legally make my decisions, I am here, I am alive, I can drive my car, yet I was not consulted to be conceived, nor born. Additionally, I did not select my parents either. I am only a very small part of the universe. Yet, sometimes with my egotism and total ignorance, I think I can alter an involuntary social habit, or perhaps even influence other people. The purpose of this article is to share with you my thoughts about being born, live, enjoy what I have, and indicate my human limitations. “Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless” Bertrand Russell, Atheist. Allah determined my purpose in life and allowed me to make my choices freely.

To discover my purpose in life, I need to find the reason for living and why I was conceived and born. Not only at the beginning of the human race, Allah created Adam from dust without consulting him, but also without any consultation with any of Allah’s creations, He ordered the angels to bow to Adam. Allah said to the angels: “Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth… bow for Adam.” (Q2:30).

Allah did not consult either Adam or Eve for their creation, and Allah created them regardless of their opinions. Despite the angels’ question of the reason for creating Adam and Eve, Allah said: “I know that which you do not know.” (Q2:30).

Allah created Adam and Eve for one purpose, and that is “they might worship HIM.” (Q51:56).

Purpose and Choices As Allah chose the creation of Adam and Eve, Allah Almighty selected my parents to bring me to life. I had no choice for selecting my parents, and I did not select my place of birth or gender.

My parents tried very hard to educate me and send me to the best school they could afford.

However, with all of their sincere efforts, I would not learn unless I studied and succeeded in passing many exams. I had to study and read to improve my understanding and my standard of living. Allah declared that reading is the proper way for education and improving my standard of living. According to the Quran, Allah’s first command was “Read.”(Q96:1). After earning my Ph.D. and succeeding in numerous examinations, I discovered to understand a subject thoroughly, I must read reputable literature and I must convert my understanding into a written document.

Continuous reading and writing improved my academic standing and contribution. A rather naïve person would think that Allah will change his condition without his contribution. Allah will not “change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves.”(Q13:11). Generously, Allah gave me two choices, and I needed to choose one of them. Regarding annulling my fault justifications of wrongdoings, the Quran stated: “shown him the two ways (good and evil).”(Q90:10) and Allah made me responsible for my choices and actions.

It is frivolous thinking to plant tomatoes, and expect to harvest a cucumber crop. You reap what you sowed. We are responsible for our choices and actions, and the Holy Quran states: “We have fastened every man’s deed to his neck.” (Q17:13).

Your environment and the political condition of your resident country will have a direct impact on your choices and your role in life. Your options are controlled by the capabilities that Allah granted you that include physical, mental, and emotional capacities “have WE not made for him a pair of eyes? And a tongue and a pair of lips?” (Q90:8-9).

Unfortunately, some people think that they are self-made; and they live their entire lives under their false impression. Understanding that Allah Almighty determined your life purpose will have a direct impact on your choices and contributions.

A simple way to think about the association of your purpose in life and performance is to think about a plan and its execution.

Allah’s Purpose You might contemplate that if your purpose in life is in the hands of Allah, then you should not be responsible for your actions. Furthermore, you may think that you are nothing but a robot! No, you are not a robot, and you have full control over

your choices and actions. You are thinking about Allah through your human mental capacities, and you cannot imagine Allah’s power. For example, time with Allah does not exist! Yesterday, today, and tomorrow are present regarding Allah’s power. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) indicated that Allah created angels from light and they can travel for fifty thousand years. If you can comprehend traveling for fifty thousand years (the distance is close to 50,000 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60 x 299,792,458 meters *), then you could grasp an eclipse of the power of Allah. (Q70:4). We need to be cognizant and recognize that our social developed theories and rules do not apply to Allah. When you travel from Los Angeles to New York, upon your arrival, you would feel exhausted. How about traveling for 50,000 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60 x 299,792,458 meters? Allah created time for human beings, according to the Holy Quran “It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light that you might know the number of years and the count (of time).” (Q10:5). The duration of time, yesterday, today and tomorrow do not exist when we use a reference to Allah Almighty. The speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second Human capabilities Though Bertrand Russell yearned for discovering who created God, yet Russell failed to recognize the human’s insignificant limited capacity with Allah’s omnipotent resources. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) declared that a person’s mental capacity and imagination are not equipped to “think about Allah because he will destroy himself.” If you can travel for the distance of 50,000 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60 x 299,792,458 meters, then you could comprehend an eclipse of the power of Allah. The Quran declared that “Allah is the First (nothing is before Him) and the Last (nothing is after Him), the highest (nothing is above Him) and the nearest (nothing is nearer than Him). And, He is the All-Knower of everything.” (Q57:3).

Allah is infinity. Graciously, Allah granted some Muslims the wisdom of focusing on the current, accurate condition instead of nostalgia of traditional Muslim achievements of the past glory. These wise Muslims are equipped with critical contemplating knowledge, they do not focus only on the past magnificent achievements, but they look at a brighter future without fear. Fear is self-defeating and self-imposed punishment.

Testing Your challenges, problems, solutions, success, failure, victory, defeat, health, sickness, birth, and death are testing examples. The severity of a test is based on your strength. According to the Holy Quran, “no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear.” (Q2:286). Allah tested Prophet Abraham who dreamed of slaughtering his son: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you.” (Q37:102). Another example of testing was narrated by the late Dr. Hassan Hathout who was a medical doctor and Muslim scholar-practitioner in Los Angeles, California. He shared his reaction when he received the dreadful news of the death of his daughter. While he was working in Kuwait, upon receiving a telegraph of his daughter’s death, he responded: “I accept the test.” The reaction of the late Dr. Hassan Hathout illustrated the deepest level of faith and unshakable obedience and trust in Allah. He surrendered to Allah’s decision without objection. The death of his daughter was painful and disconcerting, Dr. Hathout disclosed his feeling of unmanageable pain and yet trust in Allah. His reaction was a profound statement of his faith in Allah the Almighty. Testing and praying are a perpetual series of actions we perform. The Holy Quran stated, “Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life, and my death are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds.” (Q6:162). Your intent from all of your activities is creating a constant dialog between you and Allah without fear but for being fully aware of the presence of HIM. It is impossible to constantly break Allah’s rules and expect to be close to HIM. Prophet Yusuf was tested and sent to jail for many years for a crime he did not commit. The king of Egypt proved that Yusuf was innocent. The King said, (to the woman): “What was your affair when you did seek to seduce Yusuf?” The woman said, “Allah forbid! No evil knows against him!” (Q12:51). You and I will be tested, and sometimes we pass a test, another time we may find excuses for our failures. The Holy Quran was clear for stating that every person is tested “And certainly, we shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones. etc.)” (Q2:155).

However, we are very creative in finding excuses for our failures, and the Holy Quran stated “Though he may put forth his excuses (to cover his evil deeds).” (Q75:15).

Prime Minister Theresa May’s government plans a third vote on Friday on the deal she has agreed to leave the EU, after parliament twice rejected it by large margins.

Andrea Leadsom, May’s leader in the Commons, parliament’s elected main house, urged lawmakers to back the deal.

The speaker of the Commons, John Bercow, had warned that he might not allow the motion unless it differed significantly from the one that lawmakers had rejected.

But Bercow said the motion for Friday’s vote was “new and substantially different” from the previous two “meaningful votes” on Brexit.

The government said the third vote will cover only Britain’s withdrawal agreement, or “divorce settlement,” and not

the separate political declaration on future relations with the EU. Labour, the main opposition party, said it will vote against the motion and opposes the government’s separation of the two documents.

The motion said Britain “wishes to leave the EU with an agreement as soon as possible and does not wish to have a longer extension” than the agreed end date of May 22 if the withdrawal agreement is approved on Friday.

It said the EU “remains open to negotiating changes to the political declaration” but not the withdrawal agreement.

There were doubts earlier Thursday about whether the vote would go ahead, amid continuing strong opposition to May’s deal from opposition lawmakers and both pro-EU and eurosceptic members of

her Conservative party.

Many eurosceptics were angered by May’s decision to request a short delay to Brexit last week.

EU leaders agreed to extend Brexit until May 22, provided the withdrawal agreement is approved by parliament this week.

If it is not approved, they agreed to an extension until April 12, requiring London to “indicate a way forward” before then.

If Britain requests a longer extension, it would have to participate in the EU elections scheduled in late May. “The only way we ensure we leave in good time on May 22 is by approving the withdrawal agreement by 11 pm on March 29, which is tomorrow (Friday),” Leadsom said.

UN Adopts Resolution to Counter New Forms of Terrorist Financing The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution that calls upon countries to prevent and counter the financing of terrorism, especially in its new forms.

Initiated by France, Resolution 2462 is intended to update existing resolutions and adapt them to new forms of financing of terrorism and new challenges in this field.

The resolution notes with concern that terrorists may abuse legitimate businesses and non-profit organisations for their activities, and make use of emerging payment methods, such as prepaid cards and mobile payments or virtual assets.

It also expresses concern at the continuing use by terrorists and their supporters of information and communications technologies, in particular the internet, to facilitate terrorist acts, as well

as inciting, recruiting, funding, or planning terrorist acts.

Therefore, the resolution calls upon all countries to enhance the traceability and transparency of financial transactions.

This including assessing and addressing potential risks associated with virtual assets and as appropriate, the risks of new financial instruments, including but not limited to crowd-funding platforms.

It also encourages member states to apply risk-based anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations to virtual asset service providers, and to identify effective systems to conduct risk-based monitoring or supervision of virtual asset service providers.

Furthermore, the resolution encourages competent national authorities, in particular financial intelligence units and intelligence services,

to continue to establish effective partnerships with the private sector.

This including financial institutions, the Financial technology industry and internet and social media companies, in particular with regards to the evolution of trends, sources and methods of the financing of terrorism.

Adopted in 2001 in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S., Resolution 1373 was the first comprehensive resolution imposing obligations on all states to respond to the global threat of terrorism.

Resolution 2462 also affirms the Resolution 1373 and in particular its decisions that all countries shall prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts and refrain from providing any of support, active or passive, to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts.

US Supreme Court Refuses to Block Trump’s Gun Ban The United States Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a request by gun rights activists to put on hold the Trump administration’s ban on “bump stock’’ attachments that allow semi-automatic weapons to be fired rapidly.

This is a rare recent instance of gun control at the federal level.

The court in a brief order refused to grant a temporary stay sought by plaintiffs including the group Gun Owners of America in a lawsuit filed in Michigan challenging the ban while litigation continues.

The policy took effect on Tuesday on the same day that Chief Justice John Roberts rejected a similar bid to delay implementation in a separate legal challenge brought in Washington by individual gun owners.

And also gun rights groups including the Firearms Policy Foundation and Florida Carry Inc.

An appeals court previously exempted specific people and groups involved in the Washington case from the ban while that litigation proceeds.

President Donald Trump pledged to ban the devices soon after a gunman used them in an October 2017 shooting spree that killed 58 people at a country music festival in Las Vegas.

The Justice Department on Dec. 18 announced plans to implement the policy.

Bump stocks use a gun’s recoil to bump its trigger, enabling a semiautomatic weapon to fire hundreds of rounds per minute, which can transform it into a machine gun.

The Justice Department’s regulation followed the lead of many states and retailers that imposed stricter limits on sales of guns and accessories after a deadly shooting at a Florida high school in February 2018.

In the Michigan case, a federal judge already has ruled in favor of the administration.

The Cincinnati, Ohio-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to put the ban on hold pending appeal.

Other plaintiffs in that case include the Gun Owners Foundation, the Virginia Citizens Defence League and three individual gun owners.

In the Washington case, a federal judge also upheld the ban, prompting gun rights advocates to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. That court has heard oral arguments but has not yet ruled.

Those challenging the policy have argued that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) lacks the authority to equate bump stocks with machine guns.

One of the laws at the centre of the legal dispute was written more than 80 years ago, when Congress restricted access to machine guns during the heyday of American gangsters’ use of “tommy guns.”

FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

49

NEWS

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

150 Children Homeless as FCDA Demolishes Orphanage over Family Dispute Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Over 150 children have been rendered homeless after the Development Control Department (DCD), a unit under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) demolished an orphanage in Kubwa, a suburban in Abuja.

The Director of DCD, Muktah Galadima, said the demolition was in a compliance with a court order in favour of one of the parties in dispute over the land, while also adding that the property completely failed to comply with development control requirements in the nation’s capital He also accused the owner, Mrs Victoria Nkiruka Ezemoka of breach of regulations and for developing the property in disregard of several stopwork and other notices served on the property, which also included a demand for the production of title document for the property.

“When we received this complaint of encroachment, we visited the site and served all the relevant notices beginning from stop-work notice, quit

notice to demolition notice, in line with our responsibility of ensuring strict implementation of the Abuja Master Plan.

“She did not submit any title document about the disputed property. If she had submitted, we would have put her title document together with that of the complainant (Godfrey Ezemoka) and sent it to the Department of Lands Administration to confirm who the rightful owner of the land was or is, because there are three plots she is sitting on. The issuing authority would now write us formally confirming the real owner of the land,” Galadima told journalists yesterday.

The director also indicated the readiness of the department to provide accommodation for the homeless children to ease their accommodation burden for the time being.

The age of the affected children varies from between one month to 18 years.

THISDAY checks revealed that apart from the orphanage, the primary school, the kindergarten and the church inside the compound, The Divine Wounds of Jesus Christ, were all bulldozed.

Also damaged was the poultry

Court Revokes IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu’s Bail Trial to continue in his absence Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday revoked the bail granted to leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and consequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The order was sequel to Kanu’s continued absence to face his trial since late 2017.

Justice Nyako, in a bench ruling yesterday also held that the court will continue the trial of Kanu in absentia.

The IPOB leader is believed to be taking refuge in one of the Middle East countries.

The court recalled that the self-acclaimed leader of IPOB was granted bail in April 25, 2017 on health ground, adding that the defendant had failed to appear for trial since November 2017.

This action prompted the court to issue an order directing his sureties to show cause why they should not forfeit the N100 million bail bond, each of them made for the release of Kanu to the federal government.

Subsequently, the matter was adjourned till June 18, for continuation of trial in Kanu’s absence.

At the resumed trial yesterday, prosecution lawyer Shuaibu Labaran prayed the court for a bench warrant of arrest against the IPOB leader for failing to appear in court to face his trial.

However, Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor requested for a short adjournment to enable him adduce reasons why the defendant was not in court.

His request was overruled by the court on the ground that the defence team had enough time

to adduce reasons for Kanu’s absence in-between the four adjournments granted them by the court from November 2018 till yesterday, March 28,2019.

Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the case involving Kanu’s sureties - Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; a Jewish priest, Emmanuel Shalom Ben Madu, and an accountant, Tochukwu Uchendu indefinitely following an appeal lodged

by Senator Abaribe’s lawyer, Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN), challenging the order directing the sureties to deposit their bond with the court.

Abaribe; the Jewish priest, Ben El Shallom and an accountant, Tochukwu Uchendu, had all stood sureties for Nnamdi Kanu in the sum of N100 million each.

However, following the disappearance of Kanu and his subsequent failure to attend his trial, the federal government, through the prosecution counsel, Shuaibu Labaran applied and secured a court order directing Kanu’s sureties to produce him in court or show cause why they will not be sent to prison or forfeit the bond of N100 million each.

Kanu and four others were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count criminal charge bordering on treasonable felony in June 2016.

Although they pleaded not guilty to the charge, however bail was denied them by the different judges who had earlier tried the matter, including Justice Nyako.

Justice Nyako following the deteriorating health of the 1st defendant admitted him to bail to enable him access quality medical care.

farm holding more than 1,000 birds and the food store.

Several items littered the grounds of the estate located on a parcel of land measuring 1,000 by 800 square metres along Arab Road in Kubwa.

One of the workers, Victor Godwin, disclosed that their pleas to FCTA officials, who came to carry out the

demolition order were ignored as they insisted that it was only their director could give a contrary order.

“We begged them to spare the food and the provisions stores. We also pleaded for two flats to be spared for the students to allow they stay for the night. But they ignored our pleas. The children slept

under the canopy in the last two days,” Godwin said.

Ezemoka started the orphanage in 2014 after the death of her husband, Cyril, also in the same year.

She and her brother-in-law, Godfrey, popularly known as Bishop, are in court in dispute over the ownership of the land.

She told THISDAY last night that her major concern bothered on how to secure the children in the orphanage, some who living with physical challenges. She also faulted claims that the court had given any order on the property as claimed by her brother in law.

Continued on page 53

REMEMBERING THE AGED …

Acting Director General, National Pension Commission, Aisha Dahir-Umar; Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Sharon Ikeazor; President Muhammadu Buhari; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, during the Presidential PHOTO: STATE HOUSE Launch of the Micro Pension Plan held at the Presidential Conference Hall, State House in Abuja...yesterday

Gunmen Kill Three, Injure One in Kogi Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen last Wednesday allegedly ambushed and killed three farmers in Bagana community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Those who lost their lives, according to the villagers, are Samson Ajene, Adah Audu and Monday Ocho.

The son of a popular timber dealer, Haruna Ajene, who was critically injured, is presently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Abejukolo.

According to an eyewitnesses account, the incident occurred at about 4 p.m. when the victims, Ajene and Ocho met their untimely death on their farms at Ojuwo Igboone.

The source said Audu was also killed by the alleged Fulani

herdsmen while conveying cassava tubers in his tricycle from the farm.

Also speaking on the attack, the Special Adviser to the Sole Administrator of Omala Local Government Area on Security Matters, Mr. Steve Shaibu, said the victims were returning from the farms before they were ambushed and killed.

He said before the attack, the villagers around Obakume villages had allegedly made formal reports of the mass movement of some Agatu militia from Benue State to the forest with sporadic gunshots, stressing that they might have killed scores of cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen living in those areas.

The Special Adviser added that similar incident had occurred at Iyade near

Abejukolo, the headquarters of the LGA in which the Agatu militia unleashed terror on the herders which reprisal by the Fulanis led to many deaths of the natives and many houses burnt. He lamented at the recent killings of the young men who he said eked out a living through farming, calling on the authority to intensify search at unraveling the perpetrators.

Shaibu explained that his office has written severally on the nefarious activities of criminal elements from Nassarawa and Benue States, who used the River Niger to launch attack on Fulani herders whose reprisal have always left the locals with tales of woes.

A member representing Omala Local Government Area in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Akuh,

also condemned the killing and maiming of the locals by gunmen.

He called on the state government and the security agencies to deploy their intelligence to arrest the ugly situation.

Akuh bemoaned the unwarranted crises between Agatu in Benue State and the Fulani which erupted in 2013, and had claimed more than 200 lives while properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed.

The lawmaker added that the state government should set up committee of enquiry to permanently resolve the impasse to prevent further clashes between the Fulani and Agatu people with its spill over devastation on the people of Omala LGA.

INEC Urges Speedy Passage of Electoral Offences Commission Bill David -Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for the speedy passage of the Electoral Offences Commission bill to stem impunity in Nigeria electoral process.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education of the commission, Festus Okoye, made the call at the presentation of certificates to newly elected members of Anambra State assembly in Awka yesterday.

He said the bill would help to ensure that those who

deliberately and maliciously corrupt the electoral process are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He said: “The absence of robust and clearly defined institution that will be responsible for arrest, investigation and prosecution of electoral offenders has led to heightened electoral malfeasance resulting in the storm of collation centres and forcing collation and returning officers to make returns at gun point.

“It has led to the maiming and killing of ad-hoc staff without sanctions. This situation must be stemmed for the future

of the electoral process and the health of our democracy.”

Okoye said the commission was deeply concerned about illegal and illicit approaches being made by some political parties and their candidates to compromise collation officers, presiding officers, supervisory presiding officers and other categories of ad-hoc staff recruited by the commission for the purposes of conducting elections.

According to him, some of these officers are recruited in strict confidentiality yet desperate politicians go to a great length to find them and

entice them with bribe.

“To this extent, the commission will carry out internal assessment and audit of its recruitment processes and procedures with a view to better protect its recruitment processes and procedures,” Okoye said.

He congratulated the newly elected assembly members in the state, adding that the certificate issued to them confirmed that they won the election to the state assembly.

He, however, added that “the certificate can be withdrawn and reissued if an Election Petitions Tribunal in appropriate cases rules otherwise.”

FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

50

NEWSXTRA

Emmanuel, Tambuwal, Abiodun, Others Get Certificates of Return Okon Bassey in Uyo, Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto and Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Governors Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; as well as the Governor-elect of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun and his counterpart in Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) INEC presented the certificates of return to Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the elected members of the State House of Assembly.

The Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Mike Igini presented the certificates to the governor-elect and the 25 members elect of the PDP at the INEC State Office in Uyo. However, certificate of return was not given to anyone from the Essien Udim State Constituency, as the result from the constituency was said to have been made under duress.

Essien Udim is said to be the country home of Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The REC explained that only the National Chairman of INEC has the finally say on the result of Essien Udim State Constituency as the results from only two wards out of eleven wards were declared.

Speaking on behalf of those who received the certificates, Emmanuel dedicated their victory to God and the people of Akwa Ibom State, pledging total loyalty to people of the State.

He said their wining was a victory of light over darkness, victory of unity over disunity

and victory of good over evil.

Receiving his certificate, the Ogun State Governorelect, Prince Dapo Abiodun, ascribed his emergence at the March 9 gubernatorial election as the victory for the people of the state.

Abiodun said despite the challenges that could have dampened the spirit of the people from exercising their franchise, Ogun residents defied the odds and came out in their large numbers to vote.

In his welcome address, the Ogun State’s REC, Prof Abdulganiyu Raji, admonished the Governor-elect to resist temptation to run politics of hatred, and adopt a government for all and sundry.

INEC also presented certificates to the Nasarawa State Governor-elect, Abdullahi Sule and his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, in Lafia, the state capital.

Speaking at the official presentation, the governor-elect thanked the people of the state for accepting the will of God, which he said started right from the period of primary elections up to the period of the governorship poll where he became victorious.

The electoral umpire also issued certificates of return to Sokoto State Governor , Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; his deputy, Alhaji Dan’Iya Manir and 30 members-elect of the state House of Assembly in Sokoto State.

Presenting the certificates, the Supervising Commissioner in Charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, Hajia Amina Zakari, said the event is historic in the democratic transition of the state.

She added that the process used to be peaceful in Sokoto, adding that this time around there was pockets of violence

Court Fixes April 2 to Deliver Judgment on Rivers Guber Poll Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, has fixed April 2, to deliver judgment in a motion filed by the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Rivers, Mr. Biokpomabo Awara, praying the court to stop the INEC from resuming the collation and announcement of results of the state’s governorship election.

Respondents in the suit are the INEC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, announced that the electoral body would resume the collation and announcement of results of the election between April 2 and April 5.

Awara is urging the court to stop INEC from concluding the collation and announcement of the result, saying he was the clear winner of the March 9 election having won 15 of the 23 local government areas in the state.

INEC had suspended collation following disruption of the process at some collation centres by alleged thugs.

Justice Ekwo fixed the date

after listening to the arguments of the counsel representing the AAC and the PDP, while the INEC was not represented in court.

Counsel to the AAC , Mr. David Adegbe, told the court that the matter was slated for hearing and they had filed processes for originating summons on March 8.

He said they had also filed a written address in response to the counter affidavit filed by PDP, who was the second defendant in the matter on March 27.

Counsel to the PDP, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) said they had filed their reply on point of law yesterday morning, which was duly served on the Plaintiff, the AAC. Ukala argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to go on with the matter as all matters relating to elections should be directed to the election petition tribunal.

He cited decisions of the Supreme Court and other authorities in support of his arguments.

However, counsel to the AAC candidate prayed the court to overrule the arguments of the second defendant, calling the PDP “a busybody’’ in the matter.

in few places which resulted to the death of one person.

On his part, the REC in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Musa, said when he came

to the state, he promised to conduct free, fair and credible election that would be accepted by all.

Reacting, Tambuwal thanked

INEC for conducting free and fair election in the state, while also thanking Sokoto electorate for confidence reposed in his administration by giving him

their mandate the second time.

Out of the 30 House of Assembly members-elect in the state, APC has 16 while PDP has 14.

WELCOMING NEW PROJECTS …

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute, Prince Adewale Ojora; Vice Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Mr. Wajud Bashorun; Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Tandoh; Chief Operating Officer, Axxela Limited, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; and Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Babatunde Bank-Anthony, at the official inauguration of Axxela’s Greater Lagos IV gas pipeline and the refurbished Elegbata Sports Complex, Lagos Island...recently

Osun Gov, Oyetola, Asks Appeal Court to Reverse Tribunal’s Decision Alex Enumah in Abuja Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who contested the last governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asked the Court of Appeal in Abuja to reverse the majority judgment given on March 22 by the Osun State Election Petitions Tribunal.

The tribunal had, by a majority judgment given by two of its three members, voided the election of Oyetola, and pronounced Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner.

It then asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC to issue him a Certificate

of Return.

In a 39-ground notice of appeal filed on March 26, 2019 by his team of lawyers, led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Oyetola faulted the majority judgment, given by Justices Peter Obiora and Anyinla Gbolagunte, on the grounds that it was perverse, replete with contradictions and not supported by evidence led by the petitioners.

Oyetola wants the Court of Appeal to uphold his appeal, set aside the majority judgment and dismiss the October 16, 2018 petition by PDP and Adeleke.

The governor said his complaint, in the appeal, was against the entire majority judgment, except where the

tribunal held that it lacked jurisdiction to set aside INEC guidelines; that the allegation of over voting was not proved; that the petitioners did not prove voided votes and other parts of the judgment where the tribunal agreed with their arguments.

Oyetola is contending, in his first ground of appeal, that the entire of the majority judgment is a nullity because it was written and delivered by Justice Obiora “who did not participate in all the proceedings of the tribunal and who was not present when all the witnesses gave evidence.”

He noted that Justice Obiora was absent on February 6 when the respondents witnesses (RWs) 12 and 13 – Ayoola Soji

and Oladejo Kazeem – testified and tendered exhibits, which the tribunal admitted in evidence.

The appellant argued that, having not attended the tribunal’s sitting on February 6, 2019, Justice Obiora could not see the two witnesses and was unable to examine their demeanour, as required, and therefore, unlawful for the judge to have authored a judgment in which he reviewed the evidence given by the witnesses.

He said: “The writing of and or the participation of the Honourable Justice P. C. Obiora in the writing of the judgment of the lower tribunal of March 22, 2019 and delivery of same, vitiates the entire judgment.”

Indictment, Allegations against Army on Rivers Poll Unnecessary, CSOs Insist Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt A group, the Amalgamation of Civil Society Organisations, has said the indictment of the army by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and allegations of professional misconduct against the force over its alleged role during the suspended polls in Rivers State were unnecessary and ill-fated.

The groups also apologised on behalf of people of the state to the army over the unguided statements against it by some politicians in the state.

The Chancellor of International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR), Dr. Jackson Omenazu, spoke in Port Harcourt when the coalition in

a solidarity walk, marched to the 6 Division Headquarters with placards.

Speaking, Omenazu said: “We are here today to console, condole and commend the 6 Division, Nigerian Army for being professional in your conduct during the polls and for the loss of your officers.

“Without your presence and intervention, the election would have been characterised by killings, just like what we had in 2015 when the state was described as a theatre of war.

“We are standing by the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division for providing adequate security during the election in the state. This institution shouldn’t have

been disparaged by desperate politicians because they provided security for the election.

“We will continue to support the army as long as they remain professional and we will not allow anybody to insult the army.

He regretted that the INEC failed to acknowledge the reports given to it by the army, adding that it was wrong for the electoral umpire to indict an agency it engaged on security.

“We expected that the INEC would condole with the army for losing their officers who were on duty, but we only heard allegations that the army meddled into a democratic process. We saw the military escorting sensitive material and

they did not divert it.

He, however, expressed apologies to the army for the allegations against them, adding that the indictment was a disservice to the military.

“On behalf the good people of Rivers State, we say sorry for the unguided statements against you the army. Those statements are absolutely unnecessary.

“When you tell a man to in the service of providing security to the people that he has not done well it is a great disservice,” he added.

Receiving the solidarity letter on behalf of the GOC, 6 Division, Col. AD Abubakar, said the document would be forwarded to the appropriate office.

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CHANGE OF NAME

Absence of Ministerial Consent Renders Acquisition of OPL 310 Invalid, Court Rules Davidson Iriekpen The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed the suit filed

by Lekoil 310 Limited and Afren Investment Oil and Gas Limited against the Minister of Petroleum Resources, asking the court to hold and deem as granted, and valid, Lekoil’s 2015 acquisition of participating interest of Afren Oil and Gas in Oil Producing Licence (OPL) 310.

Also joined as co-defendant in the suit, was Optimum Petroleum Development Company.

At the last sitting of the court, counsel to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Prof.

Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), had argued that according to the Guidelines and Procedures for Obtaining Minister’s Consent to the Assignment of Interest in Oil and Gas Assets, the consent of the minister was necessary for the valid transfer of any interest in any oil and gas assets.

He stated that the purported acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Afren by Lekoil was invalid for failure to obtain the minister’s consent.

Ajogwu contended that the Executive Order for the Ease of Doing Business of May 18, 2017, though made to facilitate ease of business, could not apply to the

application of Afren and Lekoil, as the application for consent was not only incomplete, but was made two years before the 2017 Order, adding that the Order could not retroactively cure the defect. But counsel to the applicants, Prof. Fidelis Oditah, (SAN), disagreed.

In his judgment, Justice M. S. Hassan upheld the arguments of Ajogwu, and stated that the consent of the minister is necessary for a valid transfer of any interests in oil and gas assets.

He added that the said consent cannot be obtained by default as same must, in his

words, be “positive, affirmative and definite.”

The judge rendered the purported acquisition of the entire share capital and the resulting participating interest in OPL 310 of Afren by Lekoil “inchoate and invalid.”

The court also held that the provisions of the Executive Order of May 18, 2017 for the Ease of Doing Business which was relied on by Lekoil and Afren could not have retroactive effect and as such was inapplicable to their application for the consent of the minister to the purported share purchase transaction.

Farmers, Herdsmen Clashes Not Religious, FG Insists Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja The federal government has reiterated its position that the clashes between herdsmen and farmers are not instigated by religious sentiments, noting that the international community has a very wrong idea about the true position of things in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made the clarification yesterday when defending the sum of money dedicated to projecting government policies and programmes in the 2018, said his ministry has had the responsibility of correcting the erroneous impression that had

denied the government loans from the international community.

Mohammed who was before the Hon. Olusegun Odebunmiled Committee on Information and National Orientation, Ethics and Values, while justifying the ministry’s huge expenditure on foreign media PR lobby consultancy, said: “Until we went there, generalisation was that what was happening in Nigeria was religious. ‘’I always give them two examples to show that what happens in Nigeria has nothing to do with religion. I give them the example of Kebbi State.

One-third of all the inmates in Kebbi prisons today are there as a result of farmer/herdsmen

clashes, yet the farmers in Kebbi are Muslims and the herdsmen are Muslims.

“In the case of Zamfara State, where we have lost more lives than Taraba, Plateau and Benue States put together, to rustling and kidnapping, the rustlers are Muslims, the victims are Muslims. So, we needed to put this in perspective.

“What we are dealing is largely environmental. A country of 50 million people 50 years ago, today has a population of 200 million. In 1960 what was our population in Nigeria? 52 million. How many are we today? 180 million; yet, the country has not expanded, on the contrary, it has contracted because we have lost land to

desertification.

“We have lost land to flooding and yet 200 million people are supposed to use the same resources of land and water as 50 million people did. We all go there, not just to correct the misinterpretation, but also to tell them the concrete steps the government is taking in this respect.”

He said in 2018 the ministry officials made two trips to the UK and two trips to the US, saying these two trips helped tremendously in actually helping the people in diaspora and foreign governments to understand the real dynamics of the herdsmen and farmers clashes.

Justice Hassan concluded that the Guidelines and Procedures for Obtaining Minister’s Consent to the Assignment of Interest in Oil and Gas Assets, issued by the Minister of Petroleum Resources through the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) is a valid subsidiary legislation made pursuant to the powers of the minister under the Petroleum Act. The judge in dismissing the suit, restated the decision in the case of Moni Pulo and Brass Exploration, holding that the regulation of interests in Oil Mining Licences and Oil Prospecting Licences are under the strict preserve of the Minister for Petroleum Resources who is also the President of Nigeria.

He noted that a lack of order in the administration of these interests would turn the oil and gas industry into “a motor park full of touts.”

I formerly known and addressed as OMOTOSHO OYERONKE, now wish to be known and addressed as NOAH VICTORIA OYERONKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS KUDIRAT SULYMAN BALOGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KUDIRAT SULYMAN BALOGUN YESSOUFOU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADENIRAN MARGRET BOSE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEJOLA MARGRET BOSE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MEDOYE EDAMISAN JUSTINAH, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNTIBEJU EDAMISAN JUSTINAH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AWASE UVAH , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AWASE RICHARD NDAH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as NAME AFOLABI GBEMISOLA ANIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAGUNJU GBEMISOLA ANIKE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IFEYINWA JACINTA ATUCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as IFEYINWA JACINTA SAMUELS. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as LATEEF ISSA YISA, now wish to be known and addressed as ISA. LATEEF MUDASHIRU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JACKSON KADEJA JANEACE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKANO KADEJA JANEACE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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Wike Sets up Panel to Probe 2019 Election Violence in Rivers Davidson Iriekpen

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence, killings and other related matters that occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 elections in the state.

Wike also inaugurated a panel into the violent invasion and attack on the Rivers State Judiciary and destruction of public properties, which occurred at the state judiciary complex in Port Harcourt on May 11, 2018.

The governor inaugurated both commissions yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, with a charge that they should submit their reports within 30 days.

Justice Monina Danagogo was appointed as the Chairman of the Judicial Commission on Election Violence, while Justice Simeon Amadi chairs the commission on the invasion and attack on the state judiciary complex.

Wike explained that though the function before the two judicial commissions of inquiry would be tasking, he urged the members to work diligently to deliver within the scheduled period.

For the panel on violence, killings and related matters during the 2019 general election, the governor said some of their terms of reference are

to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the violence, killings and other related acts/ matters, which occurred during this year’s general elections in the state.

“Identify the sponsors and perpetrators of the various acts of violence and killings in the state during the period of the aforesaid elections. Identify the victims of the violence, including those killed during the said elections.

“Identify the motives, if any, behind the said violence, killings and other related acts/matters during the aforesaid general elections in the state,” he added.

The governor said that the panel investigating the violence during the 2019 general elections has 10 terms of reference.

For the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the invasion of the State Judiciary, Wike explained that the panel had 14 terms of reference.

Some of them are, “To ascertain and identify the immediate and remote causes of and/or the motives behind the violent invasion and attack on the Rivers State Judiciary and destruction of public properties, which occurred at the judiciary complex, Port Harcourt on 11th May, 2018.

“Identify the persons who participated in, masterminded, counselled or procured others to participate in the violent invasion,

Bauchi Gov-elect Alleges Plot by Incumbent Gov to Incur New Debt We won’t incur new debt, state govt clarifies Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor-elect, Bala Mohammed, has raised the alarm that the outgoing state Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, was allegedly planning to award spurious contracts worth N4 billion and recruit about 8, 000 teachers before transition with a view to leaving financial burden on him when he takes over.

But in a swift reaction, the state government has debunked the allegation that it was planning to award contracts worth N4 billion and recruit about 8,000 teachers before transition with a view to leaving financial burden to the incoming government.

Speaking with journalists yesterday by his spokesperson, Dr. Ladan Salihu, the governorelect lamented that the actions were allegedly designed to sabotage and cripple the incoming administration at its inception.

According to him, “ While we do not question the authority of the present administration to award contracts and make financial transactions for the day-to-day running of the government, it beats the imagination that instead of focusing on closing its books, the outgoing government has chosen the dishonourable option of emptying the treasury and over-burdening the people with enormous debts again.”

Salihu, who pointed out that Abubakar sacked 2, 000 traditional district heads when he took over in 2015 on the ground that the state had financial predicament, wondered why the governor

would employ new staff at the expiration of his tenure.

He further alleged that the state assets were currently being carted away by officials of the outgoing government, warning that their administration would conduct thorough capital inventory and forensic audit of all financial transactions carried out by the outgoing government.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Government has debunked the allegation that it was planning to award contracts worth N4 billion and recruit about 8,000 teachers before transition with a view to leaving financial burden on the incoming government.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the state governor, Ali M. Ali, and made available to journalists in Bauchi, the state government described the allegations as “absolute falsehoods being paddled by the state government-inwaiting.

“It is manifestly clear that the hawking of half-truths and paddling outright lies are the hallmarks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This latest misrepresentation is a clear testimony.”

It added that “until May 29, Abubakar remains the Chief Executive Officer of the state and reserves the right to hire or fire.”

Also, the state Governor-elect, Mohammed, has approved the formation of the transition and inauguration committees for his inauguration.

This was disclosed in a statement by his spokesperson and Head of Transition Media team, Salihu yesterday.

attack, disruption of activities of the Rivers State Judiciary and destruction of public properties.

“Identify and ascertain the targets of the said invasion, violence and disruption of activities at the Rivers State Judiciary Complex on the aforementioned date.

Wike said that it is unfortunate

that anyone would plot the attack on the Judiciary, which he described as the last hope of everyone.

He pointed out that a former Rivers State governor, who shut down the courts, was the first to seek refuge when the courts were re-opened.

Responding, Chairman of the

Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence, killings and other related matters during the 2019 elections, Justice Monina Danagogo, said that the commission would carry out its duties in line with the extant laws.

Also, Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the

violent invasion and attack on the Rivers State Judiciary, Justice Simeon Amadi, said the invasion of the state judiciary complex would not be swept under the carpet.

Amadi described the desecration of the temple of justice as anathema to any democracy.

PROMOTING HEALTHCARE DELIVERY…

L-R: Mrs. Omolola Dada; Chairman, Board of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Isa Bello Sali; Past International President, Lion Club, Dr. Naresh Aggarwal; Special Guest of Honour, Chief Tunde Afolabi; Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Chris Bode, at the ground breaking ceremony of Lion Isaac Olusola Dada Dialysis Centre by Lion Clubs International district 44AI Nigeria, in conjunction with LUTH… yesterday PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

NAPTIP Lauds Air Peace over Fight against Human Trafficking UNILAG students develop software to unmask traffickers Bennett OghifoandChinedu Eze The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has urged other domestic airlines to emulate Air Peace, which has shown commitment in curbing human trafficking in Nigeria.

This is coming as three students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have developed software to unmask human traffickers as well as track and rescue victims while also creating awareness about the odious industry.

NAPTIP said Air Peace has always identified and notified concerned agencies about traffickers on its fights.

Speaking yesterday during an award presentation ceremony to Air Peace in Lagos, Director General of NAPTIP, Julie Dame Okah-Donli, said the event was to honour the patriotic and

humane action of men and women who operated on Air Peace Lagos-Banjul flight P47560 on June 4, 2018, and three other flight incidents where human trafficking was aborted.

Okah-Donli recalled that on that fateful day, the vigilant crew of Air Peace flight foiled an attempt by two Nigerian women to traffic a three-month-old baby boy from Nigeria to Banjul in The Gambia. ““If all airlines and transport companies were as vigilant as Air Peace, the stories of those Nigerians who are currently trapped in sex and labour slavery along West African Coast, in the hot deserts of North Africa and the by-way to Europe would be very different.

Also speaking at the occasion, Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, commended the agency for the recognition and award and its efforts to address the issue

of human trafficking.

Meanwhile, three students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have developed software to unmask human traffickers, track and rescue victims as well as creating awareness about the ‘odious’ industry.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the students emerged winners of Hackathon for Justice at an event organised in Lagos by the UNODC in partnership with Facebook and Africa TeenGeeks, which was designed to spark creativity in young people while pushing their coding capabilities for 24 hours.

According to the organisation, “The goal of the Hackathon was for participants to leverage on technology to find solutions to rule of law challenges in the areas of corruption, integrity and ethics;

crime prevention and criminal justice; organised crime; human trafficking, terrorism and violent extremism. Beyond educating young people about the global challenges to the rule of law, E4J also seeks to inspire them to be part of their solution and become positive agents of change in their societies. This goal is only attainable by giving youths a say in matters related to crime, justice and the rule of law.”

The trio of David Popoola, Eyitayo Ogunbiyi and Chukwudumebi Onwuli of System Engineering and Computer Engineering departments of the university led the pack of upcoming professionals with their web application design that helps both trafficked victims and their loved ones learn about human trafficking and access to tools that can potentially save them.

INCREASE IN VAT WILL HURT ECONOMY, TINUBU WARNS FG One of the guest lecturers at the occasion and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, said at the next level of the current administration, Nigeria would be led into the age of industrialisation through the creation of six economic zones in each of the geo-political zones of the country.

According to him, the pilot phase of the special economic zones will take-off in Aba, Abia State (South-east), Funtua in Katsina State (North-west) and

Lekki in Lagos State (Southwest) with the target revenue of $30 billion.

Enelamah also said the project would grow the gross domestic product (GDP) to the tune of 20 per cent and create 1.5 million jobs which he said would eventually lead to 30 million jobs in future In his own lecture, Special Adviser to the President of Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Prof. Banjo Oyeyinka, said the next level would involve agri-business, which he said had been projected to

guarantee a $1 trillion economy in Africa as he advised Nigeria to strive hard to achieve 20 per cent of this $1 trillion goal.

While stating that the strategy to achieve this goal is agri-industrial processing, which he said would reduce unemployment, he noted that unemployment leads to stunted growth and economic inefficiency while job-driven growth raises the quality of life and consumer spending.

Also speaking at the occasion, a Brazillian, Kleber Guarany, disclosed the

recent bilateral development programme that was sealed by Nigeria and Brazil in January with the intention of taking Nigeria from the traditional farming system to mechanised farming.

He listed the features of the agreement to include: $1.11 billion investment in Nigeria, which he said would eventually lead to the creation of $12 billion money in circulation within the next 10 years, adding that 9,302 tractors would be assembled under the scheme.

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Apapa Gridlock: $300m Cashew Nuts Trapped in Lagos Ports Eromosele Abiodun with agency reports Nigerian exporters have raised the alarm that cashew nuts valued at $300 million have been trapped at the Lagos Ports and called on the federal government to come to their aid by addressing the challenges of congestion and inefficiency

at Lagos’ ports, which have affected exports.

The exporters said gridlock and inefficiency at the ports of Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos, delayed shipment of 50,000 tonnes of cashew nuts and is threatening this year’s output as traders are cash-strapped.

President of Nigeria Cashew

Exporters Association, Tola Fasheru told Bloomberg.com that the fruits from last year’s harvest should have been exported by January; “Instead, they are still in containers on trucks waiting to enter the ports or on wharves.”

“Roads to Lagos ports are badly congested, with hundreds

of lorries queuing to enter the premises and either deliver or pick goods. In addition, inadequate capacity and infrastructure, stifling red tape and corruption are hampering export processes, “Fasheru said.

“There is a palpable lack of synergy among the port operators and this is affecting

the business of our members, ”he said.

Some members of the cashew association, he added, have defaulted on contracts to the extent that foreign buyers are now walking away from them.

“They are no longer willing to give us fresh contracts,” said the group’s president. The delay

is likely to affect the output target of 260,000 tonnes for the current season, which started in February and will end in July.

“Not one single cashew exporter is in the field now as he is owing on contracts and as a result has no money to operate with,” said asheru.

Buhari May Hand over to Osinbajo, Says Yakassai A leading Northern politician, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, has said that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo could be the next President of Nigeria.

In a special interview from Kano yesterday, Yakassai told The Interview that, “there may be an unwritten understanding that when President Muhammadu Buhari finishes, the Vice President will likely be the next presidential candidate of the APC.” Although Yakassai made a similar comment casually days before the February presidential election, he seemed almost certain now that the torch will pass to the South-west, saying, “If it’s not Osinbajo, then somebody from there, probably (Bola Ahmed) Tinubu will likely emerge as the candidate of the APC.” He added: “I don’t see any possibility that the party will think of giving its candidacy to the South-east, against the support it got from the

South-west. Apart from the votes, don’t forget that APC also enjoyed material support from the South-west.”

The 2019 presidential campaign of the APC and the opposition PDP – but especially APC – was dogged by controversy over which zone would produce the next president when Buhari’s second and final term expires in 2023.

Although the convener of Save Nigeria and Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly, Tunde Bakare, said immediately after Buhari’s re-election that he would make the bid to succeed him, the name of the APC National Leader, Tinubu has also come up strongly.

Yakassai also spoke on why he opposed Buhari’s re-election and named a minister he said he was sure would not be reappointed.

On the leadership of the 9th Senate, he said the APC was on the verge of repeating its past mistake.

Health Minister Lays Foundation for Lions Club Dialysis Centre at LUTH Peter Uzoho, Hamid Ayodeji and Esther Oluku

The Minister of Health, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, yesterday laid the foundation for the construction of a state-of-the art dialysis centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, which is being built by the Lions Club International in honour of the departed member of the club and past District Governor, District 4041A, Lion Isaac Olusola Dada.

The facility named ‘Lion Isaac Olusola Dada Dialysis Centre’is in fulfilment of the dream of Dada, who had proposed during his time as the District Governor to build a dialysis centre as his legacy project in the hospital and in Lagos State to serve special health needs of the people.

Adewole who was the guest of honour at the foundation laying ceremony of the facility was represented by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Chris Bode, who acted in dual capacity as the minister’s representative and as the host of the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Adewole, thanked the family of late Dada, the Lions Club and everyone that contributed to making the ceremony possible, saying: “We are gathered today to honour the goodness of one man, whose clarion call is reaching us from the paradise

where he is now. His loss was a big tragedy to us, his family and the community as a country.”

Stressing on the benefit of the dialysis centre, the minister said: “In Lagos, with over 20 million persons, there is a paucity of many critical care needs. One of them is the fact that we have very low numbers of dialysis centres where people, who are critically ill with kidney diseases can go and readily get care - the same thing with intensive care unit in Lagos and so many other places. So, this has come as a great benefit to, not just LUTH, but to the whole of Lagos and Nigeria. We need more of this not only in Lagos but all over Nigeria.

Commenting on the project, the US-based Chairman of Lions Club International Foundation, Dr. Naresh Aggarwal, expressed his pleasure over the commencement of the building of the health facility in honour of Dada.

According to Aggarwal, with such intervention in the health needs of Nigerians, the Club is making a mark in history.

Recounting his lovely experiences with Dada when he was alive, he said: “I never knew that I was going to lose a brother but when I came back from a trip, the sad news came.

But I am very happy. We are living a mark in the history.

Winners don’t do different things, they do things different.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY…

R-L: Popular comedian, Godwin Komone, aka Gordons; Oluwakemi Akinyele of Globacom; Grand finale winner, Gloin60Seconds Contest, Ejembi Simon Inass; and Regional Manager, Lagos Island and Ogun, Globacom, Olufolahan Faseyitan, during the presentation of prizes to winners at Mike Adenuga Towers in Lagos...recently

Buhari Inaugurates Micro Pension Scheme Omololu Ogunmade and James Emejo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja inaugurated the Micro Pension Plan, organised by National Pension Commission, and vowed that the dignity of public servants, who worked tirelessly and sacrificed for the greatness of Nigeria, would be restored.

He also assured that the federal government would rev up the process of sanitising the pensions system.

Speaking during the inauguration at the State House Conference Centre, Buhari said retired public servants deserved better treatment and effective service that meets their needs to carry on after retirement, promising to remove the rot within the pension system.

“The dignity of retired public servants who sacrificed their lives for this country will be restored. We will ensure all hard working Nigerians in the private sector, both formal and informal, can retire without fear,’’ he said.

The president’s spokesman,

Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement quoted Buhari as telling the gathering that the federal government would continue to support the National Pension Commission to ensure a successful roll-out of the Micro Pension Plan, which he will capture citizens that are not fully captured in the formal corporate sector.

He added, “In addition to this program, we are also working tirelessly to sanitise some of the rot within the pension system we inherited.

I want to assure all Nigerians that this government remains committed to resolving all pending issues on pension payment in the federal public sector despite the lean resources of Government.’’

Adesina also said Buhari remarked that trade associations, unions, nongovernmental organisations and other stakeholders in the informal sector should join hands with the government and pensions’ industry to enlighten their members and the general public on the benefits of Micro Pension Plan.

“Today, millions of traders, farmers and other entrepreneurs in various cottage industries are completely excluded from the different pension programs in existence.

“The Micro Pension Plan is the natural next step. The program guarantees that when these hard working citizens retire, they can still live in dignity and comfort,’’ he further said.

As part of efforts to diversify the economy and create a more inclusive and enabling environment for all Nigerians, the statement said Buhari submitted that the government had provided grants, concessionary loans and technical support through Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) clinics to farmers, traders and SMEs. It added that at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the new scheme would provide more security for Nigerians in the informal sector, and expand the country’s pension coverage as well as boost the economy.

“This scheme also benefits the government because it has the potential to generate a pool for investible long term funds that can drive economic development,’’ he said.

It further noted that in her remarks, the Acting Director-General of National Pensions Commission, Hajiya Aisha Dahir–Umar, said the Contributory Pension Scheme had recorded huge success since it was launched in 2004, with the formation of long term domestic capital, represented by N8.7 trillion worth of pension assets as at January 2019.

“The Micro Pension Plan is remarkable because it unveils a unique financial product, which democratises the saving culture in Nigeria in a systematic and efficient manner,’’ she said.

Dahir–Umar, the statement added, said the plan was designed after wide consultations with stakeholders, noting that the product is flexible with contribution amount and channel of remittance of contributions to respective pension accounts.

150 CHILDREN HOMELESS AS FCDA DEMOLISHES ORPHANAGE OVER FAMILY DISPUTE Mrs. Ezemoka said trouble over ownership of the disputed property started immediately after her husband had died, following her brother-in-law’s claim of ownership of the landed property.

While she insisted that the case was still in court hence there was no need for further action by any of the parties, including DCD, the department said there was already a court judgment on

the matter, which documented evidence indicated the case was thrown out due to absence of all parties in court.

Galadima has, however, asked her to submit her documents so that it would

forward to the departments of Lands and the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) to enable them determine the authenticity and ownership of the papers and property.

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5 ) * 4 % ": t FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019

T H I S D AY ˾ MARCH 29, 2019

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ÜÙßÚ ÚÙÜÞÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ Duro Ikhazuagbe ×ËÓÖ duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Eagles’Golden Class of 1994 to be Honoured at 2nd AITEO-NFF Awards ˾ ˪Ý ÍÜÓÌϘ ÙÞÒÏÜ ÞÙÚ ÐÙÙÞÌËÖÖ ÝÞËÕÏÒÙÖÎÏÜÝ ÞÙ ÑÜËÍÏ ÞÒÏ ÏàÏØÞ Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles’ Class of 1994 –the team that qualified Nigeria for her first –ever FIFA World Cup finals and won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time on away ground is to be honoured on Monday at the AITEO-NFF Football Awards.

At the occasion scheduled to hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, five members of that golden generation of Nigeria football are going to be conspicuously absent when the roll call of the gallant men who spectacularly reached the Round of 16 before crashing out to a star-studded Italian side is announced.

Rashidi Yekini, the gangling goal king who scored the country’s first ever World Cup goal against Bulgaria leads those who have passed on.

Others include Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Wilfred Agbonnavbare and Captain of the team, Stephen Keshi.

Chairman of the Awards Committee and NFF 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, confirmed yesterday that the Secretary –General of FIFA, Ms Fatma Samoura

has confirmed her arrival in Nigeria for the big event.

It was also learnt that 20 presidents of Member Associations of FIFA and CAF have been invited from across the African continent.

Chieftains of sponsors AITEO (Nigeria’s leading energy solution company) led by Deputy Managing Director, Francis Peters, will grace Monday’s showpiece.

Already, about six state governors have been invited, alongside Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung.

According to NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, the occasion will also be graced by major stakeholders in the country’s football.

“A number of renowned stakeholders and oaks of the entertainment industry will also be in the auditorium on Monday night. Leading television stations, SuperSport and Africa Independent Television (AIT) will broadcast the event live,” observed Olajire last night.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura (the first woman

holder of that exalted position and a proud daughter of the African continent) it was learnt, will receive special awards at the occasion.

When the awards debuted last year, it marked the first time that the nation’s footballgoverning body was organising an Awards ceremony to reward

and inspire the major actors and actresses in the Nigerian football space.

On Monday, gongs will be presented to winners in Player of the Year (men), Player of the Year (women), Coach of the Year (men), Coach of the Year (women), Young Player of the Year (men), Young Player

of the Year (women), Team of the Season, Fair-play Award, Goal of the Season, Fans of the Season, NFF Development Award, NFF Order of Merit Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Platinum Award categories.

Also, there will be special recognition of a ‘Legends

Eleven,’ a squad of outstanding former Nigeria international players.

Last year’s gong went to the 1973 set of Green Eagles that won Nigeria’s first major honour – the gold medal of the football event of the 2nd All-Africa Games that held in Lagos.

Players and officials in a group photograph at the on-going Chevron Junior Tennis Invitational Masters taking place at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in Lagos

‘Boro’s Promotion Bid Keeping Mikel Away from Eagles’ Femi Solaja áÓÞÒ ËÑÏØÍã ÜÏÚÙÜÞ Despite John Mikel Obi’s preference of club over country, the days of the Super Eagles captain are not over yet with the senior national team.

Mikel who captained Nigeria to the last World Cup finals in Russia last week turn down the

chance to return to the team for the two matches played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Instead, the former Chelsea midfielder opted to focus on club duties, helping Middlesbrough’s push for promotion from the Championship to the prestigious English Premier League.

Mikel has returned to form since dumping the Chinese

Solskjaer Gets Permanent Man Utd Job Manchester United has appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as permanent manager on a three-year contract.

The Norwegian, 46, arrived at Old Trafford on an interim basis in December to replace Jose Mourinho. Solskjaer spent 11 seasons as a United player, scoring the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final.

“This is the job that I always dreamed of doing and I’m beyond excited to have the chance to lead the club long term,” Solskjaer said.

“From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club. It was an honour to be a Manchester United player, and then to start

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

my coaching career here. “The last few months have been a fantastic experience.” When Solskjaer took charge, United were sixth in the Premier League and 11 points off the top four.

But they have lost only once in 13 league games since - at Arsenal this month - and are now two points behind the London club, who occupy the final Champions League qualifying spot.

SerenaTeluwo, Chidinma Ezeh Show Great Promise at ChevronTennis Masters Two 14 year-olds - Serena Teluwo from Lagos and Chidinma Ezeh from Anambra - who are stepping up to play in the 16 age group showed outstanding skill and promise yesterday in their second round-robin match against the second and third seeds respectively at the Chevron Junior Tennis Invitational Masters taking place at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club. Teluwo, who blew a 7-2 lead against Peace Obabori in her first

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Madrid Football Academy

round-robin match eventually losing 8-9, came back really focused and determined against Omolade Aderemi, the second seed in the Girls 16 but still went down 6-9 in the pro-set match.

Ezeh also pushed the third seed, Favour Moses from Kaduna, hard. The emerging star from Onitsha broke the hard-hitting Moses twice at the beginning but failed to convert her game points to consolidate her lead.

Super League to return to life in English football. Now, he’s in the thick of action, giving 100 percent in Boro’s drive to return to the Premier League, starting with their clash against league leaders Norwich City this weekend.

This perhaps informed why he shunned the chance to rejoin Super Eagles as the Nigerian

team was rounding off the AFCON 2019 qualifiers with the dead-rubber game against Seychelles and the international friendly with Egypt.

The 31-year-old has not played for Nigeria since the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but remains part of manager Gernot Rohr’s plans as the German prepares his charges for the 2019 AFCON

Zenith/Delta Principals’ Cup: Organisers Set for ‘Unforgettable Final’ Organisers of the Delta State Principals’ Cup have expressed readiness for the final match Day of the competition slated for Monday, April 1.

The final of the event is billed to take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba on Monday and the Head of the Organizing team, Tony Pemu, said yesterday that all was set for the final.

Delta Commissioner for Basic and Secondary School Education, Chiedu Ebie, said the state was ready to make the final a classic of sort.

Ebie who is also the head of the Local Organising Committee maintained that the tournament had been very explosive from the beginning “The players have displayed so much knowledge of the game and we expect that the teams in the final will give us much to cheer. As organisers we are planning to stage a classical show,” Ebie noted.

Pemu said the Local Organising Committee and the organizing team have been working round the clock to perfect all plans for the final.

“We had a very colouful final event in the first and second

edition of competition. I expect this to be very interesting as well.

“Everything needed to make the event memorable for the players and spectators have been put in place. We thank the sponsors and the government of Delta State for the support all through the event.”

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa will lead some members of his executive cabinet to the match just as topshots of the sponsors, Zenith Bank are also expected to be at the Stephen Keshi Stadium to cheer the young footballers competing for honours.

Obule Integrated School, Sapele and Boys Secondary School, Obiaruku will compete for honours in the final while Ekpan Secondary School and Comprehensive Secondary School will fight for bronze in the third place shortly before the final.

The final of the competition originally scheduled for February 15 this year was moved due to the general elections and the involvement of the state in the series of international games at the venue.

in June and July.

The Franco-German gaffer told Africanfootball.com recently that Mikel remains in his plans so long as he’s fit and plays regularly for Boro.

“He told me it is not the moment to return but if Obi Mikel is very fit again and has the motivation, then the door is open.

“I am not like Joachim Low who announced that three of his players are definitely out of the German national team, I never say that because you never know what can happen.

“We are watching and will see if he can come back. We also need experience in our team, we have so many young players,” concludes Rohr.

BOA Lawyers League: Pressure on BA Law/Probitas in Group D With no clear run away leader yet in Group D of the on-going 2019 BOA Lawyers’ Football League, BA Law/Probitas Partners and Advocaat need to up their games this weekend in order to separate the men from the boys.

BA Law/Probitas Partners on four points has a simple edge of just a point advantage over the next two teams of the group, Advocaat and Banwo & Ighodalo on three points respectively. DOA Law/GreyChapel Legal has one point while Punuka is yet to grab any point after two games.

However, the scenario playing out in Group D does not affect the other groups where some of the teams have established leadership. Aelex, Falana & Falana and SOOB/NICCOM LLP have clear lead in Group A, Group B and Group C of the 2019 BOA Lawyers League.

Aelex leads Group A on six points from two games, followed

by African Law Practice/SPA Ajibade, who has three points, George Etomi/FRA Williams and Perchstone & Graeys, who are on one point apiece and the bottom placed Aluko & Oyebode with no point yet.

In Group B, former champions Falana leads with six points and is followed by UUBO/ACAS

Law with four points, while another former champions, Lagos Ministry of Justice (LSMJ) has a point. Wole Olanipekun/Dele Adesina & Co. has no point.

SOOB/NICCOM LLP is also on six points in Group C with another past champion Olisa Agbakoba and Templars, who have played only one match each, are second and third on three and one point respectively while Pinheiro is fourth on point.

Olaniwun Ajayi the fifth team of the group has no point.

Last weekend at the AstroTurf 2000 venue of the league, Pinheiro held Templars to a goalless draw, SOOB/NICCOM LLP hit Olaniwun Ajayi 3-0, BA Law/ Probitas Partners ended its tie with DOA Law/Grey Chapel 1-1, while Banwo & Ighodalo defeated Advocaat 2-0.

In other matches, Aluko & Oyebode lost 1-2 to ALP/ SPA Ajibade, Aelex defeated Perchstone & Graeys LP 4-1, LSMJ lost 0-2 to Falana, just as UUBO/ACAS Law beat Wole Olanipekun/Dele Adesina 3-1.

This Sunday, DOA Law/ Greychapel will play Punuka Attorney in the opening game billed to kick off by 3.30 p.m, while BA Law LLP/Probitas Partners will lock horns with Advocaat in the second game.

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MISSILE CAN to Kaduna Govt “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 paying lips service to issues of security, the evil of kidnapping and other insecurity problems will not stop.” – The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemning the level of insecurity in the state.

SHAKAMOMODU Soldiers Turned Election Riggers T THIS REPUBLIC

he late former Chief of Army Staff in the military regime of President Ibrahim Babangida, Lt. General Salihu Ibrahim once described the Nigerian Army as an “army of anything goes”. He was lamenting the unprofessionalism and politicisation that had permeated the military; the misuse of the army to achieve the selfish and winding ambition of Babangida – which had begun to seriously erode discipline in the military. Needless to say that the Babangida government as a measure of selfpreservation, cultivated, pampered and empowered a select group of junior and middle cadre officers in the chain of command with money and good postings over and above their superiors, which in turn encouraged indiscipline and insubordination, subtly prodded by Babangida himself.

Well, whatever Salihu Ibrahim saw or witnessed that prompted his lamentation about the army decades ago, pales in significance to the impunity and abuses we are witnessing today. He would turn in his grave if he could see what the Nigerian Army has become under the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai and President Muhammadu Buhari as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This regime has normalised and quadrupled every malaise, viz. operational, social and economic, in the military such that it is no longer a fit and proper fighting force in the battlefield.

Bested in nearly every battle with poorly trained terrorists, the military is failing spectacularly to defend the territorial integrity of our dear motherland.

We have watched with utter consternation how town after town, followed by local government after local government, fell to the Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, Northwest and now in the North central states of Nigeria. We have watched with nauseousness as our soldiers fled to neighbouring countries under the guise of “tactical manoeuvres” when they came under superior fire power from ragtag terrorists, sometimes called bandits or herdsmen, depending on which state they terrorise. Some had even hurriedly removed their uniforms to disguise as civilians. But the army has repeatedly maintained that what we read about their losses in the battlefield was a figment of our imagination and that the videos populating the internet of its soldiers abandoning their weapons and fleeing the battlefield were nothing but a mirage.

Unfortunately, everything they have denied as false is true. Telling Nigerians barefaced lies with a straight face, after suffering the most humiliating failures and battlefield defeats in its history has done little to improve the public image of the army. You see, when Salihu Ibrahim made that caustic comment, I doubt if he ever foresaw a situation where men of the Nigerian Army would abandon their weapons including some brand new armoured tanks and flee the battle from ragtag terrorists. My stomach turned as I could barely watch those videos. What has happened to our military? The once disciplined, professional institution that elicited pride in us has become so corrupt and undisciplined that many Nigerians feel ashamed to be associated with it. It needs to be stated here that not all our men in uniform are bad. A few are still very professional despite the bad behaviour of some of those at the top.

The Nigerian Army, commanded and manipulated by dangerous power seekers whose legacy we wish to forget in a hurry, has not only become an “army of anything goes”, it has degenerated into a weak and ineffectual fighting force now used to rig elections. The recent targeted deployment of soldiers for election duties in states controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further damaged what was left of the reputation

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

0811 266 1654

Buratai

Amaechi

of the military. The conduct of its men in trying to subvert the expressed will of the people somewhat amounted to a coup. It was no different from a military putsch against a democratic government.

The present state of disrepute it has sunk has gone down in global infamy and is evidence of how far it has come from the days of a highly mobile force that excelled among its peers in global conflict spots.

Its role in the suspended Rivers State election is particularly galling and frightening to say the least.

Let it be clearly stated here and for the avoidance of doubt, the soldiers were not deployed in Rivers to maintain law and order or to protect the integrity of the election as the authorities claimed because there was no threat to peace. There was no threat or perceived threat to the elections considering that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been barred from participating in the election in Rivers State, thus removing the only possible reason for violence. The only threat to the election as it turned out came from the soldiers used by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to disrupt the poll and execute his plan to forcefully seize the state from the PDP by any other means possible. He was effectively enabled in his devious plan by the president who has the authority to deploy soldiers as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces, but he looked the other way as Amaechi terrorised the state with soldiers.

As witnessed by many Nigerians, the abuse and misconduct of the different arms of the security operatives led by Amaechi during the presidential election, and more especially, the governorship elections, made a mockery of the official reason for their massive deployment which was to keep the peace and protect the security and sanctity of the ballot. It was crystal clear to the discerning that they were there to achieve a particular subsidiary goal of delivering Rivers State to the minister and his party, the APC by proxy, since the party had been barred from fielding candidates for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections, owing to the internal party crisis caused by the minister himself.

But enabled by the president, Amaechi was determined to rig the election by all means for the governorship candidate of an unknown party that goes by the name of African Alliance Congress (AAC) who would later defect to the APC, to achieve his burning desire of bringing the state under the control of the APC. The military was well briefed on its role, and it carried it out with the full support of the highest officer commanding. The massive deployment of soldiers in practically every street in Port Harcourt, in a show of occupational force

was not only designed to harass and intimidate the people, it underscored a motive fuelled by the desperation of these anti-democratic forces masquerading as progressive democrats to seize the state.

Recall that Amaechi used soldiers to hold an INEC official, Mary Emavwoyan Efeturi, Electoral Officer (EO) of Ikwere, hostage during the presidential election and insisted she must collate figures different from the votes in polling units. And of course the brave lady refused. Because no disciplinary action was taken against the minister, he escalated his violent attack against free and fair elections in his home state of Rivers.

When all their harassment and intimidation did not stop the people from trooping out to vote for the candidates of their choice, the occupation army shifted their plot to rig the election to the collation centres. They seized the collation centres, screened all the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returning from the field and seized their results. Those who refused were threatened, molested or beaten. Many innocent people were killed trying to defend their rights and freedom to vote. Many more suffered serious injuries from gunshots fired by soldiers and the police. Technically, soldiers became collation officers and presiding/returning officers.

For this rape of our democratic process, the entire chain of command of the Army Division 6 in Port Harcourt, right up to their reporting authority in Abuja must be held to account. None must be allowed to escape accountability. It is sad that the military has denied that the soldiers who sabotaged the election were from the Nigerian Army. On the preponderance of the evidence, the statement as rightly observed by the international community is not credible. The denial was an attempt by the military to bludgeon the truth about its disgraceful conduct to secure mandate for Amaechi’s fallback party at gunpoint.

INEC’s Head of Department of Voter Education and Publicity in Rivers State, Edwin Enabo gave this gripping account of how the military seized the collation centre, screening, seizing and collating the results by themselves: “The INEC office is under siege by men in army uniforms, uniforms of the air force and police who have taken over.

They are stopping and screening people. They are clearing results before they enter the office to the extent that up till now, no collation has been done.

“We don’t understand where the people were deployed from. We are not accusing the Nigerian Army or the Nigerian Air Force, but we say the

people right now in the office are wearing uniforms of the army and the air force.

“If they are not from them, we are calling on them to come and rectify the situation and allow our officers to enter with their results without molestation and harassment.

“Throughout the elections, we had so many reports of insecurity, molestation, harassment and assault on our staff and ad hoc staff, disruption of the electoral process throughout the state in all the local government areas with the consequence that by yesterday evening, we were unable to get any results and by 1pm today, the office is under siege by men in army, air force and police uniforms.”

Despite this appeal, the military did nothing.

Instead, the army chief, Buratai, blamed the siege by men in uniform on “fake soldiers” but failed to apprehend any of the impersonators. If the soldiers were not from the army, how come the security men deployed to protect INEC office “cooperated” with them? It is obvious that the military, rattled by international outcry, belatedly issued a denial that its men carried out the actions as detailed by INEC, albeit, after the fact. Yet, it set up a probe panel to probe the allegations against its men – allegations it had already denied. What are we going to get from the probe? Can the army really probe itself and hold its men accountable?

Not likely. Naturally, the spectre of “Unknown Soldier” is still in our memory.

Many Nigerians are of the opinion that Amaechi who is now the “garrison commander” of Rivers State, deserves a mental evaluation to determine if his “crimes reflect permanent incorrigibility” or whether his actions “reflect the transient immaturity of youth” even though he is in his 50s, so as to understand what may be going on in his mind.

Our democracy cannot grow with egomaniacs of such monstrous propensity. Amaechi is souring on his own self-inflicted wounds and wants to steal the mandate at gunpoint.

By preventing Magnus Abe’s faction from participating in the ward congresses, he set the stage for the crisis that subsequently engulfed the state APC. He is seeking remedy through the back door and has found a willing partner in the military and an unknown party that neither held rallies to sell its agenda nor campaigned for votes. It never even printed posters to advertise its message. Nobody beyond Amaechi and those in his close orbit know who the governorship candidate of the AAC is. Amaechi wants to steal the election by force for this strange candidate using the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He wants to single-handedly decide who governs Rivers State and disguise the fraud as an election. He does not care if his people are killed or not. It is not for the love of Rivers State.

It is all about himself and his 2023 ambition. He wants a political base and unchecked access to the state’s resources. It is all about the oil wealth and the power that comes with it.

The use of soldiers, oh, someone once called them “pepper soup generals” to illustrate their idleness, police and other security agencies acting in close cahoots with the APC/INEC to rig the just-concluded Presidential/National Assembly, Governorship/State Houses of Assembly and the supplemental elections particularly in Kano which reached a frightening dimension has exposed the dark underbelly of the Nigerian electoral process.

It is a shame that our soldiers in particular are now election riggers, much to the delight of the ruling APC. It is a bigger shame that a party that claims righteousness as a fundamental principle and philosophy of orientation has turned out to be the more corrupt and more corrosive to our national institutions and values.

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