MONDAY 8TH APRIL 2019

Banks’ Impairment Charges Drop Further as Loan Repayment Improves Goddy Egene The provisions for loan losses by commercial banks in the country have continued to drop, thereby raising hopes of higher returns on investments for shareholders, THISDAY

has learnt.

Loan loss provisions had in 2016 and 2017 financial years impacted negatively on the bottom-lines of many banks due to the devaluation of the naira and difficult operating environment that made a lot

of debtors to default in loan repayment, thus increasing the level of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the system.

However, the recently released results of 11 banks for the year ended December 31, 2018, reviewed by THISDAY,

showed that the level of impairment charges has reduced significantly.

Precisely, the impairment charges of the 11 bank fell by 64 per cent from N445.403 billion in 2017, to N155.153 billion in 2018.

While all the loans provision of the banks rose by 64 per cent, some banks recorded 80 per cent reduction in loan loss provision.

The 11 banks are Access Bank Plc; Ecobank Transnational Incorporated;

Fidelity Bank Plc; Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc; Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Unity Bank Plc; Zenith Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc Continued on page 7

Lawan, Goje, Ndume Intensify Bid for Senate Presidency... Page 7 Monday 8 April, 2019 Vol 24. No 8764. Price: N250

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PDP Alleges Plot to Annul Rivers Governorship Election APC: Opposition party should get serious overturn the poll, say legal experts Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over an alleged fresh plot by the All Progressives

Congress (APC), working with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN, to cause constitutional crisis

in Rivers State by moving to annul the governorship election recently won by its candidate, Chief Nyesom Wike.

The main opposition party

Only election petition tribunal can

said it has been informed of how some APC leaders have been mounting pressure on the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, to influence

the reversal of February 12, 2019 final judgment of the Supreme Court, which upheld the verdict of the trial court that excluded the APC from participating in the National

Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections in Rivers State, having nullified the party’s primaries in the Continued on page 7

FG Goes Tough on Armed Banditry in Zamfara State

Gives foreign miners 48-hour quit notice NAF fighter planes kill 25 outlaws in air strikes Omololu Ogunmade and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Obviously embarrassed by public anger over armed banditry in Zamfara and other states in the North-west, the federal government yesterday ordered all foreigners engaged in mining in the affected states to quit within 48 hours.

Addressing journalists in the State House, Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, said anybody who engaged in mining activities in the states henceforth, would have his licence revoked.

The acting IG was flanked at the press conference by the Continued on page 7

Dickson Gives 307 Ph.D., M.Sc. holders, Doctors Automatic Employment... Page 10

OILY AFFAIR… L-R: Secretary General of African Petroleum Producers' Organisation (APPO), Mr. Mahaman Gaya; Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy of Equatorial Guinea, Mr. Gabriel Lima; Minister of State for Petroleum and President of APPO, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; President of Equatorial Guinea, Mr. Teodoro Mbasogo; and Secretary General of OPEC, Mr. Mohammed Barkindo, at the APPO Cape VII Congress and Exhibitions in Malabo… recently

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MONDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ T H I S D AY

PAGE SEVEN

Lawan, Goje, Ndume Intensify Bid for Senate Presidency Deji Elumoye in Abuja The race for the presidency of the 9th Senate gathered momentum at the weekend with the main contender and Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, intensifying his one on one campaign and meeting with senators-elect, those of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stock in their home states.

Sources close to the camps of former governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje, and former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, however, told THISDAY that in spite of the tough talk of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), they would not give up their ambition to become the next Senate president.

Specifically, the Ndume camp said no intimidation from any quarter can force the three-time Borno South senator to abandon

his ambition that had received the blessings of APC leaders in his senatorial district and the two other senatorial districts in Borno.

THISDAY further gathered that Ndume is still very much in the race with one of the sources close to him saying: "Don't forget that he was the first aspirant to write the APC leadership of his intention to vie for the position of Senate president."

It was also learnt that Ndume had since stepped up his consultations with all necessary stakeholders, including senators-elect across party lines and members of APC National Working Committee (NWC) on the need for them to support him.

Ndume's close associates stated emphatically that no amount of threat from any quarters will stop him from realising his ambition "as he is

presently looking up to God in his pursuant of what is right."

The pro-Ndume group also expressed concern that the adoption of a particular candidate for Senate president does not have the blessing of all NWC members and President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a ranking APC senator who spoke on condition of anonymity, "I can say authoritatively that the reported adoption of a particular candidate is the agenda of APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, and National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, while the president and some members of the NWC are not on the same page with the duo on this matter.

"So, what are we saying?

They are routing for the candidate because they know he'll be a stooge and establishment person while

Ndume will be independent minded and not be a rubber stamp of the executive. Just let's just wait and see as events unfold between now and June when the 9th National Assembly will be inaugurated."

Lawan, on his part, intensified his consultative meetings across the states at the weekend with visits to Kano, Niger and Borno States where he met one on one with some senators-elect.

He met individually with the senators-elect from Kano and Niger states who openly pledged their support for his candidacy for the Senate presidency.

Lawan confirmed to THISDAY in Abuja yesterday that he had commenced consultative meeting with senators-elect over his ambition.

He also said he had engaged his colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the

matter "and their response has been wonderful."

On other APC senators eyeing the leadership of the Senate, the Senate leader said he was also engaging them too "while not ruling out the fact that in a democracy they have the right to aspire and at the end of the day whoever emerges, we'll work together as one Senate."

Lawan stated that he was going to run an open government if elected and promised to carry his colleagues along in the day to day administration of the National Assembly."

His words: "Ours will be an open assembly where all will be free to contribute their quota towards ensuring that we make necessary laws for the development of the nation."

He also allayed the fears that he will be an appendage of the executive if he emerges as

Senate president, saying nothing can be far from the truth.

"This is not true. All I know is that we will engage the executive in areas where we need to engage them while not ruling out the need to also collaborate with them when the need arises."

According to him, his consultative meeting with other senators-elect in other states will resume today at the second batch of the orientation programme being organised by National Assembly management for federal legislators-elect which ends on Friday.

He said: "I will continue the consultative meeting with other senators-elect on Monday all through Friday and I will engage them one on one on why I want to lead the Senate and answer whatever questions they may put before me and then we’ll take it up from there."

bandits until they are totally flushed-out," he said.

logistics base at Ajia and neutralised dozens of armed bandits at Ajia and Wonaka in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.

“The operation was executed sequel to human intelligence reports indicating that the armed bandits were using a compound within Ajia as a logistics store to support their operations.

“Consequently, the ATF dispatched a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the compound scoring accurate strikes on the target and causing it to erupt into flames, which engulfed the

structures and resulted in the neutralisation of some of the bandits.

“Few survivors, seen fleeing the vicinity of the target area, were taken out in follow-on attacks while others, who managed to escape the area, were tracked to Wonaka and equally neutralised.

Independent human intelligence sources subsequently confirmed that more than 25 armed bandits were neutralised in the attacks on the two locations.

“The NAF, working in close coordination with sister services and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to neutralise the armed bandits and deny them freedom of action in the North-west.”

cent was an improvement on 2017 and demonstrated the progress that we have made addressing credit quality issues and enhancing internal control processes.

“Our financial performance in 2018 was remarkable in many ways and reflected the meaningful and significant progress that we have made against the priorities that we set in our ‘Roadmap to Leadership’ strategy. We delivered a 51 per cent growth in PBT and generated a return on tangible equity of 21 per cent. Our cost-of-risk of 2.4 per cent was an improvement on 2017 and demonstrated the progress that we have made addressing credit quality issues and enhancing internal control processes,” he said.

Some financial analysts told THISDAY that the decline

in impairment charges was due to improvement in loans repayment. They added that banks have also adopted cautious approach to loan creation.

For instance, analysts at Cordrol Capital Limited said the decline in impairment charges has been a theme for all tier 1 banks this year.

They said: “As seen, impairment charges for Zenith Bank, GTBank and UBA have declined, despite implementation of the stringent IFRS 9 requirement. This is as a result of the banks’ cautious approach to loan creation, after the significant deterioration in asset quality experienced during the crux of the economic recession in 2016-2017 when oil prices took a nosedive.

“In fact, what we have seen

is a contraction in loan books, as obligors have improved in their loan pay-downs, following the improved economic conditions and rising oil prices.”

They added that it was also worth stating that the treatment of IFRS 9 initial adjustment via equity has cushioned its impact in the income statement.

“Overall, these have contributed significantly to the sharp drop in impairment charges, particularly for the tier 1 banks,” they declared.

leader of the APC in the state had been boasting that he had the ears of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, and that the Supreme Court will reverse its final judgment on APC Primaries and create the way for fresh elections in Rivers State, in which the APC will be allowed to participate.

“If this is allowed to occur, it will also amount to the highest travesty of justice, apart from being a direct abuse of court process. The Supreme Court is the highest temple of justice in our country and as such must

protect itself from all forms of manipulative tendencies of the APC,” the party said.

It said that in spite of these conspiracies by the APC, the will of the people of Rivers State prevailed, as they braved the odds, resisted all machinations and voted overwhelmingly for the PDP and all its candidates.

The PDP, therefore, urged the acting CJN not to allow his office to be used by desperate power mongers in the APC to cause anarchy and perpetrate

FG GOES TOUGH ON ARMED BANDITRY IN ZAMFARA STATE Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari; Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi; and Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ahmed Abubakar.

Adamu, who said security agents were on top of the security crisis in the region, appealed for cooperation from traditional rulers and residents of the affected communities.

He decried the use of social media to spread fake news over the development and appealed to citizens to exercise restraint.

Adamu added that the decision to stop mining activities in flash point areas in the North-west was dictated by intelligence, which he said established a link between

bandits and miners.

“In the face of intelligence report that has clearly established a strong and glaring nexus between the activities of armed bandits and illicit miners, with both mutually re-enforcing each other, the Federal Government of Nigeria has directed [that] mining activities in Zamfara and other affected states are hereby suspended with immediate effect,” he said adding: "Consequently, any mining operator who engages in mining activities in the affected locations henceforth will have his licence revoked [and] all foreigners operating in the mining fields should close and leave within 48 hours.”

Adamu explained that the

recent launch of "Operation Puff Adder," by the police in conjunction with the military was a full blown offensive against banditry in the North-west.

According to him, the operation was launched with the aim of reclaiming every territory under the control of bandits, flushing out the culprits and consequently bringing them to book.

He expressed the commitment of security operatives to security of lives and property until normalcy is restored.

"Our commitment at protecting the sanctity of life and property is irrevocable, and we will not scale-down the pressure on the armed

NAF Fighter Planes Kill 25 Bandits in Air Strikes Meanwhile, Nigerian Air Force fighter planes have bombarded a logistics base of the bandits at Ajia Wonaka in Zamfara State, killing dozens of them.

An update provided by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the air strikes followed intelligence reports that the bandits were using a compound within Ajia as a logistics store.

He stated: “The Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation Diran Mikiya has successfully destroyed an armed bandits’

BANKS’ IMPAIRMENT CHARGES DROP FURTHER AS LOAN REPAYMENT IMPROVES and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. For instance, Unity Bank Plc witnessed 99 per cent reduction in loan loss provision, declining from N44.255 billion, followed by Stanbic IBTC with 89 per cent decline. The banks’ provision reduced from N25.577 billion to N2.940 billion.

Also, the United Bank for Africa Plc witnessed 86 per cent decline in impairment charges from N32.895 billion to N4.529 billion, while Zenith Bank Plc’s impairment charges fell by 81 per cent from N98.29 billion to N18.372 billion in 2018.

In the same vein, Fidelity Bank Plc saw a decline of 62 per cent in impairment charges from N11.315 billion to N4.215 billion, while GTBank Plc recorded impairment charges of N4.906 billion in 2018,

showing a decline of 62 per cent compared with N12.169 billion in 2017. Similarly, Access Bank’s loan losses provision fell by 57 per cent from N34.466 billion to N14.656 billion.

Similarly, Sterling Bank Plc ended the year with impairment charges of N5.843 billion, indicating a decline of 52 per cent compared with N12.267 billion in 2017 among others.

FCMB Group Plc and ETI saw a decline of 38 per cent and 34 per cent from N22.667 billion to N14.113 billion and N125.893 billion to N82.044 billion respectively.

THISDAY further gathered that contrary to apprehensions that the implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9 promulgated by the International Accounting

Standards Board (IASB), would increase impairment charges of banks, the financial institutions continued to see a reduction in impairment charges.

Financial analysts said apart from strengthening risk management strategies, most of them have also maintained cautious approach to risk asset creation.

The Group Chief Officer of ETI, Ade Ayeyemi had said: “We maintain our cautious stance on lending in this challenging period, but will continue to implement a number of exciting new customer initiatives such as our Pan-African banking app and leveraging our blue-chip partnerships to benefit our customers across 40 countries.”

Speaking on the 2018 performance, Ayeyemi noted that their cost-of-risk of 2.4 per

PDP ALLEGES PLOT TO ANNUL RIVERS GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION state.

But the APC responded last night, saying the PDP’s allegation was an attention seeking effort to remain relevant after its defeat at the recently concluded presidential election.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, recalled that in nullifying the APC primaries and barring it from fielding any candidates in Rivers State for the general election, the High Court held, and rightly

too, that APCs’ primaries in the state were invalid and could not be considered.

The party stressed that acting upon the final judgment of the Supreme Court, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on February 23, 2019 held the Presidential and National Assembly elections and on March 9, 2019 conducted the governorship and state House of Assembly elections in Rivers State, in which the APC, having been lawfully excluded, did not participate.

The party added that having

been frustrated by its lawful exclusion, the APC adopted the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), bankrolled his election and made compromised security agents and thugs available to him, with the view to using them to muscle votes.

It stated: “However, not done with the desperation to cause confusion and crisis in Rivers State, the leader of the APC in the state has engaged in fresh conspiracies to subvert the will of the people as expressed at the polls.”

The PDP alleged that a

Continued on page 10

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NGN NGN 0.03 0.33 0.02 0.24 0.02 0.25 0.55 8.55 0.21 3.76 NGN 0.05 0.48 0.07 0.68 0.45 4.50 NEIMETH 0.05 0.51 LIVESTOCK 0.05 0.53 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,450.00 Volume: 401.185 million shares Value: N3.491 billion Deals: 3,575 As at Friday 5 /4/19 See details on Page 35

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NEWS

Dickson Gives 307 PhD, M.Sc. Holders, Doctors Automatic Employment

Segun James

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Henry Seriake Dickson, has offered automatic employment to 307 products of the Bayelsa State Scholarship Scheme, who have concluded their doctorate and master decree programmes in various disciplines in universities across the world.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, yesterday quoted the governor as offering the automatic employment to 107 PhD holders and 200 M.Sc. degree holders during a meeting with beneficiaries of the scheme in Yenagoa at the weekend.

The governor also announced automatic employment for all medical doctors, pharmacists and public health specialists and other beneficiaries of the state scholarship scheme who studied professional courses considered critical to the ongoing efforts to develop the state.

The governor told the ecstatic audience that the

107 PhD holders would be deployed in the three stateowned universities - the Niger Delta University, University of Africa and the Bayelsa Medical University as lecturers.

He also stated that other products of the scheme who studied medicine and other professional courses at Master Degree level would be engaged by the government in the various medical facilities and the civil service respectively.

The beneficiaries of the scheme returned with PhDs and M.Sc in disciplines such as Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Agric Engineering, International Relations, Pharmacy, Public Health, Computing and Electronics System, Gas Turbine Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Law and Management, Statistics and others.

However, Dickson noted that the scholarship scheme, which was designed to send an army of Bayelsa scholars to universities across the globe

Dickson came with heavy sacrifice and cost to the government.

According to him, the government was saddled with outstanding liabilities of about three million pounds, one million euros, several millions of dollars and naira.

He stressed that while the cost of sending the scholars outside the country was quite huge, investment in education and human capacity development was the only way to wrest the state from clutches of underdevelopment, oppression and poverty.

He stated further that the plan of the government under his leadership to send large number of Bayelsa scholars to universities across the globe was stalled by the 2016 economic recession, which affected several programmes of the government.

He said: “We should not forget to invest in education.

The reason we are where we are is because of lack of education, the reason people take away our resources with impunity is lack of education.

“The mindless degradation of our own environment, the acts of impunity against our people and their environment, what I call environmental terrorism, is because of the backwardness in education.

“Those who woke up early and embraced education have taken over everywhere. This is our own way of equipping our people to be able to tackle the existential challenges facing us today.

“The cost is quite huge but no matter the cost, this is the right way to go. I don’t need

to know any one of you to be given the opportunity and encouraged to study abroad.

“While it is good to build roads, hospitals, edifices, for the state, investments in human capacity is the most important. All the others can collapse but the investment in human capacity development will endure.”

He assured beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme still in various universities within and outside the country that the state government would ensure the release of funds next week to gradually offset outstanding bills.

He directed the scholarship board to commence the process to immediately settle the outstanding bills of scholars who have concluded their studies and needed their certificates for promotion or upgrading as well those who want to further their studies.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries who studied for PhD, Dr. Jude Cocodia, a lecturer at the Niger Delta

University, commended Dickson for his bold revolution in the education sector of the state.

He said the state was already feeling the positive impacts of years of sustained investments in education especially at the NDU which is host to a large number of the beneficiaries.

The governor had earlier offered automatic employment to 31 First Class graduates and 1000 young graduates into the state civil service who received their letters of employment in January, 2019.

Dickson said his administration established the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme to enable every Bayelsa child with a desire to attain university education to obtain a loan collateralised by their certificates and then pay back when they are gainfully employed.

He stressed that the administration succeeded in building schools, set up various scholarship programmes for all levels cut across the state in spite of the recession.

Lawyers Express Divergent Views over Onnoghen’s Resignation Chinedu Eze Senior lawyers yesterday disagreed on whether President Muhammadu Buhari needs to approve the resignation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Onnoghen, who was suspended from office on January 25 by the federal government for allegedly failing to declare part of his assets, tendered his resignation letter to President Buhari late on Thursday, it was learnt.

Surprisingly, the letter was sent to Buhari barely 24 hours after the National Judicial Council (NJC) reportedly recommended Onnoghen’s compulsory retirement from service after investigating the allegations of misconduct levelled against him.

While a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN, advised stakeholders to wait for President Buhari’s decision on Onnoghen’s fate, his colleague, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), thinks otherwise.

Agreeing with the presidency, Agbakoba informed THISDAY that it would be difficult to determine whether Buhari will accept Justice Onnoghen’s resignation or retire him as recommended by the NJC. He said: “It is difficult to be sure as we need to wait to see whether President Buhari will accept Justice Onnoghen’s resignation or retire him as recommended by the NJC.

So, it is no clear at this stage.”

Incidentally, Agbakoba’s position was corroborated the view expressed by the presidency at weekend when it said President Buhari would take a decisive action on the career of the former Onnoghen when he comes back from his foreign trip.

Asked to confirm if Buhari was in receipt of the CJN’s letter, the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the President, Garba Shehu, said: “What I will say to you is that on the Onnoghen matter, there is an important decision for the president to take upon his return. These things are in motion, and only the president can decide one way or the other.”

But Ozekhome said President Buhari has no option than to accept the resignation since the NJC had recommended that he should be retired.

Ozekhome quoted Section the 306 of the1999 Constitution which states: (1) “Save as otherwise provided in this section, any person who is appointed, election or otherwise selected to any office established by this constitution may reign from office by writing under his hand addressed to the authority or person by whom he was appoint, elected or selected.

Subsection 2 states: “The resignation of any persons from any office established by this constitution shall take effect when the writing signifying the resignation is

received by the authority or person to who it is addressed or by any person authoriised by that authority or person to receive it.”

Ozekhome stated that going by the above section, the president has no choice but to accept the resignation.

On his part, Onnoghen’s counsel, Chris Uche SAN, said it is not expected that the president would reject the resignation since it does not need the approval of the Senate.

Uche said the only thing that would stop the president from accepting the resignation is if the federal government has any hidden agenda or exhibits bad faith.

He added that since the NJC had recommended that the former CJN should be retired, it should not difficult for the president to approve.

“It is expected it would not difficult for the president to approve especially since the NJC has recommended that Onnoghen should be retired.

Failure to approve it would further confirm that the federal government has agenda or an exhibition of bad faith.”

Meanwhile, while it was not clear if Onnoghen’s letter was resignation or retirement, his lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) at the weekend clarified that what the former CJN submitted to the president was a notice of retirement and not resignation as being speculated.

He said: “Why should he resign? He only gave a notice of retirement according to the dictates of the constitution of Nigeria and the due process of law. From January 15, he has been saying it that he would follow the due process of law, which empowers only the NJC to sanction him and he has been saying that he would abide by the decision of the council, the only body empowered by the constitution to sanction judicial officers. We believe in due process unlike the other party, which went to a magistrate court to obtain an order.

“Yes, he gave notice of retirement after NJC came to the conclusion it arrived at on Thursday, in the fulfillment of his conviction and stance that the council is the only body, constitutionally-empowered to sanction him. That is the position of the law and he has abided by it.

“Regarding the case at the tribunal, we are keeping an open mind and I can’t tell you exactly when his retirement notice would take effect.”

A senior lawyer who spoke to THISDAY last night, agreed with Awomolo, saying that since Onnoghen still has about 20 months in service, what he submitted to the president could not have been retirement but resignation.

The lawyer, who spoke on account of anonymity, said if Onnoghen chose to resign, he does not need the approval of the president to do it.

He submitted that retirement would not be a better option for the embattled CJN because his action could raise questions on why is retiring.

The lawyer added that retirement as an option could determine whether his entitlements should be paid or not and other benefits such as attending National Council of State meetings.

“Since Onnoghen still has about far over a year in service, what he submitted to the president could not have been retirement but resignation.

“If he chooses to toe that step, he does not need the approval of the president to do it.”

“In fact, retirement would not be a better option for him because, so many questions would then be asked why he is retiring and if he has any bad record or questions to answer.”

However, a renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Robert Clarke while reacting to the resignation of Onnoghen, said the former Chief Justice should have ignored those that egged him on and resigned earlier than he did.

Clarke said that if he had not resigned and government was able to prove the allegations preferred against him, he would have gone for it, but now that he had resigned,

government might withdraw the case because “there is no need flogging a dead horse.”

He also said that Onnoghen might have resigned because he knew the weightiness of the report the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has against him, noting that if you commit sin and seek for forgiveness to God, God may forgive you but it is not so with government.

“He resigned because he knows what EFCC has on him.

Government knows more than what ordinary citizens know and you can only know what they know when you go up there yourself. We should not be influenced by the political climate but look at issues as they are,” he said.

Clarke affirmed that if the President accepts Onnoghen’s resignation he would be due to collect all his entitlements, but noted that as at this moment the former Chief Justice could be deemed innocent because the allegations against him were still allegations.

He added that if he did not resign and the federal government sacked him, Onnoghen could take government to court unless he was defeated in court, but he could not have been dismissed on mere allegations.

Clarke also said that by bringing down a highly placed personality like the Chief Judge of the Federation it means that government is fighting corruption and he feels happy about that.

PDP is that it does not accept reality. When it favours it, it accept the system as perfect; but when it goes against it, it condemns the same system.

So, everything must go its way? No, society does not run that way,” he said.

Meanwhile, legal experts told THISDAY last night that the PDP allegation is

far-fetched because the election having held, complaints on it could only be treated by the election petition tribunal.

“The law is clear that once an election had been held, the only judicial authority that can entertain complaint on the process is the election petition tribunal,” a senior advocate of Nigeria, who

preferred anonymity said.

Another silk who did not want to be quoted also explained: “At best, the complaint of the APC would be that it had been excluded from the process. That process is an election that has been held. The appropriate place to complain is the tribunal not the regular court.”

Onnoghen Resigned Because of EFFC Report

PDP ALLEGES PLOT TO ANNUL RIVERS GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION more violence in Rivers State.

He said people of Rivers State have experienced so much crisis, bloodletting, harassment and intimidations from the APC in its desperation to forcefully take over the state.

But in a response by the APC, its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-

Onilu, said the PDP needed to accept the reality of its loss of the presidential election and stop seeking attention with outlandish allegations.

“The APC did not contest the state elections in Rivers State, why would we be interested in its outcome,” he said, adding: “We cannot continue to respond to a party

that has been defeated in a transparent election. We have a government to run and the PDP should accept its defeat in good faith.”

Issa-Onilu said in any case, if the law allows the Supreme Court to reverse itself if it so finds, why would the PDP be raising dust.

“The problem with the

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COMMENT

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

THE STAGES OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Usoro Usoro argues the need for both quality and quantity financial services to the people

T

he discourse around, and drive towards financial inclusion, has been framed in terms of ‘access’ to financial services.

Financial service offerings across industries and for all groups - from individuals at the bottom-of-the-pyramid to ultra-high net-worth individuals - have been experiencing a steady rise and evolution. Institutions have taken steps to simplify account opening procedures; others have introduced mobile money to ensure simpler, faster movements of money for the less savvy; and insurance products have become so cheap, that life protection costs as little as N1000. Despite these efforts and their modest impact, we are yet to see a commensurate increase in the standard of living for individuals who have been provided with access to financial services. This makes it evident that access is only a part of the inclusion puzzle. This is a lesson that other countries are also learning. We have to look beyond the immediate drive to increase access and understand the various stages of financial inclusion.

Financial inclusion, according to Nigeria’s Central Bank, is the access to financial services of the adult population; in this first stage access is not just physical. Living and/or working in proximity to financial service points is certainly a crucial part of becoming and remaining included.

However, there still remains a significant amount of work to be done to enable this. With limited cash or disposable income, there is a reduced need for a bank or mobile money account, and other savvy financial products like insurance. But without financial service providers providing quality services built to reach and empower those in need, inclusion is still a long way off. Some of these problems may be eased when Payment Service Providers such as telecommunications companies and retailers, etc., begin to operate. Given that a significant proportion of the unbanked population interact with retailers more regularly; have a mobile phone and thus trust mobile service providers to a greater extent; enabling these new financial service providers who are entering the sector, is a crucial next step. Beyond this, however, we need to take greater care not to eliminate subsequent stages.

The second stage comes in the form of actual utilisation of financial services. Owning a bank account and having access to financial services is insufficient if one does not, in fact, make use of it. To this end, some Nigerian socio-cultural and economic factors might explain the status quo. Low income groups generally distrust financial institutions, and the banking crises that have plagued the sector over the last 10 years have only exacerbated concerns. The plethora of charges on bank accounts — from withdrawals from cash machines, SMS maintenance fees, account maintenance fees — for an economy with the highest global rate of extreme poverty, tends to translate to a reluctance to remain unbanked, even if one did already have an account.

The final stage of inclusion culminates in added value. For example,

DEEPENING INCLUSION, BY WAY OF ADDRESSING THE CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES, BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS, AND PREFERENCES OF PROSPECTIVE USERS; AND CULTIVATING TRUST AMONG THE UNBANKED, WILL BE THE TIPPING POINT IN THE RACE TO ELIMINATING FINANCIAL EXCLUSION

savings accounts appear to be the most accessible financial products, but their usage in Nigeria is such that many do not realise the benefits of interest payments from them. Many financial institutions also require credit-seekers to open (often, expensive) current accounts with them, compounding the limited enthusiasm that many have towards financial services. Despite the rise in banked Nigerians, the quantity of individuals saving has reduced by 6.7%, and the number of individuals seeking loans has reduced by 1.4%. This could also be as a result of limited flexibility and proliferation of varied loan structures, which cater to customer habits, needs, and cultures. In Northern Nigeria, for example, cultural sensitivities based on Islamic religious sentiment, and the dissonance towards traditional banking associations, mean that the most effective methods of providing credit to these audiences involves making no-interest investment-style loans available, through producer and consumer groups.

To truly deepen financial service penetration and ensure the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), financial service providers must confer a value on their users beyond mere ownership.

There should be some level of empowerment inherent in being an owner or user of financial products. Can small farmers easily access loans to enable them scale operations? Are non-banking products readily accessible; e.g mobile phone insurance? Can a small business owner, in addition to owning a corporate account, also access financial services which make it easy for her to collect payment from her customers at lower marginal cost? If the answer to these questions across the board is in the negative, then we have only just scratched the surface of what financial inclusion truly means. Some studies suggest that financial inclusion only helps poverty reduction and reducing income inequality when the overall economic conditions empower people to use the access they have to finance, for productive purposes like investing in children’s education. To truly achieve rates of financial service utilisation in Nigeria that are more commensurate to the extant services available, we need to now focus on improving the quality, as well as the quantity of financial services available to the people.

Ultimately, enabling access to financial services is the first stage in reducing poverty and enabling development. However there is much more. It is reductive to think about financial inclusion without an understanding of what constitutes value for the financially excluded.

Deepening inclusion, by way of addressing the cultural sensitivities, behavioural traits, and preferences of prospective users; and cultivating trust among the unbanked, will be the tipping point in the race to eliminating financial exclusion and the attainment of the sustainable development goals.

Usoro is General Manager of Mobile Financial Services at MTN Nigeria

HOW WOMEN-LED BUSINESSES CAN TRANSFORM AFRICA Radical approach to training and access to capital will make lots of difference, argues Chika OďŹ li

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get very excited during Women’s History Month because it allows me to reflect on the power of African women - especially in my life - and their impact on the African continent. So, as the curtains close on the month of March, I draw strength from the impact of great women like my tenacious mother and her two amazing sisters, Aunty Lizzy and Aunty Maggie, who inspire me. Growing up around them in Nigeria, I loved their different vibrant personalities: my mom – the caring but serious planner, Aunty Lizzy – the cool aunt and advisor-in-chief, and Aunty Maggie – the comedian. I admired their determination through adversity, their sisterhood bond, and their professional achievements. My mom became a medical doctor and professor in public health - teaching the next generation of medical doctors in West Africa. Aunty Lizzy utilized her success as a lawyer to provide full scholarships to indigent Nigerian youths, and Aunty Maggie expanded people’s access to affordable drugs in East and West Africa. But these women are not the only ones who inspire me. I also draw inspiration from other great African women like the great Queen Amina, the revolutionary Winnie Mandela, Arunma Oteh, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, presidents Joyce Banda (Malawi) and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberia), and many others. However, the focus is not about history but the future - the next generation of African women. I believe that the future of Africa can be shaped by women and everyone needs to provide the support women require to drive a major impact on the continent.

I have a positive outlook on Africa’s economy for three reasons: Africa’s median population, the strong interest of women in entrepreneurship and the stronger financial performance of businesses with female leaders. According to the Gates Foundation, Africa has the youngest population in the world.

This could be advantageous if the continent invests in its youth and builds a highly skilled workforce.

However, the status quo is this: underutilization of the continent’s talent - especially in terms of engaging women. Studies have shown that more

African women than men are interested in running a business and that businesses with female leaders perform financially better than those without. Yet only 5% of African private companies are women-led and those outlier countries with high participation of women such as Ghana is driven by the need to augment their household income - these women get into business to meet a need. Despite the ability of African women to lead profitable businesses, it is unfortunate that the continent has not done enough to harness the potential of women as a catalyst to propel economic growth. What is resulting in this gap between interest and execution for us women?

How do we harness this interest of women to launch the next big business in Africa?

Harnessing female interest in entrepreneurship in Africa will require a radical approach to providing access to training, capital, and peer-to-peer networks.

Through my work at Vencru, I have been fortunate to connect with hundreds of African women, from fashion designers hoping to bring Aso Oke (a Nigerian fabric) to the global stage to women seeking to scale their bakery from their home kitchen to a mega factory. Vencru is a mobile app that helps businesses track their transactions and profits, build client relationships, and manage inventory. Working with clients, I have seen first-hand that we need to approach these challenges in a different way, otherwise the outcomes would not change.

Everyone talks about business training - I definitely agree we need it - but without the right kind of training, at the right time and level of understanding, the outcomes remain the same.

Using work-like terms like tracking profit and loss sheets or accounts accrual will not get us there. Lord knows before Wharton, I only knew these words from sitting in countless meetings. Throwing out words like “value proposition�, “brand strategy�, or “competitive advantage� without the ability to relate these terms to everyday examples is futile. We must get to a point where we can translate business acumen to a simple language that is accessible to an average businesswoman.

In addition, while we must acknowledge a general challenge is lack of access to capital, some financial institutions, foundations, venture capitalists, and government agencies are beginning to provide access to capital at different levels. However, they all require some form of collateral or financial record. In Africa, most women do not have access to collateral like land or houses to use to access affordable loans.

Thus, it seems more imperative for women-owned businesses to have excellent credit in order to access loans at lower rates. But to get there, proper training is required, not complicated spreadsheets or formula-filled workshops that complicate the process of recording cash inflows and outflows.

Rather we need solutions that help women keep track of transactions the same way they upload a post on Instagram for their business. This way they can simply download their records for evaluation by banks and other private lenders. In addition, tailored training must be developed to incentivize business women to keep a record of transactions, so that they can qualify for cheaper loans.

African women also need access to a peer-to-peer support network. Getting access to high-profile businesswomen (and men) is good but peer-to-peer communities that share insights about everyday challenges - from deciding to launch a business to scaling globally - is valuable. For example, as an event planner, having a support group across Africa or in your local community with women in the event planning business would arguably do better for your business. It will present a way for people to collaborate. A businesswoman could gain the opportunity to discuss prospects of the industry and obtain advice on everyday challenges. However, some common networking mistakes I have seen include spending time trying to meet high-profile individuals who are unable to provide solutions to your immediate needs because they are in a different stage in their business. These accomplished business people are not dealing with the same type of problems that a new business person might face, so they might not be able to provide valuable or constructive

insight. Thus, African women need access to a “circle of support� with other businesswomen who are in the same stage or a few steps ahead so they can get meaningful support and feedback.

Some people might think that sharing with colleagues may sometimes result in spilling business secrets. I disagree with that notion. As a business owner, if you are sure about the value you provide to your customers, what sets your business apart from your competitors, and why your past customers return, then you should be confident in your business and in helping your peer who owns a business in the same industry. In addition, I have seen business support networks at work on WhatsApp groups with members in similar industries and the results are substantial.

To paraphrase a quote by former Accenture boss, Terry Neill, empowerment is not what we do to or for people, but the impediments we take away to enable folks to empower themselves. In the same vein, if we could design the right training, provide access to capital and build meaningful networks, we would remove the impediments that stop African business women from being successful. As a result, we would start to see the impact of women-led businesses on the growth and development of African economies. The African woman would be changed from a perennially “untapped resource� to an economic catalyst.

Finally, one thing is certain, the strength of the African woman is unquestionable. We have an undoubtedly strong desire to improve not only our families but our communities and countries. Thus, if we could scale her ability to transform her dreams and desires into actionable goals and relevant businesses, we could unleash new economic possibilities.

I believe that if we work on solving some of these challenges, Africa would not be referred to “the next frontier� but will become the “go-to continent� in our lifetime.

OďŹ li is an MBA Candidate at Wharton Business School and the Chief Growth Strategist at Vencru

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T H I S D AY MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2019

EDITORIAL As Cashless Policy Goes Nationwide…

The policy is good for the economy

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wo years after he suspended the cashless policy, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele recently unveiled plans to extend it nationwide. “We had to wait a while because we felt that there was need to be sure that the rate of financial inclusion in Nigeria has effectively penetrated all the nooks and crannies of the country for us to proceed on cashless banking. Very soon all the structures that have been put in place would improve banking services in Nigeria,” Emefiele said. This is a welcome development.

Introduced to reduce the amount of physical cash used in business transactions in the economy as well as encourage more electronic-based transactions, it is a policy that we have always endorsed. We believe that if well-implemented, it can help to facilitate economic development, reduce the cost of banking services and improve THE CASHLESS POLICY the effectiveness of HAS RESULTED IN THE monetary policy in MODERNISATION OF THE Nigeria. Although the policy was PAYMENTS SYSTEM, conceived WHICH IS AN ENABLER initially to include a penalty FOR ECONOMIC on cash deposits, GROWTH Emefiele had on assuming office in June 2014 removed such charge so as to encourage people and businesses to put their funds in the banking system.

While we commend Emefiele and his predecessor Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (now the Emir of Kano) who actually launched the initiative in 2012, it may be necessary to have an overview of its implications for our economy. The benefits are many but the most poignant is that the more transactions take place within the banking system, the more effective monetary policy will be in managing inflation and driving economic growth. It is also cost-efficient

Letters to the Editor

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

in that the policy reduces the risks (and of course, expenses) associated with handling large volume of cash and there is already evidence that it is working.

In Nigeria today, the cashless policy has resulted in the modernisation of the payments system, which is an enabler for economic growth. It has led to the use of various channels to deliver financial services and such channels include but are not limited to mobile phones, POS and the internet. Consequently, there has been an increase in access points for financial services and a resultant increase in the use of such services. Put simply, the introduction of the cashless policy has spurred financial inclusion and the participation of poor, geographically distant and more vulnerable members of society in economic activities.

However, despite what can be seen as the early successes of the cashless policy, there are still a few challenges that limit its efficacy. Such challenges include illiteracy, limited knowledge of computing/ use of internet and lack of trust and confidence in the system, among others. Many people are not conversant with using electronic channels and thereby breach security by giving their PINs to strangers to transact on their behalf. In addition, infrastructural challenges persist, internet access remains erratic, ATMs still debit accounts without dispensing cash and the apathy to using POS terminals remains in a society where patronage has become a defining characteristic of business and politics.

Nevertheless, the upside is that Nigerians are witnessing an increase in the usage of technology and the growth of technology-enabled businesses such as e-commerce and social-media blogs. Therefore, we expect this full-scale implementation to result in a deepening of these activities, new business opportunities and new jobs.

As the implementation of this policy expands, we also expect to witness a reduction in cash-related fraud, an improvement in the efficiency of the financial system and further job growth in agent banking and the technology sector.

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.

2019 GENERAL ELECTION: THE DAYS AFTER

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ension and fears stimulated by the 2019 general election have been consumed by the workings of history. But the footprints left by the process stare at us, begging for assessment. Waving them away as petty would not check the evil it holds for our democracy. It’s ideal to do an assessment of events, including twists and turns, the roles of political parties, the election manager, citizens and security agencies and how we arrived at having below par polls.

The 2019 election fell short of expectations. Informed commentators rightly identified the process smashing records. Standards dropped! We had to deal with having too many political parties on our ballot. The electoral manager INEC presented 91 parties to us. Some 73 presidential aspirants, an unprecedented figure in the history of our democracy, expressed interest in leading the country to greater heights. Some of them withdrew, thus could not complete the race. Validation of the elections now rests with the court.

Of the 29 states where gubernatorial and state houses of assembly elections held on March 9, six of them – Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Plateau and Sokoto - had to go through supplementary elections. Now, we know that rerun are trajectories for intimidation, suppression, inducement and violence.

Ballots were burnt in Benue. Thugs attacked journalists and disenfranchised voters in Kano. Voters were induced in Bauchi.

Lawmakers and the executive should get equal share of blame for disagreeing on issues and legislations that would have made the elections credible.

After dealing with arson and postponement, more challenges lurked around for INEC. Apathy came to dine with our electoral process. Apathy ejected its host, INEC and ate to its fill. This affected votes recorded at the polls on February 23 and March 9. It appeared citizens had lost confidence in the process initially scheduled for February 16 and March 2. Their minds were made up.!

Questionable figures influenced victories against the wishes of the people. Results were declared at gun points. But again, we have ourselves to blame for not showing up at polling units on Election Day. Although we can’t feign ignorance of conspiracy at collation centres, apathy fuels and prepares the ground for the enthronement of compromise.

Cash determined the winners and losers. ‘Secure the bag’ rose in ranks at the expense of contesting to serve the people.

Bullion vans moved freely on our streets. We saw no wrong in this yet we answer the title - propagators of modern democracy.

We helped politicians to strip and banish democracy and its principles in the scheme of things.

Transactional politics wrestled with ideologies. One may suggest it did not just start now but it has come to stay. Dibo ko sebe (vote and cook) toppled rationality. Cash coupled with brawn and impunity threw ideological politics out of the ring. Cash chose leaders for us. And we saw nothing wrong with that. Those that got some naira notes should realize they have no moral right on fellows who offered them money to secure electoral victory.

Politicians yelled orders to our security agencies. They had them wrapped around their arms to fulfil selfish objectives.

We wished and prayed for neutrality. And then we found we could not trust those entrusted with the task to preserve peace and maintain order. Security of lives and property withered significantly. Operatives failed to contain polling agents, thugs, most of them youth who saw no reason to engage in stuffs that would improve their lives. They succeeded in frustrating peace and progression.

We lost promising men and women. Killings engulfed the young and old. Dreams were shattered. The death of first time voter Daniel Usman in Kogi is one I wish we could have shooed away. Corps members on duty were not left alone. Do you remember the picture of the selfless corps member that saved his colleague from the heat of crisis in Rivers while policemen stood aloof? Or the ones that came under attack in Anambra during the presidential and national assembly elections?

Can we make a promise not to colour the way things played out? INEC failed to justify the funds it received for the elections.

The electoral umpire skidded on the ladder of standards.

What we have in 2019 did not match up with Prof. Jega’s 2015 achievement.

Our elections are now fiercer and “more competitive”. We have shut our eyes and ears to making elective positions unattractive.

Our elections have become what we can refer to as anything goes. We now know that politicians don’t come to serve us. They come to swindle; to siphon and to serve themselves. They come all out to water the path of their children and their children’s children.

Afeez Odunoye, Lagos

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5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2019

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Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

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

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

Heading in a New Direction Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that Governor Nyesom Wike’s unexpected change of attitude towards the Independent National Electoral Commission suggests that his previous grave allegations against the electoral umpire may have been targeted at creating alarming consequences in the state

Amaechi

Yakubu

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xpectedly, mixed reactions followed announcement of elections result in Rivers State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The electoral activities in Rivers closed the major balloting cycle for 2019 national elections. Rivers ended like the closing of a very thrilling action movie; coloured with all the anxiety and nerve-racking tension, that highlights action-packed dramas. In Rivers, a bewildered nation experienced the beginning of the end many times over. Of all the predictions made about the politics of 2019, Rivers haboured the thickest cloud of gloom.

An enduring season of acrimony involving the major political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which controls the state and the All Progressives Congress (APC), that is determined to seize power put pressure on the security agencies and all other organs of government in the state. The situation became more complex as intra-party strife within the APC entered a dimension defied every attempt at reconciliation. For the better part of the time, the people of Rivers lived on tenterhooks.

The major actors in the persistent sordid spectacle include Governor Nyesom Wike, Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe may have been on individual flight of fantasy, encouraged by throngs of screaming fans and the prospect of a big prize that they were willing to do anything to grab. It may be argued that these men

QUICK FACTS: r &MFDUPSBM BDUJWJUJFT JO 3JWFST closed the major balloting cycle for 2019 national elections r"O FOEVSJOH TFBTPO PG BDSJNPOZ involving the major political parties, the PDP and the APC underlines insecurity in Rivers, leading to pressure on security agencies and all other organs of government in the state r5IF QFPQMF PG 3JWFST MJWF PO tenterhooks r5IF NBKPS BDUPST JO UIF QFSTJTUFOU

Wike

are only seasonal chieftains in the dominion of violence that has held the Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State in the last 16 years. The most severe consequence of the internal crisis within the APC was that the party could not field candidates in the general election, but it endorsed Awara Biokpomabo, candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).

The 2019 governorship election in Rivers went into an overdrive, that was unlike other states with similar situation. The common spanner that many are used to having in the works is the declaration of an electoral exercise as inconclusive.

Another method of preventing a smooth course of balloting was introduced in Rivers when collation of result of the March 9 election was suspended on March 10, by INEC as a result of widespread violence.

The commission initially announced a rerun for April 13, then reversed itself, deciding to resume collation of results that was suspended. It was a disreputable novelty that further cast the state in bad light.

Almost one month after, following a lot of quarreling INEC resumed the collation and gave the coveted prize to Wike. Prior to the gubernatorial election in Rivers state, Wike urged the electoral umpire not to deploy the military in the collation of the governorship and legislative election results. The governor blamed the military for the violence that erupted in Rivers during the March 9 polls that led to suspension of collation of results.

“The only way you can have peaceful election is when soldiers are not made part of it. Let the Army remove their hands from elections.

When soldiers go to the collation room, people will resist them and they will shoot the people. That was how violence came about. Was there violence at the polling units?� asked Wike who opponents also accused of invading Obio/Akpor Collation Centre where his CSO and security detail shot an army captain and other soldiers in the process.

Earlier, he demanded for the redeployment of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj Gen Jamil Sarham, over his alleged unprofessional conduct during the general elections. “Throughout my experience politically, I have never seen the Nigerian Army play the kind of role they played during the last general elections.

The Nigerian Army purely made political interferences all through.

We will show you the visuals of the roles played by the Nigerian Army. If you go to the 6 Division, unless they have moved them out, you will see ballot boxes and electoral materials.

The 6 Division served as the take-off base for electoral interference. We formally request that appropriate sanctions be meted out to the GOC of the 6 Division. It has never happened that the Army Division becomes the operational base of a political party.

This GOC became actively involved in politics. He has his own government in Rivers State. He has no respect

sordid spectacle in Rivers include Governor Nyesom Wike, Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe r 5IF NPTU TFWFSF DPOTFRVFODF PG the internal crisis within the APC was that the party could not field candidates in the general election, but it endorsed Awara Biokpomabo, candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) r4FOBUPS .BHOVT "CF QSFGFST UP hold on to one part of a torn APC in Rivers state, rather than be reconciled to Amaechi

r 5IF VOSFTPMWFE CBUUMF CFUXFFO Amaechi and Abe has benefited Wike r 5IF QPMJUJDBM MBOETDBQF PG 3JWFST changed in an intense manner when Awara received the support of the APC r5IF HPWFSOPSTIJQ FMFDUJPO JO Rivers went into an overdrive r$PMMBUJPO PG SFTVMU PG UIF .BSDI 9 election was suspended on March 10, by INEC as a result of widespread violence r5IF DPNNJTTJPO JOJUJBMMZ BOnounced a rerun for April 13, then reversed itself, deciding to resume

for civil authorities.�

Election Day After casting his vote on March 9, Wike confidently told journalists, “We’ve gotten the victory, I’m quite satisfied and I’m sure we are going to win the elections very well.�

He however warned that the collation of votes is a place that should be watched carefully after acknowledging that the electoral process was peaceful. “We are hoping that the process will continue to be like this. Sometimes the voting will go on very smoothly, it’s at the collation centre we are being very watchful,� he added.

He accused the military causing instigating fear in the people. “For now, we are satisfied and confident. We are not afraid. We don’t know how many local government areas they (the military) can manipulate, but with reports we are getting, even though they are trying to be funny, we shall win,� he said.

The Governor noted that the turnout during the election was affected by the “illegal activities� of the military. “The way the military acted discouraged people from turning up.

The role of the military is to provide security. But it is unfortunate that they participated directly. The military appears to have taken over police duties,� he added.

A day after, the governor raised an alarm on Twitter, accusing APC of trying to install a puppet.

Without begging the question, polling in any other part of Nigeria did collation of results that was suspended r4JODF XIFO UIF 4VQSFNF Court ruled that Amaechi was the rightful candidate of the PDP and therefore, Governor of Rivers State, the state has become the most talkedabout for the last decade r WPUFT XFSF SFDPSEFE GPS Wike, while Biokpomabo Awara, governorship candidate of the AAC in Rivers State garnered a distant WPUFT 5IF NBSHJO XBT WPUFT r8JLF PG UIF 1%1 XBT SF FMFDUFE BT governor of Rivers state

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MONDAY DISCOURSE

Abe

not witness the scale of apprehension and fighting of Rivers. A character who previously played a marginal role in the drama, Biokpomabo Awara, governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Rivers State, was suddenly short to the pinnacle of the spectacle and given a major role. By getting the inferred support of the APC, Awara’s hand was strengthened in the contest.

From a lame duck, he assumed the posture of a giant. The political landscape of Rivers changed in an intense manner. If there will be anything like it in the future, the Awara saga has already set a precedence. It’s true that the 2019 national elections has changed the landscape. On account of the political melodrama taking place within its boundaries, Rivers has become the most talked-about state for the last decade, from the 2007 elections in which Amaechi emerged governor after the Supreme Court ruled that he was the rightful candidate of the PDP. Since then there have been dozens of hopeful copycats, angling for the kind of judicial pronouncement that favoured Amaechi. The most optimistic, in recent times, is Senator Magnus Abe who prefers to hold on to one part of a torn APC in Rivers state, rather than be reconciled to Amaechi. The unresolved battle between Amaechi and Abe has benefited Wike, leaving many to wonder if the combined force of Amaechi and Abe could have routed Wike.

To that point, Wike has not totally stayed away from complicity, though it is difficult to trace the troubles in Rivers APC to him. On the surface, he appears to be the underdog, threatened by the fabled ‘federal might’. “They have begun a war.

They want to install a puppet but, it can’t stand. The will of the people of Rivers State cannot be subverted.

After emerging victorious, Wike again pledged support to the state, saying, “We will continue to execute projects that will touch the lives of the less privileged.�

On his declaration as the winner of the rerun election, Wike turned a new leaf, extending a handshake to his opponents while dedicating the victory to Rivers People. “I want to thank the people of Rivers State for showing the kind of love we have never seen before. I thank them for showing the kind of support we have never seen before. He thanked PDP members for their show of courage, despite intimidation by security operatives who illegally wanted to change the will of Rivers people.�

Displeasure with INEC Close to the election, Wike and those close to him spared no chance in characterisation of INEC as inept and corrupt, telling those who cared to listen that the commission does not

Cole

have the capacity to conduct credible elections. Welcoming the German Ambassador to Nigeria. Dr. Bernhard Shlagheck, to Government House in Port Harcourt, the governor said, “INEC does not have the capacity to hold free and fair elections. He pointed out that due to the failure of the APC, the party was planning to use INEC and security agencies to create crisis and manipulate the electoral system.�

At every turn, the Rivers Governor was quick to state his frustrations with INEC, though some of his allegations were personal and may have been targeted at creating alarming consequences in the state. For instance, few days before the scheduled ballot was postponed by one week, Wike accused Amaechi, of plotting to bomb INEC offices, destroy voting materials at registration area centres and disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections in the state. Wike explained that Amaechi was purportedly in liaison with some military and police officers, planning to carry out the attack on INEC offices. In another instance, Wike alleged that the APC was planning to kidnap the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the state. He said it was part of a plot to ensure that the governorship election on March 9 was postponed. Such wild allegations are frequently issued by Wike, who never bothers to substantiate his bogus claims.

Caught in the crossfire between Wike and Amaechi, INEC and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu are bashed on all sides by the gladiators in the Rivers debacle. Denying the charge by Wike, Amaechi said he had never hired militants or thugs for any reason since he joined politics 33 years ago, challenging any politician to show evidence that he had ever been involved in hiring thugs to cause destruction.

The minister alleged Yakubu, was interested in ensuring that Wike got a second term in office as governor of Rivers State. Amaechi pointed out that Yakubu was the Executive Secretary of TETFUND when Wike was the Minister of State for Education.

He said, “INEC is always working for the PDP. For an example, there is a stay of execution granted by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, just because the INEC chairman was a director of TETFUND when Wike was the minister, he has refused to implement the judgment.�

The APC in Rivers State also made a sport of lashing out at INEC, saying it was determined to rig governorship election in the state in favour of Nyesom Wike.

Chris Finebone, the party’s publicity secretary, said, “To the APC, INEC is up to some mischief clearly pointing to a clear determination to rig the overall result of the March

Awara

9 elections in favour of Gov. Wike and the PDP.� “The signs are visible enough to the blind and loud enough to the deaf.

All the shenanigans so far exhibited

by INEC only go to confirm that fear. INEC has not shown sufficient good faith in the way it brought the collation to an abrupt stop without cogent, verifiable and convincing reasons. Secondly, INEC curiously announced that it has dropped four LGA Collation Officers confirmed to be PDP card-carrying members without the umpire clearing the air about the status of the LGA results the four ad hoc personnel supposedly collated.�

Finebone said several actions of INEC had prepared the minds of many that the entire exercise was skewed to favour Wike and the PDP leaving in the process, several questions without answers. “For example, where and under whose custody were the result sheets and other sensitive materials involved in the collation process kept since they were not returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria for safe-keeping? How come Wike knew about the 17 LGAs whose results had been allegedly collated and had posted same on his official Twitter handle long before INEC made the announcement? Answers to these and other questions will continue to hang on their neck like an albatross,�

Finebone said.

As should be expected, the AAC openly accused INEC of conniving with Wike to manipulate results from the governorship election in Rivers state. Felix Enimini William, AAC’s publicity secretary in the state, said, “We suspect that INEC might be working to surreptitiously bring in cooked up results credited to Obio/ Akpor to skew the balance of reality of things in favour of Wike.� “It is now clear to all that INEC has become deaf and blind to the fact that Gov. Nyesom Wike invaded the Obio/Akpor collation centre and ordered his security men to shoot an Army Captain and another soldier providing perimeter security to the collation centre. The Captain and his colleague are still in hospital after undergoing serious surgery.�

The party asked the commission to declare Biokpomabo Awara, AAC governorship candidate in the election, the winner.

William added that it was glaring that their candidate was winning until INEC stepped in to halt the process to save Wike from defeat. “Finally, those (including Gov. Wike) who make the argument that our party and candidate are not popular enough to win the Rivers State governorship election are simply being clever by half. Can the governor and his ilk also say that APC that threw its weight behind us, for obvious reasons, are not popular and

on ground in Rivers State?� he said.

Sweet Victory for Wike?

When results of the four outstanding local governments were announced, 886,264 votes were recorded for Wike, while Biokpomabo Awara, governorship candidate of the AAC in Rivers State garnered a distant 175,859 votes. The margin was 712,405 votes. Speaking with journalists in the state, Awara said INEC connived with Wike to rig him out of winning the election. He stressed that his party will reclaim the “stolen mandate.� He alleged gross irregularities in the resumed collation of the state governorship election result that saw Wike of the PDP re-elected as governor of the state.

Awara said, “I have the unit by unit results of the March 9, 2019 elections in Rivers State. When they observed that I was leading and they saw the danger coming, they quickly moved on March 10 to save Wike, by suspending the collation of the results, which they resumed on April 1. As at the time the collation was suspended, I had 281,000 votes, as against Wike’s 79,000 votes. So, they (INEC officials) quickly came to his rescue. We have written a petition on the electoral fraud in Rivers State to the INEC chairman, stating the actual results, but Professor Yakubu will not take action. I want Rivers people to be calm. We are going to reclaim the stolen mandate. We should not be troubled and we should never opt for violence.�

However, the PDP described Wike’s victory at the Rivers State Governorship election as a victory for the people of the state and the “triumph of good over evil.� PDP said the victory enforced the confidence of the people’s resoluteness to hold on to democracy and to defend their choice of leaders, despite the alleged desperation of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Spokesperson for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Wike’s record of “700,000 votes margin of victory over the combined anti-people forces of the APC and the AAC and compromised security agencies speaks volume of the resilience of the people of Rivers State in the face of intimidation, harassment and manipulations by oppressive forces.�

Interestingly, Wike who previously condemned INEC started to express confidence in the process despite suspension of collation of results. The governor attributed his optimism to the love he said the people of the state have for the PDP. Wike said, “I know that PDP won the elections squarely. We believe in peace. Therefore, Rivers people should remain calm. In the end, it will be a sweet victory. The will of Rivers people will prevail.�

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FEATURES

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

Obangame Express: Protecting the Gulf of Guinea Chiemelie Ezeobi and Mary Ovie write that the 2019 Operation Obangame Express, an international maritime interdiction exercise comprising 20 African nations and 11 foreign allied countries, may have come and gone, but the lessons learnt are inherent for the protection of the Gulf of Guinea waters

L

ying across 19 coastal and island states, the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) coastline, which stretches from the waters off Senegal to the south of Angola, is a treasure trove of rich resources. Comprising 26 countries grouped into two Regional Economic Communities (RECs), namely Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS, 11 states with the return of Rwanda) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS; 15 states), the GoG countries’ total population is about 472 million, with 160 and 310 million inhabitants for ECCAS and ECOWAS, respectively.

Covering a surface area of 11,755,258 square kilometers, including a coastline of over 6000 kilometres from Senegal to Angola, the GoG countries have an estimated 24 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, that is five per cent of global reserves; five million barrels of crude oil per day; 40 per cent of Europe’s petroleum consumption, and 29 per cent of US petroleum consumption.

The GoG is also the primary conduit of international trade and is central to the economy of the associated regions. It is increasingly looked upon today as resource provider and critical contributor to national growth and prosperity of the several nations lining its coasts and even those landward and with no shared boundaries.

However, despite its inherent potentials, the GoG currently faces one of the world’s most severe maritime security challenges, which includes terrorism, resource theft, and sabotage of supporting infrastructure, piracy and sea robbery, crude oil theft, Ilegal, Irregular and Unregulated Fishing (IIUF), human trafficking, narcotics, arms and smuggling.

Recently, in a bid to find lasting solutions to the myriad challenges bedevilling the GoG, 31 nations recently gathered at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, for the 2019 Operation Obangame Express.

Obangame Express Now in its ninth year, Obangame, a Fang language of southern Cameroon, which means "togetherness�, is an annual multinational maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among the participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The 2019 Operation Obangame Express witnessed the participation of five zones; Zone A which comprises Congo and Gabon, Zone D which comprises Cameroon, Zone E which comprises Nigeria, Benin Republic, Niger and Togo, Zone F which comprises Ghana and Zone G which comprises Morocco.

The 12-days exercise, which was hosted by the Nigerian Navy (NN) is in its ninth run. This year, the NN hosted 20 African navies and 11 allied nations.

Hosted by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibas, eight Nigerian Navy Ships including two offshore patrol vessels; NNS Centenary and NNS Unity, two helicopters, one ship each from US, Portugal and Morocco participated in the Lagos area.

As usual, the exercise was aimed at assessing and improving the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) law enforcement capacity, promoting national and regional security, improving knowledge of African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership (AMLEP) planning and operations, and shaping security forces assistance efforts.

However, the overall objectives are often to excercise each of the participating countries capabilities in Maritime Domain Awareness and Maritime Interdiction Operations. Sponsored by the US Naval Force Africa (US NAVAF), Operation Obangame Express is an annual multi-phased exercise which promotes the importance of regional cooperation between all the navies in the GoG. It is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information sharing and enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinean and West African nations to counter illegalities in the maritime domain.

Specifically, the exercise objectives include to demonstrate and evaluate maritime operation centres interoperability across the region and

The Chief of Naval Sta, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (middle) anked by senior oďŹƒcers, US naval personnel and others at the opening ceremony demonstrate and evaluate tactical maritime interdiction operations capability. Also to demonstrate and evaluate operational capability to respond to maritime events, prevent and counter maritime threats; demonstrate power projection and the ability to effectively operate as a multinational force under a regional control authority; demonstrate and evaluate maritime operations Centre operability with tactical units and evaluate and acess Africa Partnership Station (APS) training effects.â€?

Hosted by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Obangame Express is also part of a comprehensive strategy

by U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to provide collaborative opportunities among African forces and international partners that address maritime security concerns.

Participating Countries, Organisations This year, the NN hosted 20 African navies and 11 allied nations. Among the African nations are; Angola, Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, Guinea, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Republic of Congo, Ghana, Gambia, Morocco, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, São TomÊ and Principe, South Africa and Carbo Verde.

The 11 allied nations are United States of America, United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark, Netherlands, France, Germany, Portugal, Danish, Canada, Belgium, and Brazil.

The regional organisations that participated were CRESMAC, CRESMAO, ICC YAOUNDÉ, MMCC Zone A, MMCC Zone D, MMCC Zone E, MMCC Zone F and MMCC Zone G.

Participating Federal Agencies The various federal agencies of Nigeria that participated were the Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police, INTERPOL, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Opening Ceremony At the opening ceremony, all participating nations converged on Nigerian Navy Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos. At the opening ceremony were senior leaders from the U.S. Africa Command and the NN representatives of maritime forces from the Gulf of Guinea, Europe, North and South America, as well as regional and international organisations.

According to Ibas, the region was frequently being challenged by multifaceted and evolving maritime threats leading to unpredictable threat-levels and deepening conditions inimical to peace and security. Of particular concern, he said, was the realisation that many of the threats posed great danger to effective exploitation of the maritime environment and increasingly manifest as transnational and cross-border crimes, hence, the need for a united response by regional navies and coastguards.

He said: "This esteemed assembly is no doubt fully abreast of the gains of the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) 2050 and the YaoundĂŠ Code of Conduct of 2013, which have facilitated capacity building within a defined architecture for regional maritime security Operations. These instruments have also emplaced standards for inter-regional co-operation based on law enforcement at sea, information sharing and training, further enhancing multilateral collaboration in the GoG. “This is the spirit that birthed the OBANGAME Express as a tool for enhancing the collective capabilities of GoG countries to counter sea-based illicit activities by improving regional cooperation.â€?

Delivering the welcome remarks, United States Consul General, John Bray noted that ObangameExpress has grown in leaps and bounds, both in complexity and in accomplishment.

He said: “We note the efforts by regional navies to work together in the spirit of the YaoundĂŠ Code of Conduct which is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.â€?

As part of the events to open the 2019 Obangame Express, Bray and Ibas commissioned the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Training School in Apapa. The training school was built by the Nigerian Navy and equipped by the United States Navy. “The Maritime Domain Awareness Training School in Apapa is one of the most evident examples of our enduring partnership. This school will be a regional center of excellence in the area of maritime domain awareness where neighboring countries will be trained,� Bray added.

In her remarks, Director, Directorate of Intelligence, U.S. Africa Command, Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, lauded the commitment of the 33 nations scheduled to participate in this year’s exercise.

According to her, illicit maritime activities such as illegal fishing, trafficking of weapons, narcotics and people, as well as the ongoing threat of piracy,

undermine the rule of law, food security, and economic development in the region. “This exercise is a clear demonstration of the United States’ dedication to combat these illicit activities and help our partners in the Gulf of Guinea to provide security for their resources, their economy, and their people. ObangameExpress 2019 will make the region a safe place for maritime commerce and ultimately help increase prosperity of the region,� Berg said.

Leadership Symposium In between the maritime exercise was the three-day Senior Leadership Symposium (SLS), a global gathering in all ramifications. Held between March 19 to 21, the symposium elicited discussions geared toward finding solutions to common maritime security challenges by heads of navies and coastguards across the GoG, as well as international partners.

In essence, the aim of the symposium was for all participating navies to rub minds together and decipher a lasting solution to maritime crimes such as sea robbery, piracy, crude oil theft, Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, human and illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs among others, which constitute serious challenges to the development of all countries in their respective regions.

On Tuesday, Vice Admiral Ibas, gave the keynote address, while Dean Mangold of the NWC made the opening remarks and Rear Admiral Nancy Lacore of NAVAF handled the introductions.

Thereafter, Rear Admiral Saunes of the NWC gave a presentation on ‘Navy, Coast Guard, whole of government relationships’, while Prof. Hensler of the NWC have a presentation on ‘Find, fix and finish threats in the maritime domain’, while Captain Brew, JAGC of (CJTF-HOA) and Ms. Ward (DILLS) and Mr. Serina of UNODC sat on the panel to discuss ‘Establishing maritime legal frameworks and maritime governance’.

Another panel on ‘Naval forces and interagency integration’ saw Captain Schoonover (MOTR, USCG); Commander Atonfack, who is the Cameroonian Minister of Defence; Mr. Bamele (CDI-SEPCIM) and Commodore Mougilim of the Nigerian Navy, deliberate at length. Finally, Ms. Moss of the Maritime Intel Fusion Centre Atlantic did a presentation on ‘Data fusion cell’.

On Wednesday, handling the panel on ‘Regional threat assessment’ were Dr. Bell of Stable Seas; Mr. Sernia of UNODC and Ms. Kirillas of Interpol.

The next panel was on ‘commercial shipping operations in the GoG and this was handled by Mr. Large of BIMCO; Mr. Gibson of Shell-OCIMF; Captain Escarras and Lieutenant Commander

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FEATURES Parsonage of MDAT-GOG. Also treated was ‘Maritime security policy update in the GoG region’ by Captain Bell Bell of ICC/ ICC, while ‘Operationalising the YaoundĂŠ Code of Conduct (YCC)’ was presented by Sr. Captain Konan of CRESMAO and Captain Midianzou of CRESMAC. ‘Execution of combined maritime operations under the YCC’ was handled by Captain Founkoua of Zone D, Commodore Gaya of Zone E, Minister Duarte of Zone G, Vice Admiral Ferreira of Angola Navy and Rear Admiral Mendoua of Cameroon Navy and Commodore Bankole of the NN, who sat on the panel. Finally, war games preparation was handled in a presentation

by Prof Landsman of NWC. On Thursday, which was the final day, theObangame Express update started the event before the War game execution on ‘Integrating the YCC into the operational context’ was handled by Prof Landsman, Lieutenant Colonel Fitzpatrick of USMC and, Mr. Johnson of NWC. After this was the post war games assessment, also handled by the aforementioned trio. It was wrapped by up SLS review and positing a way forward.

Exercises at Sea While at sea, the participating platforms conducted exercises like counter illicit trafficking, search and rescue, counter-piracy, energy security, as at-sea ship boarding and queries, air operations, communication drills, regional information sharing and anti-illegal fishing, as well as advanced medical training. Also, exercises featured were tactical manoeuvring, vessel boarding search and seizure (VBSS).

Before the sea exercise began proper, the flag off was done by Rear Admiral F.O Isaac, Chief, who reiterated the core values of the exercise as; improving and promoting security of the GoG. At sea, the Official In Tactical Command(OTC), Commodore Dike Ikechukwu, who noted that the exercise was planned to kick against antipiracy and bunkering amongst other maritime crimes, said the role of the participating ships are encapsulated in the NN total spectrum of maritime strategy.

Day two of the sea trip, exercises like anti-arms smuggling and anti-narcotics held, as well as Gun Exercises (GUNNEX). The anti-arms and narcotics smuggling began at exactly 10am. The simulation saw the Portuguese ship interrogate NNS Centenary. What played out was that NNS Centenary had wrongly declared that they were only carrying spare parts, only for them to find drugs(cocaine)onboard, which led to arrest of the captain and five crew members.

The second exercise started at exactly 14:35pm, which involved six ships including two vessels from NN, and one respectively from Portuguese, Cameroon, Morrocco and US. The contingent carried out battle formations before the exercise proper.

On day three, the simulation of illegal drugs and fishing happened. After the illegal vessel was arrested, they were interrogated, arrested then handed over to the immigration, further persecution.

Afterwards, a search and rescue operation was carried out during the simulation of a hijacked vessel. Day four saw the repitition it search and rescue operation. However, helicopter landing and medical evaluation also took place.

In the course of the sea trip, Lieutenant Commander, Ayo Pacheco, while speaking with the press, said the exercises brought out their operational capabilities, thus ensuring that they have improved in all aspects. He further stated that this year's edition was one of the best because of the level of cooperation in their tactics, especially during the search and resuce simulation.

Afterwards, the Commanding Officer, NNS Centenary, Captain Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, in an interview with Defence correspondents said Operation Obangame has brought together nations of the GoG and other foreign partners, adding that the operation has helped in distributing flow of information from one region to the other.

Meanwhile, Western Naval Command Fleet Commander, Commodore Dickson Olisemelogor, said they achieved their expectations during the sea trip. The commodore, who also doubled as the Tactical Commander for Zone E, said they have achieved a lot in terms of human capacity development e.g patrol and conducting activites.

Closing Ceremony At the closing ceremony, which was held at the naval dockyard, the Defence Minister, Mansur Dan-Ali noted that maritime illegalities constituted serious challenges to the development of the countries in the region. Dan-Ali who was represented by Director Navy, Ministry of Defence, Patrick Ekawu said these illegalities had evolved

The ag-o of the 2019 Operation Obangame Express

The closing ceremony, which marked the end of the exercise beyond the scope and capability of individual nations to tackle, hence the need for joint effort.

He said: “I am further honoured by the participation of navies and coast guards across and outside Africa which evolves the essence of collaborative commitment towards s determined regional effort at forging a common approach to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea Region. “The scourge of various forms of illegalities such as sea robbery, piracy, crude oil theft, poaching human and illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs among others constitute serious challenges to the development of the countries in our region. One commonality amongst these maritime threats is that they have become transnational and have evolved beyond the scope and capability of one nation to combat. For must of the Gulf of Guinea Navies and Coast Guards therefore, one of the major implications of the emerging security equation is the increasing demand for maritime policing functions. Regrettably in the past decade, a huge capability gap has emerged amongst Gulf of Guinea Navies and Coast Guards, the efficient discharge of these roles. “ The situation increasingly gained rise to the need for greater international collaboration as well as interagency cooperation across various national capabilities and policy levels. It is against this background that Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS has remained relevant in developing the capabilities the various navies and coast guards in the Gulf of Guinea to combat maritime security challenges within their maritime domain, collaboration with international partners, relevant maritime security agencies and organisations. “Let me at this juncture specially commend the navies of the Kingdom of Morocco, Portugal, the United States and other regional navies that have dispatched warships and personnel to participate the sea exercise, which involves multiple simulated maritime three scenarios and responses. I also commend our US partners for the initiative to bring heads of navies and coast guards from nation within the Gulf of Guinea and beyond together for the Senior Leadership Seminar, which enabled us to share experiences that would provide veritable platform to collectively proffer practical and sustainable solutions that will address the myriad of maritime security challenges in the

region. These efforts would hopefully translate into a safe, secure and enabling maritime environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive in the Gulf of Guinea. “Furthermore, I wish to acknowledge other initiatives of our partners towards encouraging and bolstering regional cooperation and collaboration in practical terms and on sustainable basis. These include the sustainment of the Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS series since 2010, establishment of the Regional Maritime Domain Awareness facilities in coastal states across the Gulf of Guinea and commissioning of the Regional Maritime Domain Awareness Training School at Apapa during the Opening Ceremony of this exercise just over a week ago. “These are powerful testimonies to the dogged commitment of the US Government to enhancing maritime security across the world. In particular, these efforts have greatly facilitated the integration of organic national capabilities of nave and coast guards aimed at achieving holistic and sustainable maritime security regime in the Gulf of Guinea. “Finally, permit me to reiterate that the magnitude of most maritime threats and their inter-connectedness, coupled with the fact that they provide such a diversity of impact s demand that we keep coming together to fashion collaborative framed responses. I make bold to state that no single Navy or Coast Guard can go it alone.

It is therefore hoped that the lessons form this exercise would be developed into collaborative action plans to support strategic level initiatives to enhance our collective preparedness to meet emerging future maritime challenges in the every changing strategic security environment.�

Earlier, the CNS, Vice Admiral Ibas, said given that the set objectives at the beginning of the operation were about working out each participating country's capabilities in maritime domain awareness, implementation of regional maritime agreements and interoperability of African, European, Atlantic, and US militaries and agencies towards improving maritime safety and security in the GoG, then the exercise was a huge success.

He said: “This conclusion is not without a basis. Pursuant to the objectives, the exercise showcased the use and importance of com-

munication among the nations in the respective maritime zones, especially in areas of maritime interdiction operations. It also created a platform for the NN to practice the operationalization of the Harmonised Standard Operation Procedures for arrest, detention andprosecution of criminal vessel in our waters. “The exercise of the task elements in anti piracy, hostage rescue operations and tactical fleet manoeuvres in particular are most rewarding.

Furthermore, I recognise among the several other highpoints the valuable practice of the Special Forces in VBSS operations, and insertion/extraction of troops, evidence collection from crime scenes in conjunction with the MDAs in furtherance of law enforcement and the staging of mock MEDEVAC. In all of these, the NN is humbled by the enthusiasm of the participating navies from GoG States, albeit at other simultaneous theatres of the exercise and other allied navies of the US, Portugal and Morocco towards addressing prevalent threats in Nigeria maritime domain and in GoG as a whole. “The prospects of greater integration of the established maritime security mechanism covering ECCAS 4 zones (A-D) and ECOWAS zones E, F and G as a structure to support security in the GoG has pleasantly been raised both from the understanding secured from the complimentary Senior Leadership Symposium and in the combined exercise.

We can by this achievement look forward to a greatly enhanced mutual support operations at sea.�

Hinting on the successes of the navy across board, Ibas further revealed that within the past three years, over 80 errant vessels have been arrested for various acts of illegality. “MT TECNE and MT NIPAL were caught in the act stealing crude oil loading facilities in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Suffice to state that the NN arrested a total of 30 vessels in 2018 for involvement in various forms of illegality in the nation's maritime domain.

This indicates on the face value a downward trend when compared with 37 and 45 arrests recorded in 2016 and 2017 respectively. These arrests have served as deterrence and helped to support the huge national dependence on the maritime economy.�

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ 2019

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T

REPO 16.14% 15.29%

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

13% 13.25% ͯ͹˛͜͜Ϲ

A P R I L 5 , S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

2 0 1 9 S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE

͹͜Ͳ˛͡ͰϹ 0.04% -0.43%

YEAR TO DATE

-0.43% ;˛͜͹%

EXCHANGE RATE N307/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes LSETF Gets Acting Executive Secretary

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has appointed Mrs. Teju Abisoye as the Acting Executive Secretary (ES) of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) with eect from April 1st, 2019, pending conďŹ rmation by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Prior to this appointment, Mrs. Abisoye was Director of Programmes and Coordination at the LSETF. In this role, she was responsible for the delivery of targeted programmes designed to enable access to ďŹ nance and ďŹ nancial inclusion for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); as well as enable skills development and other structured interventions to boost job and wealth creation in Lagos State.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chairman of the LSETF, Mrs. Ifueko M. Omoigui Okauru said: “We are pleased to have Teju assume the role of the Executive Secretary of the Fund. “Teju brings to this role her superior understanding of the vision, core values and strategies of the LSETF as she has been at the forefront of coordinatingthedeliveryoftheFund’sprogrammes.“Shehasdemonstrated exemplary leadership, deep knowledge of the interventions needed to tackle unemployment and is very passionate about gender parity.�

Alsocommenting,Abisoyeexpressedhercommitmenttoachievingthe Fund’s mandate of job creation and tackling unemployment in the state. “I am grateful to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the conďŹ dence reposed in me to serve in this role and to direct the aairs of the Trust Fund. I am very grateful to my predecessor and the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Akin Oyebode for his exemplary leadership and laying the foundation for me to build on. I look forward to leading the team and strengthening the impact of our work in the State.â€?

Agric Ministry Honours Retirees

BDAN CONFERENCE

L-R: Former Deputy Governor of Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tunde Lemo; Chief Strategy Officer & Cyber Risk Services Leader, Deloitte West Africa, Tope Aladenusi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Digital Jewels Limited, Adedoyin Odunfa; Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ernest Ebi and President, Governing Council of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN), Osaretin Demuren, at the 2019 BDAN conference held in Lagos‌recently

Survey:Only9%ofNigeriansHave HealthInsuranceCover Ebere Nwoji Despite efforts by federal and state governments to ensure that Nigerians embrace health insurance scheme, only nine percent of the country’s population have subscribed to the scheme, a survey has shown.

As many as 89 per cent of Nigerians pay for their health care services out-of - pockets, a situation which is against the purpose of the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS), which primarily targets securing universal health coverage and access to adequate and affordable health care, in order to improve the health status of Nigerians.

This was disclosed in a survey by the NOIPolls, an opinion research developer.

The report stated that a sub-

INSURANCE stantial proportion of Nigerians (78 per cent) who were not under any insurance policy expressed willingness to pay a small amount of money monthly/yearly to get enrolled for health coverage.

The poll showed that most Nigerians, about 63 per cent make use of health care facilities provided by government mainly government owned hospitals (primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities), while about 39 per cent make use of facilities from private hospitals, 17 per cent get their services from pharmacy/chemist stores and 13 per cent rely on self-medicate amongst others.

According to the report, on payment of their healthcare

services, 82 per cent of Nigerians said they pay, “out of their pocket,� and this cuts across gender, geo-political zones and age groups. “Further analysis indicated that a total of 89 per cent actually pay out of pocket, since seven per cent of respondents said they received support from friends and family, which can also be categorised as out of pocket expenses. “This was followed in a far distance by only nine per cent of the respondents who claimed that they access health care services using their health insurance scheme. “This finding clearly highlights the low penetration of health insurance amongst the populace, which urgently needs to be bridged in order to achieve

universal health coverage. “Subsequently, poll also ascertained the willingness of Nigerians who pay out of pocket to pay a small amount of money monthly or yearly (premium) in order to access healthcare services when they need it, especially in time of emergency. “In response, 78 per cent of the respondents expressed their willingness to pay a small amount to get enrolled into the health insurance scheme. “Interestingly, during the course of the poll, some respondents made on the spot inquiries on how to enrol on a health insurance scheme. These findings clearly demonstrate the critical need for sensitisation and awareness campaigns to mobilise Continued on page 24

Shareholders Oppose National Housing Bill, Urge Buhari to withhold Assent Goddy Egene Shareholders under the aegis of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, not assent to the National Housing Fund (Establishment) Bill 2018 passed by the National Assembly on February 18, 2019, saying it is against the masses.

The appeal was contained in a letter to President Buhari and a copy, which was exclusively obtained by THISDAY. The letter was signed by the National

CAPITAL MARKET Coordinator Emeritus(ISAN), Sunny Nwosu; National Coordinator, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi and General Secretary, Mr. C.A.C Opara.

According to them, the appeal was made on behalf of members of ISAN, including the numerous retail investors in the Nigerian capital market that the association represents. “We also make this appeal on behalf of the ‘Common Man’ whose livelihood would be sig-

nificantly and adversely affected by the National Housing Fund (Establishment) Bill 2018 passed by the National Assembly on February 18, 2019 and currently awaiting presidential assent,� they said.

The shareholders said the bill rightly seeks sustainable means of funding the development of the housing sector in Nigeria and introduced a levy of 2.5 per cent ex-factory price on each locally produced or imported 50 Kg bag of cement for this purpose. “Currently, the retail price of a

50 Kg bag of cement in Nigeria ranges from N2,550 to N3,000 depending on the brand, quality, location, availability and other factors. This price range takes home ownership beyond the reach of most Nigerians and ranks arguably, all told, as one of the highest in the world. “Unfortunately, though well intentioned, the levy would only further drive up prices to no one’s benefit,� they said.

The shareholders added that it was inevitable, considering Continued on page 24

As a demonstration of respect and gratitude for their uninching work diligence , the Department of Rural Development, under the Ministry of Agriculture, recently honored some retired members of the department.

The event which was tagged “A Night of Honor for the Retirees,â€? was held at the Hotel the Bentley in Abuja.The attendance by top government functionaries, captain of industries and special guests was a testimony of the importance of the occasion and strong sense of purpose of the Rural Development Department Some of the retired oďŹƒcers of the Department of Rural development that were honored with plaques, gifts and certiďŹ cate of appreciation included Friday Achibong, Mrs Joy Ekurukwe, Mr Agbaji Oguguo, Ojike Oji,Mr Chibok Yakubu, Okafor Emeke and engr Akeja Mudashiru Speaking before the award presentation to the retired oďŹƒcers, the Director of the Rural Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, Engr. Daniel Udo expressed gratitude to all the team. “Employeesarekeyplayersinthesuccessofanybusinessororganisation.

If your employees are eective and performing, they are productive.

We all know that productivity leads to overall growth.�

Responding, one of the retired oďŹƒcers Apeju Mudashiru who spoke on behalf of his retired colleagues expressed gratitude and admitted that they never expected such a colourful ceremony, awards and gifts “We are indeed totally short of words over this honour given to us by the Rural Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, which has in no small way made us feel very responsible and joyful that all our years spent with the Rural Development of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Firm Oers Discounted Medical Consultation

Newlylaunchedtelemedicineaudiovisualmobileapplication,SeekMed, is hoping to improve early customer experience with the announcement of a discounted consultation which will run for a limited period of time.

Following a successful launch and quick adoption of the mobile application by a majority of early users, the mobile App creators have decided to give a 50 per cent discount to users who book an appointment on or before April 5, 2019. This move, which has been widely applauded, is aimed at increasing the growing adoption of the App and its user base.

SeekMedFounder,MrAlokAwasthi,speakingonthisnewdevelopment said: “We have some of the top-ranked doctors in India – one of the world’s most popular medical tourist centre – and we decided to discount fees to allow more patients to beneďŹ t from our platform.â€?

SeekMed App launched to wide acclaim using the #Healinginaphone social media campaign and has already been endorsed by few celebrities since its inception; one of such is OAP, Yaw.

“As Nigeria celebrated being the largest economy in Africa and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Nigerians were migrating in droves through harsh desert conditions and across treacherous seas to seek what they believe would be a better life in Europe. I strongly believe that the lack of social and economic inclusion was the root cause of many challenges we are experiencing

President Muhammadu Buhari

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ 2019

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BUSINESSWORLD SURVEY: ONLY 9% OF NIGERIANS HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE COVER

the citizenry on the need and benefits of health insurance,� the report stated.

The report noted that it was gratifying that at least 10 states have signed health insurance laws to help in achieving equitable and sustainable health financing mechanism.

It therefore recommended that functional state health insurance schemes would help increase the pool of individuals with health insurance, thereby driving down premium.

Finally, it noted that while it was critical for governments to re-evaluate budgetary allocation to the health sector; it is also stressed that it was important for stakeholders to consider more sustainable ways to finance the sector through health insurance, and to mobilise the public to increase the pool of funds available for investment into the sector.

SHAREHOLDERS OPPOSE NATIONAL HOUSING BILL, URGE BUHARI TO WITHHOLD ASSENT the low level of income of most Nigerians, that though in principle all Nigerians are entitled to do so, only a few contributors would in reality benefit from the Housing Fund to be financed by all. “The predominant role of the Housing Fund to a teeming majority would be to serve as a pension fund whereby they withdraw their contributions after attaining the age of 60 years or 35 years of service. At an interest rate of two per cent per annum in our current economic environment, which has an inflation rate slightly above 11 per cent per annum, the aggregate value of the contributions and interest at the date of withdrawal, in real terms, would be negative. “What then is the benefit of the Housing Fund to low income earners?,� they queried.

The shareholders explained that one of the stated aims and objectives of the National Housing Fund was to provide incentives for the capital market to invest in property development.

NEWS

FSDH Urges FG to Increase VAT Compliance Obinna Chima Analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited have said the federal government can earn more revenue from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in Nigeria by developing strategies to increase household consumption and increase VAT compliance.

The firm stated this in its latest monthly economic report.

According to the FSDH, consumption data and revenue from VAT in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) showed that the ratio of VAT revenue to household consumption averaged 1.07 per cent between 2014 and 2018, with the highest of 1.15 per cent recorded in 2014.

This, it stated was significantly lower than the actual VAT rate of five per cent.

Speaking further on the report, the Head of Research at FSDH Merchant Bank, Ayodele Akinwunmi, pointed out that it was important to note that some household consumption items are exempted from VAT. Therefore, the ratio of VAT revenue to household that government may not necessarily be equal to the VAT rate of five per cent.

The products and services exempted from VAT include all medical and pharmaceutical products and services, basic food items, baby products, books and educational materials and all exported products and services “However, FSDH Research believes government can raise the ratio to 2.5 per cent with appropriate measures in place,�

Akinwunmi explained.

He, however, said low VAT revenue could be linked to the large informal sector in Nigeria whose VAT is difficult to capture;

non-remittance of VAT collected by certain collection agents and weak consumption in Nigeria “If the consumption grows and the ratio of VAT revenue to GDP increases to 2.5 per cent from 2019 through 2023, government may be able raise VAT revenue from N1.09 trillion in 2018 to N3.47 trillion in 2023,� he added.

Speaking further, he suggested that measures such as leverage existing associations/ ecosystems in the informal sector to encourage and aid in VAT collection and remittance to government; continue to work with the deferent operators in the financial industry to increase financial inclusion and reduce

informal sector of the economy; enforcement of appropriate sanctions on any agent who defaults in VAT collections and remittances; organise sensitization programs for collections agents to educate them on their roles in VAT collections and remittances and deploying technology to capture VAT payers and give them incentives at the end of a fiscal year, should be adopted to enhance tax revenue in the country.

Others include the deployment of technology to capture the collection agents and to give them collection incentives at the end of the fiscal year. “The efforts to increase VAT compliance and block leakages

may increase VAT revenue by N8.25 trillion between 2019 and 2023 without increasing the VAT tax rate from five per cent. “In addition, FSDH Research recommends the sale of government assets that are not currently profitable and are draining government’s meagre resources.

This will generate income for the government in the shortterm and save income for the government in the medium to long-term,� the firm stated in the report.

Commenting on the recent decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 13.5 per cent, from 14 per cent, he noted that there are limitations

to the use of monetary policy alone to stimulate economic growth “As a result, there are a number of complementary fiscal measures that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) needs to implement to ensure that Nigeria achieves the desired goal of inclusive growth “These measures relate to the provision of a more conducive business environment in order to attract investments, both domestic and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) “It will also require government to spend money in some critical sectors of the economy to stimulate household consumption to drive economic growth.

BUSINESS LUNCH

L-R: Second Vice President, Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN), Mr. Kayode Akinkugbe; Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Mary Uduk; President, AIHN, Mr. Chuka Eseka, and First Vice President, Mr. Ike Chioke, during the association’s first bi-annual business lunch held in Lagos‌recently

IBEDC Explains Why Power Can’t Be Restored to Ilesha Peter Uzoho The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has stated that due to the extensive damage done to the company’s distribution network infrastructure at the Oke-Omiru injection sub-station and the accompanying district facilities by suspected hoodlums, power cannot be restored to Ilesha for now.

Last month, some irate youth said to be customers of the company in Ilesha community, Osun State, were reported to have damaged the disco’s distribution infrastructure at the aforementioned sub-station during

a protest against failure of the IBEDC to provide electricity in the community, coupled with the ‘crazy bill’ served on them.

However, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Mr. John Donnachie, while speaking in Lagos at the weekend, said about N240 million would be required to revamp the infrastructure to restore power to the community.

Donnachie, however, said the company has restored power supply to the neighbouring towns whose infrastructure were not affected. “IBEDC as a business is currently operating at a great

loss; moreover, the Ilesha community is indebted to the company at a huge sum of N3.7 billion. In consideration of the extensive damage done to IBEDC distribution network infrastructure, specifically the Oke-Omiru injection substation and the accompanying district facilities, an approximate sum of N240 million will be required to revamp and rehabilitate the infrastructure,� he said.

Donnachie said further: “When a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons like guns, machetes and other sharp objects from Bolorunduro and Olomilagbala communities under

Isare Service center, swooped on our office infrastructures, they shot sporadically into the air to create panic and chaos while their operation lasted. “They forcefully gained entrance into the cash office, carted away money from our cash collections and took away mobile phones of some of our staff. The same group attacked our office at Oke -Omiru. The staff around scampered for safety, then the Business Hub Manager who tried to intervene was slapped severally before he was rescued to his office by a youth leader. “The hoodlums further proceeded to our Isokun Service

unit and wounded some of our staff whilst some properties in the various offices were destroyed and monies carted away.�

He noted that the company could not comprehend the cogent reasons behind the spate of orchestrated attacks, robberies and assaults on its staff and infrastructure.

The IBEDC boss maintained that as a responsible corporate citizen, the disco’s senior officers with some officers from the Police, the DSS and NSCDC paid a visit to the palace of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesha land to intimate him of these incidents.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Migration Should Be Out of Aspiration, Not Desperation, Says EU

Capital Market Editor

Chinedu Eze

Goddy Egene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor ((Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

The European Union (EU) has said with improved standard of living in most African countries, citizens would not be desperate to leave their countries and migrate to places where they feel they would leave better lives.

Owing to this, the EU, through political dialogue and development cooperation, is supporting Nigeria to improve its capacity to deal with drivers of irregular migration, including the long-term and structural root causes and forced displacement.

It is also working closely with local communities to create alternatives to migrant-smuggling based economies and to facilitate the sustainable reintegration of returning migrants, according to the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen.

In April 2017, the European Union, through its Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), launched the Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa with the International Organisation

for Migration (IOM).

Within the framework of the Joint Initiative, 12, 974 stranded Nigerians migrants have been assisted to return to the country, including 1,158 in 2019. The Initiative, which is wholly funded by the European Union, aims to improve migrant protection, voluntary return and reintegration and this is being implemented by the IOM, in close collaboration with the Nigerian government.

The Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa is anchored on the principles of saving lives and

protecting and assisting migrants along the migration routes. It employs actions that are rightsbased and protection-focused, to ensure the dignity and safety of the assisted people in line with international standards. Also, through its policy and capacity building actions, the Initiative ensures that the migration process is safer, more informed and better governed for both migrants and their communities of origin. “Saving and protecting the lives of migrants and refugees, breaking the business model of smugglers and traffickers and

providing legal pathways, while addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement are at the very heart of the EU’s policy,� Karlsen, said in Lagos recently.

He spoke few days after the 64th charter flight brought back Nigerian returnees arrived the county.

Insisting that the EU does not want to stop migration, Karlsen said, “What we want to stop is dangerous, unprotected, and exploitative forms of migration.

Migration should happen out of aspiration, not desperation.�

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Stock Market Sheds N547bn as Investors’Appetite Remains Weak Goddy Egene The Nigerian equities market sustained its downward trend, recording the largest single week decline since September 2018.

Despite an increase in value and volume trading, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) depreciated by 4.6 per cent to close at 29,616.38, while market capitalisation shed N547 billion to close N11.124 trillion.

Consequently, the year-to-date decline worsened to 5.8 per cent.

Investors ignored corporate results and dividends announced last week and intensified their sell-off of stocks following persistent negative sentiments.

The market closed in the red in four out of the five trading days just as sectoral indices tracked closed negatively.

The NSE Consumer Goods Index led with 7.7 per cent, trailed by the NSE Industrial Index, with a decline of 6.4 per cent while the NSE Banking Index shed 6.1 per cent. The NSE Insurance Index depreciated by 3.8 per cent, just as the NSE Oil & Gas Index went down by 2.4 per cent.

Some market analysts continued to guide investors to trade cautiously in the short term.

For instance, analysts at Cordros Capital Limited said: “In the absence of a positive catalyst, we guide investors to trade cautiously in the short term. However, stable macroeconomic fundamentals and compelling valuation remain supportive of recovery in the midto-long.�

However, analysts at Afrinvest West Africa said: “Despite the overall negative performance, we observed increased buying activity on bellwether stocks, and we expect this trend to be sustained in the coming week as investors seek to take position in attractively priced stocks. “However, in the absence of major triggers that could drive positive sentiments, we maintain a bearish near-term outlook.�

A look at African major markets showed that only Nigeria and Ghana ended negatively.

Ghana’s GSE Composite Index fell 0.4 per cent to close the week.

The Egypt’s EGX30 led gainers, up 4.0 per cent, followed by Morocco’s Casablanca MASI with 0.7 per cent and Mauritius’ SEMDEX index 0.6 per cent. The Kenya’s NSE-20 closed the week flattish.

In Asia and the Middle East, there was a bearish performance as four of five markets recorded losses. The United Arab Emirates’ ADX General Index emerged the lone gainer, rising 1.4 per cent. Conversely, the Turkey’s BIST 100 led decliners, reversing its strong performance the previous week as it went down by 6.3 per cent.

Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul ASI followed, falling 3.0 per cent, while Thailand’s SET Index shed 0.6 per cent and Qatar’s DSM 20 index closed 0.4 per cent lower.

But in the United States markets gained on renewed optimism over trade talks with China.

According to Afrinvest, the meeting between US President Donald Trump and China’s Vice Premier Liu renewed optimism on the possibility of a trade deal within four weeks. “ Both sides have achieved new and substantive progress on issues of the trade agreement, but there are still major concerns (i.e. intellectual property theft and tariffs) that need to be addressed before any deal can be reached. “Furthermore, US President Donald Trump has insisted on

just as Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed 2.8 per cent higher and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 3.0 per cent.

Also, across the BRICS market, the performance was bullish as all indices ended positively.

The China Shanghai Composite led gainers, rising 5.0 per cent following the optimism on the progress of the US – China trade talks. South Africa’s FTSE/JSE All Share and Russia’s RTS inched higher by 2.5 per cent apiece.

Brazil Ibovespa sustained gains from the previous week rising 1.1 per cent, while India’s BSE Sens rose 0.5 per cent.

Market Turnover Meanwhile, a total turnover of 3.544 billion shares worth N20.264 billion in 19,130 deals were traded last week by investors, showing a jump compared to 2.629 billion shares valued at N12.794 billion that exchanged hands the previous week in 15,558 deals.

The Financial Services Industry by volume led the activity chart with 3.060 billion shares valued at N14.469 billion traded in 11,738 deals, thus contributing 86.35 per cent and 71.4 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Information Communication Technology Industry followed with 253.633 million shares worth N53.707 million in 277 deals.

The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 65.499 million shares worth N4.356 billion in 2,732 deals. Trading in the top three equities namely, Wema Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and Chams Plc, accounted for 2.104 billion shares worth N2.026 billion in 965 deals.

No Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) traded during the week compared with a total of 85,775 units valued at N1.187 million that was transacted the previous week in 22 deals, while a total of 18,042 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N19.685 million were traded last week in 24 deals compared with a total of 3,453 units valued at N3.565 million transacted two weeks ago in 24 deals.

maintaining some of the tariffs placed on Chinese goods as leverage to ensure that China fulfils its obligation under the deal likely to be reached in the coming weeks,� it explained.

Based on the foregoing, the performance of developed markets was bullish across board. In the US markets, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ closed the week 1.9 per

cent and 2.7 per cent higher respectively. The UK FTSE appreciated 2.2 per cent while France’s CAC 40 gained 2.3 per cent. Germany’s XETRA DAX went up 4.1 per cent

Price Gainers and Losers The bears dominated as 55 equities depreciated in price, higher 36 equities of the previous week while 14 equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than 21 in the previous week. Eterna Plc led the price losers with 24.5 per cent, trailed by Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services Plc with 23.3 per cent. United Bank for Africa Plc shed 19.4 per cent just as Beta Glass Plc, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc and Dangote Flour Mills Plc lsot 17.7 per cent and 16.8 per cent respectively.

Other top price losers included: Livestock Feeds Plc (15.8 per cent); Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc (14.5 per cent); Oando Plc (12.3 per cent) and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (12.2 per cent).

On the positive side, Ikeja Hotel Plc led the price gainers with 20.

2 per cent, trailed by Chams Plc with 20 per cent. Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc chalked up 15 per cent, while First Aluminium Nigeria Plc appreciated by 10 per cent. Berger Paints Nigeria Plc garnered 9.7 per cent, just as Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc inched up by 8.7 per cent.

Other top price gainers for the week were: Sterling Bank Plc (8.3 per cent); Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (5.2 per cent); Cadbury Nigeria Plc (5.0 per cent); and NEM Insurance Plc (4.9 per cent).

26

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

INSIDE BROAD STREET

‘Nigeria Requires N35trn Annual Capital Investment to Propel Growth’ Oluchi Chibuzo To reverse the negative trends of unemployment and poverty and propel real growth, the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) has said the country requires capital investment of N35 trillion per annum consistently over the next 10 years.

The association stated this in a communique signed by its President, Mr Chuka Eseka, at the end of its first business lunch meeting held in Lagos recently.

The AIHN which stated that Nigeria is a N140 trillion economy, noted that if the capital market is properly incentivised can facilitate the N35 trillion investment in the economy.

It noted that although Nigeria is out of recession, growth has remained is anaemic at approximately two per cent; inflation has moderated from 18 per cent to 11 per cent, but has remained sticky above the CBN’s target of 6-9 per cent.

Unemployment rate has reached new levels, increasing from 9.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2015, to 23.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2018,

while underemployment has also jumped from 17.4 per cent to 20.1 per cent within the same period.

However, revenue in the country has improved by an estimated 41.2 per cent but underperformed by an estimated 47.6 per cent relative to budget in 2018, the fiscal deficit has remained elevated but reduced to 2.6 per cent of GDP in 2018. “The capital market is the barometer for measuring the health of the economy. Since the global financial crisis of 2008 – 2009, Nigeria’s capital market has been constrained in fulfilling its mandate to drive the growth and development of the biggest economy in Africa. “The capital market provides a good platform for addressing many of Nigeria’s economic challenges. The AIHN must take the initiative to influence the new administration’s implementation strategy of its Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) by pointing out areas where funding can be more easily accessed from the capital markets if appropriate reforms are introduced.

“For the capital market to fulfil its 10-year masterplan, government policies and support are needed to drive activities that will encourage private sector participation to drive fundraising from the capital market,� the AIHN stated.

The listed four key areas the government should focus on to include policy reforms that promote market economics; liberalisation of the oil and gas sector; power sector optimisation; and private sector-led infrastructure development “To deliver economic growth, revenue generation must be a priority for government. We must stimulate productive activities within the economy that will generate revenue.

Private sector efficiency is critical in harnessing the potential infrastructure development.

Increased efforts must be made to galvanise Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as well as domestic investment. “For the power sector to thrive, government must create an enabling environment and address existing governance, legal, regulatory, funding and pricing issues,� the communique added.

Fidelity Bank Empowers Customers in Ariaria Market Amby Uneze in Owerri As part of efforts to assist traders and other loyal customers, Fidelity Bank Plc has doled out N2.8 million to seven beneficiaries under its promo entitled ‘Fidelity Savings Loyalty Scheme (FSLS),’ in Ariaria International Market, Aba. Explaining the reason for the empowerment, Fidelity Retailing Banking Officer, Johnson Akaolisa said the bank decided to reward some loyal customers in order to promote their business, adding that in the last four years, the bank had rewarded about N2.6 billion to over 6,323 customers.

Akaolisa said “If you have an average of N50,000 in your personal savings account, you will qualify for N3 million draw. Another one is if you top up your savings account

with N200,000 you will qualify for N10 million draw while for children’s savings account, the child is qualified for N150,000 draw. “For new account openers, just have about N20,000 and you are qualified for N500,000 draw. This is approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reward our loyal customers�, he said.

According to him, “when we have 50 members in a cluster banking with us, we will reward one of them and the rest will queue up for their own turn.�

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ariaria Traders Association (ATA), Chief Lucky Akubueze, advised traders to imbibe the culture of saving with the bank describing the financial institution as a trusted and tested bank that has the interest of her customers at heart.

“Fidelity Bank is a strong bank and we are proud to partner with her. We see Fidelity as number one bank in Ariaria market. Bank with Fidelity because we can vouch for them�, he stated.

One of the beneficiaries and mother of Abraham Ofonime Umoh, Mrs. Umoh Kelechi, expressed happiness for the reward and called on parents and guidance to open savings account with Fidelity Bank.

Those who were presented with cheques of N500,000 included Martins Okechukwu Nwachukwu, Raymond Nwankwo Ikechukwu, Chibuzo Edede, Chika Hyginus, and Rising Sun Committee of Friends.

The two children who were rewarded with N150,000 each are Chinemere Kamsochukwu Isaac and Abraham Ofonime Umoh.

Firm Woos Customers Raheem Akingbolu Coollink, a partner of Konnect Africa, has launched new prices to the Nigerian market, making satellite broadband more affordable. Having been industry partners for more than two years now, the two firms promised to undertake the challenge of bringing connectivity everywhere in Nigeria. Chief Executive Officer, Coollink, Shahin Nouri, who addressed a cross section of the media, recently said both organisations were pleased to announce the release of their new ASTA packages and equipment prices, making satellite internet more affordable for subscribers in Nigeria. According to him, the new positioning was to further bridge

the connectivity gap in the country by enabling both professional and residential customers to benefit from pocket friendly offers. He said: “With packages starting from N5,500.00 and equipment from N36,000, consumers can surf on speeds of up to 20Mbps wherever they are in Nigeria.

Furthermore, subscribers will still enjoy FREE internet browsing from 12am to 6am daily.

This offer represents another giant stride from Coollink, the first and only satellite broadband provider to offer data rollover for consumers in the market,�

He stated that the data rollover would still be available for ASTA customers on the new package prices, adding that providing broadband through satellite

technology, ASTA service was available to everyone in Nigeria no matter how remotely located they are. “In late 2017, we successfully transformed Satellite Broadband Services in Nigeria. We simplified purchasing, installation and data plan subscription processes.

Indeed, with our online shop, Asta.ng, customers can order high-speed Internet connections from anywhere in Nigeria and be connected within 2 to 5 business days. Today we are improving further on the pricing front by reducing and subsidizing heavily price of equipment and subscriptions. , reducing equipment price from N99,000 to N36,000 and introducing a 5GB plan at N5,500.�

CBNResumesLiquidityMop-up

Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week held a primary market auction as it offered 91-day, 182-day and 364-day instruments, which closed at marginal rates of 10.3 per cent, 12.6 per cent and 12.9 per cent respectively.

Oversubscription was recorded across all instruments on offer, which included:91-day (2 times bid-to-offer), 182-day (1.3 times bid-to-offer) and 364-day (2.3 times bid-to-offer), with a total amount of N95.7 billion successfully allotted in line with the offered amount.

According to a report by Afrinvest West Africa Limited, the CBN resumed its open market operation (OMO) auctions during the week, after holding no auction in the prior week.

The auction was held on the 4th of April for two instruments, 203-day and 304-day, which were auctioned at discount rates of 13 per cent and 13.04 per cent respectively.

The total amount allotted for the instruments were N24.6 billion (203-day) and N176.4 billion (304-day).

The report showed that the secondary market moved in line with liquidity levels at the start of the week as average yield in the market declined by 0.2 per cent to 13.4 per cent.

However, as liquidity levels moderated through the week, yields trended upwards, before paring on the final day of the week to settle the average yield at 13.4 per cent. Also, given the scarce liquidity levels, money market rates – the open buy back (OBB) and overnight rose significantly during the week, settling 9.9 per cent and 10.2 per cent higher by the end of the week, to 19.7 per cent and 21 per cent respectively. “Given that system liquidity is expected to remain tempered as the CBN sustains OMO auctions, with N33 billion worth of instruments expected to mature on the 11th of April 2019, we expect rates to remain elevated,� it added.

FX Market The naira last week appreciated at the Investors and Exporters foreign exchange (FX) window by 0.10 per cent to close at N360.33 to a dollar, amid a 0.97 per cent week-on-week rise in external reserves to $44.68 as at April 3, 2019. However, the interbank FX market the naira/dollar rate remained unchanged at N355.78/$ amid weekly injections of $210 million by the CBN into the FX market via the Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) of which: $100 million was allocated to Wholesale SMIS, $55 million was allocated to small and medium scale enterprises and $55 million was sold for invisibles. Also, the naira was flattish against the US dollar at the black market at N360/USD; but depreciated at the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment by 0.28 per cent to close N358/USD, according to a report by analysts at Cowry Assets Management Limited.

Meanwhile, the naira gained for most of the foreign exchange forward contracts as 1-month, 2- month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-months rates decreased by 0.16 per cent, 0.18 per cent, 0.16 per cent, 0.31 per cent and 0.64 per cent respectively to close at N362.96/dollar, N365.90/ dollar, N369.19/dollar, N381.39/dollar and N403.57/ dollar respectively. But the spot rate rose (that is the naira lost) by 0.02 per cent to close at N307/ USD. “In the new week, we expect stability in the naira/dollar rate in most market segments, especially at the BDC segment, as CBN sustains its special interventions,� Cowry Assets predicted.

Bonds Market To analysts at Afrinvest, activities at the bonds market last week further proved their earlier thesis that yields were yet to respond to changes in Monetary Policy Rate which was reduced to 13.5 per cent by the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee at their last meeting.

They pointed out that unlike the pattern of trades in the previous week, the domestic bonds market was largely bearish in the week with average yield on sovereign bonds instruments increasing every trading day throughout the week.

Yields went up by six basis points, three basis points, six basis points, five basis points and four basis points on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday respectively, while average yield rose 23 basis points week-on-week.

At the close of the week, average yield rose to 14.27 per cent, from 14.04 per cent in the previous week.

Long dated bonds recorded the most sell-offs as average yields rose 26 basis points relative to average rise in yield of 21 basis points and seven basis points for medium and short-term bonds respectively.

Also, in line with its monthly bonds issuance programme, the Debt Management Office (DMO) last week offered 2-year and 3-year Savings Bonds maturing in April 10, 2021 and April 10, 2023 at 11.27 per cent and 12.276 per cent coupon respectively.

The Sovereign yield curve during the week was noticeably normal at the short-end while remaining flattish at the long-end of the curve. “We believe the transitioning to full normalization will present enormous capital gain in the near term as we are certain that yield compression by 100 basis points to 200 basis points is inevitable, especially in the second half of 2019,� they added.

The Sub-Saharan Sovereign and Corporate Eurobonds market traded bullish during the week, a reversal of the bearish performance experienced in the previous week.

Average sovereign yield was down 50 basis points with the Zambian (-158bps), Ghanaian (-74bps), Gabonese (-72bps), Ivorian (66bps) and Nigerian (65bps) instruments recording the highest price appreciations.

On the corporate space, average yield was also down 71 basis points with Diamond 2019 (-119bps) enjoying the most buy interest as the instrument draws closer to maturity.

The International Monetary Fund last week has the Nigerian economy was recovering, giving President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic initiatives a pat on the back. “Executive Directors welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing economic recovery, accompanied by reduced inflation and strengthened reserve buffers,� the IMF stated in its latest Executive Board’s 2019 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria.

It noted that real GDP increased by 1.9 per cent in 2018, up from 0.8 per cent in 2017, on the back of improvements in manufacturing and services, supported by spillovers from higher oil prices, ongoing convergence in exchange rates and strides to improve the business environment. According to the Fund, headline inflation fell to 11.4 per cent at end-2018, reflecting declining food price inflation, weak consumer demand, a relatively stable exchange rate and tight monetary policy during most of 2018, but remains outside of the central bank’s target range of 6- 9 per cent.

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Winners Emerge in Wema Bank’s Hackaholics Wema Bank Plc has announced winners in its maiden hackathon, Hackaholics.

The event, hosted at Codeville, Wema Bank’s innovation lab, brought together some of the brightest minds in the country to be part of various activities including keynote addresses, panel discussions and training programs for the participants by Osmosis, a statement from the bank disclosed. “Hackaholics brought together startups and young tech professionals to brainstorm, strategise and create solutions to the problems presented.

Solutions were screened by a team of judges who announced the winner at the grand finale. “Among a number of groundbreaking solutions from the 20 participating teams, Team EazyChange won with a solution that provides simpler payment for transportation. “The solution is programmed to ease the problem of scarcity of lower denominations for transport fare within Lagos and other states,� it added.

According to the bank, the winning team received the $10,000 prize and would also join the bank for a period of six months.

On the other hand, it disclosed that Team 2i became the first runners-up for a backend solution designed to solve problems in Know Your Customer (KYC). Team Lendse came out as the second

runner-up for creating a solution that tackles alternative credit scoring for financial institutions. “Besides the winning teams, participants who impressed with their ideas and work attitude will gain access to incubation and acceleration programs at the Wema Bank’s innovation lab, Codeville. “The innovation lab will help nurture tech solutions and other business ideas into marketable brands through investment opportunities, business support and mentorship. “The bank also used the platform to announce Ignite

by Wema, a special business account for micro, small and medium enterprises. The allinclusive account will support MSMEs to upgrade their businesses through partnerships with the bank, leverage on the bank’s network and marketing channels, provide access to business advisory, incubation benefits and concessions on business loans of up to N3 million,� it stated.

The Hackaholics was organised in partnership with Scooper and Ntel who provided media support and internet services respectively.

Wema Bank stated that it would continue its track record of creating and promoting platforms that would pave the way towards building the future of Nigeria’s fintech and business sectors.

Stakeholders Harp on Effective Regulations, Convergence in IT Sector Emma Okonji Stakeholders in the country’s information, communication and technology (ICT) industry have emphasised the need for effective regulations to drive convergence in the sector.

They made their positions known during the 10th West African Convergence Conference, which held in Lagos, recently.

They pointed out that several services that were hitherto seen as very different and unrelated were becoming more closely integrated and unified as technology advances and called for efficient government policies to meet current realities.

The event organised by KNOWHOW Media and Market Intelligence Limited (KMI), brought together decision makers in government and the private sector, entrepreneurs, professionals, investors and the market drivers to chart new courses for development in a converged Information Technology (IT) world.

Speaking on the theme of

the conference: ‘Regulations Disruptions Employability Entrepreneurship and Convergence Broadband and Broad Plan,’ the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, noted that the convergence of IT, Telecom and Media had come of age, adding that new opportunities and threats were being thrown up.

Danbatta, who was represented by Head, Wireless Networks at NCC, Anthony Ikemefuna, added that existing industries were being disrupted, while new industries were being created and new competencies and skill-sets are required. “The increasing convergence of the ICT and media industries is a trend that we’ll be watching as it has tremendous implications for the types of services that will be delivered, the ability to connect to new audiences, and even the types of networks built to power the new data-intensive customer demands,� Danbatta said.

The EVC declared that broadband connectivity and

convergence would be difficult to achieve without effective regulation.

He said regulations would represent a powerful instrument to promote efficiency but their impact depends on good implementation and effective compliance. “The NCC has over 12 enforceable regulations for the telecommunication industry and more are being developed to cater for emerging technologies in the sector,� he added.

The CEO of Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN), Ibrahim Dikko and Managing Director of Rack Centre, Tunde Coker, were of the view that supporting the data ecosystem that exist, would be depended on how much of broadband the Nigerian environment can offer.

Convergence of technologies and services are imperative on the availability of broadband and right regulations to foster and not impede growth, they said.

The President of Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, (ATCON), Olusola Teniola,

tasked all stakeholders on the need for collaboration among government and private sector players if the new timeline of 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2024 must be met.

He agreed with Dikko and Coker that “broadband should be a privilege right,� saying broadband remains key in driving all sorts of growth, including converged technologies and services in the 21st century.

Also speaking, the Head, Lagos Regional Business office of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Ibiye Ukoko, said with convergence, voice and data services were merging to belong to a single data stream, adding that a single device like mobile phones can handle calls, instant messages, stream television, photography, email, among others. “Some services are becoming obsolete with convergence however a lot of other opportunities are open to those that can innovate in developing new applications� she said.

40 Years After, Champion Breweries to Pay Dividends Okon Bassey in Uyo About 40 years after its establishment, Champion Breweries has promised to commence payment of dividends to shareholders.

The company established in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 1979, is the producer of Champion Beer and Champ Malta.

The management, recently honoured dozens of its distributors in different categories with various awards and gifts items which included tricycles, fans, among others, during the 2018 distributors’ award ceremony of the company held in Uyo. Speaking at the meeting, the Managing Director of Champion Breweries, Mr. Patrick Ejidoh, said for the first time since the company was established in 1979, it was becoming profitable and ready to start paying dividends to shareholders.

Ejido, who joined Champion Breweries with 32 years working experience at the Nigeria Breweries Plc said: “The days when this company wobbled and fumbled is over. We are taking every step necessary to ensure the business is sustainable. Right now, Champion beer and Champ Malta are gathering momentum in the market.�

Ejido, who expressed delight that the new management of the company under his watch had been able to

hold the second distributors’ award since it started in 2017, said it was clear that the business was and eager to break into new markets.

He revealed that some steps taken to reposition the company included to remodel the bottles to modern standard, training of staff, adding that, “the efforts we are making is bearing fruits and I want to assure our shareholders that next year we shall pay dividends of 2019.�

The Managing Director encouraged the distributors to work harder to win awards, promising that next year the gift items will be bigger and better.

Also, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, Dr. Elijah Akpan, said the company had undergone great transformation under the current management.

He expressed confidence that with the synergy between the board, management and staff of the company, the current strides witnessed in the company would be surpassed.

According to him, huge investments had been made to remodel the bottles to modern standards and a lot of investment was made in human resources development.

Akpan thanked staff and management for working so hard to improve the fortunes of the company in such a short time.

MEDIA BRIEFING

L-R: Head of Export, Cambridge Weight Plan, Andy Jones; CEO,West Africa, Eniola Karunwi and Consultant (Kano), Nabila Mohammed, at the company’s media presentation held in Lagos‌ recently ETO P UKUTT

Firm Appoints Aliyu Board Chairman

‘Excellence Critical in Driving the Nigerian Economy’

Raheem Akingbolu

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Norrenberger Financial Group, an integrated financial services company in Abuja, has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Aliyu Bala as the chairman of its board of directors.

According to a statement issued recently by the company, the group also constituted its six-man board of directors.

The statement described Ibrahim as a distinguished titan of industry with decades of experience in management and engineering to his credit.

He is the Group Executive Director in charge of Business Development of the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL).

Ibrahim, also served as Director and Managing Director of multiple organisations such as Niya Engineering Limited, IBK Services Limited, NIya Consultancy, Mega Co & Integration

and SHI_MCI FZE. “I am honoured to have been chosen to lead the board of this remarkable organization.

Norrenberger is a one-of-a-kind organisation that is set to revolutionise the way we do business in the finance industry. “It has a radically innovative culture and governance that are essential parts of its DNA, and it is a tremendous pleasure and privilege to be part of this journey,� Ibrahim said.

The Group’s six-person Board of Directors also consists of Tony Edeh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Norrenberger Financial Group; Andrew Nweke, Managing Director of Amborg Global Services Limited; Eniola Adedayo, CEO Goomek Integrated Services; Nduka Ikeyi, Founding partner of Ikeyi Shittu and co and Ifeoma Malo, Country Campaign Director, Power-For-All.

The President, Total E&P Cooperative, Mr. Olawale Olasoji, has stressed the need to embrace a culture of excellence in order to drive Nigeria’s economy.

Olasoji, disclosed this while delivering a speech titled: “Sustaining a Culture of Excellence,� at the Bells University’s Second Annual Bursary Lecture held in Ogun State.

He said the concept of seeing excellence as a habit presupposes that it must be established and sustained, adding it must be enshrined in the corporate culture of organisations.

He added that excellence was the best way to drive development of the Nigerian economy in the 21st century.

He added: “Excellence remains unequivocal to whatever

image or brand any firms seek to project within and outside its corporate environment.�

Olasoji, urged organisations not to compromise excellence as they strive to satisfy their customers.

According to him, “The understanding of what excellence means may differ from sector to sector, it is pertinent that as an organisation you must first identify your customers that consume your services and whose positive feedback gives room for improvement to services rendered. “When you build a corporate culture of excellence, you create organisational capacity and a structure that empowers, focuses and engages employees. “You stop wasting a tremendous amount of time and money nurturing an outmoded culture focused on problem-solving,� he stated.

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ITF Refunds N6.5bn to Contributing Employers Bassey Inyang in Calabar The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has disclosed that in the last one year, it has reimbursed a total of N6,587,941,996,45 billion to over 500 companies that have contributed to the training of their employees as provided by the law establishing it the fund.

The Director-General/Chief Executive of the ITF, Joseph Ari, who made the disclosure in Calabar, Cross River State, recently, said the amount

represented 50 per cent of the employers’ contribution to the training of their employees as provided for by the law establishing the fund, which he cited as decree number 47 of 1971 as amended in 2011 by the National Assembly, thus making it an act of Parliament.

Speaking at a media briefing, Ari who was represented by the Calabar Area Manager of ITF, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Anozie, said: “In line with the enabling Act, the incumbent management ensured that all contributing

employers that remitted their contributions to the fund were reimbursed provided they met the conditions for such reimbursement including the payment in full of their annual training contribution, training of their workforce across all carders, presentation of evidence of training, acceptance of students on the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and application for reimbursement within the stipulated period, among others. “In all, a total of 510

companies were reimbursed to the tune of N6,587,941,996,45 which is the biggest payout to contributing employers as reimbursement in a calendar year since the establishment of the ITF. “Our commitment is to continue to reimburse our contributors provided they meet the criteria for the payments.�

Ari, who disclosed that the fund has trained over 20 million Nigerians in various sectors of the economy since it was established in 1971,

said it trained about 300,000 Nigerian youth in 2018.

Ari, said the training was in line with the fund’s mandate to, among others, provide, promote and encourage the acquisition of skills, with a view to generating a pool of indigenous manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the private and public sectors of the economy.

He said most of the beneficiaries of their training were either in paid employment or as employers of labour in different

sectors of the economy.

He said despite their achievement, in line with the policy direction of President Muhammadu Buhari, the fund re-articulated, and refocused its activities with greater emphasis on acquisition of skills, job creation, so as to tackle unemployment and breed a new generation of entrepreneurs. He said through its programmes, the fund has consistently placed Nigeria among the skills hub of the world.

NB Appoints Brand Ambassador for Star Radler Raheem Akingbolu To create a better top of mind awareness for Star Radler, an extention of the Star brand, management of Nigerian Breweries has appointed Tiwa Savage, a female hip-hop artist as its brand ambassador. The announcement was made at a special event hosted in Lagos recently. With the unveiling, Savage thus becomes the first ever female to be officially signed on as an advocate for the beer brand, as she joins an elite bracket of superstars to be associated with Star.

In January, another artist, Burna Boy, was announced as the first ever brand ambassador for Star Lager and the pop star’s unveiling was followed by a commercial which earned widespread acclaim. Now with Tiwa’s unveil, fans of the Afropop sensation are believed to be anticipating the creative ways the brand intends to exploit this landmark relationship.

Tiwa Savage is no stranger to “firsts�. Last year, she became

the first ever Africa female to win a BET Award, etching her name in the history books in the process.

Since her emergence in the Nigerian music scene, Tiwa has released three studio albums which have earned critical and commercial success. Her illustrious career has also seen her rise to becoming arguably the African queen of music.

Speaking on the unveil, Tiwa expressed her delight at becoming the first ever woman to be a brand ambassador for Star, “Star is a great brand and I’m thrilled to have joined the Star family. I’ve always loved the Radler brand and it’s an amazing opportunity to be the official face of the brand. The taste is quite exquisite! The Star brand is all about inspiring people to dream for bigger, greater things. Every Nigerian is somewhat inspirational, and this is a theme I try to imbibe in my music. I can’t wait for what the future holds with Star as I urge everyone to be on the lookout for us.�

Smile Takes Data Roaming Service to 85 Countries Nosa Alekhuogie Smile Communications Nigeria, at the weekend in Lagos, signed an international data roaming agreement with NUU Mobile (HKG) Limited, a Hong Kong and United States-based company, to offer international data roaming services to its customers in 85 countries.

The partnership, according to both parties, would ensure that Smile customers travelling to top destinations in over 85 countries including US, UK, South Africa, Canada, Kenya and many more around the world are empowered to automatically access data services to send and receive e-mails, download and send business documents and much more.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Head of Brands and Communications at Smile, Lotanna Anajemba, disclosed that the company would be the first in Africa to partner NUU Mobiles. He further said only NUU Mobile customers travelling into Nigeria from any country would be able to roam on Smile network. The service is

also available for Smile customers travelling internationally with the SmileKonnect device. Through the partnership, Smile will be able to empower its growing number of customers to conduct businesses internationally with ease and convenience, Anajemba said. He explained that for anyone to enjoy the service, the person would have to purchase a special Smile 4GLTE mobile device that will be available at a competitive price across select Smile and partner outlets. He noted that the latest partnership coheres with Smile’s unending quest to offer unbeatable value to its customers.

Anajemba justified his company’s selection of Hong Kong-based NUU Mobile on the ground that unlike other brands that sell at the entry level price range, NUU is a “Certified Google Partner,� meaning its phones run on Android software that has been officially tested at certified Google labs.

Director of NUU Mobile, Danny Sit, said: “We partnered a Japanese company and made products for them, which were then sold in Japan and the US.

STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM

L-R: Managing Director, Springfountain, Mr. Tunde Fagbemi; Group Managing Director/CEO NAHCO Aviance, Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi; Host Commissioner/CEO AIB, Engr. Akin Olateru and Managing Director, Skyway Aviation Handing Company Plc, Mr. Basil Agboarumi, during the AIB 2019 Stakeholders Forum in Lagos... recently KOLAWOLE ALLI

Operators in Fishery Industry Lament Government’s Neglect Chris Uba Stakeholders of the Nigerian fishery sub-sector have appealed to the federal government to intervene to rescue the industry from years of neglects.

Nigeria owns significant fisheries with a coastline of 853km and over 14 million hectares of inland waters, but currently, the total fish consumption in Nigeria is about 3.4 million metric tonnes (mmt), out of which about 1.1mmt is produced locally, leaving a gap of an estimated at 2.4mmt.

Just 30 per cent of this demand is met domestically, resulting in an annual expenditure of N125 billion (US$625m) on fish imports, while per capita fish consumption

is 11kg and significantly lower than the global average of 21kg and just less than the estimate of 13.5kg for Côte d’Ivoire.

Lamenting the situation of the sub-sector, the stakeholders, who spoke in Lagos, at the National Fisheries Stakeholders Forum, a one-day event organised by the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), said the poor situation of the industry had resulted to its low contribution of only four per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

They noted that the sector could do more if the necessary environment was created.

The stakeholders who spoke on the general theme: “Harnessing the Potential of Non-Stake Actors in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Development in West Africa,� touched all aspects of the industry and pointed out the need for urgent attention by government.

A member of FISON, Prof.

Adebisi Balogun, who is a former Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), said the fishery industry has a lot of potential for economic development in the country if efforts are made to properly harness the sector.

He said the sub-sector has the potential to employ a large number of Nigerians, meaning that it can be used for job creation if the government harnesses all the opportunities in the sector.

President of FISON, Dr. Lukeman Agbabiaka, told THISDAY that fish makes up around 40

per cent of Nigeria protein intake while about 1,477,651 people work as fishermen, hence, the society was making efforts to appropriately inform the federal government on the need to see and appreciate the potential of the sector. “We are appealing to the federal government to create a conducive environment to encourage people to go into the sector just as on our part, we are working to properly position the sector for optimal performance,� he added.

According to Agbabiaka, if more people are encouraged to go into fish farming and aquaculture business, Nigeria would be able to meet the fish demand and save the country several billions of naira spent on fish importation annually.

ID Africa Recruits Content Creators, Marketers Raheem Akingbolu The recent acquisition of NET Newspaper Limited, by a digital agency, ID Africa, transitioned the organisation into a 360 Marketing, Media and Technology company.

Following the acquisition announced in February 2019, the company now sets its sights on attracting additional talent to join its tribe of creative and dynamic minds that will help drive the strategic expansion in the media and marketing communications industry. Posting average yearon-year revenue growth of 40 per cent since its 2015 launch, ID Africa has been one of Nigeria’s fastest growing digital marketing

and communications companies under the leadership of Ayeni Adekunle, the Founder and Femi Falodun the new CEO, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operations Officer. Now in the 4th year of operations, ID Africa is expanding its frontiers by revamping the workforce, building infrastructure, acquiring the right tools and investing in technology required to meet the expectations of clients and ensure that customers’ needs are fulfilled.

Since its founding, the company has built a commendable track record which includes executing over 150 successful marketing campaigns, contributing to the

growth of various international brands. To their credit is over 20,000 hours of video content, which have amassed over 15 million views across digital platforms.

Speaking on the planned recruitment exercise, Falodon said: “At ID Africa, our mission is to provide the most impactful ideas and reliable services to our corporate clients, and the best platforms, products, content, and experiences to our consumers.

We believe in using time tested marketing principles, innovative technology solutions and creative storytelling to connect brands and individuals with the people they care about.

“We have an ambitious dream to be a global Marketing, Media and Technology powerhouse, and we are putting together a passionate team of talented women and men who will help us realise this dream.� Falodun added.

ID Africa is seeking a Chief Technology Officer to lead its new technology team, as well as Product Managers to oversee the development of new consumer products. Other openings include a Chief Customer Officer and a Sales Lead as well as Content Curators, Storytelling Editors, Creative AV Editor, Graphic Designers, Media Buyer, Social Community Managers, Staff Writers, and others.

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‘Ambode Completed 54 Roads, Abandoned 74’ Peter Uzoho A report by Tracka, a subsidiary of BudgIT, has revealed that out of 175 roads Governor Akinwunmi Ambode pledged to complete before the end of his tenure, only 54 had been completed as of February 2019.

A statement from the group pointed out that while the breakdown of the total cost of the project has remained unknown to members of the public, the Lagos State Government had in 2018 commenced the construction of 181 roads

spread across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr.

Ade Akinsanya, was quoted to have explained in statement then the construction of the 181 council roads was in fulfilment of the promise by the governor to open up more inner roads across the state.

According to the Commissioner, “the roads will be done in phases. The first phase consists of 57 roads cutting across

the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas.�

Overall, the project was budgeted for N18.5 billion.

However, Tracka stated that it deployed two field officers to monitor, very closely, the progress of the projects visĂ -vis budget implementation and quality delivery. “Given the population and rising number of industries in Lagos, the government’s effort to repair roads, reduce mishaps and ease traffic is duly commendable. However, it is

imperative to note that the financial breakdown of the projects remains secret. “The only information in the public space is the gross amount allocated for the roads and the part payment by the state government. As such, the quest for transparency and accountability is fiercely strangled by the government. “Out of 175 roads tracked by our team, only 54 are completed; 38 are ongoing while 8 bear unspecified locations, all at the time of our last visit in February 2019. Tracka confidently reports that a higher number

of the roads (74) are yet to be constructed.�

Continuing, it pointed out that more surprisingly, was that a number of roads that had been completed in 2016 were recaptured in the new project. For example, it listed Community Road in Alimosho LGA). “Aside from abandoned roads, some projects have been left off worse than they actually were before the intervention, making life harder for commuters and members of the community. A typical case is

Ayilara street in Surulere LGA. “Finally, we observed some glitches in the construction of certain routes ranging from poor quality to contractors’ disappearance from sites to lack of proper implementation.

In specific terms, the use of substandard materials like Asphalt and Bitumen, which often lead to the short lifespan of roads, is also recorded,� it added. Tracka, a subsidiary of BudgIT, engages in tracking the implementation of government projects to ensure service delivery.

Akwaaba, Caribbean Tourism Seal Deal Chinedu Eze West Africa’s biggest travel and tourism fair, African Travel Market, Akwaaba, has concluded a partnership deal with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation for this year’s event slated for September 2019.

The partnership was signed last year at the World Travel Market held in London.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation is the board that represents the tourism board of the Caribbean Islands.

At the ongoing Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Carlton House Terrace, London, Business Development Manager, Akwaaba Travel Market, Laura Dein Gbagbo, made a presentation about the upcoming event in September to participants.

The CTO members were excited to explore the African market for the very first time this year, and would be using Akwaaba Travel market as a platform to

shore up tourists from the continent and also showcase beautiful tourist’s’ site of the Caribbean Islands.

The CTO’s participation at the exhibitions was announced to partners as part of the Caribbean month’s events of 2019.

The AGM had a good turnout of partners from British Airways, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Antiga and Berbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Dominica, St Vincent’s and the grenadines, Tour operators, Influencers and DMC’s.

The AGM also featured a panel discussion moderated

by Jamie-Lee Abtar BDM CTO UK Chapter on the Topic: Under the Influence; Paving the way for Diversity in Travel.

This would be followed by brainstorming panel discussion on the use of influencers for destination marketing, diversity in marketing products to meet product specification and audience and creating experiences and cultural inclusion to travel.

Samsung Launches New Smartphones Emma Okonji Samsung has released a new set of ‘Galaxy A’ Series smartphones.

The smartphones, which were launched in Lagos recently, come with features such as immersive viewing experiences, longer lasting performance and groundbreaking cameras.

Announcing the release of the smartphones, Head of Information and Mobile Technology, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Adetunji Taiwo, said: “This is a series that has also embraced affordability in a big way and is set to capture the imagination of more people, in many more ways. “Ultimately, the new Galaxy A Series is designed for the way that people are connecting today – sharing, capturing and consuming live content on-the-go.� The new series offers diverse, powerful devices that can keep up with these spontaneous, collaborative interactions.�

The Managing Director at Samsung Electronics

West Africa, David Suh, said: “We are committed to providing meaningful innovation to everyone for a better mobile experience and that innovation starts with the all new Galaxy A Series. “People are changing the way they connect, and their smartphones need to keep up. Our new Galaxy A Series offers improvements to the essential features that will support these live interactions, with diverse options to meet their ever-changing needs.�

With the Galaxy A Series, consumers can also seamlessly experience the Galaxy ecosystem using key services such as Samsung Health, Samsung Members, and Bixby. The all-new Galaxy A Series is filled with enhanced features across the range.

The entire ‘A’ series is power-packed with innovations and upgrades that empower people to do so much more. The series will also bring better value to more people, effortlessly, Suh said.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

L - R: PEBEC Secretary/SSA to the President on Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Senior Special Assistant, Job Creation and Youth Aairs, Abia State, Mr. Chinenye Nwaogu; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, at the presentation of the World Bank 2018 Sub-national Ranking Award to the Abia State in Abuja‌recently

Sahara Group Canvasses Solution for Challenges in Petroleum Sector The Executive Director, Sahara Group, Wale Ajibade, has said collaboration between financial institutions, development agencies, trading companies, National Oil Companies and other stakeholders in Africa will address the sector’s trade and project finance challenges on the continent.

Ajibade said this when he gave a keynote address on ‘Challenges of Financing and Investing in the African Oil Industry,’ at the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) CAPE VII Congress and Exhibition in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. “Our collective mandate and deliverable should be to prioritise African solutions for African chal-

lenges. Our businesses should be given viable incentives to enable them participate specifically in this industry; our development and commercial banks should have a marked incentive, or lower funding rates, for African companies participating in this space. “We must place the utmost value on capacity building and skilled knowledge transfer and training,� a statement quoted him to have told delegates at the conference.

Oil ministers, top-level executives and the continent’s opinion leaders at the conference reinforced the importance of cooperation among African countries as the most sustainable avenue

to achieve shared ‘Prosperity in the African Petroleum Industry’. “We need to see more collaboration between African Oil producers in the future as intra African trade can be as large as international trade. “We must promote intraregional trade and encourage government to government contracts underlined by the private sector. This is a cause Sahara Group is passionate about and we will continue to lead the narrative,� he added.

Ajibade, said the prospects for large-scale projects on the continent had set the tone for increased funding requirement, most of which would be in the area of trade and project

financing. “Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in Southern/ East Africa of approximately US$ billion 70-80 are expected over the next few years. Overall, key projects in Africa are expected to contribute a further 1.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day and around 9.4 billion cubic feet per day to global production by 2025. “Planned and on-going refinery developments in Uganda and Nigeria as well as terminal storage facilities and domestic gas infrastructure will create significant financing and investment requirements for the African oil and gas sector in the near term,� he added.

US Eyes China in New ElectricVehicle Push The United States government officials plan to meet with executives from automakers and lithium miners in early May as part of a first-of-its-kind effort to launch a national electric vehicle supply chain strategy, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

While Volkswagen AG, Tesla Incorporated and other electric-focused automakers and battery manufacturers are expanding in the United States and investing billions in the new technology, they are reliant on mineral imports without a major push to develop more domestic mines and processing

facilities.

According to Reuters, China already dominates the electric vehicle supply chain.

It produces nearly two-thirds of the world’s lithium-ion batteries - compared to five per cent for the United States - and controls most of the world’s lithium processing facilities, according to data from Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, which tracks prices for lithium and other commodities and is organising the Washington, D.C event.

US imports of lithium have nearly doubled since 2014 due in part to rising demand from

Tesla, SK Innovation Co and others building battery plants in the country, according to the US Geological Survey. “We need to find ways to more efficiently develop our nation’s domestic critical mineral supply because these resources are vital to both our national security and our economy,�

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement to Reuters when asked about the meeting.

Hoeven and Senator Lisa Murkowski, chair of the Senate’s energy committee,

have been invited to attend the meeting. Officials from the US Department of State, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior and the US Geological Survey plan to attend, according to two of the sources. As part of the effort, Murkowski is expected to introduce standalone legislation aimed at streamlining the permitting process for lithium and other mines, bolstering state and federal studies of domestic supplies of critical minerals and encouraging mineral recycling, among other topics, according to a source familiar with the matter.

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5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2019

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2019

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5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2019

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34

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

World Bank Appoints Malpass President The Executive Directors of the World Bank at the weekend unanimously selected David R. Malpass as President of the Group for a five-year term beginning tomorrow.

The Board expressed its deep gratitude to Interim President Kristalina Georgieva for her dedication and leadership in recent months.

The Executive Directors followed the selection process agreed in 2011. The process included an open, transparent nomination where any national of the Bank’s membership could be proposed by any Executive Director or Governor through an Executive Director.

This was then followed by thorough due diligence and a comprehensive interview of Malpass by the Executive Directors.

The board looked forward to working with Malpass on the implementation of its ‘Forward Look’ and the capital package agreement as articulated in the Sustainable Financing for Sustainable Development Paper.

Malpass, according to a statement, previously served as Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs for the United States.

As Under Secretary, he represented the United States in international settings, including the G-7 and G-20 Deputy Finance Ministerial, World Bank-IMF Spring and Annual Meetings, and meetings of the Financial Stability Board, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

In his role as Under Secretary, Malpass played a crucial role in several major World Bank Group reforms and initiatives, including the recent capital increase for IBRD and IFC. He was also instrumental in advancing the Debt Transparency Initiative, adopted by the World Bank and IMF, to increase public disclosure of debt and thereby reduce the frequency and severity of debt crises.

Prior to becoming Under Secretary, Malpass was an international economist and founder of a macroeconomics research firm based in New York City.

Earlier in his career, he served as the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Developing Nations and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Latin

American Economic Affairs.

In these roles, he focused on an array of economic, budget, and foreign policy issues, such as the United States’ involvement in multilateral institutions, including the World Bank.

Malpass served on the boards of the Council of the Americas, Economic Club of New York, and the National Committee on US–China Relations. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and his MBA from the University of Denver. He undertook advanced graduate work in international economics at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

The World Bank President is Chair of the Boards of Directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

The president is also ex officio Chair of the Boards of Directors of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the Administrative Council of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Firm Secures Switching Licence from CBN TeamApt, a financial technology company has announced that it has secured a switching licence from the Central Bank Nigeria (CBN).

The licence is to support AptPay, one of firm’s products as it provides solutions for different customer segments in the Nigerian society.

Speaking on the switching licence, the Chief Executive Officer TeamApt Mr. Tosin Eniolorunda said: “It is the highest licence awarded to any fintech by the CBN because the license allows you to put all the banks together and be able to debit their banking position with the central bank. “What this translates to is that with AptPay, TeamApt can actually move money across the banks without putting our money down. This license puts TeamApt on the same level as other Tier-1 financial

technology companies.�

He further added: “If through a payment gateway, a buyer pays a merchant for a product and the payment gateway provider needs to pay the merchant instantly, without the licence, the provider will have to pay with its own money. “But with the licence, the provider is merely moving the bank funds around without tying down its money.�

When asked what plans TeamApt has for scaling across Africa, the CEO explained the company was in advanced talks with six banks in Ghana with expansion plans underway in Tanzania.

Also commenting on the switching licence, the team lead for AptPay Mr. Dumebi Duru said: “AptPay which is a robust payment infrastructure powering payment process-

ing, interbank transfers, and direct debits means that the switching license is the last piece to the matrix.�

The firm also said it has plans to roll out product aimed at enhancing financial inclusion with plans to set up and agency banking network of 12,000 before the end of the year.

Product Head for Moneytor, Mr. Tunde Ogidan, spoke on how Moneytor product was focusing on solutions for the underbanked and unbanked.

Moneytor is an omnichannel digital banking solution for banks that provides end-toend and personalised banking services.

He said: “As you know, with a population of 200 million Nigerians, there are only 17,000 ATMs available’’ he said as he highlighted the problem the product is solving.�

Ecobank Takes Financial Inclusion to Ariaria Market The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, has assured businesses in Ariaria Market, Aba of ease in receiving payments. The Ecobank Managing Director who launched the Ecobankpay zone at the market said it would facilitate easy, secure and convenient transactions for merchants within Ariaria and other surrounding markets.

The EcobankPay Zone is a digital payment hub enabling businesses within a location adopt Ecobank’s wide range of digital products for ease of payments for goods and services.

A statement quoted the Ecobank Nigeria boss to have said: “It is our determination to create ease of payment and

boost economic activities most especially in a town like Aba, renowned for indigenous production of shoes and textiles. “Our digital offering will be an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to increase their sales in an enhanced and secured way and without fear.

The EcobankPay digital hub makes it easy for the seller to be paid instantly and buyers pay with ease and also have rest of mind associated with doing business without carrying cash around. “Our Xpress point is also around for you to transact with ease, in as much as you have your phone you can bank with Ecobank.�

Continuing, he said: “The initiative of the Ecobankpay zone is to deepen financial

inclusion in the communities and specifically aid business transactions between merchants and clients. “EcobankPay’s unique offering is that anyone from any bank in Nigeria can pay with MasterPass, mVISA and mCASH with any phone by scanning QR code or using USSD. “If the person that wishes to buy goods from you is coming from a bank that has mVisa and wishes to pay, the same QRcode would accept an mVisa payment and vice versa. That creates synergy between us and the other banks and convenience for the merchants. And as you know, the QRcode is much cheaper than having a point of sale (PoS).�

L-R: Head, Legal Department, FCMB Pensions Limited, Mrs. Margaret Targema-Takema; Chief Compliance OďŹƒcer, Mr. Musa Joda; Executive Director, Operations & Services, Mr. Christopher Bajowa; Managing Director, Mr. Misbahu Yola; Executive Director, Business Development & Investment, Mr. Moustapha Muhammad; Chief Financial OďŹƒcer, Mr. Uche Ihechere and Legal Assistant, Mrs. Oluchi Ononamadu, during the Annual General Meeting of FCMB Pensions 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

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ Ͳ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $68.76 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $69.12 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

35

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ 2019

MARKET NEWS

ETI Grows 2018 Profit afterTax by 46% to N102 Billion Goddy Egene Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc (ETI) has started reaping the benefits of new strategies it put in place to reposition the pan-African financial institution as it posted highly improved results for the 2018 financial year.

ETI recorded a gross earnings of N773.338 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with N763.634 billion in

2017. Impairment charges fell by 35 per cent from N125.893 billion in 2017, to N82.044 billion, while operating expenses rose marginally from N347 billion to N349 billion. As a result, profit before tax (PBT) jumped by 53 per cent from N88.309 billion to N136.35 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) grew by 46 per cent from N69.701 billion to N101.919 billion in 2018. Loans and advances rose to N3.339 trillion from N2.836 trillion, while customers’ deposit

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

appreciated from N4.652 trillion to N5.803 trillion. Total assets stood at N8.224 trillion in 2018, up 20 per cent from N6.864 trillion in 2017. Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer, ETI, Mr. Ade Adeyemi said: “Our financial performance in 2018 was remarkable in many ways and reflected the meaningful and significant progress that we have made against the priorities that we set in our ‘Roadmap to Leadership’ strategy. We delivered a 51 per

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

cent growth in PBT and generated a return on tangible equity of 21 per cent. Our cost-of-risk of 2.4 per cent was an improvement on 2017 and demonstrated the progress that we have made addressing credit quality issues and enhancing internal control processes. “In Francophone and Anglophone West Africa regions we delivered sustainable growth and value for shareholders. While in Nigeria, and the Central, Eastern and Southern

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Africa, regions we are spurred on by the gradual progress being made. Our businesses continued to serve customers diligently and with purpose and all delivered profit growth in 2018, with Commercial Bank overturning the loss before tax made in 2017.�

According to him, ETI continued to invest in the technology platforms to accelerate its shift from ‘physical’ to ‘digital’ and it is supporting its customers with digitally innovative products to

O F

enrich their engagements with Ecobank. “ To meet a key goal of expanding financial services to the unbanked, we have increased the number of Xpress Points, our agency network, to about 14,000 and we plan to grow this number. Our cash management and trade finance products, such as, Omni and e-Trade, are providing our customers with the convenience and efficiency of executing their cross-border transactions across Africa.�

2 9 / 0 3 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

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37

APRIL 8, 2019 ˾ T H I S DAY, T H E M O N DAY N E W S PA P E R

MARKET NEWS

Shareholders of Dangote Sugar to Receive N13.2bn Dividend Goddy Egene

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc leading sugar producer is to reward its shareholders with a dividend of N13.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018. The dividend, which translates to 110 kobo per share, was recommended by the board of directors after the company ended the year with

profit after tax (PAT)of N21.976 billion. According to the audited results of the company, a revenue of N150.4 billion was achieved in 2018, down from N204.422 billion in 2017, while PAT stood at N21.976 billion, compared with N39.784 billion in the previous year.

In terms of volume, seasonal sugar production at Savannah

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

Sugar was 12,375 tonnes; full year refinery production at Apapa 564,785 tonnes, while Group sugar sales volume was 581,504 tonnes.

Speaking on the results, the Chief Operating Officer, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Mr. Ravindra Singhvi, said: “Though we maintained our market leadership position in the sugar sector, year 2018 was very challenging due to

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 04Apr-2019, unless otherwise stated.

the impact of unlicensed sugar, smuggled and sold in our key markets nationwide and the logistics challenges brought about by the continued Apapa traffic gridlock. The gridlock constrained availability of trucks required daily to evacuatethe production volumes, while the influx of smuggled sugar exerted a downward pressureon selling

prices.

“Despite efforts being deployed by the regulators to stem the tide, theinflux of smuggled sugar into the markets spread further across our key markets in theNorth East and North West.We are currently focusing on process optimisation and the realisation of our Sugar Backward Integration Projects (BIP) targeted at the production of 1.08

million metric tonnes ofsugar in 6 years; from our various projects across the country.”

According to him, their backward integration goal is to become a global force in sugar production, by producing 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum of refined sugar from locally grown sugar cane for the domesticand export markets in 10 years.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.85 0.86 1.25% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 12.75% 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 13.68% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.27 2.29 2.20% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 13.33% Paramount Equity Fund 12.01 12.11 1.69% Women's Investment Fund 105.56 106.10 1.88% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.22% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 101.15 101.37 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 101.41 101.77 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 18.85% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.82 0.83 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.17 1.17 4.79% 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 N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A 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 1,238.28 1,239.14 4.45% FBN Heritage Fund 143.04 144.24 -0.26% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.54% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 117.54 117.93 3.20% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 117.46 117.85 3.39% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 144.06 146.15 -3.96% 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 1.16 1.18 -5.13% Legacy Debt Fund 3.34 3.34 3.09% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 1.21% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,956.93 2,988.06 -0.89% Coral Income Fund 2,850.31 2,850.31 4.06% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.68% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 106.83 107.57 -0.50% 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 12.13% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.12 2.15 -1.15% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.32% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 124.00 123.19 -1.14%

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 1.32% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,107.48 1,107.48 3.50% 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 1.25 1.27 2.09% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.40 11.45 2.46% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.78% 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 125.96 126.63 4.37% 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 1.00 1.00 0.08% 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 2,358.75 2,372.19 1.92% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 197.26 197.26 3.74% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.94 0.95 -0.53% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 254.81 254.84 3.09% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 164.58 166.36 0.87% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.72% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,327.10 8,427.41 -1.90% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.13 1.13 1.60% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 11.04 11.20 4.87% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.34 12.49 2.88% Zenith Income Fund 21.45 21.45 11.30% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.83%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 119.82 52.08

-44.85% 1.78% 0.66%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.10 106.89 84.87

10.20 109.15 86.43

-4.23% -8.88% -4.29%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.78 6.54 13.86 11.41 152.89

3.82 6.62 13.96 11.61 154.89

-5.59% -14.09% -7.26% -7.63% 6.47%

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.

38

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

CITYSTRINGS

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͖͓͓͖͓͔͓͖͑͒

A March against Domestic Violence, Child Abuse Knights of the Order of St. Mulumba, Lagos Metropolitan Council, recently staged a sensitisation march against the menace of domestic violence, child abuse, abortion, terrorism, kidnapping and other vices. Sunday Ehigiator writes

The Order of the Knight of St. Mulumba, Nigeria, Lagos Metropolitan Council, Region Three, during their proďŹ le rally and walk for life

F

rom the moment of conception, through to the development of the embryo to fetus, the formation of the body parts, up to the ninth month when the fetus has reached full maturity leading to childbirth, the value of life cannot be overemphasised.

When you take your time to think about the miracle of life, this procedure when properly analyses leaves you breathless. Therefore, it becomes somewhat inconceivable finding a newborn in street corners abandoned to die or aborted fetus decaying in the dumpster.

Hence the recent 12 km profile walk by the Knights and Ladies of the Order of St. Mulumba Lagos Metropolitan Council. The walk, which was held at the Ajegunle area of Lagos was to sensitise people against indulging in activities capable of endangering human lives.

The walk which started at St. Mary's Parish, Ajegunle to St Charles and back, saw the Knights and Ladies create awareness on the menace these seemingly societal anomaly could cause to humanity; a core obligation in the Knighthood and a responsibility of Catholics in the society.

Creating Awareness The walk had six sub-councils of the knighthood namely; Festac, Amuwo Odofin, Badagry, Ojo, Satellite and Lagos Island council. They rallied around the major parts of Ajegunle, creating awareness on abortion, kidnapping, homosexuality, Euthanasia, domestic violence, child abuse, terrorism, same sex marriage and contraception, encouraging people to avoid participating in these activities.

Speaking to THISDAY, Grand Knight of the Lagos Council and Coordinating Grand Knight of the Prolife Rally, Innocent Chukwuma, said nobody has the right to take life, not even mothers.

According to him, "society is to be blamed for not creating enough awareness on the issue of abortion, kidnapping, cultism and other things that involves lives. If you are a neighbour and you see some of these things, you have to raise alarm so that the perpetrators would be arrested.�

Also speaking, Lady of the Knight, Mrs Uche Ezikeoha said "In Africa, it is a taboo to take life, once the child is conceived, you have no

right to kill it. God will touch people's hearts to stop abortion, because it is wickedness.�

She added that the rally was targeted at young girls on the street in order to educate them on the dangers of abortion. She likewise raised alarm on the area of insecurity in the country which has seen the rise in the activities of the cyber criminals, a.k.a yahoo boys, who are young people that have probably passed out from universities without getting a job.

Still on insecurity she added that "people are so scared of the National Youth Service Corps posting. When our children are posted to the North, parents get scared because of the insecurities caused by insurgency over there".

Lady Knight, Umeh Genevieve while lending her voice to the course, said "God gives life and God takes life, no one is permitted to take life, even his or her own life�.

Abuse In our society today, abuse has become the norm- whether substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and even sexual abuse.

These days, you will rarely flip through the pages of newspaper or switch on the television set without seeing news on abuse. Abuse of any kind is generally condemned world over, in various country there is a capital punishment against perpetrators of abuse, despite this, the problem of abuse is steadily rising.

Take Nigeria as a case study, we have seen the government move to place a ban on the sales of Codeine and Tramadol, because of its high consumption by young people. It’s abuse is such that anyone carrying a bottle of soda is viewed as a suspect. It is against this backdrop that the pro life rally became very necessary.

Immediate past Grand Knight of the Lagos Island sub-council, Emma Agweh, speaking with young girls and parents in the area, said, "We have bad control in this country. Although we have laws but implementing them is a problem.

The ports are so porous, in the past 10 years they have allowed fake drugs and substances in to the country. It was not like this before when drugs were properly controlled by the Pharmaceuticals Association of Nigeria, it is no longer the same. “Government has to give control to those

who are knowledgeable in this area. But when they allow quacks to come in, then we have this problem on our hands. The curious nature of children can lead them into taking and abusing drugs. Children are prone to testing things.

This is where the parents come into play, by letting them know that it is detrimental to their health first and foremost, and then teach them the consequences. Self discipline is the key to curbing domestic violence. You have to help yourself and family by getting busy and occupying yourself. When you are occupied there won't be room for doing anything silly."

Role of Family It is true that the family is the smallest unit of the society. The family is in fact a social institution, and is the first place that values are taught. The power of this institution in influencing the society at large should not be underestimated. Therefore, to change any anomaly in the society, the family has a very big role to play.

As Ezikeoha rightly said: “The family plays a big role in educating the young children against abortion, and teaching them that there is more to life than sexual immorality, and also nothing gives you the right to take a life".

On this Umeh said: “Mothers have a major role to play. The first classroom is the home and the mother is the first teacher. Do not spare the rod, so you do not spoil the child."

While making a case for strong discipline of children in the home, even if it involves spanking them, she was quick to stress that “mothers should make their children their friend, and teach them sex education and make sure they are not too familiar with older people of the opposite sex. Mothers should be very friendly with their children, and also teach them about sex education, spelling out the names of their private areas so they know. “Mothers should also monitor them, and make sure they don't create much familiarity with adults of the opposite sex. One way of doing this is to tell them that this is Mr. Peter or Mr. John and not Uncle Peter or Uncle John.

There should be a limit to their relationship with such individuals. Encourage them to report anything to you, so that they do not become

victims of abuse�.

Role of Government For a society to effectively curb issues like abortion, abuse and molestation and even domestic violence, the government has a lot to do. This is because a responsible government is one that takes interest in the safety of its citizen as a priority. The government is the body to create laws regarding such problems, and in the case of defaulters, the government sets penalties as a way of correction.

Umeh further clarified the role of the government by stating that, "they should come up with laws, because we still have doctors that are guilty of carrying out abortions in Nigeria. If there are laws guiding against abortion, government would have contributed immensely in the fight against abortion�.

However, Agweh pointed out that the implementation of laws is a problem of the Nigerian government. According to him, "we have laws, but implementation is the problem.

Government is helping, but we have to help ourselves. The participation of the family down to the village heads in the society is key. There has to be proper control on drugs and sex. In the past, committing sexual immorality in the village incurs banishment of the individual and the family. Then there's the stigma attached to it, as people addresses them as a family of such sin and also avoids them�.

While a participant knight, Dr. Anthony Hemeson was of the view that government can curb these menace by providing employment, he said: "An idle man has a workshop at home, government should keep them busy, so they don't fall to crime. For a society to truly thrive, there's a need for every hand to be on deck, from the family to the school, the society at large and the church especially, which should come together in fighting societal vices like abortions, abuse, molestation, terrorism etc. “Developing the society should be a conscious effort by the parties involved which in this case is you and I. The knights of the order of saint Mulumba have done their bit by walking over 12 kilometers and creating awareness and teaching young people in safeguarding lives, but the ball remains in our court.�

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

CRIME&SECURITY

In Search of Justice for Kolade Johnson Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the duo of Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan and Sergeant Godwin Orji of the Anti Cultism Squad, recently murdered sleep when they shot Kolade Johnson in cold blood in Lagos. The bereaved family has since begun a quest in search of justice for their deceased son

T

he last day of March, 2019 is a day the Johnson family in Lagos would never forget. It was the day their son, Kolade Johnson, was gunned down in cold blood by police officers who are supposed to safeguard lives and properties of the people. The deceased, a sports aficionado had gone to a football viewing centre to watch a match at the Mangoro area of Lagos.

Nothing could have prepared him for what fate had in stock for him that fateful day as he literally had no business with the police. In fact, the policemen, who were from the anti-cultism police squad had gone on a raid in the area when they fired into the air, and hit the 36-year-old who was just leaving the viewing center in the company of a friend. Although he was rushed to the hospital, he had already lost too much blood and he died .

With his death, his dreams of focusing on his music career came to a screeching halt. The South African returnee also just had a son, who would grow up without a father’s love and discipline to steer him through the course of life. As expected, his unprovoked death incited widespread anger against the police, particularly the anti-cultism squad that took his life in cold blood.

Given the outrage his death generated, the police had no choice but to reveal the identities of the duo involved. They were identified as Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan and Sergeant Godwin Orji of the Anti Cultism Squad.

The spokesman of the command, Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), had said: “The men suspected to have carried out the shooting of Kolade Johnson have been apprehended and are being subjected to police internal disciplinary procedures.�

Inspector Olalekan, the deceased’s alleged killer during his arraignment in court

Late Kolade Johnson

A Stitch in Time However, with Kolade’s death, subsequent comments revealed that it was not the first time the inspector would be fingered for such illegal raids. A stitch in time would have truly saved nine if the police command had taken cognisance of an earlier complaint made against Olalekan.

One Oluwasegun Haziz with the handle @ hazizsegun had a week before this particular incident posted series of tweets about his friend’s encounter with Olalekan.

In his tweets he had described the suspect as the ‘head of the Anti-Cultism Department at Charlie Boy, Gbagada Police Station,’ where he is allegedly known as ‘Omo Eko’. He had alleged that the inspector had harassed his friend and they were forced to part with N5,000 before he was released. He had called the attention of the Police Public Complaint and Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) but nothing was done.

Condolence Visit After the death went viral, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Muazu Zubairu, paid a condolence visit to the family. He was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Finance and Administration, DCP Ayuba Elkanah; Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Mohammed Ali; Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Yetunde Longe and other senior officers.

The CP was received by the head of the deceased’s family, Alhaji Remi Lukman, in their residence at No. 1, Beco Street, Onipetesi, Mangoro, bus-stop. In his remarks, the CP condemned the action of the members of the Anti-Cultism team and reiterated his commitment in ensuring that justice is done in the matter. The CP had also prayed for the repose of the soul of Kolade Johnson and also prayed that the Almighty God will grant the family, friends and well-wishers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

A Father’s Pain What can you ever say to assuage the pain of a father whose son died in such circumstances? How do you condole a man who had such big dreams for his son that never materialised because death came knocking? But no matter how hard those words were to say, it certainly had to be uttered.

In his reaction, the head of Johnson’s family had expressed gratitude to the CP for honouring the family with his presence and his resolve in ensuring that justice prevails in the case. He commended him for the bold steps taken in exposing those

Sanwo-Olu during a visit to the bereaved family in Lagos behind the shootings.

He said: “I thought it is going to be a one man’s fight but seeing the police high command joining our family in this fight has shown that justice will not only be done to Kolade but to the entire Nigerian youths. I am glad that we have a new police force, which believes in justice.�

Debunking Claims of Stray Bullet He however noted that Kolade was not killed by stray bullets as widely reported, rather, he was deliberately shot and killed by the trigger-happy policeman. He said the stray bullets couldn’t have penetrated Kolade’s body twice. He claimed the family has video evidence to prove the deceased and his friends were aimed at by the policemen as against media reports that they mistakenly fired.

He said: “We have been hearing that it was a stray bullet but I must tell you that a stray but cannot penetrate twice. If he had not directed the gun at them two bullets will not touch him.

He was the hope of the family and a gentle boy who was very intelligent. All we are asking for is justice and what these people have done to us should be done to them.�

Legal Counsel Reacts The family lawyer, Wale Ademoyejo, while championing the demand for justice over the gruesome murder, said the incident must teach policemen how to use their guns.

He said: “What we are seeking is justice. Justice not only for the father, not only for the person that was killed but also for the whole community and Nigeria as a whole. Who knows, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos could be the Inspector General

tomorrow. They should start from now to reoriente the police on how to use guns. “If you look at the Nigerian armed forces, they don’t use gun anyhow and they could use the gun. They are trained to kill but they do not use it except it is absolutely necessary with order from above.�

Trial Keeping to his word to see the culprits punished, the Lagos CP had directed that the duo face the Orderly Room Trial by the command. It commenced on Monday, April 1 and ended on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

Accord to Elkana, they were tried on three count charges: Discreditable Conduct, Unlawful and Unnecessary Exercise of Authority and Damage to Clothing or Other Articles contrary to Paragraph E (iii), Q (ii) and D (i) First Schedule, Police Act and Regulations, Cap 370 LFN 1990.

The trial started with the reading of charges and taking of plea. Five witnesses testified. At the conclusion of the trial, the first defaulter, Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan was found guilty of discreditable conduct by acting in a manner prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of members of the force by shooting and killing Kolade Johnson; Unlawful and Unnecessary exercise of authority by using unnecessary violence, by using AK 47 rifle on the deceased in total neglect to the provisions of Force Order 237 on the use of Firearms.

The Adjudicating Officer, CSP Indyar Apev awarded the punishment of dismissal from service and prosecution to the First defaulter. There was no evidence linking the second defaulter, Sergeant Godwin Orji to the shooting, he was therefore

found not guilty and discharged and acquitted.

The first defaulter, Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan was then handed over to the state Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for prosecution in conventional court.

Arraignment After the trial, the dismissed inspector was subsequently arraigned in court and remanded in prison custody. According to the PRO, he was arraigned on Friday, April 5 at Ebute Meta Magistrate Court.

Pledge to Stop Extrajudicial Killings Although many have gone to see the bereaved parents, one visit however stood out. The incoming Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited and promised to work with all security agencies to ensure that such extra judicial killings becomes a thing of the past.

He said: “It is every parents’ worst nightmare to lose a child. As a father and uncle, I could feel the pains and anguish of Kolade Johnson’s parents and loved ones when I paid them a visit earlier today. “The unfortunate incident that took Kolade’s life is a wake up call to all that there is need for the police hierarchy to take a second look at the operations of their rank and file. A situation where security operatives willfully cut short the lives of our youths is unacceptable. “We should all speak against it. We must all rise against it. The police should realise that they are there to protect the citizens. We will work in harmony with the security operatives to ensure that this kind of incident becomes a thing of the past.�

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5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2019

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2019

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MONDAY APRIL 8, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

42

INTERNA TIONAL

Libya Crisis: Fighting Near Tripoli Leaves 21 Dead Libya’s UN-backed government says 21 people have been killed and 27 wounded in fighting near the capital, Tripoli.

Earlier the UN appealed for a two-hour truce so casualties and civilians could be evacuated, but fighting continued.

Rebel forces under Gen Khalifa Haftar have advanced from the east with the aim of taking Tripoli.

Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj has accused him of attempting a coup and says rebels will be met with force.

Among the dead was a Red Crescent doctor killed on Saturday. Gen Haftar’s forces said they had lost 14 fighters.

International powers have begun evacuating personnel from Libya amid the worsening security situation.

Libya has been torn by violence and political instability since longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.

Gen Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) forces have been carrying out a multi-pronged attack from the south and west

of the city since Thursday.

The UN said its call for a humanitarian truce had been ignored and emergency services said they had not been able to enter the areas where fighting was taking place.

However a UN spokesman told AFP that they were “still hoping for a positive response”.

On Sunday the LNA said it had carried out its first air strike, a day after the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) hit them with air strikes on Saturday.

Fighting has continued around the disused international airport south of the capital that Gen Haftar earlier said his forces had seized.

Forces loyal to the GNA have slowed the advance and on Sunday a GNA spokesman told Al-Jazeera TV that the GNA now intended to “cleanse” the whole of the country.

US Africa Command, responsible for US military operations and liaison in Africa, said that due to the

“increased unrest” it had relocated a contingent of US forces temporarily, but gave no further details on numbers.

There were reports of a fast amphibious craft being used in the operation.

India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said its full contingent of 15 Central Reserve Police Force peacekeepers had been evacuated from Tripoli because the “situation in Libya has suddenly worsened”.

The Italian multinational oil and gas company, Eni, decided to evacuate all its Italian personnel from the country.

The UN is also due to pull out non-essential staff.

Residents of Tripoli have

reportedly begun stocking up on food and fuel. But BBC Arab affairs editor Sebastian Usher says many of those near the fighting are remaining in their homes for now, for fear of looting should they leave.

Some fear a long operation, which Gen Haftar mounted to take the eastern city of Benghazi from Islamist fighters.

Libya has been wracked by unrest since the overthrow of Col Gaddafi. Dozens of militias operate in the country.

Recently they have been allying either with the UN-backed GNA, based in Tripoli, or the LNA of Gen Haftar, a tough anti-Islamist who has the support of Egypt and the UAE and is strong in

eastern Libya.

Gen Haftar helped Col Gaddafi seize power in 1969 before falling out with him and going into exile in the US. He returned in 2011 after the uprising against Gaddafi began and became a rebel commander.

The unity government was created at talks in 2015 but has struggled to assert national control.

Prime Minister Fayez alSerraj delivered a TV address on Saturday, saying he would defend the capital.

Mr Serraj said he had offered concessions to Gen Haftar to avoid bloodshed, only to be “stabbed in the back”.

The rogue general’s defiance

suggests that despite international condemnation of his recent moves, he believes he can only secure a place in Libya’s future political makeup through militarily means.

Diplomats are worried, because the manner and timing of the attack means he is unlikely to back down unless he is defeated.

Few thought he would go ahead and launch this operation - which he has long threatened to do - because they believed ongoing talks that saw him go from Paris to Palermo and the UAE for more than a year would buy time until a new political settlement was reached through negotiations and an eventual electoral process.

Rwanda Honours Those Killed in Genocide 25 Years Ago Rwandans gathered on Sunday to begin a solemn commemoration of the lives of 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutus murdered during the Rwandan genocide, a threemonth-killing spree that began 25 years ago.

The ceremony marks the beginning of a week of events to honour the dead.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame is scheduled to lay a wreath at Gisozi genocide memorial site, where over a quarter a million of people are buried.

“Remembering is necessary because it’s only thanks to looking back at what happened (that we can) ensure that it never happens again,” said hairdresser Olive Muhorakeye, 26, who survived the genocide.

In the afternoon, officials will join around 2,000 people in a “walk to remember” from parliament to the national soccer stadium, where candles will be lit in a night vigil.

At least 10 heads of state were expected to attend, Stephanie Nyombayire, Head of Communication at the President Office, told journalists on Saturday.

Canadian Governor General Julie Payette and European

Commission President JeanClaude Juncker were also expected.

The 100 days of slaughter began on April 6, 1994, after President Juvenal Habyarimana and his counterpart Cyprien Ntaryamira of Burundi – both Hutus – were killed when their plane was shot down over the Rwandan capital.

The attackers have never been identified.

The attack mobilised Hutu government soldiers and allied extremist militia, who orchestrated the genocide to exterminate the Tutsi minority.

In villages across the densely populated country, neighbour turned on neighbour as men, women and children were hacked to death, burned alive, clubbed and shot.

As many as 10,000 people were killed daily. Seventy percent of the minority Tutsi population was wiped out, and more than 10 per cent of the total Rwandan population.

The fighting ended in July 1994 when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a Tutsi-led rebel movement led

by Kagame, swept in from Uganda and seized control of the country.

Sudan: Protesters at Army HQ Keep Pressure on Bashir Thousands of demonstrators are spending a second night camped outside Sudan’s army headquarters, demanding that President Omar al-Bashir step down.

They appear to be hoping for an internal coup, pleading with the army command to remove Mr Bashir and open the way for a transitional government.

It is the biggest protest against Mr Bashir since unrest began in December.

Mr Bashir has refused to leave, saying opponents should seek power through elections.

The army has not intervened.

Security forces have fired

tear gas to try to disperse protesters outside the army compound in the capital, Khartoum.

The latest rallies mark the 34th anniversary of the coup that overthrew the regime of former President Jaafar Nimeiri.

In previous protests they have also used stun grenades and live bullets. Dozens of demonstrators have been killed.

On Saturday, a protester died in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman, police said.

Sudan’s information minister has reaffirmed the government’s plan to resolve the crisis through talks and praised the security forces.

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (left), during a meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, in Doha...yesterday

Trump Chief of Staff Vows Tax Returns will Not Be Released

One of US President Donald Trump’s top aides has said that opposition Democrats will “never” see his tax returns.

White House acting Chief of Staff, Mick Mulvaney, said the call for the records to be released was a “political stunt.”

On Wednesday a Congressional tax committee submitted a request for six years of the president’s returns from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Unlike previous presidents, Trump has refused to publish his tax details.

During an interview on Fox

News, Mr Mulvaney was asked if Congress would ever see the president’s tax returns.

“No, never,” he replied. “Nor should they.”

He added: “Democrats are demanding that the IRS turn over the documents. That is not going to happen, and they know it. This is a political stunt.”

In response, Democrats said that the request by tax committee chairman Bill Neal was both legal and necessary.

Dan Kildee, a Democrat and a tax committee member, told ABC: “This is a legitimate

authority that the Congress has. This president, by the way, is the least transparent president we’ve had in half a century.”

It comes after one of Mr Trump’s lawyers said it was “harassment” to keep asking for his tax returns, and hinted at possible legal action in the future.

“His request is a transparent effort by one political party to harass an official from the other party because they dislike his politics and speech,” attorney William Consovoy said of Mr Neal.

He said the request was a “misguided attempt” to politicise tax laws and could also end up interfering with audits. He said the US Treasury should not comply with the demand.

Mr Trump also added that he believed the law was “100% on my side”.

Trump has in the past said that he is unable to release his tax returns because they were being audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

However the IRS has said that he could release the returns even if they are under audit.

Brexit: I Had No Choice But to Approach Labour, Says May Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted she had to reach out to Labour in a bid to deliver Brexit or risk letting it “slip through our fingers”.

The PM said there was a “stark choice” of either leaving the European Union with a deal or not leaving at all.

And shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey says if nodeal became an option Labour would consider “very, very strongly” voting to cancel Brexit.

Some Tories have criticised the PM for seeking Labour’s help on her deal.

Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said the Tories were working with Labour “through

gritted teeth”, adding that no deal would be better than cancelling Brexit.

MPs have rejected Mrs May’s Brexit plan three times and last week’s talks between the two parties were aimed at trying to find a proposal which could break the deadlock in the Commons before an emergency EU summit on Wednesday.

However, the three days of meetings stalled without agreement on Friday.

In a video message posted on Sunday, Mrs May said she could not see MPs accepting her deal “as things stand”.

She added that she had been looking for “new ways” to get

a deal through Parliament, but it would require “compromise on both sides”.

“I think people voted to leave the EU, we have a duty as a Parliament to deliver that,” she added.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said he was “waiting to see the red lines move” and had not “noticed any great change in the government’s position”.

He is coming under pressure from his MPs to demand a referendum on any deal he reaches with the government, with 80 signing a letter saying a public vote should be the “bottom line” in the negotiations.

In a statement issued on

Saturday night, Mrs May said after doing “everything in my power” to persuade her party - and its backers in Northern Ireland’s DUP - to approve the deal she agreed with the EU last year, she “had to take a new approach”.

“We have no choice but to reach out across the House of Commons,” the PM said, insisting the two main parties agreed on the need to protect jobs and end free movement.

“The referendum was not fought along party lines and people I speak to on the doorstep tell me they expect their politicians to work together when the national interest demands it.”

MONDAY APRIL 8, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

NEWS

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

Suspected Herdsmen Kill Eight People in Two Kogi Communities Bandits kill policemen, two others in Kaduna Suicide attacks claim five lives in Maiduguri Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Suspected herdsmen attacked two communities in Kogi State yesterday, killing eight persons.

This is coming as four people, including two policemen have been killed by armed bandits in Kakangi village, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

Five persons have also been killed in suicide attacks on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The two Kogi communities of Bagana and Patani in Omala Local Government Area were allegedly attacked over the night by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Also, several houses were burnt down with unconfirmed report indicating that eight lives were lost in the attack.

As at the time of this report, anxiety is said to have gripped Abejukolo residents and the environs, as Fulani fighters are said to have picked Abejukolo, Obakume, Ogo and Oganigwu as possible next target.

Oganenigu community and its environs have been deserted into various Internally Displaced

Persons (IDPs) camp since yesterday night.

Confirming the attack, the state Police Public Relations officer, Mr. Williams Aya, said the attackers were suspected Fulani militia who invaded the communities, killing four persons, three civilians and a policeman.

He added that the police have however brought the situation under control.

Meanwhile, a resident of the Kaduna community who pleaded anonymity, said in a telephone interview that the bandits invaded the community at about 5 p.m. yesterday and were shooting sporadically.

He said the hoodlums who came to the community on bikes and armed with AK47 rifles, also set houses ablaze.

He said the bandits killed two policemen and burnt down the police station.

The resident also disclosed that two other people were shot dead while running for their dear lives.

Several people were also said to have sustained injuries from gunshots and were rushed to the hospital.

Also in a statement, the

Birnin Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance (BVSGG), confirmed that bandits stormed the community on motorcycle shooting sporadically at the police station before embarking on a house-to-house attacks.

The statement signed by the Chairman of BVSGG, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagwari, added that many people were feared dead, including high profile indigenes of Kakangi who were attending

a mass wedding.

“Security situation has worsened due to armed banditry and kidnapping. Many communities particularly along Birnin-Gwari Funtua road have deserted their homes and took refuge in Birnin-Gwari and elsewhere,” the statement said.

The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Yakubu Sabo, could not be reached as his phone was not connecting.

In another development, five

persons have been killed in suicide attacks in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The suicide attacks carried out by two females strapped with improvised explosive devices, also claimed three other lives.

A statement by the Information Officer with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) AbdulKadir Ibrahim, said “the Emergency response teams have confirmed that

two female PBIED carriers detonated their explosives within five minutes interval at Muna Dalti settlement on Friday evening.

“As a result, three persons died including the two bombers (total of five dead) while close to 41 others sustained various degrees of injuries.”

Ibrahim said the injured persons were currently receiving medical treatment at General Hospital in Maiduguri.

N’Assembly Yet to Treat FG’s Audited Reports Since 1999, AGF Alleges Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Anthony Ayine, has accused the National Assembly of not treating the audited reports of all the federal government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) submitted to it in the last 20 years.

The AGF who spoke at the weekend while presenting a paper titled ‘The Role of National Assembly in Promoting Public Accountability’ at the ongoing orientation programme for 9th National Assembly members-elect, asked the federal legislators to take steps to clear mounting backlogs of audit reports submitted to them.

Ayine emphasised that to the best of his knowledge, there was no Auditor-General’s report that has been fully considered by the National Assembly since 1999. He explained that for audit report to be seen to have been fully considered after submission, a resolution of the National Assembly on the audit report must be transmitted to the executive arm for necessary action.

The AGF explained that for audit report to be submitted to the National Assembly, “we work with the financial report of the Accountant General of the Federation financial report.”

“The two Public Accounts Committees (PACs) (of the National Assembly) should draw up time table for clearing backlogs of audit reports,” he said.

The AGF insisted that the public accounts committees should ensure timely consideration of audit reports

as well as address the late responses to audit queries by ministries, departments and agencies According to him, “we are already working on the 2017 financial report for submission to the National Assembly for consideration”.

He said the last report submitted to the National Assembly was for 2016.

Ayine stated that there was no doubt that corruption had stifled economic growth and development in the country.

Good governance, he said, will remain a mirage in the country, without transparency and accountability.

“Corruption has stifled economic growth and development in our country.

I am therefore, optimistic that synergistic effects of efforts of the three arms of government in ensuring openness and accountability can put Nigeria on a good pedestal and enable her attain her place in the comity of nations where corruption is despised.

The AGF noted that accountability has to do with stewardship while openness is important because nothing is hidden, a situation that makes corruption impossible.

Ayine who stressed the need for a paradigm shift in the country noted that the National Assembly could lead the way in being transparent through a demonstration of public accountability in handling its affairs, including finances.

He noted that “transparency allows access to information, reinforces accountability and makes corruption difficult to be successfully perpetrated because corruption is usually a hidden affair.”

GOING TOUGH ON BANDITRY…

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; and Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Abubakar Ahmed Rufai, at a press conference on security situation in Zamfara State, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday GODWINOMOIGUI

Only Dialogue Can Resolve Conflicts, Says Onaiyekan Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, has said the various crisis bedeviling mankind, including the ones facing Nigeria at the moment, can be settled through roundtable dialogue.

Onaiyekan made the declaration at the 2018/2019 edition of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) Fellowship Programme on Interreligious Dialogue and Mediation in Abuja.

He also noted that all that were desirous of peace should not

segregate against fellow humans.

“I am sure there are many Nigerians when they hear that the Cardinal Onaiyekan foundation is giving a certificate to a Miyetti Allah secretary, they will say what is happening here.

“Yes! They should ask what is happening here. What is happening here means there is no such thing as an inevitable conflict,” he said.

According to Cardinal Onaiyekan who recently retired from active missionary work, dialogue has proven to be a very potent weapon in resolving conflicts no matter how difficult they may seem.

“Every conflict can be resolved, once you are able to sit down together look at each other faceto-face, you will now realise that every human being is just exactly like you, like your brother, your cousin which is what you have seen. “And I thank God this is happening in an organisation that bears my name. I will be happy to see more and more organisations like this that are set up,” he added The Cardinal also explained how the centre is being funded saying: “We got the money - the seed money from America, although we raised local funds. My hope is that having proved that

this formula is a viable formula, we will be able to reach out to Nigerians to give us the money to do it.

“The DHR foundation as we are told is a family foundation; its just a family that happen to be very rich and decided to spend their money doing good all over the world.

“Haven’t we got many rich families in Nigeria with billions buying houses in Dubai and never once thinking about doing good for the community. It’s a shame. I won’t even talk about government because this is one of the things the government should be supporting.’’

Death Toll in Tiv, Jukun Ethnic Clash Rises to 10 The Chairman of Wukari Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, Mr. Daniel Adi, yesterday confirmed that 10 people were killed and several others injured in the ongoing clash between Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups in the state.

The Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups share common boundary with Benue and Taraba States.

Speaking with journalists in Wukari, Adi, who called for calm, said more than nine communities had so far been razed while the villagers from

the Kente ward of the affected area had been displaced.

“As I am talking to you now, several households, including the Government Day Secondary School, Kente, were burnt down by the attackers in the early hours of today (yesterday).

“I made efforts to contact my counterpart in the Ukum LGA in Benue State to appeal to his people to lay down their arms and embrace peace.”

He disclosed that his council would foot the medical bills of the injured persons currently receiving treatment at the

general hospital.

Meanwhile, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant who hailed from the area, Chief David Kente, has condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property.

He described the crisis as unfortunate, adding that the Tiv and Jukun in Kente had co-existed peacefully for many years after their first clash in 1991.

Kente appealed to the warring parties to embrace peace and sheathe their swords,

promising that all those who lost their property to the current crisis on both sides of the divide would be assisted.

“This is achievable because after the 1991 clash between the two ethnic groups in Kente area, I single-handedly provided succour to all the affected communities by providing roofing sheets, cement and related building materials for them.

“I also provided boreholes for the affected communities both on the Benue and Taraba sides,” he said.

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NEWS XTRA

End Visa Restriction for Nigerians, Saraki Begs Qatar Deji Elumoye in Abuja Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has called on the Government of Qatar to end its visa restriction on Nigerians.

Saraki made the request at a meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, in Doha.

The Senate President who led a National Assembly delegation to the 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) taking place in Doha, noted that the visa ban was negatively affecting Nigerians as it has prevented them from visiting the Middle East nation.

According to him, lifting the ban would help Qatar in showcasing its vast investment opportunities, technological advancement and other achievements to the rest of the world.

“I want to make an appeal that the visa restrictions placed on Nigerians be lifted. Nigerians are good people and we travel a lot.

“This restriction is not good for both countries and I urge you to reconsider your position on that. The world needs to see the good things you are doing here and lifting your visa ban on Nigerians will encourage more people to come here and enjoy your beautiful country,” Saraki said.

While calling for more collaboration between the two countries, especially at the parliamentary level, Saraki lauded the leadership resilience of the Qatari Government He said there was the need to set up a legal framework to enable skilled workers and professionals in Nigerians to legally gain employment in

Qatar.

“I want to commend your fighting spirit in standing up for your rights. You have demonstrated that you mean well for your people and what you have done is worth emulating.

“That said, I think both countries - Nigeria and Qatar - need to strengthen their ties,

especially our parliaments.

We need to collaborate to achieve many things together.

The collaboration will be good for the two countries and for our people.

“In the area of sports, we need to do more together.

Nigeria is a sport loving country. We have talented people in various parts of the

world, including Qatar, doing great things in sports. If we collaborate, we will be able to develop that sector too.”

Responding, Al-Thani promised to look into the visa restriction and ensure that it is resolved.

Earlier, Saraki held a bilateral meeting with Speaker of the Parliament of Kenya, Mr.

Kenneth Lusaka, where both leaders called for more collaboration between the parliaments of the two countries.

The Senate President also met with the President of the IPU, Ms Gabriela Cuevas Barron - who is expected to visit Nigeria before the expiration of the 8th National Assembly in June.

Smuggling will Erode Gains in Rice Revolution, Farmers Warn Claim 20m bags smuggled in three years James Emejo in Abuja The Chairman of Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has warned that the gains so far recorded in the rice production revolution in the country, particularly the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP), could be jeopardised by the activities of smugglers if not confronted head-on frontally by government.

He also raised the alarm that over one million metric tonnes of rice (about 20 million bags) had been smuggled into the country within the last three months.

As a result, he said Nigeria currently loses huge revenues, foreign exchange and jobs to this menace as rice processing companies continue to shut down operations because of their inability to gain market access.

The RIPAN chairman said, “more painfully millions of small-holder farmers are stuck with their paddy (rice) because the millers can no longer afford to buy from them.”

Speaking during a media briefing over the weekend, Abubakar said the recent CBN interventions had impacted greatly on integrated processing capacity, which increased from 800,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 1.6 million metric tonnes in 2018, in addition to about 3.9 million metric tonnes of finished rice milled by thousands of cottage millers scattered across the country.

He expressed worry that all these achievements may go down the drain, if the activities of smugglers go unchecked.

Among other things, the association recommended the immediate raid of the various rice smugglers market across the country.

He further called on the federal government to begin to sanction officers and employees of agencies of government, including Customs, NAFDAC and SON, which are saddled

with the responsibility of enforcement.

According to him, these agencies compromise their offices or fail in their various responsibilities.

He said: “Government must note that some officers working in these government agencies are in collaboration with these smugglers. These officers must be fished out and punished by the EFCC, for economic sabotage.”

Abubakar said government must as a matter of urgent national importance, take strong diplomatic action against its neighbouring countries who allow parboiled rice into their country for final destination to Nigeria, adding that the government may consider closing the borders in the meantime should diplomatic overtures fail.

“Government must deal firmly with smuggling and severely punish infractions in a way that makes smuggling too costly to risk. Government must begin to fish out and punish multinational companies who play on both sides of the border; - those who actually drive the syndicates (the promoters).

“It is absolutely vital for government to sustain the current drive for greater investments, strengthen the policy environment and continue to implement policies and strategies that grow local capacity and protect local value chain.

“We appeal to state governments to build relevant agricultural infrastructure that permit more one season farming such as irrigation facility, rural access roads and electricity.

“With regards to extension services/research and support, government should train and equip more extension officers and agents so that they can provide quality training to the farmers.

“Currently inadequate, well trained extension agents, poor farmers training or practical guidance on good agricultural practices are undermining farming practices in Nigeria.

CHANGE OF BATON…

Outgoing Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) in Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi (left), and his successor, Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, during the handover ceremony at JTF’s headquarters in Igbogene, Bayelsa…weekend EMMANUELADDEH

CSOs Give INEC Ultimatum to Issue Certificate of Return to Imo North Senator-elect Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 24 hours’ ultimatum, to issue the Certificate of Return to Senator Ben Uwajimogu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or it would have no choice than to occupy the headquarters of the commission.

The coalition led by Conscience Nigeria and Stand-Up Nigeria, said that Uwajimogu, was returned elected as a Senator representing Imo North on March 9, 2019, in a supplementary election, but subsequently denied a Certificate of Return by the commission.

Although, the commission had in a statement last week

said it had deliberated on the conduct of lmo North senatorial district election held on February 23 and March 9, 2019.

The electoral umpire said it had also noted a number of issues arising from the election and set up a committee to look into them.

It added that the committee was to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of allegations of misconduct in the election; advise the commission on whether its procedures were complied with by officials.

The committee is to submit its report on Wednesday, April 10.

But, addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, the Coordinator of the Coalition, Johnson Omede, said INEC had decided not to operate by any known standard electoral

procedures through which it could be appropriately measured for fairness.

According to Omede, INEC’s action was inimical to free, fair and credible elections and capable of truncating the country’s democracy.

He noted that the various outcomes of the 2019 elections have revealed a dangerous trend in which the INEC has illegally expanded its reach and constituted itself as a threat to the country’s democracy, appropriating the power of the judiciary unto itself.

Omede argued that INEC is not a court of law.

The coalition said: “Therefore, in order to quickly avert this emerging danger, the civil society, Nigerians and indeed the international community must

quickly rise up to prevent the commission from undermining our electoral process and overreaching itself. This is unacceptable.

“Sadly, it is now difficult to understand INEC’s impartiality as an umpire that has no partisan attachment. There are allegations the commission has been compromised by different interests to act differently in different situations. Unfortunately, it is difficult for we in the civil society to come to the aid of INEC over its failure to act in a fair manner.

“We give 24 hours ultimatum to INEC to issue the Certificate of Return to the senator-elect and failure to comply, we will occupy INEC headquarters. We invite all well meaning Nigerians to join us to pickett their office.”

N’Delta: We Have Made Oil Theft Unattractive, Says Outgoing JTF Boss Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The outgoing Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, at the weekend handed over to his successor, maintaining that he had made illegal oil bunkering difficult for militants in the region.

Speaking during a ceremony at the JTF headquarters in Igbogene, outskirts of Yenagoa, Apochi, who listed one his major achievements as the astronomical increase in crude oil production from 900,000 to over two million barrels per day, stressed that he was leaving the security in the region better than he met it.

During the change of baton,

which saw him hand over to Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, Apochi, who has been redeployed to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, said the JTF also succeeded in taking out several militant camps as well as their leaders during his 30-month stint as the Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Commander.

He said: “We were given a mandate, which was essentially to protect oil and gas infrastructure and prevent militancy ,crude oil theft, sea robbery and any other forms of criminality within the Joint Operations Area(JOA).

“We worked within the confines of our mandate and ensured that those people who were perpetrating illegal bunkering did not have the

freedom to commit the crime and have made crude oil business theft very unattractive, meaning there was no space for them to operate”.

He stressed that when he took over, militancy was rampant, noting that the menace had been reduced considerably due to the effectiveness of his men.

“When we came here, there were issues of militancy all over my joint operations area and diligently we have taken out the major camps.

“I can count very few that I remember. One of those major ones was Karowei in Ekeremor ,the Bakassi Strike Force in Cross River , Lobia 1,2,3; Oluasiri, Etim Ekpo in Ukanafun in Akwa Ibom and the Azuzuama

set of militants. Today, those camps have ceased to exist.

“We tracked down Don Wanney and eventually because of the pressure of our operational activities, they ran into the hands of another security group that eventually took him out. That camp in omukputo is no more,” he added.

In his speech, the new commander, Rear Admiral Akinrinade, said he would give priority to intelligence gathering and constant consultations to resolve conflicts.

“I was chairman of the Special Operations planning set up by the Defence Headquarters. It was a strategic initiative from DHQ to assist the opds then in 2017.

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EU Observers for 2019 Elections Depart Nigeria Regina Ogwuche The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has departed Nigeria following the conclusion of the 2019

general election.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, EU EOM confirmed that the final group of observers left Nigeria yesterday, while the Chief Observer would return

Court Orders Sale of Tax Evaders’ Properties to Defray N35.9m Debt The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the sale two landed properties belonging to two tax evaders - Zaibadari Company Limited, and Tradecraft Nigeria Limited, to defray N35.9 million tax debts.

The court granted the sale order following prayers by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) to allow it sell the landed properties of the two firms to defray the tax liabilities which amounted to N18. 8 million against Zaibadari and N17.1 million against Tradecraft.

FIRS approached the court for an order to sell the properties after the two firms allegedly failed to honour a series of demand notices issued to pay their outstanding tax liabilities.

In moving the court to grant the order, counsel to the FIRS, Collins Ugwunebo, told the court that Zaibadari was indebted to the FIRS to the tune of N18. 8 million, while Tradecraft owed the agency N17.1 million in 2015.

FIRS issued and served demand notices on the two firms and gave them 30 days within which to pay arrears of taxes to the FIRS. Both firms allegedly failed to pay within 30 days the arrears of taxes.

FIRS relied on Section 33(2) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Establishment Act, 2007 and served Warrants of Distraint on the Respondents giving them 14 days to pay the tax due or risk the sale of their properties to settle the tax debt.

Despite the Warrants of Distraint served on the two companies, both failed to pay the tax arrears, This led to the two suits against Tradecraft and

Zaibadari.

Ugwunebo, in an affidavit, told the court that Zaibadari’s assessment was based on 20 per cent of N62,675, 200 million, which was the “deemed profit of the respondent (Zaibadari) landed property located at Plot 551 Wuye B03, FCT Abuja, valued at N313, 3376,000 million”.

On March 23, 2019, Justice A. I Chikere noted that “despite the service of process on the respondent’s company, it refused, neglected and failed to state its side of the case nor have counsel appear on its behalf to state its case.

“It is trite law that an averment in an affidavit which is not challenged or controverted is deemed admitted as true. See DIGAL Vs NACHANG (2005) All NWLR (pt240) pg 41 at 46.

Also in the case of ATAMAH & ANOR Vs EBOSELE & ORS (2018) LPELR 3825 where the court held that ín the nature, a party who has or has every opportunity to present its case before the court and who fails to do so cannot be heard too complain.

“The court is bound to believe the affidavit in support of application to the effect that the respondent is a tax evader and in default of its tax obligation to the applicant.

“Accordingly, an order for the sale of landed property the respondent located at Plot 551, Wuye B03 FCT is hereby made to satisfy her arrears of tax N18,802, 560.00 (eighteen million eight hundred and two thousand five hundred and sixty naira only.

African Labour Ministers Hail Nigeria’s Economic Plan Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Buhari administration was commended at the weekend in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by the African Ministers of Labour, Employment and Social Affairs.

Similarly, the ministers expressed their appreciation at the efforts of the Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige at championing the cause of the continent at the Governing Board of the International Labour organisation (ILO) since his election in 2017.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Press, in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Iliya Rhoda Ishaku, Ngige told the meeting of the 3rd Biannual Special Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment under the auspices of the African Union Commission that the economic development agenda of the

Buhari administration was tailored towards a concurrent growth of the three-tier federal structures of national, states and local governments in line with the diversity of the nation.

The meeting deliberated on the theme, “Poverty Eradication Through Strategic Investments at National and Regional Levels Towards Social Development, Labour and Employment in Africa,” a subject aligned to the “Africa Agenda 2063 for Prosperity”.

Speaking on the theme of the conference as the lead discussant in a paper entitled, “the Efforts of the Nigerian Government Towards the Eradication of Poverty In Nigeria, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Ngige told the gathering that the economic development agenda of the Buhari administration was tailored towards a concurrent growth of the three-tier federal structures of national, states and local governments in line with the diversity of the nation.

to present the missions final report.

“The final group of EU observers left Nigeria, today.

In a few months time, the Chief Observer, Maria Arena MEP, will return to Abuja to present the mission’s final report, which will include recommendations

to strengthen Nigeria’s future electoral processes,” the mission stated.

The mission acknowledged the hospitality shown by the Nigerian government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the people of Nigerian throughout

the electoral processes.

“Since January 2019, the EU EOM has conducted a comprehensive observation of the electoral processes for the presidential, national assembly, governorship and state house of assembly elections, as well as the supplementary elections

on March 23.

“The EU EOM for Nigeria Decides 2019, wishes to express its appreciation to the Government of Nigeria, INEC and the people of Nigeria for their cooperation and assistance over the course of its mission,” it added.

NEW PARTNERSHIP DEAL SIGNED…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), Mr. Ayman Sejiny (left), and Group Head, Non Interest Banking Investments and Products, Sterling Bank Plc, Dr. Basheer Oshodi, during the signing of MoU by Sterling Bank and ICD in Marrakesh, Morocco … weekend

Nigerian Breweries Activities Not a Threat to Lives, Environment, KEPA Clarifies Jonathan Eze The Kaduna State Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) has dismissed report that the Nigerian Breweries factory in the state was discharging harmful toxic wastes causing discomfort and fears to the neigbouring communities.

The state environmental agency General Manager, Lawal Jibrin, told journalists after an inspection of the brewery that no activity at the brewery was harmful to the environment or to lives.

According to him, “as far as we are concerned, there is no threat to life at the brewery.

We have gone to the discharge point and taken samples which confirmed that it doesn’t pose threat to the environment,” he said.

KEPA GM said that from all

indications, what was needed was a political solution to the issue, since the complainants had remained faceless.

“We are looking at the issue as political; we intend to invite all the parties to sit and see how we can resolve the matter amicably.

“What we have seen from the water discharged to community shows that if fishes can live in that place, in the fish pond using same water, it means it can’t harm life. We have moved round, from here we are visiting the community. What we have seen today does not constitute any nuisance,” he stressed.

He therefore, called on the complainants to come forward and make claims if any exists. “We are calling on the complainants to come forward,” he added.

Jibrin explained that Governor Nasir el-Rufai, concerned about

the welfare of the people gave express order for the allegations to be investigated.

“His Excellency was concerned about the plight of the community and instructed the Commissioner for Environment to embark on a thorough investigation. We are assuring the community that there is no cause for alarm,” he added.

The Kaduna Brewery Manager, Abiodun Ajayi, said that besides human safety, the company also adheres to environmental safety standards.

He explained that constant monitoring from ISO 14001: 2015, KEPA, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other agencies have always given them pass mark.

“If we can put a face to these people, we would understand what they are referring to and address it. We have been here

for over 50 years and as a long term investor and responsible operator, we plan to be here for the long haul,” he added.

He further explained that as a respected organisation, Nigerian Breweries strives for continuous improvement.

“We have always done that and would continue to do that.

Our liquid discharge (effluent) is compliant to regulatory required standards,” he stressed.

NB Plc Public Affairs Manager North, Mr. Danjuma John-Ekele said that as a responsible organization and key business stakeholder in Kaduna, the company is conscious of safety as it has always done for years.

“As we have shown in our over 50 Years of business in Kaduna, we would continue to partner all the stakeholders, host communities and government in a win-win partnership.

ALGON Threatens to Sue Anambra Govt over Failure to Hold LG Election in 13 Years Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The vice chairmen of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have threatened to sue Anambra State Government over its refusal to conduct local government election in the past 13 years.

This decision was one of the resolutions adopted by the vice chairmen when their National Working Committee met at Abuja over the weekend.

They accused successive governments in Anambra State

of running local government administration in the past 13 years without democratically elected council chairmen.

The body likened the local government area caretaker committees installed by Governor Willie Obiano to a conduit pipe to siphon money.

The council vice chairmen were also critical of the unilateral powers wielded by some state governors to remove from office democratically local government council chairmen.

The chairman of the body, Hon. Lawrence Onuchukwu, who read out the resolutions,

listed Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Imo and Gombe as some of the defaulting states.

The ALGON vice chairmen resolved that henceforth, no governor should dissolve any local government area administration in their respective states.

“The body strongly advises the governors who are yet to conduct local government election to do so because local governments are the closest to the people, and there is no way a government will continue to run an administration without elected officers of local

government,” Onuchukwu said.

Onuchukwu noted that the Supreme Court had in 2016 pronounced that no governor has the power to dissolve an elected local government administration and replace them with caretaker committees.

The apex court described such abuse of power as executive recklessness, which contravenes Section 7 (1) of the Constitution from which the state House of Assemblies derives their power to enact the local government law.

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NEWSEXTRA

Police Vow to Nab Abductors of Lagos Fire Service Boss, Six Others Sunday Ehigiator

The Lagos State Police Command has vowed to fish out the abductors of the Director of the Lagos State Fire

Service, Rasaki Musibau, and six others who were equally abducted.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Bala Elkana who stated this in a

Declare State of Emergency on Kidnapping, Banditry, Islamic Clerics Charge Buhari Francis Sardauna in Katsina Worried by the alarming rate of kidnapping and banditry in Katsina State and other states in the country, Islamic women preachers under the auspice of Katsina State Da’awa Women Wing, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in view of what they described as persistent abduction and killings of Nigerians across the country.

The women gave the advice during an interactive session organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MWASD) yesterday to proffer solutions on how to end kidnapping, banditry and insurgency in Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara and Borno States.

Speaking on behalf of the women, the Chairperson of Da’awa Family Support Committee, Hajiya Hajara Isah, explained that the state of emergency on insecurity was necessary in order to avert frequent killings and abduction of innocent citizens in the affected states.

According to Isah, “Following the persistent killings and abduction of innocent Nigerians across the country, we are calling on President Buhari to act fast and mandate the military to end the ungodly act.

“The military can’t tackle this problem alone because it is beyond them. These people are visible, we know them.

There is need for the federal government to look for them and address their needs so that they can stop what they are doing.

“This appeal for peace remains imperative because without the atmosphere of peace, no meaningful negotiations and development can take place. We know that the Kastina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, is trying to solve this problem but there is need for him to redouble his effort to ensure that the state is free from banditry and other crimes in the state.”

She stated that insecurity in the country and particularly in the Northeast and North-west regions should not be seen as a normal phenomenon, adding that pragmatic military and political approaches are necessary to stem the tide.

Addressing the women, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Badiyya Hassan Mashi, assured them that immediate measures were being taken by the state government to ensure that the loopholes which led to the fatalities are blocked in the state, adding that the ministry will partner other organisations to complement the state government effort.

Bauchi Gov-elect Berates Incumbent over Alleged Sabotage Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor-elect, Senator Bala Mohammed, has berated the outgoing All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the state over its last minute policies to sabotage the incoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.

The spokesperson to the governor-elect, Dr. Ladan Salihu, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Bauchi yesterday.

He lamented that the outgoing administration is bringing in many policies as part of a sinister move to sabotage the incoming PDP administration.

According to him, some of the moves were the alleged award of last minute multimillion naira contracts through the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (BASUBEB) and the plan to create more districts and village areas.

He said the plan to create more districts and village

areas is an attempt to increase financial burden for the incoming administration.

Salihu said the same APC administration rejected the districts and village areas created by the former Governor, Mallam Isah Yuguda, because of the fear of financial burden.

He, therefore, wondered why the APC administration is bringing policies at the last minute that might bring hindrance to the incoming administration.

The spokesman warned that government officials should desist from engaging in efforts that would affect the smooth running of the incoming PDP administration.

Speaking on the planned legal action by the APC to challenge the victory of the PDP in the state, he said the party is ready as it has also constituted a legal team of seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and a team of 50 counsel who volunteered to defend the mandate of Mohammed in the Courts.

statement issued yesterday, revealed that the police were on the trail of the abductors.

According to Elkana, “the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, Zubairu Muazu, has tasked the command’s Anti kidnapping Unit to ensure that they rescue the seven persons abducted

by some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at about 8 p.m. along Iwoye bridge, Itokin-Epe road, Ikorodu.

“The CP in company of tactical units commanders visited the Crime scene in the early hours of today being April 7, and assured the family of

the victims that the command is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the victims are rescued unhurt.

“Those abducted include Rasaki Musibau , Mufutau Adams, Funmilayo Adelumo, Asiogu Martha, Lasisi Muka, and two others. Vehicles recovered from the scene

include Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel Jeep.”

Meanwhile the command has equally assured the residents of the state of their safety at all times as it has intensified patrols and surveillance along Itokin-Epe road, Ketu, Ereyun and other major highways in the State.

WELCOMING NEW INVESTMENT...

L-R: Top official of Longrich Group, Mr. Alex Jia; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; and Chairman of Longrich Group, Mr. Xu Zhi Wei, during the pre-launching of Longrich manufacturing plant in Lekki Free Zone, Lagos...yesterday

Okorocha Seeks Stakeholders’ Collaboration on Prisoners’ Welfare Amby Uneze in Owerri Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has called for collaboration between federal and state governments for the welfare of prison inmates and the prison conditions, stressing that the essence of sending people to prison is to make them better citizens.

Okorocha who spoke when the Controller-General of Prisons, Ja’afaru Ahmed, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri, at the weekend, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for improving the Nigerian Prisons under his administration.

The governor hinted that the

visit of the Controller-General to the state was the beginning of the process of the handover of the new ultra-modern Nigeria Prisons facilities built by his administration, adding that he decided to build the new prison headquarters after seeing the pictures of most Nigerian prisons.

The governor said: “I discovered that the condition of the Imo State’s prisons was the worst and I had to plead passionately with the ControllerGeneral not to display it further to the public because of the very poor images of the prisons.

There were all sorts of shanties, debris and every manner of filth which is an eyesore to a

modern society not even good for piggery. I discovered that they were having about 70 to 100 inmates in one small room without facilities at all.”

According to him, “this is what has prompted the speedy construction of new prison project with accommodation for over 3,000 inmates with offices, as a quick response and funded by the Imo State Government. I hope that when this is replicated all over the country, the presentation of those pictures will no longer be relevant to all of us”.

“The government also did this to relocate the prisons from closeness to the Government House and also to avoid the

risk of jail break. Before, there were about 500 inmates but now they are over 2,000 inmates. So, what we have done in Imo State is a complementary effort to support the efforts of the federal government. President Buhari has promised to inaugurate this project. The new location of the prison headquarters makes for easy movement since it is close to the new Police headquarters and the courts.

Earlier, the Controller-General of Prisons said “We have been conducted round to see the good concept that the governor has put together. The environment is very airy and the places roomy enough, more than what we used to have.”

Chinese Truck Maker, Foton, to Establish Plant in Cross River Bassey Inyang in Calabar

Chinese Truck Manufacturer, Foton, has said that it was making plans to establish a vehicle assembly plant in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Group Chairman, MSM Group, Muizam Mairawani and representatives of Foton International made the disclosure during a meeting with the state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, and some industrialists in Government House, Calabar.

Mairawani said the assembly plant, when established would create about 10,000 jobs in the state.

He said their choice of Calabar was due to the

favorable investment report on the state at their disposal and the Ayade’s strides at making the state a hub for industrialisation.

“Last year, when we met with the Commissioner for Petroleum, he briefed us on the good works the governor was doing in the state, and that gave us the courage to divert our attention to Cross River with regards to building an assembly plant and a ship yard,” Mairawani said.

He expressed appreciation to Ayade for the good reception accorded them, which according to him, has boosted their confidence in their decision to build the plant in the state.

“The assembly plant is

expected to create more than 10,000 jobs,” he said.

Responding, Ayade thanked the delegation for choosing to locate the plant in the state.

The governor announced that the state will buy 200 trucks from the Chinese auto maker as a demonstration of good faith and in fulfillment of the minimum requirement for the citing the plant in the state.

He said apart from being the sole supplier of quarry aggregates to the South-south region, the state also boasts of being home to the largest cement factory in the country.

Aside this, the state also hosts the biggest oil tank farms in the country. He added that the state is also industrialising

with most of the industries requiring trucks to move raw materials and products.

All of these sectors depend heavily on trucks to move their products, he disclosed.

“We have a monopoly to the extent that it is only in Cross River you can get granite, you can get quarry aggregates in the whole of southern part of the South-south. So Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa States will all depend solely on Cross River for aggregates. In effect, if Foton trucks has a special presence in Cross River, it will cause all the users and those in the business of supplying granites to buy Foton trucks particularly when the assembly plant is here,” Ayade said.

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16 New Cases of Lassa Fever Confirmed in Five States WHO seeks digital solutions to UHC Sixteen new cases of Lassa fever disease were confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in five states.

A week 13 update provided by the centre at the weekend showed that the new cases were reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Plateau States.

This is coming as World Health Organisation (WHO) has sought the application of digital solutions in tackling impediments to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.

The NCDC said two new deaths were recorded in Bauchi and Taraba States.

“From January 1 to March 31, 2019, a total of 2034 suspected cases have been reported from 21 states. Of these, 526 were confirmed positive, 15 probable and 1693 negative (not a case).

“Since the onset of the 2019 outbreak, there have been 121 deaths in confirmed cases. Case fatality ratio in confirmed cases is 23 per cent. 21 States - Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Plateau, Taraba, FCT, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Kwara, Benue, Rivers, Kogi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Oyo, Kebbi and Cross River - have recorded at least one confirmed case across 81 Local Government Areas,” it said.

The NCDC noted that “in the reporting week 13, one new health care worker was affected in Plateau State. A total of 17 health care workers have been

infected since the onset of the outbreak in seven States, Edo (seven), Ondo (three), Ebonyi (two), Enugu (one), Rivers (one), Bauchi (one) Benue (one) and Plateau (one) with two deaths in Enugu and Edo States”.

“Twenty-nine patients are currently being managed at various treatment centres across the country - Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital(ISTH) treatment Centre (10), Federal Medical Centre Owo (nine), Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (three), Bauchi (two), Plateau (three) and Taraba (two)”.

The centre further stated that “a total of 6,489 contacts have been identified from 20 States. Of these 1443(22.2 per cent) are currently being followed up, 4983 (76.8 per cent) have completed 21 days follow up, while 8(0.1 per cent) were lost to follow up.

“One hundred and twelve (1.7 per cent) symptomatic contacts have been identified, of which 55 (one per cent) have tested positive. Multi sectoral one health national rapid response teams (NCDC, NFELTP, Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Federal Ministry of Environment) deployed to Taraba and Bauchi States · National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels”.

Meanwhile the World Health Organisation weekend advocated

application of digital strategies as a way of accelerating universal health coverage.

Speaking at a walk organised in Abuja to commemorate the World Health Day tagged: “Universal Health Coverage: “everyone, everywhere, everytime,” Dr. Mashidito Moeti, said this year’s commemoration of World Health Day shines a spotlight on the advantages Universal Health Coverage (UHC) can bring to all people and in all places and also why it is needed so much.

“It is needed because it ensures that everyone – no matter who they are, no matter where they live and no matter when they need it – can access essential, quality health services without facing financial hardship.

“Considering this, I am accelerating support to countries to re-align their services and consider strategic shifts to achieve UHC. This involves reassessing their essential services to ensure they are designed for ‘everyone, everywhere and every time’, and then introducing innovative approaches to deliver these services.

“For example, if we can harness the power of the bulging youth population in the region, and make use of digital solutions, we can put in place innovative systems to deliver UHC for the people of Africa”, she said.

Yoruba Elders Laud Immortalisation of Four Members by Ekiti Govt Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

For deeming it fit to immortalise their members, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) and Afao Development Council (ADC), have applauded Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for naming four newly established secondary schools after four distinguished citizens of the state.

YCE, in a letter dated March 25, 2019, and signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Kunle Olajide, said the gesture is a pointer to Fayemi’s “commitment to entrench in the state the enduring values of service, patriotism and diligence for which Ekiti people were known and respected for in the past.”

Commending the Fayemiled administration decision to name the new institutions after Prof. David Oke, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Prof.

Banji Akintoye and Chief Deji Fasuan, the YCE stated that Fayemi’s “second coming is indeed the dawn of a new and glorious era

for Ekiti State.”

The Council assured Fayemi of its support in the “arduous task of restoring our values and piloting our state for progress and development.

“I recall with nostalgia the day in Adetiloye Hall during your first coming when you, for the first time since the creation of Ekiti State, publicly recognised and acknowledged the efforts of the few of us under the leadership of Fasuan whom God used with our traditional rulers to achieve the creation of our dear state. Your sense of history is highly commendable.”

The Afao Development Council in their letter dated March26 and co-signed by the Alafao of Afao, Oba Joseph Ademilua, and the President of the union, Chief Laolu Omosilade, commended Fayemi for naming one of the newly established schools after Fasuan, an indigene of the town.

The community union said the action was not just a

honour but “merit justified by posterity” because of the role played by Fasuan in the struggle for the creation of the state, adding that the gesture is a manifestation of the fact that the Fayemi-led administration recognises excellence and selfless contributions of Ekiti people.

According to the group, “This will also foster a lasting cordial relationship between your government and majority of Ekiti citizens who mainly have this erudite statesman as mentor and benefactor, and it is also a pointer to the fact that your administration is here to restore Ekiti values.”

The newly established schools are to commence academic activities in September this year, while arrangements have been concluded to establish two additional ones by next year.

The governor, whose noted that his administration plays much premium on human capital development, said his administration would continue to recognise and reward excellence service to the state.

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RMAFC to Investigate Stamp Duty Collections by Banks James Emejo in Abuja The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) yesterday indicated its resolve to probe commercial banks over stamp duty collections.

The commission spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, in a statement said the investigation which is to commence soon would involve a forensic investigation of the funds, which had so far been collected as stamp duty by 22 Deposit Money Banks (DMB) from 2000 to 2018.

He said RMAFC is the only constitutional body vested

with the powers to monitor all revenue accruals into the federation account.

According to him, commercial banks had been deducting the sum of N50 on every deposit with a value of N1,000 and above since January 2000.

He said at the moment, the total sum of N33 billion had been realised through the collection of stamp duties which falls far below the expectation of stakeholders.

“It is expected that at the end of the exercise, over 100 billion would be recovered,” he added.

According to Ibrahim, Athena commission had concluded arrangement to engage the

services of reputable forensic audit firms to carry out the probe of the banks.

The probe will be comprehensive as it will cover the affixed stamp used on cheque books prior to the introduction of electronic transactions.

According to the statement, which was made available to THISDAY, the commission

further observed that if NIPOST is properly repositioned through appropriate legal and regulatory framework and the introduction of appropriate technology, the agency could generate over N500 billion.

“Therefore, the commission is using this medium to appeal to the National Assembly and the federal government to initiate measures for the amendment

of the NIPOST Act to enable it expand the economy and attract more revenue to the federation.

“In a similar development, RMAFC had also embarked on the reconciliation exercise of signature bonuses and other miscellaneous revenues from the oil and gas industry to enable the commission engage other stakeholders with a view to

reducing revenue leakages and enhance remittance into the Federation Account.

“The commission therefore seeks the support of stakeholders especially the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enable it succeed on the exercise,” it noted.

FG Pledges More Devt Projects for N’Delta Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in Delta State is an eloquent testimony to the unwavering commitment of the Buhari’s administration to changing the development narrative of the Niger Delta, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has said at the first matriculation of the university at the weekend.

Osinbajo who was represented at the event at the university’s campus in Kurutie, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters, Office of the Vice-President, Mr. Edobor Iyamu, described President Muhammadu Buhari as “a man of his words and he has made that clear over and over again with regards to the Niger Delta, in the last four years.”

Acting Governor of Delta State, Mr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, also said that the Maritime University was a fulfilment of a new dream for the Niger Delta, saying the state government would not relent in its support for the institution, including the establishment of the university Dockyard in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

While congratulating the students, management and staff of the institution, the vice-president said, “We have a vision that the Maritime University will come to be known around the world as a Centre of Excellence in Maritime matters, and a repository of expertise and knowledge on the Niger Delta.

“The seriousness with which we view the Niger Delta informed the series of unprecedented engagements that resulted in the comprehensive development Plan known as the New Vision for the Niger Delta; with the goal of ensuring that the huge resources of the Delta are put to work for the good of the people of the region.

“That New Vision has guided us every step of the way, and is what has helped propel the Ogoni Clean Up to fruition, and helped birth this University in which we are gathered today.

“These and more are examples of how we are walking the talk in the Niger

Delta region, which we view not in terms of its past, but in terms of its potential. And this is a potential that is not limited to oil and gas, but is actually focused more on the development of human capital. ‘’We are confident that the Niger Delta will sooner than later come to be defined, not by crude oil, but by the quality of its human resource, the abundance of its agriculture, its rich cultural potential, and L-R: Enugu State Deputy Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Innocent Ezeoha; Rev. Fr. Ambrose Offordile; Enugu State Governor, so on.

“And, while the remediation Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuany; Administrator, Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, Msgr. Chuks Ogbuene; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; and state Chairman is ongoing, there are also a lot of PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, during the Enugu PDP’s post-election Thanksgiving Mass at the cathedral in Enugu… yesterday of efforts aimed at ensuring that affected communities enjoy basic amenities like clean water, and that jobs and training opportunities The Pro-Chancellor of the He also thanked the “It is a must that we all “Our universities cannot are extended to them.

University of Lagos (UNILAG), have to be properly educated; continue to survive as Education Minister, Mallam “Our Modular Refinery Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), so, if government can afford government departments, Adamu Adamu, “whose Programme is another has said universities cannot to do it all on its own, so be expecting government largesse. commitment to the cause of important cornerstone of continue to survive on it. But if government cannot We have to take advantage of repositioning the education the New Vision for the Niger government largesse, adding afford it, then we all must join what we have got. There are system is unparalleled.” He Delta. There are currently four that they must learn to invest forces to do it. If the choice no less that 50 Nigerians today, also lauded the efforts of modular refineries at different and improve on revenue is between quality education who can rebuild UNILAG, but as the Executive Secretary levels of completion, across generation. and free education, I choose they have to know that their of the National Universities the region,” he said.

Speaking during the the former.” contributions would be used Commission (NUC), Alhaji “The Amnesty Programme conferment of postgraduate Citing examples of appropriately and they would Abubakar Rasheed, who has continued to receive and honorary degrees at universities that have worked be able to measure performance represented the president at funding and support from UNILAG’s 50th Convocation hard to be self-sufficient, and monitor their money. the event. the Buhari Administration, Ceremony, the senior lawyer Babalakin said: “Harvard Urging the Ph.D graduates to “If you can assure them because we understand just said Nigerians universities University today has an of these, then you will be see their degree as a pedestal how important it is for the cannot continue to survive average of $36 billion; while on the road to rebuilding the for greater achievements, the young people of the region. as “government departments Oxford and Cambridge university system in a manner pro-chancellor said: “I want We will continue to ensure expecting government Universities jointly have that it can compete all over the you to be part of a great that it delivers on its mandate largesse”.

22 billion Pounds (about world. There is nothing such as reformation of Nigeria. I and responds fully to the Babalakin said while there $30 billion). One College in Nigerian education or Nigerian want you to be instrumental needs and yearnings of the had been a raging battle on Cambridge (Trinity College) standard. Standard must be to positive change. I want you beneficiaries. to be developmental in your whether education should has $1.3 billion. How did these universal and world-wide.”

Delta State Acting Governor, be funded by government universities achieve this? The Babalakin thanked President various fields and refuse to Otuaro said that Otuaro said alone or by government and founders of these universities Muhammadu Buhari, for accept defeat. You are special the state government was all stakeholders, his position realised that universities must his “very keen interest and members of the intelligentsia concerned about the university was that quality education invest, create value, save determination to reposition and you shouldn’t take it for Dockyard to be situated in “is an inescapable necessity”. money and be productive. education in Nigeria”. granted.

Gbaramatu Kingdom, adding that a committee headed by him has been constituted to interface with the Federal Government and NIMASA The Minister of Industry, Lagos and Anambra States State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi the growth of the private sector towards government Trade and Investment, Dr. were last week, rewarded for his steadfastness in making in Enugu State”.

The National President told programmes that would ‘’be in Okechukwu Enelamah, and the at the Presidential Enabling Enugu State very conducive Ugwuanyi that “NACCIMA the best interest of all critical National President of Nigerian Business Environment Council for businesses to thrive”.

The minister also applauded is pleased with the great stakeholders of the maritime Association of Chambers of (PEBEC) Awards 2019 for being Commerce, Industry, Mines top reformed states in ease of the governor of for his steps your administration university.’’

Earlier in her address, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), doing business in 2018. The administration’s enormous has taken in the growth the Vice-Chancellor of Iyalode Alaba Lawson, have awards were presented by assistance to the Enugu and development of the the Nigerian Maritime commended Governor Ifeanyi Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chambers of Commerce, MSME programme, which Mines and has brought about the recent University, Prof. Ongoebi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for at the Old Banquet Hall of the Industry, Agriculture, which he said launch of National MSME Maureen Etebu, said that his administration’s innovative Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking during opening contributed to the success Clinic in Enugu by the Vice the university was ‘’a ship measures and steadfastness in set to sail as the institution enhancing the ease of doing ceremony of the 30th Enugu story of the body in the state. President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo International Trade Fair, the On his part, the National in October 2018”. now boasts of three vibrant business in the state.

The duo also congratulated minister who was represented President of NACCIMA, Responding, Ugwuanyi, faculties’’, commending Buhari administration for providing Ugwuanyi for the state’s recent by his Senior Special Adviser, Lawson, thanked Ugwuanyi who was represented by the fertile environment for the impressive rating as second in Emeka Ifezulike, said that for his administration’s support his deputy, Hon. Mrs. actualisation of Nigeria’s first the list of the five most reformed the recent feat recorded by to the chamber’s movement to Cecilia Ezeilo, reiterated his maritime university especially states in ease of doing business Ugwuanyi’s administration its permanent site in Enugu, as administration’s commitment “is no mean achievement”, well as the state government’s in promoting ease of doing following the visit in 2017 by in the country, in 2018.

Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, stressing: “Governor of the “tireless efforts at promoting business in Enugu State.

Osinbajo.

VICTORY MASS…

Babalakin: Varsities Can’t Survive on Govt Funding

FG, NACCIMA Hail Ugwuanyi for Enhancing Ease of Doing Business

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Ambode Pre-launches $50m Factory in Lekki Ejiofor Alike

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday performed the pre-launch of a $50 million manufacturing plant in Lekki Free Zone, where he expressed optimism that the facility would go a long way to create jobs and boost the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

Speaking at the pre-launch of the factory belonging to Longrich, a Chinese firm, Ambode said the facility was another success story of the efforts of the state government in attracting investment, as well as an eloquent confirmation of the strategic importance of the free trade zone to the State’s economy.

He said a total of 25 companies were presently setting up manufacturing plants within the zone, saying it was indeed gratifying that the efforts to drive investments were yielding positive results.

He said the most important thing to him is that whether in government or outside of government, factories were springing up in the zone, thereby creating job opportunities for the people and improving the economy of the State.

According to the governor, “one of the most fulfilling feelings in life is to see one’s efforts yield positive results. It gives me immense satisfaction to be here today to witness this

Pre-Launching Ceremony of Longrich Nigeria Manufacturing Plant to be located in the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos State.

“At the inception of this administration, one of our core focus areas was attracting investments to our State; to create employment for our people and wealth for our investors. Today’s event is one of those crowning moments that confirm that our efforts have been rewarded.”

Ambode particularly commended Longrich Group of Companies for the decision to site the $50 million factory in Lagos of all the cities and countries in Africa, saying the State and the country stand to benefit immensely from the investment.

“I have been informed that this Lekki Longrich facility, upon completion, would not only be the hub for the distribution of the products to the African sub-region but would provide employment for at least 1,000 new workers in our State and boost the nation’s foreign exchange earnings from exportation of manufactured products to other African Countries.

‘If we go by the success story of Longrich in China and the company’s track record, there is no doubt that Longrich Nigeria would be modelled after the world-class LONGLIQI Bio-Industrial Park in China which covers an area of

more than 133 hectares and serves as location of LONGLIQI Bio-Science Co., Ltd,” Governor Ambode said.

While describing the firm as a global brand with range of top class quality products and unique business model, the Governor also lauded the fact that Longrich had created wealth for over 500,000 people who are trading in more than thirty brands of the company, with the majority of the traders residing in the State.

Besides, Governor Ambode assured that the State Government would continue to play its role as business enablers, especially by providing the necessary infrastructure and services required to support all investors and businesses who decide to make Lagos their home.

Earlier, Chairman of Longrich, Mr. Xu Zhiwei commended Ambode for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State, saying it was on record that the governor’s efforts made the setting up of the factory which would fully take off in October, 2019 possible.

“I want to thank Governor Ambode. He (Ambode) gave us the enabling environment; he gave us the full support; he embraced our dreams and believe in us.We can also feel the safety and security in Lagos State,” Zhiwei said.

Shell Emerges Nigeria’s Most Impactful Local Content Company Ejiofor Alike

Shell Companies in Nigeria have emerged the International Oil Company with the most impactful Local Content Initiatives in the upstream category at the 2019 edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) held recently in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Shell beat other competitors ,Total and Exxon Mobil to the second and third positions, respectively at the 2nd edition of the fair organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, who presented the award, singled out Shell Companies in Nigeria for exemplary support to local vendors and suppliers in the oil and gas industry, which, he said, enabled greater participation of

Nigerians in the service value chain.

Receiving the award, the Managing Director of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, described the recognition as an important acknowledgement for the impressive work Shell companies continue to do in Nigeria content development.

He said, “This award is a strong recognition of our leadership in the Nigerian content development space. Nigerian content development remains a very important step in our growth aspiration as Shell Companies in Nigeria roll out the next phase of major projects.”

Shell’s Nigerian Content Development Manager, Olanrewaju Olawuyi, described the NOGOF award as well-earned

given the pioneering initiatives and strides by Shell companies in Nigeria which he said had put the oil and gas industry in the hands of Nigerians.

“We are motivated by the award to continue to pursue in-country value addition in the oil and gas sector as this aligns with the government’s aspiration in local capacity development.”

The NOGOF award is a confirmation of the leadership position of Shell in local capacity development in the oil and gas industry. In 2018, Shell Companies were named the Local Content Operator of the Year at the Annual Oil Industry Achievement Awards Dinner of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN,) an association of indigenous technical oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream sectors.

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APC: Why We Lost Election in Imo, Oyo, Others Uzodinma challenges defeat at tribunal Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said its defeat in the March 9 governorship elections in Imo and Oyo States was largely due to the people’s disenchantment in the performance of the governors.

The party’s position came just as its governorship candidate in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, petitioned the state governorship Election Petition Tribunal, asking it to nullify the declaration of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Ihedioha, as the

winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, in an interview with journalists at the weekend, said the party had ensured a level playground for people to face the electorate and for the electorate to pass judgement on the candidate put forward for elections.

Speaking with particular reference to the losses suffered by the APC in Imo and Oyo States, Onilu said the party lost due to its principled stand that

impunity must no longer reign.

“You could see that we lost the presidential election in Oyo and Ondo State where we have sitting governors.

“But because we didn’t want to condone impunity, we did all we did in Imo State in a way to undermine ourselves, and the choice we had was to accept what would have amounted to the impunity so that we could win Imo State, but we said no, we would rather do what is decent,” he said.

While assessing the performance of APC in the last general election, Onilu

said contrary to expectations that the party would mobilise all the resources of coercion at its disposal to ensure victory for its candidates, the reverse was the case as everyone was allowed to face the electorate without hindrance.

He also talked about the slim margin loss the party suffered in the hands of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State as well as the defeat of its candidates in other states, saying APC should be commended for not deploying incumbency to its advantage.

According to him, “But the important thing to note is that, being a journalist myself, I began to ask what has happened to us “The media should also report that a ruling party that is supposed to mobilise all the resources of coercion to get what you want, but didn’t do that, and you have now reported that we lost some major states.

“I will tell you that the only reason that happened was because this party has provided a platform for people to go and face the electorate and for the electorate to pass judgement on the people that had been put

forward without anybody doing anything against it.”

Onilu said what happened in Rivers State, where APC was excluded from the election would have been different if it were during the time PDP was in power at the centre.

He said Rivers State would have been locked down for the PDP to have its way.

“We have witnessed it in this country during PDP reign that a state would be locked down.

Their own method is ‘win by all means, let others go to tribunal’.

We didn’t apply such principle,” said Onilu.

‘Dangote Refinery will Transform NCC Assures Nigerians of 70% Broadband Penetration Nigeria’s Economy’ John Shiklam in Kaduna Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said his refinery, one of the world largest, when completed, will transform Nigeria’s economy.

He stated this at the weekend at Dangote Group Special Day at the 40th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

Represented by the Group Executive Director (GED), Strategy and Government Relations, Dagote Group, Mansur Ahmed, the billionaire businessman also said the Dangote Cement, Salt, Sugar

as well as other food products have continued to play key roles in ensuring food security and improve lives of Nigerians.

The refinery located in Lekki, Lagos State, is expected to produce 65.4 million litres of petrol, diesel, aviation jet fuel and Kerosene daily in high volumes.

He said petroleum products are planned to meet most of the needs of Nigeria and the African continent, thus making life much easier for the people.

Dangote said already, the gains of the huge investments in the different sectors by his organisation has moved the

Nigerian economy forward and complemented government efforts in no small measure.

He said Dangote Group continues to be largest employer of labour in Nigeria, with hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Dangote said further that the rice mills established in Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Zamfara, Kano and Niger States would also ensure self-sufficiency in rice production.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure Nigeria moves from an importing country to an exporting country.”

Emma Okonji The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, has said the commission is ready to drive the process of attaining 70 per cent broadband penetration in the next couple of years, if that is set as the new target by the federal government.

Speaking at the weekend, while delivering a goodwill message at an investment summit of Kaduna State Government, tagged ‘KADINVEST 4.0’, Danbatta expressed optimism about the commitment of the agency towards taking the

broadband penetration to the next level.

“When I was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, broadband penetration was only 8.5 per cent. It has now risen to 33 per cent, an equivalent of 63 million Nigerians enjoying the services. I am particularly thrilled to see that the rising trend has not only been sustained, but the NCC is now ready to take it to the next level,” Danbatta said.

Nigeria had in November 2018, attained its 30 per cent broadband target of December 2018 through measures and strategies put in place by the NCC under the leadership of Danbatta, a development that

has attracted industry-wide commendations.

Speaking further at the occasion, Danbatta, however, urged Fleek Network Limited, the licensed Infraco for the North West to quickly mobilise to site with a view to deploying broadband infrastructure to the region.

At least, six infrastructure companies (Infracos) have been licensed by the NCC under the leadership of Danbatta, to drive the deployment of broadband infrastructure across the nation’s geopolitical zones and Lagos State, which is a zone on its own due to the sheer size of its market.

Borno to Receive 2,000 Medical Equipment from India Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Over 2,000 medical equipment would be arriving in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, next week from India.

A statement by the spokesman of the state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Alhaji Isa Gusau, said: “A total of 2050 light weight medical equipment, among them sets of tools for Laparoscopy surgeries, are expected to arrive in Maiduguri next week.”

He said this followed Shettima’s trip to India, where he led negotiations with Indian manufacturers, and secured discounted prices and gave necessary approvals for the medical equipment that are of German quality Gusau said a consultant gynecologist and the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Salisu Kwayabura, coordinated and supervised the selection of equipment and negotiations in India.

He said Laparoscopy, which will soon commence

in Borno State hospitals, is a modern surgical procedure in which surgeons use specific instruments to create access to the abdomen and pelvis of patients without going through the traditional method of making large incisions on the skin of patients.

The procedure fast-tracks healing, reduces pains and minimises risks associated with post-surgical difficulties caused by large tearing of patients’ skin using traditional surgical procedures.

Gusau said Shettima, accompanied by the state health commissioner, had last Monday arrived in New Delhi, capital of India, with a mission to take immediate delivery of the medical equipment required to compliment dozens of heavy weight high tech medical equipment already installed in seven newly built and soon-to-be inaugurated General Hospitals as well as 18 General Hospitals completely overhauled by the Shettima administration.

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Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Ailing Christian Chukwu Gets NFF’s Bail out for Medical Treatment Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to provide support for former Nigeria captain and coach Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu to overcome his present health challenges and get back on his feet soonest.

President of the NFF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who is in the United Kingdom, yesterday mandated the Chairman of Enugu State Football Association and Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Hon.

Chidi Ofo Okenwa to pay a visit to the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations –winning team captain and get the details of his challenges and what needs to be done to return him to good health.

“I am not in Nigeria presently but I have asked the NFF Acting President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi to take full charge and ensure that this matter is treated promptly. It was for this kind of development that I spoke about the welfare foundation for our legends at the 2nd AITEO-NFF Awards in Lagos on 1st April 2019. The NFF would always be there to

lend support to our legends in their hour of need,” Pinnick said.

The NFF President, who is also 1st Vice President of CAF and President of AFCON, is on his way to Cairo, Egypt for final inspection of facilities for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, as well as meetings of the AFCON organizing committee and CAF Exco ahead of Friday’s draw ceremony for the championship.

Early reports on the health challenges of the former Nigeria defence stalwart indicated that there is need

to raise the sum of $50,000 for his round trip to the United States of America, surgery, medication and general after-surgery care.

A patron of Chukwu’s former club, Enugu Rangers FC, Mr. Benson Ezeomeogo Ejindu made this known in a Facebook post seeking to raise funds for the legend at the weekend.

Christian Chukwu captained the senior national team of Nigeria as they won their firstever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, receiving the

brand new Unity Cup from then President Shehu Shagari.

He also captained the Enugu Rangers FC team that won the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for the authority he exuded as he marshalled the defence and launched onslaughts on the opposition defence for club and country, Chukwu also served as assistant coach of the first team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy for Nigeria – the Golden Eaglets that triumphed at the FIFA U16 World Cup

in China in 1985.

He was also assistant coach of the team widely known as the Golden Generation – the 1994 Class of Super Eagles that qualified Nigeria for her first FIFA World Cup finals, won the Africa Cup of Nations title and reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup in America.

Between 2002 and 2005, Chukwu was head coach of the Super Eagles, leading the team to win bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

NPFL

MFM FC Shocked in Ilorin, Insurance Holds Enyimba in Aba Match-day 14 of the NPFL produced some stunning results in the Group A of the ongoing season yesterday as high-flying MFM FC was handed a 1-0 defeat in Ilorin yesterday by Kwara United.

Shamsudeen Hashim fired the winner in the 54th minute to give the hosts the maximum points.

Despite the defeat, the Olukoya Boys remain on top of the Group A log on 23 points from 14 matches.

Elsewhere in Aba, Bendel Insurace battled the People’s Elephant to a goalless draw in Aba. Former champions Rangers International step up to the second position on the log following a 1-0 win against Katsina United at the Cathedral in Enugu.

Seka Pascal sealed the victory with his decisive goal on 13 minutes. The Flying Antelopes now have 21 points from 10 games.

Wikki Tourists jumped four places from eighth to fourth spot on the log following a hard fought 2-1 home win against Remo Stars at the Pantami Stadium.

Isa Gata put the hosts ahead three minutes before the break, while Victor Chidume levelled scores for Remo Stars two minutes after the hour mark. Abdullahi Musa however scored the winning goal a minute before regulation time.

In Port-harcourt, Wasiu Jimoh’s brilliant free kick proved decisive as Rivers United overpowered Niger Tornadoes.

The forward rifled home with fearsome force after Cletus Emotan nonchalantly rolled an indirect free kick onto his path from 25 yards on the half hour in the wellfought contest decided at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.

United are now up to fifth

Development Bank Throws Weight Behind Okpekpe Race Again One of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has renewed its partnership with the Okpekpe international 10km Road Race.

The bank, founded in 2014 and which focuses on alleviating financing constraints faced by MSMEs and small corporations in Nigeria through the provision of financing and partial credit guarantees first came on board the Okpekpe train last year.

According to Zack Amodu, the race’s director of organisation, DBN has renewed its commitment to this year’s race as well.

“We are delighted that DBN, a leading financial institution in Nigeria has decided to renew its commitment with us as a big friend of the first road race in Nigeria to be granted a label status (bronze label in 2015) by the International Associations of Athletics Federations (IAAF) “Last year DBN signed on with us and made history as one of the socially responsible companies to associate with

the race which added another first as the only road race in West Africa to be granted a silver label status. It was a big honour to Nigeria and we are glad God used Pamodzi Sports Marketing again to market Nigeria to the outside world as a safe place to be and a sporting destination of choice,” said Amodu who reveals the bank will offer cash support towards the successful organisation of the race.

“Our partnership with DBN, Nigeria’s primary development finance institution promoting growth and sustainability is unique because like the Okpekpe race, the bank is also making giants leaps in its area of business.

Just last October, DBN became the newest member of the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs.

Heartland FC’s Chukwudi Nwaodu (left) and Victor Dennis of Kano Pillars battling out during their Match-day 13 between clash in Okigwe… recently. Heartland played goalless with Plateau United in Jos yesterday while Pillars won 2-1 against Elkanemi in Kano on the NPFL standings with 19 points, just two off the playoff places having played less than one game more than the sides in the third and fourth positions on the log, Enyimba International and Wikki Tourists respectively.

Akwa United returned to first position in Group B after a comfortable 2-0 win against Gombe United at the Akwa

Ibom International Stadium, Uyo. Cyril Olisema scored the opener from the spot in the 74th minute, while Wisdom Fernando make the points save by grabbing the second deep into stoppage time.

Kano Pillars defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium courtesy of two

fine strikes from Gambo Muhammed and David Ibuka.

Former Pillars winger Bello Kofarmata scored the away side only goal of the game.

Plateau United and Heartland battled to a 0-0 draw in Jos, while Delta Force also held their hosts Yobe Desert Stars to a barren draw in Damaturu.

MATCH-DAY14 Wikki 2 - 1 Remo Stars Rivers 1 - 0 Tornadoes Rangers 1 - 0 Katsina Kwara 1 - 0 MFM Enyimba 0 - 0 Insurance Yobe 0 - 0 Delta Go-Round 1 - 0 Abia Nasarawa 1 - 0 FCIU Plateau 0 - 0 Heartland Pillars 2 - 1 El-Kanemi

Organisers of The Match for Ambode Plans U-15 Lagos, Kebbi Clash Organisers of The Match expected to feature African football Legends against Naija Legends have scheduled Lagos United Under-15 boys and girls against their Kebbi State counterparts to spice up the game aimed to celebrate the sports achievements of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in Lagos State.

According to exinternational, Waidi Akanni the purpose of this curtain raiser with this youth game is to help raise attention for grassroots football. “ We all know the focus of the day is the superstars who have dominated African and global football but have now retired. We should not forget that they were once like these Under-15 youths before becoming Stars. We want to expose the talents inherent in these kids. Who knows, somebody somewhere

may just pick interest in the career of some of these kids,” observed the former Super Eagles midfielder.

He also confirmed at the weekend that the new date for the African Legends versus Naija Legends is now May 18, 2019 at the Onikan Stadium currently been remodeled to international standard.

“The contractors handling the Onikan Stadium project have assured us it is going to be ready by middle of May to enable us use the facility,” stressed the former Lagos FA Chairman.

The Match expected to feature African Legends and Naija legends is to be graced by former World and African Player of the Year, George Opong Weah who is now president of Liberia.

Other top former African stars listed in the game include; Nwankwo Kanu,

Stephen Appiah , Samson Siasia , Austin Eguavoen, Mutiu Adepoju, El hadji Diouf , Salif Diao , Diomtsay Kamara Obafemi Martins , Osaze Odemwingie and several other former African stars.

As part of catching them young, organisers of The Match had last month conducted a coaching clinic for almost 1000 school children at the Campos Mini Stadium on the Lagos Island.

President George Weah leading the Liberian team during an international friendly with Nigeria in Liberia recently

54

MONDAY APRIL 8, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

MONDAYSPORTS EPL

Everton Denies Arsenal Chance to Move up to Third Phil Jagielka, who was called into the starting XI as a replacement for Michael Keane shortly before kick-off of the Everton clash with Arsenal at Goodison Park yesterday poked home the only goal of the game to deny the Gunners the chance to step up to the number three spot on the English Premier League log.

The goal came via Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header from Lucas Digne’s early long throw.

Everton Boss, Marco Silva attributed the Toffees improved for for the victory.

“I’m really, really happy.

We deserved the three points,” Silva told BBC Sport.

“The chances we created, we should hav scored more goals. It is a fantastic win and one more clean sheet.

That’s the spirit I like the desire to win every challenge. “(Earlier in the season) we lost some confidence, we had a break and after we worked really well. It’s the same team with more confidence.”

The Gunners were poor in the first half and, while they did improve in the second, they never seriously tested Jordan Pickford in the Toffees goal.

Everton, meanwhile, had plenty of chances to double their lead in the second half as Bernard, Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson all spurned chances.

Victory for Everton means they leapfrog Watford into ninth while Arsenal remains in fourth.

Everton only announced Jagielka was starting 15 minutes before kick-off - a late replacement for Keane who dropped out of the matchday squad due to illness.

But it only took the club captain 10 minutes to get on the scoresheet as he capitalised on confusion in the Arsenal box to fire home his first goal since April 2017 from close range.

The hosts went on to dominate for much of the first half with Brazilian pair Richarlison and Bernard causing problems as they found plenty of space in behind the Gunners’ wingbacks.

While the visitors did improve after the break with the introduction of Aaron Ramsey and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, the Toffees were still largely the better side.

Bernard should have doubled his side’s lead on 59 minutes when an error

FA C U P

Watford Stuns Wolves to Qualify for First Final in 35 Years Gerard Deulofeu delivered a sensational display after coming on as substitute to inspire Watford’s dramatic comeback from two goals down to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers after extra time in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

With 11 minutes left, Wolves looked on course for their first FA Cup final since 1960 as they led through Matt Doherty’s first-header and Raul Jimenez’s superb chest down and volleyed finish.

Deulofeu, the maverick talent who had never quite fulfilled his potential at Barcelona, Everton and AC Milan, was sent on to rescue

Watford after that second goal and fulfilled his mission in spectacular style.

He produced an audacious angled flick to give Watford hope and they drew level in injury time as captain Troy Deeney drilled home from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Leander Dendoncker.

Deulofeu, however, was the catalyst and he showed composure and quality to provide the decisive contribution, steering a finish beyond John Ruddy in the 104th minute to send Watford to their first FA Cup final since 1984; they will meet Manchester City on 18 May.

CHINESE SUPER LEAGUE

Ighalo Scors Brace in Shenhua’s Win over Renhe Super Eagles forward, Odion Ighalo yesterday continued his goal scoring form after firing a brace as Shanghai Shenhua thrashed Beijing Renhe 5-1 in the Chinese Super League fixture.

Following Giovanni Moreno and Fredy Guarin’s efforts in the opening 30 minutes, the AFCON 2019 qualifying series highest goal scorer and Nigeria international, scored the third goal in the 35th minute as the hosts maintained a dominant first-half lead at the Hongkou Stadium.

After the restart, the 29-yearold added his second goal in the 66th minute thanks to an assist from Guarin.

Zhang Lu rounded up the emphatic win in the 80th

minute despite a late goal from Senegalese forward Makhete Diop for Beijing Renhe four minutes from time.

The Nigeria star who joined Quique Sanchez Flores’ men from Changchun Yatai in February has now scored four goals in four games, which makes him the joint top scorer in the league with Israel’s Eran Zahavi.

Ighalo was on parade for the entire 90 minutes just like compatriot Sone Aluko who was in action for the losing team.

He will be hoping to maintain the scoring form when his seventh-placed team visit Guangzhou R&F for their next Chinese Super League match on April 12.

by Ainsley Maitland-Niles presented him with a oneon-one with Bernd Leno which the keeper saved well.

And there were more

chances for the hosts as the game drew to a close, too, as Sigurdsson could only shoot straight at Leno from Richarlison’s cut-back,

while the Brazilian skewed his own effort wide with the goal gaping.

There were further opportunities for Bernard,

Andre Gomes and substitute Theo Walcott as the Toffees piled on the pressure but they could not find a second goal.

Gerard Deulofeu scored a brace as he inspired Watford’s dramatic comeback from two goals down to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 after extra time in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley...yesterday

SWAN Hails Patrons on Electoral Successes The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Honour Sirawoo has hailed the association’s patrons, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Senator-elect, Ifeanyi Ubah on their electoral successes during the just concluded general elections in the country.

While Wike was returned as Governor-elect for a

second term, Ifeanyi Ubah got elected to represent Anambra South in the Senate.

Sirawoo stated that the confidence reposed in them by their respective electorates is a demonstration of faith and believe in their abilities to champion worthy causes.

“Governor Wike and Senator-elect Ifeanyi Ubah have been strong pillars of sports development in

Nigeria in recent years and we are sure that they will continue to speak and support sports development.

The leader of sports journalists in Nigeria, who just returned to the country after attending the 6th AIPS African Congress in Accra, Ghana, where Governor Wike’s victory was celebrated by sportswriters in Africa said “We are proud of our

patrons and what they have achieved, especially in the promotion and administration of sports in Nigeria”.

The SWAN boss also commended other patrons who participated in the elections and didn’t make it, for their support and assured that the association will continue to look up to them for guidance and direction.

GOtv Boxing 18: Baby Face Returns, Vows to Crush ‘Energy’ West African Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight champion, Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, will return to action at GOTv Boxing Night 18, where he is slated to fight the tough Ganiyu “Energy” Kolawole in a challenge contest.

The GOtv Boxing NextGen graduate and former GOtv Boxing Night best boxer award winner, is scheduled to join others at the event slated to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Liberty Sadium, Ibadan, on 21 April. For the fight, the WABU champion

has promised his opponent hell.

“Energy will be in trouble from the first to the third round, when he would be knocked out. I have been out of action for a while, so I am rearing to return and do what I do best: messing up faces. Energy will have his face thoroughly messed up.

Quote me. I will school him in boxing,” he said.

The fight is one the eight scheduled for the event, which will be headlined by tbe African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight

title defence of Nigeria’s Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph against Ghana’s Success “Brave Warrior” Tetteh. The super featherweight division will also feature a title fight between Ridwan “Scorpion” Oyekola and long-reigning cchampion, Taofeek “Taozon” Bisuga.

Another big one is the international light middleweight challenge bout between Akeem “Dodo” Sadiku of Nigeria and Republic of Benin’s Ekpresso Djamihou. in a light middleweight challenge.

Other big names lined Other big names slated to be in action include Tawio “Esepo” Agbaje, best boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 16; Adeyemi “Sense” Opeyemi, best boxer at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 4. The best boxer at the event, to be beamed live on SuperSport, will go home with a cash prize of N1million alongside the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy. The show will also feature three professional debutants, all graduates of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search.

Basketball: Olukoya Girls Go on Break After spending over two weeks preparing for the new basketball season in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Women Basketball Club are back in Lagos.

Head Coach, Aderemi Adewunmi has however granted the girls two weeks break to enable them recover

from the very strenuous exercise in Akure which left a lot of the girls physically exhausted.

Meanwhile, MFM Director of Sports, Godwin Enakhena has charged the girls to keep in shape while on break to enable them return to camp in top shape.

“After a very tedious fitness regime in Akure, I have

approved coach Aderemi’s request for the girls to have some days off to recover after the rigorous exercise they had to undergo in Akure.

“From what I have seen and heard of the girls, I have no doubt in my mind that they will be the team to beat when the season begin later this month or May”, he concluded.

The MFM Women’s Basketball club which is sponsored by Dr Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer, MFM Worldwide joined the Premier League last season and missed out narrowly on a place on the continent after losing the 3rd place game to the Nigeria Customs Basketball to finish 4th.

MONDAY APRIL 8, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

55

MONDAYSPORTS

Super Falcons at yesterday training in Murcia, Spain ahead of today’s friendly with Canada

AHEAD FRANCE 2019

Fierce Canada Test for Super Falcons in Spain After pounding a first division club from Iceland (UMF Selfoss) 6-1 on Friday, Nigeria’s Super Falcons face a more worthwhile test when they square up to their Canadian counterparts in a friendly match in the city of Murcia, Spain today.

Following earlier tests against teams like China and Belgium in the run –up to the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in France

this summer, the nine –time African champions will be able to truly measure their progress against the Canadians, who have promised to field their full strength on the day.

Both countries began talks for this encounter during the draw ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in France in December last year.

Today, coaches Thomas Dennerby and Kenneth

Heiner-Møller will send out their strongest squads on the turf of Pinatar Stadium for a real test, two months before the big showpiece begins in France.

Kenneth Heiner-Møller has made it known he values the encounter with the African champions, as it would enable him to anticipate what to expect against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, whom Canada tackle in

their first match of the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Montpellier on 10th June.

The North Americans will also play New Zealand and The Netherlands in the group phase.

On their part, the Falcons will open their campaign against Norway in Reims two days earlier. Nigeria will also confront Korea Republic in Grenoble on 12th June, before taking on

tournament hosts France in Rennes on 17th June.

Nigeria and Canada have locked horns twice at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. On 8th June 1995, at the Olympic Stadium in Helsingborg, Norway, the Super Falcons came from behind to tie their group phase encounter 3-3. On 5th July 2011, at the RudolfHarbig Stadion in Dresden, Germany, Nigeria pipped Canada 1-0 in another group

phase encounter.

The Super Falcons are scheduled to participate in the WAFU B Women’s Tournament in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, 8th -18th May, before setting up camp at the Avita Resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf in Austria, from where will fly to France for the World Cup. The 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals hold between 7th June and 7th July 2019.

Man Utd Boss, Solskjaer Back to Base after Spying Barca at Camp Nou Ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Spanish Giants, FC Barcelona, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, made a swift return to his team’s Carrington training complex yesterday morning from Spain.

The Red Devils manager was scouting his side’s Champions League opponents Barcelona on Saturday evening.

United plays the Catalan giants in the quarter-finals of the competition and the sight of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi guiding their side to a 2-0 victory over Atletico

Madrid would have likely given him cause for concern.

Solskjaer flew back from Barcelona on a private jet which landed at Manchester Airport just after 1am.

The United boss eventually got to Carrington at 8am as he prepares to inform his side of what he made of Barcelona.

The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, David de Gea arrived shortly after Solskjaer for training.

It did take a while for Ernesto Valverde’s side to break down Atletico, who were down to 10 men for over an hour after Diego Costa was

sent off.

Suarez eventually got the breakthrough in the 85th minute before Messi doubled their advantage a minute later.

The victory meant Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga with seven games to play.

This is likely to give a sizeable advantage to the Spanish side going into the second leg knowing they could probably rest a number of key players against Huesca next weekend.

United, on the other hand, face West Ham before the second leg and are still in the

midst of an intense battle for the top four in the Premier League.

Former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho is hoping to knock out his old enemy.

Coutinho told the Sunday Mirror: ‘I know that games against Manchester United are special. I learned what they meant during my time at Liverpool when we lived it so intensely with the fans.

‘I have that nailed in my memory and, even though this is a different stage, if Barcelona knock United out of Europe, it will be a double personal satisfaction for me.’

Amateur Hovland Set to Make History for Norway at the Masters

FAIR PLAY WINNER…

Chairman of Akwa United FC, Mr Paul Bassey dedicating the Fair Play award won by the Promise Keepers to Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Aiteo-NFF Awards in Lagos…recently

It speaks to Viktor Hovland’s youth that his first vivid memory of watching the Masters was as recently as 2013, when Adam Scott became the first Australian to win a Green Jacket.

Six years later, the 21-year-old Hovland will be a trailblazer for his country when he becomes the first player from Norway to compete at Augusta National.

He will tee up on Thursday as part of a six-strong amateur contingent that also includes

Ernie Els’s nephew South African Jovan Rebula, the British Amateur champion.

Hovland earned a trip to this year’s Masters – and the US and British Open events – by winning the US Amateur championship in dominant fashion at Pebble Beach last year.

He tied the record for the fewest match play holes needed by a champion since the event went to its current format in 1979, and closed out in style

with a 6&5 victory in the final.

Hovland is not planning simply to make up the numbers at Augusta, his lofty ambitions fortified by his decent showing against the pros at last month’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he tied for 40th.

“Frankly, I didn’t feel like I played that well, yet I was able to finish 40th with a game that was average, or below average,” he said in a telephone interview with Reuters.

“It definitely gave me some

confidence I can hang (with the pros but) you still need to play well.”

Hovland comes from a nation whose men’s golf history is almost non-existent.

While Scandinavian neighbour Sweden has had a production line churning out world class players for the past three decades, the pickings from Norway have been slim, apart from Suzann Pettersen, a 15-times winner on the LPGA Tour.

Monday April 8, 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE PDP to Tinubu

“I do not know; maybe he is saying we should go for anarchy if it is not going to be based on legality. I do not know what he wants because we are a people guided by law. There are laws guiding the exercise. I do not think any Nigerian will disregard the law guiding the exercise.

Inasmuch as the nation deserves improvement in our power sector, whatever we must do must be guided by the law if we do not want to cause confusion and crisis.”

– The PDP faulting the call by the National Leader of APC, Bola Tinubu, for the federal government to revisit the privatisation of the power sector.

ALEXOTTI OUTSIDE THE BOX

alex.otti@thisdaylive.com

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Celebrating Eze Eric Alomefuna (1960-2019) “Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts.”

– Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

T

here is always the mistaken belief by many that men don’t cry, or more appropriately, that men shouldn’t cry.

I have since found out that it is not true. Men indeed do cry and I have in the past few years found out that I too do cry.

With centuries of patriarchal culture dominating the world, men have somehow, suppressed their emotions to the point where their open expression is often perceived as weakness. Studies have shown that such suppression, which have become the norm in our societies, may not actually be good for the body and soul. Besides, there is often that occasional occurrence of tragedy, which, when it comes, reduces even the most stout-hearted of men to tears. I am in that kind of state now and I crave indulgence to allow me express my innermost emotions. I have lost a dear brother!

Eze Eric Alomefuna, fondly called Rico by his friends and admirers, was definitely my brother from another mother. I am hesitant to use the expression, ‘was’ to define Rico, but I have no choice because, quite unfortunately, he is no more.

We lost Rico recently and he will be interred on Thursday. It is a loss that I may not be able to comprehend or come to terms with, for the rest of my life. Let it be known that an angel has left this world by that event!

The tale of Rico’s shocking exit started with a little ailment in September of last year. I had given him a role in my campaign organisation, to work on Strategy and Planning which is one of his strong areas. He was happy to do this job and had secured approval from Oby, his wife, to be away more often. We scheduled to be in Abia over a weekend to kick off the planning activities for campaigns leading to the elections. I arrived Abia as agreed but Rico was uncharacteristically, no where to be seen. First day led to the second and the third and there was still no word from him. I started by getting angry and after a few days, I feared that something was definitely amiss as it was unlike him not to make contact at all. I picked up my phone and placed a call to him. His response was in low tones and his voice sounded unstable. I apologized for what I believed was interrupting his meeting and wanted to proceed with the next set of words, which would have been “call me when you are done”. He interjected with ‘Nwokem’ – the pet name we had for each other, “I’m not in any meeting. I have not been feeling well”.

‘What is wrong with you?, I queried ‘Have you been to the hospital? What did the doctors say?

How come you didn’t inform me of this sudden illness? The questions were pouring in torrents with little or no room for him to respond. ‘Anyway, I do not like how you sound. I’m coming right away to see you in Abuja’, I concluded. I abandoned everything I was doing and immediately made my way to Abuja only to see a gaunt and older version of my friend. I should have known it, but alas, I missed it. He told me doctors were running different types of tests with “inconclusive results” for weeks.

It was not until about eight weeks of this battery of ‘tests’ that a definitive result finally came, but from a new set of doctors who came from abroad.

Rico had been hit by Cancer of the Colon which was not only aggressive but was at an advanced stage! The battle then shifted to that of saving

Alomefuna

his life. He was immediately referred to Lagos to meet with another set of medical experts coming from the UK. This was in December last year, in the middle of campaigns. He was able to see the doctors who did not give us a lot of hope. They held that at the stage his sickness was, it was only nutrition and supplements that could help, but were emphatic that whatever we were going to do was palliative and could merely extend his stay, but not for too long.

I called in my sister, Dr. Mrs Ify Nwakwesi, who is not only a nutrition expert but also a medical doctor. Ify knew Rico well, not just because of my association with him, but because he was from the same Ogbunike Town with her husband, Dr. Maduka Nwakwesi. She and her team approached the assignment with characteristic passion and positivity. She threw in everything into saving Rico’s life, not minding the cost. He, in line with his strong sense of spirituality and constitution, started responding positively to the new treatment.

Besides medication, and because Rico was a man of strong faith, prayers were being offered on his behalf by many people of goodwill. We were confident that somehow, he would pull through.

On Thursday January 24, 2019, he left Lagos for Enugu so he could be in the medical facilities of his brother in law Dr. Ike Nwachukwu, for better care. Two days later, I took a break from campaigns and travelled to Enugu to see him. Quite unlike the impression I was getting, I was very shocked to see his state and how much weight he had lost. His wife, being an incurable optimist and a very positive woman convinced me that Rico had made a lot of progress compared to a few days before. He was very happy to see me, though too weak to have a conversation with me. The three hours I spent in that hospital was very sad irrespective of how much hope Oby tried to give me.

Two days later, I was on my way to a campaign rally in Bende when that call came from Dr. Nwachukwu. My heart skipped as I saw his call but I summoned up courage to take the call. Had the worst happened? Was Rico feeling better? Was his situation getting worse? These were some of the questions racing through my mind. As I picked the call, Dr. Nwachukwu’s voice betrayed no emotion whatsoever as he exchanged pleasantries with me. That seemed to reassure me a little bit. At least it was not bad news, I thought, otherwise he would have gone straight to the point. Then the bombshell came.

“I am sorry Alex, we just lost your friend a few minutes ago”. All hell was let loose. My mind went to so many things. I thought of Oby and their four lovely children. How was she going to reconcile her strong will, her faith in God with this

sad reality of her husband’s unexpected demise?

Who was going to break this news to Kodi in this his final year at Covenant University? What should we tell Naeto who would have loved his dad to be around in the next two years as he stepped into his shoes as a graduate of economics? How would we even begin to explain this to Kemdi, who even though was there as he breathed his last still hoped that daddy would soon wake up and support him in his quest to become a Professor of Medicine, given his huge academic brilliance?

How would we tell Sochi, (13) the princess and baby of the Alomefunas, who had just started her JS3 exams.

Going down memory lane, Rico and I met in 1984 as I secured admission to read Economics at the University of Port Harcourt. He was already in his third year in the same department. He was subsequently to assume the role of the President of the Nigerian Economics Students Association that same year. One thing that struck me about Rico was his razor sharp intelligence. There was so much positive aura around him that people naturally gravitated around him, either to share from his wisdom or to be counted amongst his friends.

I cannot actually remember exactly how we became very close, but I must confess I was excited about his graduating First Class honours and becoming a multiple prize winner and the best graduating student not only in Economics Department, but in the entire Faculty of Social Sciences in 1986. He was an inspiration to me and many others. No one disputed his brilliance but not too many people expected that he would make a first class. He was not one of the “efficos”who would always read TDB (till day break). He was at parties like the regular students and would share a drink or two with friends. Prior to this time, it was a shared belief that ‘First Class’ was not meant for people like that, but he broke the jinx! As he was graduating, there were lots of options on the table for him. He finally settled for service at the then Nigeria International Bank, now Citibank. Citibank was noted for going out of its way to locate and hire the best brains in the country as at then. As he settled in for his service year, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, awarded scholarships to him and his friend I.G. Ukpaka, another First Class graduate from the University of Lagos. They proceeded to Scuola Enrico Matei in Milan for postgraduate studies. They excelled over and above students from other nationalities both in the post graduate programme and in spoken and written Italian. Given their brilliant performances, they were hired by the parent company of Agip, ENI, and sent to work in Lagos. Rico’s stay in Agip was short lived as he made his way back to the banking industry. He argued that while the money in Agip was great, the oil industry did not challenge him enough to make a career there.

He then joined some ex-citibank colleagues who had just set up the then Citizens International Bank in the early 90s. From there he joined the then Crystal Bank and eventually ended up with the United Bank For Africa Plc, from where he left as Regional Head, South South. He quickly set up his own business in the area of Financial Consultancy and Project Management, named Kodineto Ltd. He coined this name from the names of his two sons, Kodi and Naeto. He managed the company until his demise.

Rico was a source of great motivation for me.

In the first place, he was always ‘on my case’, arguing that if I worked smart and not necessarily hard, I would excel both in academics and life

generally. I kept insisting that I was fine with a second class upper degree but he would hear none of that. ‘If I could make a first class’, he kept telling me, ‘then you can make it also’. To ensure that I followed in his leadership, I contested and won the Presidency of the Nigerian Economics Students Association in 1987. I had a tough challenge in my friend who was later in life to become my bestman when I wedded in 1993. Eustace Odunze was on the ballot and he is my friend.

Somehow, we were able to sort things out and remain friends till today.

By the time I came to Lagos for youth service and met Rico he naturally recommended Citibank. I went through the interview process and got engaged.

As a newcomer to Lagos, accommodation became a challenge. His house was immediately made available with all the necessary provisions and I stayed with him for months before I eventually got my own place. Of course, his house then, was a melting pot for some of us that were homeless at that time.

Then came 1993 when it was time for me to settle down and get married. Rico was one of the few friends that decided that we needed to go visit my in-laws before they gave out my wife to another suitor. He was always in front and played the role of a big brother in all the visits involving my wedding. He led my dad to sort out the bride price and all other traditional requirements. He was central to the wine carrying and subsequently the wedding. The after-wedding party which he organized 26 years ago, still remains memorable for my friends who were there.

In 2017, I introduced him to Senator Victor Umeh, OFR who was then the Director General of the Obiano Reelection Campaign Committee to support him in the area of strategy. Umeh was glad to have him in the team and worked with him closely. Sometime in the 90s, he was elected the National President of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association. At some point in his life, even though he was a born and practicing Catholic, he felt the need to engage more in the service of God. He became a staunch member of the Mountain Of Fire and Miracles ministries and remained committed to the calling until he breathed his last.

Sometimes, life is full of contradictions. Sometimes, you come face to face with challenges that test your faith in God. Sometimes, you may want to ask God some questions like “why do the good ones go early and the bad ones seem to survive seemingly through every thick and thin”? A friend told me, just last week, that I would get the answers from a book he recommended titled “Why bad things happen to good people”. I have not read that book. I, however, do know that if there was anyone to depart at 58, it should not have been Rico. Unfortunately, we do not have any choice in this matter and Rico had to leave us in his prime. We can only say, good night Rico.

So long Nwokem!. May your soul rest until that resurrection morning when we shall meet to part no more. It is well with your soul.

Now that I have expressed my true feelings, I sincerely pray that I will find the closure contained in the words of Rumi, who noted that, “Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow.

Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.”

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