FRIDAY 12TH APRIL 2019

IMF Advises Nigeria to Remove Fuel Subsidy W’Bank says poverty worsening in the country

Martins Ifijeh, Funke Olaode and Shola Oyeyipo in Washington DC The Managing Director, International Monetary Fund

(IMF), Mrs. Christine Lagarde, has advised the Nigerian government to jettison spending on fuel subsidy and expend the money on health, education and infrastructural

development.

Also reviewing the subSahara African countries’ situation, the World Bank Group said the level of poverty in Nigeria is getting worse

despite other regions’ progress on shared prosperity.

Lagarde, who made the call yesterday during the Global Policy Agenda press briefing at the ongoing World Bank

Spring Meeting in Washington DC, said subsidy spending was infringing on other critical areas of capital development, including health, education and infrastructure, hence the

need for the government to refocus.

The IMF chief said it was the monetary institution's general Continued on page 8

FG Offers 178 Gas Flare Sites for Commercialisation...

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Buhari Orders Security Chiefs to Deal Ruthlessly with Bandits IG: Kaduna-Abuja road now safe Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja ordered the service chiefs and the acting Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to deal ruthlessly with

armed bandits and kidnappers terrorising different parts of the country.

The president gave this marching order during a two-hour Security Council meeting that he presided over at the Presidential Villa.

House summons president over insecurity

Present at the meeting aside the acting IG, were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff,

Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar.

Others were the National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ahmed Rufai; DirectorGeneral, Department of State

Security Service (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi; the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd); and the Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd).

Bandits have in recent times, laid siege to various parts

of the country particularly Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna States in Northwestern Nigeria, wreaking havoc and sending many to their early graves.

Continued on page 8

S'Court Breaks Rivers Electoral Logjam, Strikes Out APC’s Appeals PDP hails judgment Wike offers Amaechi olive branch Alex Enumah, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Supreme Court yesterday sealed the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) hope of bouncing back to political reckoning in Rivers State, dismissing its three appeals, which challenged the decision of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that nullified its primary elections for the 2019 general election.

INEC on the strength of the high court and the Supreme Court’s judgments delivered earlier in the year

had excluded the APC from fielding candidates for the general election held in the state on February 23 and March 9.

The apex court dismissed the appeal filed by the APC praying it to set aside its earlier judgment that upheld the decision of the lower courts, for lacking in merit.

A seven-member panel of justices of the Supreme Court led by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, in a unanimous ruling held that the APC's appeal was defective, Continued on page 9

FG Accuses Atiku of Overheating the Polity... Page 8

MOVING AGAINST BANDITS...

Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin (left), and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, after the Security Council meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

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FG Accuses Atiku of Overheating the Polity It’s part of presidency's plot, says PDP Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The federal government has accused the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, of overheating the polity by planning to replicate the Venezuelan model in Nigeria, following media report that he has hired a United States’ lobby firm to convince the US not to recognise the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari until the Supreme Court has ruled on the suit.

But in a swift reaction, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP said that no amount of fabrications, attempt at set-up; as well as veiled and open threats by the All Progressives Congress (APC)led federal government would stop Atiku from reclaiming his mandate at the tribunal.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, while addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, claimed that the federal government was aware of media reports that Atiku had on Wednesday distanced himself from the posters that are circulating in Abuja, while also denying hiring US lobbyists, claiming tongue-in-cheek that the APC fabricated it.

The minister noted that if the media reports of denial were right, it means that the former vice president had suddenly

realised the grave implication of his actions, hence he had decided to beat a quick retreat before it is too late.

Muhammed added that Atiku, as a self-avowed democrat, should realise that the only lawful channel for challenging the result of an election is through the courts, rather than resorting to selfhelp, as he seems to be doing now, describing it as an act of desperation, while warning that the consequences are dire.

The minister stated: “The posters and the hiring of US lobbyists, the latest of such by the PDP candidate, have triggered questions about what Alhaji Abubakar is up to. Is he starting a fresh campaign after the elections have been won and lost?

“Has he rescinded his decision to challenge the results of the presidential election in court, perhaps after realising that the results he claimed to have obtained from the INEC back server are cooked? Is he now going for self-help? What really is Atiku's motive?

“There is no doubt that the PDP presidential candidate, out of desperation, is thinking of replicating the Venezuelan model right here in Nigeria. But he should realise that Nigeria is not Venezuela, and that the situations in both countries are not the same.

“President Muhammadu Buhari won the Feb. 23rd 2019 presidential elections

fair and square, with a margin of 3,928,869 million votes.

The election's credibility was attested to by local and foreign observers.”

The minister stated that the president’s victory was well deserved, adding that at a different forum, it represents the triumph of the ordinary Nigerians over the elite.

He further explained: “The election is a direct contest between ordinary Nigerians and the elite, most of whom are rent seekers. Of course, the ordinary Nigerians have won. This is not a surprise, considering the pro-poor policy of the administration.”

Asked to substantiate his allegations against Atiku, Muhammed said: “When you try to make inflammatory statement either through yourself or through your supporters capable of setting the country on fire. I won't use the word as strong as treasonable felony, I won't. But I will simply say that any act of anybody capable of creating crisis will not be tolerated by the government.”

The minister stressed that Atiku has the right to do whatever is lawful to challenge the outcome of the election, but stressed that he could not get through the back door what he couldn't get through the front door, saying that would be a pipe dream.

According to him, “If he believes hiring a foreign lobby

firm will advance his quest, we wish him the best of luck.

But seeking US recognition as the winner of an election that he lost by almost four million votes is unconscionable. Recall, gentlemen, that after the result of the presidential election was announced, the U.S. joined other countries to congratulate President Buhari.”

Muhammed stressed that Atiku would not be the first or the last person to lose an election, and that he should realise that losing an election is not the end of the world.

He said that while he has challenged the result of the election in court, he should not give the impression that he does not have confidence in the judicial process, which is what resorting to self-help implies.

“He should stop overheating the polity and quit trying to instigate a political crisis in Nigeria. No citizen, no matter how highly placed, is above the laws of the land. Enough is enough!,” he warned.

Meanwhile, in a statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said that such orchestration are also targeted at instilling fear, cause apprehension in the citizenry and create opening to further suppress genuine public opinion and the course of justice in the quest by Atiku and the PDP to restore the will of the people.

The PDP rejected in its entirety, the declaration by the Buhari presidency that Atiku is “lucky to be walking free,” noting that such was inciting and brings to the fore the unwholesome intention of the APC-led administration against Atiku for seeking to retrieve his stolen mandate at the court.

Ologbondiyan added that part of the motive is to use lies, fabrications, threats and sponsoring of Atiku campaign posters to portray Atiku and the PDP as being desperate and ready to subvert the rules in the pursuit of his mandate; and by so doing discredit the party’s candidate in the eyes of the judiciary and the public in general.

PDP stated: “The series of orchestrations against Atiku Abubakar and the PDP by agents of the federal government, officials of the Presidency and the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), expose a well-coordinated plot, which includes a resort to unfounded claims of links with a foreign lobby group, to attempt to frame Atiku Abubakar, cause tension and ultimately derail the recovery of the stolen mandate at the presidential election tribunal.

“This explains why agents of the APC-led government fabricated and pushed into the public space, bogus and laughable claims that Atiku Abubakar paid $30,000 to

a US lobby group to assist in the quest to reclaim our mandate only for the federal government and the presidency to turn around to feast on the fabrications with threats against Atiku Abubakar. “ The main opposition party said it was instructive to state that the party and Atiku do not need any foreign lobby group to prove their case before the tribunal as Nigerians themselves have been at the forefront of this pursuit, especially with the overwhelming evidence before the court.

The party cautioned the APC-led federal government to allow the tribunal to judiciously carry out its responsibilities without let or hindrance as well as stop their unrelenting plots to overheat the system and derail the course of justice as such will all come to naught.

It also called on Nigerians to take copious note of threats by the Presidency through the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, to jail Atiku based on trumped up allegations, while describing him as “one who is lucky to be walking free.”

“Nigerians now know who to hold responsible should any harm come to Atiku Abubakar, his family or any member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO) in the course of the pursuit of the mandate at the tribunal,” the party said.

issues, including kidnapping, banditry and other associated issues confronting the nation and we are coming out with a revised strategy to handle those challenges.

"Yeah, the marching order is for us to deal with this issue immediately and ruthlessly and ensure that all those bandits are immediately dealt with and all those issues that are bordering on our security are properly addressed."

Also briefing, the acting IGP said the menace of kidnapping on Abuja - Kaduna expressway

had been effectively tackled, disclosing that several kidnappers had been arrested and the road is now safe for motorists.

According to him, the security patrol team that is on duty every 24 hours on the road has had bloody encounters with the kidnappers during which he said some of them had been injured and others arrested.

He said: "I want to assure Nigerians that Kaduna-Abuja roads are now safe. We have cleared the roads; we have

arrested a lot of kidnappers and in confrontation with some of them, and some were fatally injured.

"So the road is cleared. Our patrol teams, the combined security services that are patrolling the road are constantly there 24 hours."

IG's submission that Abuja Kaduna highway is now safe for motorists and commuters was the fallout of the launch of "Operation PUFF- ADDER" last week in the North-west

be tackled appropriately.

Also speaking yesterday during the World Bank press briefing at the ongoing IMF/ World Bank Spring Meeting in Washington DC, the President of the World Bank, Mr. David Malpass, said if the regional challenge is not tackled urgently before year 2030, it could push those countries into extreme poverty with the citizens most affected.

He said: "By 2030, nearly nine in 10 poor people will be from Africa, while progresses are predicted to be made in other regions. This is troubling and we must collaborate to address this. The World Bank Group is financially strong, but we have started meeting member countries to ensure this is addressed.

"We must coordinate resources to boost prosperities in Africa and other parts of the world. We are also talking to donors and countries involved to arrive at a sustained and workable approach."

Malpass who has only spent three days as the president of the institution, said some of

the concerns in the tackling of poverty and improvement of the economy in low and middle income countries include climate change, digital economy and capital flow.

He added: "Climate change is one huge challenge at the moment, and we believe the Bank's goal in addressing it can be achieved. Digital economy will help boost economic development.

"Some countries have success stories that sub Sahara African countries and other countries can learn from.

One of such nations is China which has been able to reduce poverty to a great extent."

He also stated that on illicit financial flows, the bank would continue to work with nations to ensure such funds are tracked, and that financial flows should be done legitimately.

He also stated that Nigeria and 16 other countries were at risk of debt financial distress.

"Debt helps economies grow but if not done in a transparent way it can drag down such economies. That

is why we need transparent disclosures of debts as they are created," he said.

BUHARI ORDERS SECURITY CHIEFS TO DEAL RUTHLESSLY WITH BANDITS In the same vein, kidnappers have made living harrowing for many Nigerians especially those plying Kaduna-Abuja highway, Okene-Lokoja road, Benin-Ore expressway, among others, waylaying travellers, kidnapping them and subjecting their families to utter discomfort by demanding huge ransom.

However, Buhari who returned to Nigeria on Tuesday night from trips to Jordan and United Arab Emirates (UAE), convoked a security council meeting in the Presidential

Villa over worsening security crises bedeviling various parts of the country and gave the heads of security agencies marching orders to ruthlessly deal with criminals tormenting the lives of innocent citizens.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Olonisakin said the meeting reviewed existing security strategy and simultaneously examined a new approach to be adopted in combating security challenges confronting the country.

According to him, such

a review and examination bordered on strategy for tackling banditry, kidnap and other security challenges facing Nigeria, adding that the president ordered them to ruthlessly tackle the challenges with a sense of immediacy.

He said: "The security meeting we just had with Mr. President today (yesterday) is to review the strategy that we are adopting in confronting security issues in Zamfara State especially and other places nationwide. And this review strategy is to address all the

Continued on page 9

IMF ADVISES NIGERIA TO REMOVE FUEL SUBSIDY principle to discourage fossil fuel subsidies because of its consequences on other areas of life and development.

She said: "As far as Nigeria is concerned, with the low revenue mobilisation that exists in the country; in terms of tax to GDP, Nigeria is amongst the lowest. A real effort has to be done in order to maintain a good public finance situation for the country and in order to direct investment towards health, education, and infrastructural development."

Highlighting some of the negative impacts of fuel subsidy, Lagarde said: “If you look at our numbers from 2015, it is no less than about $5.2 trillion that are spent on fuel subsidies and the consequences thereof. And the Fiscal Affairs Department has actually identified how much would have been saved fiscally but also in terms of human life, if there had been the right price on carbon emission as of 2015. Numbers are quite staggering.

“If that was to happen, then

there would be more public spending available to build hospitals, to build roads, to build schools, and to support education and health for the people.

“Now, how this is done is the more complicated path because there has to be a social protection safety net that is in place so that the most exposed in the population do not take the brunt of those removal of subsidies principle.

So that is our position,” she explained.

Speaking on the roles of IMF in global policy agenda, the IMF boss stated that “the global economy has entered a delicate phase. Growth is slowing, reflecting trade and geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty, and one-off factors.”

According to Lagarde, domestic policies need to strengthen growth, enhance resilience and promote inclusion, assuring the people that IMF will support members in designing tailored macroeconomic policies.

“Fiscal policy should strike

the right chord between supporting demand, ensuring debt sustainability, and safeguarding social objectives, including by upgrading tax systems, mobilising domestic revenue, priortising expenditure and reducing public debt where needed.

“Monetary policy should ensure that inflation remains on track towards target and focus on anchoring expectations where inflationary pressures persist.

Financial resilience must be enhanced, including by continuing to buttress microprudential supervision and strengthen micro-prudential frameworks that manage risk.”

W’Bank Says Poverty Worsening in Nigeria, Others Meanwhile, the World Bank Group has revealed that the level of poverty in Nigeria and other sub -Saharan African countries is getting worse despite other regions’ progress on shared prosperity.

It also said illicit transfer of funds from the region to the developed world has become a huge challenge that must

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FG Offers 178 Gas Flare Sites for Commercialisation Targets 2020 for zero gas flare Chineme Okafor in Abuja The federal government yesterday disclosed that it would offer 178 gas flare sites to investors that would harness the gas for use in the domestic economy under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP).

The government has also stated that its target under the NGFCP is to ensure that Nigeria exits the immoral practice of flaring gas at its oil fields by 2020.

It, however, explained that the target was not sacrosanct but self-imposed to stop the practice ahead of the 2030 deadline issued by the United Nations to countries to end gas flare.

Speaking yesterday at a press briefing shortly after inaugurating committees to take charge of the next phase of the NGFCP after interested bidders submitted their

Statements of Qualification (SOQs), the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, explained that the government has insisted that flaring of gas must stop, adding that after 2020, companies that flare gas would be profoundly punished.

He stated that Nigeria has largely complied with the global demands to tone down the practice, adding that currently, the country has achieved a 75 per cent compliance level and would aim to meet the balance of 25 per cent through the NGFCP and a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) penetration programme.

“The design of the NGFCP as conceptualised by our development partners is an innovative, robust and scalable approach to gas flare reduction - a game changer, first of a kind, consistent with the climate change action plans anticipated in the Paris

Kachikwu Climate Change Accords, which could be replicable in many other gas flaring countries around the world with Nigeria setting the pace,” Kachikwu explained.

The minister added that if followed firmly, the programme will ensure that Nigeria ends gas flaring next year.

In his presentation, the Chairman of the Ministerial

Steering Committee for the NGFCP, Mr. Rabiu Suleiman, stated that 38 new flare sites were discovered by the programme, bringing the total number of flare sites in Nigeria to 178, including the earlier documented 140 sites in the database of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

Suleiman explained that over 225 Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) had been received in response to the request for qualification (RfQ) released under the programme, adding that $1,000 per flare site was paid by bidders to access them.

He noted that over 800 Expressions of Interests (EOIs) were received.

“Post issuance of the RfP, there will be a bidders’ conference designed for qualified applicants (QAs), upstream producers, technology providers, off-takers and financial

institutions - both local and international. The conference is designed to address all questions raised outside the programme Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and to facilitate business-to-business (B2B) discussions amongst participants,” he stated.

On how the programme would function as well as measures to curtail its derailment by oil companies who may prefer to continue to flare gas due to the meagre penalties imposed by the government, Suleiman said the government would take all flare gas free of cost at the flare header and without payment of royalty, adding that all flare gas taken by the government would be subjected to competitive bids.

He further explained that: “The current meagre flare payments of N10 per thousand standard cubic feet is increased, in the case of any one producing 10,000

barrels of oil or more, to $2 per thousand standard cubic feet of gas and, in the case of anyone producing less than 10,000 barrels of oil per day, to $0.50 per thousand standard cubic square feet of gas.

“And, this is irrespective of whether the flaring is routine or non–routine flaring, unless in cases of force majeure event. There are mandatory additional payments by the producer of $2.50/1000scf within the oil mining lease or marginal field for each day the producer breaches and, or fails to meet the regulations for failure to produce accurate flare data; failure to provide unfettered access to flares or flare sites; failure to sign a connection agreement.”

“In the event of continuous or egregious breaches, there is a possibility of suspension of operations, which could mean curtailment of production, or a termination of the producer’s licence.”

however, in its judgment insisted that the matter was a pre-election matter and that the appeal was filed out of time.

Only last Monday April 8, the Supreme Court also struck out the appeal filed by Senator Magnus Abe seeking the apex court's pronouncement on the authenticity or otherwise of the direct primary conducted by the APC in Rivers State for the nomination of its candidates for the 2019 general election.

The apex court in striking out the appeal, held that the notice of appeal filed by the senator representing Rivers South East at the upper chamber of the legislature was defective and not in compliance with the rule of the court.

Acting CJN Muhammad, who delivered the unanimous decision of the seven-man panel of justice of the court, held that the notice of appeal was defective because it did not contain the names and titles of parties in the matter.

offended section 285 of the 1999 Constitution as amended since the amendment cannot be done to the notice of appeal in view of the fact that the 14 days required by law to file the appeal had expired.

Senator Abe, who is a factional leader of the Rivers APC, prayed the apex court to make a final pronouncement on the legality of both direct and indirect primary polls conducted by the two factions of the party last year.

S'COURT BREAKS RIVERS ELECTORAL LOGJAM, STRIKES OUT APC’S APPEALS incompetent and should be struck out.

Respondents in the appeal marked: SC 295/ 20019, are the PDP and INEC. The APC in a notice of appeal, argued by its counsel, Mr. Jubrin Okutepa SAN, had urged the apex court to depart from its previous decision that held that the APC cannot field candidates in the just concluded general election on the grounds that its appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division was academic having been filed out of time.

Okutekpa's grouse was that the restraining order from the Rivers High Court was fraudulently obtained.

He also urged the Supreme Court to invoke section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to set aside the judgment of the Rivers State High Court, which barred the APC from participating in the general election on the grounds that it did not conduct a valid primary election.

However, counsel to the 1st respondent, the PDP, Mr. Emmanuel Ukalla SAN, however, in a “Notice of Preliminary Objection,” urged

the apex court to strike out the appeal or dismiss it in its entirety for being incompetent.

According to Ukalla, the appeal was defective on the grounds that the appellant had asked the Court of Appeal for reliefs it ought to have sought for at the Supreme Court.

Ukalla while insisting that the appellant does not have any valid appeal before the apex court urged the Supreme Court to uphold its preliminary objection and dismiss the appeal for lacking merit.

Delivering ruling on the preliminary objection, the seven-man panel agreed with the submissions of the PDP lawyer that the APC's notice of appeal was incurably defective and incompetent.

Justice Muhammad in the ruling struck out the notice of appeal and accordingly dismissed the appeal.

Meanwhile the apex court yesterday also dismissed two other appeals filed by the APC and its factional governorship candidate, Mr. Tonye Cole, for being incompetent.

The appeals are SC/266/2019, filed by APC, with Magnus Abe and others as respondents, and SC/267/2019

filed by Tonye Cole, with Magnus Abe and 48 others as respondents.

The apex court had in February this year, while delivering judgment in the main appeal on the contentious issue that emanated from the congresses and primary elections of the Rivers APC dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the appeal was statute barred.

The court had in a unanimous judgment delivered

by Justice Amir Sanusi, agreed with the respondents led by Mr. Ibrahim Umar, that the suit was a pre-election matter and that the appeal filed by the APC was done outside the 14 days required by law.

The Supreme Court consequently struck out the appeal for being statute barred and having becoming an academic exercise.

Counsel to the APC, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, had argued that the suit that brought the appeal was not a pre-election matter.

His contention was that those who instituted the suit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had no locus standi to have done so because

they were not governorship aspirants.

Umar and 22 others believed to be loyal to Senator Magnus Abe had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt to challenge their unlawful exclusion by the Rotimi Amaechi faction of the APC from participating in the congresses of the party designed to produce delegates for the primary elections.

Justice Chiwendu of the Federal High Court had in his judgment upheld the claims of the group and barred the APC from proceeding with the conduct of the congresses and the primary election.

The APC, however, went ahead with the primary election and later appealed against the decision of the trial court at the Port Harcourt division of the Court of Appeal.

At this stage, the Rotimi Amaechi faction, led by Tonye Cole, sought to join in suit but were refused by the Appeal Court on the grounds that they were not parties at the trial court.

This prompted the group to approach the Supreme Court to reverse the decision.

The Supreme Court,

The panel in a unanimous judgment delivered by the acting CJN also held that the notice of appeal

PDP Hails Judgment The PDP immediately hailed the judgment as vindicating it, its candidate, Governor Nyesom Wike and the people of Rivers State.

The party in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said that the judgment signifies the final triumph of the will of the people over the 'manipulative forces' in APC, who it said had been deploying all manner of underhand dealings and violence, in their desperation to forcefully take over the control Continued on page 45

BUHARI ORDERS SECURITY CHIEFS TO DEAL RUTHLESSLY WITH BANDITS region as a security strategy conceived to dislodge both bandits and kidnappers in the region.

The IG while briefing journalists on Sunday on federal government's decision to suspend all mining activities in Zamfara State and its environs on April 7, described "Operation PUFF- ADDER" as a combined security strategy aimed at reclaiming territories under the control of criminals.

According to him, the strategy involved raiding of the hide-outs of criminals, arresting perpetrators, bringing them to justice and as well recovering illegal weapons in circulation with the overall intention to guarantee the security of lives and property.

He said: "As part of sustained efforts to flush out, and permanently put an end to armed banditry and criminality in Zamfara State in

particular and the North-west in general, the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other Security Services has commenced "Operation PUFF- ADDER" which is a full scale security offensive against the bandits.

"The operation is aimed at reclaiming every public space under the control of the bandits, arrest and bring to book all perpetrators of violence in the area and their collaborators, achieve a total destruction of all criminal camps and hideouts, mop up all illicit weapons fueling the violence and attain a full restoration of law and order in the affected communities.

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

flushed-out.”

House Summons President over Insecurity Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday asked the president to appear before it and address Nigerians on the spate of insecurity across the country.

The lawmakers threatened that failure by the president to explain the issues they raised would confirm the opinion of Nigerians that the administration had failed in its responsibility to protect lives and property.

This demand was part of the resolutions passed at the plenary when the lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion moved by the member representing Gwer-East/Gwer-West Federal Constituency in Benue State, Mr. Mark Gbillah.

The motion was titled, ‘Resurgence of the Incessant and Annual Massacre of Innocent Nigerians across the Country by Alleged Bandits and Killer Herdsmen, the Gradual Occupation of Affected Communities by these Attackers and the Lack of Adequate Rehabilitation and Relief Materials.’

Adopting the motion, which was not debated, the lawmakers resolved to “request that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces address the House and the entire nation within 48 hours.”

According to the resolution, Buhari is expected to make a series of explanations to Nigerians.

They are, “His inability and the inability of his administration since inception to declare the killer herdsmen as terrorists to enable

commensurate action against them by the Armed Forces.

“The inability of the Armed Forces under his watch to stop the recurring death of scores of innocent Nigerians annually from systemic attacks by killer herdsmen and alleged bandits, and the gradual occupation of the affected communities by these herdsmen despite countless assurances and statements by him, promising to stop these attacks.”

Others are, “The inability of NEMA under his watch to immediately provide relief materials and rehabilitation of affected communities in line with their statutory mandate, in spite of the N10billion he announced had been provided in this regard and what immediate intervention his administration intends to provide to affected communities and how soon.”

The lawmakers resolved that

they would “conclude along with other Nigerians, if the president fails to respond to the aforementioned queries within 48 hours, that he and his administration are incapable of permanently curtailing the incessant killing of innocent Nigerians by killer herdsmen and the occupation of their land, and have failed in their primary, constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of the citizens of Nigeria.”

The lawmakers further resolved to constitute an ad hoc committee to interface with the Presidency regarding the queries.

They also resolved to engage with the Minister of Defence, Mansur DanAli; Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs; Chairman and Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, and other stakeholders.

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

Senate Asks FG to Expedite Action on Leah Sharibu’s Release Confirms three ambassadors, six NBS board members Yet to receive 2019 budget report Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday urged the federal government to expedite action for the release of Leah Sharibu , the remaining pupil of Science Secondary School, Dapchi, Yobe State who is still being held by Boko Haram insurgents since February last year .

The upper legislative chamber has also confirmed six nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari as members of the Board of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

This is coming as the 2019

budget report billed for presentation at Senate plenary yesterday could not take place as it was not listed on the Order Paper.

The Senate’s resolution on Leah Sharibu was sequel to a Point of Order raised by Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), who canvassed the need to urge the federal government to expedite actions on getting the girl rescued Sani who came through Order 43 under personal explanation said : “14 months of Leah Sharibu in the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents and five

Over 3,500 Children Recruited

by Non-state Armed Groups in N’East, Says UNICEF Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised the alarm that over 3,500 children have been recruited and used by non-state armed groups in North-east Nigeria since 2013, and called for stringent efforts for the protection of children’s rights.

UNICEF, in a statement issued yesterday to mark the 5th anniversary of the abduction of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls, said: “More than 3,500 children, most of whom were aged 13 to 17, were recruited by non-state armed groups between 2013 and 2017 and have been used in the ongoing armed conflict in north-east Nigeria.”

The UN children’s agency revealed that “these numbers are only those that have been verified, while the true figures are likely to be higher.”

The statement further disclosed that: “In addition to these children, 432 children were killed and maimed, 180 were abducted, and 43 girls were sexually abused in North-east Nigeria in 2018.

“Meanwhile, more than 100 of the abducted Chibok girls remain missing.”

The statement added that: “The anniversary of the abduction, marked on April

14, is a grim reminder that widespread abductions of children and grave violations of children’s rights continue to take place in the North-east.”

The statement quoting UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, as saying: “Children should feel safe at home, in schools and on their playgrounds at all times.”

He said: “We are calling on the parties to the conflict to fulfill their obligations under international law to end violations against children and to stop targeting civilian infrastructure, including schools. This is the only way we can begin to make lasting improvements in the lives of children in this devastated part of Nigeria.”

“Since 2012, non-state armed groups in north-east Nigeria have recruited and used children as combatants and non-combatants, raped and forced girls to marry, and committed other grave violations against children. Some of the girls become pregnant in captivity and give birth without any medical care or attention,” UNICEF explained.

UNICEF said it would continue to offer its support to the Government of Nigeria in its strong efforts to protect the country’s children.

years of the yet to be released Chibok girls , calls for national concern and urgent need by relevant authorities to do all within their powers in getting them released .

“What perhaps may be the most important strategy to be adopted in getting Leah and others out of captivity is the option of dialogue with their abductors. It has worked in so many other places where similar abductions took place like Afghanistan, and Pakistan, terrorised by the Talibans “Though the government cannot be said not to have taken actions in getting Leah and others released, but there is need for it to redouble and expedite actions in that direction for parents and relatives of the abductees to be freed from psychological trauma they must have been facing and for the abductees to know that they have a country that cares for them. “ Being a matter raised under self explanation, Sani’s motion was not put to debate by

other Senators but the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in his remarks, said all efforts must be made by the federal government towards getting Leah and others released .

Also yesterday, the upper legislative chamber confirmed six nominees of President Buhari as members of the Board of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Buhari had in November 2018 nominated six nominees that would serve as members of the board.

The confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs.

Those confirmed include the Chairman, Kabiru Nakaura (North West); and five other members - Akinola Bashir (South-west); Moses Momoh (South-south); Wallijoh Ahijoh (North Central); Adam Modu (North-east) and Nwafor Chukwudi (South-east).

The Senate also confirmed the appointment of three career ambassadorial nominees,

following the adoption of the report of its Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The ambassadors-designate are Christopher Chejina (Delta); Bukar Kolo (Yobe); and M.A. Mabul (Benue In another development, the 2019 budget report billed for presentation at Senate plenary yesterday could not take place as it was not listed on the Order Paper.

This development dashed the hope of passing the N8.83 trillion budget by the April 16 deadline it set for this purpose.

Saraki had on Tuesday given the sub-committees till Wednesday to submit their budget reports to the Appropriations Committee, which would in turn submit the budget report by Thursday in readiness for the approval of the budget by Tuesday, April 16.

Saraki had emphasised that the appropriations panel would be forced to use executive submissions if the sub-committees fail to submit their reports to the

Appropriations Committee

by Wednesday.

But at the resumption of plenary yesterday, the presentation of the budget report was neither listed on the Order Paper nor did Saraki say a word about it.

Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, however, gave reason for the budget delay when he moved a motion for adjournment of yesterday’s plenary “to enable sub-committees submit their report to the Appropriations Committee”.

A credible source close to the committee told Thisday that the sub-committees were still submitting their report, even as he expressed doubt if the budget would be passed before Easter.

The source who is a ranking Senator disclosed that about 40 out of the 61 sub-committees have so far submitted their reports, adding that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are still defending their Cont’d on page 44

GLOBAL ECONOMY IN FOCUS...

First Deputy Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), David Lipton (left), and Managing Director, IMF, Christine Lagarde, during a press briefing on Global Policy Agenda, at the 2019 Spring Meetings of the IMF/World Bank Group in Washington DC...yesterday ABIODUNAJALA

NECO Reschedules Entrance Buhari’s Delay in Signing New Minimum Wage Bill into Law Worries NLC Exam into Unity Schools Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The National Examinations Council (NECO) has rescheduled the National Common Entrance Examination into unity schools to April 27.

It’s head, Information and Public, Relations Division, Azeez Sani, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the date for the examination was shifted to give states with low registration of candidates

the opportunity to register for the examination.

The statement disclosed that 70,720 candidates have registered for the examination.

The statement reads: “The examination which was initially scheduled for April 13, was re-scheduled to give states with low registration of candidates the opportunity to register for the examination.

“Candidates are advised to download the new Examination Time-Table from the Council’s website”.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over the delay by President Muhammadu Buhari in signing the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill into law.

The NLC General Secretary, Dr. Peter OzoEson, expressed the feeling in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

Ozo-Eson said the delay by the President over the

minimum wage for workers in the country had become very worrisome to the labour movement.

He said the organised labour was concerned that it had taken long since the transmission of the bill from the National Assembly to the Presidency.

“We had thought that given all processes before arriving at that point, the long delays in setting up a tripartite committee, the long period before the tripartite committee to now finalise and all the

debates that had gone on, the president would have signed the bill into law.

“We thought that this was something Mr. President would assent to very quickly because as we had earlier indicated, we would want this implementation to be before May. “Our position is to call on Mr. President to, without further delay, assent to the New National Minimum Wage Bill, so that workers can start to enjoy the new minimum wage implementation before May Day.’’The general secretary,

however, noted that apart from the public sector, workers in the private sector were also waiting for the law to be implemented in order to make their own full negotiations and plans.

He said that implementing the new wage would also allow the economy to be operated in an environment of certainty.

He said the delay was unfortunate.

“So, we want to appeal to Mr. President to assent to that bill without further delay,” he added.

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FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Court Suspends Judgment on Defection of Saraki, 53 Others Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, suspended judgment in a legal action seeking the sack of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and 53 other lawmakers over their defection from one political party to another last year.

The court suspended the verdict scheduled for delivery

yesterday following the appearance of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mahmoud Magaji, who made a case of fair hearing for the national lawmakers.

While Saraki, Melaye amongst others defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Godswill Akpabio had decamped from

NBS: Air Transportation Posts Positive Growth in 2018 James Emejo in Abuja The total number of passengers who passed through Nigerian airports has reached 17,230,438 in 2018, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

According to the Air Transportation Data 2018 posted by the statistical agency on its website, a total number of international passengers who passed through Nigerian airports increased to 4,438,799 in 2018 as against 4,056,717 passengers in 2017, representing 9.42 per cent growth rate.

Similarly, the total number of domestic passengers, who passed through Nigerian airports, hit 12,791,639 in 2018 as against 10,383,452 passengers in 2017, indicating a 23.19 per cent growth rate.

According to the NBS, aircraft traffic reached 290,328 in the reviewed year.

In 2018, the total number of international aircraft which operated at the airports was 55,961 compared to 40,328 aircraft in 2017, representing 38.92 per cent growth rate.

In addition, a total number of domestic aircraft recorded stood at 234,367 as against 210,693 aircraft in 2017,

representing 11.24 per cent growth rate.

The NBS, however, noted that a growth of 1.94 per cent was recorded in 2018 in total cargo traffic as against 2017.

It said there was a 19.96 per cent increase in total mail traffic recorded in 2018 when compared to the same period last year.

According to the statistical agency, the various items which made up airport transportation in the country experienced growth in 2018.

Lagos airport recorded a year-on-year passenger growth of 15.23 per cent; Abuja 36.69 per cent; Port Harcourt 23.95 per cent; Sokoto 73.09 per cent; Akure 136.45 per cent and Katsina 148.58 per cent.

Also, Asaba airport recorded year-on-year growth rate of 121.26 per cent, while Gombe recorded 104.31 per cent; Forcados 842.36 per cent and Dutse 204.18 per cent.

However, Zaria, Eket and Escravos recorded negative growth rates of 61.85 per cent, 46.78 per cent and 16.39 per cent respectively.

Furthermore, Minna and Kaduna airports also recorded negative growth indices of 62.60 per cent and 52.29 per cent respectively.

the opposition PDP to the ruling APC, an action that necessitated the legal action by an advocacy group, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP).

Justice abang who reluctantly suspended the judgment said, “the defendants had sufficient time to challenge this suit but failed. They allowed the plaintiff to incur cost to prosecute this matter and also allowed the court to painstakingly prepare judgment.

“They are now in court trying to arrest the judgment,” he said.

Abang however, maintained that notwithstanding what the plaintiff and the court had gone through, the right of the defendants to be heard was a

fundamental matter.

“I think the defendants should be heard before judgment is given. It will be a breach of the fundamental rights of the defendants to fair hearing; though they came late into the matter, for the court to proceed and deliver judgment.

“I will reluctantly suspend delivery of the judgment to allow the defendants to be heard,” the judge said.

In his ruling on an application moved by Mogaji, Justice Abang ordered the respondents to file their processes and served them on the plaintiff yesterday and that the plaintiff upon receipt of the respondents’ processes must reply within five hours.

He subsequently adjourned hearing in the matter to today (Friday) April 12.

LEDAP had dragged Saraki and the 53 other lawmakers to court seeking a declaration that they were no longer members of the National Assembly having defected to other political parties before the expiration of their tenure.

The group, in their suit filed on September 14, 2018, prayed the court for an interpretation of Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, with regards as to whether any member of the National Assembly who resigns from the political party that sponsored his election before the expiration of the term for which

he was elected, automatically loses his seat.

LEDAP is also seeking a declaration that the lawmakers were no longer entitled to receive any remuneration due to a member of the National Assembly and that any of such remunerations after their date of defection be refunded to the federal government.

The group also prayed the presiding members of the National Assembly to declare vacant, the seats of the defectors.

They had argued the matter in court with only a counsel to the Senate President being represented once while the other defendants never sent representation.

SEEKING DIVINE FAVOURS…

Former governor of Anambra State and vice presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, Mr. Peter Obi (left), and Cardinal Patriarch of Antioch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, in the cardinal’s residence at Bkerke, Beirut, Lebanon… recently

Sokoto APC Receives Tribunal’s Nod to Inspect Guber Election Materials

Kajuru Killings: Kaduna Group Alleges Plot to Arrest Odinkalu

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Adara Development Association (ADA), an umbrella body for the Adara ethnic nationality in Kajuru and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, has said it has credible information about alleged plans by the state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, to trump up false charges against Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

This allegation was contained in a statement issued by the

The Sokoto State All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, have filed a petition at the 2019 gubernatorial Elections Petitions Tribunal, challenging the election of Governor Aminu Waziiri Tambuwal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A member of the APC legal team in the state, Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, disclosed this to journalists in Sokoto yesterday shortly after the sitting of the tribunal on behalf of the lead counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN).

Jodi added that the counsel have over 40 witnesses to present at the court when the hearing of the case commences.

Jodi added that there are many cogent grounds upon which the election of Tambuwal is being challenged, centering majorly on tampering of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended during the March 9, 2019,

gubernatorial election as well as the March 23, 2019, rerun gubernatorial poll.

The respondents are the PDP gubernatorial candidate Tambuwal; Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP. According to him, the respondents will later be served, while they have two weeks to reply after which the court will fix a date for hearing.

Meanwhile, the court has granted an exparte order to allow the APC counsel to inspect the electoral materials used for the two polls.

The materials include various forms, ballot papers, card reader machines among others.

This was sequel to the filing of motion exparte by the APC counsel.

Jodi explained that INEC would later be served with the order while a date will be fixed for them to inspect the materials and where necessary, take the certified true copies of some of them.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

association yesterday in Kaduna.

The association also decried the incessant killings bedeviling Kajuru and other parts of Southern Kaduna.

Some groups and persons, including Odinkalu, had in February this year, faulted elRufai, who, on the eve of the botched presidential election on February 16, announced that 66 Fulani were killed in an attack.

Odinkalu then described the governor’s claimed as “a lie”.

The statement jointly signed by the National Vice President and Assistant National Secretary

of ADA, James Auta and Luka Waziri respectively, said: “There is credible information that the Kaduna State governor intends to trump up charges against a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, merely for speaking against the government’s handling of the security situation in Kajuru.

“We therefore strongly demand that the state government desists from using state apparatus as a means of settling whatever perceived scores it may have.”

They maintained that the incessant spate of killings was caused by the governor’s pronouncement that 66 Fulani people were killed, adding that the governor later increased the figure to 130.

The group condemned the indiscriminate arrests of Adara people and their leaders, and demanded for their released.

“Since then, there have been numerous arrests, and where preliminary investigation does not even remotely link suspects to the incident, they are still detained.

Lagos Consumes 20m Eggs Daily Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Oluwatoyin Suarau, has said the state consumes 20 million eggs daily, one of the largest in the country.

He made the disclosure yesterday in Lagos during a one-day sensitisation workshop on Agro-Processing, Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project,

a federal government/ World Bank agricultural initiative aimed at improving agricultural productivity of small and medium scale (SMEs) commercial farmers.

Lagos, Kano, Cross River, Kogi and Enugu States have benefitted from the $200 million appeals project of the World Bank Agro intervention.

Represented by the Permanent

Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, the commissioner said poultry meat consumption in the state was also on the rise, adding that the state intends to double production within the next six years of Appeals Project in Lagos.

Suarau said Lagos was overhauling production of poultry, to enable farmers

raising hens for eggs shift from backyards to commercial farms and modern standardised processes.

According to him, the project is s to enhance agricultural productivity of small and medium scale farmers and improve value addition along priority value chains that are poultry, aquaculture and rice for Lagos State.

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FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͰ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

COMMENT

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

IN DEFENCE OF IBRAHIM BABANGIDA

Suleiman Abubakar argues that former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, has done remarkably well for the country

M

y recent encounter with one of the numerous social media users and critics of Ibrahim Babangida’s reign as a military president exposed a somewhat fading aspect of our national history. Johnbull Anosike, a commentator, had queried me severally on the rationale for defending the Babangida’s regime over what he called “demolition of the Nigerian foundational fabric” of a one-time prosperous nation. At first, I had thought Anosike was just one of those indiscernible few who love to demolish IBB to gain some level of public recognition, but seeing the depth of his ignorance, I had serious cause to question the rationale for eliminating the teaching of History as a core subject in Nigeria’s educational curriculum. When I tried to query Anosike’s nexus on his claims about the regime, and his tenor for arriving at such damning conclusion, like every typical Nigerian critic, he resorted to using abusive words and became livid with anger for no justifiable reason.

Anosike’s ignorance and plight is a telling perspective of the average Nigerian uninformed critic who seldom arrives at certain conclusion without examining the facts or drawing inferences from an empirical background. My engagement with Anosike was right at the expansive lounge of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. When I mentioned to him that Transcorp Hotel was built and launched within 16 months by the Babangida regime, he shouted blue murder. Not too sure of his statistics, he said the Transcorp Hilton, formerly known as Nicon Noga Hilton Hotel was built by the Obasanjo administration and later privatised by the same government. You can easily feel with palpable awe, the gusto with which Anosike exemplified his ignorance. He was shouting on top of his voice and tried to draw the attention of other bystanders just to make a point or get unsuspecting support from passersby who may be interested in his odd story. I felt perplexed and utterly nonplussed.

It is the same way I feel each time I read statements or comments pointed at IBB to mock his present health challenge, especially when they see pictures of him on walking stick or wheel chair. It is no longer news that IBB fought in the civil war and received series of injuries that kept him in hospital for months in 1969. It is however news to this youthful social media generation of Nigerians who are not conversant with their history. It is a fact that since 1969 till date, IBB carries with him shrapnel of bullet right on his lungs, the same way he sustained bullet wounds in other parts of his body. He was fighting for the unity of Nigeria and create the opportunity to strengthen national bond and cohesiveness. Part of those injuries affected his spine and nerves that have now become anaemic at old age. The early symptoms of the civil war impact surfaced in 1987 when he was the military president. In 1989, as president, he had to undergo surgery to correct those nerves. With the onset of old age, the impact would become more telling especially on his left leg that was severely affected. As Africans, it is not appropriate to mock anyone on account of his ill-health, especially when such was the impact of civil war engagement. Aside from that left leg, IBB is very much hale and hearty.

Beyond the fact of this civil war engagement, IBB’s contribution to the socio-economic and political development of the country foretold his ability to see the future of this country. He did not only re-engineer this country, he threw up a lot of policy frameworks and initiatives that had positive impact on the wellbeing of the people. His infrastructural development remains unparalleled in the annals of history. Though a military government, his understanding of the intricate logic of the Nigerian federation underscored his pan-Nigeria orientation. Easily admired by Nigerians from all walks of life, Babangida has cut a niche for himself that will remain unequalled for a long time to come. When his last daughter got married in May 2017, the Babangida mileage came loud again. It

IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE TO MOCK ANYONE ON ACCOUNT OF HIS ILL-HEALTH, ESPECIALLY WHEN SUCH WAS THE IMPACT OF CIVIL WAR ENGAGEMENT

was a carnival of sort. The outpouring of love and affectation was so touching that it drew IBB to tears. You either love him passionately or hate him intensely. No matter what anyone may say, IBB’s intervention in the political and economic development of Nigeria remains the footprints of the nation’s growth. He built the infrastructure of Abuja within two years and provoked several initiatives that helped the country recover from economic conundrum of the mid-80s. A lot of the younger generation of Nigerians who are social media savvy are almost unaware that IBB built five brand new airports, built about seven higher institutions, created 11 states, built their state houses and courts and assembly complexes, dualised Abuja to Kano Federal highway, built the Aluminium Smelter Company in Ikot-Abas, created the Corporate Affairs Commission to regulate businesses, created Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC) to secure depositors money, completed the long abandoned Third Mainland Bridge, built five depots for the distribution of petroleum products across the country, built the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, built over 500 houses for Legislators in Abuja. He built 85 per cent of Abuja road network, coupled with the International Conference Centre, Women Centre, Federal Housing Maitama, Federal Housing Kubwa, NNPC Staff Housing, CBN Staff Housing and the Aso Villa complex. He laid the foundation for the National Assembly Complex, which was completed by succeeding administrations of late Sani Abacha and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Babangida liberalised the economy and superintended the banking evolution that created so many employments across the country. Zenith Bank, Ecobank, Stanbic IBTC, GTB, Standard Trust that later merged with UBA, Access Bank, Fidelity Bank and Diamond Bank and many other banks took off during the IBB years and thereafter. It was the appropriate response to the liberalisation policy that divested governmental commanding control of the Nigerian economy. He created the National Directorate of Employment and set up the Peoples’ Bank and Community Bank where artisans could draw loans from without collateral security. He created the opportunity for private ownership of broadcasting platforms, both Radio and Television. Channels Television, DBN television and AIT television were the initial beneficiaries. He created the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission to oversee the activities of the broadcast sector. He also set up National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) which provided opportunity for small and medium scale entrepreneurs to draw loan to set up businesses. He created Federal Road Safety Commission to guarantee safety on the highways and also established NAFDAC to guarantee food security. All these platforms are still impacting on the economic wellbeing of the country till date.

No matter what any critic might say, IBB remains an enigma and a pan-Nigeria statesman whose support for, and contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria cannot be wished away. In all spheres of human endeavours, IBB has his name in gold. He did not only recruit and assembled some of the best brains in the country, he gave them opportunity to be part of a government, even though military, that was largely pro-masses. He created Urban Mass Transit to cushion the effect of transportation as a result of the removal of petroleum subsidy. He built all the beautiful barracks in Abuja for the military and ensured that satellite towns are opened up to cater for the growing population in the Federal Capital Territory. History, as a subject, must be reintroduced to the national educational curriculum to enable the younger generation to be abreast of the past and present as a veritable tool to prepare for the future. For IBB, the verdict of history has started vindicating him.

Abubakar wrote from Abuja

OYO STATE AND ITS COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES Oyo has agricultural capacity with which to generate enormous wealth, writes Abiodun Raufu

V

ice-President Yemi Osinbajo once said that a forward looking governor is one who can run his state as if he is running a country. It is a sensible advice on self-sufficiency and the pathway to economic growth in Nigeria that has surprisingly not generate any sort of national debate.

On the contrary, state governors continue to depend on handouts from Abuja, an economic model that is patently unsustainable.

A few governors have tried to find a way out. Most have depended on looking for foreign investors which is not a bad idea in itself except that it must align with what you have to offer to make your state attractive to such investors. I remember when the outgoing governor of Oyo State Senator Abiola Ajimobi came into power in 2011 and embarked on a global tour in search of foreign investment. I had advised him at the time that it is a fruitless exercise that will not bear any fruit. And it never did! Why will any foreign investor want to come to Oyo State in the hinterland, except for agro-allied enterprise, when Lagos and Ogun States can offer lower cost of production because of their closeness to the sea through which raw materials and other logistics will come in? Simple high school

economics teaches us that market indices determine the location of industry. Even from the perspective of nearness to market, Lagos with its over 20 million residents represents a bigger market for finished products.

In the Southwest, Lagos State continues to remain the most attractive location for foreign investors and when its lack of space and suffocating taxation policy becomes a problem, then the nearby Ogun State and some parts of Ondo State on the coastline gets the nod. Oyo State is far into the hinterland to enjoy the patronage of foreign firms, except if the industry relies on agricultural produce in which Oyo State holds the edge.

Development models are not a one size fits all kind of thing. The fastest way to develop is for a state or a country to exploit its comparative advantages. Lagos’ nearness to the sea and position as an international gateway are its comparative advantages and its strategic development model, especially since 1999, has revolved around maximizing its strategic location. Ogun has successfully established its development model on feeding off Lagos based on contiguity, an industry-friendly taxation policy and cheap land to attract industrial development. Successive administrations in Oyo

State have however been unable to articulate a development model based on its strength. Some of its past governors even thought that what works for Lagos can work for Oyo forgetting that development is based on your strength rather than merely copying your neighbour.

Having keenly observed the political economy of Oyo State for more than two decades, I daresay that turning the state from a beggarly state that rely almost completely on handout from Abuja with little internally generated revenue will require a social engineering anchored on wealth creation by leveraging on its comparative advantages. A little bit of creativeness, planning and sustained implementation is all that is required to develop the agricultural production and tap into the state’s mineral resources. The most significant comparative advantage of Oyo State is its agricultural capacity. Harnessing this, particularly its cassava production, can turn the state into the food basket of sub-Saharan Africa just as the state can become the agro-allied industrial capital of Nigeria.

Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world with a yearly output of 45 million metric tonnes, constituting 19 per cent of world production. Oyo State or more specifically the

Oke-Ogun area of the state is one of the largest cassava producers in the country. The industrial potential of cassava and how it can serve as a trigger for agro-allied industrial development is a no brainer. Fortunately, there are other crops of similar importance that can give the state a turn-around as well as mineral resources that can be exploited to serve as pivot for an industrial take-off.

I firmly believe that with a visionary leadership, Oyo State can transition from a state reputed for extreme poverty into an economic powerhouse anchored on sustained concentration on the development of a strong agro-allied industry sustained by an agricultural revolution. This way, Oyo State’s three major challenges-food security, youth unemployment and industrialization-can be tackled within a single strategy. The nexus between a sustainable agro-allied industry and an agricultural revolution is however central to this development model. This must be based on a value chain strategy, involving the addition of value to raw agricultural produce leading to finished products.

Dr. Raufu, former MD/EIC of the National Mirror, teaches at the Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, United States

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019

EDITORIAL The Growing Illiteracy In Nigeria Government should invest more in education

T

he National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), said recently that 35 per cent of the nation’s adult population was illiterate. Considering the funds and efforts that the country has devoted to various mass literacy programmes, including the Universal Primary Education (UPE) scheme that was launched with fanfare about 33 years ago, it is worrisome that more than a third of our national population still wallows in illiteracy. Yet literacy is so critical to national development that it should, perhaps, be considered second only to health. It is tied to the quality of life of a people.

According to NMEC, literacy rate is the percentage of people from the age of 15 and above who can read and write simple statements on their everyday life. NMEC therefore considers it ‘shameful’ that in the 21st century, a country like Nigeria could have that huge number LITERACY IS SO of illiterates. It has CRITICAL TO NATIONAL therefore tasked the DEVELOPMENT THAT IT authorities in the SHOULD, PERHAPS, BE 36 states to ensure that the 774 local CONSIDERED SECOND government areas ONLY TO HEALTH. IT IS were well equipped TIED TO THE QUALITY OF and empowered to LIFE OF A PEOPLE improve national literacy levels.

Literacy figures in Nigeria do not give cause for cheer when juxtaposed with figures of other countries, and the importance of education as the engine for national development. Literacy rates in countries like Cuba, Poland, and Estonia are as high as 99.8 per cent, while Barbados, Latvia and Slovenia have attained 99.7 per cent, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). That report put Nigeria’s literacy rate at 69.1 per cent.

The high rate of illiteracy partly accounts for the low level of development in Nigeria, because the

Letters to the Editor

growth and development of any nation depend largely on the quantity and quality of all segments of its population. And given the huge population of out-of-school children, it is understandable that the overall literacy level will be low in our country. Over the years there have been some efforts by the federal government to boost literacy level, with the setting up of strategic institution, commission and centres for learning across the nation. The major challenge, however, is at the level of the states and the local governments.

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

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THE ROLE OF NCC IN NATIONAL SECURITY

T

he spate of kidnappings, banditry and other security challenges in parts of the country has generated criticisms against the federal government, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and the telephony Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

The federal government responsibly deployed more security personnel and equipment to the areas the bandits and kidnappers attack towns and villages, abduct citizens to extort ransom, rape women, and in some cases, murder their victims. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his condolences and sympathy over the killings and abductions in Zamfara and other parts of the country.

He assured Nigerians that the federal government was “fully determined to tackle this challenge ferociously until these remorseless killers are crushed and utterly defeated. We have deployed security agents to all the areas currently under attack, and we are constantly fine-tuning and escalating our security strategy.”

He said the actions so far taken in confronting the security situation include the on-going operation Sharar Daji and the newly launched operation Puff Adder and operation Dirar Mikiya, which are focused on Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi and Niger States, and the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

In the efforts to tackle the negative security situation, the federal government has suspended mining activities

igeria’s illiteracy rate burden supports the argument that the neglect of teachers and education has dire consequences for the populace. Yet when education is neglected, a greater number of the people end up as illiterates who contribute little or nothing to the development of society. Sadly, while some states indeed have worked hard to raise the literacy level among its populations by ensuring that the dedicated centres are functional and that the target persons are aware of their existence, others have merely paid lip service to the burden. Nevertheless, the aim of such institutions, agencies and centres is sometimes misunderstood because many of them have veered away from their responsibilities. The consequences are what we see on the streets of many of our major cities.

To address this problem, there is a need for investment in both formal and non-formal basic education in order to ensure that all our citizens, irrespective of age or class, have access to adequate educational opportunities which will help them develop their literacy skills. For now, Nigerian government is not doing enough in funding education, even when compared to countries within the African continent.

If we admit that the government cannot do it alone, it should be the greatest motivator and driver. With proper funding and making education compulsory, there will be improvement in the literacy level of our country.

in Zamfara State and gave Nigerians and foreigners engaged in mining there 48 hours to cease activities.

While the military, the police and other security agencies are in direct combat activities against the kidnappers, bandits, cattle rustlers and other sundry criminals, the NCC should intensify collaboration in the effort by ensuring that mobile telephone service providers cooperate in tracking down the criminals who use pre-registered telephone platforms to contact the relatives and associates of the their victims for ransom.

The director, Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement of NCC, Mr. Efosa Idehen listed the dangers of using pre-registered SIM cards which include aiding kidnapping, robbery and financial crimes, among others.

He warned that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and their agents must adhere to the laws that prohibit the release of fully-activated SIM cards into the market, and described releasing pre-registered SIM cards to the market as sabotage against national security.

The Director recalled that the NCC introduced SIM card registration for national security eight years ago, but noted that the MNOs are yet to fully comply. He said that further infractions would cause the arrest and prosecution of all actors along the SIM card registration value-chain. Users of the GSM telephony can on their own download free applications that can identify callers and their exact locations.

Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, Abuja

WATER CRISIS IN NIGERIA

R

ecently South Africa faced a water crisis as water was rationed in Cape Town. In India the same was the case with citizens numbering 600 million facing acute water shortage. It is estimated that 2.1 billion people struggle to access potable water, that is one in every four people in the world. I am one of those people, despite my middle class lifestyle. I still face the water challenge.

There is an impending water crisis hence President Buhari declared a state of emergency on water.

Inaugurating the National Action Plan for Revitalization of Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector at State House Conference Centre, President Buhari directed government at all levels to redouble efforts and work towards meeting the nation’s water supply and sanitation needs.

I think it’s a joke when we declare state of emergencies to solve problems. It feels like just mere statements with no action. It reminds me of what someone once told me, “In Nigeria the law feels like a suggestion”.

One year since the declaration it looks as though nothing is happening. Recently it

was reported people now trek miles to get water in Sokoto. A 20 litre jerrycan now costs N70.

It is shocking that adequate investment has not been made in sanitation and water.

In 1990, it was said water would be available for all. But 29 years after the challenge is still very obvious.

I can barely count water works that works; various state water corporations have become cesspit of corruption.

Afrobeat legend Fela once said “water no get enemy,” but lack of development has become the enemy of water in Nigeria. We still have moribund water works and these make access to water almost impossible.

How difficult is it to provide water? It takes willingness as exemplified in the film, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” an inspirational true-story film based on a memoir by the Malawian engineer William Kamkwamba. As a teenager, Kamkwamba built a wind turbine for his famine-stricken town in Malawi, helping to power small appliances and eventually irrigate crops. If a teenager can do this, why can’t we provide water for our citizens?

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

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Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

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

Tales of a Winner and the Albatross of a Negotiated Crown

Abiodun

Dapo Kushoro

T

he month of March has come and gone. The governorship elections have been largely done and dusted. Winners have started savouring the new aroma of victory. All seems geared towards the May 29 swearing-in date. In Ogun State, however, the atmosphere is not so soul-lifting. The INEC declaration of results appears to have drawn a curtain on the contest but, in reality, the general air currently pervading the nook and cranny of the state is that of suspense, with the excitement and congratulatory back slaps expected from among the citizens clearly missing.

The candidate announced as winner of the contest by INEC, Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been tentative, diffident and generally holed-up in a no man’s land where to move forward decisively and connect with the people to fire-up their excitement level seem an impossible task.

Perhaps, that is what you get when you wear a negotiated crown; when your ‘victory’ owes much more to the magnanimity of god fathers and ‘fixers’ rather than being the product of a mass movement assembled behind professed ideals and ideas traceable and original to you. Perhaps, that is what you get when you are a political pawn used by aggrieved political masters to settle a political score.

Political analysts and watchers of Ogun politics are already seeing the sign and calling attention to the fact that even before the take-off of his administration, APC’s Dapo Abiodun appears overwhelmed by the burden of dancing to the cacophonic tunes of his masters and benefactors. And the task of working for future development and progress of Ogun State may be the worse for it.

The jackals, who operated under the guise of supposedly altruistic caucuses and grand alliances on the eve of the governorship election to bring out huge resources running into billions of Naira to unabash-

Amosun

edly corrupt the electoral process in their evil bid to prosecute the battle to ‘cut Ibikunle Amosun to size’ during the election, have now started making their demands from the naïve beneficiary of their investments. It is payback time.

And most enlightened citizens of the state have noticed this ugly scenario as it crystalizes, which is the major reason for the lack of citizen excitement at the prospect of the Dapo Abiodun administration.

For a state that has been governed in the last eight years by a vivacious and precocious personality such as Senator Ibikunle Amosun, a man who has been roundly adjudged as a very effective and performing governor as well as a first class communicator, grassroots administrator and courageous defender of the rights and interests of the masses, the elitist, dull and snobbish disposition of DA is indeed a cause for worry. The unresolved matter of the governorelect’s academic qualification and his inability to espouse any notable socio-economic development agenda for the state from the inception of the governorship election campaigns to date have further fueled the feeling that a weak horse might have been foisted on the state by the selfish political god fathers for Ogun indigenes to bet their future on.

To any discerning watcher of unfolding Ogun politics, it is very clear that Dapo Abiodun, the governor-elect is facing intense pressure in the bid to accommodate the mountain of interests that worked together for his victory, ‘’especially forces that keyed into his campaign in the last minutes’’, a source pointed out recently to an online platform that reports Ogun politics. And the said platform further noted that discreet investigation it conducted revealed that the bid to cater for the various factors at play is stealthily nudging Abiodun towards a troubled start for his administration.

Even before he is sworn in, Dapo Abiodun appears to have lost the governance plot as several political analysts in the state have flayed

what they termed a raging battle of wits between the core believers in Dapo Abiodun that started the gubernatorial project with him and latter-day supporters over who gets to be in positions of influence and power ahead of the official inauguration on May 29. They also observed that the situation had reached such a level that talks of the hijack of the process by a few had started causing internal frictions among the group of circling hyenas baying for Ogun state’s resources once the stringent but performing Amosun administration steps down on May 29 .

“I just pray the seeming quietness from the governor-elect in this raging battle translates into decisions that defuse the situation and take the state to the much bandied next level of goodness and development”, a staunch APC member in the State who is miffed at the unfolding scenario volunteered recently.

Truthfully, this worrisome scenario of a hawkish gathering around Ogun state with intent to devour post May 29 brings back memories of Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s eight wonderful years of steering the ship of state. Irrespective of political leaning, all honest citizens and visitors to Ogun State agree that the outgoing governor and his team have, in the last eight years, delivered an expansive transformation agenda that has seen the state capital and several other cities and major towns in the three Senatorial zones greatly remodeled.

Ogun has witnessed a seemingly well-designed and thoughtfully executed plan-cum- blueprint to reengineer her economic, infrastructure and industrial sectors such that today, Ogun State is the fastest growing industrial hub in South West Nigeria. The state IGR profile has also massively improved just as Security and infrastructure renewal have become the norm.

From being one of the states with high notoriety for armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings and other sundry crimes, Ogun has been largely transformed under Amosun’s watch into a peaceful state

where citizen safety and protection of business facilities are great priorities of government. That Ogun has become peaceful today owes largely to the faithfully executed effective governance style of Senator Ibikunle Amosun that promotes selfless and unbiased commitment to all segments of the state, fairness in deployment of state resources and a clear infrastructure re-modelling mission blueprint. More importantly, Politics of god-fatherism and unconstitutional bond of allegiance to any cultic-cum-foreign interest was never allowed to dictate state policy.

It is important to document, for posterity’s sake, that in this approach, Amosun towers above all other governors that have had the privilege of heading the state since Democracy returned in 1999.

Posterity should, however, also be informed that in the run off to the governorship election of 2019 in Ogun state, an occupation army of political jackboots backed by a few powerful local political jobbers coalesced with a single strategy that was all about deploying a huge war chest to achieve the twin objective of arresting the development of the state through humiliation of Amosun and imposing a weak governor on Ogun state in the typical “Baba so pe” tradition of the vaunted Bourdillon-Lagos headquarters of the marauding group. To them, corrupting the electoral space to impose a somewhat pliant candidate who would do their bidding once on ground was something to be achieved, no matter the toll on the development and future wellbeing of Ogun State.

The tragedy in this is that Ogun State is set to replay the anecdotal scenario of that ancient land where a king with a negotiated crown, weak moral authority and nonexistent spiritual allegiance to the people was helped to the throne by a brood of vampires. Can the citizens be expected to rejoice? Can the centre still be expected to hold?

-Kushoro is a social commentator and political analyst based in Ilaro, Ogun State

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PERSPECTIVE

The Need for a ‘Balanced Scorecard’Approach to Development Ikem Okuhu

F

ollowing the announcement by the Enugu State Government of plans to build two stadiums in the state, there have been wide-ranging reactions from “concerned” members of the public, many of which bother on the priority or otherwise of such a project. Many of those that have taken time to weigh in on the announcement by the government, especially the legion of social media players give the impression that the state does not need new stadiums and should instead, have directed attention to building more roads and, some also added, hospitals.

It is understandable when people exhibit such sentiments, given the generally minimalist expectations of people from their government. I have often said that Nigerians do not really expect so much from their leaders.

For most people, government is all about road construction and a few other things and because of this, it is often hard to convince the people of the existence of deeper, equally critical imperatives to life and living outside of this narrow confine.

While I agree and support the views of those pushing for more roads and adequate healthcare delivery in the state, it is equally important to appreciate the need for other critical infrastructure challenges, especially given the rash of projects the Enugu State Government had already undertaken in the areas of road construction and healthcare delivery. I am not one of those that would dismiss what appear to be genuine concerns of people towards government policies and actions by labeling them the expected aftermaths of electoral misfortunes. I must add that it is however easy and convenient to think this way, given the bad blood that attended the recently concluded elections in Nigeria. What is of interest to me is to situate the current rhetoric against the projected stadium construction in the nobler context of the overall integrity of a more holistic development of a people and their environments.

In doing this, I will draw effusively from a well-known 21st century management concept, known as the ‘Balanced Scorecard’. Made popular in 1992 by two business strategists, David Norton and Robert Kaplan, the ‘Balanced Scorecard’ is a performance metric that is used in strategic management to identify and improve the various functions of a business and their outcomes. In a nutshell, it is used to provide feedback to organisations on the overall health of their businesses. It became important for businesses because of the need to manage the business processes, handle employee training and growth within the organization, take care of customers and also protect the finances of the business.

Most hasty readers may not agree with use of the ‘Balanced Scorecard’ as analogy in an article like this, but I am also sure that same group of people will readily notice how important it is for business to attach as much importance to its finances, bottomline, employee welfare and the very processes that make the business a business. Much the same way, any government that has the welfare of the people at heart must also find ways to approach governance in such a way as to ensure there is value to everyone, including the very silent minority whose need for protection are often drowned in the din generated by the vocal mass.

The truth is that even the most strident critics of the Enugu State Government reluctantly admit that the governor, His Excellency, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has creditably discharged his office in delivering infrastructure to the people of the state. In his first

Ugwuanyi

term, which is about to end this May, he channeled a lot of energy in opening up the rural areas, constructing roads that ensured communities were connected. His “One Community, One Project” initiative was deliberately conceptualized to bring practically every corner of the State no matter how remote, into the safety net of development. The fact that his was an unfortunate administration whose early days were welcomed into a season of sliding oil prices, economic recession and consequent dip in revenue did not slow him. Prudent resource management enabled the state to pay salaries, even when many other states struggled. Although he is still working at it, schools in the state have had major rehabilitations, the first time such elaborate makeover happened in the state, probably since when Enugu was still in the old Anambra State and Senator Jim Nwobodo was in charge.

Across the state, hospitals, and I mean standard hospitals have either been commissioned or are at advanced stages of completion.

It is against this background that I insist that those kicking against the plans to build stadiums by the Enugu State Government are unfair. If I am permitted, I would even add that they just might be selfish too. And I am going to provide reasons for this position.

First, I will remind them of a popular Christian praise and worship song that says, “Aru m nile buru so onu, o zughi inye gi ekele.” In English, this loosely translates to, “Were all parts of my body to become organs for speech, they would be insufficient to give you praises.” This is a song people use to thank God nearly every time.

This article is however not about praise and worship. But I am not sure it is possible to imagine a state where everyone aspires to become Civil Servants or doctors or lawyers. Some of us dream of becoming successful footballers and sprinters. They dream of becoming champions in many other sporting activities. For a State that gave Nigeria its Jay Jay Okocha, Osmond and Davidson Ezinwa, Christian

Chukwu and a host of other successful sportsmen and women, the least any government can do is to create the enablers for those who are growing up with similar dreams to have facilities that would make actualization as possible as they would proximal.

I am not sure that the stadiums being envisioned in Enugu State will be the size of the Egg Nest Stadium in Akwa Ibom State, as many people have erroneously and ignorantly suggested. But it is important to situate this within the economic value of sports. Besides the businesses that sports centres incubate locally, talents so harvested have been known to also earn money that support families, especially if such is developed to the level where they become international talents.

Just ask yourself this question: If there is a Lionel Messi or Christiano Ronaldo or even another Jay Jay in any remote part of the state, wouldn’t a stadium help in sharpening such talent that could one day make Nigeria and Enugu State proud? I recall that Senator Godswill Akpabio was also criticized heavily for embarking on the stadium project he built in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State, when he did. But Nigerians can bear witness that many of Super Eagles remarkable international matches have been played in that stadium, much to the pride and joy of every one, his (former) critics inclusive.

Secondly, Nigeria is in need of more recreational facilities. It seems that today, the only form of recreation that is available to almost everyone is Social Media. This has become the virtual playground for many of us. A recreational facility is as important as factory buildings and schools. We need them. Our lives have to have vents to enable us let off the steam we accumulate from the toils and labours of life.

Thirdly, and here I would wish to remind people of the avowed commitment of the current administration in Enugu State to create two additional urban centres in addition to the capital city of Enugu. Governor Ugwuanyi has said it a number of times and everyone agrees that a single-city state

is not good enough for the overall development of the people and their environment. It was in keeping with this that he recently announced the relocation of the Enugu State College of Education (Technical) from the capital city to Awgu.

Finally, I do not know if those complaining about the importance or otherwise of this stadium project are aware that the state government sometime last year undertook to continue the development of the Enugu State International Conference Centre, a gigantic project initiated by former Governor Sullivan Chime. In case they do, how does this project appear “important,” especially considering what constitutes a priority in their largely narrow perspective? Should the funds for this project not be re-appropriated for even more roads? Is it not clear from this that this government is taking very hard and long looks down the road and is working towards a much more balanced, economically and socially diverse state?

You cannot have an urban centre without having facilities for recreation.

Delta State has a stadium in Asaba.

They have another one in Warri and yet another in Oghara. Rivers State has two.

Oyo State has two standard stadiums.

Abia has two in Aba and Umuahia. If you add the National Stadium, Lagos State has about four. So what is wrong in Enugu building additional stadiums for its people, even if it is a 5,000 or 10,000 capacity stadium?

I think what should be uppermost in the minds of people is how to maintain these facilities and how we can maximise their values profitably and I believe that if we demand for their maintenance and value maximization as strongly as we are advocating for them to not be built, successive governments that will eventually inherit them will not only put them to good use but will also be made to ensure that significantly measurable social and economic values are extracted from these very worthy projects.

-Ikem Okuhu, a media strategist writes from Enugu

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T H I S D AY Ëž

ÍŻÍ°, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 9.86 % 10.67 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

7.50 % 9.63 % 10 %

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

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EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎ʹ˛͡ͳ˚ͯ ̊ ̊

Quick Takes Trade War Escalates Aviation Subsidies

Two sets of planned punitive measures are the latest twists in a 14-year-old dispute that the United States and the European Union have fought at theWorldTrade Organisation.

TheEuropeanUnionispreparingretaliatorytariffsagainsttheUSover subsidies to Boeing Co., significantly escalating transatlantic trade tensionshoursafterWashingtonvowedtohittheEUwithdutiesover its support for Airbus SE. President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday said it would impose tariffs on $11 billion in imports from the EU because of the European aid.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said that EU support for Airbus had caused “adverse effects� when announcing the new measures, which would target European goods including jetliners, cheese, wine and motorcycles.

TheEUcalledthe$11billionsumcitedbytheUSTR“greatlyexaggerated� andsaidpreparationswereunderwaytohitback.WhiletheEUhasn’t disclosedtheamountofAmericangoodsitwouldtarget,Airbussaidthe blocwouldproceedwith“farlargercountermeasuresagainsttheU.S.�

Uganda Airlines Orders Airbus A330-800

CSR IN ACTION

L-R: Independent Non-Executive Director, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited (SCBN), Opunimi Akinkugbe; Chairman, Board of Directors, Sola Adepetun; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Bola Adesola; laptop recipient from Wesley Girls Junior Secondary School, Alade Maryam Olamiolopin; Executive Secretary, Youth Empowerment Foundation, Iwalola Akin-Jimoh and Independent NonExecutive Director, SCBN, Kyari Abba Bukar, at the laptop presentation ceremony under the bank’s empowerment scheme at its head oďŹƒce in Lagos‌recently

NPA to Implement Call-Up System to End Apapa Gridlock Eromosele Abiodun In a bid to find a lasting solution to the Apapa gridlock, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has concluded plan to implement call-up system for trucks entering the ports for goods delivery from August this year.

For the call-up system to be effective, THISDAY learnt that officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) may vacate the Lilypond terminal for the facility to be converted to a park for trucks.

The Lilypond terminal based in Ijora Lagos is a dry port with a full-fledged command of customs and other security agencies.

MARITIME THISDAY checks revealed that the call-up-system would have taken off before now, but for the need to protect the shoreline at the Tin Can Island port area.

NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Adams Jatto, confirmed the plan when he told journalists in Lagos that the system would go a long way in addressing the traffic gridlock in Apapa.

According to Jatto, “We have concluded the procurement process to be able to engage our investors to manage the truck park. So with this, I believe we should be able to

have something on ground for people to be proud of. Call-up system is not just the areas we are looking at, for us to ease the congestion along ports access roads. “It is a kind of temporary measure for us to ensure that we have a free flow on the axis that lead to the ports. The call-up system is for us to be able to have truck parks along ports area and some of the truck owners have assured us that they have truck parks, where they can park their trucks. “A call-up system is to ensure that in each of the areas where there are truck parks, the trucks are there and when it is time for them to come to the ports, we

have to adopt the call-up system to call them. On the basis of this, we will be able to streamline the trucks coming into the ports, to ease congestion.�

Jatto said the management of NPA led by Bala-Usman has always been desirous to address issues of the port access roads in Apapa, through sustainable road construction. “A truck terminal park had been constructed at Tin-Can Island port, but the shoreline protection was not done. The Federal Ministry of Works had re-awarded the contract for completion. Our Managing Continued on page 22

Owerri Fire Outbreak Exposes Poor FireďŹ ghting Infrastructure at Airports Chinedu Eze The fire that gutted significant parts of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport on Monday seems to have exposed lack of preparedness and inadequate fire equipment at many of the nation’s airports, findings have shown.

THISDAY investigation revealed that the inferno had gone on for some time before efforts were made to put it out because the firefighting equipment and materials were inadequate.

By the time the firefighting department were ready to put out the fire, it had encroached the VIP Lounge, part of the arrival section and departure section of the terminal from the administrative block where it started.

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Ni-

AVIATION gerian (FAAN) who spoke to THISDAY on conditions of anonymity, said on face value, the airport and other airports in the country may have adequate number of vehicles for fire cover, but they may not have adequate number of fire personnel and also enough materials needed to put out the fire during emergency.

The FAAN official at the Owerri airport disclosed to THISDAY that out of the two fire tenders (fire fighting vehicles) at the airport, only one was mobile and that one had to wait for command before it was deployed to fight the fire. “By then, the fire had spread to other buildings from the administration block and what really happened was that the

fire was in the ceiling of the block, burning for some time before smoke appeared on top of the building. The General Manager’s office was far from the place the fire started. By the time we realized that it was fire, it was now spreading very fast,� the source said.

A former Managing Director of the agency indicated in a report he made in reaction to the fire outbreak that the major challenge faced by FAAN was that it does not take full charge of its operations; instead, it is the Ministry of Aviation (now Transportation) that takes charge of all procurements, contracts and other intervention and disclosed how his management then was forced to accept fake foam, a critical ingredient used in putting out fire. “This terminal (Owerri airport terminal) was one of

the urgent reasons why I was fired. Its promoters were damn too offended by my insistence on certain things being done.

There was a consignment of firefighting foam delivered by a contractor that I insisted to test and found that it could hardly put out fire and rejected it. “This caused me unimaginable trouble in Abuja. When they summoned me, I told them I tested the foam and it wasn’t doing what it was supposed to do. That it could be any of them (VIPs), including even the President that could be involved in a fire incident in Lagos and we would attempt to fight the fire with this useless foam. Who would take the can (responsibility) if such happened? “I said no, the foam must go. They did everything to Continued on page 22

Uganda Airlines has firmed up an order for two Airbus A330-800s, the smaller of the two models of the updated A330. Airwise.com reported that the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the aircraft at last year’s Farnborough Air Show, in a $561 million list price deal.

UgandaAirwillusetheA330-800stobuilditsmedium-andlong-haul network, Airbus said.

The fledgling Ugandan carrier is only the second airline with orders for the -800 variant of the A330neo, with Kuwait Airways the other.

Hawaiian Airlines cancelled its A330-800 order last year.

The-800canseatupto400inasingleclass,butairlinesareexpectedto equiptheaircraftwithnearerto250seatsinatwoorthree-classlayout.

TheUgandaNationalAirlinesCompany,asthecarrierisformallyknown, isexpectedtolaunchoperationslaterthisyear,initiallyflyingregional routes with Bombardier CRJ900ER aircraft.

Nissan Invests $213m on Navara

TheSouthAfricanarmofNissanwillspend3billionrand($213million) equippingitslocalplanttobuildtheJapanesecarmaker’snewNavara model, the unit’s boss said onWednesday.

Capacity at Nissan’s plant in Rosslyn, near Pretoria, will increase by 30,000 units in the first phase, MikeWhitfield, managing director at NissanSouthAfricasaid,whiletheplant’spermanentheadcountwill increase by 400. “Today, we’re able to announce that the Nissan South Africa Rosslyn facility will build the entire model range Nissan Navara for both local and export (markets),� Whitfield said at an event to announce the investment.

WhileproductionoperationselsewherewillalsobuildthenewNavara,a pick-up,NissanSouthAfricawillsupplythelocalandcontinentalmarket.

Whitfield said his unit had to beat other global Nissan production operations to win the right to produce the Navara - a victory for his unit and also South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of elections in May. Ramaphosa, who was at the event onWednesday, is trying to secure $100billionininvestmentintoSouthAfricawithinfiveyears,according to Reuters.

IMF Cuts Tanzania’s Growth Forecast

TheInternationalMonetaryFundhaslowereditsforecastforTanzania’s economicgrowththisyearandin2020toaroundfourpercentfroma previousforecast. InitsWorldEconomicOutlook,releasedonTuesday, the Fund also predicted the East African nation’s consumer price inflation will reach 3.5 percent this year and edge up to 4.5 percent in2020.Tanzania’seconomywillexpandatfourpercentthisyearthen accelerate slightly to 4.2 per cent next year, from an estimated 6.6 percentin2018,theFundsaidinitsforecasts.InJanuarylastyear,the IMF said it expectedTanzania’s economy to grow at six to seven per cent over the medium term if the country hiked capital spending and improveditsbusinessenvironment.Tanzaniareliesheavilyonmining,

“It is our responsibility to ensure that Nigeria’s airspace is safe and that is what we are doing at NCAA�

Director-General, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),

Captain Muhtar Usman

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BUSINESSWORLD NPA TO IMPLEMENT CALL-UP SYSTEM TO END APAPA GRIDLOCK

Director/CEO, Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman had taken a bold step to ensure that the truck terminal will be managed by Public Private Partnership (PPP). “That is where we are having real automation of call-up system. The management of NPA is working toward ensuring that Lillypond terminal is converted to a truck transit park for easy flow of traffic, along ports access road in Lagos,� he stated.

He said that with the construction of the Lagos Port Complex road under short term, the medium term plan would be to construct the Apapa Creek Road up to Tin-Can Island Port and Mile-2.

The road, he said, would be constructed from Mile 2 to Oworonsoki, adding that the construction would be handled by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.

Meanwhile, THISDAY learnt that the customs officers at the facility will be asked to leave, adding that management of the service might be forced to redeploy its personnel to various commands under zone A. A source who did not want his name in print, disclosed that letters have been written to the Area Controller of Lilypond Command over the development.

Nigerian exporters had recently raised the alarm that cashew nuts valued at $300 million have been trapped at the Lagos Ports and called on the federal government to come to their aid by addressing the challenges of congestion and inefficiency at Lagos’ ports, which have affected exports.

OWERRI FIRE OUTBREAK EXPOSES POOR FIREFIGHTING INFRASTRUCTURE AT AIRPORTS

intimidate me to accept the consignment. It was worth N150 million ($1 million at the time). They even said “ok just use it for training�. I refused. I made very big enemies up to the Villa. This particular guy had been supplying foam to several airports for years. For this, I cancelled his contract (among very many others that I cancelled and made me a highly controversial Managing Director),� he said.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Ogene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

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

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Reporters

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

NEWS

Peterside: Maritime University Will FulďŹ l Nigeria’s Economic Dream Stories by Eromosele Abiodun The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stated that the coming of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), at Okerenkoko, marks the launch of an institution of critical importance to the economic development of the country.

Peterside, stated this during the maiden matriculation of the university, held at its take-off site at Kurutie, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.

He said the school has fulfilled for Nigeria a major economic dream of having an institution that would produce high-end manpower for its growing maritime industry, while helping to develop the locals and build lasting peace in the Niger Delta.

Peterside: “This is the fulfilment of a dream. Recall that many years ago, precisely in 2013, NIMASA initiated the idea of a Nigerian maritime university to fill a gap. We identified that if you want to grow your maritime industry, there are three important elements. “One, is the asset, the vessel itself; the second one is the human capacity; the third is the supporting infrastructure. For all these three, the most important is the human element. And we clearly identified that fact that we are lagging behind in the human element and we needed to build capacity. “To build high-end capacity, we need our own maritime university. We were among the leading maritime nations without a maritime university.

So today is the fulfilment of that great dream.�

Peterside, commended the federal government’s financial

commitments to the university, but said more needed to be done. “We appreciate the grant by the federal government to support the numerous grants given by NIMASA, acting also on behalf of the federal government. But, without a doubt, we need to put more money here because we need a lot of infrastructure apart from the human resource.

We have a good number of professors. We need to put a lot of infrastructure in place,� he stated.

He explained that NIMASA would intensify engagements

with the Budget Office, Office of the Vice President, and other stakeholders on how to collaboratively fund the NMU. The DG added, “We are gradually repositioning this country to become a major hub for maritime activities.

And when we say major hub for maritime activities, it is not just about trans-shipment or about shipment itself. “It could be a hub just supplying manpower, supplying seafarers, doing insurance business or being in the business of ship finance. We are gradually becoming a hub, we are putting the right building blocks in

place to make this country a hub for maritime activities and we would reap the benefits in a few years’ time.�

In his speech, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said the project was another demonstration of Niger Delta’s strategic importance to Nigeria.

Osinbajo said it also showed how the federal government was “walking the talk in the Niger Delta.�

Osinbajo who was represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Edobor Iyamu, said the commencement of academic

activities at the premier maritime university in Nigeria was another example of how the President Muhammadu Buhari government was “walking the talk in the Niger Delta region, which is not being viewed 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 on the development of the human capital. We are confident that the Niger Delta, sooner than later, would come to be defined not by crude oil, but by the quantum of its human resource.�

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

L-R: Divisional Head, Corporate & Specialised Banking, Heritage Bank Plc, Afolasade Alonge; Group Head, Customer Experience & Analytics, Kikanwa Akpenyi; Minister of Gender & Family Promotion, Soline Niyirahabimana; Group Head, Experience Centre Coordination, Mother Dan-Egwu and Port Harcourt Coordinator, African Women in Leadership Conference (AWLO), Uche Juliet Ajirison, during the African Women in Leadership Conference held in Kigali Rwanda‌recently

Bala-Usman Harps on Involvement of Women in Nation Building The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman has reiterated that, “women are most disadvantage in the world,� stressing that the world must constantly remind itself that women matters when it comes to nation building.

She therefore advocated for the establishment of a “network or association in every industry� which should provide a platform for women “to share experiences, encourage each other and battle their challenges with one voice.�

She stated this while presenting a paper entitled, “Improving

the Participation of Women in the Ports,� at the just concluded third World Maritime University Conference, with the theme: “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community.�

The NPA boss, whose paper dwelled extensively on women position and gender diversity in work places globally, stressed the need for gender equality as a critical tool in nation’s building, so as to check the problem of “gender imbalance� which cuts across almost all professional spheres.

Bala-Usman emphasised

the need to encourage young girls to take interest in Science and Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) so they can pursue careers in shipping, marine, operations and engineering sub-sector and advised that nations with maritime endowments should fund specialized institutions and provide incentives for girls to take courses in these areas. “Women who have broken through the barriers in this sector must institute a mentoring system that encourages young ladies to take careers and create a

pipeline for succession in the maritime sector, �she added.

Bala-Usman also said that government agencies and private sectors investors must also be deliberate about increasing the tally of women in the sector, explaining that “last year for instance, TCIT, one of our Terminal Operators recruited the first set of female crane operators in Nigeria. We have assured all stakeholders of our readiness to partner with them on this front.�

The NPA MD enumerated several initiatives put in place

by the NPA management to encourage and motivate women in the course of their career in the Authority. “These initiatives, she said, include: the areas of maternity leave and entitlements, as well as the establishments of a crèche facility at the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC). There must be a network or association in every industry which should provide a platform for women to share experiences, encourage each other and battle their challenges with one voice,â€? she concluded.

Customs Arrests Four, Intercepts Goods worth over N460m Various items, including 6,102 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with an approximate Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N460.8 million have been intercepted by the Comptroller-General’s Strike Force of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Also, four suspects have also been arrested over some of the seizures, which range from false declaration to outright prohibition, and are presently on administrative bail, awaiting prosecution, while more seizures were still being examined ahead of their unveiling.

Displaying the items to

journalists in Lagos, National Coordinator of the Strike Force, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Kirawa, said the seizures were made between January 1 and March 30, 2019 in Zone A, which covers South-Western Nigeria.

He said: “The other items included 304 cartons x 150 packets of imitation jewelry worth N36.5 million (declared as bead mold), a unit each of Toyota Avalon (N2.5 million) and MAN Diesel truck (N8.5 million), 1698 pieces of used tyres (N8.5 million), and 952 cartons of rubber footwear and 140 cartons of rubber soles

worth N13.4 million. “There were also 400 cartons of HP Desktop and Monitor worth N55.4 million, 562x50 bags of 1kg Indian Rice and 50 bags x 50pcs of 1kg salt worth N59.9 million, bales of new and old jeans trousers, shirts, ladies’ gowns, belts and handbags, and bales of upholstery materials, among others.�

However, Kirawa lamented that due to ignorance and unnecessary risk, importers lose millions of naira to outright seizure of non-contrabands simply over false declaration, rather than honest declaration

and payment of right duties. “More so, by paying the right duties and when do, we are not only helping ourselves but others by ensuring job creation and employment for our teeming youths; curbing of crime, as people will be gainfully employed, and there will be no idle mind, and government gets the required revenue to pursue its programmes, �Kirawa said.

According to him, the pirated jewelries were “not contraband but can be imported if you pay the correct duty.

It was seized because its importation is contrary to

section 46 of CEMA, apart from being containerised, there is concealment and the entry made was wrong. “What is in here is imitation jewelries while the entry made to the customs is mixed bead mold. The two are quite different, therefore, the person did this to evade payment of the correct duty and therefore, it is liable to seizure.�

He urged all citizens to engage in meaningful ventures, and collaborate with the agency to keep the country safe and ensure that the due revenue accruable to the government is collected.

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NEWS

AIB Organises Training for Security Agencies Stories by Chinedu Eze The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has organised training for personnel of security agencies operating at the airport on how to handle evidences and environment where accident or incident takes place.

The two-day workshop with the theme: ‘Air Disaster Management,” was held on Monday and Tuesday, focused on protection of investigation evidences by first responders who in most cases are personnel of security agencies.

At least, 400 personnel, drawn from Nigeria Police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were slated to be trained in Lagos and Abuja by top officials of the bureau and its partners from the United Kingdom.

About 200 FRSC and police officials were trained in Lagos alone, while the other 200 would be trained in Abuja next week.

The General Manager,

Security and Safety, AIB, Mr. Olumide Osineye, who was one of the instructors at the workshop, said the training of the security personnel would create awareness across the country on the importance of securing crash sites.

Osineye, said the training would enable the trained security agencies’ personnel to know and understand their roles in case of an accident, stressing that they would also be able to identify and appreciate the need for protection and preservation of evidences to aircraft accident investigation.

“In order to help and support AIB investigation, we hold it a duty to ensure that such category of trained personnel or organisations are aware of such critical component. These people are necessary for their education and awareness of their job.”

Osineye, explained that it was not the first time AIB would be organising such a workshop for security personnel, recalling that the bureau recently organised

training for some police officers in the country.

“Now, we are going beyond that to include the road safety officials because we know the FRSC too plays a role when accident occurs. These are field people. The education is important for us to do our job better.

“These people will have been on site before we get there. So, it is important for us to make them aware of this. We need to appreciate them in helping us to do our investigation,” he said.

He also commended the Commissioner of AIB, Akin Olateru, for ensuring that security personnel in the country were trained on air accident disaster management, stressing that this would go a long way in improving the performance of the bureau.

He maintained that the feedback received from the previous trainings were encouraging, assuring that this would also add to the knowledge of the personnel.

Stakeholders Pass Resolution at Airbus’ AGM European-based major aircraft manufacturer, Airbus shareholders have passed resolutions at its 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM), including the appointment of Guillaume Faury as an Executive Member of the Board of Directors for three years.

At a Board Meeting, Faury was formally appointed Airbus Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing outgoing CEO Tom Enders whose Board Mandate expired at the close of the AGM. Airbus announced last October that its Board of Directors had selected Faury, previously President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, as its next CEO. “I’m pleased to welcome Guillaume Faury to the Board and am confident that as CEO he will successfully guide Airbus into the next decade,” said Denis Ranque, Chairman of the Airbus Board of Directors.

“Guillaume has exactly the right skill set and experience needed to take Airbus forward.

Separately, I would like to thank Tom Enders for all his achievements during his time as CEO, including particularly the value created for our shareholders

and the development of our Company to the benefit of all employees and the supply chain.”

Faury said: “It’s a real privilege to take over as Airbus CEO and lead this outstanding company into the 2020s. I would like to thank the Board and shareholders for their trust. I look forward to working with our great teams and shaping the Airbus of tomorrow, to better serve our customers, increase our competitiveness, and grow in a sustainable way.”

Shareholders also approved the re-election of Non-Executive Board Members Catherine Guillouard, Claudia Nemat and Carlos Tavares for a period of three years. Hermann-Josef Lamberti informed the Board of Directors that he doesn’t wish to seek a renewal of his Board mandate at the 2020 AGM after 12 years as a Board Member and 11 years as Chairman of the Audit Committee. At the Board Meeting, it was decided that Catherine Guillouard will replace Hermann-Josef Lamberti as Chair of the Audit Committee while Jean-Pierre Clamadieu will

join the Ethics and Compliance Committee with immediate effect.

Upon the recommendation of the Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee (RNGC), the Board has selected René Obermann to succeed Denis Ranque as Chairman of the Airbus Board of Directors when his current mandate expires at the close of the 2020 AGM. This succession was diligently prepared with the support of an external independent head hunter and the Board reached a decision after a thorough examination of all potential external and internal candidates.

The Board, supported by the RNGC, has delivered – and will continue to deliver – a smooth succession at Board and Management levels.

The successor to Denis Ranque would be formally appointed as new Chairman at the post-AGM Board of Directors meeting in 2020. Airbus has previously said that Denis Ranque had requested to leave the Board to pursue other interests upon the end of his current mandate in 2020, when he will have served for seven years as Chairman.

Passengers Commend Dana Air Security Team Dana Air passengers have commended the integrity and professionalism demonstrated by the airline’s security team on discovery of valuable items forgotten on-board its aircraft The airline in a statement issued by its Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa said, “We are not surprised by the recent commendations that our security team has been getting on their constant display of integrity and professionalism on and off the job.

“There have been many cases of lost and recovered items like phones, Ipads, huge sums of

money, Nigerian passports with valid visas and lots of valuable items.

“We have also returned a lot of missing foreign and Nigerian passports to the immigration, embassies and even sometimes call the owners in the cases where we are able to track the passenger’s booking with authentic details. This is also one of the reasons we advise passengers to enter their correct details when booking.’’

Ezenwa, narrated that recently, a passenger on one of our flight from Abuja to Lagos left a bag containing $5,000 and some other

valuables.

“On getting to Victoria Island, he noticed he wasn’t with the bag and dashed back to the airport, met the security team who confirmed the item was found. He proved ownership of the item; completed necessarily documents and got his missing item back immediately.

“He thanked the security team for displaying a high level of integrity and professionalism in handling an issue that involved hard currency. He also appreciated the staff for proving all the negative things they hear about Nigerians wrong,” he disclosed.

Safety at Nigeria’s Aviation Sector

AIB Commissioner, Olateru

Chinedu Eze Industry experts who are concerned with air safety always say that the main objective of investigating accidents and incidents is for the industry to learn what caused the mishap and prevent such accident from happening in future.

So such investigations are not aimed at apportioning blames, but to find out what happened and prevent such from happening again and this has led to improvement of air travel globally.

Accident investigation is so critical that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) expects every member country to have accident investigation body, so that whenever accident happens in that country it is investigated and reports made public.

In Nigeria, in response to the 2006 Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) was established in 2007 and its major duty is to investigate accidents and made recommendations, which the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as the regulatory agency in the industry is meant to ensure their implementation.

The duties of AIB and NCAA are well delineated. When accident or incident happens, NCAA is notified, which notifies AIB. AIB takes over the environment in which the accident happens and starts investigating the accident.

But despite the delineation of these responsibilities, there have been reports of clashes and disagreements between the two agencies. Industry observers posit that AIB tend to accuse NCAA of usurping its responsibilities and there are occasions AIB comes very short of blaming NCAA for non-implementation of its recommendations.

In fact, industry insiders told THISDAY that there is always the impression that AIB works so hard to investigate accidents and make recommendations, while the NCAA is always reluctant in implementing same.

Since it was established in 2007, the AIB had made about 147 safety recommendations and in 2017 alone under Akin Olateru as Commissioner, it made 66 recommendations in addition to the latest on Delta air Line serious incident in Lagos and the Helicopter accident involving the Vice President in Kabba, Kogi state.

It may be in reaction to the impression that while AIB makes recommendations after investigating accident NCAA fails in implementing same that the Director General of NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, at the AIB’s Stakeholders Forum for Amendment of Its 2016 Regulations last week in Lagos, cleared the air on some of these clogging issues.

He noted that the NCAA has implemented or supervised the implementation of some of the recommendations and shed more light on the fact that if there were delays it might not have been caused by the regulatory authority.

Usman, made it obvious that NCAA and AIB are not rivals and that it would be wrong if anyone such impression or is pushing such impression.

“In second quarter of 2018, the AIB Safety Recommendation Committee was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of State Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, under the chairmanship of the Commissioner, AIB with the following Terms of Reference: Collate all Safety Recommendations issued since the establishment of the Bureau; Determine the status and effectiveness of all safety recommendations issued since inception; and give an opinion and/or make necessary recommendations on the assessment made.

“Out of a total of 37 safety recommendations that were issued to the NCAA, 29 were fully implemented, two partially implemented, one yet to be implemented and on the remaining five, the NCAA did not agree with safety recommendations and had provided reasons. Recently, the NCAA had forwarded the status of implementation of the three outstanding safety recommendations to the Committee.

“The NCAA wishes to appreciate the effort of the AIB in issuing these safety recommendations. The safety recommendations that the Authority had implemented had assisted in improving our processes, led to the development of new and amendment of existing procedures, amendment of regulatory requirements and overall the strengthening of our safety oversight obligations.

“The Authority had also reviewed and analysed several observations and conclusions in the draft and final reports and had afterwards issued all operators Letters to address certain safety issues, re-issued documents and heightened its surveillance on certain approved entities.

“So, the issuance of safety recommendations and their appropriate implementation by the authority is invaluable to the functions of the authority,” Muhtar stated.

He went further to say that NCAA was progressively ensuring the implementation of its responsibility with respect to enforcing compliance by relevant stakeholders with the AIB safety recommendations.

“It is noteworthy to state that the whole process of management of the output from accident and incident investigation reports, with particular emphasis on the safety recommendations, form a major input into the NCAA Safety Oversight System that the NCAA uses to make the necessary safety oversight adjustment in order to maintain the safety resilience of the industry under the new State Safety Programme as required by ICAO. “The NCAA is willing and ready to corporate and continuously improve the existing partnership with the Bureau to ensure safe skies within Nigeria,” Muhtar added.

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Reinforcing Security at Airports Rising cases of robbery in aircraft have raised concerns about security at nation’s airports, writes Chinedu Eze

W

hen the reports of recent robbery attacks on taxing aircraft on the airside of the nation’s busiest airport, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos was made public about two years ago, concerned aviation authorities doubted the possibility because it looked incredible. But seasoned pilots that had flown on many domestic routes narrated their experiences in the past and noted that it happened in the past and could happen again.

They attributed this to security laxity and alleged that those who could have the courage to go and rob at the airside of the airport were those familiar with the airport environment and also those who knew the processes and procedures in flight operations.

They accused sacked workers of handling companies, airlines and possibly former workers of aviation agencies, especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) of being possibly responsible for the theft. They anchored their argument on the fact that anyone without the knowledge of the aircraft luggage hold, movement of aircraft on the taxiways to the runway and also knowledge of the airport environment would not dare take the risk of robbing aircraft on the airside of any airport.

Latest Attack The latest report of similar incident was the attack on an aircraft owned by ANAP Jets last week, while on the runway, as it waited at the holding point for another aircraft to take off.

According to the account, the aircraft that was already poised to take off had to wait for another ahead of it at the holding point of the runway. During that short period, suspected bandits came out of the bush and opened the aircraft luggage hold and took the only bag in it and disappeared into the darkness that usually envelope most of the airside of the airport.

The theft, which was later confirmed by the Chairman of ANAP Jets, Mr. Atedo Peterside to THISDAY was the most recent of many records of such thefts on the Lagos airport runway.

MMIA runway

fence, if enhancing the perimeter fence as a security fence may not be feasible because of the magnitude of the violations of the standards along the length of the perimeter fence. “Note that perimeter fences are obligations to standards Annex 14 (Aerodrome Standards) while the provision of security fence is an obligation to standards in Annex 17 (Aviation Security). “If we cannot or have not enhanced the perimeter of the airports or provide a secondary fence as the security fence, we are not complying with the minimum standards,� Ojikutu added.

Easy Access to MMIA Aviation security experts have attributed the easy access of unwanted persons to the airport to poor perimeter fencing and inadequate security system. There, the perimeter fencing is not comprehensive and in some areas there is absence of such fence and across the supposed fence are residential buildings that are too close to the airport.

Member of the industry think-tank, Aviation Round Table (ART) and the CEO of Centurion Securities, an aviation security consultant firm, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), explained that unwanted persons easily access the airport because of the proximity of the airport to residential areas of Lagos and the fact that both security and perimeter fencing are not comprehensive to insulate the airport from unauthorised incursions. “Incursion will always be there because the minimum distance between the perimeter fence and the built-up area as approved by document 8973 of ICAO (the International Civil Aviation Organisation) is not maintained. “That is why you find people building their houses from the fence of the airport and in case where you have things like that and it is within the built up area, the incursion will always come up from time to time. “I have seen vehicles parked very close to the fence and we have seen people jumping through that fence. So, if the perimeter patrol is not maintained by FAAN, there will always be incursion. “There will be incursion if there is no perimeter patrol, if the minimum distance between the fence and the public building are not maintained and because the airport is in a built-up urban developed area. These are the issues. If you know you are in this very bad situation, all you need to do is to maintain the perimeter fence,� he said.

As solution to this problem, Ojikutu suggested is that FAAN should begin to consider the provision of a secondary fence as the security

Breaching Airport Security Speaking in the same vein, the former Managing Director of Capital Airline and currently the lead consultant of ETIMFRI Group, Amos Akpan, said the breaching of airport security was akin to breaching of national security because the president of Nigeria is not safe if bandits and possibly terrorists could have access to the airport runway. “We will keep having reoccurrence of such security breaches because our aviation security programme appears to be reactive, not proactive. The criminals breach the security and we respond with fire brigade, reactive approach. “The fences at the airport have holes. There is no real on-time coverage of the entire airport

by Close-Circuit Television (CCTV). We need to have the entire airport covered by CCTV. This way every activity in and around the airport will be on record and can be reviewed in case of breach. “It is dangerous to let criminals feel they can enter and operate within the airport. In the immediate, it has to be mandatory for Aviation Security (AVSEC) with armed security to escort every aircraft,� Akpan said.

Solution Aviation security expert, Bayo Babatunde, had told THISDAY that FAAN and government should invest more in technology driven security system while Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel are adequately trained.

He suggested that there should be regular profiling of AVSEC personnel to avoid insider threat and to ensure that every security official does not have the potential to conspire with criminals or even terrorists.

Also a former Chief Security Officer of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, who wished to remain anonymous, said there should be increased effort to improve security at the Lagos and other airports in the country.

He urged government to urgently provide

funds to build perimeter and security fences at the airports, regretting that no airport in the country has comprehensive perimeter fences, which exposes them to incursions by unauthorised persons. “The major problem we have in our airports in terms of security is perimeter fencing. There is no airport in this country that has comprehensive perimeter fence. MMIA, Lagos is fenced but that fence is open at Ejigbo, Shasha and Ajao Estate areas. “Anybody can have access to the airport through these places. The security operatives on duty at this airport are at the mercy of God because they cannot monitor every part of the airport. We need standard fence. The airside of the airport is not adequately covered with CCTV. The security personnel that monitor activities at the airport have only three patrolling vehicles for four terminals, which include the international, the domestic terminal, the General Aviation Terminal and the cargo terminal. These vehicles can only operate if the airport manager has money to fuel them; if not, they would not be used,� the source added.

The former CSO said inadequate funding and planning had impeded airport security in Nigeria. “Without uninterrupted electric supply to the airport the security equipment cannot work; so there should be dedicated power supply.

There should be no power outage at the airport because unscrupulous people can do maximum damage within few minutes of darkness,� the former CSO said.

Perimeter Fencing In 2011 FAAN concluded plans to comprehensively fence about seven airports in the country, including the Lagos airport but eight years after, none of these airports has been completely fenced.

The former Managing Director of FAAN, Richard Aisuebeogun, then gave the directive, which never materialised. “Currently in the 2010/2011 budget, we have addressed seven airports in the area of perimeter fencing and as I speak to you, out of the seven, four have been completed. It means four additional airports now have complete perimeter fencing which of course will help to guarantee some level of security,� Aisuebeogun said then.

But last year, the current Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, said work on perimeter fencing would start in 2020, because the cost of the projects would be captured in the 2019 budget while construction would start

in 2020 despite the fact that the agency was under pressure to contain access to the airports by bandits and the herding of cattle on airport runways in some states.

However, FAAN said it has reinforced patrolling of the runway and has beefed up aviation security personnel and other security operatives to constantly monitor movements around the LAGOS airport runways.

Other Similar Incidents On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, pilot of African World Airlines (AWA) scared away suspected bandits, who opened the cargo hold of his aircraft at about 6:45 pm, Nigerian time.

The aircraft was on holding point of Runway 18R, waiting for signals to take off, on its way to Accra, Ghana. According to ghanaguardian. com, a Ghanaian pilot of Africa World Airlines unleashed hot gas to foil an armed robbery attempt by thieves at the runway of Lagos airport in Nigeria as they attempted to burglarise the Accra-bound CRJ jet.

In early December 2017, there were reports that a private jet was attacked on the runway18R of the airport by unknown bandits when taxiing to the hangar of Evergreen Apple Nigeria (EAN) Ltd. The jet was said to be arriving from Istanbul between 2110 and 2130hrs after landing in Lagos.

The pilot of the flight was Captain Emma Heering, who reportedly discovered that the rear door of the aircraft was opened while taxiing to the hangar.

About two weeks later, another theft was reported at the airport’s runway, and this time, it involved two known Nigerian musicians, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid. A private jet conveying the two artistes from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, was allegedly robbed while taxiing on the runway.

Sources at the airport informed THISDAY that the aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 605 jet with registration number T7-A00, arrived Lagos about 8:33pm on December 26 and was slowly taxiing to the arrival hangar when the cargo compartment was burgled. Reports said the jet had slowed to allow an Ethiopia Airlines cargo plane with registration number ET-ARH to push back for takeoff.

With the latest theft, the expectation is that FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which is the regulatory agency and the federal government would adopt a system that would efficiently protect the nation’s airports from these bandits and other unscrupulous elements.

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NPA’s Move to Halt Capital Flight Eromosele Abiodun writes that the Nigeria Ports Authority’s simulation centre inaugurated last week will guarantee capacity building and save capital flight hitherto spent abroad for training of pilots

T

he Nigerian maritime education and training system was established in order to provide training for all levels of manpower for the maritime sector of the Nigerian economy. However, due to new and changing technology and international conventions, the system encountered a host of problems. For instance, it does not have sufficient and adequately qualified manpower, facilities and equipment to train modern day seafarers.

Realising the important role of shipping in the development of a nation’s economy, the Nigerian government in 1959, established a shipping company with six old ships.

These were later increased in number and tonnage to enable Nigeria carry a fair share of the total sea-borne trade generated along the West and Central African sub-region at that time, of which over 70 per cent originated from Nigeria.

However, there was maritime manpower shortage at this time: the newly established shipping company and other maritime institutions such as ship, cargo surveying, clearing and forwarding agencies were all virtually run by expatriates. In view of this, the Federal Government of Nigeria decided to establish a nautical school to train all levels of manpower for the Nigerian maritime industry. Accordingly, in 1968 it commissioned an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) body of experts to do a feasibility study for this purpose. In 1972, an internal body was appointed to follow up the first study. Finally, in 1976, the third and final IMO sponsored body of experts were engaged to do the same feasibility study before the government gave the green light for the Nautical College of Nigeria to be established in 1977.

Apart from problems that face maritime education and training system in Nigeria as a result of new and changing technology and international legislation, there are also additional challenges of a more general nature. One of the major problems plaguing maritime education and training system in Nigeria is lack of maritime industry’s support. Experts believe the major problem of nautical education in developing countries is that those who provide funds for training are not always the same consumers of the products. Until recently, pilots were trained abroad because of lack of simulation technology.

Although use of simulation technology for training purposes has been a feature of several industries especially the aircraft industry for many years, it is still relatively new in the maritime and related industries.

The first attempt at ship bridge simulation appeared in Sweden and the Netherlands in the late 60s, being initially intended for research work only. It was not until 1976 that the first simulator designed with the specific aim of training seafarers was installed at La Guardia Marine Terminal, New York.

The basis for using simulators in education and training, according to maritime expert, Lucky Amiwero, is captured in the old adage, ‘Tell me, and I will forget.

Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand.� According to Amiwero, the role of simulation is to reproduce practical situations so that experience can be gained in a selective manner under controlled and repeatable conditions. “This means that for participants the result of simulation should not just be the cognitive perception but also experience. Taking this same line of thought, another maritime expert, Akintunde Jonson, defined simulation as an untaught event in which the participants have roles and are required to accept the responsibilities and duties of professionals. “Central to simulation therefore is neither the hardware nor software but the

Bala-Usman

participants.

Simulators are a proven tool in providing a highly realistic training environment for all mariners, and have the potential to improve training efficiency in many different tasks. They can also provide for the assessment of knowledge and skills and for their transfer to shipboard practice because they enable maritime academies to offer close-to-reality training for important relatively complex and potentially dangerous tasks without any physical effect on ships and trainers, “he stated.

NPA Takes the Initiative In a bid to ameliorate the challenges in maritime education and training system in Nigeria, buoy local content in the maritime sector, guarantee capacity building and save the multi-million-naira capital flight hitherto spent abroad, NPA last week, inaugurated its marine and harbour ultra-modern simulation centre at Dockyard, Apapa, Lagos state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the training facility, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi said the NPA’s simulation centre will save the federal government foreign exchange that would have been used in training personnel abroad, assuring that that government is desirous of encouraging local content in other to grow the economy.

Amaechi stated that the deployment of technology in enhancing the capacity of workers has vast bearing on the growth and competitiveness of organisations and systems. “The function specific enablement and training that this simulation centre will afford our Pilots, Marine Officers, Tug Masters, Radio Signal Officers, to enable them grapple with and surmount work related challenges is central to optimisng the comparative advantages that our maritime endowments confer and I am happy that the NPA has taken this giant stride in furtherance of all the efforts that are being made to position our country as the maritime hub for Africa. “In addition to that, this facility is also of great importance to the national economy given the pivotal role that the maritime

sector occupies in the actualisation of the fundamental objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of this administration. The much talked about transition from a mono-product into a diversified economy is heavily dependent on how robust we can make our maritime space. “This is not to talk about the very important local content component of this facility. Before now, I understand that most of the professional who will use this facility acquired their training outside of Nigeria, but with this initiative by the NPA management, these personnel can now be trained here with ripple effects on national expenditure as well as the provision of employment opportunities, “he said.

He congratulated the management of the NPA for completing the facility that has been abandoned for over 11 years.

While praising the management and board of the NPA for the foresight, he said he was particularly happy that the facility would reduce the expenditure of foreign exchange in training pilots abroad.

According to him, “We must also understand that it is essential to acquire knowledge, you cannot thrive in an environment like this if you don’t have technology and it will impact negatively on the growth of the Nigerian economy. The local content of this facility is also very important; I am also impressed that a lady has been asked to manage it and that only professionals will use the facility for training. I hope that this initiative will churn out as many professionals as possible. “I want to pledge that as a ministry will continue to support our agencies and encourage them to have inter-agency collaboration towards the attainment of our common goal. I am convinced that the importance of this facility will not be lost on its users, I therefore invite all stakeholders to make the best possible use of this facility as we start to add greater value to the Nigerian economy.�

Investing in Technology In her speech, the Managing Director

of the NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman said the project was conceived to conserve foreign exchange for the Nigerian government adding that it was built in partnership with its joint venture partners for the training of pilots locally.

Bala-Usman said training of pilots locally would save the federal government over $1 million (N366 million) annually spent on training pilots in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America.

She added that with the role that technology currently plays in the world, a state-of-the-art simulation centre of this nature is germane because it constitutes a critical success factor in actualising our strategic intent of becoming the leading providers of port services in Africa. “It is a centre where pilots are trained on how manoeuvre vessels into the water ways. Before now, the NPA and other stakeholders train their pilots outside Nigeria, that is why we have set up this facility to attract not just NPA pilots but pilots across the country to be trained to have the necessary certification. We are opening it for commercial purpose we encourage other maritime operators to come here and train their pilots,� she said.

On how the facility will advance maritime operation in Nigeria, she said the centre will significantly change the capacity of NPA pilots, increase the number of trained pilots in the authority. “One of the additional values to this is that the sea time that is required will reduce in view of having this simulator centre available for training. We believe this project is important for the NPA as it seeks to save the country foreign exchange, improve on local content as we have more of local trainers having such high-tech equipment available to them. So, it is actually a significant milestone for the NPA and indeed for the maritime industry. “We have a maintenance facility in place, we have an agreement whereby all the facilities are maintained, and we are seeking to have international accreditation that will further boost the simulator itself.

So we are mindful of maintenance and maintenance culture has been instituted in the maintenance agreement put in place,�she stated.

Maintenance, Training Delivery Also speaking, the Project Manager at the Simulation Centre, Omone Amahia said the renovation of the building housing the centre commenced on the 25th of October, 2017 and was completed 30th of June, 2018.

The building, she added, was officially handed over to the operation, maintenance and training delivery team on the 4th of October, 2018. “We have been responsible for conducting training delivery and general maintenance of the full big simulator and the entire fabric of the building, now the training delivery is a five-day workshop for eight pilot trainees and one conductor each week. The training delivery is a refresher workshop on theoretical navigation and practical pilotage on techniques and procedures on the full big simulator. The first training commenced on November 1, 2018 and since then we have trained 12 batches making a total of 28 pilot trainees. “The project could not have been what is, without our 50-man team and a lot of corporations came from the NPA training department, who had worked tirelessly to make it a success and I must make it a point to commend the pilot trainees, as they have conducted themselves with great decorum. The future of this project is to expand the training delivery by coming out with additional workshops and certifications for potentials trainees beyond Nigeria and we hope that this would be a success,� she stated.

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Emefiele’s Stewardship and IMF’s Applause Tayo Isaac

In a world where many economies are suffering and where there is no shortage of gloom forecast, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut Nigeria a break when it applauded the ‘tight monetary policy stance” of the Central Bank of Nigeria as yielding positive results for the economy.

The IMF endorsed the CBN’s restrictive monetary policy, saying it is appropriate for the Nigerian economy at this time.

The fund stated this in their Article IV on Nigeria released recently.

“With inflation still above the central bank target, Directors generally considered that a tight monetary policy stance is appropriate,” they stated. They urged the central bank to enhance transparency and communication and to improve the monetary policy framework, including using more of traditional methods.

However, they advised the CBN to end its direct intervention in the economy and focus on its price stability mandate.

The IMF’s endorsement must sound like vindication for the Governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele and his team who have worked tirelessly to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system stability and support the growth of the economy.

The CBN has had to wade through very rough economic weather to come up with different measures to check inflation, stabilise the naira and put the economy on a right footing. Amidst caustic criticism in a period of political volatility, the CBN was prompted to take drastic action by introducing the multiple forex system after some initial trials.

The system created the interbank/wholesale, invisible, small and medium scale enterprise (SME) and the investors/exporters’ windows.

The Bureau De Change and parallel market segments also existed in the new forex regime. This has brought great stability to the forex market, leading to remarkable Through insistence on more controls, the CBN has been able to hold inflation down and ensure rise in Gross Domestic Product supported by progress in the non-oil sector. Inflation has been on the decline since the last quarter of 2017 and further decline to 11.31 per cent in February 2019, from

Emefiele

11.37. The decrease in headline inflation, according to experts, was driven mainly by food inflation, which declined to 13.47 per cent in February 2019 from 13.51 per cent in January 2019, while core inflation declined marginally to 9.80 per cent from 9.91 per cent in the previous month.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.38 per cent in Q4 2018 from 1.81 and 2.11 per cent in the previous quarter and corresponding period of 2017. The major impetus for this growth came from the nonoil sector, especially agriculture, which grew by 2.7 per cent in Q4 2018.

The CBN under Emefiele is steadily working towards transforming the agriculture sector by making credit available and accessible to farmers and small scale entrepreneurs. To encourage diversification of the economy and stimulate growth in the agriculture sector in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic agenda, an innovative Agric credit plan was put in place. The Anchor Borrowers Programme has transformed the Agric sector and significantly increased yields.

The bank’s intervention in the

real sector and the foreign exchange market has led to further growth in the manufacturing sector, even if minimal. But it has undeniably encouraged inflow of investments into the country. CBN’s intervention and the effective implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan by the federal government are the major drivers of this positive development.

Despite these achievements, the World Bank during the week surprised many when it released a report ranking the Nigeria economy low along with Angola, South Africa and 16 other countries. The report categorized Nigeria among economies that have not recorded improved performance since 1995.

The report, which came out in the bank’s latest edition of its Africa’s Pulse, compared the average annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates of the countries between during 1995–2008 and 2015–2018 and concluded that “These countries did not show any progress in their economic performance from 1995–2008 to 2015–18.”

But even the World Bank acknowledged what’s been done by Nigeria in recent years.

The report stated: “In Nigeria, growth reached 1.9 per cent in 2018, up from 0.8 per cent in 2017,

reflecting a modest pick-up in the non-oil economy. South Africa came out of recession in the third quarter of 2018, but growth was subdued at 0.8 percent over the year, as policy uncertainty held back investment.

Angola, the region’s third largest economy, remained in recession, with growth falling sharply as oil production stayed weak.”

Of course, there are still critical challenges to growth which are also the upside risks to inflation, and they include, high cost of energy, infrastructure constraints, insecurity in some parts of the country; and anticipated increase in liquidity which has become more regular due to late implementation of annual budgets.

Even though some of these challenges are outside the control of the CBN, the economic team of the Buhari administration and the CBN are in synergy on how to surmount the obstacles.

The role of the CBN has been critical to the economic push that exited the country from recession.

Now that the economy is gradually recovering, it is at a delicate stage where consolidation is key.

Emefiele, recently warned after it last Monetary Policy Committee meeting that the economy was at risk of slipping back into recession unless certain measures are taken to stimulate growth. On what could be done to stimulate economic activities, the CBN governor said effective implementation of the budget and policies that would encourage credit delivery to the real sector of the economy might boost aggregate demand, stimulate economic activity and reduce unemployment in the country.

Emefiele said the MPC urged government to take advantage of the current rising trend in oil prices to rebuild fiscal buffers, strengthen government finances in the medium term and reverse the current trend of decline in output growth. The committee also called on the fiscal authority to intensify the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan to stimulate economic activities, bridge the output gap and create employment.

The CBN gives us hope that the Nigeria economy would be on a sustained rise, despite the hiccups.

This is the meaning of IMF’s applause.

-Isaac, a public affairs analyst writes in from Abuja

NIMASA Commences Nationwide Donation of Relief Materials Eromosele Abiodun

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has flagged off the donation of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) nationwide with the presentation of household items to IDPs in Lagos.

The exercise, which commenced at the Lagos State Emergency Resettlement and Relief Camp at Igando, in Alimosho Local Government Area, involved relief materials worth millions of naira.

While presenting the materials to the IDPs, in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said 20 states of the federation are billed to benefit from the scheme.

“Twenty States across the nation’s six geopolitical zones are to benefit, beginning from Lagos State. Others are: Rivers, Niger, Benue, Kastina, Plateau, Kaduna, Edo, Yobe, and Kogi states respectively. Also, other States ravaged by floods lined up to benefit include; Kano, Sokoto, Anambra, Taraba, Osun,

Delta, Cross River, Ogun, Bayelsa and Ondo States.

He added that the gesture was in line with NIMASA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, which is partly focused on touching the lives of people, especially the indigent and displaced persons, and changing their stories.

Peterside, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties (External Relations and Technical Cooperation), Hajia Lami Tumaka, said NIMASA had decided to identify with victims of natural and other disasters living in the camp in Lagos to try to give them a sense of belonging.

“We have come here to identify with you and to share in your trying moments. Let me assure you that it will not be for long, as the government is aware of the challenges you are going through and is doing everything possible to get you properly resettled in order to lead normal lives again.

“As a socially responsible corporate

entity, we are concerned with your wellbeing and we remain committed to partnering with the Lagos State Government to ameliorate your challenges,” he said.

The NIMASA boss called on other well-meaning organisations and individuals to come forward with relief measures to support the victims of natural and other disasters. He urged the Lagos State Government to remain resolute in its enforcement of the demolition of weak buildings to avert further incidences of building collapse in the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, commended NIMASA for consistently being a worthy partner in the effort to support IDPs in the state. Tiamiyu pledged the readiness of the Lagos State Government to continue to partner with the Agency in the attempt to assist and resettle all victims of disaster in the state.

According to him, “NIMASA has remained a worthy partner and we call on other agencies, corporate bodies, and individuals to emulate this gesture so that in no distant time the IDPs can be resettled in their homes and continue with their normal lives and activities.

“I recall that last year, NIMASA also brought a lot of relief materials to victims of flood disaster. So on behalf of the government of Lagos State and, indeed, the displaced Lagosians, I say, thank you to Dr. Dakuku Peterside and the management of NIMASA.” The materials donated by NIMASA included food items, clothing materials, beddings, toiletries, wheel chairs, and baby food, among other household items.

NIMASA had in 2018 donated relief materials to victims of floods and insurgency in 11 states of the federation.

The agency is currently donating relief materials to victims of natural and other disasters in 20 states, covering the six geo-political zones in the country.

THIS WEEKEND

NEWS METRO THISLIFE

WEEKLY MAGAZINE

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

NAF Pipe Band: Making Scintillating Music Beyond Warfare

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COVER NAF PIPE BAND: MAKING SCINTILLATING MUSIC BEYOND WARFARE

CHIEMELIE EZEOBI writes that beyond protecting the territorial integrity of the nation, the Nigerian Air Force has also harnessed the musical talents of its personnel. Recently, it inaugurated a pipe band and unveiled plans to upgrade its music systems to a full-fledged directorate, which will go a long way in enhancing civil-military relations, given that the pipers will go beyond playing music for parades and military ceremonies Tradition, some say, never dies and this particularly holds true for the military. The military is an institution known for adhering to tradition no matter how long ago it was established. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), one of the three arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces, is not an exception.

For the Air Force, instead of tradition being deemed as archaic and out-dated, they are seen as an anchor to their past, constantly reminding them of where they are coming from, where they are now, and where they hope to be. Thus, it would therefore be safe to say that the very tapestry or fabric that holds the military together is its customs and traditions.

Even though those traditions might not be understood by civilians, because of what they deem excessive regimentation, for the military, the traditions are their heritage, even as they seek to align themselves with contemporary modern day structures and practices.

One of the areas they recently delved into tradition was the introduction of a pipe band into the force. Basically, a pipe band is a musical ensemble consisting of pipers and drummers. The term used by military pipe bands, pipes and drums, is also common.

The band follows the direction of the pipe major; when on parade the band may be led by a drum major, who directs the band with a mace.

History Traditionally, according to Wikipedia, pipe bands are a long-standing tradition in other areas with Celtic roots, such as the regions of Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria in Northern Spain and Brittany in Western France, as well as other regions with Celtic influence in other parts of Europe.

But it’s not just Celtic countries that have imbibed the tradition, countries like Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina have also adopted it. Also, the tradition is also long-standing in the British Commonwealth of Nations countries and former British colonies such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The pipe band began life in the military, as they served in regiments from the earliest times; and their original purpose on the battlefield was to signal tactical movements and keep cadence on the march. By the end of the Crimean War, pipe bands were established in most of the Scottish Regiments.

However, unlike civilian pipers, those in military bands have additional military responsibilities, in other words, qualified fighting soldiers.

NAF Pipe Band It was in line with the long-standing tradition that on April 9, 2019, that the Nigerian Air Force graduated its first set of pipers at a colourful ceremony held at NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja, which signaled the formal induction of the Pipe Band into the NAF. Twenty-five NAF personnel, comprising 22 airmen and three airwomen, successfully completed the course.

Kitted in their navy blue blazers and blue chequered uniforms and armed with their bag pipes and drums, these airmen scintillated guests at the inauguration, thus giving a prelude to their capabilities.

According to NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the establishment of the Pipe Band, is in line with one of the key drivers of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar’s vision which is; “human capacity development through robust and result oriented training for enhanced professional performance”.

He noted that the Pipe Band is a key part of the full complement of military music systems, hence its induction will add glamour,

NAF Pipe Band

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar presenting a certificate to one of the pipers

The pipers saluting the CAS and entourage

aesthetics and pride to NAF ceremonies and events. Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the CAS expressed delight with the level of proficiency of the new NAF Pipe Band, which he said, attested to the quality of the training they had received.

He commended the Administration Branch for the initiative, noting that, with the establishment of the Pipe Band, amongst other innovations, the Music Specialty, was ripe for upgrade to a full-fledged directorate.

The CAS charged the NAF Music personnel not to limit themselves to parades and military ceremonies but to take a step further

to provide creative performances that will project the good image of the NAF and enhance civil-military relations.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Administration, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Kingsley Lar, acknowledged and appreciated the noble gesture of the CAS in approving the establishment of the NAF Pipe Band ensemble to complement the already existing NAF Band.

The gesture, according to him, would remain an indelible achievement of the current NAF leadership. He stated that the NAF Pipe Band Course had almost seemed

like a mission impossible ab-initio, bearing in mind that the pipe band endeavour is not common. He thanked the CAS for approving the course and providing the equipment, uniforms and accessories for the Pipe Band.

Highlights of the Graduation Ceremony included a demonstration by the graduating students and presentation of certificates and awards to them. Dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Chiefs of Army and Naval Staff, Directors from the Ministry of Defence as well as Branch Chiefs from Headquarters NAF along with several other senior military officers.

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XTRA

Firm Celebrates Women Through Empowerment

Group photograph at Rite Foods exhibition programme of ‘Food, Drinks and Her’ held recently in Lagos

Ayodeji Ake As part of its own way of recognising and appreciating women in the society, Rite Foods Ltd, recently held an exhibition program in Lagos, for scores of female entrepreneurs, as an avenue of empowering and networking.

Speaking at the maiden of the event themed ‘Food, Drinks and Her’, Managing director, Rite Foods Ltd, Seleem Adegunwa noted that the company has derived so much pleasure in empowering women as it equals empowering a generation and impacting the society.

He said: “It is a pleasure to be standing

here, my gaze running through the length and breadth of this hall, seeing what first began as a thought on how we at Rite Foods Ltd could celebrate our women specially in this month of March, which begat this amazing event; the march exhibition.

“Many societies still have a long journey in the appreciation of women empowerment and the impact on society.

It cannot be over emphasised that what women teach, has a positive and what they do not teach has a negative impact on the society, the country, hence generations.

“As a food and beverage company, it was natural that our thoughts gravitated

towards the idea of recognising, celebrating and ultimately, empowering female, food and drinks entrepreneurs, by providing a platform where they can showcase their entrepreneurial spirit, network among themselves for positive alignments for future successes and most importantly, have fun while doing it.”

Speaking further, Adegunwa lauded the female panelists at the event and all females in attendance for selflessly being present to share from their wealth of knowledge and personal experiences.

“I am certain, many will get new information for the next step in their business.

Of course, Food, Drinks and Her is not just

about exhibiting products and services, buying, selling and talking business. It is about having fun as well,” he added.

Speaking in the same vein of empowerment, the Business Director, Rite Foods Ltd, Yetunde Jack emphasised that the main idea of the event is to celebrate and empower women for gender equality.

“We are empowering women to bring to the forefront their businesses. It’s not about products because it is just talking a second place in the whole thing. We don’t have any control whatsoever but about empowering women and gender equality. And we created a free platform for them to display their businesses” she said.

Social Entrepreneurs Set to Empower Teachers in Lagos Rebecca Ejifoma A group of social entrepreneurs, under the auspices of Learn As I Teach (LAIT), have cemented a union to empower teachers across Nigeria with solutions for themselves and pupils across Lagos and Nigeria.

The social entrepreneurs popularly called table shakers include CEO Kids’ Courts School and Founder of LAIT, Dr. Abimbola Ogundere; CEO Teach for Nigeria, Folawe Omikunle; Executive Director, Arc-Lights Foundation, Abisola Obasnaya; Executive Director, Sustainable Education and Enterprise Development (SEED), Lanre Oniyitan.

The convener and founder of LAIT, Ogundere said, “Last January, we thought to ourselves of spreading out the teacher empowerment beyond our own school. We thought of what we could do for the totality of the teachers in Nigeria”.

Part of the puzzle LAIT listed to solve were: how to begin to empower them, to bring teachers together monthly to discuss issues, train themselves and discuss the fundamental issues disturbing the education sector in Nigeria then proffer panacea. She said: “We are all pushing education forward as a country.

Having identified the problems, we decided to look for solutions from our various social entrepreneur across advocacies, curriculum and access. “Teachers need to be proud to be teachers in Nigeria. It is fundamental. People do not regard teachers. Teachers are even ashamed to admit that they are teachers.

Social entrepreneurs at LAIT

“Take ownership of that profession and be proud to be a teacher because that affects our mindset. If you are not proud of what you do, you cannot do it well.” For the convener, teachers needed to be committed to professional development. “As teachers, we need to begin to come together, network

with other teachers and collaborate so we can be a voice to reckon with and can make change happen”. Describing the conference as looking in and giving back, Oniyitan said the change they were bringing on board was recognising the social problems and reaching a social change. “We have decided to reach out

to the teachers. They need to be proud of their profession because teachers are not,” she said.

The programme, however, aims to look into the education sector and give back to the country through conferences and utilising social media platform to reach out to others across the country.

Foundation Provides Education Support for Indigent Students Ugo Aliogo In line with the desire of Yomi Otubela Foundation (YOF) to provide education support to indigent students, the foundation would be organising the fourth edition of Yomi Otubela Foundation Scholarship Examination on April 25.

Speaking to journalists during a media briefing in Lagos recently, Chief Yomi Otubela, said the choice of Lagos as the only venue for the 2019 examination is due to logistic issues as a result of the general and supplementary elections which held recently in the country.

He also noted that the portal for registration of interested candidates has been made accessible since January, 16 and the application form for YOF scholarship 2019

can be obtained and completed online: www. yomiotubelafoundation.org.

“It should be noted that the registration will close on April 20, 2019. The YOF team has put some measures in place to prevent the shortcomings we have had to grapple with in the past. For instance, some features had been added to the registration portal to prevent multiple registrations,” he noted.

Otubela explained that as part of its cardinal objective, the foundation awards annual full scholarship (day and boarding) to qualified pupils / students of public and private Schools within Nigeria and also from Internally Displaced Camps across the country.

He noted that in recent times, YOF has had to extend the scholarship opportunities to candidates in the university category.

He further stated that from the maiden

edition of the foundation’s scholarship examination to the last one, the examination has continued to attract a huge participation of candidates across the country.

According to Otubela, “We make bold to say that YOF scholarship examination has been able to attract participants and hold successfully in the following states and FCT, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Enugu, Rivers, Gombe Kano and Abuja.

“In the future, we hope that YOF scholarship examinations will hold in every major city within the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“Furthermore, we are happy to say that the past recipients of the scholarship awards in the primary and secondary school categories are doing well in their various classes while the recipients of the scholarship in the university category are also excelling in their various

academic fields.

“To date, 47 students are currently enjoying their education in Lagooz Schools under the Yomi Otubela Foundation Scholarship scheme, while two students are enjoying their university education under same scholarship scheme. “Presently, one of the beneficiaries of YOF scholarship awards in person of Mr. Stephen Amosun just gained admission into the Lagos state University to pursue a law degree programme and the foundation is set to sponsor his education under the university category.

“We need to point out that the foundation’s budget for YOF scholarship for this year alone is 21.5 million naira but we believe that no amount of money is too big to provide quality education for the beneficiaries to attain their goals in life.

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

An Evening with Bollywood Legend At the recent Geetanjali; Voice of India event organised by Bhojpuri Pariwar Global Foundation and Assamese Cultural Association in Lagos, SUNDAY EHIGIATOR, who was in attendance, spoke with Bollywood legendary musician and actor, Zubeen Garg, who came all the way from India to entertain his Nigerian fans

F

or the non-initiated, what can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Zubeen Garg.

I am a singer from Northeast India, specially called Assam.

Assam is famous for tea; it’s called AssamTea. We produce the highest number of tea in the world after China. It is also famous for Rhinos. Two home Rhinos are in Africa and one home Rhino is in Assam. I sing, I make films, I act and do a lot of things. I am also a writer as well. I have been very active in the entertainment industry for a very long time; over 25 years.

I am the only one who has sang more than 16,000 songs there. So I am quite old, I am 46 years old now, but my mind is still young.

So now, I’m more into making films. Most of my 25 years were into music, songs; many of which were adopted for Bollywood movies.

Even in Bollywood I sang many songs in good films and all of that, then I travelled to Bombay. I stayed there for some time before I came back to Assam. Now I am back to Assam because of my film industry; I want to promote it more. So basically, I started with a musical journey, but now into films and a lot of social works.

Zubeen Garg with some of his crew members

What brought you to Nigeria?

I am here for so many different things.

Assam community is very less here, so they were the pioneers to bring me here, and the Bhojpuri; another Indian community here, which is very close to Assam, are also helping us and I’m thankful to them. That’s why I am singing in multiple languages so to carry all the India states present here along in their languages. Because in India we have different states and they have their peculiarities. It is my first time in Nigeria and I would be spending three days here.

I have already spent a day, most of it on a 17-hours flight from India to Nigeria. So, this is my second day and I am really enjoying it. I wish I could spend more days to tour around Nigeria a bit, but hopefully there would be another opportunity to return here soon.

What genre of music is your speciality?

My genre is very different because I came out from a very non-musical place.

My father was a Magistrate and he used to travel a lot to many places. Due to that, I know many people, many cultures, different tribes and we have more than 350 tribes there in India with different cultures, food habits and dialects. So I am lucky that I have travelled and worked with all of them. I am the only one in India that has worked with all dialects, their genre and ways of music.

I don’t speak their languages perfectly but I can sing in their languages. Now I can understand what they are saying having worked around them for 25 years. So I promote their culture and everything therein worth being put in the limelight about them.

Tell us about your educational background?

I left college. I am a college dropout. Many people don’t believe I am due to my family background; they are all learned, and my exposure and attainment in life, but I am a college drop out and I don’t regret dropping out a bit.

I didn’t do my graduation before I jumped into music. I did my first album while I was still in school and I never went back to college. When I was doing my exams for my graduation, I suddenly realised myself; that I was doing the wrong thing- I shouldn’t be here, I should be in the studio, what should I do with my graduation? So after these thoughts, I abandoned my examinations and went to do my album, and from there, I didn’t look back. Then I went to Bombay with Bollywood; and it was a long journey finally getting here. I was about 20 years old.

How about your parents, how did they take your decision to quit school at the verge of graduating?

Zubeen Garg performing live on stage

L-R: An Indian Comedian, Mr Shambu Sikhar with Bhojpuri Pariwar of Nigeria Chairman, Mr. Amarendra Sinha

They supported me. They have always supported me. Aside my dad being a Magistrate, he is also a Poet; he still writes.

He always promoted me as a creative guy.

He never ordered me on what to do with my future. He would always ask me what I want to do, and I told him I want to be a musician, a big musician and go famous.

He did all the motivation but he never supported me with money; though I never asked. But I’m sure if I had back then, he was ready to give. But he was with his own ego waiting for me to ask, and I was also with my ego determined never to ask but sort myself out. Even My mother, she was a good singer, and an actress but not a professional one. She was also of big support to me, lifting me up and encouraging me to go ahead.

derive a lot of inspiration from animals, trees, water, nature in general.

So would you say you inherited your talent from your mother?

Yes of course. I always say I am my mother’s son. Even when I hear people say that I am gifted, I tell them that I am not gifted, but gifted from my mother and nature; trees. I draw inspiration from trees a lot. When I was growing up, I’ll stand at the front of a big river and stare at trees around it. We used to live in front of the river Gramakputa. So when I wake up, I see the river surrounding the trees.

How about your company or label?

I am an enabling producer. I work for the movies also; I worked for Sony music, when I was in Bombay, but not right now.

But now I work for Zee music. Now, I am working alone with my label. It’s called I-Creation. My last movie was one of the biggest hits; entitled ‘Mission China’. It’s about anti-Terrorism. You can get it on Netfix.com.

Is that where you draw your inspiration from?

Yes, from nature and a lot of animals.

I keep a list of animals. And I think I am the only one who has an adopted Rhino. I

Tell us about your immediate family life?

I am married to a beautiful wife, and I have no kids of my own yet; though I have a lot of adopted sons and daughters. I keep on adopting to help them out of hardship they know nothing about and show them fatherly love and care as they deserve so they can find balance in life. My wife is a fashion designer and also oversees my film industry and musical career. I have almost 200 guys working for me; drama, film, music, social activities, and she supervises them all. And she doesn’t break I must say.

Thanks to her for also sticking by me and looking after me too.

What are you currently working on and what should we expect from you in years to come?

I’m releasing my next movie called ‘Captain Ganga’. Ganga is a peak. It’s the second highest peak in this world after Everest. Captain Ganga is a film against

the system, a revolution. I am releasing it on September 6, 2019. I released the first look of the film today. It’s the rise of ambition. Aside this, I have a lot of shows coming up. After this particular one I am here for in Nigeria, there are other ones. I’ll be releasing the promotional music of this film in August, it would be the background music too.

How is your Nigeria experience going; have you had some Jollof rice?

So far it has been really fine. I wish I can stay longer. The three days isn’t enough for me to tour places I really wished I could tour in Nigeria but I am definitely looking up to returning here again. Yes and I tasted the popular Nigerian Jollof about two hours back, it is so delicious. I had Jollof rice, I had some big drum-sticks, with some vegetables and all that. It was so yummy. Looking forward to it again before leaving. I have a culture of always having delicacies peculiar to any place I visit whenever I am opportune to be there. I don’t taste oriental food. If I go to Singapore, I eat their local delicacies, and same applies here in Africa. I give thumbs up to Nigerians, the Jollof rice really lived up to its expectation as spread globally.

What advice do you have for upcoming artists?

I always say that we should stick to our roots and then we should love our animals, trees, nature, people, culture. At least, 10 years of your life, you should give it to the people. I am a socialist guy and not a capitalist. Give 10 years of your life to the people and your cultural heritage. With that, I think you will be fine.

F R I DAY ˾ ͯͰ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

31

E-TRENDS

Celebrating iREP’s Ninth Anniversary Stories by Vanessa Obioha

T

he Classique Events Centre Oregun, Ikeja recently for the MTV Shuga new series auditions.

Known for birthing new stars like Dorcas Shola-Fapson and Timini Egbuson, who were discovered in 2013 when the series first premiered in Nigeria, many travelled from far and near to to take a shot at fame.

One of the hopefuls Adesewa abandoned her engineering job and traveled six hours from Edo State to get a chance at the auditions. By the time the casting doors finally opened, Adesewa and many like her had formed queues that stretched for nearly two kilometres.

Their eccentric fashion choices, catchy hair statements and colorful costumes proved their determination to land a role in the upcoming season scheduled for September 2019.

However, their anxiety cannot be disguised. Nervous chatter flowed as they sized one another while rehearsing their monologue, hoping to impress the panel of judges which included Nigerian Television and Film Director, Tope Oshin; Head Writer, MTV Shuga Nigeria, Kemi Adesoye; Nigerian TV Producer and Filmmaker, Tolulope Ajayi; and Senior Producer, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Wyn Baptiste. On hand to give encouragement to the auditionees were people who were in their shoes not too long ago – Shuga stars and MTV talents like Timini Egbuson, Jemima Osunde, Bukola Oladipupo, VJs Ehiz, Sammy Walsh and Nenny B. Selected talents would have the golden opportunity to star with returning cast members of MTV Shuga, and launch a high profile career on the back of the TV drama which has launched several stars, including Academy Award winner Lupita

Young hopefuls at MTV Shuga audition

Nyong’o.

The new season would mark the fourth time Shuga is returning to Naija. The first two seasons were shot in Kenya before it premiered on Nigeria. Tagged MTV Shuga Naija, the drama series that tackle issues on sex and other teen-related matters is

a multi-sectorial partnership involving the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and is supported by MTV Base Africa, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This year’s MTV Shuga Naija TV and radio campaign welcomes award-

winning director Tope Oshin as producer.

Known for setting the pace for female directors in the Nigerian movie industry, she has earned accolades for her amazing portfolio, featuring movies including, ‘Fifty,’ ‘Wedding Party 2’ and most recently, ‘Up North.’

Introducing the New Delightopia Another First for Universal Music Group

Faces at Delightopia (Baileys Delight launch)

Guinness Nigeria recently launched Baileys Delight, a light and lush cream liquor which blends the luscious taste of African honey with real dairy cream, from the makers of Baileys Original Irish cream.

To mark the official launch, some selected guests and celebrities were invited to a private party themed Delightopia held at the car park of Ikeja City Mall, where they had the opportunity to taste the new fusion of flavours.

Also present at the party was renowned artist, Emma Umoren who brought a moment of delight to the everyday hustle and bustle, through a spectacular live painting performance. The new ambassador for the brand Bisola Aiyeola and MTV Shuga star Timini Egbuson were also in attendance.

As stated by the company, Baileys Delight is the perfect drink for that pause at the end of the day – a moment of pure pleasure in the busyness and buzz of

modern life.

Speaking on the launch, Adenike Adebola, Marketing Director Guinness Nigeria, said “We are so excited to introduce a light and lush cream liquor made in Nigeria, for Nigeria, offering moments of delight to everyday life.

“We have a series of activities across Nigeria with the goal of infusing moments of delight into the lives of Nigerians. We invite those who work hard for themselves and others to take a moment to pause and indulge just a little bit at the end of each day.”

With only 13 per cent ABV and available in 750ml for and 187.5ml PET bottles, Adebola further stated that the new variant targets a wider reach and is very affordable.

“Before we developed it, we carried out a survey to find out how best we can satisfy our consumers. So far, the feedback has been great since we introduced it in the market.”

The drink is best served chilled without ice for a silky, smooth and delicious treat.

Recently, Nigerian music companies have become the toast of international renowned music companies, sealing licensing deals with streaming platforms and record labels. The latest partnership to hit the music industry is licensing agreement between Universal Music Group (UMG) and Nigerian music streaming service uduX. uduX parades itself as the first domestically launched music streaming service in Nigeria which offers users access to high-quality audio and HD music videos. It is is currently available via monthly subscription through Habari by GTBank, a leading platform for music, shopping and lifestyle content launched in November 2018. However, there are plans to fully incorporate into the Nigerian music market as a stand-alone app in the coming months.

With this new deal, UMG becomes the first major music company to license its catalog to uduX. Under the terms of the agreement, the streaming platform will distribute music from UMG’s world-renowned labels through its streaming service in Nigeria.

Users will now have access to UMG’s extensive catalog of both Nigerian and global recording artists including Eminem, Tekno, Post Malone, Nicki Minaj, Lady Zamar, Lil Wayne, Bob Marley, Brenda Fassie, Hugh Masekela, Larry Gaaga to name a few.

In making the announcement Chidi Okeke, Chief Executive Officer of Groove Platforms,

who are responsible for the creation and development of uduX music said, “We have created a new platform to bring value to the music ecosystem both here in Nigeria, and the wider world at large. “uduX music is excited to be working with Universal Music Group to help shape the future of digital music consumption in Africa and provide Nigerian music fans with access to their favorite artists from around the world.”

“This partnership extends our reach and makes our artists’ music even more accessible to Nigerian music lovers,” said Ezegozie Eze Jr., General Manager, Universal Music Nigeria, “We are delighted to be the first global music company to partner with uduX and look forward to bringing the extraordinary creativity of our artists to as many Nigerian users as possible”.

Last year, UMG announced the launch of Universal Music Nigeria, a new division within Western Africa to provide artists with comprehensive opportunities throughout the region and to provide pan-African talent the best possible launch pad for wider international success.

UMG is accelerating the company’s focus on growing the entire African music ecosystem including recorded music, music publishing, production, live events, brand partnerships and merchandising efforts.

L-R Ezegozie Eze( General Manager of Universal Music Nigeria & Anglophone West Africa), Chidi Okeke (CEO Groove platforms), Sipho Dlamini (Managing Director of Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa) and Ulrik Cahn (Senior Vi.

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F R I DAY ˾ ͯͰ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

NEWS

PaulaTakesBeautytoMarketPlace Stories by Mary Nnah Paula Beauty, a new and innovative makeup brand, committed to creating hyper-performance and high quality beauty products that are cruelty-free, comfy and safe to use, recently took beauty to women at the market place to commemorate this year’s Mother’s Day. During the exercise, petty traders in one of the popular markets in Lagos were transformed into beauty queens with makeover by Paula Beauty products.

According to the founder of the beauty brand, Mrs. Chinenye Nlemadim, the programme smartly tagged ‘Mothering Sunday’, was all about showcasing how beautiful every woman can be.

“I’m someone that always believes that every woman is beautiful. At times, circumstances might just make it look like you are not beautiful enough, maybe because of what you are going through and all.

“So, the idea is actually to bring out the beauty in every woman like the groundnut seller on the road, the yam/ plantain seller under the hot sun roasting yam. We just want to bring out that beauty in her, show the world how beautiful she is, using our products”. The idea, Nlemadim said further was to appreciate mothers and their beauty, because they go through a lot.

“We go through a lot rearing children, and even forget to take care of ourselves.

Even appreciating yourself is the least thing you want to do. You are bothered about your kids, how to hustle to make them fine. So basically, we just want to appreciate women generally.

“What this means is that our customers

The before and after pictures of a Paula Beauty beneficiary

can explore bold and daring looks with our products with the full confidence that their skin would not be damaged or put at risk in any way”, she added.

The beautician who said interested buyers can visit her website ww.paulabeauty. ng, added, “we are also on instagram.

We have a physical office at Adelabu in Surulere. In Abuja, we have two major

FirstBankEmpowersYoung PeopleonFinancialLiteracy

L-R: Ademola Fagbelu (Group Head, South West 2, FirstBank; Omolade Olawore (Group Head, ICEG representing the CEO of FirstBank, Folawewo Olajuyigbe (School Counsellor representing the Principal, Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure with students of the school at the Financial Literacy Day.

In commemoration of the 2019 Global Money Week (GMW) which took place from March 25 to 31, representatives of Nigeria’s premier financial services brand, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, imparted nuggets of financial literacy to over 7000 young people in schools spread across the six geo-political zones of the country.

This is also in line with the mandate of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that each bank in the country teaches in selected schools across the six geo-political zones. FirstBank joined over 50,000 global institutions to commemorate the 2019 Global Money Week, which had the theme, “Learn Save Earn”.

Among the schools visited by FirstBank includes Fiwasaye Girls Grammer Sch. Alagbaka, Akure.

According to the official website of Global Money Week (GMW); “Child & Youth Finance International (CYFI) initiative, is an annual financial awareness campaign built to inspire children and young people to learn about money matters, livelihoods and entrepreneurship” which is akin to FirstBank’s commitment over the years to encourage its key stakeholders, customers, to imbibe savings culture whilst having their children also carried along on the essence of savings through its youth focused products, KidsFirsts (0 – 12 years) and MeFirst (13 – 17 years) carefully designed to meet the financial targets of the given demographics.

These accounts ensure the accounts holders acquire the rudiments of banking and financial literacy as they grow into adulthood and they both come with exciting packages to support the financial journey of the children, enabling them learn money management from an early age.

The Global Money Week is in line with First-

Bank’s FutureFirst programme, specially designed to equip students with the knowledge of money management, early entrepreneurship skills, and financial independence whilst stimulating in them savings culture at an early age. Commemorating the Global Money Week is consistent with the Bank’s financial literacy initiatives.

Speaking on the Global Money Week, Folake Ani-Mumuney,GroupHead,Marketing&Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said “interestingly the Global Money Week coincides with the month of the bank’s 125th anniversary celebration which indeed has been filled with activities of telling our story to the world, thereby promoting the need for efficient financial decisions as not just an individual but a business entity. The FirstBank story is one to be exemplified by all, especially the youth at promoting good money decisions towards business sustainability.

“As the premier financial institution in Nigeria, we are committed to continually promote financial literacy amongst the younger generation as with them, the future of the country is secure, and they would be knowledgeably equipped and guided to make the right financial decisions, critical to improving their lives and venture into the right business activities, consequently influencing the economy at large,” she added.

Later in the second quarter of the year, FirstBank is billed to organise its week long Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) week which among many activities would offer FirstBank employees the opportunity to give their time and resources to the service of humanity. The CR&S week is primarily centred on financial literacy in schools across Nigeria and other locations where the Bank operates.

distributors. We also have a major distributor in Port Harcourt”.

She revealed further that Paula Beauty started just with waterproof gel liners and then grew over time to add more, products, adding, “our waterproof gel liners are perfect.. You can sharpen it. At the same time, it’s waterproof. Even under sweat, it doesn’t clean up. It can last you as long

as you want. We also have auto brow gel eyeliner. When you use it, you don’t have to worry about your brow cleaning up after you sweat. With the eyeliner you are good to go for the whole day.

“My eyeliner, lip gloss and the brow pencil defines your face perfectly. Every woman should have the brow pencil, eyeliner and the lip gloss”.

Cleric Charges Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat on Good Governance Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat to be committed to serving the people diligently.

He said this during a thanksgiving service of the governor elect and family, held recently in Lagos.

Olumakaiye during his sermon extracted from Joshua 1:3-9, stressed that Sanwo-Olu must endeavour to fulfill his promises to the people.

He said: “Thanksgiving is a natural activity. Sanwo-Olu should fulfill his promises to the people. If you serve this people diligently with your heart they will in return serve you. One tree does not make a forest, so carry Lagosians along in all your programmes, and respect every person under your leadership.

“To be successful in life, one must do the right thing, moment by moment and day by day. Never leave God$ you serve nor abandon Him.” Speaking further, he said, “Sanwo-Olu is a man of humility, he is never full of himself. Pride change angels in to devil and humility changes devils to angel. He should be careful to obey the word of God,

and not let the word of God depart from his mouth.”

He appealed to the duo to end the suffering in Lagos and most importantly proffer solutions about the traffic situation, as well as to develop the state to a more business friendly environment Sanwo-Olu who led the congregation in a two-minutes praises song, expressed appreciation to God, just as he lauded the congregation for their support during his campaign.

Pledging to take Lagos to the next level he said: “I want to thank God who has made today a reality; I give God all the glory and adoration. I want to thank our Bishop for being a father to us. I also want to thank my deputy and his lovely wife for creating time to come and rejoice with us.

“What I want to say is that God is real and let us continue to thank God even when it appears that God is not answering our prayers. He knows the right time.”

Speaking further, the governor-elect said, “The two million Lagosians are expecting a lot from us and we will put in our best and try to take our Lagos to an amazing point.”

Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, flanked by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and their wives in a group photograph with Rt. Rev. Humphery Olumakaiye, and other church leaders, during the event

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F R I DAY ˾ ͯͰ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Ooni of Ife Backs Revival of Moremi the Musical Yinka Olatunbosun reports on the royal endorsement by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi for the second season of the House of Oduduwa and Bolanle Austen-Peters’ production of Moremi the Musical during the Easter holidays The white-attired men at that wing of Eko Hotel and Suites were primarily the first visual clues to any visitor that a very important guest was in the building. Oba Adeyeye EnitanOgunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, in spite of the security presence around him was quite accessible, and even tolerant of a few of us who arrived at his suite, forgetting to do obeisance as required by custom as we were hurriedly ushered in to the room which looked busy.

Ooni broke the ice in the room by acknowledging our presence with a greeting.

Shamefaced, we did what was required.

There is a Yoruba riddle about something passing by the king without saying greetings. Gladly, no one said it aloud.

Oba Ogunwusi made a formal entry into the room, shielded by the robes of the king’s men. He is known as an avid supporter of arts and culture in Nigeria and beyond.

In company of his wife, he was a special guest of honour during the play’s opening night in December 2018. For him, the story of Moremi is a core narrative in the history of Yoruba people that must be told from generation to generation.

After his nerve calming jokes with some of the journalists, he highlighted certain elements of the musical that necessitate its revival.

“Moremi is a very powerful real life story which happened many centuries ago. The story has to do with women and leadership. It is very important that we shouldn’t categorise the women as the weaker sex. We should encourage them.

“As a result, we decided to bring the play back on board to say that women have indeed been playing pivotal roles in the society and women indeed are forces to be reckoned with. Women indeed can achieve greater heights and can lead justly if they get the position of leadership,” Oba Ogunwusi said.

Ooni affirmed that the existence of the Yoruba race owes much to the legacy of Moremi, the central character of the drama.

“We’re nearly 500million people all over the world. We’re almost 100million in Brazil. We’re spread across many countries over the world. The play was well accepted in December. I am proud to say now that

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

schools are beginning to replicate that theatre initiative in their various schools and in the extra-curricula activities. They are trying to impact the lessons learnt from Moremi.

It’s very important to uphold our heritage and culture and for us to know where we are coming from. Nobody can tell our own story the way we can tell our story.

“Moremi is indeed a goddess of liberty.

Singer-musicologist,OreDropsANewTrack,“Desperado”

Beyond the Nigerian shores, the basis of Moremi beliefs and values is the foundation that has been used to build one of the greatest states in the world, that is the United States of America. They have the statue of liberty that actually has a very strong link to all the beliefs of Moremi,” he pointed out.

The play returns to the Terra Kulture stage in Victoria Island on April 18 and runs till

May 5.

Ooni said that the Moremi production will later be taken outside of the Nigerian shores and very likely, be one of Nigeria’s creative exports.

Speaking on leadership roles for women in Nigeria, the Ooni remarked that he would gladly support any woman who is generally acceptable and detribalised

Akada Children’s Book Festival Looms

Yinka Olatunbosun

Yinka Olatunbosun

As this Easter period approaches, new songs are dropping on the airwaves. A fresh artist, Ore has dropped a duet featuring AY.com titled, “Desperado” alongside a sea-side video, a WASCO Film production. Directed by Vasco Gee, the lyrics are crafted in pidgin English capturing the story of love, desires and passion.

Born Oluwatoyin Oreoluwa Akerele in Ebute-Metta to the family of Augustus Olufemi Durojaiye, Ore had always loved music right from her secondary school days. Hence, she proceeded to The Polytechnic, Ibadan where she studied Music technology and graduated with a distinction at the Ordinary National Diploma stage. She studied Music Arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, obtaining a second-class upper degree before obtaining a post-graduate diploma in Education at the University of Calabar.

Meanwhile, she had begun to hone her music skills informally from the church. While at the Polytechnic, she joined the RCCG Premier Parish, Ibadan Choir otherwise known as ‘Precious Voices’.

She currently teaches at The Riverbank School in Victoria Island, Lagos and her studio time is spent working on new songs. Out of her portfolio are songs such as “Jaiye”, “Your Happiness”, “Love Changes Everything”, “ Mama Africa”, “Is this Love?” amongst others.

With the single “Desperado”, she hopes to promote wholesome love.

“People want genuine love and are desperate for it. In their desperation, mistakes lead to heartbreaks. Desperado is out to correct it and make people focus on how to get genuine love that will last and give them peace of mind,”

Akada Children’s Book Festival is set to celebrate children’s literacy and the joy of reading on April 27 at the British Council, Ikoyi.

This one-day festival is a cheering parade of children’s books and is targeted at children, parents, guardians, teachers, authors of

children literature and publishers. It is a festival of storytellers and illustrators to be held inside the sprawling garden. Convened by OlubunmiAbiderin Talabi, the founding publisher at Clever Clogs Books, the initiative is driven towards sustaining a healthy literary lifestyle from childhood.

The festival features a 20-minute workshop for

children treasure hunt, play area, pop-up library, face painting; arts and crafts, soft skills and master classes for parents and teachers.

Clever Clogs Books has published excellent children literature especially picture books such as, “Diary of a Toddler,” “Kobold the Antelope,” “Tobi Visits the Conservatory,” and“Why Do You Wash Your Hands?”

Bruce Onobrakpeya’s Beauty and The Machine Show in Lagos Ore in the music video, “Desperado”

Yinka Olatunbosun

she explained.

Ore said she ventured into the mainstream music scene to reach out to music fans across age barriers.

“I know there are challenges of acceptability, publicity, recognition and the likes. All these challenges are elixir to success as I am adequately prepared to prove my worth in the industry,” she declared. Being a trained musicologist puts her in a good stead to critique her own songs. She loves to be inspired to write songs rather than just making commercial music. She insisted that pursuing secular music is not a clash of interest given her background and current standing in the church.

In producing this collaborative track, her manager played a major part. The voice chemistry is pure; blending rhythmic flows that recount the story of a food seller in love with a loyal customer. Desperado is one of the singles off a forthcoming album.

From April 20 to May 10, Freedom Park Lagos will present Beauty and The Machine, an exhibition of new installation works by Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya.

It is the first of a series of exhibition taking place this year to commemorate 60 years of the artist.

Beauty And The Machine will feature -never been exhibited-line of works that make a bold statement on the value still present in recycled materials.

This installation art style is no stranger to the several techniques innovated and improvised upon in the age long practice of the artist.

It is a style borne out of his childhood fascination of the workings of machines. The exhibits are sourced from automobile parts, fabric materials, metals, beads, wood, computer parts, iron rods, steel, aluminium, and plastic parts, with interesting designs and spaces that have been realisable for the artist to reshape to create captivating art forms.

Beauty And The Machine through its exhibits, aims to lend voice to the clamour on the importance of recycling as a means of environmental sanitation as the incorporation of these erstwhile worthless materials into embodying art, not only improves upon the aesthetics of our environment but

is beneficial to the revenue growth of our economy and most importantly, a propagation of The Art. The exhibition holds a unique posit as his premier in Freedom Park, a heritage site and a cultural centre that focalizes on the individual expression of imagination and creativity, with the latter being the very standpoint of Onobrakpeya’s practice.

Onobrakpeya was born August 30, 1932 in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State to Urhobo parents. He spent his formative years in Edo State, and went on to become an arts teacher in Western Boys High School and Ondo Boys High School.

34

F R I DAY ˾ APRIL 12, 2019

FERTILITY

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

PREMARITAL GENETIC COUNSELLING (Part 2) Down Syndrome Down syndrome is a main cause of congenital heart disease and mental retardation in children.

It has a characteristic set of facial and physical features as well as being associated with an increased risk of leukemia, defects of the immune system, dementia and congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract. Its major cause is the presence of an extra chromosome 21 and other duplications of small regions in the chromosome.

Due to symptoms like poor muscle tone, children with Down syndrome often have a slower rate of development than the average child. Other physical symptoms include: flattened facial profile, upward slating eyes, wide and short hands. Some characteristic cognitive and behavioral limitations of individuals with Down syndrome are; short attention span, poor judgment, impulsive behavior, slow learning and delayed language development. These may all lead to a slow cognitive development rate which could be combated by early intervention.

L

ast week we talked about genetic disorders as those diseases that are caused by the presence of a mutation in a gene. They cause varying levels of discomfort from mild, severe and some could even be fatal. We will be discussing some of them today. Let us start with a common example of a genetic disorder, the sickle cell anemia/ disease Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Blood genotype is one genetic factor that plays an essential role in one’s health, specifically the presence or absence of the sickle cell gene. SCD can be a seriously debilitating medical condition caused by abnormally shaped red blood cells. The gene for normal blood genotype is the “A” gene, however, the sickle cell gene is indicated by “S”.

Those that are born with SCD carry two “S” genes and are classified as SS. This occurs when a child inherits one “S” gene from each parent.

With SCD, the red blood cells that would ordinarily be disc shaped are changed to a crescent or ‘sickle’ shape. This affects their flexibility and ability to pass through narrow blood vessels and supply oxygen to other cells and tissues. The disease can bring about a number of health complications such as: leg ulcers, gallstones, lung crises, pulmonary hypertension or vision problems. Individuals with this disease may suffer severe pain and discomfort through-out their lives. Currently, the only permanent cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant which comes with a number of limitations. Studies show that sickle cell anemia accounts for up 16% of under-five deaths in individual West Africa countries (WHO 2005). The world health organization recorded that at least 100,000 infant deaths form sickle cell anemia in 2014. With 40million carriers of the Sickle cell gene in Nigeria, It poses a significant threat to the health of the population.

Itis recommended that sickle cell patients (SS) not bare children with a carrier of the sickle cell gene

Turner Syndrome Turner syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality in females which is caused by a deletion of one of the two Xchromosomes in a typical female. It may also occur if a part of the X chromosome is missing or rearranged. This condition often leads to non-functional ovaries and a lack of puberty.

Some physical characteristics of this condition are: webbed neck, swollen hands and feet, skeletal abnormalities. People with this condition are sometimes born with defects of heart valve or vessels which can be life threatening.

(AS) because of the 50% chance of having a child with the disease in each pregnancy. However, a sickle cell patient (SS) can marry an individual with no trait of the disease (AA) their offspring will only be carriers of the sickle cell genes (AS).

Carrier testing This test is carried out to help prospective parents find out if they carry and/or risk passing any genetic or chromosomal disorders to their children. It is usually recommended for people with a family history or an ethnic back ground with an increased risk of genetic or chromosomal disorders.

Prenatal Diagnostic Testing This form of genetic testing can be done for pregnant women to detect changes in the fetus’ genes or chromosomes. It is recommended for parents with an elevated chance of having a child with a genetic orchromosomal disorder. The doctor will screen the fetus for specific conditions either through Chorionic villi sampling or amniocentesis.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): is the genetic testing done before pregnancy.

Embryos obtained from the IVF process are subjected to genetic screening; this is an advanced technology in assisted reproduction.

It entails obtaining cells from the embryos on day 3 or day 5 of culturing. Embryos with genetic defect are identified and sorted.

Genetically normal best quality embryos are transferred back to the womb. This process helps to prevent certain genetic diseases or disorder from being passed to the offspring which subsequently improves pregnancy rate as well as live birth.

Steps to Preventing Genetics Diseases: ˾ àÙÓÎ Ý×ÙÕÓØÑ ËØÎ ÖÓ×ÓÞ ËÖÍÙÒÙÖ ÓØÞËÕÏ ˾ ÏÑßÖËÜ ÏâÏÜÍÓÝÏ ÞÙ ×ËÓØÞËÓØ ÙÚÞÓ×ß× weight ˾ àÙÓÎ ÏâÚÙÝßÜÏ ÞÙ ÞÙâÓؘ ÚËÞÒÙÑÏØݘ ÜËÎÓËtions and chemicals ˾ ÏÏÕ ÐÙÜ ÑÏØÏÞÓÍ ÝÍÜÏÏØÓØÑ ËØÎ ÍÙßØÝÏÖÓØÑ if you fall within risk group ˾ ÝÏ ÚÜÏØËÞËÖ ÝßÚÚÖÏ×ÏØÞËÞÓÙØ ÙÐ àÓÞË×ÓØÝ and folic acid 3 months before planning pregnancy ˾ ØÍÙßÜËÑÏ áÙ×ÏØ ÞÙ ÚÜÙÍÜÏËÞÏ ËÞ ÞÒÏ ÓÎÏËÖ reproductive age of 20-30years ˾ ÏÏÕ ÛßËÖÓÞã ËØÞÏØËÞËÖ ÍËÜÏ ËÝ áÏÖÖ ËÝ ÌÓÜÞÒ care. ˾ ØÝßÜÏ ßÌÏÖÖË ËØÎ ÙÞÒÏÜ Ó××ßØÓäËÞÓÙØ ˾ àÙÓÎ ÍÙØÝËØÑßÓØÏÙßÝ ×ËÜÜÓËÑÏ Together we can build a world without genetic disorder for the love of the next generation.

with LEKAN FATODU

Overscenes

lekantodu@yahoo.com 08060140882

Unending Agony of Nigerians in South Africa

I

t is not unusual to hear Nigerians living in countries of Europe and North America groan about immigration challenges arising from their irregular immigration status or illegitimate stay in those countries.

These Nigerians also face racist tendencies often demonstrated by some citizens of the host countries. Despite this situation, a lot of Nigerians have accepted that those are inevitable experiences that come with their daring decision to migrate in their desperate pursuit of the proverbial greener pastures.

Similarly, it is worth noting that racism is not just the reality of those confronted with immigration limitations. Countless of people who are living legally in many of those Western countries,including black citizens of the host countries, have touching stories of their personal encounter with racism.

Clearly, such despicable tendencies belong to the dark ages. And that is why there is relentless action globally against such behaviour rooted in hate; and to reinforce promotion of love the world over.

But, sadly, the report coming out of South Africa on the rise of xenophobia is certainly a huge setback for the efforts of those seeking to have the world free of all forms of prejudices and appearances of hate.

It is really disturbing and inconceivable that South Africa, a country that attained independence on the back of overwhelming support and goodwill of many countries of the world, particularly African nations – tremendous credit to Nigeria that rose up for it against its then oppressive apartheid government –, will be the aider and abettor of xenophobia against fellow

Nigerians in South Africa

Africans.

It is also very shocking that, at a time when the African Union is trying to rally African countries to sign the vaunted African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), South Africa, one of the top economic powerhouses of the continent, is exacting the worse form of xenophobia on citizens of Nigeria living in the country. So it’s still baffling how the objectives of the AfCFTA will not be defeated when citizens from the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria, are being maltreated, maimed and even killed in South Africa.

The latest report on the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, barely a month after four Nigerians were gruesomely murdered in suspected xenophobic attacks in the country, is a clear indication that hatred towards fellow Africans has attained a

dangerous dimension. And this calls for a pragmatic and swift action from the higher authorities in South Africa.

The Assistant Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Union in South Africa (NUSA), Odefa Ikele, who confirmed and narrated the circumstance aroundthe latest killings in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Johannesburg has already called on the Nigeriangovernment to come to their rescue.

“The Nigerian community lost two citizens to gruesome murders over the weekend.

“Mr Bonny Iwuoha, 48, from Ihitte/ Uboma in Imo state, was stabbed to death at about 11:45 p.m. on April 6, 2019 in Johannesburg South. We gathered that his assailants followed him from 152 Hay Street Turffontein, and thereafter, stabbed

and killed him in front of his gate at Turf Road, Turffontein”, he said.

On the second Nigerian that was murdered, Ikele said, “Akpenyi was allegedly stabbed to death by three unknown coloured South African men after an argument with the deceased.

“The incident took place at Bellville Stadium parking lot in Cape Town at about 1 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019.

“These latest killings add to four other Nigerians who were shot dead in March.

Three of the victims were murdered in Sunnyside, Pretoria and one in Balfour Park, Johannesburg”.

The NUSA official then used the unfortunate event to reiterate the agony of Nigerians in South Africa and called for the intervention of the Nigerian government.

“We call on the Nigerian government to impress on their South African counterpart that the killings have to be investigated and the culprits prosecuted.”

With these successive troubling events, the lives of many Nigerians are unfortunately in danger of merciless xenophobes that destroy properties and take precious lives with utmost impunity.

It’s high time the South African government demonstrated capacity and commitment to fight this unwarranted crime against humanity and bring the culprits to book before the eyes of the world.

Frankly, this kind of barbaric act shouldn’t have a place or be tolerated in any decent human society. Not even in a place like South Africa given its harrowing history with apartheid and how they vigorously fought such societal ill. And that’s the more reason the South African government must deploy all means to put an end to xenophobia.

35

F R I DAY ˾ ͯͰ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

COLLAGE EVENTS

MrPatrickStormsLondonwithComedyFiesta Mary Nnah

L-R: Community Development Commitee (CDC), Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin, Mr. Jola Ogunlusi; Head, Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric Plc, Mr. Felix Ogbulue; CDC Chairman, Ojokoro LCDA, Alhaji Amusat A.Azees; Chief Commercial Officer, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu and Head, Technical Operations, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Olajide Kumapayi, during Ikeja Electric Customers Forum with the Community Development Committees in Ikeja, Lagos...recently KOLAWOLE ALLI

One of Africa’s biggest comedy export, Mr Patrick, who is currently in American, is set to host his first major international show at the prestigious Indigo 02, London, come May 5, 20I9.

The comedy show will feature top music stars including Mr P of the Psquare fame and CDQ, alongside comedians including, Frankdonga, Seyi brown ( US), Eric Omondi (Kenya), Daddy Showkey, the accolade master, Charles Okocha, Osita Iheme and several others, all in one night. It will be a night of comedy, music and more.

Organisers said it promises to be an exciting night of hilarious jokes fresh from the comedians, a night filled with great music and lots of fun to keep you glued on your seat. This is coming just few months after his sold out show titled “Homecoming with Mr Patrick and Friends” at the Club Cubana in Owerri, Imo State in January this year. Now, the London edition is loading. According to the comedian “I am grateful to God for an opportunity to export my craft to the next level in United Kingdom. We have been receiving massive response since the show was announced. This concert like never before, United Kingdom go laugh tire.”

Mr Parick

Festival to Unite Renowned Children Authors in Nigeria

L-R: Deputy Vice Chancellor, Bell University, Prof. Olubukola Kuforiji and guest lecturer\President Total E&P Cooperative Society, Mr. Olawale Olasoji, at the university’s second Annual Bursary Lecture at its in premises in Ogun State...recently

In celebration of children’s literacy and the joy of reading, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), will be uniting some of Nigeria’s most renowned children’s book authors, illustrators and story tellers to its first ever book festival.

Clever Clogs Books revealed that the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), happening on the Saturday, April 27 is set to be a fun literacy initiative to be hosted at the British Council premises in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Clever Clogs Books is responsible for the popular children’s picture books ‘Diary of a Toddler’, Kobold the Antelope; Tobi Visits the Conservatory and the soon-to-be-launched ‘Why You Do You Wash Your Hands?’

ACBF is targeted at children, parents, teachers; children’s book authors and illustrators. The aim of the ACBF is to spark and sustain a healthy literary lifestyle from childhood and encourage literary creativity in Nigeria.

The highly anticipated festival, organisers said will be of great significance to the children, their guardians, teachers and caregivers, thus, acting as a stepping stone towards an intellectually sound society.

One of the highpoints of the Festival will be the official launch and public reading of the book ‘Why Do You Wash Your Hands?’ authored

by Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi.

‘Why Do You Wash Your Hands?’ is a creative and engaging children’s picture book that encourages simple yet effective hygiene tips.

Talabi, is an author, publisher of children’s books and convener of the the Akada Children’s Book Festival.

The book will be published in a combo set of four languages: English; Yoruba; Hausa and Igbo, so as to promote indigenous language usage in children’s literature. It is also the first Nigerian children’s picture book to contain stickers in four languages.

L-R: Oloja Obinrin of Egushi land, Dr. Ifashola Fatoba Sangotade; Chief Ogunbiyi Fadairo and High Chief Farotimi Adifagbola, during the 8th years coronation anniversary of Oba of Oluke Kingdom, in Oluke-Itori, Ogun State......recently

L-R: Executive Director, Finance, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Yemisi Edun; the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo town in Ikorodu, Oba Abdulsemiu Kasali; Executive Director, Retail Banking, FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu and Mr. George Ogudu of the Financial Inclusion Secretariat of the Central Bank of Nigeria, during the launch of the FCMB Easy Account product in Ikorodu, Lagos...recently

Children’s Book Author, Why Do You Wash Your Hand, Talabi

36

F R I DAY ˾ ͯͰ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

POTPOURRI

Reginald Ihejiahi at 60 –Tribute to a “Human Being” Emma Esinnah Most people know Reginald Ihejiahi, immediate past Managing of Fidelity Bank, as a very brilliant banker. They talk about his academic exploits at ABU Zaria, where he studied accounting and London School of Economics, where he obtained his M.Sc. in Finance and went on to become a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) of England and Wales. Many people also know he holds the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and a Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, (honoris causa), UNN. Most people also know that his performance in Fidelity Bank was nothing short of spectacular. Under him Shareholders’ funds grew from N3billion in 2003 to N167billion in 2013; branch network grew from 17 in 2003 to 213 in 2013; Customer base went from 150,000 to 2.5million and Capital Base rose from N20billion to N1trillion.

But the things that really define Reginald Ihejiahi are more than those. I served as head of marketing communications and his special assistant in all his 10 years as CEO of the bank. And after office, we have remained close. I have seen him in grief and in glee. As he clocks 60 years on the 11th of April 2019, I consider myself fairly qualified to talk about him. I will proceed to highlight some less-talkedabout aspects of him: A big heart, and a large heart: About four months into Ihejiahi’s tenure as the CEO of Fidelity Bank, Prof. Charles Soludo, then CBN Governor, announced the consolidation programme that shrank the Nigerian industry from 89 banks to just 25 in 18 months. Most people did not give Fidelity a chance of survival. But it was something that revealed Ihejiahi’s mettle. He was able to galvanize the board and the staff to undertake a capitalization programmethat astounded many.

More importantly is how he managed the integration of the banks (FSB and Manny) that he brought together under the Fidelity umbrella. He truly saw himself as head of one big family, and never allowed the incidents reported in other banks where the acquiring banks saw the acquired banks and their staff as conquered. H Everybody either rose or fell on their individual merit.

Insightful Leadership: During the 2008/2009 economic meltdown, most banks in the country down-sized. A proposal was brought to Ihejiahi that Fidelity should lay-off 20 per cent of the staff. He rejected that. His reason was that no proper assessment had been done to determine who this 20 per cent should be.

He said “if I tell you supervisors now to supply the names, you will quickly bring the names of people who are not greeting you well. The 20 per cent you want to bring their names did not cause the global melt down. So, all of us, not some of us, will bear the pain”. He then approved that everybody, including himself, should take a temporary 20 per cent salary cut.

That was how everybody’s job was protected. More importantly, when the situation improved, not only that the 20 per cent was restored, but also the deduction was gradually refunded.

Man of faith and self-discipline: Ihejiahi does not wear his religion on his sleeves. But his simple faith in God and devotion to Him serve as compass for his life. Throughout his first year in office, he would first attend the 6.30am church service at Falomo, Ikoyi, and still get to the office for 8am. In over 15years that I have worked closely with him, he has never missed a flight or been late to a meeting. At a point he was the only CEO in the Nigerian banking industry living on Lagos Mainland and working on the Island. Yet, he was never late to work.

A compassionate leader: One morning in 2007, I entered his office and narrated how one of our female staff in the Operations department who had closed late was attacked on her way home. I could see the agony in his face.

He quickly called the Corporate Services department to arrange to buy an additional bus for the sake of staff working late - to take them to bus stops closest to their homes. That was the origin of Fidelity’s second night bus.

A family man: It’s not just his family that he loves. If you relate with him, he would encourage you to love your own family. The family is so important to him

Ihejiahi

that his dictum is : before you vote for the politician seeking to govern you, find out how he governs his own family.

Love for Community: perhaps ones of the best stocked public libraries in Nigeria today is Eziachi Secondary School library, Orlu, Imo State, Ihejiahi’s hometown. He personally built and stocked the facility with diverse books.

Beyond education, some elderly and indigent people in his community are on his roll of periodic assistance, which he does very quietly.

A thinking man: one of the things that stand him out is what he calls “thinking time”. He must devote some time daily to uninterrupted thinking and reflection. He hardly says or does anything that he has not reflected on.

A reading man: at every point in time, Ihejiahi is reading at least three books. In addition to professional books, his favorite subjects include biographies of famous leaders, history, travelogue, geography, people. It was from him I came to I know about the Peruvian writer, Mario Vargas Llosa. From him I knew about the works of Suetonius – Lives of the Caesars/The Twelve Caesars, the biographiesof Julius

Caesar and the first eleven emperors of Rome.

A man of order: ihejiahi does not leave anything to chance. Everything is orchestrated and choreographed with the outcome in mind. If he wants to communicate an important message to you, he would send you a text, call you to ask you if you got the text, and discuss with you and ask if there is anything you did not understand. No room for excuses.

His kindness is purposeful: he believes that the best support is to assist them have a graduate. He did it for his first driver from Kogi State, who got an accountant and another graduate, in addition to retiring into his own house. His current driver’s son has also just graduated.

He truly cares: many of his former staff in the bank testifythat they own the piece of the earth they occupy today because he guided them. He would call you into his office and ask you “what investments do you have?”. He would remind you that your honest income is enough for you to invest and live happily if you shun living other people’s lives.

He does big things: He does not settle for half measures in anything. He can’t

stand small-minded people – those he calls “men of straw”. And nothing peeves him as much as seeing somebody who has been challenged with big things quarreling about small things.

Respect for people: He admires people who do their work well – from the cleaner to the clergy. If won’t respect you, he would avoid you. And he never mixes up the place of each relationship in his life. His respect for people of diverse cultures probably stems from his early life. Born ofIgbo parents in Zaria, in northern Nigeria, where his parents were federal civil servants; his early childhood was in Uyo in the South-South; his secondary education was at Government College Umuahia in the South East, where he made lasting friendships; and over the last 37 years, he has lived and worked in the South-West, and has cultivated friendships.

There is so much to say about Reginald Ihejiahi as he turns 60. But we will have opportunity to say even much more about this compassionate, brilliant, God-fearing, and disciplined professional in future. So, may your days be long and troubles few. Happy Birthday, Sir.

37

F R I DAY Ëž ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

ENTREPRENEUR

Adebukola Adeniyi: I Started Sewing in my Parent’s Living Room Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă?Ă˜ËŞĂž ĂŒĂ™ĂœĂ˜ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă™Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă’Ă? ÑÙÞ Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂŽĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœË› Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă’Ă?Ăœ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžËŞĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ™Ă™Ă—Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă? âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?ĂœËœ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă?ĂŁËœ ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂ&#x;ÕÙÖË ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă“ĂŁĂ“Ëœ Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœËœ Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂĄĂ‹Ă Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă™Ă˜ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă Ă?Ă? ÚÖĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă?ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ‹Ă– ĂĄĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ë› Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?ĂŽĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ âÚÙ Ă‹Ăž Ă?ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă‹Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă? ÙÞĂ?Ă–Ëœ Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă?Ëœ AYODEJI AKE Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂžĂ?ĂžĂ?Ě‹Ă‹Ě‹ĂžĂ?ĂžĂ?

S

ix years ago, Adebukola Adeniyi begged her parents for a little space beside the water dispenser in their living room to place her sewing machine to start up her fashion business. For two years, the push for success wasn’t rosy.

Her initial story was, while growing up, she wanted to be a medical doctor who will major in forensic medicine. However, when admitted into Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, the whole story changed as she chose anatomy because of her undiluted passion for fashion.

As a young entrepreneur who sees fashion as a good lifestyle, most especially the bridal wears, she was stuck in between seeing fashion as an hobby and a career.

She after graduating as a trained anatomist went for a one year internship program in a fashion house and went further to be well trained on how to see fashion as a business.

She began her small business with available capital without a loan. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. I had to work around. The struggle started when I had to start sewing for my friends because those were the only market I had. I didn’t go to private school. My friends were the ones who helped me advertise my work because I don’t know the big wigs. All I can say is that my work has been speaking for me. “I didn’t look out to being a fashion designer, I only wanted it to be a side thing, and as God had it, I ended up as one. I wanted to put in for medicine but I eventually went for anatomy. Because I thought Nigeria would have been better. I wanted to go for forensic and investigative medicine, because we don’t have such in our country.

On the other hand, fashion is moving and always trending so I thought I should do fashion by the side , but now I’m a full time fashion designer. “I didn’t take any loan from the bank to start my business. I started little in my sitting room. I begged my parents for a small corner just by the water dispenser. That was where I started from. For two years I did not have a shop but I was working from my corner. I just kept on working. I knew in my mind that my work is good. When people see my friends they make referrals. Despite the fact that I’m on the mainland, they come all the way from the island because they have seen the quality of what we do� she said.

When asked why she has derived such huge passion for bridal wears, she explained it’s a calling she can’t ignore as well as a personal interest. Moreso, to her, making a bride look elegant and lovely is synonymous to magic. “We do general outfits but our core is bridal. I can say it’s a calling because there is something about bridals, it’s angelic. There is always something so different about that day. But seeing what a bride looks like on the wedding day is like you are creating magic. It’s like you are creating an angelic look. There are certain ways we will make a bride look and it will be so nice� she explained.

On starting up House of Vesy, she said it wasn’t an easy task after knowledgeable programs attended, to help her in her fashion business. According to her, also getting customers was a challenge from the competitive market as at that time, it looked impossible. But she was able leverage on her friends who believed in her work as a fashion expert who specialises on bridal wears, and they made referrals. “It was difficult because initially it was an hobby, I was just sewing for the fun of it.

I get my friend’s fabrics and I make dresses for them. So when I decided to convert it into a full time business, there were a lot of downsizing so I had to learn the business aspect from a friend of mine. After the learning the business aspect then competition was another thing, so we have to be on the ‘A game’ at every time, and thanks to my friends as my first customers they make referrals . Trust me 80 per cent of my customers are from referrals,� she said.

Despite the competitive market in Nigeria, what has been working for Adeniyi is simply self development. She has over the years engaged herself with fashion semi-

Adeniyi

nars, workshops and watching of practical videos on social media platforms to get informed on trending styles. “Business in Nigeria is extremely competitive. Right now everyone is emerging an entrepreneur which is understandable because of the state of the country. At every point we have to continue to maintain the top by learning new things , growing with the new generation because you might just

I didn’t take any loan from the bank to start my business. I started little in my sitting room.

I begged my parents for a small corner just by the water dispenser. That was where I started from. For two years I did not have a shop but I was working from my corner. I just kept on working. I knew in my mind that my work is good

get dropped off. People coming in may have more knowledge than you but at the same time, you need to develop yourself on what is in vogue and keep following what’s trending. “If you come to House of Vessels right now, I can assure you that you can’t get our kind of dresses anywhere. This is Lagos, Nigeria where everybody does the same thing but we do our own the same thing differently. Fittings are strictly what the client wants. We are client-based fashioners. We don’t impose but we help the client figure out what they want.� she said.

She further said that House of Vesy’s unique selling point, which makes it different from other fashion designs, is simply her ability to merge her knowledge in anatomy and fashion. However, she has always endeavoured that her designs are available to fit into a customer’s budget. “Our unique selling points are our fittings. Maybe because I studied anatomy, I understand the female body to certain extent. So even if you are not hippy nor curvy, there is a way we will make you appear very good. Our dresses are second to none. We make dresses strictly for body sizes. Our wedding dresses starts from N350,000, and the reception dresses starts from N60,000, depending on the client’s budget. “We have a studio, it’s basically for fittings and pickup but we are presently operating in Lagos and you can get our dresses anywhere around the country.

Once you make an order, within two weeks maximum, we deliver. We will love

everyone to come see what we do� she said.

Adeniyi is not only an entrepreneur but a trainer of upcoming entrepreneurs who wants to become a fashion designer.

Through her House of Vesy, she gives periodic trainings on digital fashion design. “We are running a promo that will end on April 30. We are giving off 20 per cent on wedding and reception dresses for future brides. You don’t need to have your wedding in April. You can have your wedding next year but as far as you make a booking while the promo is on, you are qualified for it anytime any day. I see it as an opportunity for brides. It comes with a free lacy bridal robe. It’s our small way of giving back to the society. “I know people get tailors outside the country but I feel we should learn to help ourselves. I have ladies with me who are done with school and don’t have anything doing. I train them. We train ladies that want to go into fashion. We have three and six month classes. The three months class is N250,000. It includes digital sketching and information technology training. While the six months is N300,000, which is not different from the three months but with a bigger information technology package� she said.

She urged young entrepreneurs across the country to learn better ways of encouraging themselves and starting their business with available capital. She said “the upcoming one they should know God. They should start with what they have and that clients are coming that will transform that small to something big�.

38

F R I DAY ˾ ͯͰ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

LIFE

Prince Arthur Eze: Honour for an Illustrious Igbo Son He is not known for lavish celebration but spends his stupendous wealth in acts of philanthropy. But recently, the Prince of Ukpo Kingdom, Prince Arthur Eze, was at the receiving end, as Igbos across the South-east honoured him in recognition of his outstanding charitable acts. KASIE ABONE writes

H

e is bold, humble and easygoing but always full of life. His physical size bellies his ingenuity, enormous wealth and huge golden heart of charity. To date, he is acclaimed to be the biggest known philanthropist from South-east whose kind gestures cut across the entire region and Nigeria as a whole. He acts like one obsessed with the acts of giving as if the whole essence of living depends on making others happy. He is Prince Engr. Arthur Ezeh, from the royal Ukpo Kingdom in Dunukofia clan in Anambra State.

He is the Chairman of Orlanto Atlas Petroleum, the largest indigenous oil exploration firm in Africa.

Prince Arthur Ezeh means different things to different people. To the poor, homeless, sick and needy, he is the Ozoigbondu (the one who saves lives). To the politicians and political office seekers, he is the go-to whose keys unlock political opportunities across the land. To the churches and their congregants, Prince Eze is the most sought after as his presence at every church service, irrespective of denomination, unlocks the doors to funds on which God’s houses are built even as the lucky worshippers present at such services are showered with abundant cash blessings.

The unemployed youths and students go to him for job opportunities and scholarships. And to his community, Ukpo, this illustrious son of the soil is a pillar through whose numerous high net-worth connections and businesses attracted developments to his community even as he has written the name of the town on the global tourism map through the annual ofala festival, which he solely sponsors.

Unlike the biblical prophet who is not honoured at home, Prince Eze is so loved by his people; his celebration across the land still reverberates.

The prince is not given to loud celebrations. Besides the annual Ofala Festival of Ukpo kingdom which attracts people from all over the country and the huge sums which he doles out to good causes, Arthur, as he is popularly called, is not known to indulge in elaborate celebration of any of his birthdays even when friends and well wishers were favourably disposed to it.

But all that changed when the man with a golden heart clocked 70 years. It was a moment of honour, as Igbos from all walks of life in particular and Nigerians in general, against his expectations, honored him in various ways in recognition of his various acts of tremendous kindness to humanity over the past years.

The windows of honour were opened by Ebonyi State government and her citizens. To them, Eze’s acts of charity are unprecedented in our time.

At a well-attended ceremony held at Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the Prince of Ukpo was honored with a traditional title by the council of traditional rulers of the state in recognition of various giant philanthropic gestures to the people of the state.

In appreciation of their gestures, Arthur doled out a whopping N200 million to the monarchs, who in return gave him bags of Abakaliki brand of rice and thousands of tubers of yams.

The Executive Governor of the state, Dr. David Umahi at Abaomege community in Onicha LGA of the state, named a major road after him.

The construction of the overhead bridge in Ebonyi State was flagged off by Eze himself.

The governor of the state, Dr. Umahi in addition appointed him the Chancellor of Ebonyi State University. He was later taken round the state to inspect the governor’s legacy projects. The activities culminated to a lavish party by his host at the Governor’s Lodge. The governor who paid glowing tributes to Arthur, described him as a personal friend and an illustrious son of Ndigbo who has used his wealth to touch the lives of others.

The event attracted the crème de la crème of Ebonyi state indigenes, politicians, government appointees, senior civil servants, clergymen, traditional rulers and their friends.

Not wanting to be outdone by Ebonyi State government, the Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi also hosted Prince Arthur Eze to a well-organised and colorful luncheon

Ndi Igbo Lagos presents a gift to Prince Arthur Eze at a ceremony held in his honour

Arthur Eze unveiling the ultra modern Abakaliki Internation Model market with Governor David Umahi as part of activities lined up to honour him by Ebonyi State

Arthur Eze assisted by Enugu State Governor and Bishop Chukwuma to cut his birthday cake at a reception organised for him by Enugu State government

at the government house.

It was a very emotional outing for the astute oil mogul and philanthropist as prayers and enconium were showered on him. Eze has come to adopt Enugu as his second home having lived there all his life. At a colourful luncheon held at the Governor’s Lodge, Ugwuanyi described the prince as a brother and son of Enugu who has contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the state and her people.

The high profile event attracted the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; Chairman, Committee on Banking and Currency, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri; Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion),

Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma and his wife, Joyce; Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Danmallam Mohammed, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia; His Imperial Majesty, Igwe Austin Ndigwe, Eze Uzu III of Awka Kingdom, Anambra State; Dr. Tony Okam and the Chaplain, Enugu Government House Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Chinedu Ozoude, among other dignitaries.

The party continued at his palatial residence in Enugu where he treated himself and guests to sumptuous meals and good music. As a lover of good music, he danced away to the rhythm of the music. But the climax of honour was bestowed on him in by the five South Eastern

governors at a high-class event organised by Ndigbo Lagos in collaboration with South-east Governors Forum held at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos.

In attendance at the august occasion were the five South Eastern governors and or their representatives, politicians, Igbo businessmen and women and the Igbos resident in Lagos and in the Diaspora.

At the occasion, which provided a platform to discuss pertinent issues relating to the economic development of the region, the general future and well being of Igbo people in Lagos state, climaxed with the bestowing of honor to Prince Ezeh. Adducing reasons for bestowing such unique honor to the oil magnet, the body said he has contributed immensely to the socio economic development of the Ndigbo Lagos, Igbo land in Nigeria and the Diaspora and the entire Nigeria through his philanthropic works. He was therefore conferred with the Patron of Ndigbo Lagos as well as adoption into Ndigbo Lagos Patron Hall of Fame.

In attendance were Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Ebonyi State Governor, Dr. David Umahi; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, and the representatives of governors of Imo, Anambra and Enugu States. Also present at the gathering was Pat Utomi, former governors and deputy governors, retired military generals from the region and top local and international business tycoons as well as captains of industries.

“There is no better way to wish you well on your special day but to pray for the blessings, love, good health and guidance of the Almighty God in your life so as to continue to be a blessing to mankind,” the group said.

“Ozoigbondu, you’re the best boss ever. A quintessential leader! I’m proud to be associated with you. You inspire me in so more ways than one. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with you. Thank you for your patience in mentoring me. Thank you for always being so supportive. I appreciate your encouragement and support. Thank you for your selflessness.

Happy Birthday My Boss!” Dr. Tony Nwoye said.

The last edition of the Ofala festival for the Ukpo kingdom was remarkably different. The occasion witnessed the continuation of the 70th birthday celebrations of the most illustrious Ukpo prince.

In attendance to felicitate with him were top politicians, clergymen, security chiefs, traditional rulers, among whom were former Anambra State governor and PDP Vice Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Minister for Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige; PDP Senator elect for Anambra Central, Iyom Uche Ekwunife; former Senator, Dr. Andy Ubah amongst many others.

The Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige described Prince Arthur Eze at 70 as a young old man. He said they had been friends since 1967 when they were boys. “He is somebody I have known. God has been gracious to him; He has given him good health, the resources to touch other people and he has been doing so very well and efficiently. And what do we say? We say he should continue doing what he is doing very well and wish him many more years of good life.”

The flamboyant oil mogul who knows how to enjoy good life treated himself to a princely birthday gift, the 2019 model Rolls Royce. To have a taste of luxury, he took the Ebonyi State governor, Dr. Umahi, on a jolly ride in his wonder on wheels. Born to the Ukpo Royal Kingdom, Engr. Arthur Ezeh who is the younger brother to the current Eze of Ukpo, Igwe Robert Eze, trained as a chemical and mechanical engineer at California State University, Long Beach after graduation from St. Augustine’s Secondary School in Nkwere in the present day Imo State.

Flamboyant and very wealthy, Engr. Arthur Ezeh founded Atlas Oranto Petroleum in 1991, which is the largest holder of oil exploration blocks in Africa. To date, the company is the largest holder of oil exploration blocks in Africa.

The company’s acreage continues to grow, and just two oil blocks alone can produce more than 100,000 barrels of crude oil each day.

Arthur loves good life. He is an ardent lover of good music. He not only single handedly equipped the choir of his local church; he has a live orchestra at his palatial home.

FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

39

40

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ°Ëœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NSIA Faults IMF’s Ranking on Nigeria’s SWF Ugo Aliogo The Managing Director, Nigerian Sovereign Investments Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji, has faulted the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) ranking of Nigeria as the second worst country in the world in the use of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF).

Orji, in a noted yesterday, argued that the IMF in the report quoted third-party data and not the output of the Fund’s research.

The IMF’s report and its conclusions were based on the report by the Natural Resources Governance Institute, which Orji said he found it strange that the Washington-based institution would adopt third party data and graphs in its reports, without providing a detailed context whatsoever. “Whilst the report does not mention that NSIA, its sweeping generalisation and use of third-party data, raises concerns that diminishes its usage. More importantly, graphing governance against asset size to GDP has

limited correlative value. This is basically, for lack of a better word, a flippant piece of work. “It is obvious in this report that the IMF prefers SWFs of countries that do not invest in their domestic economies and dislikes countries that want to use part of their resources to develop their own domestic infrastructure. “So countries such as Nigeria are ranked poorly because they use part of these funds in local domestic investment which conflicts with a long-held view of the IMF against domestic investment by the SWF,� he said.

Orji explained that the NSIA Act mandates the organisation under his leadership to run three ring-fenced funds – stabilisation fund, future generations fund, and Nigeria infrastructure fund with asset allocation of 20:30:50 respectively.The first two funds invest globally and the last fund is focused on Nigeria domestic infrastructure needs, he said. “Whilst we understand the theory of “Dutch disease� and its effect of domestic investment,

we believe that investing in commercially viable domestic infrastructure should be the focus of funds such as the NSIA. “There is no real value added in a sovereign wealth fund keeping all its funds in its foreign reserve accounts if it can use portions of said fund to address commercially viable infrastructure projects at home. “This philosophy of domestic infrastructure development underpins the operation of the Infrastructure Fund of the NSIA. “The governance process of NSIA is well documented in its Establishment Act. NSIA has an independent professional Board that through five committees, rigorously oversees the operations of the fund. “The NSIA is subject to several audits during the year – quarterly audit review by its external auditors, Price Waterhouse Coopers and Annual audits reports are published, the Auditor General and Accountant General all independently audit the accounts and operations of the fund,� he explained.

L—R: Head, Talent & Career Development Airtel, Tonye Boham; Head, Dangote Academy, Juliet Oshagbemi; Head, Learning & Development, Ecobank, Ayotunde Opeoluwa; Regional Head, Learning & Talent Management, PZ Cussons, Temitope Adedayo-Ojo; Head, Learning & Development, Sterling Bank, Adewunmi Oluremi; Head, HR FMDQ, Funlola Akintonde; Director, Learning & Development Workforce Group, Olasunkanmi Adenuga, at the third Annual Learning & Development Leaders Conference organised by the Workforce Group in Lagos‌recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

Elumelu Takes Africapitalism to Brussels, Hosts European Commission, Others The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) recently brought together leading stakeholders in the development finance sector, at a case study session in Belgium.

The meeting was held at a time when Europe’s relationship with Africa has been high on foreign policy and developmental agenda and with the European Union beginning to deliver on its 2017 External Investment Plan, targeted at attracting investment and job creation in Africa.

The gathering also demonstrated that Africa has solutions to bring to the table and showcased the Foundation’s unique approach to catalysing entrepreneurship in scale across the continent.

Themed “A Convening on Africa’s Economic Transformation: A Case Study of the Tony Elumelu Foundation,� the event according to a statement, presented the results of the first five years of the Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme a unique programme, which has trained, mentored and seeded 4,470 African entrepreneurs with 3,050 newly announced to receive seed funding, and drawn over 200,000 applications to its 2019 cycle. “Tony Elumelu’s $100 mil-

lion investment in entrepreneurial philanthropy was held up as an example of how vital capital could be targeted efficiently and effectively, at African businesses best able to create significant economic and developmental impact,� the statement added.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director General, DEVCO, EU, Mr. Koen Doens said: “Africa needs to create jobs by the millions to match the needs of its exponentially growing population. It will achieve this only if it unleashes a generation of empowered entrepreneurs. “The Tony Elumelu Foundation contributes to this massively.

The European Union wants to play its part and contribute to this endeavour.�

Responding to questions at the forum, the Founder of TEF, Mr. Tony Elumelu highlighted the growing interest in the Foundation and its unique approach, while welcoming a new type of intervention in Africa. “We very much believe in collaboration, mutual respect and a shared commitment to transform Africa. Africa is ready but we need to do this through

the right sustainable manner, that enables our people to become selfreliant, and independent, instead of perpetuating dependency. “We need to implement practical solutions on ground through entrepreneurship, which empower people economically and addresses issues of extremism, migration, and insecurity.�

On the Foundation’s future plans, Elumelu said: “We want to make sure that we impact more, reach more, touch more lives and get more women involved.

We want to see more Northern Africa participation. “We would like to reach 10,000 a year, with support from partners to empower additional entrepreneurs. We want to eradicate poverty and create wealth in a sustainable way.

Ultimately, we want a larger and broader entrepreneurship ecosystem, that supports young Africans, and we want to deepen our engagement with government to create the enabling environment to support these Africans to succeed – the right investment climate, training, education, access to capital and most importantly creating the right investment culture.�

HollandiaYoghurt Gets Commendation There is an increasing use of yoghurt, either enjoyed directly or as a taste-enhancing mixer, a report has shown.

It stated that the Hollandia Yoghurt Mixology has become a mainstay for consumers who are increasingly embracing yoghurt and drink-mixing culture as their taste evolve.

It noted that since its launch in 2016, consumers have commended Hollandia Yoghurt Mixology for its novel taste and smooth texture, adding that the brand has been consolidating the yoghurt and drink-mixing culture among Nigerian consumers who are thrilled to get the nourishing goodness of yoghurt mixed with a variety of beverages.

In its 315ml pack size,

Hollandia Yoghurt Mixology is convenient and handy, with a specially designed prismatic shape and an attractive screw cap that consumers can feel proud to be seen with, it added.

Chijioke Silva, a bar manager in Rivers State, acknowledged the growing demand for Hollandia Yoghurt Mixology at his bar, adding that from the onset of its launch on the shelf, the brand quickly established a strong connection with consumers because of its attractive packaging, great taste, smooth texture and its ability to bring out that satisfying taste when mixed with other beverages of consumer choice. “We all know that Nigerians love drink mixes, so it is commendable for a brand to see that gap and respond with a

truly innovative product. I can tell you that Hollandia Yoghurt Mixology has been a runaway success at my bar in Port Harcourt and that loyalty has been sustained till date,� Silva said.

This sentiment was also echoed by Dele Yusuf, a fun loving IT executive based in Ikoyi, Lagos. Yusuf said he was introduced to Hollandia Yoghurt Mixology by his friends during a hangout in Ikoyi. “Since then I have fallen in love with it. So now, whenever I am hanging out at the lounge with my friends, I simply mix my malt drink with a pack of Hollandia Yoghurt Mixology to achieve my desired taste.

For me, nothing can be better than this,� he stated.

(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 ÍŻÍŽ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $70.31 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $70.35 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

41

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͰ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

MARKET NEWS

NSE All-Share Index Rises 0.53% on Sustained Bargain Hunting Goddy Egene Gains by insurance and banking stocks helped to sustain the positive performance of the stock market yesterday after a rebound the previous day.

The market had on Wednesday halted a bear rally that lasted for days, rising by 0.15 per cent.

But the market extended the positive performance yesterday with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share

Index (ASI) gaining 0.53 per cent to close at 29,347.62, while market capitalisation added N57.9 billion to close at N11.0 trillion. Thus, the sustained growth has moderated the year-to-date decline to 6.6 per cent.

A total of 15 stocks appreciated compared with seven price losers. And out of the 15 gainers, 12 were insurance and banking stocks. NEM Insurance Plc and Niger Insurance

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Plc led the price gainers with 10 per cent apiece, trailed by Fidelity Bank Plc with 8.7 per cent. United Capital Plc went up by 6.5 per cent, while FBN Holding Plc gained 6.1 per cent.

Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc chalked up 5.0 per cent.

Other to price gainers included: Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nigeria Plc(4.6 per cent); CHI Plc (4.3 per cent); Lafarge Africa Plc (3.9 per cent); FCMB Group Plc (3.2

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

per cent); and Access Bank Plc(2.5 per cent).

Access Bank Plc recently unveiled a new logo after its merger with Diamond Bank Plc. The new bank has 592 branches, 27,000 staff, 29 million customers and over 3,000 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) onshore and offshore, spanning three continents and 12 countries.

Speaking on the development, Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Plc, Victor Etuokwu, said:“It (the new bank) fuses together the best of Access Bank and Diamond Bank. It builds on the layers of meaning that were built into two iconic brands. Diamond Bank’s was youthful, vibrant and human. The diamond shape is fused into the three chevrons, which radiate in all directions to create layers around a core. The retention of the access typeface, colour

O F

and font is complemented by the orange logo, which draws from the colour palettes of both banks.

“The use of the diamond colour palette is further emphasised with the dominance of green in its retail application, ensuring continuity for retail customers, while the dominant orange in the corporate application provides the same sense of familiarity to Access Bank’s customers.”

1 0 / 0 4 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͹ͺ˜ ͺ͸͹ͷ

42

MARKET NEWS

Nigerian Breweries Raises N15bn to Support Short-term Funding Goddy Egene Nigerian Breweries Plc is seeking to raise up to N15 billion in the first and second series of its N100 billion commercial paper (CP) programme to support its short-term funding. The Series 1, which is for 90 days,has an effective yield of 11.59 per cent and will mature on July 22, 2019. On the other hand, the Series 2, which is

for 182 days, has an effective yield of 14.43 per cent. It will mature on October 22, 2019. Both offers opened yesterday and they are expected to close on April 18.

Ironically, NB Plc is raising the N15 billion after its board of directors of has recommended that 100 per cent of the N19.401 billion profit after tax (PAT) recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018 be paid out as dividend to

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’

shareholders.

The brewing firm’s PAT fell by 41.2 per cent from N33 billion in 2017 to N19.4 billion in 2018.

However, in its characteristics of paying all earnings as dividend, the board has recommended that a total dividend of N2.43 per share for the year be paid.

The company recorded a revenue of N324.4 billion, down marginally from N344.5 billion in 2017, while

exercise duty rose from N21.271 billion to N25.837 billion.

Cost of sale reduced from N201 billion to N197 billion, bringing gross profit to N126.9 billion compared with N143.5 billion the previous year.

Marketing and distribution expenses rose from N66.863 billion to N70.052 billion, while administrative expenses reduced from N21.748 billion to N20.785

billion. Similarly, Net finance cost fell to N7.529 billion compared with N10.491 billion in 2017.

The company ended the year with profit before tax of N29.4 billion, down 36.9 per cent from N46.6 billion in 2017 and PAT of N19.4 billion as against N33 billion the previous year.

Based on the performance, the directors have recommended to the Company’s Shareholders at

on the 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.

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.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 10Apr-2019, unless otherwise stated

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

the annual general meeting(AGM) coming up on the 17th of May, 2019, the declaration of a total dividend of N19.4 billion, that is, N2.43 per share representing a hundred per cent dividend pay-out ratio.

The company had earlier, in 2018, paid an interim dividend of N4.8 billion which translated to N0.60k per share before the final dividend of N1.83 that will be N14.6 billion.

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 0.88 0.89 5.01% ACAP Income Funds 0.62 0.62 12.04% 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 13.56% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.29 2.30 2.70% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 16.25 16.74 -2.04% ARM Discovery Fund 354.62 365.31 -0.57% ARM Ethical Fund 29.17 30.05 3.30% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.32% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 99.36 100.06 -1.80% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.58% 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 13.77% Paramount Equity Fund 12.04 12.14 1.94% Women's Investment Fund 105.67 106.27 2.01% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.58% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 98.79 99.23 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 98.57 99.21 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.12% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.82 0.83 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.18 1.18 4.93% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 12.31% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.32% 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 1,240.82 1,241.68 4.67% FBN Heritage Fund 143.63 144.82 0.15% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.52% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 117.89 118.22 3.51% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 117.80 118.14 3.69% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 143.70 145.77 -4.20% 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 1.15 1.17 -5.58% Legacy Debt Fund 3.35 3.35 3.30% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 1.29% 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 2,955.19 2,985.83 -0.95% Coral Income Fund 2,854.71 2,854.71 4.22% 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 11.17% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 106.90 107.67 -0.88% 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 12.29% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.12 2.14 -1.33% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 14.95% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 124.25 124.44 -0.54%

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 1.23% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,109.58 1,109.58 3.69% 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 2.18% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.43 11.48 2.68% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.41% 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 121.88 122.48 0.97% 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 0.40% 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 2,361.96 2,375.02 2.05% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 197.77 197.77 4.01% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.94 0.95 -0.53% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 255.43 255.46 3.34% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 162.79 164.54 -0.23% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.85% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,333.78 8,430.12 -1.85% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.13 1.13 1.70% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.17 1.19 -1.46% United Capital Bond Fund 1.67 1.67 4.55% United Capital Equity Fund 0.67 0.69 -4.96% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.26% United Capital Eurobond Fund 109.80 109.80 2.37% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.11 1.11 1.45% 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 10.90 11.06 2.94% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.16 12.30 1.51% Zenith Income Fund 21.51 21.51 11.61% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.03%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 119.90 52.21

-44.85% 1.84% 0.91%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.99 104.90 84.01

10.09 107.13 85.56

-5.31% -10.57% -5.26%

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

3.69 6.46 13.66 11.23 152.48

3.73 6.54 13.76 11.43 154.48

-7.75% -15.14% -8.57% -9.05% 6.19%

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.

FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

NEWS

NDIC Earmarks N258.76bn Insurance Cover for Bank Depositors James Emejo in Abuja The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Umaru Ibrahim, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji

Umaru Ibrahim, yesterday disclosed that the sum of N258.767 billion had been earmarked in its 2019 fiscal year for reimbursement of depositors in the unlikely event of closure

FG Commences Commercial Activities on Itakpe-AjaokutaWarri Rail Line Kasim Sumaina in Warri The federal government yesterday directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), to begin full scale commercial activities on the Itakpe-AjaokutaWarri rail line, thus ending the three-month free train ride it offered passengers on the axis.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, gave the order while inspecting the level of work done so far from Itakpe, Kogi State, through, Agenebode, in Edo State, down to the Eastwest corridor at Owa-Iyibu, Agbor and Warri, Delta State.

The minister, while also responding to questions, shortly after the inspection, informed that, the sum of $3 billion would be needed to link the rail project from Itakpe to the nation’s capital, Abuja.

According to him, “that is a different project entirely. It would cost about $3 billion from Itakpe to Abuja with a seaport at Warri.”

Amaechi directed the NRC to fix a price for the Itakpe-Warri railway and stop the free train rides.

He said: “The commercial activities should resume fully today; I have already directed the MD to start collecting money.

“The plan to link Itakpe- to Lokoja has to go to the cabinet; once it is approved, it is a different contract all together

but before then, the Itakpe-Warri will continue to function.

Speaking further, he said: “What we are doing now is to take people from the South -south to the North but, unfortunately, Itakpe is in the middle of nowhere and there is need to get them to Lokoja, so that people can pick train from Lokoja to Warri.

“The MD is also making arrangements where we create parking space for cars and buses in Itakpe, so that when they drop passengers they can pick passengers from Itakpe to Abuja.”

He said: “All trains in the world are affordable because government subsidises the cost for passengers. The problem is not the cost but the problem is whether we can break even.”

Asked why there is low patronage, he said: “If you connect it to Abuja, the number of passengers would increase.

The track was initially built for iron ore but we asked them to include passenger services because we intend to use it as a central line.

“The idea is to connect Nigeria without too many tracks. So, if we construct Lagos to Calabar, Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, Lagos to Kano, they need a central line that runs through them so u connect the entire country. So, this is the central line which begins from Abuja to Warri.”

Appeal Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Ajimobi over Appointment of 48 Obas The Court of Appeal in Ibadan yesterday struck out a motion filed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja, challenging the powers of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State to gazette and approve “beaded crowns and coronets” to 48 Obas across the state.

Ajimobi appealed the January 20, 2018 decision of Justice Olajumoke Aiki of the Oyo State High Court, which set aside recommendation of a commisison of inquiry on the review of the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration, which recommended crowning of 21 new Obas in Ibadanland.

The three-man panel of judges headed by Justice Nonyerem Okoronkwo, held that the thrust of the relief sought was invoking the court to set aside the gazette, which approved the crowing of the Obas.

The court, which has Justice A. Talba, and Justice F. Ojo, as members, held that the gazette, which the motion seeks the court to set aside was not the subject matter at the lower court.

Okoronkwo said dealing with such issue at this point may involve dwelling into the main appeal.

“We refuse to entertain the issue and urged the appellant to incorporate it in the main appeal and the motion is hereby strike out,’’ Okoronkwo said.

The judge adjourned the matter until May 27 for hearing of the main appeal.

Ajimobi set up a commission of inquiry headed by Justice Akintunde Boade, to review the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration and to make recommendation.

Osi Olubadan, Rashid Ladoja, went to the Oyo State High Court to challenge the composition of the committee and to set aside their report and the lower court granted his request on January 20,2018.

The governor on April 26, 2018 after the court ruling, approved the beaded crowns and coronet for 48 Obas across Oyo State, including the Ibadan’s recently crowned 21 Obas and other traditional rulers.

The governor gazetted the approval in line with section 28 (1) of the Chiefs Laws of Oyo State and with this gazette 26 Obas would wear beaded crowns while 22 would wear coronet.

of licenced banks.

Addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters when he appeared before it to defend the corporation’s 2019 budget estimates, he said the provision included N109.686 billion for depositors of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), while N149.081 billion has been set aside for depositors of Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs).

The NDIC boss noted that its proposals were consistent with the corporation’s mandate of providing financial guarantee to depositors of failed banks towards promoting public confidence in the banking sector.

This, according to him, was critical to the sustenance of the stability of the entire financial system.

Head, Communication and Public Affairs, NDIC, Mr. Mohammed Kudu Ibrahim, the

MD further disclosed that a total of N140 billion was provided for DMBs while the sum of N300 million was set aside for microfinance and PMBs with respect to the issue of NDIC’s mandate of providing financial assistance to eligible licenced and insured banks.

He, therefore, urged the banks to take the opportunity to access the funds offered by the corporation whenever they are required.

The NDIC boss also explained that in fulfillment of the corporation’s mandate to provide technical assistance to licenced banks, the NDIC in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had invested in the acquisition of a new software called the Integrated Regulatory Solution (IRS) for a more robust surveillance and supervision of insured financial institutions in the country.

ANIMAL WELFARE ON THEIR MINDS…

L-R: Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Prof. Eustance Iyayi; Special Assistant to Director General, NAFDAC, Mr. William Effiong; Director, Veterinary Medicine Allied Products, Dr. Bukar Ali Usman; and Senior Assistant Registrar, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr. Adetola Adedeji, at the sensitisation workshop on risk assessment in animal feed production in Lagos...yesterday ETOP UKUTT

North-central Group Endorses Wase for Speakership Chinedu Eze As the campaign for the Speakership of the House of Representatives continues, the representative of Wase federal constituency in Plateau State, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, has received the endorsement of North Central-based organisation, The Equity and Justice Forum.

The body said it has thrown its weight behind Wase, a member of All Progressives Congress (APC), to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and it has started wooing political stakeholders and members of the House to support the Forum’s candidate.

The Convener of the Forum, Femi Davies, who made this known in a press conference at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, said in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice, the group is supporting Wase to lead the House of Representatives in the next dispensation.

According to Davis, the North Central zone of the country deserves to be given a sense of belonging being the region that has never enjoyed such position, noting that Wase has the experience and leadership qualities to preside over the affairs of the House.

He described Wase as a

genuine patriot and committed party member who has contributed immensely to the success of APC-led administration at the national level and in Plateau State.

He said: “We support the clamour for the speakership of the House of Representatives to be zoned to the North Central, but not only that, we also support the bid by Wase to become the Speaker given his rich legislative experience having been in the House since 2007 as well as his wit and wisdom and achievements as an astute administrator.

“We have no doubt in him having given a good account of

himself in all the tasks assigned to him in the past from being the executive secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board to when he became a federal lawmaker and became the chairman of the Federal Character Committee till now. He is also the deputy leader of the House, so Wase will serve to give the House proper guidance and a sense of direction.”

He said the stabilising role he played during the trying times of the National Assembly has earned him respect and admiration among his peers resulting in him being appointed as a principal officer of the House.

Ex-Works Minister, Ogunlewe’s Son, Moyo, Resigns from PDP The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Kosofe Constituency 1 of Lagos State in the last elections, Moyo Ogunlewe, has resigned from the PDP following the crisis that has engulfed the opposition party.

Moyo, who is the son of a former Minister of Works, Adeseye Ogunlewe, announced his resignation in a letter dated

April 11, 2019, which was addressed to the chairman of the PDP in the state.

The letter reads in part, “I, Moyosore Ogunlewe, hereby resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect.

“I want to thank all my supporters and well-wishers across the state for the support

and steadfastness. God bless you all.”

Moyo, who is in his 30s, was one of the youngest candidates to contest in Lagos State.

Other young candidates who contested and won include Babajide Obanikoro, the son of a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, who won the

Eti-Osa federal constituency seat; as well as the son of the Minister of Information, Jimi Lai-Mohammed, who won the Ikeja State constituency 1 seat.

Moyo had earlier contested in 2015 but lost by a slim margin to Bayo Osinowo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is now the lawmaker-elect for Lagos-East senatorial district.

ICYCW Seeks Integrated Efforts against Youth Restiveness Oluchi Chibuzor The International President of International Coordination of Young Christian Workers (ICYCW), Berhanu Deboch, has called on the Nigerian Government, civil society organisations, religious bodies

and families to join forces to tackle pressing issues threatening the peace and progress of the country, mostly youth restiveness.

He made this known yesterday at a media conference held in Lagos when he paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of Holy Cross Cathedral Lagos, His Grace,

Most Rev Dr. Alfred Adewale Martin.

Deboch, who is on an international tour, said the movement is out to lend its voice against societal ills in countries, especially on labour welfare, youth and leadership development.

Fielding questions from

journalists, the Ethiopian maintained that the government must show quality leadership by respecting the yearnings of the labour unions and youths, adding that ICYCW, which is a nondenominational organisation, seeks to keep private and government bodies on their toes.

44

FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

TCN to Stabilise Power Supply in Abuja with $170m Projects Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday disclosed that it has begun the execution of a $170 million power transmission project called the ‘Abuja Feeding Scheme’.

Under the programme, TCN

will build five new transmission substations in the capital city within 24 months to stabilise electricity supply in the area.

The Managing Director of TCN, Mr. Usman Mohammed, stated this during the ground breaking ceremony for the projects in Abuja.

Mohammed said the scheme

South-west Youths Back Lawan, Gbajabiamila for N’Assembly Leadership Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Coalition of youth organisations from the six states of the South-west region under the aegis of Congress of South West Youths (COSWY) yesterday called on lawmakers elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the ninth National Assembly to respect and honor the directive of the national leadership of the party on the zoning of the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives.

The coalition also said it was the turn of the Southwest to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and would be a great disservice to deny the region the position as doing so would cause a lot of distraction to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Youth organisations in the coalition are Asiwaju Grassroot Foundation, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, All Progressives Youth Forum, Yoruba Council of Youth (Worldwide), Project Loud among others.

The Convener of the group, Ahmed Shomoye, while addressing journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State, called on Senator Ali Ndume and others vying for the next

Senate president as well as Hon. Umaru Bago and others with the intent of contesting for speakership of the House of Representatives to step down and align with the position of the national leadership of the APC, stating that the picking of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Senator Ahmed Lawan as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President of the ninth National Assembly by the leadership of the party, is the best for the country at the moment as they have the pedigrees to occupy the positions.

According to him, the emergence of Lawan and Gbajabiamila would help restore the lost glory of the National Assembly, deepen democratic rule and the delivery of good governance as well as engender democratic stability for the country in the next four years.

He said the coalition sued for a common front in the APC so as to avert another emergence of the outgoing National Assembly leadership fraught with crisis of integrity, long drawn battles with the presidency over frivolous issues, sheer display of ego, pursuit of individual ambition at the expense of the collective party advantage and flagrant disregard for party decision.

Ex-UN Diplomat, Ibe to Deliver SPE Nigeria Annual Lecture Peter Uzoho and Esther Oluku A retired diplomat of the United Nations, Prof. Chidi Ibe, will be delivering the Annual Lecture at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum holding on April 25, 2019.

Other high profile speakers and contributors slated to feature at the event include the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru; the keynote speaker and Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SPDC), Mr. Bayo Ojulare; among others.

The programme, which will be hosted at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) facility in Abuja, focuses on the theme: “Energy Sector Security and Development in Nigeria: The Way Forward.”

Speaking at a pre-event press conference in Lagos, the Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, Mr. Debo Fagbami,

said the annual SPE Oloibiri programme was the foray of the society into gas policy development within the country and for the sub-Saharan Africa.

According to Fagbami, the lecture/forum will attract participation from government, heads of agencies, and heads of industries, as well as stakeholders from across Africa.

He explained that the theme was essentially coined to stimulate discussions on how Nigerian energy sector can move along the part of sustainability.

He said: “Through OLEF 2019, SPE is providing a platform for governments, regulatory agencies, captains of industry and practitioners, at all levels of the industry to come together under one roof to discuss and come up with ways that Nigeria can develop strategies to develop efficient systems that will require lesser energy to run, and how to use Nigeria’s oil and gas resources to support the nation’s economic growth for the benefit of all stakeholders within the industry.

comprises two 330 kilovolt (kV) substations and three 132kV substations, and will take care of power supply challenges in the city.

“This Abuja transmission scheme is to solve the transmission problem in Abuja at least in the next 20 years.

Currently, Abuja has only two 330kV substations and we are putting additional two; it has five 132kV substations, we are adding three,” Mohammed said.

He explained that the TCN has continued to expand the national grid with new projects as well as the completion of existing projects.

According to him, out of

the 800 containers of TCN’s equipment stranded in the port, “only two have been lost; the other 798 containers are intact and we are removing them from the ports.”

Commending the French Development Agency (AFD) for its commitment to Nigeria’s power sector, Mohammed, said it was the first time an international donor agency would finance a green-field project in the country.

He noted that the TCN saved $25 million in the procurement process for the new Abuja projects because they followed a competitive and transparent procurement process.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Mr. Louis Edozien, said the five substations will add 624 megawatts (MW) wheeling capacity to the TCN which could be supplied to residents and businesses in and around Abuja.

Edozien stated that the contractors were competent, and charged them to demonstrate their competence in the execution of the project.

He equally admonished the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (Disco) to be willing to take up more electricity from the expanded TCN capacity, adding that: “It is the Disco that must take the role in taking

this power and delivering the power to the consumers.”

Edozien, the urged AFD to also invest in the distribution segment of the sector. He assured it the investment would be worth it.

Managing Director of the project consultancy firm, OskaJo and Partners, Mr. Joseph Uujamhan, said three contractors would handle the project.

Uujamhan said TBEA and Energo Projekt will build the 330kV transmission lines from Lafia in Nasarawa State to New Apo, then to Old Apo 132/33KV substation, to connect to new substations at Lubge and Kuje in Abuja.

GOING TOUGH ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING…

L-R: Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Hon. Kabiru Adjoto; state’s Acting Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie; and Head of Service, Mr. Isaac Ehiozuwa, after the acting governor assented to amended laws passed by EDHA, in Government House, Benin City…recently

NAFDAC Partners Stakeholders to Ensure Safety of Animal Feeds Ugo Aliogo In a bid to promote safety of animal feeds produced in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) and other stakeholders to increase awareness on the need for appropriate handling and use of animal feeds and feed additives.

Speaking at a one-day workshop on Risk Assessment in Animal Feed Production in Lagos yesterday, the DirectorGeneral, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said emerging trends in global food safety have revealed that the safety and wellbeing of man depends directly on the

animal health and environment.

She stated that in a bid to achieve safety in animal feed, there was need for a multidisciplinary approach which she noted must be effectively explored.She also noted that Nigeria is yet to explore the livestock sector of international trade.

“The stake of NAFDAC in food safety as entrenched in NAFDAC Act Cap N1 LFN 2004 is to ensure that food available for consumption are safe and of right quality. It is therefore important for the farmers to be cautious on the quality of inputs used on their farms animals and ensure a safe, sound, wholesome product fit for human consumption are churned

out human consumption,” she noted.

Adeyeye, who was represented at the event by her Special Assistant, Mr. Williams Effiong, noted that the agency in line with its mandate to ensure animal feed safety, has undertook several regulatory measures to contribute to the production of wholesome animal products in the country.

She added: “The efforts of all stakeholders in this joint task are appreciated. I strongly hope that at the end of today’s workshop, participants will have empowered to improve on the safety policy in their production facilities. “The agency is closely looking at the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirement currently in use to evaluate feed safety

and weighing the option of introducing HACCP within the next one year to achieve a safer feed for safer food in Nigeria.

This can only achieved with your cooperation and training and re-training of workers that are directly involved in feed production.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Director Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products (VMAP) Directorate, Dr. Bukar Usman, noted that animals raised in confinement and fed defined feeds containing ingredients such as animal waste to antibiotics could expose consumers to unacceptable risks from specific plant and animal disease agents as well as other food contaminants.

SENATE ASKS FG TO EXPEDITE ACTION ON LEAH SHARIBU’S RELEASE

budgets before sub-committees.

“From the snail speed with which sub-committees are submitting their reports to us, I doubt if we can pass the budget by next week,” the Senator who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

Another reason for the budget delay, another source further said, is to give the Appropriations panel more time to include the sum of N10 billion in the 2019 budget as intervention fund to cater for Internally Displaced Persons

(IDPs) affected by the activities of armed bandits in Zamfara State.

This was one of the resolutions of the Senate at Wednesday’s plenary following a motion moved by Senator Kabiru Mafara ( Zamfara Central) on the rising wave of insecurity in the state.

Raising a Point of Order during yesterday’s plenary, Marafa appreciated his colleagues for coming to the assistance of the state, even as he appealed to the Senate

leadership to include the amount in the budget.

As at yesterday evening, the Ministry of Trade and Investment appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Trade and Investment to defend their 2019 budget estimate.

At the resumption of plenary yesterday, Senate Chief Whip, Sola Adeyeye ( Osun Central) observed that the Senate did not form quorum for plenary to take place. According to him, only 19 senators were seated instead of

a mimimum of 33 as stipulated by the Constitution.

Although Saraki initially agreed with him and said he would adjourn the session, he later reversed himself after Lawan approached him for a one-on-one discussion.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on December 19 submitted the N8.83 trillion budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly at the chambers of the House of Representatives.

FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

45

NEWSEXTRA

WORLD OF ISLAM NoTerrorist Threats in Kwara,

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

CP Reassures Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Following the alleged invasion of Kwara State by some terrorists, the state commissioner of police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has assured the people of the state of the command ‘s commitment to the security and safety of lives and property .

The police boss gave the assurance in a statement issued in Ilorin, the state capital, last night and signed by the command’s spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi.

“The command is not unaware of the concern of some citizens over a false

alarm going the rounds to the effect that, an Helicopter was sighted at Lalaji town, in Edu Local Government Area of the state, discharging men bearing dangerous weapons in the bushes.

“Even some online reporters went public with the unsubstantiated rumour without recourse to the command; this is very unprofessional and highly provocative.

“However, the Command for the umpteenth time is assuring the people of Kwara State of its capability to provide security for the citizens. The people sighted at Lalaji town were a team from

Padlink Resources Limited, who were at the location to conduct geological mapping and mineral exploration, with the approval from the Federal Ministry of Mine and Steel Development under the National Integrated Mineral exploration project (NIMEP).

“The people of Kwara State are advised to pass information of any suspicious movements within their areas through the established channels made available by the command, rather than making false statements that is capable of creating unnecessary tension in the State.

Health Minister Commends APIN on Fight against HIV/AIDS The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has stated that Nigeria has achieved huge success in the fight against HIV/AIDS and commended the APIN Public Health Initiatives in the role the organisation has played in achieving the said success.

The minister was speaking yesterday at the public presentation of the book, ‘Turning the Tide: AIDS in Nigeria,’ produced by APIN, which was held in Abuja.

The minister said the contribution of numerous prevention strategies and availability of drugs had led to changes in the narratives of the epidemic.

“We have achieved tremendous success in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. The contribution of highly anti-retroviral drugs and numerous prevention strategies resulted in phenomenal changes in the narrative. Even though a definitive cure has yet to be found, people living with HIV who have access to the drugs can now live normal life,” Adewole said.

The minister added that the disease could now be managed like any other chronic disease, adding that the country has witnessed a significant reduction in the prevalence even far lower than was recorded at the beginning of various

interventions.

“Four weeks ago, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the result of the largest HIV related population based survey.

That result is something we are now celebrating. The prevalence rise from 1.8 per cent in 1991 to its peak of 5.8 per cent in 2001 and it began to decline. Today, 1.9 million people in Nigeria are infected,” the minister stated.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of APIN, Dr. Prosper Okonkwo, said the book launch was a day of gladness and joy for the organisation. He added that the book launch was a culmination of three years of serious work.

S’COURT BREAKS RIVERS ELECTORAL LOGJAM, STRIKES OUT APC’S APPEALS According to the party, “The resoluteness of the Supreme Court in upholding justice and resisting manipulations by APC leaders to revisit the issue of APC’s flawed primaries in the state, which were lawfully annulled by the lower courts, has brought respite to Nigerians and further restored their confidence in the institution of the judiciary. The spontaneous public jubilation that trailed the concluding judgment attests to this.”

The PDP expressed confidence that just as the will of the people of Rivers State has been preserved, its presidential mandate, which it said Nigerians freely gave to its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on February 23 would also be retrieved at the tribunal.

The party, therefore, charged APC leaders to note that they have come to the end of the road and that though evil may thrive for a moment, truth, justice and the will of the people would always prevail.

The Rivers State chapter of the PDP also said the judgment has once more heightened the dignity of the apex court as the last hope of the common man.

A statement by the state Chairman, Mr. Felix Obuah, noted that having exhausted all avenues of defusing the choice of Wike by the mass of Rivers people and failed, the APC has no choice but to acknowledge the obvious fact that the re-election of Wike has divine endorsement and should joyfully join the rest of the people in the divine mandate.

Wike Offers Amaechi Olive Branch Reacting to the judgment Wike called on the Minister of Transportation and leader of the APC in the state, Amaechi, to join hands with him to develop the state.

In a state broadcast to mark the judgment, Wike said Rivers State stands to benefit more if all leaders are united.

He said: “Although the present politics of acrimony and bitterness may have strayed from the noble path of the past, I still believe that we shall be better of standing and working together for our state and our people.

“I therefore appeal to the APC and the Minister of Transportation to join hands with us to move our dear state forward. We cannot as leaders continue to remain divided and expect government to deliver on its responsibilities to our people. Let us henceforth seek the common ground instead of allowing our differences to be exploited to retard our march to progress.

“I appeal to our people to eschew all acts of acrimony, criminality, unrest, and violence throughout the State. I wish to recommit myself to continue to do all that is humanly possible to ensure the unity and peaceful co-existence of all our people irrespective of political affiliation.”

He directed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to review all pending criminal cases linked to politics before the 2019 elections and make necessary recommendations to

promote reconciliation.

He said: “I hereby direct the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to review all pending criminal proceedings filed against any person by the State and directly related to political activities prior to the 2019 general election and make appropriate recommendations to me for necessary action to promote reconciliation among us.”

Wike also pledged to run an inclusive government aimed at promoting the developing the state.

He said: “Today, I recommit myself to be the governor for all the people of Rivers State for the next four years. Accordingly, we shall form an all-inclusive government to advance the collective interest of all our people, irrespective of party, ethnic or religious affiliations.

“We have come along way in the last four years and accomplished a lot to be proud of. But there’s still a lot more to do to advance and realise the ultimate vision of our founding fathers for a truly united, secure, and prosperous state and we need the support of all our people to realize this bold vision.

“We salute the opposition for their courage to fight within the confines of the law to the end. Now that the legal battle is over, the task of building the State must take precedence over all other considerations”.

He expressed gratitude to God for the judgment and assured Rivers people that with the judgment all legal tussles have come to a close with the people having nothing to fear.

The Struggle between Truth and Falsehood

By Mansoor Alam/IslamiCity “And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know it” (2:42) “Be not, then, faint of heart, and grieve not: for you are bound to rise high if you are [truly] believers”. (3:139) “Despair not of God’s mercy” (39:53) The struggle between THE TRUTH (Al-Haq) and FALSEHOOD (Baatil) has been going on throughout human history and will continue until eternity. Iqbal expresses this Quranic reality thus: This perpetual struggle has always existed …

Amid Mustafa’s light and Abi Lahab’s fire To have Iman in Allah is a positive action.

In reality, it is a change in mindset. It is this foundation what we call Iman on which the structure of Deen – the way of Divine life – is erected. It is fountainhead of willpower; it is the goal that determines the destination; it is the kernel of life’s decision making ability.

It is the essence of Iman around which life revolves. Everything that is done according to it is a good and virtuous action. Anything that is against it is bad and evil. So, it requires obedience to the divine laws – now contained in the Quran – that takes humanity to the proper destination. This is where Allah’s Deen wants to take us. This is the path on which are our Prophet’s (PBUH) shining steps to guide us.

This is the path that takes us to the correct destination.

The Quran says: – That Allah is with you (57:4).

Allah is with those who chart their destination of life according to the Quran and proceed fearlessly towards it. In fact, Allah says: He is with you wherever you happen to be. Since Allah is everywhere so why the emphasis especially in the fight between THE TRUTH (Al-Haq) and FALSEHOOD (Baatil)? Because: (47:35) – Be assured that you shall dominate because Allah is with you. Since your caravan is proceeding on the most balanced and straight path under the guidance of Allah, so, He is with you. Because you have synchronized your will with the Will of Allah: (47:35) – Rest assured that you shall overcome forces of FALSEHOOD (Baatil) due to the support and assistance provided by Divine Laws. He shall never reduce the consequences of your efforts. He will never let you down.

The group that has only the material interests as its goal has no higher goal in front of it. The Quran says that this kind of life is a life at the animal level (47:12). This group enjoys material things, indulges in comforts of life, and dies. But the group that has the benefit of humankind in front of it, believes that material things are only a means to achieve a higher goal.

The Quran says (47:36): The life of this world is only idle sport and play, and if you believe and guard (against evil) He will give you your rewards, and will not ask of you your possessions”. Also remember that your aim should not be gains of this worldly life. You should keep your attention focused on the sublime and permanent values of life. Worldly life and its gains are nothing more than a mere play and passing amusement. If you have firm faith in this reality, and in conflict between worldly gains and any permanent value and you guard the permanent value, then the Divine Law of Requital will grant you full reward for your efforts without asking for anything in return.

Also, the Quran demands (47:33). That means it is not a question of believing once but believing at every step of life at every moment.

The Quran addresses the Momineen: (47:38) – But some amongst you act miserly when asked to keep their wealth open for the Divine Order.

They should know that the one who is miserly in this matter in fact harms none but himself, for Allah is indeed magnificent. Allah does not need you to give Him anything. It is for your own growth and development that you need Him. Should you turn back from your commitment, He will replace you with another nation which will not be like you!

In another place the Quran has mentioned this interchange of nations: (9:38-39) – O Momineen!

Sometimes it happens that when you are asked

to march forth in the cause of Allah some weakminded amongst you act as though they are rooted in the earth. They prefer worldly gains to the blessings of the life hereafter although the gains offered by the life of this world are insignificant in comparison to what the life of the hereafter offers. Remember, if you do not march forth Allah will certainly chastise you with a serious chastisement – and He will replace you by another nation. You can do no harm to Allah since He has control over everything.

And the Quran says that this other nation will NOT be like you (9:39). So, the question is: what kind of nation would that be? (5:54) – O Momineen! Beware that if you turn away from Allah’s Deen (you should not be under the impression that it will cause any harm to Allah, nay – you will in fact harm your own self, because) We will replace you by others who will obey His Laws in preference to everything else in the world; and the result of their obedience will be recompense from Allah. They will act with humility towards each other but will be firm towards their adversaries. They will strive hard in the cause of Allah and will not care about what others say. This is blessing from Allah which He bestows on those who wish to have it according to His Laws for Allah is infinite and All-Knowing.

Allama Iqbal puts it in his own God-given beautiful style thus: In the struggle of life be strong as steel In the matter of love become soft as silk Pass through hills and dales like fast moving seas If floral gardens come by, be stirred with melodies Iqbal has essentially explained above the following verse of the Quran: Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah and his companions are firm like hard rock in their resolve in dealing with the opponents of truth with, but are kind-hearted and sympathetic amongst themselves (48:29).

They strive hard in the cause of Allah and will not care about what others say (5:54).

Striving hard in the struggle between THE TRUTH (Al-Haq) and FALSEHOOD (Baatil) for the cause of Allah and being firm in this conviction is a blessing from Allah which He bestows on those who wish to follow the goal set by Allah (5:54).

The guidance of the Quran is not limited to any particular nation. Allah is (1:2) Lord of the Worlds; His Messenger is (21:107) Mercy to the Worlds; His Book is (12:104) Reminder for all Mankind – and it is for all humankind and for all time until eternity.

Allama Iqbal has described in his book “Javed Namah” the eternal divine message of the Quran.

Here is the translation of few of its verses: Our assembly is deprived of Tauheed, our charge without leader But the Quran is still there, its message is still there in its pages It just needs its true message to be brought out loud and clear The sky has many devotees to get its message out loud and clear The Quran’s message is eternal and not dependent on nations Its message is not dependent on any particular place or time Whether one trusts or not, the Quran is eternally protected by Allah It is not dependent on any country whether it be Rome or Shaam If Allah has taken away the Quran from us since we abandoned it Then He will give it to some other nation who will not be like us Muslims are engaged in only blind following or mere speculation When I see them doing this, then my soul and body start trembling I am afraid of the day when the Quran will be taken away from us And another nation will benefit from its light leaving us in darkness And our Prophet (PBUH) will complain to Allah on the Day of Judgment: And the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) will say: “O my Lord! Verily, my people deserted this Quran.” (25:30).

46

FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNA TIONAL

Sudanese Celebrate as Military Overthrows Al-Bashir Thousands of Sudanese yesterday poured into the streets of Khartoum to celebrate ouster of President Omar alBashir in a coup by the armed forces after 30 years in power.

In an address on state television, Defence Minister, Awad Auf, said al-Bashir, 75, was under arrest in a “safe place” and a military council was now running the country.

Seated on a gold-upholstered armchair, Auf announced a three-month state of emergency, a nationwide ceasefire and the suspension of the constitution.

He also said Sudan’s air space would be closed for 24 hours and border crossings shut until further notice.

Sudanese sources said that Bashir was at the presidential residence under “heavy guard”.

A son of Sadiq al-Mahdi, the head of the country’s main opposition Umma Party, told al-Hadath TV that Bashir was being held with “a number of leaders of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood group.’’

Al-Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague and is facing an arrest warrant over allegations of genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region during an insurgency that began in 2003.

This had led to death of an estimated 300,000 people.

The downfall of al-Bashir follows the toppling this month of Algerian strongman Abdelaziz Bouteflika, also following mass protests after three decades in power.

Names of al-Bashir’s possible successors that have been circulating include the defence minister, an ex-military intelligence chief, also an Islamist, and former army chief of staff, Emad al-Din Adawi.

Adawi is said to be favoured by regional neighbours at odds with Bashir over his Islamist leanings.

Thousands of people flocked to an anti-government protest

outside the defence ministry on Thursday, while huge crowds took to the streets in central Khartoum, dancing and shouting anti-Bashir slogans.

Protesters chanted: “It has fallen, we won.”

Demonstrators called for a civilian government and said they would not accept an administration led by military and security figures, or by Bashir’s aides.

Omar Sennar, a Senior Member of the Sudanese Professionals’ Association, one of the main protest groups, said it expected to negotiate with the military over a transfer of power.

“We will only accept a transitional civilian government,” Sennar said.

Kamal Omar, 38, another demonstrator, said: “We will continue our sit-in until we prevail.”

Some demonstrators, who have rallied against Bashir since Dec. 19, said they feared the delay would allow him to go into exile.

Troops were deployed around the defence ministry and on major roads and bridges in the capital.

Soldiers stormed the headquarters of Bashir’s Islamic Movement, the main component of the ruling National Congress Party.

Protesters also attacked the offices of Sudan’s intelligence and security service in the eastern cities of Port Sudan and Kassala on Thursday, witnesses said.

The Sudanese National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) on Thursday announced the release of all political detainees nationwide, official SUNA news agency reported.

The NISS made the announcement in a statement, without providing further details, SUNA said.

Since Dec. 19 last year, Sudan has been witnessing popular

protests over the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic items.

Bashir, a former paratrooper who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1989, has been a divisive figure, who has managed his way through one internal crisis after another while withstanding attempts by the West to weaken him.

Sudan has suffered prolonged periods of isolation since 1993, when the U.S. added Bashir’s government to its list of terrorism sponsors for harbouring Islamist militants.

Washington followed up with

sanctions four years later.

Bashir is sought by the International Criminal Court for severe human rights violations in the Darfur region.

The latest crisis has escalated since the weekend, when thousands of demonstrators began camping outside the defence ministry compound, where Bashir’s residence is located.

Clashes erupted on Tuesday between soldiers trying to protect the protesters and intelligence and security personnel trying to disperse them.

in the Ecuadorian embassy in 2012, avoiding extradition to Sweden for a sexual assault investigation, rt.com reported.

Although Swedish authorities dropped the charge in 2017, Assange remained wanted by Britain for breaching the terms of his original bail.

Assange faces 12 months in prison for failing to surrender, and will be sentenced via video link on May 2.

Separate from the British charge, the WikiLeaks chief the United States. Although

British Prime Minister, Theresa May and EU leaders agreed on Thursday to a Brexit extension until October 31 at the latest, narrowly averting a no-deal Brexit the following day.

However, within minutes of finalising their decision at a special EU summit in Brussels, European Council President Donald Tusk hinted that there could be further reprieves down the road.

“Our intention is to finalise the whole process in October,” Tusk said. “But I am too old to exclude another scenario. […]

Everything is possible.”

The flexible extension – which would allow Britain to leave the EU whenever its withdrawal deal is approved – grants Britain a further six months “to find the best possible solution,” Tusk wrote on Twitter.

May needs the extra time to broker parliamentary approval on the withdrawal deal negotiated with Brussels, which lawmakers in the House of Commons have rejected three times.

The embattled British premier had asked for a delay until June 30, but most EU leaders favoured a longer term, according to EU sources.

The deadline has already been postponed once, from March 29.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron dug in his heels during the eight-hour summit, insisting on a shorter extension so Brexit does not threaten the functioning of the EU. EU leaders set several conditions, notably requiring Britain to participate in European Parliament elections if it is still a member when they begin on May 23. Otherwise “the withdrawal will take place on June 1, 2019,” the 27 leaders wrote in a joint statement.

However, May expressed hope that Britain would be out by then.

“If we are able to pass a deal in the first three weeks of May, we will not have to take part in European elections and will officially leave the EU on Saturday June 1,” she said in Brussels.

EU leaders insisted in their statement that during the extension, the withdrawal deal cannot be reopened.

Britain is expected to act in a “constructive and responsible” manner until its departure, refraining from measures that could “jeopardize” EU objectives.

Washington quietly requested his extradition in 2016, the US Justice Department announced conspiracy charges against Assange on Thursday, stemming from his role in publishing classified military documents leaked

by US Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning in 2010.

Assange faces a “federal charge of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion for agreeing to break a password to a classified U.S. government computer,” according to the Justice Department.

Rather than actually hacking into government networks himself, Assange is merely accused of encouraging Manning to do so.

The British judge said on Thursday that the US must produce its case for Assange’s extradition by June 12.

His alleged crimes fall under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, rather than the Espionage Act. However, activists have warned that the US government may attempt to tack on additional charges to punish Assange.

Libya Fighting Kills 56, European Powers Jostle over Conflict The UN on Thursday said fighting between eastern Libyan forces and Tripoli government troops had killed 56 people and forced 6,000 to flee their homes in the capital in the last week.

This has made France and Italy to wrangle over how to respond to the renewed conflict.

After sweeping up from the south, the Libyan National Army (LNA) forces of Khalifa Haftar have been blocked in the southern suburbs of Tripoli about 11 km (7 miles) from

the centre.

Haftar’s push for Tripoli is the latest in a cycle of violence and chaos in Libya since the 2011 overthrow of former strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

In Rome, Libya’s former colonial ruler Italy warned France, which has close ties to Haftar, to refrain from supporting any faction after diplomats said Paris blocked a EU statement calling on him to halt his offensive.

“It would be very serious if France for economic or commercial reasons had

they will agree on “in this decisive historical stage.’’

The ministry said that Egypt’s position is based on the country’s fixed principle of “full respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and its national decision.’’

“Egypt follows up closely and attentively the ongoing rapid developments that Sudan is going through at this decisive moment in its modern history,’’ the statement said.

It also called on all friendly states to support Sudan “to achieve peaceful transition toward a better future.’’

May, EU Leaders Agree New Brexit Extension to Oct 31

Assange Found Guilty of Jumping Bail, Awaits US Extradition A London judge has found WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, guilty of failing to surrender to bail in 2012.

He will now be sentenced on May 2.

Assange was yesterday arrested by British police and carried out of the Ecuadorean embassy after his South American hosts abruptly revoked his seven-year asylum.

WikiLeaks founder had pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stems from the time he sought refuge

At least 11 people died, including six members of the armed forces, the information minister said, citing a police report.

The overthrow of Bashir has received reactions worldwide.

For instance, Egypt has expressed its full support for the choice of the Sudanese people and their free will to determine the future of Sudan, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Egypt also urged the international community to support the choice of the Sudanese people and what

blocked an EU initiative to bring peace to Libya and would support a party that is combatting,” Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said.

“As minister of the interior I will not stand by and watch.”

France, which has oil assets in eastern Libya, has provided military assistance in past years to Haftar in his eastern stronghold, Libyan and French officials say.

It was also a leading player in the war to unseat Gaddafi.

Italy supports the UN-backed government of Serraj.

“Some think that the (2011 Nato-led military intervention) in Libya promoted by (former French President Nicolas) Sarkozy was triggered more by economic and commercial interests than by humanitarian concerns,” he said.

“I hope we are not seeing the same film all over again.”

An EU draft statement on Wednesday said Haftar’s attack on Tripoli put civilians at risk, disrupted the political process, and risked an escalation with serious consequences for Libya and the wider region.

They agreed to “take stock” of the situation at their regular June summit, however, this date “is not a cliff-edge,” Tusk insisted.

Macron justified the Oct. 31 deadline by explaining that Britain would have left before the new European Commission takes up its work the following day, thus preventing London from hampering EU priorities.

Across the Atlantic, U.S. President Donald Trump has complained the EU has been “so tough” on Britain.

“Too bad that the EU is being so tough on the United Kingdom and Brexit,” Trump wrote on Twitter.

The U.S. president also accused the EU of being “a brutal trading partner with the U.S., which will change.”

CHANGE OF

He added: “Sometimes in life you have to let people breathe before it all comes back to bite you!”

May has conceded that the weeks ahead would not be easy, noting that Britain faces “stark” choices.

While rejecting the withdrawal deal, parliament has also failed to coalesce around any other option, prompting May’s Conservative government to hold talks with the opposition Labour Party in a bid to break the impasse.

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FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

47

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 08111813083

Odegbami Shuts AFCON 2019 Door on Mikel Says: Exit of the former Chelsea star will give room for new player to shine Duro Ikhazuagbe As Super Eagles are primed to know their AFCON 2019 group stage opponents this evening at the draw ceremony in Cairo, Former Green Eagles Captain, Segun Odegbami, has asked handlers of the senior national to perish the thought of recalling John Mikel Obi to the team.

Mikel has been absent from Eagles since Nigeria’s last group stage game against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He played no part in the team’s qualification for the continental football showpiece Super Eagles missed the last two editions in 2015 and 2017.

Despite the campaign in a section of the sporting media for the recall of the Middlesbrough midfielder, Odegbami insisted that Mikel has done his bits with Eagles and should be allowed to move on.

The ex-international fondly called ‘Mathematical’ in his active football days told THISDAY yesterday that the

All Eyes on Cairo as CAF Holds Draw Ceremony The Draw Ceremony for the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations finals will hold in Cairo, Egypt this evening. It is scheduled to take place behind the famous Giza Pyramids as from 6pm GMT (7pm Nigeria time).

It is the biggest Africa Cup of Nations finals in the history of the competition, due to feature 24 teams, as against three teams that took part in the first edition of the competition in Sudan 62 years ago.

Hosts Egypt (who have also won the competition the highest number of times-seven), Cameroon (five-time winners and Cup holders), Nigeria (three-time winners), 2004 champions Tunisia, Senegal and 1976 champions Morocco are the seeded countries in the draw.

Egypt is also the country to have taken part the most in the championship, as she countenances a 24th appearance, while Cote d’Ivoire is heading to a 23rd show and Ghana will be making a 22nd appearance.

Tunisia will make a 19th appearance while Nigeria will make her 18th appearance.

The 32nd Africa Cup of Nations will hold between 21st June and 19th July 2019, in six

EUROPA RESULTS

Arsenal Benfica Salvia Villarreal

2-0 4-2 0-1 1-3

Napoli Frankfurt Chelsea Valencia

Pot 1: Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco Pot 2: DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Algeria Pot 3: S’Africa, Uganda, Benin Rep, Mauritania, Madagascar, Kenya Pot 4: Zimbabwe, Namibia, Guinea Bissau, Angola, Tanzania, Burundi

AFCON TOP SCORERS OF ALL TIME -

18 14 13 12 11 11 11

CAF Sacks General Secretary Amr Fahmy The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dismissed Egyptian Amr Fahmy from his role as general secretary, BBC Sport Africa understands.

CAF’s Executive Committee made its decision in Cairo on Thursday ahead of the draw for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The reason for the dismissal is unclear as CAF has yet to comment.

Fahmy was appointed in November 2017 as he followed in the footsteps of his father

World Cup in 1981. Why are we not taking lessons from history? Why do we keep doing the same things based on sentiments and expecting a different result?” queried Mathematical.

He reasoned that the exit of Mikel from Super Eagles will open door for another fresh, young player to emerge in the scene.

“If old players do not retire new players cannot emerge.

Some of the best players in our history came into being by been thrown into the deep end of a big competition and discovering their best hidden ability. I am a good example. I took over from Baba Otu Mohammed

after he had just been named Africa’s best right-winger but was disappointing in a few games. One match did the transformation,” recalled the former wing player.

The former IICC Shooting Stars player believes that “Nigeria shall not win AFCON 2019 because of Mikel. We can diminish our chances or even lose it because of him. Let him be, and lets throw up a new talent. We won’t know how good a player is until we give them a chance at a high level,” the ex-international further advised.

He added that he expects some new faces to get into the team as well as some of

the former members to be dropped by the Gernot Rohr led technical crew.

“The most constant thing in life is change and is based on the players the coach has in his team. “This team is still under construction so we must create room for new players to come in.

“I don’t envision that we have the Eagles team already because I believe there will be few additions as well as subtractions before having the team we all desire.

“From what we have seen so far, I believe this team has the capacity to go all the way to the final at the AFCON in Egypt,” concludes Odegbami.

venues: Cairo International Stadium; Borg El-Arab Stadium, Alexandria; Suez Stadium; Air Defence Stadium; Ismailia Stadium and; Al Salam Stadium.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation and 1st Vice President of CAF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who is also the President of the AFCON organizing committee, will be joined at the ceremony by the NFF Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi who arrived in Cairo on Wednesday. Pinnick has been in Cairo since the beginning of the week, leading final inspection teams across the various stadia, and chairing the AFCON committee meeting on Wednesday.

A total of 14 countries, of the 54 member-nations of CAF, have won the AFCON trophy, namely: Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire Algeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Congo-Brazzaville and Zambia.

THE DIFFERENT POTS

Samuel Eto’o Fils (Cameroon) Laurent Pokou (Cote d’Ivoire) Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt) Patrick Mboma (Cameroon) Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire) Hossam Hassan (Egypt)

former Chelsea player is no longer the player he was.

“Recall Mikel? History is against such a decision. Mikel is not the player he once was.

We have seen his best and it cannot be recreated or better.

What did it fetch?” reasoned the qualified engineer who contested to be governor of Ogun State at the last elections.

Odegbami, winner of the AFCON in 1980 on home soil revealed that the last time Nigeria recalled a captain to the senior national team turned out a disaster.

“The last time we brought back a captain it ended in a disaster that halted the country from going to its first

and grandfather.

Fahmy’s grandfather Mourad served as general secretary of African football’s governing body from 19611982.

Mourad was replaced by his son Mustapha, who held the post until 2010 before being appointed as the director of competitions at FIFA. Morocco’s Mouad Hajji, who was appointed as CAF’s general coordinator role earlier this year, is being tipped to replace Fahmy.

Super Falcons players and officials pose with the World Cup trophy during the tour of Nigeria in Abuja...yesterday

‘UNMISSABLE’ MATCH

Master Dribbler, Okocha, Takes on Ace Defender Puyol It promises a thrill of epic proportion when two global iconic footballers featuring in contrasting positions clash. This is the setting at the ‘Unmissable’ Match holding in Uyo on April 16.

Austin Jay Jay Okocha, a master dribbler, will be leading an array of stars who will attempt to break a defensive wall marshalled by former FC Barcelona central defender, Carles Puyol Saforcada who is better known as Puyol.

He was a three-time winner of the UEFA Champions League trophy with FC Barcelona in 2006, 2009 and 2011. On the other hand, Okocha featured in three straight World Cup competitions for Nigeria in 1994, 1998 and 2002 and was one of the top 125 living footballers in the world named by the legendary Brazilian football icon, Pelé some years ago. Significantly, only five players from Africa made the list.

That is the setting when Okocha leads the ‘Shine Shine Bobo’ squad, depicting the Star Lager Beer, to face a Puyol “The Wall” -inspired team, tagged The Chairman Team.

The ‘Chairman Team’ depicts Heineken, the Chairman of International Premium Beers

and official partner of UEFA and UEFA Champions League since 1994.

The ‘Unmissable’ Match is part of the UEFA Champions League Tour. Football fans will be the major beneficiaries when both brands from the stable of Nigeria Breweries line out iconic stars to feature in ‘Unmissable’ Match on April 16 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. The match will feature 20 minutes each half, with a mixture of footballers from Akwa United Football club, selected Heineken consumers and ex-Nigerian international footballers such as Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi, Austin Eguavoen and Uche Okechukwu playing for either side of ‘Unmissable’ Match.

Carlos Puyol will captain the Chairman team of Heineken while former Super Eagles captain, Okocha will captain the Shine Shine Bobo team of Star.

Already, in a trending video on social media, Okocha is calling on the public to be part of the excitement. Tickets, are already in distribution to fans via outlets in Uyo and environs, just as listeners have been engaged on radio programmes with several

tickets already won and some lucky fans have won the right to be at the Consumers’ later in the evening.

The ‘Unmissable’ Match is a complimentary moment to the visit of the UEFA Champions League Trophy for the third time since 2009 and 2014. It is

the first time the tour would be held outside Lagos and it will give teeming football fans the unique opportunity to come close to the iconic trophy and have photo opportunity to it and its ambassador, Carlos Puyol courtesy of Heineken, the International premium lager beer.

Akinwunmi Assures Falcons of More Support Acting President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi has assured that the Federation will provide even more support and encouragement for the Super Falcons as they enter the final stages of preparation for this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in France.

Speaking on Thursday when the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy made a stop-over in Nigeria on its tour of 24 countries qualified to participate at the championship in France, Akinwunmi acknowledged that the women’s game has brought so much honour to Nigeria, and therefore deserves all the encouragement and push necessary to thrive.

“The Government of Nigeria

has been giving so much support to the various National Teams, including the Super Falcons.

On our part at the NFF, we will ensure that the girls receive even stronger support before the FIFA World Cup in France,” he said at a ceremony inside the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Earlier, at the office of the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi traced the evolution of women football in Nigeria and stated that “the Government of Nigeria recognizes the pivotal role of football in unifying peoples across various physical and mental divides, and creating joy, love and passion among the youth.

Friday, April 12, 2019

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MISSILE PDP to APC

““Lying has become a culture to the APC administration and therefore, we are not surprised by their latest diversionary allegations. Since Atiku resisted pressure not to go to court, the APC is behaving nervously like a thief living under the fear of being exposed and shamed.”

– Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, denying hiring a United States’ lobby group to persuade the Congress to stop the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

SHAKAMOMODU THIS REPUBLIC

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

0811 266 1654

Many More Questions for Baru W ho will probe the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, for inflated fuel consumption figures?

NNPC’s operational and financial results for September 2018 showed that the country guzzled 80 million litres of petrol per day in March 2018, up from the 41 million litres consumed daily in December 2017. How is this possible? What is/are the reasons for such seismic jump in consumption pattern? Baru must explain to Nigerians. It is not enough to just claim smuggling and expect everyone to swallow it hook, line and sinker.

According to the report, the February consumption was 67 million litres, and then hit the all time high of 80 million in March.

The report added that it dropped to 53 million in April; 38 million in May and 44 million in June. In July, it further dropped to 39 million litres and rose again to 54 and 55 million litres in August and September of 2018, respectively.

These figures don’t look real to me. They look sufficiently suspicious to warrant a proper audit to establish the truth.

But it looks exponentially less likely this government will institute an inquest into Baru’s management of petroleum imports and subsidy claims or even if it did, it is looking increasingly unlikely to yield useful insights going by the body language and antecedents of this government.

There appears to be a massive reluctance to do a diligent probe into the improbable figures being bandied as the country’s daily national consumption figures. Or perhaps there is a government cover-up to prevent the country from getting to the bottom of the petrol consumption scam involving Baru and his clique.

The just released World Bank report is a damning indictment of the managers of our economy. More so, a ringing thumbs down on Baru and his NNPC of unlimited fraud. The Bank’s report has given further credence to the suspicious shady subsidy claims by Baru with the active connivance of the federal government.

This was World Bank on the NNPC: “The NNPC financial reports indicate that about US$2 billion (equivalent to 0.6 per cent GDP) were deducted from the gross oil revenue prior to the transfer to the federation account for the unbudgeted fuel subsidy (‘cost under-recovery’).

“The calculations for the fuel subsidy are based on heavily inflated fuel consumption estimates, with the fiscally severely constrained Nigerian government effectively subsidising neighbouring countries’ petrol consumption as some of the fuel is informally re-exported through the porous borders.” Shame on those who tell us that this government is fighting corruption. Shame on the managers of the NNPC, shame on our security agencies, and moreso, shame on this government for looking the other way while the country is being shortchanged and robbed on such massive scale.

Some of us have written about the improbable consumption figures the NNPC claims it supplies under Baru and called for audit, but which no one seemed interested in, not the least, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC is only good at investigating opposition figures and compiling damning reports on judges but is not interested in crimes committed by the favoured elements in this government.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’

Baru Forum (NGF) and Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari last year told Nigerians that their international development partners had told them that there was no way the entire West African sub-region could consume the figures of 30-35 million litre how much more the outrageously inflated figures being bandied about by the NNPC under Baru as Nigeria’s daily national fuel consumption. That is clearly in line with the World Bank’s indictment of the NNPC that the consumption estimates were “heavily inflated”.

It is a tragedy of monumental proportions that a government that trumpets fighting corruption as a central plank policy of governance has tragically shown remarkable unwillingness to attempt a serious inquest into the fraud in the NNPC subsidy regime and the massive round tripping in the consumption volume. Once again, Nigerians are left to hold the short end of the stick. To say that this government from the outset sabotaged its fight against corruption by the choices it made is an understatement. In its actions and inactions, EFCC has followed

“The calculations for the fuel subsidy are based on heavily inflated fuel consumption estimates, with the fiscally severely constrained Nigerian government effectively subsidising neighbouring countries’ petrol consumption as some of the fuel is informally re-exported through the porous borders.” Shame on those who tell us that this government is fighting corruption

that rhythm. In the run-up to the elections, the anti-corruption body concentrated its attention on members of the opposition party. There was and still is, a discernible pattern to the gale of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It is not because APC is a better party that many would want to associate with, but principally because if you join the APC, you would suddenly transform from a sinner to a hero.

Closely tied to the fraudulent national daily PMS consumption figures is the ministry of petroleum’s statement sometime ago that the corporation paid a massive subsidy claim of N1.4 trillion. Interestingly, the NNPC is the sole importer of petrol. By the end of 2017, the subsidy the NNPC paid itself as under recovery nearly touched the N2 trillion mark.

The APC, along with its supporters, when it was in the opposition, had claimed there was nothing like subsidy on fuel consumption in the country.

They easily targeted the NNPC when they assumed power, appointed an acclaimed technocrat from Mobil Producing Nigeria, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, as its GMD. The gullible supporters of the regime went to town in celebrations.

Almost everything they had inherited from the last administration was considered tainted and some big changes were said to be in the pipeline. Of course, Kachikwu wasted no time rolling out the reforms. The applause grew louder, and louder, so was Kachikwu’s swagger and gait as the position of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was added to his job description. Well, he was soon to find out that he was merely a pawn in a complex game of power and intrigues.

The real agenda of those who appointed him began to unfold - which was to take over the cash cow with the appointment of Baru as the GMD of the NNPC while Kachikwu was to remain the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, with President Buhari as the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources. If I may ask, what is Kachikwu’s job description now? Where are the reforms now? Well, as things have turned out, it appears Baru’s agenda was to undo all the reforms Kachikwu had initiated with the active support of Mr President himself. The NNPC is still operating at a huge loss and the situation is not going to change anytime soon. All those who touted the so-called reforms then as evidence of “change” and Buhari’s determination to do things differently have now shut their mouths and closed their eyes to the corruption going on in Baru’s NNPC. The loudmouthed hypocrites who issued critical statements calling for protests are now conveniently silent in the face of the raping of Nigeria.

Stripped of all powers, Kachikwu essentially has become a lame duck; only putting up appearances at conferences and meetings of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). He hardly knows what is going on in the NNPC, a parastatal under his ministry. He only gets information about the goings-on in the corporation from the media. And of course no one takes him seriously anymore.

His office is even said to be starved of funds and barely scrapes through for his travels. As we say in pidgin English, dem don show am say power pass power.

Only recently, our anti-free market Buhari

rejected the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) that would have revolutionised, liberalised, completely reformed, eliminated most of the fraud and subsidy, ensured transparency, inspired confidence and attracted massive economic investments to the oil sector for the simple reason that it reduced the powers of the president to interfere with the oil sector. You see, Buhari’s anti-reform stand has been laid bare. His medieval desire to control the disbursement of patronage and sleaze is as strong as it was 35 years ago.

But many foolish gullible supporters continue to tell us about Buhari’s fabled integrity and sincerity of purpose is enough to turn Nigeria into paradise. But where is the integrity when the NNPC continues on the path of corruption right under Buhari’s nose?

A lot of malfeasance is being committed by those who had claimed piety and fidelity to transparency. There is a massive fraud going on under Baru and Nigerians are just too complacent about it. How could he claim that the daily national consumption of PMS had risen to 80 million litres daily? This is a lie – the government knows it, the EFCC knows it, Baru himself knows it. What we are witnessing is a brazen daylight robbery of our national wealth by a privileged clique of thieves. We must steadfastly draw the public’s attention to this fraud. In saner climes, people should be pouring on to the streets in protests against the massive sleaze. Baru claimed smugglers are smuggling the product across the borders to neighbouring countries. Though the Customs and other security agencies at the nation’s borders are “fantastically” corrupt, you and I know it is highly impossible to smuggle over forty million litres of petrol across the borders on a daily basis. What is the mode of smuggling it across the borders, is it by trucks or jerrycans? If it is by trucks then it makes it a lot easier to apprehend the smugglers except it is a well organized syndicate of criminals with official connivance. Where is the Nigerian Customs in all this?

A good place to start the investigation of this fraudulent claim is actually the port which has all the records of shipping, volume, and the country of origin of all goods including petroleum products imported into the country.

How did our PMS consumption rise so astronomically to 80 million litres per day in March 2018 and average 53.2 million litres per day in other months from an average of 30-35 million under the last government? Who are those behind the alleged smuggling on such an industrial scale and why have they not been arrested? Or is smuggling no longer a crime?

And why is smuggling PMS to neighboring countries now more intense under this supposedly anti-corruption government than under the last government that was declared corrupt? Why are we losing so much revenue under this government to so called smugglers? What is the purchasing power of an average citizen in our neighbouring countries such that they consume more than Nigerians consume? What is the size and capacity of the sub-regional economies to be able to absorb such huge volume of fuel purportedly smuggled out of Nigeria into these countries daily?

Nothing short of an open and transparent inquest into the massive stealing of taxpayers’ money through heavily inflated fuel consumption claims on which subsidy is paid will suffice.

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